Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Value of Multinationality: Internalization, Managerial Self-Interest, and Managerial Compensation

In this paper, we examine the impact of managerial self-interest on the value of multinationality. Since agency theory also suggests that a divergence between the interests of managers and shareholders can be aligned by effective managerial incentive, we also examine the effect of managerial compensation on the value of multinationality. Our results show that for high-"Q" (Tobin's "Q > 1") firms, investors do not associate the spending of free cash flow on multinationality with the problem of overinvestments. For high-"Q" firms, it is also found that the value of multinationality can be enhanced by effective managerial incentives. For low-"Q" firms (Tobin's "Q > 1"), it is found that the concern of managerial self-interest overwhelms the benefits of internalization, making multinationality a value-decreasing event. For low-"Q" firms, managerial compensation is also ineffective in promoting value-enhancing foreign direct investments. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd 2002.
Political Tie Heterogeneity and the Impact of Adverse Shocks on Firm Value

Past research has recognized the contingent value of corporate political ties but largely neglects their heterogeneity. Drawing on the political embeddedness perspective and literature on emerging economy political institutions, we develop hypotheses regarding how political networks comprising managerial and government ownership ties may have different valuation effects in the face of adverse political shocks. Examining stock market responses to an unanticipated, high-profile political event in China, we find a negative valuation effect of managerial ties to municipal government, but an insignificant effect of government ownership ties. Further, companies combining managerial and ownership ties experienced less post-shock reduction in market value than those holding only managerial political ties. These findings shed light on the values of different configurations of corporate political ties and inform firms of potential ways to manage ubiquitous political hazards in emerging economies.
Real-Time Dynamics of Dopamine Released from Neuronal Transplants in Experimental Parkinson's Disease

Intrastriatal transplantation of foetal midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons ameliorates the fundamental symptoms of dopaminergic denervation in clinical and experimental parkinsonism despite providing only restricted reinnervation. To understand how DA function is restored by these grafts we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at a carbon-fiber microelectrode in vitro to monitor directly and in "real time" the dynamics of graft-derived DA. Simulations of Michaelis-Menten kinetics were used to model the experimental observations. We show that the concentration of DA released by a single depolarizing pulse is significantly lower in grafted than intact striata. On the other hand, the extracellular lifetime of DA in grafts is extended due to a marked reduction in the rate maximum (V(max)) for DA reuptake by the DA transporter. Moreover, variations in V(max) and release occur in parallel: where DA release is lowest, V(max) is lowest and vice versa. The consequences of these dynamics are twofold. First, during repeated depolarization at a physiological firing frequency, when net extracellular concentrations reflect DA release versus uptake, ambient levels of extracellular DA within the graft are restored to normal. Second, the protracted extracellular lifetime of DA will increase the number and extracellular sphere of its postsynaptic actions. This effect will be most prominent where DA availability (and thus V(max)) is most restricted. Thus, these data demonstrate that dopaminergic grafts restore striatal dopaminergic function with extracellular dynamics of DA that are different from those of intact striatum but which can normalize ambient DA levels and permit transmission over an extended sphere.
Fee Pressure and Audit Quality

This study investigates the association of audit fee pressure with an inverse measure of audit quality, misstatements in audited data, during the recent recession. Fee pressure in a year is measured as the difference between benchmark “normal” audit fees and actual audit fees. We find fee pressure is positively and significantly associated with accounting misstatements in 2008, the center of the recession. Our results suggest that auditors made fee concessions to some clients in 2008, and that fee pressure was associated with reduced audit quality in that year.
RANKL Inhibition with Osteoprotegerin Increases Bone Strength by Improving Cortical and Trabecular bone Architecture in Ovariectomized Rats

Introduction: Ovariectomy (OVX) results in bone loss caused by increased bone resorption. RANKL is an essential mediator of bone resorption. We examined whether the RANKL inhibitor osteoprotegerin (OPG) would preserve bone volume, density, and strength in OVX rats.
Compensation, Turnover, and Top Management Incentives: Historical Evidence

The authors find that the rate of top management turnover and the sensitivity of turnover to stock returns for a sample of large industrial firms from 1933 to 1941 was significantly smaller than estimates reported for modern panels. They present evidence that management compensation has become more sensitive to firm performance since the 1930s. In contrast to the conclusions of Michael C. Jensen and Kevin J. Murphy (1990) and others, the authors' findings indicate that management incentives under control of the board have become stronger rather than weaker over the past half century. These findings are consistent with internal and external control mechanisms functioning as complements. Copyright 1997 by University of Chicago Press.
Fiscal Challenges and Opportunities for an Independent Scotland

This paper looks at some of the key fiscal questions related to Scottish independence, drawing on detailed analysis of household survey data, official data on public spending and revenues, and using a model of the UK and Scotland's public finances over the next half a century. We examine how and why public spending on, and revenues raised from, Scotland differ from the average across the UK, and how Scotland's fiscal position might be expected to evolve over the next 50 years under current policies.
Standardized Practice Design With Electronic Support Mechanisms for Surgical Process Improvement: Reducing Mechanical Ventilation Time

Background:Hospital surgical care is complex and subject to unwarranted variation. Objective:As part of a multiyear effort, we sought to reduce variability in intraoperative care and management of mechanical ventilation in cardiac surgery. We identified a patient population whose care could be standardized and implemented a protocol-based practice model reinforced by electronic mechanisms. Methods:In a large cardiac surgery practice, we built a standardized practice model between 2009 and 2011. We compared mechanical ventilation time before (2008) and after (2012) implementation. To ensure groups were comparable, propensity analysis matched patients from the 2 operative years. Results:In 2012, more than 50% of all cardiac surgical patients were managed with our standardized care model; of those, 769 were one-to-one matched with patients undergoing surgery in 2008. Patients had a mix of coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, and combined procedures. Our practice model reduced median mechanical ventilation duration from 9.3 to 6.3 hours (2008 and 2012) (P < 0.001) and intensive care unit length of stay from 26.3 to 22.5 hours (P < 0.001). Reintubation and intensive care unit readmission were unchanged. Variability in ventilation time was also reduced. Conclusions:We demonstrate that in more than 50% of all cardiac surgical patients, a standardized practice model can be used to achieve better results. Clinical outcomes are improved and unwarranted variability is reduced. Success is driven by clear patient identification and well-defined protocols that are clearly communicated both by electronic tools and by empowerment of bedside providers to advance care when clinical criteria are met.
Continuous Learning about Markets

Market-driven firms stand out in their ability to continuously anticipate market opportunities and respond before their competitors. The market learning processes in these firms are distinguished by: open-minded inquiry based on the belief that all decisions are made from the market back; widespread information distribution that assures that relevant facts are available when needed; mutually informed mental models that guide interpretation and ensure that everyone pays attention to the essence and potential of the information; and an accessible memory of what has been learned. However, mastery of all the steps in the learning process is rare. Most firms suffer disabilities at one or more stages. Overcoming these learning disabilities and enhancing market learning competency is an important management challenge.
The Effects of Capital on Interprovincial Migration: A Nova Scotia Focused Assessment

This paper examines the issue of interprovincial migration and its potential relationship to capital expenditure. This paper estimates and reviews the relationship between several variables and their effects on interprovincial migration; one of its main contributions is to analyze the effect of capital expenditure on net interprovincial migration. This issue was examined from a Nova Scotia perspective through both literature and an empirical model. A time-series cross sectional regression model found both median income and GDP per capita to be significant and influential explanatory variables. Capital expenditure was found to be statistically significant, but negatively related and negligible. Based on these findings and the literature review, four recommendations are proposed: continue with the status quo, incentivize return migration, provide a tax break for out of province commuters, and establish a system to expedite accreditation.
Productivity vs Institutions: An Empirical Evidence on Convergence

Various empirical studies highlight the importance of productivity and institutions along with the traditional economic growth determinants in the growth process. Comparative role of productivity and institutions in convergence, however, remains ambiguous. This paper aims to find out the relative importance of productivity and institutions on conditional convergence across middle-income countries by including 36 countries over 1984-2009 period. Main reason for selecting this type of countries is their huge convergent potential emerged when they possess adequate level of human and physical capital.In this study, panel data fixed and random effect techniques are applied and Monte Carlo simulation is run as robustness check. Accordingly, baseline model including education, investment, government consumption, population growth, advancement of knowledge, and depreciation as independent variable indicates conditional convergence. Moreover, productivity represented by Total Factor Productivity and Capital Productivity and institutions proxied by five different variables are included in the model separately and results reveal that total factor productivity accelerates the estimated conditional convergence more than institutions does. Bearing in mind the importance of institutions, this finding implies that immediate growth determinants boost economic growth more in the process of development.
American Labor Unions in the Electoral Arena

Chapter 1 American Labor Unions and Politics: An Introduction Chapter 2 The Changing Face of Labor Unions Chapter 3 Members' Attitudes toward Unions and Politics Chapter 4 Traditional Political Strategy Chapter 5 Political Strategy in the Sweeney Era Chapter 6 Union Political Activists Chapter 7 Election Day Outcomes Chapter 8 Challenges and Opportunities for Organized Labor Chapter 9 Appendix A: Research Design Chapter 10 Appendix B: The Ohio Union Surveys Chapter 11 Apprenix C: Variable Measurements: Ohio Union Surveys Chapter 12 References Chapter 13 List of Figures Chapter 14 List of Tables
Earnings Inequality within and across Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Groups in Four Latin American Countries

Latin American countries are generally characterized as displaying high income and earnings inequality overall along with high inequality by gender, race, and ethnicity. However, the latter phenomenon is not a major contributor to the former phenomenon. Using household survey data from four Latin American countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala, and Guyana) for which stratification by race or ethnicity is possible, this paper demonstrates (using Theil index decompositions as well as Gini indices, and 90/10 and 50/10 percentile comparisons) that within-group earnings inequality rather than between-group earnings inequality is the main contributor to overall earnings inequality. Simulations in which the relatively disadvantaged gender and/or racial/ethnic group is treated as if it were the relatively advantaged group tend to reduce overall earnings inequality measures only slightly and in some cases have the effect of increasing earnings inequality measures.
Modulation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infectivity through Incorporation of Tetraspanin Proteins

ABSTRACT Accumulating evidence indicates that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquires various cellular membrane proteins in the lipid bilayer of the viral envelope membrane. Although some virion-incorporated cellular membrane proteins are known to potently affect HIV-1 infectivity, the virological functions of most virion-incorporated membrane proteins remain unclear. Among these host proteins, we found that CD63 was eliminated from the plasma membranes of HIV-1-producing T cells after activation, followed by a decrease in the amount of virion-incorporated CD63, and in contrast, an increase in the infectivity of the released virions. On the other hand, we found that CD63 at the cell surface was preferentially embedded on the membrane of released virions in an HIV-1 envelope protein (Env)-independent manner and that virion-incorporated CD63 had the potential to inhibit HIV-1 Env-mediated infection in a strain-specific manner at the postattachment entry step(s). In addition, these behaviors were commonly observed in other tetraspanin proteins, such as CD9, CD81, CD82, and CD231. However, L6 protein, whose topology is similar to that of tetraspanins but which does not belong to the tetraspanin superfamily, did not have the potential to prevent HIV-1 infection, despite its successful incorporation into the released particles. Taken together, these results suggest that tetraspanin proteins have the unique potential to modulate HIV-1 infectivity through incorporation into released HIV-1 particles, and our findings may provide a clue to undiscovered aspects of HIV-1 entry.
Gender, Environmentalism, and Interest in Forest Certification: Mohai's Paradox Revisited

This research corroborates work by Mohai (1992) and others showing a consistent gender difference in environmental concern favoring women. It also helps resolve a paradox that women show more environmental concern than men, but they are less environmentally active. Using data from a survey of U.S. homeowners completed in 1994, we again find women more environmentally concerned than men. However, when green consumerism, rather than membership in environmental organizations, is used as an indicator of environmentalism (the dependent variable), women tend to be more environmentally active than men.
On Signal Extraction and Non-Certainty-Equivalence in Optimal Monetary Policy Rules

A standard result in the literature on monetary policy rules is that of certainty equivalence: given the expected values of all the state variables of the economy, policy should be set in a way that is independent of all higher moments of those variables. Some exceptions to this rule have been pointed out by Smets (1998), who restricts policy to respond to only a limited subset of state variables, and by Orphanides (1998), who restricts policy to respond to estimates of the state variables that are biased. In contrast, this paper studies unrestricted, fully optimal policy rules with optimal estimation of state variables. The rules in this framework exhibit certainty equivalence with respect to estimates of an unobserved, possibly complicated, state of the economy X, but are not certainty-equivalent when 1) a signal-extraction problem is involved in the estimation of X, and 2) the optimal rule is expressed as a reduced form that combines policymakers' estimation and policy-setting stages. In general, I show that it is optimal for policymakers to attenuate their reaction coefficient on a variable about which uncertainty has increased, while responding more aggressively to all other variables, about which uncertainty hasn't changed.
Translation and Testing of the Italian Version of FAMCARE-2: Measuring Family Caregivers’ Satisfaction With Palliative Care

Family satisfaction is an important outcome of palliative care and is a critical measure for health care professionals to address when assessing quality of care. The FAMCARE-2 is a widely used measure of family satisfaction with the health care received by both patient and family in palliative care. In this study, a team of Italian researchers culturally adapted the FAMCARE-2 to the Italian language and psychometrically tested the instrument by measuring satisfaction of 185 family caregivers of patients admitted into two palliative care services. FAMCARE-2 showed excellent levels of internal consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficient = .96) and test–retest reliability (r = .98, p < .01). The confirmatory factor analysis showed a single-factor structure with good fit. Satisfaction levels were significantly correlated with family caregivers being females with less education, patient length of care, and place of assistance and death. This scale can help health care professionals identify which aspects of care need improvement and enable family caregivers to manage their challenging role.
The Raftery Curve

Raftery (1993) has suggested that project cost estimates be presented in the form of cumulative probability functions (Raftery Curves) rather than the current practice of single point estimates. This paper compares the Raftery Curves derived empirically for ten data sets gathered throughout the world. The most consistent feature of all the curves was found to be the shift associated with to the number of bidders entering bids for contracts. This is examined both in terms of bias and consistency. Contrary to some previous studies, no evidence was found of any trends related to the value size of projects.
The causal model role of ICTs in food utilization of Iranian rural households

Access to desirable, sufficient, safe and nutritious food is one of the basic components of the development and health of a society. ICTs represent an important strategy that can be used in attaining food security. The main purpose of this research, performed in 2006 to 2007, was to identify the effectiveness of ICTs in improving the food utilization of Iranian rural households. A descriptive methodology was applied in this research, through questionnaires. The statistical population for the study included 253 agricultural extension experts; from this population, 170 persons were selected. The results showed that, according to the experts’ point of view, the situation of food utilization in Iranian rural households was unsuitable, but that ICTs could play an important role in improving the food utilization. The results of stepwise regressions showed that informing rural people about food, improving decision making, improving the power of acquiring individual information, rural literacy, facilitators and content of old technologies were determined to account for 73% of the variance of the food utilization of rural Iranian households. Moreover, the path analysis technique demonstrated that facilitators had the greatest influence on determining the casual model of improving the food utilization of rural Iranian households (β = 0.899). Key words: Capabilities, information and communications technologies, food utilization, rural households, agricultural extension experts, causal model.
Evaluation of Booklet-Based Self-Management of Symptoms in Ménière Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of booklet-based education in vestibular rehabilitation (VR) and symptom control (SC) techniques to manage vertigo and dizziness in Ménière disease. Methods: Participants (n = 360) were randomized to a waiting list control group or to receive either a VR or an SC self-management booklet. VR involved provoking dizziness in a controlled manner by making repeated head movements in order to promote neurological and psychological habituation. SC involved using applied relaxation, challenging negative beliefs, and lifestyle modification to reduce amplification of dizziness by anxiety. Subjective improvement in health, enablement (ability to understand and cope with symptoms), and adherence were measured at 3 and 6 months. Symptoms, handicap, anxiety and depression, and negative beliefs about symptoms were assessed pretreatment and at 3 and 6 months. Results: At 6-month follow-up, 45 (37.5%) of the VR group and 47 (39.2%) of the SC group reported improvement compared with 19 (15.8%) controls; the relative probability of improvement compared with controls was 2.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–3.80) for VR and 2.47 (95% CI, 1.55–3.95) for SC. Both intervention groups reported greater enablement than controls (p < .001, d > 0.70). At 3 months, the VR group had reduced symptoms, anxiety, handicap, and negative beliefs about dizziness; the SC group had reduced handicap; but the control group showed no improvement. Reported adherence levels were low and strongly related to outcome. Conclusions: Self-management booklets offer an inexpensive and easily disseminated means of helping people with Ménière disease to cope with dizziness symptoms. VR = vestibular rehabilitation; SC = symptom control; VSS = Vertigo Symptom Scale; VSS-SF = Vertigo Symptom Scale–Short Form; CI = confidence interval.
The Relationships Between Female Adolescents’ Media Use, Indoor Tanning Outcome Expectations, and Behavioral Intentions

Background. Unlike other types of cancer, skin cancer incidence rates are on the rise and adolescent females are particularly likely to tan indoors, a major risk factor. However, little research has examined the role of media use in encouraging or discouraging this dangerous behavior in this population. Aims. To empirically assess the links between media use, indoor tanning-related outcome expectations, and behavioral intentions. Method. A survey of adolescent females (N = 510) ages 15 to 18 in the Southeastern United States assessed demographics, types of media use, and indoor tanning intentions. Results. Significant correlations between media use and indoor tanning outcome expectations were found. Use of interpersonal and social media (i.e., talking on the phone, texting, and online social media) were positively associated with positive outcome expectations about indoor tanning and negatively associated with negative outcome expectations. A path analysis revealed that interpersonal/social media use had indirect associations with indoor tanning intentions via tanning outcome expectations. Mass media use (e.g., news media, entertainment media, and magazines) was not significantly associated with most indoor tanning outcome expectations but did have a direct negative association with behavioral intentions. Discussion. There are important relationships between media use, indoor tanning outcome expectations, and behavioral intentions. Interpersonal and social media use may help cultivate outcome expectations that encourage indoor tanning, which in turn may increase intentions to tan, while news media consumption in particular may reduce intentions to tan. Conclusion. These findings highlight the social nature of adolescent females and point to specific intervention channels for reducing indoor tanning among this population.