Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Access to micro-credit well-being among women entrepreneurs in the Mfantsiman Municipality of Ghana

Less attention has been given to well-being and other household characteristics that influence clients’ access to micro-credit among women households especially. The paper investigates the determinants of access to credit by 320 women entrepreneurs in the Mfantsiman Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Data for the study was collected in June-July 2010 from six communities including Mankessim, Saltpond, Anomabu, Biriwa and Yamoransa. Sturctured questionnaires were used to collect the data from women entrepreneurs. The results of the study indicate that clients’ well-being influences access to credit amount. Clients who have been in business for long time are likely to access larger loan amounts. Marital status and education do not influence access to credit. Among the recommendations are that microfinance should not only target clients with high well-being scores but those with low well-being scores since the original aim of microfinance is to lift the poor out of poverty. It is important to give credit to aged business owners instead of young ones. Giving credit to married women because their husbands could serve as guarantors does not matter much but rather women who do not have husbands also need to benefit from micro-credit.
Impact of Servant Leadership on Employee Empowerment

In this era of globalization, there is a need for employees' empowerment in the organization which wants to be competitive and flourish. Level of employee empowerment in an organization depends on the leadership style in the organization. The various types of leadership styles have different impact on empowerment of the employees. Servant leadership can bring about positive change in the organizations and their employees. Servant leadership is demonstrated by empowering and developing people by expressing humility, authenticity, interpersonal acceptance, and stewardship; and by providing direction (Dierendonck.2011). The study is conducted in high technology-oriented organizations in India by developing questionnaire consisting of 68 items to measure the servant leadership characteristics, empowerment and consequence variables based on ten characteristics of servant leadership identified by Spears (1998) and Empowerment instrument developed by Gupta (2009). The study highlights that Foresight, Persuading, Awareness, and Stewardship characteristics of Servant leadership are very important for Employee Empowerment. Stewardship, persuading and conceptualizing characteristics of servant leadership have positive impact on consequences viz. organizational commitment, work environment satisfaction, role satisfaction and job involvement of employees leading to higher performance of the organization providing the competitive advantage to the organization.
An empirical analysis of intergovernmental tax interaction: the case of business income taxes in Canada

Both federal and provincial governments in Canada levy corporate taxes on busi- nesses in their jurisdictions, which potentially gives rise to horizontal and vertical tax exter- nalities within the federation. Using a simple model of interdependent tax choices, we estimate tax-setting functions for the federal government, Ontario, Quebec, and an aggregate of the remaining eight provinces. We find evidence of significant vertical and horizontal tax inter- actions. Provincial tax rates respond negatively to the federal tax rate, while at least some provinces increase their tax rates in response to increases in the tax rates of other provinces.
The great outdoors and management development: a framework for analysing the learning and transfer of management skills.

Despite a rapid increase in the provision of outdoor management development courses, there is a lack of both empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives to support theories related to the efficacy of the learning process and its transfer to the workplace. This paper highlights the lack of research in the area of outdoor management development provision and proposes a framework for analysing the learning and transfer of managerial skills. Using skills in conflict handling as an example, the discussion links the role of knowledge in skill acquisition to the issue of learning transfer and proposes a way in which different approaches may affect learning outcomes. It is proposed that this framework may be used as an evaluation tool in respect of particular methodologies or course designs and that this may help to maximize the chances of focused learning and subsequent skills transfer.
Implications of biased reporting: conservative and liberal accounting policies in oligopolies

Abstract We examine the effects of biased (conservative or liberal) reporting on product market competition. Cournot duopolists observe either firm-specific or industry-wide shocks and provide noisy reports subject to an exogenous mandated bias attributed to public policy. Given neutral prior beliefs, either a conservative bias or a liberal bias enhances overall reporting-system informativeness as measured by the reduction of uncertainty. Consistent with previously established effects in the information sharing literature regarding increases in informativeness, we show that expected industry profits and expected consumer surplus may gain or lose from bias, depending on whether the shocks are firm-specific or industry-wide and the degree of product competition. Expected social welfare, however, always increases in bias, irrespective of the source of uncertainty and product substitutability or complementarity. We next consider a setting where firms self-select whether to bias reports and characterize regions of potential conflict with a public policy that maximizes expected social welfare. Further results on the differential effects of conservative or liberal bias follow from relaxing the assumption of neutral prior beliefs.
Volunteer selection and social, human and political capital: a case study of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

In the case of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, 70,000 volunteers were selected from more than one million applicants and the majority were university students in Beijing (BOCOG, 2008). Drawing upon theories of social, human and political capital, as developed by Bourdieu (1986; 1991), Coleman (1988) and Putnam (2000) respectively, this research analyses how volunteer selection was practised at this mega event. In particular, the role of the three forms of capital in volunteer selection was examined through an analysis of policy documents, interviews with BOCOG staff and focus groups with university students who volunteered for the Olympic Games. This research contributes to the body of knowledge in the field, and also provides insights for practitioners in selecting volunteers for organising mega sport events and other activities that require a large number of volunteers.
Studies of phospholipase C (heat-labile hemolysin) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The chromogenic substrate p-nitrophenylphosphorylcholine was used to measure phospholipase C (heat-labile hemolysin) production by clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Analysis of strains from various types of infection showed that phospholipase C production by urinary tract isolates was significantly greater than that by lung, blood, or other isolates (e.g., wounds, etc.). The above method was also found to be effective for the isolation of several classes of phospholipase C mutants.
Observable Contracts: Strategic Delegation and Cooperation

The role of commitments in noncooperative games is well acknowledged and documented. One way to achieve commitments is by letting delegates represent the players of a game. In this paper, the authors study a delegation game in which the players can use agents strategically to play on their behalf and the contracts they sign with them are common knowledge. They show that, in such cases, every Pareto optimal outcome of the game can become the unique subgame perfect Nash equilibrium of the delegation game. The authors demonstrate this result by discussing the Cournot-type duopolistic game. Copyright 1991 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.
On the Price and Income Sensitivity of the Demand for Sports: Has Linder’s Disease Become More Serious?

This study presents some results for household demand for sports in Norway. The results provide a firm basis for concluding that the demand for sports is income elastic. However, because both sports events and own sports activities are time-consuming, they may be subject to Linder’s disease, which is due to a shadow value of leisure increasing with income. This implies a negative bias in the income elasticity as estimated by us. The calculations suggest that the bias has become bigger in the period analyzed, that is, Linder’s disease has become more serious for sports over time.
Pricing and static hedging of European-style double barrier options under the jump to default extended CEV model

This paper develops two novel methodologies for pricing and hedging European-style barrier option contracts under the jump to default extended constant elasticity of variance (JDCEV) model, namely: a stopping time approach based on the first passage time densities of the underlying asset price process through the barrier levels; and a static hedging portfolio approach in which the barrier option is replicated by a portfolio of plain-vanilla and binary options. In doing so, both valuation methodologies are extended to a more general set-up accommodating endogenous bankruptcy, time-dependent barriers and the commonly observed stylized facts of a positive link between default and equity volatility and of a negative link between volatility and stock price. The two proposed numerical methods are shown to be accurate, easy to implement and efficient under both the JDCEV model and the nested constant elasticity of variance model.
GRAZING ON GIANT KELP MICROSCOPIC PHASES AND THE RECRUITMENT SUCCESS OF ANNUAL POPULATIONS OF MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (LAMINARIALES, PHAEOPHYTA) IN SOUTHERN CHILE 1

The giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere, yet it exhibits distinct population dynamics at local to regional spatial scales. Giant kelp populations are typically perennial with the potential for year‐round reproduction and recruitment. In southern Chile, however, annual giant kelp populations exist and often persist entirely on secondary substrata (e.g., shells of the slipper limpet Crepipatella fecunda [Gastropoda, Calyptraeidae]) that can cover up to 90% of the rocky bottom. In these populations, the macroscopic sporophyte phase disappears annually during winter and early spring, leaving a 3–4 month period in which a persistent microscopic phase remains to support the subsequent year’s recruitment. We tested the effects of a suite of grazers on the recruitment success of this critical microscopic phase at two sites in southern Chile. Field experiments indicated that the snail Tegula atra negatively impacted M. pyrifera sporophyte recruitment, but that recruitment was highest in the presence of sessile female limpets, C. fecunda. Conversely, small male C. fecunda (biofilm grazers) did not regulate kelp recruitment. Laboratory observations showed that C. fecunda males only grazed on microscopic kelp gametophytes and small (<250 μm) sporophytes, rejecting larger sporophytes, whereas T. atra grazed on all the kelp stages. Recruitment to the C. fecunda treatments far exceeded that to bare rock in the absence of grazers but was not due to the physical presence of C. fecunda shells. We concluded that the key to M. pyrifera recruitment success in southern Chile is its capacity to colonize secondary substrates provided by the slipper limpet C. fecunda.
Trade between China and the Netherlands: A Case Study of Trade in Tasks

Purpose - – This paper argues that the recent rise in China Dutch trade is a typical example of two nations trading tasks rather than goods. Design/methodology/approach - – China Dutch trade growth between 1996 and 2010 is compared with China's trade growth with its main partners. In addition, the composition of China Dutch trade (based on level 1 and level 3 standard international trade classification (SITC)) between 1996 and 2010 is evaluated and three short case studies are discussed. Findings - – China Dutch trade has been growing too fast and too high tech to be explained by Ricardian trade theory. Instead the data fit neatly to the recently proposed theory of trade in tasks. It seems the Dutch have outsourced tasks such as assembly and production to China and other Asian countries, while China has been outsourcing distribution and trade management activities to The Netherlands. Research limitations/implications - – This paper uses sound reasoning and some empirical evidence but no formal model or regression. The arguments of this paper could be strengthened further by using for example gravity equations of Dutch China trade. Social implications - – The governments of China and The Netherlands should invest in strengthening their respective comparative advantages in tasks. Currently, there is too much focus on R&D. Instead, the Chinese Government should invest more in their innovation capability and the working conditions of assembly workers. The Dutch should focus more on knowledge and skill in the orchestration of production and distribution. Originality/value - – This paper proposes a very different view on trade and provides a recent and typical example of two nations exchanging tasks.
Complexity Science—An Alternative Framework for Understanding Strategic Management in Public Serving Organizations

ABSTRACT Contemporary public-serving organizations—both government and nonprofit organizations—face increasing pressure to be innovative and adaptable amidst ongoing global changes. However, existing frameworks of strategic management are generally inadequate in managing the tensions between conflicting imperatives to be adaptable and innovative while providing stable and reliable services. In addition, existing strategic frameworks generally assume that strategic processes are dominated by a group of top decision makers. In contrast, public-serving organizations operate under growing legal and normative expectations to involve a diverse range of participants—individuals and organizations—in the strategy process. In this paper, we propose that complexity science offers promise in providing a theoretical framework that describes inclusive strategic processes that are associated with both innovation and emergent order. To more fully understand the potential contributions of complexity science, we provide an introduction to complexity science and compare and contrast it to the existing frameworks that currently dominate research on strategic management in public-serving organizations. We then describe and illustrate how complexity science informs our understanding of strategy content, formulation, and implementation and its implications for inclusive management practices.
The Lived Experience in the Clinical Setting of Nursing Students With Disabilities

AIM This qualitative study utilizes Moustakas’s psychological phenomenology to explore the lived experiences in the clinical setting of nursing students with disabilities. BACKGROUND Overall, the numbers of college students with disabilities are increasing, and more students with disabilities are being admitted into nursing programs. METHOD A purposive sample of 13 junior and senior baccalaureate nursing students with self-declared disabilities from two Northeastern baccalaureate nursing programs were interviewed. FINDINGS Five main themes and 12 subthemes emerged from the data. The main themes are: masking a disability, revealing a disability, affecting clinical experiences, overcoming challenges in clinical, and sharing experiences with others. The findings include: missing out on clinical experiences, limiting clinical performance, and developing strategies to adapt to a disability. Discrimination was found to exist for nursing students with disabilities who realized that they were now responsible for managing their disabilities CONCLUSION Recommendations are offered for faculty orientation programs and disability services offices.
[Association of IL-8 gene polymorphisms with inflammatory bowel disease in Chinese patients].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of interleukin 8 (IL-8) gene polymorphisms with the risks of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-8 gene at -845 T/C, -738 T/A, -353 A/T, -251 T/A and +678 T/C were analyzed in 183 IBD patients. They included Crohn's disease (CD, n = 41), ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 142) and healthy controls (n = 160). The methods of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) were employed. RESULTS No association was observed between any of these five SNPs in IL-8 gene with the occurrence of IBD. A specific haplotype AAT (-353 A/T, -251 T/A & +678 T/C) was over-represented in UC cases when compared with controls (31.0% vs 23.7%, P = 0.046). But the distributions of this haplotype did not show significant difference between CD cases and controls. CONCLUSION Our data support a significant but modest association between the AAT haplotype of IL-8 gene and UC (OR = 1.441, 95%CI 1.007 - 2.063).
Modelling non-linear Spatial Market Integration and Equilibrium Processes in Hidden Markov Framework

Along the basic rationale of the Enke-Samuelson-Takajama-Judge spatial equilibrium theory and the dynamic conceptualizations made from arbitrage processes, the study explores regime-switching techniques in hidden Markov framework. This is motivated by complex non-linear structure inherent in market integration processes, which is derived from multiple equilibria conditions, and transaction costs constrained threshold autoregressive (TAR) effects. These place theoretical limitations on current time series empirical models that are applied in market integration studies. In equilibrium representation, the non-linearities imposed by both alternating rent levels and switching adjustment parameters are directly accommodated. Two synthesized time series market data sets of varying levels of non-linear structures are used to highlight the strengths and limitations of the Markov variants vis-a-vis the band-TAR models that have currently dominated market integration analysis. The former model could capture alternating adjustment processes implied by the relatively complex non-linear market data set while the later produced mixed results.
Teaching Grant Writing with Service Learning

Grant writing experience can be a valuable asset for students completing masters-level degree programs across a variety of disciplines. A service learning grant writing project was incorporated in a multidisciplinary program evaluation course as part of a writing requirement. Twelve students served as “ghost writers” and wrote grant proposals to foundations for community organizations. Projects were assessed by ratings provided by faculty across departments who served as judges. Qualitative data was collected from students and organizational sponsors that showed high levels of satisfaction from both groups and an awareness of reciprocity of benefit from service learning were observed in both groups. Benefits and limitations of the pedagogical technique are discussed.
Tristetraprolin and Its Family Members Can Promote the Cell-Free Deadenylation of AU-Rich Element-Containing mRNAs by Poly(A) Ribonuclease

ABSTRACT Eukaryotic mRNA stability can be influenced by AU-rich elements (AREs) within mRNA primary sequences. Tristetraprolin (TTP) is a CCCH tandem zinc finger protein that binds to ARE-containing transcripts and destabilizes them, apparently by first promoting the removal of their poly(A) tails. We developed a cell-free system in which TTP and its related proteins stimulated the deadenylation of ARE-containing, polyadenylated transcripts. Transcript deadenylation was not stimulated when a mutant TTP protein was used that was incapable of RNA binding, nor when a mutant ARE was present that did not bind TTP. The ability of TTP to promote transcript deadenylation required Mg2+, but not ATP or prior capping of the RNA substrate. Cotransfection and additivity studies with the poly(A) RNase (PARN) demonstrated that TTP promoted the ability of this enzyme to deadenylate ARE-containing, polyadenylated transcripts, while having no effect on transcripts lacking an ARE. There was no effect of TTP to act synergistically with enzymatically inactive PARN mutants. We conclude that TTP can promote the deadenylation of ARE-containing, polyadenylated substrates by PARN. This interaction may be responsible for the ability of TTP and its family members to promote the deadenylation of such transcripts in intact cells.
Perceptions of Place and Health in Socially Contrasting Neighbourhoods

This paper describes an analysis of perceptions of the local residential environment and self-reported health in four socially contrasting neighbourhoods in Glasgow in the late 1990s. After adjusting for individual characteristics such as age, sex and social class, neighbourhood of residence predicted perceptions of problems and neighbourhood cohesion in the area: and self-assessed health, mental health and recent symptoms were associated with perceived local problems and neighbourhood cohesion. Housing tenure and employment status also predicted perceptions of the neighbourhood. These results support the importance of tackling anti-social problems in worst-off areas and of neighbourhood management across a range of areas.
“There’s No Place like New Orleans”: Sense of Place and Community Recovery in the Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina

ABSTRACT: This study contributes to the literature on the strength of place attachment, identity, and dependence in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. It also engages the literature concerning the role of sense of place in community engagement and the disruption in place attachment, identity, and dependence that natural disasters can cause. By drawing on interview data collected from residents who returned to New Orleans after the storm and from former New Orleanians who evacuated to Houston but did not return, this article investigates the “sense of place” that residents in Ninth Ward New Orleans neighborhoods identify in their narratives about their pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina experiences. The data considered here suggest that returning residents believe that New Orleans in general (and their Ninth Ward neighborhoods in particular) possess a unique bundle of characteristics that, when taken together, cannot be found or replicated elsewhere. While sense of place is an important motivator for returning residents, the data also suggest that complementary factors must be in place if the full potential of this social resource is to be realized.