Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Affects China's National Image? A cross-national study of public opinion

This paper investigates macro-level sources of variations across countries regrading China's national image, as measured by the proportion of the public in each of 35 countries that expressed a favorable view of China in the 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Survey. It turns out that several expected factors have no significant measurable impact on China's image: not the extent of strategic ties between China and a given country; not the political system of that country; not the extent of Chinese investment in the country; and not the number of Confucius institutes and classrooms in that country. The only macro-level factor we find to affect China's image in a country is that country's level of economic and social development, as measured by the UN Human Development Index. Controlling for the other factors, publics in poor or developing countries are much more likely to have a favorable image of China than publics in economically advanced countries. Some implications of our findings are discussed.
Effects of subsidies in Russian dairy farming

This study develops a microeconometric model of specialized dairy farms in the Moscow region using panel data over the period 1995-2001. The model is used to analyze the role of subsidies on profit as well as input and output allocation. Theoretical conditions for short-term profit maximization are not rejected by the data. Differences between farms allow for a fixed-effect specification. The dairy producers in the region demonstrate a low responsiveness to market signals, but technology change becomes important. Labor, land, and livestock had low shadow prices. Although subsidies have a distorting effect on the input-output mix, this study shows they relieve the credit constraints on dairy farms and have an important positive influence on farm profit. Copyright 2005 International Association of Agricultural Economics.
The homeodomain transcription factor PITX2 is required for specifying correct cell fates and establishing angiogenic privilege in the developing cornea

Background: Correct specification of cell lineages and establishing angiogenic privilege within the developing cornea are essential for normal vision but the mechanisms controlling these processes are poorly understood. Results: We show that the homeodomain transcription factor PItX2 is expressed in mesenchymal cells of the developing and mature cornea and use a temporal gene knockout approach to demonstrate that PITX2 is required for corneal morphogenesis and the specification of cell fates within the surface ectoderm and mesenchymal primordia. PITX2 is also required to establish angiogenic privilege in the developing cornea. Further, the expression of Dkk2 and suppression of canonical Wnt signaling activity levels are key mechanisms by which PITX2 specifies ocular surface ectoderm as cornea. In contrast, specifying the underlying mesenchyme to corneal fates and establishing angiogenic privilege in the cornea are less sensitive to DKK2 activity. Finally, the cellular expression patterns of FOXC2, PITX1, and BARX2 in Pitx2 and Dkk2 mutants suggest that these transcription factors may be involved in specifying cell fate and establishing angiogenic privilege within the corneal mesenchyme. However, they are unlikely to play a role in specifying cell fate within the corneal ectoderm. Conclusions: Together, these data provide important insights into the mechanisms regulating cornea development. Developmental Dynamics 243:1391–1400, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A resource-based approach to the study of export marketing from Australia

This study examines the empirical links between industry structure, strategy, marketing capabilities and performance in Australian export ventures. Data were gathered via a self-administered mail survey directed to the Chief Executive Officer of 1853 export market ventures. The sample came from a wide cross-section of industries and was provided by a government department. The findings indicate that as far as industry structure was concerned, the power of buyers and the threat of new entrants as well as marketing capabilities and whether or not the firm pursued a product innovation, premium quality, corporate image or niche strategy all had a significant impact on export marketing performance.
The Ig Domain Protein CD9P-1 Down-regulates CD81 Ability to Support Plasmodium yoelii Infection*

Invasion of hepatocytes by Plasmodium sporozoites is a prerequisite for establishment of a malaria natural infection. The molecular mechanisms underlying sporozoite invasion are largely unknown. We have previously reported that CD81 is required on hepatocytes for infection by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites. CD81 belongs to the tetraspanin superfamily of transmembrane proteins. By interacting with each other and with other transmembrane proteins, tetraspanins may play a role in the lateral organization of membrane proteins. In this study, we investigated the role of the two major molecular partners of CD81 in hepatocytic cells, CD9P-1/EWI-F and EWI-2, two transmembrane proteins belonging to a novel subfamily of immunoglobulin proteins. We show that CD9P-1 silencing increases the host cell susceptibility to P. yoelii sporozoite infection, whereas EWI-2 knock-down has no effect. Conversely, overexpression of CD9P-1 but not EWI-2 partially inhibits infection. Using CD81 and CD9P-1 chimeric molecules, we demonstrate the role of transmembrane regions in CD81-CD9P-1 interactions. Importantly, a CD9P-1 chimera that no longer associates with CD81 does not affect infection. Based on these data, we conclude that CD9P-1 acts as a negative regulator of P. yoelii infection by interacting with CD81 and regulating its function.
Related-Party Transactions and Audit Fees: Evidence from China

ABSTRACT: This paper investigates the effect of related-party transactions (RPTs) on audit fees in China. RPTs may violate the arm's-length assumption of regular market-based transactions, impairing the representational faithfulness and verifiability of accounting data and, as a consequence, increase clients' auditor-assessed business risk. The presence and magnitude of such transactions are therefore likely to increase audit fees. On the other hand, audit fees could be lower for firms with RPTs because auditors face less difficulty in verifying them, as opposed to third-party transactions. We first consider the effect of RPTs on audit fees, and document relatively high audit fees associated with RPTs. This lends support to the conjecture that RPTs are seen as increasing audit risk. We then extend this baseline case by considering the effects on audit fees of different classes of RPTs, of the different parties involved in RPTs and, finally, of the interaction between product-market competition and RPTs. W.
Globalisation and firm structure: comparing a family-business and a corporate block holder in the New Zealand seafood industry

This study examines literature about firm structure, ownership structure and concentration, diversification and use of networking related to the degree of internationalisation. A case study of the New Zealand seafood industry was completed to determine whether this literature was applicable in this context. The literature relating to ownership concentration was only partly supported, suggesting an opportunity to contribute the literature. Industry characteristics played a fundamental role in the decision to internationalise, and firm structure determined the rate at which each firm expanded into foreign markets. A model is developed to highlight the key relationships between variables.
Factors affecting the shape of the lactation curve in cattle

The lactation curve in cattle has been explained by the expression y n = An b e - cn where y n is the average daily yield in the n th week, and A , b , and c are constants. In general, in a sample of 859 Friesian lactations recorded during 1964–65 daily yield was depressed during the winter months (18·8% in January) and stimulated during the spring (14·7% in May) to an extent which was independent of the stage of lactation. Winter calvers on the other hand tended to produce more in total lactation than spring calvers (14·5% for animals calving in November as opposed to those calving in April). Using a suitable technique it is possible to predict month by month output from a cow, or herd, accurately enough to furnish a basis for forward planning.
Limited market participation and volatility of asset prices

Traditional asset-pricing theories assume complete market participation, despite considerable empirical evidence that most investors participate in a limited number of markets. The authors show that once the participation decision is endogenized, market properties change dramatically. First, limited market participation can amplify the effect of liquidity trading relative to full participation; under certain circumstances, an arbitrarily small aggregate liquidity shock can cause significant price volatility. Second, there exist multiple equilibria with very different participation regimes and levels of asset-price volatility. Third, under plausible conditions the equilibria can be Pareto-ranked; the Pareto-preferred equilibrium is characterized by greater participation and lower volatility. Copyright 1994 by American Economic Association.
The Drivers of Loyalty Program Success

Despite the proliferation of loyalty programs over the past three decades, evidence regarding their effectiveness in cementing customer loyalty remains mixed and often inconsistent. The current lack of understanding of what factors drive a successful loyalty program represents an important knowledge gap. Accordingly, this review (1) organizes current thinking on loyalty program management and (2) outlines an agenda for future research. This review is organized around three categories of drivers that affect loyalty program effectiveness: program structure, reward structure, and customer factors. In synthesizing this body of research, this review identifies important research questions that offer opportunities for hospitality managers and academic researchers to collaborate on a mutually beneficial topic that has both theoretical and practical importance.
Export specialization and economic growth

Traditional economic wisdom claims that – while global economic integration is beneficial for economic performance – a country's trade specialization pattern has no impact on its economic performance. In this paper, we seek to cast doubt on this aspect of mainstream economics using a very traditional approach. We introduce a simple endogenous growth model that shows how governments can stimulate economic growth by implementing policies that successfully create competitive advantages in favourable sectors. According to new growth theory, favourable sectors inhibit technological spill-over effects to the non-tradable sector. The model is supported by the data. Using a standard augmented aggregate production function we run a series of growth regressions including technological change and a proxy for trade specialization. Our results indicate that contrary to conventional wisdom export specialization matters: sectors are not indistinguishable in their impact on economic performance. The paper concludes with a broader discussion of policy implications.
Antecedents and consequences of the introduction of flexible benefit plans in China

The present study had two aims. The first was to explore the extent of flexible benefit plans (flex plans) within China and to make predictions about future trends. The second aim was to examine the relationships between the use of flex plans and two measures of labour market performance: the ability to attract essential employees and the level of labour turnover. The results from a survey of 324 firms in China reflecting a response rate of 32.4% showed that although there are presently a limited number of firms that adopt flex plans, the number is likely to increase in the next few years. Second, the probability of the adoption of flex plans was not found to vary with the mode of ownership and firm location. Third, flex plans were found to be adopted by firms for several practical reasons including their perceived role in cost containment, improved recruitment and retention, enhancement of job satisfaction and labour productivity. The take-up of such plans, however, was found to be inhibited by perceived administrative burdens and costs, and the limited number of staff qualified in benefit provision. Finally, the adoption of flex plans was significantly related to labour turnover and improved recruitment capacity.
Inflation perceptions and inflation expectation in South Africa: trends, determinants and comparisons (2006–2010)

This paper reports the results of a multinomial analysis of inflation perceptions and inflation expectations in South Africa. Inflation perceptions surveys among South African individuals have been undertaken since 2006. The introduction of these surveys followed on domestic inflation expectation surveys conducted in 2000, and the use of inflation perceptions surveys internationally. Domestic inflation perceptions surveys among individuals are a private initiative undertaken biennially, while domestic inflation expectation surveys among individuals are funded by the South African Reserve Bank and are undertaken quarterly. By comparing the results of domestic inflation perceptions surveys and inflation expectation surveys undertaken since 2006, this paper establishes common characteristics that impact on the formulation of inflation perceptions and inflation expectations. It supplements earlier research that focused only on the results of the 2006 and 2008 perceptions survey results. With the completion of the third biennial inflation perceptions survey in 2010, more data sets are available for the purposes of comparison. Furthermore, the questions on inflation perceptions were expanded in the third survey. Although this provides for a broader basis of analysis between inflation perceptions surveys and inflation expectation surveys, further periodic inflation perceptions survey data will be required to test whether current inflation figures determine and anchor inflation expectations.
Insider Trading Before New Issue Announcements

On average, insiders are net sellers of their firms' common stock for several months before announcements of new common stock and convertible debt issues. There is no evidence of abnormal insider trading before announcements of straight debt issues. These results suggest that the prospect of legal and market penalties does not deter a significant amount of insider trading before new issue announcements, and are consistent with the hypothesis that managers have superior information that is conveyed to the market through new equity issues.
Strategic choices, export orientation and export performance of SMEs in Nigeria

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial export orientation on the performance of SMEs in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approach – The study follows a quantitative research design using survey methods with statistical treatment. Several t‐tests and correlation tests were used to ascertain whether differences exist between proactive export orientation and conservative export orientation and performance.Findings – The findings indicate that proactive entrepreneurs were more engaged in the export market than conservatives. The findings also suggest that firms that adopted proactive orientation achieved higher performance, profitability, and growth compared with those that adopted a conservative orientation. It was also found that proactive entrepreneurs allocated more financial resources for export activities than conservative entrepreneurs.Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to four cities; a broader geographic sampling to include larger urban.
Waste: Striving for a more sustainable future

There seems to be no stopping it. Production of municipal waste and most types of industria l waste in almost every country increases at least as rapidly as its gross national product, which has been 3% per annum in England and Wales over the past few years (Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 2000, Part I, 15). At the same time options for dealing with waste, other than depositing it in land ll, are stymied by the NIMBY (not in my back yard) syndrome. Even options which at a small scale appear to offer a more sustainable option, such as composting, when transferred from the backyard to an industrial scale cause concern with regard to potential health impacts from bio-aerosols, in particular Aspergillus fumigatus, a primary cause of farmer’s lung. All waste treatment facilities have adverse transport impacts, especially moving waste by road from households even if other modes are used subsequently. This will often be the main cause of concern for people faced with a new or expanded waste treatment plant. It needs to be recognised that the demand for source segregated recycling from households can have adverse impacts. Unless the overall municipal waste management system is assessed for both negative and positive environmental effects, changes to collection methods could negate more sustainable waste treatment solutions . Developing an overall strategy at national, regional and sub-regional levels to tackle the management of waste has increasingly been seen as the  rst requirement in convincing the public to accept their producer responsibilit y for waste. Ideally the public needs to share the responsibility for developing sustainable solutions for the future management of municipal solid waste (MSW). This runs parallel to the polluter pays principle for industria l waste. In her article, Jackson shows that waste management has often been a focus for public involvement in developing a strategic approach to planning for local resources. Often at that strategic level, consensus can be achieved, albeit with considerable effort and usually with only a very small proportion of the community having actively participated in the decision (Kuper, 1997). People want prevention of waste production as the  rst priority, then re-use and
Risk sharing with the unborn

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Growth factors improve gene expression after lentiviral transduction in human adult and fetal hepatocytes

Lentiviral vectors may be vectors of choice for transducing liver cells; they mediate integration in quiescent cells and offer potential for long‐term expression. In adult liver, hepatocytes are generally mitotically quiescent. There has been controversy as to the necessity for lentiviral vector target cells to be in the cell cycle; currently, there is consensus that effective transduction can be achieved in quiescent hepatocytes, by using virus at high titre. However, transduction approaches which reduce the multiplicities of infection (MOIs) required provide potential benefit of cost and safety for therapeutic use.
The orphan receptor family RZR/ROR, melatonin and 5‐lipoxygenase: An unexpected relationship

Abstract: The orphan receptors RZRoα, RZRβ, RORod, RZRα2, RORα3, and RORγform a subfamily within the superfamily of nuclear hormone receptors. Recently, experimental evidence that the pineal gland hormone melatonin is the natural ligand for these nuclear receptors has come to light. This discovery is rather surprising, given that most people in the field believed melatonin acts exclusively through membrane receptors. However, these new findings establish a nuclear signalling pathway for melatonin, i.e., direct ligand‐induced control of target gene transcription, which most probably mediates part of the physiological functions of the hormone. Interestingly, the very recently identified first RZR/melatonin responding gene, 5‐Iipoxygenase, is not expressed in the brain and is not involved in circadian rhythmicity, but rather acts in the periphery, mainly in myeloid cells, as one of the key enzymes of allergic and inflammatory reactions. Thus, nuclear melatonin signalling opens up a new perspective in understanding the actions of the pineal gland hormone.
The 2006 New Orleans Mayoral Election: The Political Ramifications of a Large-Scale Natural Disaster

On Monday, August 29, 2005, the Gulf Coast of the United States was hit by the sixth most destructive Atlantic hurricane on record, Hurricane Katrina. Katrina formed in the Bahamas on August 23 and entered the Gulf of Mexico two days later, on the twenty-fifth (Knabb 2005). Twelve hours after entering the gulf, Katrina grew from a Category 3 to a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds up to 160 miles per hour. Katrina made landfall on the twenty-ninth as a powerful Category 3 storm with winds up to 145 miles per hour. However, once Katrina made landfall she maintained a storm surge equivalent to a Category 5 storm. For the city of New Orleans, the greatest threat without question was to be from the storm surge. Lake Pontchartrain—which normally sits at one foot above sea level—was elevated to eight and a half feet above sea level. On Tuesday, August 30, the city's levees broke in three places—along the Industrial Canal, the 17th Street Canal, and the London Street Canal (Mihelich 2005). As a result, 80% of the city was flooded, in some places with water as high as 20 feet above sea level (Knabb 2005).
In whose name? The accountability of corporate social responsibility

Stakeholder dialogue, participation, and partnership have become mainstream concepts in international development policy, in particular in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, the accountability of multi-stakeholder initiatives on CSR to their intended beneficiaries in the global South is increasingly questioned. This paper looks at how the agendas of some initiatives in the areas of ethical trade and sustainability reporting are driven by what Western NGOs push for, what large companies consider feasible, and what consultants and accountants seek to provide. It describes how the resulting practices and discourse restrict change and marginalise alternative approaches developed by Southern stakeholders. It is argued that enthusiasm for stakeholder dialogue, participation, and partnership in CSR matters, and beyond, needs to be reconceived with democratic principles in mind. ‘Stakeholder democracy’ is offered as a conceptual framework for this endeavour, and some recommendations are made for NGOs, companies, and governments.