Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of ownership stucture on capital stucture: evidence from listed firms in China

This study examines the impact of ownership structure on capital structure of non-financial Chinese listed firms from 2007 to 2012. Pooled OLS regression is used to investigate the influence of ownership related variables on firm’s capital structure decision. The independent variables include ownership concentration, managerial ownership, state ownership and legal person ownership, controlling for the influence of common firm-related variables and industry effects. The significantly reversed U-shape nonlinear relation between ownership concentration and capital structure suggests that there might be an optimal level of ownership concentration. There is no evidence that managerial ownership affects firm’s capital structure. The positive relation between state ownership and capital structure confirms the role of state in firms’ corporate financing decisions, firms with state ownership prefer issue more debt to resolve severe agency problem between shareholders and managers. Besides, firms with state ownership access to bank loans easier than firms without state ownership, as well as access to long-term loans. There is a weak positive relation between legal person ownership and capital structure, the highly correlation between state and legal person makes the result less reliable.
Human resource management in Russian manufacturing subsidiaries of multinational corporations

Abstract This article reports the results of a survey of top executives at Russian manufacturing subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs). We examine the prevailing types of job contracts and the use of monetary and non-monetary benefits, and compare such arrangements with those in locally-owned industrial companies. We also reveal differences in human resource management (HRM) policies based on the source of authority over HRM issues (global headquarters, regional headquarters, local groups of companies, etc.). These findings can be used to help predict the evolution of HRM policies in Russian manufacturing subsidiaries of MNCs.
What Drives Remittance Inflows to Sub-Saharan Africa? A Dynamic Panel Approach

This paper investigates the factors that drive and constrain remittance inflows into SubSaharan Africa (SSA) using annual data for 35 SSA countries from 1980 to 2008, generalised method of moments by Arellano and Bover (1995) and LSDV with Driscoll and Kraay (1998) corrected standard errors. We find that when cross-sectional dependence of the error term and individual effects are controlled for, host country economic conditions override home country income in driving remittances to SSA The quality of financial service delivery and investment opportunities in the home country and exchange rate considerations are also significant to remittance inflows to SSA. This is more consistent with self interest motives for remittance inflows than altruism. However there are country level differences.
Simulation of the 21 August 2017 Solar Eclipse Using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model‐eXtended

We performed simulations of the atmosphere‐ionosphere response to the solar eclipse of 21 August 2017 using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model‐eXtended (WACCM‐X v. 2.0) with a fully interactive ionosphere and thermosphere. Eclipse simulations show temperature changes in the path of totality up to −3 K near the surface, −1 K at the stratopause, ±4 K in the mesosphere, and −40 K in the thermosphere. In the F region ionosphere, electron density is depleted by about 55%. Both the temperature and electron density exhibit global effects in the hours following the eclipse. There are also significant effects on stratosphere‐mesosphere chemistry, including an increase in ozone by nearly a factor of 2 at 65 km. Dynamical impacts of the eclipse in the lower atmosphere appear to propagate to the upper atmosphere. This study provides insight into coupled eclipse effects through the entire atmosphere from the surface through the ionosphere.
A Strategic Choice in the Czech Republic: Fiendishly Clever Subsidiaries?

Purpose of the article: This contribution focuses on the parent-subsidiary relationship from the perspective of centralisation in the strategy-making process. Methodology/methods: First, the development and contemporary state of theory relating to parent-subsidiary relationship are analyzed and research questions are formulated. Second, the empirical data from 155 MNE subsidiaries are used to reveal which strategies are pursued by these subsidiaries, taking into consideration the level of centralisation of the strategy-making process. Finally, the performance implications of strategies deployed by the companies are examined. Scientific aim: The role of the MNE subsidiary may vary between creation of the strategy and adoption of a strategy created by the parent company. The main objective of this study is to reveal differences among strategies chosen by subsidiaries with different levels of centralisation of the strategy-making process, and to evaluate performance implications. Findings: Findings show that subsidiaries that are allowed to determine their strategy choose innovative and prospective strategies. Such strategies proved to be related to higher subsidiary performance, followed by the defender strategy. Conclusions: The results imply that the MNE subsidiary could be more efficient than headquarters in adjusting to the local environment and might benefit from familiarity with the local environment. Therefore, this study confirms that a subsidiary can be a powerful determinant in the strategy-making process. This study has important implications for managers at MNC headquarters and at their subsidiaries. Since the emerging market of the Czech Republic is considered attractive for foreign direct investment, the findings of this study may have implications for executives already active in this market, but they are primarily for those intending to enter this market.
Transaction costs analysis of low-carbon technologies

Transaction costs (TCs) must be taken into account when assessing the performance of policy instruments that create markets for the diffusion and commercialization of low-carbon technologies (LCTs). However, there are no comprehensive studies on the development and application of transaction cost analysis to LCTs. In this meta-analysis, a wide-ranging evaluation of TCs associated with energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon market technologies is provided. There is a plethora of different definitions of, and measurement techniques to estimate, TCs. There is wide variation in the quantitative estimates, which can be attributed to factors such as the definition used, data collection, quantification methods, the type and size of technologies, the regulatory frameworks, the complexity of transactions, and the maturity of policy instruments. It is concluded that TCs are highly specific to both LCTs and policy instruments and that a common methodological approach is needed to avoid misleading policy analysis of the extant and future assessments. Policy relevance Transaction costs (TCs) accrued by, for instance, the search for information, due diligence, monitoring and verification (M&V) activities, must be considered in the design, implementation, and assessment of policy instruments. Such costs can have a negative effect on the performance of policy instruments aimed at the diffusion and commercialization of low-carbon technologies. It is shown here that TC analysis is mostly technology and policy context-specific and hence that it is not advisable to make generalizations about sources and estimates. The nature and scale of TCs are likely to differ due to a variety of endogenous determinants (e.g. size and performance of technologies), exogenous drivers (e.g. regulatory policy frameworks), and methodological aspects (e.g. quantification techniques). Several measures and strategies have the potential to reduce TCs, including standardized full cost accounting systems, an ex ante M&V approach, project bundling, and streamlining of procedures.
The effect of transgenic cucumbers expressing thaumatin on selected immunity parameters in rats

The effect of a diet containing the fruits of genetically modified cucumber plants expressing thaumatin on the non-specific resistance parameters of the consumer was determined. For five weeks 24 laboratory rats allocated to 3 groups were fed freeze-dried isoproteinous diets containing 15% transgenic or non-transgenic cucumber ffuits of the same variety, or a standard mixture. The phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes was determined by flow cytometry (Phagotest and Bursttest). Feeding transgenic cucumber caused a statistically significant increase in neutrophilic granulocytes that activated oxidation processes after stimulation of PMA and fMLP. The fluorescence intensity of neutrophils was higher when E. coli was used as the chemotactic agent.
Wasting of Fresh-Packed Bread by Consumers—Influence of Shopping Behavior, Storing, Handling, and Consumer Preferences

There are few scientific papers dealing with the packaging of fresh bread and consumer preferences as to the packaging. There are also few scientific papers on consumer behavior regarding shopping routines, storing, and the use of fresh bread in connection with food waste from households. The primary scope of this study has been to gain new understanding and expertise when comparing the characteristics of consumers who report no wasting of fresh bread with those who report wasting a significant quantity of fresh bread every week. In addition, the authors have identified and analyzed the main reasons for wasting fresh-packed bread in Norway, and the way in which those reasons relate to varying aspects of consumer behavior. This expertise is important for those working in the development, production, and sale of food. It will enable them to take effective measures relating to the various consumer groups so as to prevent the waste of bread by consumers. A web-based questionnaire has been employed, with 1000 respondents, in order to collect data for the analyses. There were significant differences between the groups who reported wasting a significant amount of bread (seven slices or more a week) and groups who wasted no fresh bread at all. This was especially noticeable when focusing on age and household size. Other factors were shopping behavior, and the freezing and toasting of bread at home, which can minimize the wasting of bread. Low wasters employ clear strategies to avoid food waste (freezing, re-packing, and shopping) and these strategies are not seen in the group of high-wasters. The findings from this study may provide useful insight for those working with the development of packaging and products in the food industry, as well as those in the retail sector, as it identifies consumer preferences, viewpoints on packaging and attitudes towards the freshness of bread. As a sizeable group of consumers in this study stated that they use an additional plastic bag in addition to the original packaging, it is clear that consumers do not perceive the original packaging as being good enough to preserve the quality of fresh bread.
Potential technologies to measure sugarcane quality in the field.

The need for a reliable in-field quality measurement in sugarcane industry is growing as the industry is moving towards the adoption of Precision Agriculture (PA) technique. However, current monitoring systems in sugarcane industry only monitor crop yield and have no ability to measure product quality. This is a serious limitation in PA technologies due to considerable quality variation across the paddock. Most of the current technologies can only be used measure sugarcane quality in a laboratory. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review current quality measurement technologies in sugarcane industry and their potential applications and limitations for in-field use. The new emerging technologies which have potentials to be applied for in-field quality measurement were also reviewed.
The impact of retail shoes sales promotional activities on ladies’ purchase intentions

In this study we examine how different variables impact sales promotions that ultimately influence purchase intentions of customer. The main purpose of this study is to examine how attitude towards discount affects sales promotional activities to influence customers’ purchase intention along with the impact of customer loyalty and in store displays on them. To collect information, the survey method was conducted through questionnaires to take response from the customers of Stylo shoes in Bahawalpur. For this purpose, a sample of 164 customers was selected through the simple random sampling technique and then the data was entered in SPSS software for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The results of the study indicate that there is no relationship between customer loyalty and sales promotion whereas attitude towards discount has a positive relation with sales promotion. Likewise, sales promotion, customer loyalty and in-store display has a significant relationship with purchase intention. The results of this study will assist retailers to select the best promotional tool that will influence purchase intentions of customer. These plans help businessmen and marketers to gain competitive advantage over their competitors and enable the businesses to earn maximum profit.
Bioavailable dissolved organic phosphorus and phosphorus use by heterotrophic bacteria

Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) concentrations were measured in surface water at 3 stations in the central Baltic Sea from May to July 2005. The amount of bioavailable DOP (BAP) was estimated in time course experiments using 0.8 µm filtered seawater and carbon plus nitrogen addi- tions with the aim of verifying results obtained in 2004. The consumption of dissolved inorganic phos- phorus (DIP) and DOP by heterotrophic bacteria under natural water conditions was determined in parallel experiments without any substrate amendment. In both years, most DOP and BAP concentra- tions were in the same range of between 0.20 and 0.31 µM, and 0.04 and 0.12 µM, respectively, with a tendency to decline from spring to summer. BAP constituted a proportion of 33.2 to 60.0% of DOP. Bacterial phosphorus use differed between the Gotland and Bornholm Basins. In the eastern and south-eastern Gotland Basin, DIP was taken up completely, independently from initial concentrations in substrate addition experiments. Without any substrate addition, less DIP was used in May. In sub- sequent investigations in June and July, the DIP was taken up in full. Under natural conditions, the uptake of BAP ranged between 18 and 78% and reached 100% in summer when heterocystous cyanobacteria occurred in surface water. In the Bornholm Basin, all the BAP was used in July despite the availability of DIP. These results indicate that the phosphorus uptake in both basins may be car- bon and/or nitrogen limited in May. The limitation was repressed in summer in the Gotland Basin, but was sustained in the Bornholm Basin. Thus, the BAP use could satisfy the carbon demand in the Bornholm Basin, whereas it fulfils the phosphorus demand in the Gotland Basin.
Predicting Stem Windthrow Probability in a Northern Hardwood Forest Using a Wind Intensity Bio-Indicator Approach

Unlike fire or insect outbreaks, for which a suppression program can be implemented, it is impossible to prevent a windstorm event or stop it while it is occurring. Reducing stand susceptibility to windstorms requires a good understanding of the factors affecting this susceptibility. Distinct species- and size-related differences in stem windthrow susceptibility are difficult to obtain because it is impossible to distinguish their relative effects from those of wind intensity. Using a damage assessment database (60 20-metre radius plots) acquired after an exceptional wind storm in Western Quebec in 2007, we developed an approach in which proportions of windthrown sugar maple poles were used as bio-indicators of wind intensities affecting the plots. We distinguished between single and interactive effects of wind intensity, species, stem size, and local basal area on stem windthrow susceptibility. The best logistic regression model predicting stem windthrow included the wind intensity bio-indicator, species, basal area, and the species by diameter at breast height (DBH, 1.3 m) interaction. Stem windthrow probability generally increased with DBH and decreased with basal area. Species wind-firmness was ordered as: yellow birch > sugar maple = eastern hemlock = American beech > ironwood > basswood = other hardwoods = other softwoods. Our method remained an indirect method of measuring wind intensity and its real test would require a comparison with anemometer measurements during a windstorm. Despite its indirect nature, the method is both simple and ecologically sound. Hence, it opens the door to conducting similar windthrow studies in other ecosystems.
A touch of Integrated Reporting

Master thesis in accounting, spring 2016. Graduate School at the School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg. Author: Axel Nilsson Supervisor: Peter Beusch Title A touch of Integrated Reporting – An exploration of large Swedish companies’ compliance with the IIRC’s six capitals. Background and problem: In 2013, the IIRC issued a new framework on integrated reporting. Through the framework, the IIRC hopes to accelerate the adoption of integrated reporting around the world. Potential benefits of integrated reporting include greater efficiency, a more integrated focus on sustainability and better information. The six capitals concept is a central element to the IIRC's understanding of value creation. Prior studies of Swedish companies and integrated reporting have not focused specifically on the capitals concept, wherefore this study will be exploring this gap in the literature. Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to explore the reporting among large Swedish companies in relation to the IIRC’s six capitals concept. In order to gain a further understanding of the IIRC’s potential impact, two years, 2011 and 2015, will be studied. The study will focus on large companies as prior research has shown that larger companies disclose more and have more incentives to do so. Therefore, only Swedish companies listed on the OMXS30 will be included. Furthermore, only annual reports will be part of the study, as it is these that integrated reports might come to replace. Method: This study uses content analysis, in the form of a scoring system derived from the IR framework and previous studies, to analyse annual reports in order to explore the reporting of capitals among Swedish companies. A list of 25 items under study was derived from previous research and the IR framework and subsequently scored. 20 annual reports from large Swedish companies for each year, 2011 and 2015, were part of the study, resulting in 40 annual reports in total. Results and conclusions: The results show that financial capital scored the highest, followed by human, intellectual, social & relationship, natural and, finally, manufactured capital. Three capitals: human, intellectual and social & relationship, showed increases in their scores between the years. Natural capital showed a decrease while the remaining two were more or less stable. Most companies included in the study (14/20) and a majority of the items (14/25) scored higher during 2015. The total score increased by 11 % from 2011 to 2015, which is considered a relatively small increase. While this study does not answer the questions of why the reporting looks this way, links to previous studies are made in an attempt to provide information that can be of use for both researchers and practitioners.
Parameter Heterogeneity, Persistence and Cross-Sectional Dependence: New Insights on Fiscal Policy Reaction Functions for the Euro Area

A number of novelties have emerged in the study of the discretionary fiscal policy within the Euro area during the last decade. Among the others, the availability of up-to-date information on fiscal indicators for the years following the Great Recession, the introduction of cutting-edge econometric methods, and a renewed interest about the sustainability of fiscal policy and public debt. The aim of this paper is to address the challenges posed by the estimation of the discretionary fiscal reaction function for the Euro area. We exploit recently introduced testing and estimation strategies for heterogeneous dynamic panels with cross-sectional dependence and propose a new parsimonious approach. Using real-time data over the period 1996-2016, we investigate whether the fiscal policy reaction function is still a benchmark after the Great Recession. We find evidence of strong cross-sectional dependence in the panel, and clear support to a valid cointegration relationship among the main determinants of the function. Newly added covariates, such interest rate spreads, come out to play a relevant role in explaining discretionary actions.
Influence of Meteorological Factors on Date Bunch Fading Disorder

Date bunch fading disorder (DBFD) has been one of the major issues facing date palm growers in recent decades. This order has caused high and non-compensable losses to date palm product. Despite numerous studies, predominantly focusing on the causes and mitigation methods of this disorder, no precise influencing factors have been established and practices which can completely control it are not available. Increased temperature and low RH have been mentioned as factors responsible for inducing this disorder, other probable factors are biotic stresses, especially fungal infections. Present research was carried out to determine the effects of climatic factors on DBFD occurrence. For this purpose, ten orchards of ‘Kabkab’ cultivar of date palm with a history of previous symptoms of DBFD were selected in Bushehr province during 2012-13. 20 trees in each orchard were selected and 100 fruits on each tree were chosen. Numbers of faded and non-faded fruits were counted and disorder percentage was calculated. The daily meteorological data at meteorological stations near the experimental locations were recorded. Results showed that the damage rate was higher in the first year compared to the second one. Furthermore, in 2013, there was a decrease in temperature and concomitant increase in relative humidity from 2012. This condition leads to excess surface evaporation from the fruits and causes fruit wilting, which is referred to as DBFD.