Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship between size, growth and profitability of commercial banks

Using a dynamic panel model for more than 15 000 banks from 148 countries from 1988 to 2010, we investigate the interaction between size, growth and profitability of banks. For our total sample, we cannot reject the hypotheses that the variability of bank profitability and the level and variability of bank growth are independent of bank size. However, in high-income Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries bigger banks grow slower but are more profitable than small banks. While bank growth is not persistent, bank profitability is persistent. Finally, we find that bank growth and bank profitability are independent of each other.
Promoting Small and Medium Enterprises with a Clustering Approach: A Policy Experience from Indonesia

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia are very important for employment creation and are important sources of economic growth and foreign currencies. It is therefore not a surprise that SMEs receive ample attention in Indonesia. In recent years, particular attention has been paid to development of SME clusters. The main aim of this paper is to review government policies on SMEs with a clustering approach, in Indonesia. The paper argues that in many cases, the development policy has not been so successful. In essence, most failures can be attributed to the fact that one or more critical factors for successful SME cluster development were either not existing or not addressed correctly. Neglecting cluster linkage to markets is one main reason for the failure. Prerequisite for successful cluster development is the cluster's potential to access growing markets, either domestic or abroad.
Mining Booms and the Australian Economy

Introduction The topic of my talk tonight is “Mining Booms and the Australian Economy”. I have chosen this topic because the Australian economy is currently experiencing a surge in mining activity, one of a sequence of mining booms since the European settlement of Australia. These have been a powerful force in shaping the Australian economy. Tonight I want to review the effects of these booms. Of particular interest is the question of whether there are recurring themes from which we can draw lessons on how to manage the current episode. My talk is based on research by a couple of my colleagues from the Bank which draws on the work of several economic historians. I won’t take time to list these references now, but they are shown at the end of the version of my talk on the Bank’s website.
Spt6 Is Required for Heterochromatic Silencing in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

ABSTRACT Spt6 is a conserved factor, critically required for several transcription- and chromatin-related processes. We now show that Spt6 and its binding partner, Iws1, are required for heterochromatic silencing in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Our studies demonstrate that Spt6 is required for silencing of all heterochromatic loci and that an spt6 mutant has an unusual combination of heterochromatic phenotypes compared to previously studied silencing mutants. Unexpectedly, we find normal nucleosome positioning over heterochromatin and normal levels of histone H3K9 dimethylation at the endogenous pericentric repeats. However, we also find greatly reduced levels of H3K9 trimethylation, elevated levels of H3K14 acetylation, reduced recruitment of several silencing factors, and defects in heterochromatin spreading. Our evidence suggests that Spt6 plays a role at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels; in an spt6 mutant, RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) occupancy at the pericentric regions is only modestly increased, while production of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is lost. Taken together, our results suggest that Spt6 is required for multiple steps in heterochromatic silencing by controlling chromatin, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional processes.
Paraoxonase-2 Reduces Oxidative Stress in Vascular Cells and Decreases Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Induced Caspase Activation

Background— In the vascular system, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produce oxidative stress and predispose to the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is important to understand the systems producing and those scavenging vascular ROS. Here, we analyzed the ROS-reducing capability of paraoxonase-2 (PON2) in different vascular cells and its involvement in the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway known as the unfolded protein response. Methods and Results— Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting revealed that PON2 is equally expressed in vascular cells and appears in 2 distinct glycosylated isoforms. By determining intracellular ROS, we show that overexpression of PON2 markedly reduced ROS, whereas its knockdown increased ROS levels significantly. Using microscopic and biochemical methods, we found PON2 mainly in the nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, PON2 expression was induced at both the promoter and protein levels by endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway unfolded protein response. This pathway may promote both apoptotic and survival mechanisms. Functionally, PON2 reduced unfolded protein response–accompanying oxidative stress and unfolded protein response–derived caspase activation. Conclusion— We suggest that PON2 represents an endogenous defense mechanism against vascular oxidative stress and unfolded protein response–induced cell death, thereby contributing to the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Does surgery improve live birth rates in patients with recurrent miscarriage caused by uterine anomalies?

Abstract We found that congenital uterine anomalies have a negative impact on reproductive outcome in recurrent-miscarriage couples, being associated with further miscarriage with a normal embryonic karyotype. There has been no study comparing live birth rates between patients with and without surgery. We conducted a prospective study to prove that surgery for a bicornuate or septate uterus might improve the live birth rate. A total of 170 patients with congenital uterine anomalies suffering two or more miscarriages were examined. The live birth rate after ascertainment of anomalies, cumulative live birth rate and infertility rate, were compared between patients with and without surgery. In patients with a septate uterus, the live birth rate (81.3%) at the first pregnancy after ascertainment of anomalies with surgery tended to be higher than that (61.5%) in those without surgery. The infertility rates were similar in both groups, while the cumulative live birth rate (76.1%) tended to be higher than without surgery (60.0%). Surgery showed no benefit in patients with a bicornuate uterus for having a baby, but tended to decrease the preterm birth rate and the low birth weight. The possibility that surgery has benefits for having a baby in patients with a septate uterus suffering recurrent miscarriage could not be excluded.
Corporate tax policy under the Labour government, 1997–2010

This paper reviews and evaluates corporate tax policy under the 1997–2010 Labour government. During this period the government implemented a classical rate-cut-cum-base-broadening tax policy for large companies. Tax policy for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is more difficult to characterize: in the first two terms, rates were cut more frequently than for large businesses and the base was narrowed, but in the government’s third term, statutory rates for SMEs were increased. Extensive reforms of dividends and capital gains tax at the individual and corporate level have also been implemented: in 1998, the imputation system was abolished and in 2009, foreign dividends became exempt for corporate income tax purposes. A comparison of the statutory and effective rates shows that the UK has lost some ground to the OECD since 2003–4, fundamental reforms of dividends and capital gains taxation have aligned the UK to its competitors and to EU law. We find that the overall effect of the Labour’s tax policy on aggregate investment may have been small, for three reasons. Increases in real investment between 1997 and 2007 are largely explained by the economic cycle, while the reduction in the tax component of the user cost of capital was small. Moreover, the increase in aggregate investment was led by an exceptional surge in investment in structures driven by a real estate boom. Finally, we note that most investment was undertaken by large companies, and therefore it was not affected by the large set of tax reforms focusing on SMEs.
Genetic control of equilibrium maintenance efficiency in cattle

Twenty-two unmated female Ayrshire twin cattle, that had initially been maintained for prolonged periods on one of six constant feeding levels until an equilibrium weight was attained, were subsequently moved up to higher constant feeding levels including ad libitum . In all, results were obtained for 44 equilibrium periods mostly of 96 weeks duration. For controlled feeding levels, the log-log,. regression of equilibrium body weight on food intake, within animals, was 0·999 (s.e. 0·045). For all results, including mature equilibria, the within-animal regression was 1–014. There was thus no systematic change in an individual's equilibrium maintenance requirement per kg body weight in the range from 25%, to 100%, mature. Efficiency of food utilization for equilibrium maintenance was found to be independent of age also, except for a small increase at advanced ages beyond 8 to 9 years. There were significant differences between animals in equilibrium maintenance efficiency, the genetic coefficient of variation being 6·4%. The most striking result, however, was a within-animal repeatability of 0·7, which meant that almost the same efficiency was re-attained when, after a prolonged period of many years on one constant feeding level, the same animal was allowed to re-establish a new equilibrium on a higher level. Following prolonged periods of food restriction, the animals showed remarkable capacity to recover in body weight even at very advanced ages, but nevertheless substantial stunting of mature weight did occur.
Factors Influencing Hotel Outsourcing Decisions in Thailand

The article aims to examine the effects of variables on outsourcing decisions in the hotel industry in Thailand. It specifically seeks to test and evaluate a theoretical framework that combines transaction cost economics (TCE) factors with additional factors affecting the level of outsourcing that emerged from a preliminary study. There is evidence to suggest that TCE explains outsourcing effectively in developed countries, but it may have less explanatory power in developing economies. Drawing on a sample of 391 hotels, each offering three activities for analysis, the results provide little support for TCE. Supplier availability, hotel experience, and hotel size are the strongest predictors of outsourcing in this study. Furthermore, because the low level of supplier market competition in hotel supporting industries in Thailand does not normally offer more efficiency and lower production cost than in-house operations, as assumed by TCE, the theory fails to provide a clear explanation for hotel outsourcing practices.
Multicentre surveillance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility patterns in nosocomial infections.

OBJECTIVES To determine susceptibility rates and patterns in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from nosocomial infections. METHODS Seven hundred and sixteen P. aeruginosa isolates from 40 different hospitals in Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were collected in 1999. RESULTS Resistance rates varied significantly between hospitals. Of the fluoroquinolones, ciprofloxacin showed least resistance (24%), levofloxacin showed 27.5% resistance and ofloxacin 37.5%. Of the aminoglycosides, amikacin was the most potent antibiotic (10.5% resistance), followed by isepamicin (12%), tobramycin (19.5%) and gentamicin (23.5%). Of the beta-lactam antibiotics, meropenem was the most active (9.5% resistance); piperacillin and piperacillin/tazobactam had, respectively, 24% and 17.5% resistance, ceftazidime 28.5%, cefepime 29.5%, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid 37% and aztreonam 55.5%. MIC distribution curves show the presence of significant subpopulations, with MICs just below breakpoint for many antibiotics. CONCLUSION Resistance of P. aeruginosa to penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides varies between hospitals, but is increasing.
Coupling of STIM1 to store-operated Ca2+ entry through its constitutive and inducible movement in the endoplasmic reticulum

Depletion of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) stores induces store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) entry across the plasma membrane (PM). STIM1, a putative Ca2+ sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), has been recently shown to be necessary for SOC channel activation. Here we show that STIM1 dynamically moves in tubulovesicular shape on the ER and its subcompartment in resting living cells, whereas, upon Ca2+ store depletion, it is rapidly redistributed into discrete puncta that are located underneath, but not inserted into the PM. Normal constitutive movement of STIM1 is mediated through the coiled-coil and Ser/Thr-rich C-terminal domains in the cytoplasmic region of STIM1, whereas subsequent inducible puncta formation further requires the sterile α motif domain protruding into the ER lumen. Each of these three domains (coiled-coil, Ser/Thr-rich, and sterile α motif) was essential for activating SOC channels. Hence, our findings based on structure–function experiments suggest that constitutive dynamic movement of STIM1 in the ER and its subcompartment is obligatory for subsequent depletion-dependent redistribution of STIM1 into puncta underneath the PM and activation of SOC channels.
Housing Experience and Settlement Satisfaction: Recent Chinese, Indian and South African Skilled Immigrants to New Zealand

Relatively little work has been done on the housing experience of recent migrants from cultural backgrounds different to that of their host society. This absence is particularly marked for relatively high socio-economic status skilled migrants, many of whom have to negotiate housing markets significantly different from those in their countries of origin. Data obtained from a panel study of recent immigrants from three separate sources—China, India and South Africa—to New Zealand's main cities (primarily Auckland) are used to explore the nature of their housing experiences. Over a four-year period these migrants moved towards the New Zealand norm of owner occupied, detached dwellings, although more rapidly in some cases than others; the pace of movement reflected not only cultural differences among the three groups, relative to the New Zealand norms, but also experiences in the labour market. These differences are reflected in levels of satisfaction with the decision to move to New Zealand.
Competitors' Resource-Oriented Strategies: Acting Upon Competitors' Resources Through Interventions in Factor Markets and Political Markets

In this paper, we argue that we can reach a better understanding of the relationships between firm resources and competitive advantage by considering actions that firms take against their rivals' resources in factor markets and political markets. We outline market and firm characteristics that facilitate the deployment of competitors' resource-oriented strategies. We then argue that the effectiveness of the firm's actions on its competitors' resources depends on the competitive responses of the competitors being attacked.
The Long Conversation: Learning How to Master Enterprise Systems

Few early enterprise systems (ESs) implementations lived up to expectations. How can companies meet or exceed their expectations for enterprise systems? Far from providing a quick fix, the potential of ESs is better achieved through a slow and diligent learning process. This approach emphasizes the need for organizations to focus lesson the technical and temporal aspects of ES projects and rather to view them as forming part of a long journey led by users. New social networks emerge asa result of the problems and opportunities based around learning, building, and sharing users' experiences. This article develops a new model for successfully mastering enterprise systems, which is labeled “the long conversation. ” The application of this model has important implications for practitioners involved In the implementation of an ES.
The more the merrier? The effect of group size on effectiveness in SME funding campaigns

To overcome resource shortages, companies can subscribe to groups that, in competition with other groups, seek to obtain external funding for the joint development of innovations. In this context, the authors argue smaller groups are better equipped to be successful in external funding campaigns. Based on five-year panel data from a sample of 53 Swedish groups of small and medium-sized companies, the authors find support for a claim suggesting that due to the adverse effect of group size on governance and internal cohesion, the costs associated with group size will outweigh benefits, which reduce the ability to compete for external funding. Consistent with their expectations, the authors find that the adverse effect of group size on fundraising effectiveness is mitigated by internal and external governance devices including the presence of external directors on the group board and interlocking board memberships, and by a bottom-up group formation process.
Finland as a small sports nation: socio-historical perspectives on the development of national sport policy

Elite sports are an important part of most nations’ culture and identity and international success in sport is highly valued. However, the increasingly important cultural, economic and political significance of sport has effectively created the equivalent of a global sporting arms race. This means challenges especially for the small nations who may have both limited populations and resources. The aim of this essay is to analyse and understand the role of elite sports in one small nation – Finland. By almost any measure Finland has been a successful sporting nation. The nation’s Olympic success was exceptionally high until the middle of the last century but success has been more difficult to achieve in recent times. This article examines the changes in Finnish sporting success and policy development in relation to the three phases of international sport: amateurism, totalisation and professionalism. During the golden and largely amateur era of Finnish sport, the main motivations for success were founded in national identity, hard work and ‘sisu’. However, following this amateur era and facing increasing competition, there was a need for new structures, policies and resources. It was clear that a small country like Finland had to redefine international sport success and hence the emergence of totalisation followed by professionalism. However, these phases are challenging for nations with small markets and for sport systems that operate democratically and are dependent on voluntary civil activity. How can and should Finland adapt its structures, strategies and policies to compete in the new global arena?
Just-in-Time Inventories in Old Detroit

Just-in-time inventories were not an invention of Toyota or of Japanese industrialism. Twice in the early history of the American automobile industry (before and after World War I), the same system - known then as hand-to-mouth inventories - was prevalent in Detroit. The article chronicles this double rise and demise, demonstrating that this earlier system had the same basic structure and functions as the later Japanese system. Most significantly, in the 1920s the hand-to-mouth system was a central component of the most innovative era in American automotive history, facilitating improved production methodology, rapid product innovation, and decreasing consumer prices. Like its Japanese cousin, the hand-to-mouth system was a key determinant of the relationships between assemblers and suppliers; but, because of the geographical clustering of the Big Three in Detroit, the dynamics of these relationships were quite different.
Expression of a Mutant Lamin A That Causes Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy Inhibits In Vitro Differentiation of C2C12 Myoblasts

ABSTRACT Autosomal dominantly inherited missense mutations in lamins A and C cause several tissue-specific diseases, including Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) and Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD). Here we analyze myoblast-to-myotube differentiation in C2C12 clones overexpressing lamin A mutated at arginine 453 (R453W), one of the most frequent mutations in EDMD. In contrast with clones expressing wild-type lamin A, these clones differentiate poorly or not at all, do not exit the cell cycle properly, and are extensively committed to apoptosis. These disorders are correlated with low levels of expression of transcription factor myogenin and with the persistence of a large pool of hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein. Since clones mutated at arginine 482 (a site responsible for FPLD) differentiate normally, we conclude that C2C12 clones expressing R453W-mutated lamin A represent a good cellular model to study the pathophysiology of EDMD. Our hypothesis is that lamin A mutated at arginine 453 fails to build a functional scaffold and/or to maintain the chromatin compartmentation required for differentiation of myoblasts into myocytes.
Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion Is Reduced in Infants with Pulmonary Hypertension

Right ventricular (RV) function is reduced in infants with pulmonary hypertension (PH) but echocardiographic assessment can be challenging. We sought to determine the role of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in infants with PH and compared it with other markers such as tricuspid annular S' and RV fractional area change (RVFAC).
The effect of audit committee quality and internal auditor objectivity on the prevention of fraudulent financial reporting and the impact on financial reporting quality (a survey on state-owned company in Indonesia)

The weakness of corporate governance is often called as the cause of some frauds and accounting scandals that were uncovered recently. Some cases, both nationally and internationally, indicate the occurrence of irregularities in financial reporting owing to the weakness of the company's internal control system, and the audit committee has not functioned optimally, resulting in low financial reporting quality (FRQ). The method of the research used explanatory approach. The data were collected through a survey by distributing questionnaires to 60 state-owned company (SOE's) in Indonesia and have been analysed by using partial-least-square modelling to test the hypotheses. The results have concluded that the role of internal controlling and supervision by an audit committee and internal auditor is not effective in conducting monitoring and evaluating on FRQ, because the lack of knowledge and experience in financial accounting, independency attitude, top management commitment and ethical values.
Effects of context on team behaviour

An inductive case study of an effective self-directed team working in a manufacturing setting was conducted over a six-month period. Semistructured interviews and participant observations were used to investigate the behavioural characteristics of the team and the properties of the team's task situation that may have influenced its behaviour. The findings indicate that help among members was the team's most significant behavioural norm. Various contextual factors that are consistent with the development of this norm were present in the situation including task flexibility, low task interdependence and others. The implications for future research are discussed.