Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Privatization and Agency Status: Identifying the Critical Factors for Performance Improvement

SUMMARY Earlier research into the impact of public and private ownership on economic and financial performance concluded that performance may be affected but that the relationship is more complicated than policy makers have often assumed. This paper is concerned with explaining these earlier results in terms of changes in the internal environment of organizations. Six key internal characteristics are identified from the management literature and the history of ten UK organizations is summarized in terms of these characteristics. The model appears to be robust. Performance changes and lack of change are explained by the internal environment. The results are congruent with organizational theory which suggests that the internal environment has to adapt to changes in the external environment.
Market power estimation in the Chilean cattle market

Vasquez panizza, Rodrigo A. M.S., Purdue University, December 2014. Market Power Estimation in the Chilean Cattle Market. Major Professor: Dr. Joseph Balagtas. The cattle market in Chile is constituted by cattle slaughtering firms and farmers; the industry demands cattle but also demands beef imports. Based in antecedents of market concentration in this sector, I make a system of equations model based on the NEIO approach to determine market power for the period April 1993 December 2008. The results show that there is no market power in the aggregated market as well as in the disaggregated market by sex and age type, which is explained because the special features of this market in Chile.
Subjective Cognitive Complaints of Older Adults at the Population Level: An Item Response Theory Analysis

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) are increasingly a focus in studies on prodromal Alzheimer disease (AD) and risk for dementia. Little is known about the optimal approach to measure SCCs. We used item response theory (IRT) to examine the characteristics of 24 SCC items in a sample of 3495 older adults pooled from 4 community-based studies. We investigated the potential advantages of IRT scoring over conventional scoring on the basis of participants’ item response patterns. Items most likely endorsed by individuals low in SCC severity relate to word retrieval and general subjective memory decline. Items likely endorsed only by individuals high in SCC severity relate to nonepisodic memory changes, such as decline in comprehension, judgment and executive functions, praxis and procedural memory, and social behavior changes. Above and beyond conventional total score, IRT scoring of SCCs was associated with performance on objective cognitive tests, and was associated with cognitive test performance among participants endorsing only 1 SCC item. Thus, IRT scoring captures additional information beyond a simple sum of SCC symptoms. Modern psychometric approaches including IRT may be useful in developing: (1) brief community screening questionnaires; and (2) more sensitive measures of very subtle subjective decline for use in prodromal Alzheimer disease research.
Capital controls, capital flows and external crises: evidence from India

Despite the widespread use of capital controls, India has experienced several balance of payments crises. This paper examines the solvency and sustainability of India's external imbalances and analyses the optimality of its capital flows. We use two approaches: an intertemporal model of the current account that allows for capital controls, and a composite model of macroeconomic indicators that yields probabilities of future balance of payments crises. The results indicate that India's intertemporal budget constraint is satisfied and that the path of its current account imbalances is sustainable, with some support for the optimality (given capital controls) of its external borrowing.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype, vitamin B12, and folate influence plasma homocysteine in hemodialysis patients.

Hyperhomocysteinemia, a well-recognized cardiovascular risk factor, is frequent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A common polymorphism in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, C-->T substitution at nucleotide 677, is associated with homocysteine (Hcy) level elevation. We examined whether three factors involved in the methionine cycle could influence plasma Hcy concentrations in HD patients: MTHFR polymorphism; vitamin B12, an essential cofactor; and folate, the substrate. In a cross-sectional study, serum vitamin B12, folate, and plasma Hcy were measured and MTHFR genotyping was performed in 534 HD patients. Effects of MTHFR genotypes, vitamin B12, and folate on plasma Hcy levels were examined in 450 HD patients not administered vitamin B12 or folate. To examine the effect of vitamin B12 on plasma Hcy concentrations, we compared plasma Hcy concentrations in HD patients with and without vitamin B12 supplementation. To examine whether functional vitamin B12 deficiency exists even in HD patients with normal vitamin B12 concentrations, 15 HD patients (serum vitamin B12 concentrations, 250 to 2,100 pg/mL) were treated with vitamin B12 (mecobalamin, 1.5 mg/d) for 8 weeks. Serum concentrations of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and vitamin B12 were measured. Hcy levels were higher and folate levels were lower in patients with the TT and CT genotypes compared with patients with the CC genotype. Analysis of covariance to determine independent predictors of high Hcy levels identified low serum vitamin B12 and folate levels and high albumin (Alb) levels in CC-genotype patients, low folate levels and high Alb levels in CT-genotype patients, and low folate levels in TT-genotype patients. Plasma Hcy levels were lower in CC- and CT-genotype patients with vitamin B12 supplementation than in those without supplementation. Vitamin B12 supplementation for 8 weeks significantly reduced MMA concentrations in HD patients with normal serum vitamin B12 concentrations. These results indicate that MTHFR genotype influences the correlation of Hcy level with vitamin B12 and folate levels in HD patients. Functional vitamin B12 deficiency may exist, even in HD patients with normal vitamin B12 concentrations. The efficacy of vitamin B12 and folate supplementation on plasma Hcy levels may depend on MTHFR genotype.
MMPI and Rorschach indices of schizophrenic and depressive diagnoses among adolescent inpatients.

Although adolescent norms have been developed for the MMPI (e.g., Marks, Seeman, & Haller, 1974) and Rorschach (e.g., Exner, 1986a), little is known regarding the discriminate diagnostic validity of these measures with adolescents. This study investigated the usefulness of these measures in the detection of depression and schizophrenia among adolescent inpatients. Subjects (mean age = 15.3) consisted of 134 adolescents who received Rorschach and MMPI administrations at hospital admission. Clinical diagnoses resulted in the following groupings for this sample: schizophrenia = 15, dysthymic disorder = 41, major depression = 26, conduct disorder = 28, personality disorder = 18. MMPI scale Sc elevation was found to be the most effective single predictor of schizophrenic diagnoses, with a hit rate of . 76, sensitivity of . 62, and specificity of . 78. Neither MMPI scale D scores nor Rorschach DEPI scores were found to be significantly related to patients' diagnoses. Results were interpreted in terms of prior findings in adult psychiatric populations and in relation to implications for the clinical assessment of adolescents.
Psychological traits and the gender gap in full-time employment and wages: Evidence from Germany

This paper shows that differences in various non-cognitive traits, specifically the “big five”, positive and negative reciprocity, locus of control and risk aversion, contribute to gender inequalities in wages and employment. Using the 2004 and 2005 waves of the German Socio-Economic Panel, evidence from regression and decomposition techniques suggests that gender differences in psychological traits are more important for inequalities in wages than in employment. Differences in the “big five”, in particular in agreeableness, conscientiousness and neurocitism matter for both wages and employment. For the latter, the results also show a large effect of differences in external locus of control.
The effect of a large shareholder on corporate value

This article analyzes the value of a corporation as a function of its ownership structure. Shareholders can acquire costly information about the manager's effort to produce output. Concentrating share ownership leads the largest shareholder to (i) acquire more precise signals of effort and (ii) modify the compensation contract. Better monitoring increases output, and hence firm value. However, the (risk averse) large shareholder bears more idiosyncratic firm risk as his stake in the firm increases. These forces equilibrate at a unique welfare maximizing ownership structure. Under a strong condition on the purchase or sale of shares by large stockholders, investors have incentives to trade toward the ownership structure that maximizes the social surplus. When all investors are price takers only a diffuse ownership structure can arise in a competitive equilibrium.
Behold a Curricular Symphony, a Sonata, or an Etude Performed by Undisciplined Musicians?

Really we are not overly concerned about the heated debates over discipline based, interdisciplinary, and integrated curriculum models (see MSJ March 1998 & November 1998). There are fine argu ments for each of them, presented by learned and intelligent people of good will. Each has weaknesses as well. We have seen outstanding teaching and learning accomplished through many different cur ricular models. We are, however, terribly alarmed at the prospect of any curricula being conducted by predisci plinary teachers. We agree that there are many prob lems with the academic disciplines as currently defined, and we are not wedded to any of them. We do, howev er, believe that teachers — including middle level teach ers — need rigorous, programmatic preparation leading to a high degree of content knowledge and skill for what they will be teaching. By "predisciplinary" we mean teachers who do not possess the knowledge base or course work in the discipline in which they are teach ing. For example, a middle level social studies teacher teaching seventh grade science or a teacher who has a secondary certificate in German teaching music. How can they teach the kids? If they are working in teams, how do they help their colleagues develop interdiscipli nary or integrated lessons? How can they be free to develop age-appropriate, learner-sensitive lessons if they are chained to the textbook? How will this affect their morale—how long will they stay in teaching? Van Doren (1943, p. 122) put it most elegantly: "The undis ciplined individual is free only to do things badly. " In his editorial reflections in the March 1998 issue of Middle School Journal, Erb (1998) insightfully uses the metaphor of the symphony, the sonata, and the etude to open a discussion of various approaches to curriculum composition (p. 2). However, we would prefer not to listen to any of these improvised by tone deaf, unskilled performers. Erb begins these reflections with a well-intentioned incipit: "In fighting the tradi tions of subject-centered curricular organization. " But why should middle school advocates be fighting against the traditions that provide the basis for what they do? Discipline-based instruction and non-disci pline-based instruction are not antithetical; they are merely different. Both are, however, incompatible with detached, clumsy, and uninformed teaching done by Mwdisciplined teachers. Teachers need a preparation that would empower them to do both discipline-based and non-discipline-based education capably.
Determinants of eGovernment maturity in the transition economies of central and eastern europe

Our research focuses on the possible determinants of eGovernment (E-gov) maturity in the Transition Economies of Central and Eastern Europe (TEECE). E-gov maturity, in this research, refers to the growth levels in a country? s online services and its citizens? online participation in governance. Our study of the extant literature indicated that few have discussed the determinants of E-gov maturity in TEECE. Studies from differing parts of the world are needed for theory development. Building on a prior framework, we used the contingency theory and the resource-based view perspective to guide our discourse. In particular, we examined the relationships between macro-environmental factors such as national wealth, technological infrastructure, rule of law, and so forth on E-gov maturity. A 5-year panel data of 16 TECEE selected from two main groupings was used for analysis in conjunction with structural equation modeling technique; the data consisted of 80 observations or data points. The data analysis underscored the relevance of such factors as technological infrastructure, rule of law, and human capital development as possible determinants of E-gov maturity in TEECE. National wealth was found to be an enabler in the research conceptualization. The implications of our study? s findings for research and policy making are discussed.
Hedonic Wine Price Functions and Measurement Error

Accumulated theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that wine prices depend on quality, reputation and objective characteristics. Unlike previous studies, we recognize that quality and reputation are latent constructs and therefore employ factor analysis and 2SLS techniques to consistently estimate hedonic prices in the presence of attributes measured with error. The application to Australian premium wines points to significant reputation effects but insignificant quality effects. It is also illustrated that inappropriately using standard OLS procedures can seriously distort the statistical significance of attributes, the implicit marginal attribute prices, and the predictions of "average" prices for a given set of characteristics. Copyright 2001 by The Economic Society of Australia.
AN ASSESSMENT OF EXTENSION EDUCATION CURRICULUM AT LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES

A critical assessment of extension education is needed to ensure there are adequate opportunities for students to study extension education and that the curriculum is relevant to today’s Cooperative Extension Service. This descriptive study was conducted to assess extension education curriculum by identifying and comparing the courses being taught at land grant universities with the competency areas in the Ohio State model of extension education. Courses related to extension knowledge, leadership, and management; theories of human development and learning; program planning, implementation, and evaluation; and applied research were most commonly included in the curriculum. The lack of balance in the curriculum and the discrepancies between the Ohio State model and current practice indicate a need for continued discussion about the types of courses that should be included in extension education curriculum.
Should Britain Leave the EU?: An Economic Analysis of a Troubled Relationship

This controversial, challenging and timely book carefully reviews the economic aspects of the UK's relationship with the EU: trade in goods and services, the single market, tax and regulation, public finances, and monetary policy. The authors argue that the EU has chosen to place political integration before market liberalisation and has followed policies of protection not merely in agriculture, but also in manufacturing trade, while leaving continental countries' restrictions on trade in services largely intact. The UK, meanwhile, has developed into a service-based and relatively deregulated economy, and a net importer not merely of food but also of manufactured goods. As such, the book finds, it is severely damaged by the EU's current policies, as indeed is the general mass of the people within the rest of the EU.
Silibinin modulates biotransforming microbial enzymes and prevents 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced preneoplastic changes in experimental colon cancer

Chemoprevention directed towards the control of colon carcinogenesis in its early stages should ultimately provide a higher quality of life for people than waiting to treat end-stage disease. Silibinin is a major bioactive compound that is present in the widely consumed dietary supplement Silymarin. The current investigation aimed to explore the effect of the phytochemical silibinin on the suppression of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colonic preneoplastic changes in a long-term preclinical model. Wistar male rats were divided into six groups: group 1 were control rats, group 2 were control rats that received silibinin alone (50 mg/kg body weight orally everyday), rats in group 3 were injected once weekly with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (20 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously 15 times), in addition, group 4 (initiation), group 5 (post initiation) and group 6 (entire period) received silibinin as in group 2. At the end of 32 weeks, the activities of the colonic and faecal biotransforming microbial enzymes were analysed. Modulatory effects were also evaluated using aberrant crypt foci (ACF), dysplastic ACF and tumour incidence as endpoint markers. Silibinin markedly reduced tumour incidence, as compared with the rats treated with unsupplemented 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. The most pronounced inhibition of ACF and dysplastic ACF development was observed in the rats fed with silibinin for the entire period and also during the post initiation period. Silibinin administration also significantly (P<0.05) modulated the biotransforming activity of microbial enzymes. The results of our study suggest that silibinin suppresses 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis at various stages and exerts a potential chemopreventive action against colon cancer.
Public Management Reforms and Social Cohesion in Europe: The view from the top

Abstract Drawing upon data from a survey of senior public managers in ten European countries, we examine the relationship between public management reforms and perceptions of social cohesion. We find a positive connection between reforms which treat service users as customers and government openness (outward-downward reforms), and managers’ perceptions of the civic culture and social solidarity within their countries. However, for reforms, such as privatization, with an outward-upward orientation, a negative association with social solidarity is observed. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
The impact of liquidity on mean reversion of share returns of the JSE

It has long been the dream of many an investor to be able to profit off the back of historical share prices using rules or technical analysis. This dream of a 'free lunch' has often been challenged by claims that the stock markets are efficient and consequently share prices fully reflect all the currently available information in the market. However, the presence of mean reversion of share returns on the JSE as shown by Cubbins, Eidne, Firer and Gilbert (2006) suggests that markets are not entirely efficient and that there are opportunities to earn abnormal returns.
Hospitality internships in Cyprus: a genuine academic experience or a continuing frustration?

Purpose – The primary purpose of the research study conducted was to investigate hospitality internships and improve such practices within the distinct environment of the hospitality industry of Cyprus by acquiring new knowledge, related to and of value to its primary stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach – The unique characteristics of the three groups under investigation necessitated the utilization of different research methods and techniques – an approach known as methodological triangulation.Findings – While the findings reliably measure the Cyprus‐specific environment, the author argues that the particular strategies produced can effectively be implemented in other countries.Practical implications – By comparing and contrasting the views and expectations of all stakeholders involved, the author recommends specific strategies for improving the quality and enhancing the value of internship practices for hospitality students.Originality/value – The paper is of value to all hospitality stakeholders, .
Asset Pricing for Dynamic Economies

This introduction to general equilibrium modelling takes an integrated approach to the analysis of macroeconomics and finance. It provides students, practitioners, and policymakers with an easily accessible set of tools that can be used to analyze a wide range of economic phenomena. Key features: â€¢ Provides a consistent framework for understanding dynamic economic models â€¢ Introduces key concepts in finance in a discrete time setting â€¢ Develops simple recursive approach for analyzing a variety of problems in a dynamic, stochastic environment â€¢ Sequentially builds up the analysis of consumption, production, and investment models to study their implications for allocations and asset prices â€¢ Reviews business cycle analysis and the business cycle implications of monetary and international models â€¢ Covers latest research on asset pricing in overlapping generations models and on models with borrowing constraints and transaction costs â€¢ Includes end-of-chapter exercises allowing readers to monitor their understanding of each topic Online resources are available at www.cambridge. org/altug_labadie
Cryogenic and Laser Photoexcitation Studies Identify Multiple Roles for Active Site Residues in the Light-driven Enzyme Protochlorophyllide Oxidoreductase*

The light-activated enzyme NADPH-protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) catalyzes the trans addition of hydrogen across the C-17–C-18 double bond of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide), a key step in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Similar to other members of the short chain alcohol dehydrogenase/reductase family of enzymes, POR contains a conserved Tyr and Lys residue in the enzyme active site, which are implicated in a proposed reaction mechanism involving proton transfer from the Tyr hydoxyl group to Pchlide. We have analyzed a number of POR variant enzymes altered in these conserved residues using a combination of steady-state turnover, laser photoexcitation studies, and low temperature fluorescence spectroscopy. None of the mutations completely abolished catalytic activity. We demonstrate their importance to catalysis by defining multiple roles in the overall reaction pathway. Mutation of either residue impairs formation of the ground state ternary enzyme-substrate complex, pointing to a key role in substrate binding. By analyzing the most active variant (Y193F), we show that Tyr-193 participates in proton transfer to Pchlide and stabilizes the Pchlide excited state, enabling hydride transfer from NADPH to Pchilde. Thus, in addition to confirming the probable identity of the proton donor in Pchlide reduction, our work defines additional roles for these residues in facilitating hydride transfer through stabilization of the ground and excited states of the ternary enzyme complex.
Seasonal Stochastic Volatility: Implications for the Pricing of Commodity Options

Many commodity markets contain a strong seasonal component not only at the price level, but also in volatility. In this paper, the importance of seasonal behavior in the volatility for the pricing of commodity options is analyzed. We propose a seasonally varying long-run mean variance process that is capable of capturing empirically observed patterns. Semi-closed-form option valuation formulas are derived. We then empirically study the impact of the proposed Seasonal Stochastic Volatility Model on the pricing accuracy of natural gas futures options traded at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and corn futures options traded at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). Our results demonstrate that allowing stochastic volatility to fluctuate seasonally significantly reduces pricing errors for these contracts.