Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Focus and Standardization of Sustainability Reporting – A Comparative Study of the United Kingdom and Finland

Sustainability reporting has attracted significant attention from the business as well as the academic community in recent years. Not only has the latter frequently made recommendations on reporting, it has also extensively examined factors that have an influence on reporting. Several studies have noted differences in the extent and style of reporting across countries, but the influence of specific cultural and socio-economic environments on reporting has only been given limited consideration so far. It is the goal of this paper to help fill this gap. For this purpose, we examine the sustainability reporting of the 100 largest companies in the United Kingdom and Finland, as both are highly developed countries in North-Western Europe, but with significantly different cultural and socio-economic systems. Aside from the extent of reporting and media used, we examine the reporting standards and guidelines applied. Moreover, the focus of disclosure (economic, social or environmental) was investigated, which also brings a new perspective to the academic literature. Our results suggest that the cultural and socio-economic environment has an impact on the extent of reporting, but with regard to the focus of reporting and the application of standards the results are mixed. A stronger shareholder oriented culture does not lead to a more extensive inclusion of economic issues in sustainability reporting, while the extent of environmental reporting depends on the strength of environmentalism. The impact of cultural and socio-economic factors on the application of standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative, appears to be limited. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Shared familial transmission of autism spectrum and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders.

BACKGROUND To determine whether familial transmission is shared between autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, we assessed the prevalence, rates of comorbidity, and familial transmission of both disorders in a large population-based sample of children during a recent 7 year period. METHODS Study participants included all children born to parents with the Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) Health Plan between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2004 (n = 35,073). Children and mothers with physician-identified autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were identified via electronic medical records maintained for all KPNW members. RESULTS Among children aged 6-12 years, prevalence was 2.0% for ADHD and 0.8% for ASD; within those groups, 0.2% of the full sample (19% of the ASD sample and 9.6% of the ADHD sample) had co-occurring ASD and ADHD, when all children were included. When mothers had a diagnosis of ADHD, first born offspring were at 6-fold risk of ADHD alone (OR = 5.02, p < .0001) and at 2.5-fold risk of ASD alone (OR = 2.52, p < .01). Results were not accounted for by maternal age, child gestational age, child gender, and child race. CONCLUSIONS Autism spectrum disorders shares familial transmission with ADHD. ADHD and ASD have a partially overlapping diathesis.
Do emotionally intelligent leaders have more satisfied employees

This paper at hand treats the phenomena of emotional intelligence and satisfaction of employees with various factors in a company's environment. Our aim was to determine whether there is a positive correlation between emotional intelligence of leaders and employees' satisfaction needs met within a company as well as satisfaction with organisational values. Research most often concentrates on a mere comparison between emotional intelligence and satisfaction of employees, which is measured through the organisational climate. This time we wanted to establish whether employees working under the guidance of more intelligent leaders are also more satisfied with organisational values. In methodological terms, our research was designed in such a way as to recognise, on the basis of the results obtained, the style of leadership and the type of leader, respectively, that contributes most to employees' satisfaction.
The Accuracy of Individual and Group Forecasts from Business Outlook Surveys

This paper reports on a comprehensive study of the distributions of summary measures of error for a large collection of quarterly multiperiod predictions of six variables representing inflation, real qrowth, unemployment,and percentage changes in nominal GNP and two of its more volatile components.The data come from surveys conducted since 1968 by the National Bureau of Economic Research and the American Statistical Association and cover more than 70 individuals professionally engaged in forecasting the course of the U. S.economy (mostly economists, analysts, and executives from the world of corporate business and finance). There is considerable differentiation among these forecasts, across the individuals, variables, and predictive horizons covered. Combining corresponding predictions from different sources can result insignificant gains; thus the group mean forecasts are on the average over timemore accurate than most of the corresponding sets of individual forecasts. But there is also a moderate deqree of consistency in the relative performance of a sufficient number of the survey members, as evidenced in positive rank correlations among ratios of the individual to group root mean square errors.
The impact of institutional stockholders and managerial interests on the capital structure of firms

When the self-interests of management and stockholders conflict, this is likely to manifest itself in different attitudes towards risk. Managers are hypothesized to desire low levels of debt in the firm's capital structure, while outside stockholders, who hold diversified portfolios, will tolerate higher debt ratios. Empirical results provide evidence in support of the hypotheses. The presence of institutional investors constrains management's discretion in setting capital structure and a positive relationship is identified between their fractional and dollar-value ownership of a firm and debt-assets ratios. Institutional investors will act in a manner that is consistent with the goals of other outside stockholders.
An instrument for measuring the critical factors of TQM in Turkish higher education

Driven by increasing competition and intensifying market forces, higher education institutes (HEIs) find total quality management (TQM) as one of the indispensable tools to adapt to the evolving new educational environment and to fulfil the expectations of their stakeholders. Based on a thorough review and synthesis of the quality management literature, this paper identifies 11 critical areas of TQM in an HEI. Operational measures of the critical factors are developed that can be used individually or in concert to produce a profile of institution-wide quality management. These measures are tested for reliability and validity using perceptual data collected from a sample of 144 academics from 22 HEIs in Istanbul, Turkey. Decision makers will be able to use this instrument to identify the extent of TQM implementation in their institutions, while researchers will be able to use it for furthering TQM research in HEIs.
Widespread Occurrence and Genomic Context of Unusually Small Polyketide Synthase Genes in Microbial Consortia Associated with Marine Sponges

ABSTRACT Numerous marine sponges harbor enormous amounts of as-yet-uncultivated bacteria in their tissues. There is increasing evidence that these symbionts play an important role in the synthesis of protective metabolites, many of which are of great pharmacological interest. In this study, genes for the biosynthesis of polyketides, one of the most important classes of bioactive natural products, were systematically investigated in 20 demosponge species from different oceans. Unexpectedly, the sponge metagenomes were dominated by a ubiquitously present, evolutionarily distinct, and highly sponge-specific group of polyketide synthases (PKSs). Open reading frames resembling animal fatty acid genes were found on three corresponding DNA regions isolated from the metagenomes of Theonella swinhoei and Aplysina aerophoba. Their architecture suggests that methyl-branched fatty acids are the metabolic product. According to a phylogenetic analysis of housekeeping genes, at least one of the PKSs belongs to a bacterium of the Deinococcus-Thermus phylum. The results provide new insights into the chemistry of sponge symbionts and allow inference of a detailed phylogeny of the diverse functional PKS types present in sponge metagenomes. Based on these qualitative and quantitative data, we propose a significantly simplified strategy for the targeted isolation of biomedically relevant PKS genes from complex sponge-symbiont associations.
The application of learning theories to improve cross-cultural training programs in MNCs

Cultural intelligence and intercultural competence are concepts that have been identified as antecedents for success in global management, and both depend on the acquisition of cultural knowledge. However, although a lack of cultural knowledge is cited in the international management literature as a frequent source of failure in expatriate assignments, there is scant research about how cultural knowledge is created and diffused within organizations. We cite evidence that cross-cultural training programs, which are widely utilized for cross-cultural knowledge transfer, tend to be ineffective in transferring cultural knowledge, and we examine in detail how cultural knowledge is acquired in MNCs and reveal the importance of its tacit component. Then, drawing upon five relevant learning models, we propose a framework for the effective transfer of cultural knowledge. Based on this theoretical underpinning, we offer four sets of effective cross-cultural training methods, as a function of the resources available, that the firm can apply to achieve more effective cross-cultural training for global managers.
Effects of anonymity and evaluative tone on idea generation in computer-mediated groups

A laboratory experiment was used to evaluate the effects of anonymity and evaluative tone on computer-mediated groups using a group decision support system to perform an idea-generation task. Evaluative tone was manipulated through a confederate group member who entered supportive or critical comments into the automated brainstorming system. Groups working anonymously and with a critical confederate produced the greatest number of original solutions and overall comments, yet average solution quality per item and average solution rarity were not different across conditions. Identified groups working with a supportive confederate were the most satisfied and had the highest levels of perceived effectiveness, but produced the fewest original solutions and overall comments.
RELEVANCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL PROACTIVENESS ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE: NIGERIAN COMPANIES EXPERIENCE

The rapid changes in technological, social, economic and political trends sometimes result in improving entrepreneurial performance. An enterprise seems relevant to the society when it unveils its entrepreneurial proactiveness toward achieving manageable levels of performance. More than two decades now, Nigeria has been on the path to revolutionizing her entrepreneurship despite her depressed economy. This paper investigates the existing relationship between entrepreneurial proactiveness characteristics and performance by employing data randomly drawn from selected enterprises based on size classification and performance measures methodology involved the use of structured questionnaire. Questions on performance came from items such as market shares, sales volumes, product or service quality , productivity and so on, structured questionnaire was used to extract information from the respondents, so the companies were randomly selected from the Nigeria Stock Exchange handbook and Corporate Affairs Commission book of registered companies. Copies of the questionnaire were administered to senior managers. The entrepreneurial proactiveness was categorized as high and low levels in order to explore the degree of use made to performance indicators. The findings showed that the enterprise on high entrepreneurial proactiveness responded positively to performance measures with consistent increase in size and employment of qualified and competent personnel. Conclusively, the enterprises performance was found to be a function of a wider based entrepreneurial proactiveness. Based on this, companies should embrace entrepreneurial strategies as part of the steps for improving performance, operations involving entrepreneurial concerns in order to reduce wastes among others.
Comparison of the Financial Results of Record-Keeping and Average Farms in North Dakota

Participation in a farm management association enhances members' recordkeeping abilities and provides standards of performance to measure achievement. However, these data can only be generalized to broader populations of farmers if association members are a representative sample. This study compares the financial characteristics of North Dakota farmers belonging to a recordkeeping program and those randomly surveyed by USDA. Association members had significantly different financial characteristics as compared to average farmers in the state. Member farms had substantially more acreage, hired labor, gross income, expenses, assets and liabilities. Equity levels on recordkeeping farms were higher but profitability and returns to equity were statistically lower.
C. difficile toxin A increases intestinal permeability and induces Cl- secretion.

Mucosal sheets of guinea pig ileum mounted in Ussing chambers were used to determine effects of highly purified Clostridium difficile toxin A on intestinal structure and barrier function in the absence of recruited neutrophils and blood flow. With the use of standard electrophysiological and morphological techniques, our results indicate that 5 micrograms/ml mucosal toxin A induces substantial alteration in epithelial permeability and in structure of absorptive cells. Transepithelial fluxes of mannitol (3.6 A) and inulin (11.5 A) increased 20-80 min after toxin A exposure (63 +/- 13 vs. 149 +/- 14 and 2.33 +/- 0.43 vs. 7.03 +/- 1.0 nmol.cm-2.h-1 for mannitol and inulin; controls vs. toxin exposed, respectively, both P less than 0.01). Toxin A exposure diminished short-circuit current (153 +/- 8 vs. 77 +/- 6 microA/cm2 for control and toxin exposed, respectively, P less than 0.001), decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (61.6 +/- 3 vs. 50.1 +/- 3.9 omega.cm2 for control and toxin exposed, respectively, P less than 0.05), increased passive permeation of Na+ (19.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 27.4 +/- 0.9 mumol.cm-2.h-1 for control and toxin exposed, respectively), and induced a Cl- secretory response (net flux 3.65 +/- 3.0 vs. -4.62 +/- 2.6 mumol.cm-2.h-1, for control and toxin exposed, respectively, P less than 0.05) over the 2-h experimental time course. Toxin A-induced structural alterations of villus tip absorptive cells were strikingly similar to those induced by the actin-binding agent cytochalasin D. Specifically, cells displayed constricted subjunctional zones, flared microvillus brush borders, condensation of microfilaments in the zone of the perijunctional actomyosin ring, and breakdown of intercellular tight junctions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Post stabilization estimates of money demand in Croatia: error correction model using the bounds testing approach

This paper estimates an error correction model of money demand for Croatia over the post-stabilization period based on the ARDL bounds testing procedure. While industrial production is statistically insignificant for both the M1 and M1A money demand specifications, interest rates, inflation, and the real effective exchange rate have a negative and statistically significant impact. The error correction money demand models appear structurally stable based on the cumulative sum and cumulative sum of square tests.
Macroeconomic Stabilization: Fixed Exchange Rates Vs Inflation Targeting Vs Price Level Targeting

We argue that the traditional question 'fixed vs. flexible exchange rates? ' is not well-defined, because 'flexible exchange rates' does not explicitly specify any particular monetary policy. In traditional analyses, 'flexible exchange rates' was interpreted as implying a fixed money supply. But fixing the money supply (or fixing its growth rate at k%) is rarely advocated nowadays. To reflect today's policy debate, the traditional question should be replaced by the question 'fixed exchange rates vs. inflation targeting vs. price level targeting? '. We then build a simple macroeconomic model of a small open economy. The model incorporates an 'outside lag' in the effect of monetary policy on aggregate demand, so that inflation targeting and price level targeting are always imperfect. We use this model to compare the stabilization properties of three different monetary rules: a fixed exchange rate, a fixed inflation target, and a fixed price level target. We show that price level targeting is best for stabilizing output, the real exchange rate and the real interest rate, relative to their natural rates.
Early identification of HCV genotype 1 patients responding to 24 weeks peginterferon α‐2a (40 kd)/ribavirin therapy

Approximately one third of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) after 24 weeks of treatment with peginterferon α‐2a (40 kd) plus ribavirin in a randomized, multinational trial. We aimed to identify factors associated with a rapid virological response (RVR) at week 4 (HCV RNA <50 IU/mL) and a SVR (HCV RNA <50 IU/mL at the end of follow‐up) in these patients. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the prognostic factors for a RVR and SVR in genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks. Fifty‐one of 216 (24%) genotype 1 patients in the 24‐week treatment groups had a RVR. SVR rates were considerably higher in patients with than without a RVR (89% vs. 19%, respectively). Patients with a baseline HCV RNA of less than 200,000 IU/mL (OR 9.7, 95% CI 4.2‐22.5; P < .0001) or 200,000‐600,000 IU/mL (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.5‐9.1; P = .0057) were more likely to achieve a RVR than those with HCV RNA greater than 600,000 IU/mL. HCV subtype (1b vs. 1a) was also independently associated with RVR (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9‐3.7; P = .0954). RVR (OR 23.7 vs. no RVR, 95% CI 9.1‐61.7) and baseline HCV RNA less than 200,000 IU/mL (OR 2.7 vs. >600,000 IU/mL, 95% CI 1.1‐6.3; P < .026) were significant and independent predictors of SVR in patients treated for 24 weeks. In conclusion, patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and treated with peginterferon α‐2a/ribavirin sustained a RVR 24% of the time. This portends an 89% probability of a SVR after 24 weeks of treatment. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;43:954–960.)
Quantitative mapping of tryptophan hydroxylase‐2, 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT1B, and serotonin transporter expression across the anteroposterior axis of the rat dorsal and median raphe nuclei

Depression and anxiety disorders are among the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and disability in the United States. Impaired serotonin neurotransmission appears to be a central mechanism inducing depressive and anxiety symptoms. Most serotonergic innervation of the forebrain arises from the median raphe nucleus (MRN) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). The DRN displays a complex internal morphology, with distinct subregions varying across the anteroposterior (A‐P) axis. However, many studies have considered the DRN as a whole or used easily confused terminology to describe position. Given the large differences in receptor expression, electrophysiological properties, and connectivity between various subregions of the DRN, it appears probable that they have distinct functional roles in the regulation of behavior. To foster uniform definitions of locations within these nuclei, we have quantitatively mapped gene expression in DRN and MRN for tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 (Tph2), the serotonin transporter, as well as 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT1B receptors. These quantitative studies revealed differences in the density of expression of each gene in the ventromedial, dorsomedial, and dorsolateral subnuclei of the DRN, as well as distinct variation in expression across the A‐P axis. These findings provide additional evidence that subregions of the DRN are heterogeneous and need to be considered independently. In addition, a fine scale map of Tph2 expression suggests definitions for categorical divisions of the DRN across the A‐P axis. These are based on distinct morphological patterns of Tph2 expression and may be more reflective of physiology than the classic terminology dividing the DRN into equal thirds. J. Comp. Neurol. 498:611–623, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deflecting European Union Influence on National Education Policy-Making: The Case of the United Kingdom

Abstract This article examines how education policies developed in the European Union (EU) through the open method of co-ordination (OMC) are received at the member state level of the United Kingdom (UK). We argue that the UK’s response to the education OMC can be understood mainly in terms of deflecting EU influence on the process and content of national education policy-making. We focus on three manifestations of deflecting EU influence on national education policies. On a level of institutional structures, first, few organizational resources are made available for responding to the education OMC. Second, there is limited communication between domestic policy teams and UK civil servants involved in international work. Third, on a level of discourse UK education policy-makers have retained a commitment to the continued sovereignty of the UK over education policy and its role as a potential leader of education policy agendas in the EU. Deflecting the education OMC involves here constructing images of ‘fit’ between UK and EU OMC education policies.
Agglomeration and Regional Costs of Living

Standard models of the new economic geography predict that costs of living are lower in the core than in the periphery. But in reality they tend to be higher in agglomeration areas, mainly because of regional differences in housing costs. In this paper, we add a home goods sector to the seminal NEG model of Krugman (1991). We show that a core-periphery structure can endogenously emerge in which the core is the more expensive area. This result has an important normative implication. Since higher costs of living imply falling real wages if there is no nominal wage premium, it is not desirable for everybody to live in the core region. Copyright Blackwell Publishing, Inc. 2006
In Defence of Capitalisation Weights: Evidence from the FTSE 100 and S&P 500 Indices

A simple method for decomposing the variance covariance matrix of portfolio returns at the level of individual stocks is applied to the FTSE 100 Index. During extreme negative shocks, the largest index constituents exhibit lower than average covariance, thereby reducing the volatility of the capitalisation‐weighted index. The risk‐adjusted returns of the capitalisation‐weighted FTSE 100 Index exceed those of an equally‐weighted version of the same index and the outperformance is robust to the method of risk adjustment applied. The equally‐weighted index also exhibits greater systematic (market) risk than the capitalisation‐weighted version.