Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time to Rethink Privatization in Transition Economies?

Worldwide, increasing evidence suggest that privatization improves firm performance. But in some institutionally-weak transition economies, ownership change has so far, not delivered on its promise. The paper responds that mass, and rapid privatization schemes, turned over mediocre assets to people lacking the incentives, skills and resources to manage them appropriately, may be the answer. In fact, most high-quality assets are handled by resourceful, well-connected few, who incidentally, tend not to embark in restructuring practices, thus avoiding justification on assets acquisition. The absence of an institutional framework precludes development, and capitalization, forgoing increased financial results. The paper further questions discontents of privatization following the collapse of the Soviet Union, reviewing the financial fall in Russia, and difficulties in the Czech Republic, arguing that re-nationalization, and/or postponement of privatization, should be accompanied by measures to strengthen governments' managerial, and administrative capacities. Regrettably, the argument may fail, because governments that impair privatization, are likely as well to impair the management of state-owned firms. In the absence of institutional strength, recommendations suggest a progressive course of action, in a case-by-case privatization, with international cooperation, and assistance.
Credit Default Swaps, Strategic Default, and the Cost of Corporate Debt

In this paper, I provide the evidence of credit default swaps (CDS, hereafter) playing new economic roles as a commitment device for the borrower (i.e. the firm) to repay its debt to the lender (i.e. the creditors). When the firm writes incomplete debt contracts, its limited ability to commit not to default strategically in the future incurs the cost of contracting that will be ultimately paid by the firm. CDS can reduce this cost ex ante by strengthening creditors’ bargaining power in distressed debt renegotiation. I identify, both theoretically and empirically, the benefit of CDS reducing the contracting cost arising from the possibility of strategic default. More specifically, I show that firms a priori most likely to face the limited commitment problem (i.e. firms with high strategic default incentives) experience a relatively larger reduction in their corporate bond spreads following the introduction of CDS.
Investment in Thailand: How to unleash the new investment cycle?

The notion that Asia will be the new economic growth center for the next decade has prompted Thailand to rethink her investment strategy. We explore investment dynamics in details using both macro and micro analysis in order to formalize appropriate investment policies for Thailand. Our findings from macro analysis indicate that lower investment during post 1997 crisis were mainly attributable to lower GDP growth, lower domestic credit growth and lower terms of trade. Moreover, Thailand’s relative lacks of public investment in comparison to neighboring countries were one of the reasons which caused sub-par private investment performances. At the micro level, we found that structural issues such as degree of competition, product standards, financial access and financial costs are inhibited factors affecting firm’s probability of investment. Legal issues which delayed investment projects were also examined. In order to unleash Thailand’s investment, the government must tackle the problems at both macro and micro levels. Not doing so would risk Thailand falling behind her competitors.
â€œCorporate Governance and Firm Performance: A Case Study of Pakistan Oil and Gas Companies listed In Karachi Stock Exchangeâ€

In this study the relationship between four Corporate Governance Mechanisms (board size, chief executive status, annual general meeting and audit committee) and two Firm Performance Measures (return on equity, ROE, and profit margin, PM), of Karachi Stock Exchange listed oil and gas firms is examinedfor the period 2004 - 2010. The t-test and Multiple Regression analysis are applied to examine the significance and dependency of the above mentioned variables. By using the panel methodology and OLS as a method of estimation, the results provide an evidence of a significant effect and positive relationship between ROE and board size as well as annual general meeting. But ROE has negative relationship with audit committee and CEO status and both have significant effect on it. The results further expose a positive relationship between PM, board size and annual general meeting and they have no significant effect. The study, however, could not provide a significant effect between PM and audit committee. The CEO status and audit committee have a negative relationship with PM but CEO status has a significant effect. The implication of this is that the board size should be limited to a sizeable limit and that the post of the chief executive should be occupied by different persons.
Cohort profile: the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration.

Although less well recognized than in the West, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of disease in Asia. This is despite known differences in the distribution of risk factors for CVD in Asia, compared with Europe and North America, such as lower average total cholesterol and body mass index (BMI). The nature of CVD also tends to be different in Asia, where there are more strokes than coronary heart disease (CHD) events, and strokes are more often haemorrhagic than ischaemic, compared with the West. By 1999 the knowledge gap in Asia was a clear impediment to progress in treating and preventing CVD in the continent. Most of the existing studies from Asia were of small size or short duration and, thus, could not provide reliable information as to the way risk factors, well-researched in the West, act upon CVD in Asia. A notable exception was the Eastern Stroke and CHD Collaborative Project, which had studied the effects of diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol on the risk of stroke and coronary disease in China and Japan. This was the starting point for the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration (APCSC), which extended the scope of the Eastern Project in several important ways. APCSC covers a wider geographical area, including studies from Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), which provide a ‘Western’ comparison group, as well as increasing numbers for certain pooled analyses. It uses individual participant, rather than summary, data, which allows for more flexible analyses. Also, it collects data on several risk factors for CVD, not just blood pressure and total cholesterol, and records all deaths, including those due to non-cardiovascular causes. Initial funding was provided by the New Zealand Health Research Council and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Twin Secretariats for APCSC were established at the Clinical Trials Research Unit at the University of Auckland, New Zealand and The George Institute for International Health at the University of Sydney, Australia. In later years, Pfizer Inc. of New York provided two substantial unrestricted educational grants to APCSC. Current funding is a mixture of pharmaceutical industry funding (Pfizer), peer reviewed research council funding (NHMRC; through a programme grant), and university funding (a University of Sydney cancer research award). The Secretariat and database are now solely housed within The George Institute.
Corporate social responsibility and innovation: Evidence from emerging economies

Although innovation and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming two major interrelated research topics, the interplay between them remains poorly understood. Thus, we examined the role of CSR on the different processes of innovation in an empirical study. Using a sample of Chinese firms, this study shows that CSR can strengthen the positive linkage between R&D investment and innovation outcome (measured by counts of patents) in research and development (R&D) process. However, our finding shows that the interaction between CSR and counts of patents has a negative impact on firm market value in the commercialization process, probably because of the excessive use of firm limited resources, which leads to the decline of firm performance.
The Longitudinal Business Database

As the largest federal statistical agency and primary collector of data on businesses, households and individuals, the Census Bureau each year conducts numerous surveys intended to provide statistics on a wide range of topics about the population and economy of the United States. The Census Bureau’s decennial population and quinquennial economic censuses are unique, providing information on all U.S. households and business establishments, respectively.
Emergence and evolution of an interaction between intrinsically disordered proteins

Protein-protein interactions involving intrinsically disordered proteins are important for cellular function and common in all organisms. However, it is not clear how such interactions emerge and evolve on a molecular level. We performed phylogenetic reconstruction, resurrection and biophysical characterization of two interacting disordered protein domains, CID and NCBD. CID appeared after the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes 450–600 million years ago, while NCBD was present in the protostome/deuterostome ancestor. The most ancient CID/NCBD formed a relatively weak complex (Kd∼5 µM). At the time of the first vertebrate-specific whole genome duplication, the affinity had increased (Kd∼200 nM) and was maintained in further speciation. Experiments together with molecular modeling using NMR chemical shifts suggest that new interactions involving intrinsically disordered proteins may evolve via a low-affinity complex which is optimized by modulating direct interactions as well as dynamics, while tolerating several potentially disruptive mutations. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.16059. 001
Analysis of the Transitioning Opportunity for Non-Traditional Firms Under Other Transaction Authority

Abstract : The Federal Government no longer dominates defense and space-based technologies as it once did. This is due to the diminishing role of Federal Government as the lead developer and owner of advance technologies. What began in the 1980s with private industry starting to outspend Federal Government in Research and Development has resulted in significant technological innovations in commercial companies. As a result, Government turned to private industry to access commercially developed technology. One procurement instrument, Other Transaction Authority for Prototype Development (OTAs), was authorized by Congress to help enable the Department of Defense (DoD) and other Government agencies to form business arrangements with traditional and non-traditional firms to develop weapon systems and related products. While this prototyping authority has provided non-traditional firms the opportunity to conduct business with DoD, there is limited information available on whether these projects have provided transition opportunities for follow-on production. This research examines the transition opportunities available to non-traditionals who have completed an OTA for prototyping.
Microholography of Living Organisms

By using intense pulsed coherent x-ray sources that are currently under development, it will be possible to obtain magnified three-dimensional images of elementary biological structures in the living state at precisely defined instants. For optimum contrast, sensitivity, and resolution, the hologram should be made with x-rays tuned to a resonance of nitrogen near 0.3 nanometer. Resolution will then be limited mainly by the hydrodynamic expansion that occurs while the necessary number of photons is being registered. Problems of technique are also briefly discussed.
Inspector Discretion and Industry Compliance in the Street-Level Implementation of Building Codes

vi CHAPTER 1 . 1 CHAPTER 2 . 20 CHAPTER 3 . 51 CHAPTER 4 . 77 CHAPTER 5 . 105 CHAPTER 6 . 130 BIBLIOGRAPHY.144 APPENDIXES . 160 VITA.169
Diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy in current clinical practice.

BACKGROUND Flexible bronchoscopy is a procedure commonly performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield and the safety of routine bronchoscopy techniques including transbronchial needle aspiration and transbronchial biopsy at a university hospital in Switzerland. METHODS 616 consecutive bronchoscopies performed at the Pulmonary Medicine Department (University Hospital Basel) over a period of 6 months were analysed retrospectively using bronchoscopy reports and hospital charts. Diagnostic procedures included bronchial washings, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushings, transbronchial needle aspiration and transbronchial biopsies. RESULTS 430 bronchoscopies had a diagnostic, 186 a therapeutic indication. The overall diagnostic yield was 57% (245/430). Bronchoscopy performed for suspected tumours confirmed malignancy in 43% of cases. Bronchoscopy in suspected infection and tuberculosis identified pathogenic organisms in 46% and 27% of cases, respectively. The diagnostic yield for central and peripheral TBNA was 37.8 and 43.6%, respectively. Complications were very rare (n = 10, 1.6%) and were only minor. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that routine bronchoscopy techniques including transbronchial needle aspiration and transbronchial biopsy are safe and have a high diagnostic yield.
Dissolution of ripidolite (Mg, Fe-chlorite) in organic and inorganic acid solutions

Although chlorites are an important source of Mg and micronutrients in soils, little is known about their weathering behavior in acidic environments. The effect of organic (acetic, oxalic, citric) and inorganic (hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric) acids on the dissolution of ripidolite was studied at 25°C over an acid concentration range of 0.03 to 10 mM. The increasing ripidolite dissolution with increasing acid concentration can be described by the same empirical equation for all six acids used in this study. Because proton and ligand promoted dissolution mechanisms are additive, the influence of ligands can be calculated by subtracting the influence of protons from the total dissolution of ripidolite. We assume that the influence of Cl - in HCI systems can be neglected. Greater dissolution of ripidolite in the presence of the other acids at the same pH is attributed to the accompanying anion. At pH 3.5 and an anion concentration of 10 -35 mol L -1 , the relative effectiveness of the acids used in this experiment in promoting dissolution was nitric (enhancement factor: 0.97) = hydrochloric (1.00) ≅ acetic (1.01) < sulfuric (1.19) < citric (2.70) < oxalic acid (3.27). The dissolution of ripidolite was nonstoichiometric with a preferential release of Si relative to Al, Fe, and, in some cases, Mg at low proton and ligand concentrations for all six acids. At higher acid concentrations the dissolution becomes almost stoichiometric in the presence of inorganic acids, whereas in the presence of oxalic acid Al, Fe, and Mg were released preferentially relative to Si. In the presence of citric acid, Fe is released preferentially relative to Si. The alteration of chlorites in soils and the amount of released elements into the soil solution therefore depends on the composition of acidifying agents in soils.
Reaksi Pemain Saham :Implikasi Libur Nasional Di Bursa Efek Indonesia

Holiday effect are excessive action one did by investor draws near national holiday, while is national holiday and after national holiday. Result observation to point out marks sense phenomena holiday effect one that gets happening draw near holiday, upon holiday, and after holiday's. survey's result to stock player at Indonesian Stock Exchange upon national holiday really more a lot of take down stock than buying although not relevant information. The buy of stock sometimes is done bases rumor and reaction action. Other judgment is as; on judgment of fundamental analysis, circulating information, liquidity of stock, and reaction that did by other investor.
Service Profit Chain in the Technical Assistance Environment: an Exploratory Study

One of the strongest relationships among the elements of Heskett, Sasser and Schlesinger's service profit chain is verified between employee satisfaction and client's satisfaction. This paper reports the results of an exploratory study on the Brazilian operation of a world-wide leader of elevator technical assistance, in which the relationship between these two elements and their influence on the client retention rate was evaluated. The research data were treated with statistical discriminant and cluster analysis. The findings identified the relationship between employee and client satisfaction in 25 of the 27 business units studied. On the other hand, the factor that largely influences the client retention rate in this business environment is client satisfaction, while employee satisfaction is almost null. The results have important academic and managerial implications, given the limited amount of studies in this area and drive actions for the business success.
The Equilibrium Organization of Labor

We look for the equilibrium mix of trading institutions when manufacturers need sequences of labor services. The environment has two critical features: (a) Multilateral matching allows gains from specialization, but players incur specific set-up costs each time they are matched with a new trading partner. (b) Bilateral relationships economize on set-up costs, but are burdened by bargaining costs. Under weak conditions, four mechanisms weakly dominate all others: Markets, employment with negotiated wages, employment with market wages, and bilateral sequential contracting. In labor market equilibrium, markets are used for services that take longer time to perform, are in less demand, require fewer partner-specific investments, and have larger cost differences between sellers. The most efficient sellers work as specialist employees, those of medium efficiency sell their services as professionals in markets, and the least efficient become employees. Large firms hire specialists, medium-sized firms use employees or the market, and small firms use the market exclusively.
On performance analysis of ADRC for nonlinear uncertain systems with unknown dynamics and discontinuous disturbances

This paper concerns with the performance of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) for a class of uncertain system with nonlinear time-varying unknown dynamics and discontinuous external disturbance. We weaken the assumptions on the uncertainties in previous work to a large certain, and quantitatively analyze the relationship between the bandwidth of linear extended state observer (ESO) and the performance of the closed-loop system in the whole time region. The condition under which the origin of the ADRC based closed-loop system is exponentially stable is studied.
[High resolution MR imaging of the skin: normal imaging features].

PURPOSE To describe the qualitative and quantitative MR imaging features of normal skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-one normal subjects underwent MR evaluation on a 1.5 Tesla magnet using a dedicated coil. Several skin sites were evaluated (back at the scapular level, posterior calf and inferior heel). Two pulse sequences were acquired: a SE T1W and a gradient-echo sequence (FIESTA). Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed for all three sites. RESULTS In normal subjects, the different skin layers (callus, epidermis, dermis, hypodermis and pilosebaceous follicles) can be separated and measured on MR. Epidermis and hypodermis are hyperintense whereas dermis is hypointense. Our results confirm the presence of qualitative and quantitative variations between different skin regions. In some cases, a differentiation between papillary and reticular dermis can be achieved. Pilosebaceous follicles and the deep vascular network were clearly depicted on the FIESTA sequence. Measurements for each skin layer were compared based on sex, site and MR pulse sequence. CONCLUSION MRI provides evaluation of the different skin layers, epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and their different components.
A COMPARISON OF HEADHUNTER AND PRACTITIONER VIEWS REGARDING SKILL REQUIREMENTS OF SENIOR-LEVEL LOGISTICS PROFESSIONALS

This article reports the results of a survey of headhunter and practitioner views regarding the skill requirements of senior-level logistics professionals. The paper is developed around a paradigm suggesting that logistics managers should be proficient in business, logistics, and management skills. Management skills, such as planning and motivating, emerged as the most important of the three categories, followed by logistics and business skills. The paper concludes with a discussion of the relevant implications for various parties such as practitioners, employers, and professional organizations.
The Market Reaction to Corporate Disclosure: Evidence from Germany

We analyze the stock price, trading volume and liquidity reaction to corporate disclosure in Germany. Based on a broad sample of corporate announcements made between 1995 and 2007 we find that the announcements result in significant price changes, increased trading volume, and increased bid-ask spreads. Price changes are more pronounced for firms perceived to be more risky. Absolute price change and abnormal volume are strongly correlated.
Spectral zeta functions of graphs and the Riemann zeta function in the critical strip

We initiate the study of spectral zeta functions $\zeta_{X}$ for finite and infinite graphs $X$, instead of the Ihara zeta function, with a perspective towards zeta functions from number theory and connections to hypergeometric functions. The Riemann hypothesis is shown to be equivalent to an approximate functional equation of graph zeta functions. The latter holds at all points where Riemann's zeta function $\zeta(s)$ is non-zero. This connection arises via a detailed study of the asymptotics of the spectral zeta functions of finite torus graphs in the critcal strip and estimates on the real part of the logarithmic derivative of $\zeta(s)$. We relate $\zeta_{\mathbb{Z}}$ to Euler's beta integral and show how to complete it giving the functional equation $\xi_{\mathbb{Z}}(1-s)=\xi_{\mathbb{Z}}(s)$. This function appears in the theory of Eisenstein series although presumably with this spectral intepretation unrecognized. In higher dimensions $d$ we provide a meromorphic continuation of $\zeta_{\mathbb{Z}^{d}}(s)$ to the whole plane and identify the poles. From our aymptotics several known special values of $\zeta(s)$ are derived as well as its non-vanishing on the line $Re(s)=1$. We determine the spectral zeta functions of regular trees and show it to be equal to a specialization of Appell's hypergeometric function $F_{1}$ via an Euler-type integral formula due to Picard.
Expression of Rat Sperm Flagellum-Movement Associated Protein Genes under 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin Treatment

We analyzed the gene expression of sperm flagellum-movement associated proteins, namely, adenylate kinase domain containing protein (RGD1303144) and outer dense fiber protein 1. These gene expressions were up-regulated in a maturing rat testis, and RGD1303144 gene was expressed dominantly in spermatocytes. Although 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin administration reduced sperm motility, these gene expressions were not affected.