Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Critical perspectives on CSR and development: what we know, what we don`t know, and what we need to know

The May 2005 issue of International Affairs addressed the theme of critical perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the developing world. The aim of this article is to take the debate a step further. Five researchers and practitioners on corporate social responsibility and development in various regions in the developing world—Central America, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Argentina and India—using knowledge gained by their empirical research, argue that the management-oriented perspective on CSR and development is one-sided. While recognizing that critical approaches to the question have emerged, there is still a need to know which issues should form part of a critical research agenda on CSR and development. In this article the authors seek to fill this gap in order to facilitate a more in-depth investigation of what CSR initiatives can or cannot achieve in relation to improving conditions of workers and communities in the global South. They suggest that a critical research agenda on CSR and development should encompass four areas: a) the relationship between business and poverty reduction; b) the impact of CSR initiatives; c) governance dimensions of CSR; and d) power and participation in CSR. Such an alternative critical approach focuses on society's most vulnerable groups and adopts a ‘people-centred’ perspective as a counterbalance to the dominant ‘business case’ perspective. The authors conclude that this has significant implications for CSR practice.
Negotiation Over Intellectual Property Rights Protection in a Mixed Market

This article models a North–South negotiation under a mixed oligopolistic setting where a public firm in the South and a private firm from the North compete in the southern market. The southern firm is a public one whose objective is a weighted sum of the South's social welfare and its own profit, whereas the northern firm is a pure profit maximizer. The North provides a quid pro quo in exchange for the strengthening of the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in the South. We show that when the northern and southern firms engage in quantity competition in the southern market, the southern government's optimal choice is either complete protection or complete violation. We show this to depend on the southern government's valuation of the quid pro quo. Moreover, strengthening IPR protection will deepen the privatization process in the South, though it brings about a social welfare loss to the South.
Human development effects of large changes in food prices: Does openness policy matter?

This paper analyses the effects of food price shocks on selected disaggregated human development indicators and investigates the role of openness policy in mitigating the adverse effects of large changes in food prices. Using a panel of 74 developing countries from 1980 to 2012, I find that positive food price shocks reduce life expectancy at birth both in the fixed-effect model and in the dynamic panel model while negative food price shocks do not seem to matter for this human development indicator in the static model but adversely affect it in the dynamic model. I also find that both positive and negative shocks have no effect on youth literacy rate; this probably means that households do not react to food price shocks by taking children out of school. Analysing the role of commercial openness, I find that openness policy enhances countries’ capacity to manage the adverse effects of food price shocks on life expectancy at birth. This suggests that the tempting policy option of reducing openness to trade during food price shocks is not an efficient choice as regards the human development. Countries must therefore set institutional arrangements that could prevent policy-makers from taking this inefficient policy option.
A Neural Graph-based Local Coherence Model

Entity grids and entity graphs are two frameworks for modeling local coherence. These frameworks represent entity relations between sentences and then extract features from such representations to encode coherence. The beneﬁts of convolutional neural models for ex-tracting informative features from entity grids have been recently studied. In this work, we study the beneﬁts of Relational Graph Convolutional Networks (RGCN) to encode entity graphs for measuring local coherence. We evaluate our neural graph-based model for two benchmark coherence evaluation tasks: sentence ordering (SO) and summary coherence rating (SCR). The results show that our neural graph-based model consistently outperforms the neural grid-based model for both tasks. Our model performs competitively with a strong baseline coherence model, while our model uses 50% fewer parameters. Our work deﬁnes a new, efﬁcient, and effective baseline for local coherence modeling 1 .
Intertemporal Price-Quality Discrimination and the Coase Conjecture

We examine time-consistent intertemporal price and quality discrimination by a durable goods monopolist facing a continuum of rational buyers with heterogeneous preferences over product quality. We focus the analysis on the "gap" case, where it is profitable for the monopolist to trade with the marginal buyer in the market. We show that along every subgame perfect equilibrium path, with probability one, prices and qualities decline over time, and the market is completely and monotonically depleted according the buyers' demand-intensity for quality in a finite number of offers. However, unlike the fixed quality literature, the monopolist may randomize over price-quality offers along the equilibrium path. We also show that the Coase conjecture continues to be valid here, but in a form that is significantly different from the usual formulation. In the limit, as the time between offers evaporates, the monopolist makes a continuum of offers and perfectly screens the market. However, he effectively can not price-discriminate, since the equilibrium profits are the complete "pooling" profits that would be made if the entire market had the marginal buyer's valuation.
Testing the national identity argument

The national identity argument holds that a shared national identity is necessary to motivate citizens in democratic societies to pursue a number of goals, especially social justice. We review the empirical evidence for and against this claim, looking particularly at how national identities have been measured. We distinguish between studies that aim to compare the relative strength of identities cross-nationally and those that look at individual differences within one nation. We separate four dimensions of national identity: national attachment, national pride, critical vs. uncritical patriotism, and civic vs. cultural conceptions of identity. These are only weakly correlated with each other, and impact differently on support for social justice and the welfare state. Using case studies from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, we suggest that the relationship between national identity and social justice varies between societies, and that a key factor is finding an appropriate balance between the strength of such identities and their inclusiveness.
Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-1 and Cyclooxygenase-2 Impairs Trypanosoma cruzi Entry into Cardiac Cells and Promotes Differential Modulation of the Inflammatory Response

ABSTRACT The intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, a serious disorder that affects millions of people in Latin America. Cell invasion by T. cruzi and its intracellular replication are essential to the parasite's life cycle and for the development of Chagas disease. Here, we present evidence suggesting the involvement of the host's cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes during T. cruzi invasion. Pharmacological antagonists for COX-1 (aspirin) and COX-2 (celecoxib) caused marked inhibition of T. cruzi infection when rat cardiac cells were pretreated with these nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 60 min at 37°C before inoculation. This inhibition was associated with an increase in the production of NO and interleukin-1β and decreased production of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) by cells. Taken together, these results indicate that COX-1 more than COX-2 is involved in the regulation of anti-T. cruzi activity in cardiac cells, and they provide a better understanding of the influence of TGF-β-interfering therapies on the innate inflammatory response to T. cruzi infection and may represent a very pertinent target for new therapeutic treatments of Chagas disease.
An Integrated ASV Frequency Tripler for Millimetre-Wave Wave Applications

The paper describes the technological realisation and experimental verification of a frequency tripler for upper mm-waves. Two anti-serial Schottky diodes are used as non-linear varactor (ASV). The single GaAlAs/GaAs devices with non-uniform doping profile optimised for the desired frequency are quasi-monolithically integrated into a microstrip circuit on quartz substrate. This concept combines the advantages of the low loss properties of the applied quartz substrate with the high reproducibility of the monolithic integration. Experimental results show an output power of 15 mW at 228 GHZ corresponding to a flange to flange conversion efficiency of 22 %.
The Dual of Duopoly Is Complementary Monopoly: or, Two of Cournot's Theories Are One

The observation that two theories share the same formal structure, that is, differ only in the interpretation placed on symbols, can almost always be used to simplify a body of knowledge. The purpose of this communication is to demonstrate that Cournot's theories of duopoly and complementary monopoly are formally identical; furthermore, a precise statement of the correspondence which identifies them serves to extend a famous criticism of the duopoly theory. Cournot's duopoly theory (Cournot, 1963, chap. vii) applies to a market situation in which two producers sell identical products, and his complementary monopoly theory (Cournot, 1963, chap. ix) to a market situation in which two producers sell products which are of no use unless combined in a fixed ratio (say 1:1) to form a composite commodity. Edgeworth observed that, in the former case, "there cannot well be supposed two prices; and [in the latter case] . there cannot be supposed two (independent variations of the) quantities" (Edgeworth, 1925, p. 122). For two producers (A and B) this suggests a formal definition of duopoly as a situation in which the sum of the producers' outputs (denoted by
Energy substrate metabolism in pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency

Abstract Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency is an inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in lactic acidosis and neurological dysfunction. In order to provide energy for the brain, a ketogenic diet has been tried. Both the disorder and the ketogenic therapy may influence energy production. The aim of the study was to assess hepatic glucose production, lipolysis and resting energy expenditure (REE) in an infant, given a ketogenic diet due to neonatal onset of the disease. Lipolysis and glucose production were determined for two consecutive time periods by constant-rate infusions of [1,1,2,3,3-2H5]-glycerol and [6,6-2H2]-glucose. The boy had been fasting for 2.5 h at the start of the sampling periods. REE was estimated by indirect calorimetry. Rates of glucose production and lipolysis were increased compared with those of term neonates. REE corresponded to 60% of normal values. Respiratory quotient (RQ) was increased, indicating a predominance of glucose oxidation. Blood lactate was within the normal range. Several mechanisms may underlie the increased rates of glucose production and lipolysis. A ketogenic diet will result in a low insulin secretion and reduced peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, leading to increased production of glucose and decreased peripheral glucose uptake. Surprisingly, RQ was high, indicating active glucose oxidation, which may reflect a residual enzyme activity, sufficient during rest. Considering this, a strict ketogenic diet might not be the optimal choice for patients with PDH deficiency. We propose an individualised diet for this group of patients aiming at the highest glucose intake that each patient will tolerate without elevated lactate levels.
Learning Networks - A Metaphor for Inter Organizational Development in SMEs

This paper aims to highlight the importance of external relations and the qualitative elements of dialogue for the development of SMEs. This is achieved by using the metaphor of learning networks as a base for facilitating inter and intra organisational company development. The paper draws on a five-year field study, where the emergence and workings of inter-organisational networks were followed from a participant perspective with special emphasis being placed on the outcome for SMEs of participating in a learning network. The focus of these networks was on experience exchange and joint knowledge creation, as well as business relations. A significant outcome of this inter-organisational networking was the sharing of knowledge and visions on how to work on development combined with an emphasis on the role of external relations for internal company development, i.e. the possibilities of using networks as a development tool. These relations have also proved to be an effective medium for sharing experience an.
Stale and Scale Effects in Markets-Based Accounting Research: Evidence from the Valuation of Dividends

Abstract This study revisits prior research on the valuation of dividends in an accounting-based valuation framework. Using a battery of tests, we show that market value deflation is essential in market-based tests of dividend displacement and signalling because it controls for ‘stale’ information in addition to scale (size) differences across firms. For US firms, we show that after controlling for ‘stale’ information, the empirical association between dividends and market values switches from positive to negative. This switch is not explained by scale differences across firms. Further, we show that after controlling for staleness, the valuation of dividends remains positive for European firms. This result is explained by the relatively stronger association of dividends with future earnings in these settings (i.e. signalling). Lastly, our country-specific estimates of dividend valuation provide a potentially valuable index for studies aimed at examining the effects of accounting and securities regulation on information asymmetries in an international context.
An Economic Geography of Global Finance: Ownership Concentration and Stock-Price Volatility in German Firms and Regions

Abstract For some, global finance is ubiquitous. The growth of advanced electronic communications combined with computer-driven, top-down investment strategies has provided institutional investors access to the most sheltered capital markets, including those of continental Europe. By contrast, many economic geographers find this view of the world both simplistic with respect to the persistence of different nation-state regulatory traditions and highly misleading as to the most effective way of generating long-term value for investors and communities. In this article, we provide evidence to support these claims, concentrating upon the relationship between systems of corporate governance and stock-price volatility. The geography of market information is our point of departure, illustrated by reference to the informational content of stock market prices for two German companies, Mannesmann (now Vodafone) and Bayerische Motorenwerke (BMW), representatives of rather different regional models of capital accumulation. More systematically, we report the results of statistical analyses of the volatility of daily stock-market prices for German DAX30 and DAX100 firms, arguing that their apparent characteristics have important lessons for the value and significance of bottom-up portfolio investment strategies. These results, combined with case studies of the two German firms, are used to suggest that the geography of finance remains a vital component of global investment strategies, an argument that has important implications for academic analysis inside and outside of geography.
Diversity in Trade Union Membership: A Typology Based on the Study of a Spanish Trade Union

While existing literature on the changing nature of trade union membership concentrates on unidimensional differences between members, this article proposes a multidimensional typology, which considers demographic characteristics as well as labour market position and length of union membership. Our results allow the identification of different member profiles; these are significantly associated to differences in employment conditions, work participation, job satisfaction and union activism. In the last section of the article, we discuss the practical implications that these different member profiles may have for union policy and organisation.
Postnatal Development of the Hyperpolarization-Activated Excitatory Current Ih in Mouse Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons

The hyperpolarization-activated excitatory currentIh shapes rhythmic firing and other components of excitability in differentiating neurons, and may thus influence activity-dependent CNS development. We therefore studied developmental changes in Ih and underlying hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel subunits in pyramidal neurons of neonatal mouse hippocampus using electrophysiological and immunofluorescence approaches.Ih conductance (at −80 mV) tripled in CA3 neurons and quintupled in CA1 neurons between postnatal day 1 (P1) and P20; parallel changes in membrane area resulted in current density maxima at P5 in CA3 and P10 in CA1. Concurrently,Ih activation times fell sevenfold in CA3 and 10-fold in CA1. A computational model indicates that a decrease inIh activation time will increase the rhythmic firing rate. Two mechanisms contributed to more rapidIh activation at P20 in CA3 and CA1 neurons: a fall in the intrinsic time constants of two kinetic components, τfast and τslow, to 35–40% (at −90 mV) of their P1 values, and a preferential increase in fast component amplitude and contribution to Ih(from ∼35% to ∼74% of total). HCN1, HCN2, and HCN4 immunoreactivities showed independent temporal and spatial developmental patterns. HCN1 immunoreactivity was low at P1 and P5 and increased by P20. HCN2 immunoreactivity was detected at P1 and increased steadily up to P20. HCN4 immunoreactivity was initially low and showed a small increase by P20. We suggest that developmental increases in Ih amplitude and activation rate reflect changes in the number and underlying structure ofIh channels, and thatIh maturation may shape rhythmic activity important for hippocampal circuit maturation.
The dynamics of regional unemployment in the UK, 1974–89

This paper investigates the relationship between regional and national unemployment for the UK for the period 1974–1989. This problem is approached by using the time-series methods of cointegration and causality tests. The main conclusions are that regional and national unemployment are not as closely related as might have been supposed although any causation may, as previously assumed, run from the national to the regional level. Some regions are seen to be changing their position in the hierarchy of relative regional unemployment while most retain their relative status.
Research Expenditures and the Discovery of New Drugs

This paper examines technical change in the ethical pharmaceutical industry. A Poisson specification is used to estimate a productivity relationship between research expenditures and drug discoveries, thus taking into account the integer nature of the data. The result s of estimations using panel data indicate that there is a positive c orrelation between a firm's research and development intensity and it s probability of discovering a new drug. Firm size, however, does not significantly affect the marginal productivity of research expenditu res. Finally, the estimates show that an increase in regulatory strin gency decreases the expected number of new drug discoveries. Copyright 1987 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Explicit reforms, implicit theories and public service improvement

A framework for the explication of the theoretical basis of public management reforms is developed. The framework is applied to the Best Value regime in UK local government. The implicit assumptions of policy makers are that the Best Value regime will generate service improvements through changes in organizational structures, processes, culture and strategy content. Empirical evidence on the relationship between these variables and organizational performance is critically reviewed, and policy makers' implicit ‘theories in use’ are made explicit in the form of a simple additive model of public service improvement. In practice the actual pattern of change is likely to be mediative, reciprocal and contingent on local organizational circumstances. However, theorizing public management reforms in this way is valuable because it provides a basis for evaluating the logic of programme design, predicting effectiveness and generating testable models of the relationship between public policies, organizational changes and public service improvement.
The institutional embeddedness of social responsibility: a multilevel analysis of smaller firms' civic engagement in Western Europe

This study sets out to explore the institutional embeddedness of civic engagement in the form of monetary donations and volunteering by firms in Western Europe. Drawing on a recent analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), two contradictory hypotheses—institutional mirror versus substitute—are discussed focusing on three institutional spheres: corporatism, welfare arrangements and statism. The paper argues for moving beyond a linear perspective and takes the interaction of institutional spheres into account. Using a comparative quantitative multilevel approach, institutional, sectoral and organizational determinants of enterprises' civic engagement are empirically analysed drawing on a survey of small- and medium-sized firms in 17 Western European countries. While firm size remains an important determinant of civic engagement, it is shown that the impact of welfare arrangements is conditional on the presence of corporatist arrangements and vice versa. This suggests that civic engagement both mirrors and substitutes for existing institutions, depending on underlying institutional complementarities.