Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study on the Dynamic Relationship between Oil Prices and Indian Stock Market

Purpose - – This study aims to investigate the dynamic relationships between oil price shocks and Indian stock market. Design/methodology/approach - – The study used daily data for the period starting from January 2001 to March 2013. In this study, Johansen's cointegration test, vector error correction model (VECM), Granger causality test, impulse response functions (IRFs) and variance decompositions (VDCs) test have been applied to exhibit the long-run and short-run relationship between them. Findings - – The cointegration result indicates the existence of long-term relationship. Further, the error correction term of VECM shows a long-run causality moves from Indian stock market to oil price but not the vice versa. The results of the Granger causality test under the VECM framework confirm that no short-run causality between the variables exists. The VDCs analysis revealed that the Indian stock markets and crude oil prices are strongly exogenous. Finally, from the IRFs, analysis revealed that a positive shock in oil price has a small but persistence and growing positive impact on Indian stock markets in short run. Originality/value - – The study would enhance the understandings of the interaction between oil price volatilities and emerging stock market performances. Further, the study would enable foreign investors who are interested in Indian stock market helps in understanding the conditional relationship between the variables.
Rule of law and the size of government

Abstract: If those with political power benefit from corrupt institutions, rulers might not adopt the rule of law so the ruling class can command a larger share of a smaller pie. An empirical analysis reveals that the size of government is larger in those countries that enforce the rule of law. If government expenditures provide some measure of the ability of the ruling class to command resources, this suggests that those with political power could benefit from imposing a fairer and more objective legal structure. Another conjecture is that those in power maintain corrupt governments to pay off their supporters and enhance their ability to remain in power. However, the rule of law is also positively associated with political stability, so better enforcement of the rule of law also enhances the ability of incumbent governments to remain in power.
Credit Rationing, Customer Relationship and the Number of Banks: An Empirical Analysis

The recent important transformations of the banking sector, especially through numerous mergers and acquisitions, both in Europe and in the USA, have raised serious concerns for the financing of small businesses (SBS). Indeed, SBS are known to be heavily dependent of this financing channel but to be rather opaque. It has long been thought that banks classically solved this problem by developing long term customer relationships. But will the new large banks, born from the current restructuring process, be able to continue to play this role? If not, what strategy should SBS develop to compose their bank pool in order to avoid, as much as possible, credit rationing? These questions are at the heart of our analysis. We show that there is no unique rule: all depends on the degree of SBS opacity and the kind of bank the SBS are working with.
The balance between bricolage and innovation: management dilemmas in sustainable public innovation

Innovation is usually understood as a conscious development and implementation of new products or services. This article takes its starting point in a case study that shows how ‘innovation’ in reality happens as small step ‘bricolage’ – as a ‘do-it-yourself’ problem-solving activity taking place in daily work situations. Consequently, an experiment was carried out with the purpose of testing if, how and with what results the ‘bricolage’ can be better integrated with the organisation's more formal innovation procedures.
An Investigation of Market Orientation (MO) and Tourism Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) Performance in Developing Countries: A Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT This paper aims to build a structured literature review of the field of market orientation and its impact on tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance in developing countries. This literature review will present a comprehensive survey of market orientation (MO) published articles to facilitate good understanding of MO. It serves as an archive and aims to help the scholars and practitioners to explore, analyse, and develop a clear understanding about the different research points and methodologies implemented in previous studies related to MO and its impact on tourism SMEs’ performance. The paper systematically reviews and categorizes the published literature implementing a three-stage methodology, and thereafter analyzes and reviews this literature methodologically. The review covered many areas and identified some factors that drive/hinder market-oriented activities within tourism SMEs. Furthermore, suggestions have been made to understand more thoroughly how market orientation influences tourism SMEs performance in developing economies. A research gap in the area of market orientation and tourism SMEs performance in developing countries was identified. The study provides great benefits for owner-managers, government policy makers, scholars, and educators by clarifying the concept of market orientation and its relationship with performance in the context of tourism SMEs.
Clients' experience of the process of change in cognitive analytic therapy.

OBJECTIVES Formulation is argued to be of central importance in most psychotherapeutic approaches, yet little is known about client's experience of this. This study sought to explore the client experience of receiving cognitive analytic therapy (CAT). It aims to gain a better understanding of the use of specific CAT tools (e.g., reformulation letters and diagrams) and how these tools relate to clients' understanding of change. DESIGN Grounded theory methodology utilizing a three-stage analysis process was used to explore client's retrospective accounts of change in CAT. METHODS Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants who had received CAT. Data analysis involved initial coding of transcripts and further theoretical sampling and interviewing followed. This led to the production of a model that was then taken to three further participants for exploration in further interviews. An audit was conducted of the analysis process. RESULTS A core conceptual framework of 'doing with' the therapist emerged from the analysis and represented clients' experience of receiving CAT and participating in the reformulation process. This framework subsumed four interrelated themes; 'being with the therapist', 'keeping it real', 'understanding and feeling', and 'CAT tools'. CONCLUSIONS CAT was seen as an active and emotional experience facilitated by a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship. The CAT reformulation was seen as important but only when embedded within this context. Whilst, this was a small study theoretical generalizations are discussed about the process of change and further clinical and research recommendations are presented.
Banking Costs, Generalized Functional Forms, and Estimation of Economies of Scale and Scope

Recently, researchers have claimed that the primitive Cobb-Douglas production technology captures banking cost functions adequately. These findings rule out scope economies and U-shaped cost curves. The rejection of the generalized flexible form postulated by the above authors is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition to justify a Cobb-Douglas specification. Using restricted generalized functional forms, the authors find that the composite output Cobb-Douglas specification is an inadequate description of banking cost technology. Translog specifications with multiple products capture the data best, suggesting the presence of both scope and scale economies. Copyright 1989 by Ohio State University Press.
More powerful cointegration tests with non-normal errors

Abstract In this paper, we suggest new cointegration tests that can become more powerful in the presence of non-normal errors. Non-normal errors will not pose a problem in usual cointegration tests even when they are ignored. However, we show that they can become useful sources to improve the power of the tests when we use the “residual augmented least squares” (RALS) procedure to make use of nonlinear moment conditions driven by non-normal errors. The suggested testing procedure is easy to implement and it does not require any non-linear estimation techniques. We can exploit the information on the non-normal error distribution that is already available but ignored in the usual cointegration tests. Our simulation results show significant power gains over existing cointegration tests in the presence of non-normal errors.
Blood Chemistry of Antillean Manatees ( Trichechus manatus manatus ): Age Variations

The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is the most endangered aquatic mammal in Brazil. Sampling blood data from such critically endangered marine mammal species is extremely challenging. Although several hematological studies have been developed for captive manatees, captivity studies addressing the environmental and physiological effects on blood values are scarce. The present work describes blood biochemistry values for captive Antillean manatee adults and calves and verifies the occurrence of possible physiological adjustments due to age, sex, and dietary influences. Blood from 13 clinically healthy manatees (eight calves and five adults) were analyzed for 13 blood serum chemistry parameters using a semi-automatic analyzer. Descriptive analysis was performed for all parameters, and differences between sex and age were determined. Calves had higher means of urea (6.29 ± 5.58 mg/dL), total proteins (5.07 ± 0.94 g/dL), globulin (3.06 ± 1.32 g/dL), and alanine aminotransferase (6.19 ± 2.18 U/mL), levels, and lower means of creatinine (1.42 ± 0.64 mg/dL), aspartate aminotransferase (7.24 ± 3.21 U/mL), phosphate (3.03 ± 1.63 mg/dL), and uric acid (0.71 ± 0.17 g/dL) than adults. Further studies are necessary, especially when considering handling and alimentary management in captivity, to provide important data for better monitoring and clinical management of manatees.
Spatial distribution of nociceptive processing in the rat spinal cord.

1. Quantitative 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) experiments were undertaken to determine the spatial distribution of nociceptive responses in the rat spinal cord. Twenty unanesthetized, paralyzed rats with T2 transected spinal cords were divided into groups (n = 4) and stimulated with non-noxious (35 degrees C) or graded noxious temperatures (45 degrees, 47 degrees, 48 degrees, and 49 degrees C). Stimulation was delivered by cyclical immersion of one hind paw in a temperature-controlled water bath. 2. When stimulation began, 50 microCi of 2-DG was injected into the rat, and timed sequential blood samples were drawn to monitor plasma glucose and 2-DG levels. On termination of stimulation, spinal cords were removed, sectioned, and prepared for autoradiography. Local rates of spinal cord metabolism were obtained by microcomputer analysis of autoradiographs. 3. Nociceptive stimulation produced increases in glucose utilization in some of the grey matter laminae previously implicated in nociceptive processing. Within the nociceptive range, 49 degrees and 48 degrees C intensities elicited significantly greater responses than did 45 degrees C stimulation. 4. The rostrocaudal spatial distribution of nociceptive responses was most extensive within laminae V-VI with stimulus-evoked metabolic activity extending 9 mm from L2-L5. Similarly, metabolic increases occurred over 7 mm within lamina VII. In contrast, metabolic activity within the upper dorsal horn (laminae I-IV) extended only 3 mm and was limited to L4. Metabolic patterns within laminae VIII-IX sharply differed from those within other laminae in that no increases occurred within L4, although regions of L3 and L5 were responsive to stimulation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Body Effects on Thin Single-Layer Slot, Self-Complementary, and Wire Antennas

Thin single-layer slot, self-complementary, and wire antennas for plaster-like sensor applications at 2.4 GHz band are presented. Two antennas of each type as well as an inductive meander structure are considered. The analysis is based on simulations and measurements using thin inkjet-printed antenna prototypes. Measurements show that the antennas are operational when placed at a 0.3 mm distance from the body. Slot-type antennas perform the best in the immediate proximity of the body, achieving -10 dBi maximum realized gain sufficient for short-range off-body wireless communications. The functionality of the radio interface at 2.4 GHz band is validated using a sensor prototype operating at 0.3 mm from the body.
Political support for women entrepreneurs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the application of EU programmes that seek to help women to set up their own businesses and discuss how public measures can help full integration of women into all walks of society, especially within jobs that correspond to their skills and capabilities.Design/methodology/approach – After a literature review on the difficulties women face to find a suitable job, according to their preparation, their needs and their expectations, and the political considerations to act towards equality, this study is aimed at analyzing a European initiative designed to avoid gendered impacts on the present labour market. Through in‐depth interviews of project leaders stemming from the EQUAL Community Initiative, a list of mechanisms to support female entrepreneurship is discussed.Findings – The paper concludes that, while there is no single remedy that will adequately address the complex mix of factors that keep women entrepreneurs behind men, most projects focus on trainin.
Ecotourism in Bako National Park, Borneo: Visitors’ Perspectives on Environmental Impacts and their Management

Ecotourism potentially provides a sustainable approach to development in Malaysia. However, to realise this potential the adverse effects of visitor activity and associated infrastructure on the natural environment and the tourism experience must be identified to guide management actions and thus to sustain the resources on which ecotourism ultimately depends. This study, conducted in Bako National Park on the island of Borneo, reports one of the first efforts to identify the impacts of ecotourism in Malaysia from the perspective of visitors. Environmental conditions of greatest influence on visitors’ experiences included litter and biophysical conditions such as soil erosion and vegetation damage. These conditions were of greater concern to visitors than social conditions, such as the number of people. These results suggest that management efforts can be directed towards indicators of greatest concern such as litter, soil erosion and vegetation damage. The broad support given by those surveyed for a range of management actions provides managers with a choice of strategies to sustain ecotourism in Bako National Park. This study, with its sociopolitical approach, contributes to a greater understanding of the implications of the ecotourist experience for ecotourism management in Malaysia.
R&D Tax Policy During the 1980s: Success of Failure?

RD tax policy in the United States during the 1980s is evaluated, with particular emphasis placed on quantifying the impact of the RD tax credit on the RD investment of manufacturing firms. Using publicly available data on RD spending at the firm level, I estimate an average tax price elasticity for RD spending which is in the neighborhood of unity in the short run. Although the effective credit rate is small (less than five percent until 1990), this relatively strong price response means that the amount of additional RD spending thus induced was greater than the cost in foregone tax revenue. The recent evolution of features of the U.S. corporate tax system which affect RD is also reviewed and my results are compared with those of previous researchers. The conclusion is that the RD tax credit seems to have had the intended effect, although it took several years for firms to fully adjust. I also argue that although the high correlation over time of RD spending at the firm level makes it difficult to estimate long-run effects precisely, the same high correlation makes it probable that these effects are large. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
The Interaction of Education and Cumulative Lead Exposure on the Mini-Mental State Examination

The effect of lead exposure on neurobehavioral performance is modified by age. Whether educational achievement can serve as an effect modifier on the lead-cognitive performance relationship is examined. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the reading section of the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R), a measure of educational achievement, were administered to 256 lead smelter workers. The workers had a mean (standard deviation) age of 41 (7.9) years, education of 10 (2.8) years, employment duration of 17 (8.1) years, current blood lead of 28 (8.8) &mgr;g/dL, and working lifetime integrated blood lead index (IBL) of 725 (434) &mgr;g-yr/dL. The median (range) MMSE score was 29 (19 to 30). Multiple linear regression assessed the contribution of age, WRAT-R, education, alcohol intake, cigarette use, IBL, and IBL × WRAT-R on MMSE performance. A significant IBL × WRAT-R interaction examined by stratification found a significant dose-effect relationship between IBL and MMSE, but only in the 78 workers with a WRAT-R reading grade level below 6 years. Workers with higher educational achievement compensated for the effect of lead on cognitive performance.
Nutrition in Pregnancy Following Bariatric Surgery

The widespread use of bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity has led to a dramatic increase in the numbers of women who become pregnant post-surgery. This can present new challenges, including a higher risk of protein and calorie malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy due to increased maternal and fetal demand. We undertook a focused, narrative review of the literature and present pragmatic recommendations. It is advisable to delay pregnancy for at least 12 months following bariatric surgery. Comprehensive pre-conception and antenatal care is essential to achieving the best outcomes. Nutrition in pregnancy following bariatric surgery requires specialist monitoring and management. A multidisciplinary approach to care is desirable with close monitoring for deficiencies at each trimester.
Diagnosis and Prediction of Market Rebounds in Financial Markets

We introduce the concept of “negative bubbles” as the mirror image of standard financial bubbles, in which positive feedback mechanisms may lead to transient accelerating price falls. To model these negative bubbles, we adapt the Johansen-Ledoit-Sornette (JLS) model of rational expectation bubbles with a hazard rate describing the collective buying pressure of noise traders. The price fall occurring during a transient negative bubble can be interpreted as an effective random downpayment that rational agents accept to pay in the hope of profiting from the expected occurrence of a possible rally. We validate the model by showing that it has significant predictive power in identifying the times of major market rebounds. This result is obtained by using a general pattern recognition method which combines the information obtained at multiple times from a dynamical calibration of the JLS model. Error diagrams, Bayesian inference and trading strategies suggest that one can extract genuine information and obtain real skill from the calibration of negative bubbles with the JLS model. We conclude that negative bubbles are in general predictably associated with large rebounds or rallies, which are the mirror images of the crashes terminating standard bubbles.
The HR value proposition model in the Arab Middle East: identifying the contours of an Arab Middle Eastern HR model

The aim of this paper is to investigate the existence or absence of an Arab Middle Eastern (AME) human resource (HR) model. The paper adopts the HR value proposition model (VPM) introduced by Ulrich and Brockbank (2005, The HR Value Proposition, Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press) as a conceptual framework and examines the role of HR along the model's five dimensions: (1) knowledge of external business realities, (2) serving the needs of internal and external stakeholders, (3) crafting HR practices, (4) building HRs and (5) ensuring HR professionalism. A total of 59 articles tackling human resource management practices in the AME are identified and critically analyzed along the model's dimensions. A descriptive survey method is used, whereby a multi-question protocol is administered to senior human resource managers of banks across 13 countries in the region. The descriptive results from the 85 surveyed HR managers suggest that current HR practices in the AME fall along the dimensions of the VPM. Results also show a shared perception concerning the most and least common HR practices in the region and imply that we can start identifying the contours of an ‘AME HR model’.
USING BLENDED LEARNING TO BOOST MOTIVATION AND PERFORMANCE IN INTRODUCTORY ECONOMICS MODULES

This paper explores the potential of online learning, in a local context, to provide academic economics with much of the context it currently lacks and which may be implicated in students' lack of motivation to engage with the discipline. Since weak motivation can be expected to play out in poor performance, the study set out to establish, firstly, whether the online intervention was a motivational experience for students. Secondly, various tests were performed to determine whether - and how strongly - motivation and performance are related. The study concludes that even the weak statistical promise of online learning, as in this particular case, should be embraced given the interest displayed by students in online economics teaching and learning. Copyright (c) 2007 The Author. Journal compilation (c) 2007 Economic Society of South Africa 2007.