Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Homevoter Hypothesis: How Home Values Influence Local Government Taxation, School Finance, and Land-Use Policies

The successes and failures of local government are reflected in the value of homes in the jurisdiction. Good schools and attractive public goods raise the value of homes in a locality, and unpleasant environments and high property taxes lower those same values. Home values are the report cards for local government, and bad marks hurt the owners of those homes. Because homeowners, unlike corporate stockholders, cannot diversify their largest asset - their home - they become active in the governance of municipal corporations. They "vote their homes" in selecting public officials or in plebiscites. The Homevoter Hypothesis works out the implications of this asset-market view of local government. It explains: - Why local control of land use is so important to most American voters: It prevents newcomers from "free riding" on local public goods. - Why the property tax is primarily a local tax: It connects the benefits of local (but not state or national) expenditures to property values. - Why rent control is rare in the United States: It shifts the burden of taxation to homeowners. - Why Californians rationally voted for Proposition 13, the 1978 property tax revolt: The Serrano decision of 1976 eliminated the connection between local property taxes and school quality. - Why displacement of local taxation by state funds reduces school quality: Capitalization of school quality at the local (but not at the state) level induces all homeowners, with and without children, to support cost-effective school spending. - Why localities are unlikely to "race to the bottom" on environmental issues: Degradation of local environments reduces home values. - Why local zoning, not the land market, causes suburban sprawl: Homevoters discourage zoning for higher densities that threatens their home values. - Why American metropolitan areas remain so politically fragmented: Homevoters know that consolidated metropolitan government will be dominated by business interest groups, not homeowners.
Ownership motivation and strategic planning in small business

INTRODUCTION This study investigates whether strategic planning in small businesses is related to the business ownership motivations of operators. In particular, the study compares the propensity of operators motivated by financial versus personal/non-financial goals to engage in strategic planning for their businesses. A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey small business operators in Western Australia. The questionnaire collected general information on the characteristics of operators and their businesses, the initial motivations of operators for going into business and the extent of planning activities. ANALYSIS Quantitative analysis was used in this study to investigate relationships between operators' business ownership motivations and strategic planning. Specifically, factor analysis identified and grouped operators based on their motivations for going into business, and means comparisons (ANOVA) assessed between-group differences in strategic planning. RESULTS Four groups of small business operators were identified in the study based on business ownership motivations. Operators in business to achieve financial goals were more likely to engage in strategic planning than operators motivated by lifestyle change and those 'pushed' into small business ownership. Operators driven by personal achievement goals (e.g., self-development, personal challenge and recognition) were similar to 'financial' operators and showed a greater likelihood to strategically plan. CONCLUSION Motivations for small business ownership are diverse and significantly influence how operators manage their businesses. In most cases, the operator is the business and accordingly, research into small business strategic planning needs to focus on the operator and his/her personal motivations and ambitions. INTRODUCTION Small businesses make up the largest business sector in every world economy (Culkin & Smith 2000) and, since the 1970s, have replaced 'big business' as key drivers of employment and economic growth in most OECD countries (Peacock 2004). In spite of their dominance (both in terms of absolute numbers and contributions to economic activity), small businesses are generally " plagued by high failure rates and poor performance levels " (Jocumsen 2004, p.659). To ensure sustained development of the small business sector, considerable research has examined why some enterprises are more successful than others. Findings generally show that strategic planning is a vital ingredient in small business development, competitiveness and success (Vicere, 1995). Unfortunately, the majority of small businesses do not strategically plan. The reticence of small business operators to engage in strategic planning has been broadly attributed to various 'barriers to planning'. Recently however, it has been argued that overall levels of planning (strategic or otherwise) may be …
EFFECTS OF EXOGENOUS ACTH ON THE RAT FETAL ADRENAL CORTEX: A HISTOCHEMICAL AND ELECTRON‐MICROSCOPICAL OBSERVATION

ACTH was administered subcutaneously to rat fetus directly at the late stage of fetal development and acute reaction on the fetal adrenal cortex was observed histochemically and electron microscopically. By administration of ACTH the adrenal cortex became remarkably hyperemic and there were swollen cells in all layers, particularly in the middle and inner layers (corresponding to the zona fasciculata and reticularis in adult rat). Marked reduction of lipid, enlarged mitochondria with increased vesicular cristae and increased smooth‐surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (SER) were characteristic. The alterations of mitochondria preceded the change of SER, and thereafter mitochondria showed rapid degeneration. The outer layer (corresponding to the zona glomerulosa in adult rat) also showed similar changes by ACTH to those of the other two layers. These results indicated that the fetal adrenal cortex of rats was exogenous ACTH‐reactive and its reaction which was different from that of adult cortical cells, seemed to be speciflcally related to the development and differentiation of the cells. ACTA PATH. JAP. 27: 477–484, 1977.
Breast Tumor Resembling the Tall Cell Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Report of 5 Cases

Five cases of a hitherto undescribed breast tumor having histologic features similar to those of the tall cell variant papillary thyroid carcinoma are described. They were composed of columnar mitochondrion-rich to oxyphilic cells arranged in nests, papillae, and follicle-like structures. In addition, the neoplastic cells showed numerous nuclear grooves and, in two cases, nuclear pseudo-inclusions. None of the patients had previous concomitant or subsequent evidence of a thyroid tumor. Immunohistochemistry further excluded a metastasis from the thyroid in the four cases tested, as they were consistently thyroglobulin and thyroid transcription factor 1 negative.
Economic impact of refugees

Significance The number of refugees displaced by civil conflict or natural disasters is on the rise. Economic impacts of refugees on host countries are controversial and little understood, because data have not been available and the question of refugee impacts does not lend itself to conventional impact evaluation methods. We use a unique Monte Carlo simulation approach with microdata from refugee and host-country surveys to obtain the first estimates of refugee camps’ impacts on surrounding host-country economies and to compare impacts of cash versus in-kind refugee aid. An additional refugee increases total real income within a 10-km radius around two cash camps by significantly more than the aid the refugee receives. Impacts around a camp receiving in-kind (food) aid are smaller. In 2015, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees accommodated over 15 million refugees, mostly in refugee camps in developing countries. The World Food Program provided these refugees with food aid, in cash or in kind. Refugees’ impacts on host countries are controversial and little understood. This unique study analyzes the economic impacts of refugees on host-country economies within a 10-km radius of three Congolese refugee camps in Rwanda. Simulations using Monte Carlo methods reveal that cash aid to refugees creates significant positive income spillovers to host-country businesses and households. An additional adult refugee receiving cash aid increases annual real income in the local economy by $205 to $253, significantly more than the $120–$126 in aid each refugee receives. Trade between the local economy and the rest of Rwanda increases by $49 to $55. The impacts are lower for in-kind food aid, a finding relevant to development aid generally.
Exit Strategy for UK Leveraged Buyouts: Empirical Evidence on Determinants

This study provides evidence on the determinants of exit strategies for UK leveraged buyouts (LBOs). Using a sample of 104 going concern UK LBOs exited by the LBO sponsors between 1998 and 2004, we analyse the determinants of the exit routes - IPO, trade sale or secondary LBO (SBO) - by estimating a trinomial logistic regression model. Operating performance, firm size, length of holding period by the LBO sponsor and whether the firm belongs to the high tech indsutries are significant determinants of the exit strategy. Operating performance is significantly higher in the SBO than in other two categories and holding period significantly longer than in trade sales. This suggests that when exit markets such as the stock market or the M & A market are not favourable, LBO sponsors hold on to better performing firms longer while waiting for better market conditions but dispose of others through flotation or trade sale. The evidence suggests that the secondary LBO market might be sieving off the best companies from the portfolios of LBO sponsors. We also find evidence that exit returns have no significant explantory power for the exit route and that larger firms are less likely to be exited by flotation and trade sale. These preferences for exit routes are likely to be due to exit market conditions.
A 0.9–2.2GHz wide-band low-noise amplifier design

In this paper, A wide-band 0.9-2.2 GHz low-noise amplifier(LNA) employing the shunt-shunt resistance feedback technology is presented for DVB-S(digital video broadcasting via satellite) tuner application. The resistor feedback is used to realize the wide-band input matching and the optimization of the noise performance. This wide-band LNA designed in the 0.35 mum SiGe BiCMOS technology, achieves 17.6 dB gain with a excellent input match(S11<-17 dB) and a good linearity over the 0.9~2.2 GHz bandwidth, and a NF(noise figure) from 3.6~4 dB while drawing 17.2 mA dc biasing current from 5 V power supply, which can meet the requirements of the DVB-S tuner application.
Photothermal characterrization by atomic force microscopy around grain boundary in multicrystalline silicon material

Nonradiative recombination of photocarriers around grain boundaries is important property in multicrystalline silicon material, and has been investigated through local photothermal (PT) measurements by atomic force microscopy. We found that the PT signal was apparently enhanced near the grain boundary, which is probably due to fast nonradiative recombination at the boundary. In addition, relationship between the dependence of PT signal on incident photon energy and the minority carrier diffusion length is discussed.
Updating Prokaryotic Taxonomy

Prokaryotic taxonomy is cyclically confronted with breakthroughs of methodological and conceptual innovations. The “sexiest” novelties are often met by periods of reluctance but, after some ups and downs, tend to consolidate themselves within the taxonomic framework. One of these novelties is presented in this issue of the Journal of Bacteriology, where Konstantinidis and Tiedje (10) evaluate the implementation of a genomics-based parameter to objectify and numerically confine the higher taxa (i.e., taxa above species) of the taxonomic hierarchical classification system. Their results seem promising, and one could predict that it might be an important parameter to take into account when modernizing prokaryotic taxonomy. However, at the same time, we have to be aware of what has been achieved and how the microbial classification system has evolved.
Primary sequence and biological functions of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae O6‐methylguanine/O4‐methylthymine DNA repair methyltransferase gene.

We previously identified and characterized biochemically an O6‐methylguanine (O6MeG) DNA repair methyltransferase (MTase) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and showed that it recognizes both O6MeG and O4‐methylthymine (O4MeT) in vitro. Here we characterize the cloned S. cerevisiae O6MeG DNA MTase gene (MGT1) and determine its in vivo role in protecting yeast from DNA alkylation damage. We isolated a yeast DNA fragment that suppressed alkylation‐induced killing and mutation in Escherichia coli ada ogt MTase deficient mutants and produced in these cells a protein similar to the yeast MTase. The cloned yeast fragment was mapped to chromosome IV and DNA sequencing identified an open reading frame, designated MGT1, which encodes a 188 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 21,500 daltons. An 88 amino acid stretch of the MGT1 protein displays remarkable homology with four bacterial MTases and the human DNA MTase. S.cerevisiae mutants bearing an insertion in the MGT1 gene lacked DNA MTase activity and were very sensitive to alkylation induced killing and mutation. MGT1 transcript levels are not increased in response to DNA alkylation damage, nor is the MGT1 MTase involved in the regulation of the yeast 3‐methyladenine DNA glycosylase gene (MAG). Expression of the MGT1 gene in E.coli prevented the induction by alkylating agents of both G:C to A:T and A:T to G:C transition mutations indicating that this eukaryotic MTase repairs both O6MeG and O4MeT in vivo.
Early peri-implant endosseous healing of two implant surfaces placed in surgically created circumferential defects. A histomorphometric and fluorescence study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE Several implant surfaces are being developed, some in the nanoscale level. In this study, two different surfaces had their early healing properties compared in context of circumferential defects of various widths. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six dogs had the mandibular premolars extracted. After 8 weeks, four implants were placed equicrestally in each side. One acted as control, while the others were inserted into sites with circumferential defects of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm wide and 5 mm deep. A nano-modified surface was used on one side and a micro-rough on the other. Bone markers were administered on the third day after implant placement and then after 1, 2, 4 weeks to investigate the bone formation dynamic through fluorescence analysis. Ground sections were prepared from 8-week healing biopsies and histomorphometry was performed. RESULTS The fluorescence evaluation of the early healing showed numerically better results for the nano-modified group; however this trend was not followed by the histomorphometric evaluation. A non-significant numerical superiority of the micro-rough group was observed in terms of vertical bone apposition, defect bone fill, bone-to-implant contact and bone density. In the intra-group analysis, the wider defects showed the worse results while the control sites showed the best results for the different parameters, but without statistical relevance. CONCLUSION Both surfaces may lead to complete fill of circumferential defects, but the gap width has to be considered as a challenge. The nano-scale modification was beneficial in the early stages of bone healing, but the micro-rough surface showed numerical better outcomes at the 8-week final period.
Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry in Preterm Very Low Birth weight Infants

ABSTRACT. Transcutaneous bilirubinometry using the Minolta Airshield TcB was performed on 40 preterm VLBW Chinese infants during the first 7 days of life; altogether 614 observations were made on the forehead and sternum, respectively. A positive correlation between the TcB index and plasma bilirubin concentration was obtained on the forehead and sternum. Positive plasma bilirubin‐TcB index correlations were also observed for each individual day. The plasma bilirubin‐TcB index (forehead) regressions were fairly similar for the individual days and the combined overall regression except for 2 days (days 5 and 7). A slight improvement was observed when only bilirubin concentrations ≤200 μmol/l were evaluated. The intercepts were however different for individual days requiring correction factors to the combined overall regression intercept if the regression is to be used for the respective days. However, the plasma bilirubin‐TcB index (sternum) regression for the individual days were significantly different one from another, and from the overall combined plasma bilirubin‐TcB index (sternum) regression. This significant difference was still observed when only plasma bilirubin concentrations ≤200 μmol/l were evaluated. Hence, transcutaneous bilirubinometry has major limitations in preterm VLBW infants.
Transformational leadership and employee engagement in the mining industry

In the South African mining industry, employee relations are highly complex and often characterised by violence and unrest. The purpose of this article is to determine if there is a relationship between transformational leadership and employee engagement at a mine in the North West Province. The methodology included a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. The main findings were that a transformational leadership style and employee engagement are related to one another and should be considered holistically. The unique contribution of this research lies in the fact that it provides insight into the complex relationships between leaders and ordinary employees at the mine. The research considered both sides of the problem, namely from the point of view of the leaders as well as that of the ordinary employees who might be experiencing various degrees of engagement with their jobs. Recommendations for future management interventions include that leaders pay individual attention to followers, provide balanced feedback and provide opportunities for growth and development.
An Audit of Sharp Injuries at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai, India

Percutaneous injuries, caused by needle sticks and other sharps, are a serious concern for all healthcare workers (HCWs) and pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of blood borne pathogens. Sharp injury or Needle stick injury (NSI) is any cut or prick to the respondents by a needle or sharp object previously used on a patient; it is work related and sustained within the hospital premises. Various factors like type and design of needle, recapping activity, collision between HCWs or sharps, manipulating needles in patient line related work, passing/ handling devices or failure to dispose of the needle in puncture proof containers are the various risk factors. The level of risk is directly proportional to the risk factors and the precautions observed. All categories of HCWs are at an increased risk of accidental sharps injuries (Sumathi et al., 2010). The level of risk depends on the number of patients with that infection in the health care facility and the precautions the health care workers observe while dealing these patients. There are more than 20 blood-borne diseases, but those of primary significance to health care workers are hepatitis due to either the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 1 (2017) pp. 201-206 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Environmental Management and Business Strategy

1. Introduction: The environmental challenge and business strategy 2. The legislative Frameworks 3. Environmental impact assessment: prevention is better than cure 4. Making a start: environmental policies, environmental reviews and the measurement of environmental performance. 5. Linking quality and the environment: creating environmental management systems 6. Environmental auditing: monitoring continuous improvement 7. Waste minimisation and life-cycle assessment: issues for product and process design 8. Communicating the difference: green marketing packaging and eco-labelling 9. Small businesses and environmental management: a new model for development? 10. Regional development and environmental management: new opportunities for co-operation
Empirical Studies on Financial Markets: Private Equity, Corporate Bonds and Emerging Markets

textabstractThis dissertation consists of five empirical studies on financial markets. Each study can be read independently and covers a specific market, either private equity, corporate bonds or emerging markets. The first study documents that risk factors cannot account for the significant excess returns of selection strategies based on value, momentum or earnings revisions indicators in the emerging equity market. The second study presents empirical evidence that security analysts do not efficiently use publicly available macroeconomic information in their earnings forecasts for emerging markets’ companies. The third study focuses on the emerging currency market and shows that a combination of macroeconomic variables and technical trading rules can be exploited to implement profitable trading strategies. Combining these two types of information improves the risk-adjusted performance. In the study on the corporate bond market we document that common risk factors do a good job in explaining the cross-section of returns on corporate bond portfolios with medium to long maturity, but significantly underestimate the returns on corporate bonds with a short maturity. Comparable evidence of a short-term corporate bond anomaly also shows up in portfolios of corporate bond mutual funds. In the last study we set out a commitment strategy that allows an investor in private equity to maintain a constant portfolio allocation to private equity given the uncertain nature of future cash flows and the limited liquidity.
Focusing Partnerships: A Sourcebook for Municipal Capacity Building in Public-Private Partnerships

Introduction - Why involve the Private Sector - Creating and Focusing Partnerships - The Context of Public-Private Partnerships - Partnerships in Urban Governance - Poverty Reduction - Key Actors - Key Principles - Creating a Framework - Organisational and Contractual Issues - Key Processes - Human Resource Development - Organisational Development - A Framework for Action - References, Index