Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing and attributing the benefits from varietal improvement research in Brazil

To our friend and colleague, Lídia, who exemplified all the best of an economist working for the public good. Sections of this material may be reproduced for personal and not-for-profit use without the express written permission of but with acknowledgment to IFPRI. To reproduce the material contained herein for profit or commercial use requires express written permission. To obtain permission, contact the Communications Division <ifpri-copyright@cgiar.org>.
The Regulation of British Telecom: An Event Study

In this paper, we use event-study methods to analyze the post-privatization regulatory regime applying to telecommunications in the UK. Our results suggest that telecoms regulation has not been captured in an overall sense, although there is an heterogeneous pattern of regulatory events. The results are consistent with recent observations of Spiller and Vogelsang, who argue that the regulatory framework for UK telecoms is designed to maintain substantial checks on the regulator's discretion, operating mainly through the rule of law. Our broad conclusion is that the impacts of regulation indicate a relatively soft attitude to British Telecom up to 1995, when a tightening of regulation tended to offset the previous bias.
Marine Tourist Motivations Comparing Push and Pull Factors

This study examined the relationship between push and pull factors with regard to marine tourist motivations. The survey was distributed systematically to people intercepted at high-traffic locations in Seoul, South Korea. The results indicated that escape push motivations are closely related to static activity pull motivations, while novelty push motivations are more strongly related to active activity pull motivations. These relationships may be partially explained by the push-pull framework of tourist motivations. These results imply that a marine tourist destination focusing on static activities should appeal to tourists who have escape push motivations, while a marine tourist destination focusing on active activities should appeal to tourists who have novelty push motivations.
Dampak Sustainability Reporting terhadap Kinerja Keuangan dan Risiko Perusahaan (Studi Empiris Perusahaan yang Masuk Ke SRIKEHATI Tahun 2009-2010)

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis dampak pengungkapan sustainability report terhadap kinerja keuangan dan risiko perusahaan. Profitabilitas digunakan untuk mengukur kinerja keuangan dan DER sebagai ukuran dari risiko. Sampel dari penelitian ini adalah perusahaan yang mengungkapkan sustainability report dan telah terdaftar di SRIKEHATI. Data dikumpulkan dengan metode purposive sampling. Penelitian ini menggunakan regresi sebagai alat analisis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengungkapan sustainability report mempengaruhi kinerja keuangan perusahaan namun berpengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap risiko perusahaan. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of the disclosure of sustainability report on financial performance and company risk. Profitability is used to measure the financial performance and DER as a measure of risk . The sample this study is that companies disclose sustainability report and has been listed on SRIKEHATI. Data collected by purposive sampling method . This study uses regression method approach. The results showed that the sustainability report disclosures affect its financial performance but significant negative effect on the risk of the company .
DC Flashover Voltage Characteristics of Contaminated Insulatirs

An investigation was made of the influence of the dc power source on the withstand voltage ofntam-contaminated insulators. A thyristor-controlled power source was found stiff enough for the tests. DC contamination tests on various insulators were also carried out. The dc withstand voltage is generally lower than the ac one (rms). There seems to be a tendency that the rate of decrease in dc withstand voltage becomes larger as the contamination degree increases. The dc withstand voltage depends more strongly than the ac one on the insulator shape. The leakage distance per unit withstand voltage increases with the diameter of the insulator. The dc withstand voltage was also affected by the kind and the amount of insoluble material used, as is the case with ac. The withstand voltage decreases with an increase in the deposit density of insoluble material even at the same ESDD. The dc withstand voltage of the insulators ilators with noniform contam-contamination was not less than that based on ESDD assuming uniform contamination. Shown finally is then-conceptual design of insulator assemblies for the ±600 kV dc class.
Melanoma in skin of color in Connecticut: an analysis of melanoma incidence and stage at diagnosis in non‐Hispanic blacks, non‐Hispanic whites, and Hispanics

The incidence of melanoma is increasing in Caucasians and in Hispanic subgroups in California and Florida. There is a paucity of information regarding melanoma incidence, stage at diagnosis, and other patient and tumor factors among minority subgroups in the northeast USA. This report examines melanoma in non‐Hispanic white, non‐Hispanic black, and Hispanic residents of Connecticut.
Strategies for Change in the Service Sector: The Global Telecommunications Industry

Four key forces—technological change, changes in market demand, deregulation, and globalization—are affecting and changing the structure of the service industries. The forces can be illustrated by using the telecommunications services industry. This article examines and analyzes four major firms: British Telecom in the United Kingdom, DBP TELEKOM in Germany, NTT in Japan, and BellSouth in the United States. These companies are changing their strategies and their structures to deal with current changes in the industry and to prepare for how the industry may evolve over the next ten years. Such changes will have a major impact on the future development of global services industries.
Essays on Microeconomics with Incomplete Information

My dissertation devotes to the understanding of people’s interactions under uncertainty. It contains four essays on Microeconomics with Incomplete Information. Chapter 1 focuses on the existence of rational bubbles in an Allen-Morris-Postlewaite (1993) setting, and finds positive and negative results for bubbles in an asset market featuring rational expectations equilibrium. An expected bubble is said to exist if it is mutual knowledge that the price of the asset is higher than the expected dividend. Similarly we call it a strong bubble if everyone knows that the price is higher than the maximum possible dividend. Substituting common knowledge for mutual knowledge, I develop the new concepts of a common expected bubble and a common strong bubble. In a simple finite horizon model with asymmetric information and short sales constraints, I show that the following results hold for any finite number of agents. First, under the implicit assumption of perfect memory, common strong bubbles never exist in any rational expectations equilibrium. Second, it is possible to have one that is both a strong bubble and a common expected bubble in a rational expectations equilibrium. Based on these results, this paper, as well as Conlon (2004) and many others, provides a partial answer to the question: What properties do rational bubbles have in a rational expectations equilibrium? In Chapter 2, I study the relationship between information improvement and welfare outcomes in a finite-player finite-state model with incomplete information. In a context 1 Chapter 3 is based on joint work with John Conlon (University of Mississippi).
A Troubled Marriage? Divided Minority Government, Cohabitation, Presidential Powers, President-Parliamentarism and Semi-Presidentialism

Although semi-presidentialism is a popular form of governance in new democracies, we have little empirical evidence supporting its popularity. In this study, I attempt to reassess democratic performance of new semi-presidential regimes from 1974 to 2009 as a function of four broadly cited risk factors: divided minority government, cohabitation, presidential powers and president-parliamentarism. The results are more encouraging than previous research has suggested. First, divided minority government is positively associated with higher levels of democracy, even though it, along with a strong presidency and president-parliamentarism, makes executive instability more likely. Second, perils of cohabitation are not substantiated with regard to executive instability and quality of democracy. Third, none of the caveats against semi-presidential systems makes them more vulnerable to democratic breakdown. However, a failure to check presidential powers appears to be a serious risk for semi-presidentialism. As presidents enjoy more powers, the levels of democracy tend to decrease. This finding has a substantive implication for countries that already practise semi-presidential governance or contemplate a move in that direction: checking presidential powers is critical to facilitate democratic consolidation in semi-presidentialism.
Impact of quality improvement tools on the performance of firms using different quality management systems

This study compares the impact of quality management tools on the performance of organisations utilising the ISO 9001:2000 standard as a basis for a quality-management system and those utilising the EFQM model for this purpose. A survey is conducted among 107 experienced and independent quality-management assessors. The study finds that organisations with qualitymanagement systems based on the ISO 9001:2000 standard tend to use general-purpose qualitative tools, and that these do have a relatively positive impact on their general performance. In contrast, organisations adopting the EFQM model tend to use more specialised quantitative tools, which produce significant improvements in specific aspects of their performance. The findings of the study will enable organisations to choose the most effective quality-improvement tools for their particular quality strategy.
The Effects of Group Attitudes Toward Alternative GDSS Designs on the Decision‐making Performance of Computer‐Supported Groups*

Empirical investigations of the effects of group decision support systems (GDSS) accord relatively little attention to the role of attitudes developed by groups toward the GDSS. This study draws upon the theory of social influence to examine the role played by group attitudes in mediating the impact of GDSS designs on group decision-making performance. We found that, in addition to capabilities of GDSS designs, group attitudes toward GDSS were influential in affecting group decision-making performance. The managerial implications of the study are: (1) effective GDSS designs for supporting groups in equivocal decision-making contexts should include structures for communication and consensus support and (2) attempts should be made to enhance user attitudes toward the GDSS through design features of the GDSS, training, and facilitation of positive social influences within the group. The study also provides encouraging evidence about the value of social theories, such as the social influence model and the adaptive structuration theory, in investigating GDSS effects. Further, this study illustrates the value of the partial least squares (PLS) analysis method for testing holistic structural models of GDSS effects.
Wide-/Dual-Band Omnidirectional Filtering Dielectric Resonator Antennas

A wideband omnidirectional dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) with filtering response is investigated. The DRA is placed on a circular patch and excited by a hybrid feed that consists of a probe and a metallic disk. Two omnidirectional DR modes (TM $_{01\delta }$ and TM013 modes) along with a patch mode and a probe mode are simultaneously excited by the hybrid feed, providing a broad bandwidth of 52.8%. The feeding scheme also establishes a cross-coupled structure in the DRA, which introduces a radiation null at the upper edge of the passband. A ring slot and four shorting pins are loaded on the patch to provide another radiation null at the lower edge of the passband. Consequently, a compact wideband filtering DRA (FDRA) with quasi-elliptic bandpass response is obtained without requiring specific filtering circuits. This wideband design is also modified to realize a dual-band FDRA. The metallic disk of the hybrid feed is moved to touch the upper DR face of the cylindrical hole. It divides the wide passband into two separate bands, giving a flat stopband between them. Four additional rectangular ring slots and shorting pins are fabricated on the ground plane to further widen the bandwidth and improve the filtering performance of the second band. As a result, a dual-band FDRA with the bandwidths of 10.1% and 3.73% is achieved. In each design, both the measured and simulated out-of-band suppression levels are about 15 dB.
The Effects of Goodwill Tax Deductions on the Market for Corporate Acquisitions

We analyze the effect of the tax deduction for goodwill amortization provided by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA) on the market for corporate acquisitions. We analyze a sample of taxable corporate acquisitions, including acquisitions of subsidiaries, private firms, and public firms, occurring over the period 1990 through 1996. We assess the impact of the goodwill legislation by (1) quantifying the frequency and size of qualifying acquisitions and comparing these acquisitions to nonqualifying acquisitions pre‐ and post‐OBRA and (2) investigating if and how the goodwill amortization deduction influenced the premium paid for qualifying corporate acquisitions. We estimate a regression of acquisition premiums on target‐firm characteristics including a proxy for purchased goodwill. We find that acquisitions qualifying for goodwill amortization comprise less than 17 percent of sample taxable corporate acquisitions before OBRA, and this percentage does not increase after the enactment of OBRA.
ACCP/AACVPR evidence-based guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation. Round 3: another step forward.

Pulmonary rehabilitation has emerged as a recommended standard of care for patients with chronic lung disease based on a growing body of scientific evidence. The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) has taken a lead role in reviewing the published literature and developing evidence-based guidelines in pulmonary rehabilitation, beginning with the first systematic review of the scientific basis of pulmonary rehabilitation in 1990 and then, in conjunction with the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) in 1997, the first evidence-based guidelines. Since that time, the published literature on pulmonary rehabilitation has increased substantially, providing justification for recommending pulmonary rehabilitation as part of standards of care for the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung diseases. Therefore, ACCP and AACVPR decided to update the 1997 guidelines with a systematic, evidence-based review of the literature. The purpose of this document is to summarize the main findings of the new guidelines published in Chest. Both AACVPR and ACCP should be lauded for their continuing support and efforts to advance the field of pulmonary rehabilitation. Such rigorous, systematic reviews have helped considerably in establishing the scientific basis of pulmonary rehabilitation as a standard of care for patients with chronic lung diseases and in convincing third parties of the value in providing coverage for pulmonary rehabilitation. Round 3 to AACVPR and ACCP—keep up the good fight! BACKGROUND .
The Arbitrage Pricing Theory: Estimation and Applications

The pricing equation of Ross' (1976) APT model is derived using estimable parameters. Estimation errors are discussed in the framework of elementary perturbation analysis. Theoretically, a simple link is provided among the mean-variance efficient set mathematics, mutual fund separations, discrete and continuous time CAPM, option pricing model, term structure of interest rate, capital budgeting, portfolio ranking, Modigliani Miller theorems with the APT.
Realized EquiCorrelation: a bird’s-eye view of financial stress on equity markets

This article addresses the issue of measuring the level of aggregate financial stress on stock markets, which is a central issue for investors and policy-makers. To this end, Realized EquiCorrelation (REC) is obtained by plugging realized volatility as an input into the Dynamic EquiCorrelation (DECO) model where both the continuous and jump components of realized volatility are considered. An application is provided for the 20 major stock markets over January 2000–May 2014 using intra-day data. The results remarkably pick up financial stress periods.
Tertiary education in South Africa: is it worth it?

Education may be the most important factor influencing an individual's income and, as a result, education can be used as a source to increase future potential earnings. It therefore becomes important to determine the significance of this change in income when considering level of education, while also considering other factors influencing an individual's income. This paper addresses the question of tertiary education's significance in relation to income, by determining whether the level of tertiary education has a positive and significant impact on the level of income received.
A cross-cultural look at Celebrity Sports Endorsement

Celebrity endorsers have dominated advertising for many years (Cho, 2010). Their ability to cut through advertising clutter has contributed to their effectiveness as persuasive advertising sources (Kamen, Ahzari, & Kragh, 1975). More recently sports celebrities have been heavily utilized to endorse products and services (Charbonneau, 2006). However, not all celebrity sports endorsement advertising campaigns around the world have been successful. This has raised a number of issues regarding the use of celebrity sports endorsers in advertising. Theories such as credibility, attractiveness, match and meaning transfer have been offered as explanations for the persuasiveness of celebrity athletes in advertising. However, past study results have been inconclusive (Kahle & Homer, 1985; Kamins, 1989; McCracken, 1989). Therefore, a new perspective combining elements of current theory is proposed in the current research. Specifically, the research looks at situations where consumer perceptions of athlete performance enhancement by an endorsed product affect consumer attitudes toward advertising In addition, due to the global use of celebrity sports endorsement cultural values have been recognised to affect consumer persuasion and attitudes. The bulk of marketing literature has focussed on western perspectives (Triandis, 1996). Therefore, persuasion across two dissimilar cultures for celebrity sports endorsement advertising is also explored. The study examines the responses of 189 survey participants from New Zealand. Participants represented either individualists which were non-Maori, mainly white European New Zealanders (hereafter Pakeha) or collectivists which were Pacific Islanders resident in the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand (hereafter Pasifika). The empirical findings of the research show that advertising which features products which appear to have an enhancing effect on sporting performance are evaluated more positively compared to products which do not appear to enhance sporting performance. The research also indicates that cultural values determine differences in persuasion and attitudes for individualist and collectivist consumers.
Closing the loop: Automated data-driven cognitive model discoveries lead to improved instruction and learning

As the use of educational technology becomes more ubiquitous, an enormous amount of learning process data is being produced. Educational data mining seeks to analyze and model these data, with the ultimate goal of improving learning outcomes. The most firmly grounded and rigorous evaluation of an educational data mining discovery is whether it yields better student learning when applied. Such an evaluation has been referred to as "closing the loop", as it completes cycle of system design, deployment, data analysis, and discovery leading back to design. Here, we present an instance of "closing the loop" on an automated cognitive modeling improvement discovered by Learning Factors Analysis (Cen, Koedinger, and Junker, 2006). We discuss our findings from a process in which we interpret the automated improvements yielded by the best-fitting cognitive model, validate the interpretation on novel data, use it to make changes to classroom-deployed educational technology, and show that the changes lead to significant learning gains relative to a control condition.
Winter climate change and coastal wetland foundation species: salt marshes vs. mangrove forests in the southeastern United States

We live in an era of unprecedented ecological change in which ecologists and natural resource managers are increasingly challenged to anticipate and prepare for the ecological effects of future global change. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of winter climate change upon salt marsh and mangrove forest foundation species in the southeastern United States. Our research addresses the following three questions: (1) What is the relationship between winter climate and the presence and abundance of mangrove forests relative to salt marshes; (2) How vulnerable are salt marshes to winter climate change‐induced mangrove forest range expansion; and (3) What is the potential future distribution and relative abundance of mangrove forests under alternative winter climate change scenarios? We developed simple winter climate‐based models to predict mangrove forest distribution and relative abundance using observed winter temperature data (1970–2000) and mangrove forest and salt marsh habitat data. Our results identify winter climate thresholds for salt marsh–mangrove forest interactions and highlight coastal areas in the southeastern United States (e.g., Texas, Louisiana, and parts of Florida) where relatively small changes in the intensity and frequency of extreme winter events could cause relatively dramatic landscape‐scale ecosystem structural and functional change in the form of poleward mangrove forest migration and salt marsh displacement. The ecological implications of these marsh‐to‐mangrove forest conversions are poorly understood, but would likely include changes for associated fish and wildlife populations and for the supply of some ecosystem goods and services.
Productivity change in Polish agriculture: an illustration of a bootstrapping procedure applied to Malmquist indices

This article illustrates the usefulness of applying bootstrap procedures to total factor productivity Malmquist indices, derived with data envelopment analysis (DEA), for a sample of 250 Polish farms during 1996–2000. The confidence intervals constructed as in Simar and Wilson suggest that the common portrayal of productivity decline in Polish agriculture may be misleading. However, a cluster analysis based on bootstrap confidence intervals reveals that important policy conclusions can be drawn regarding productivity enhancement.