Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can Carpooling Clear the Road and Clean the Air?

Proponents of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes claim the lanes reduce vehicle-trips by encouraging more people to carpool, but the evidence is mixed. This article reviews studies on the impacts of HOV lanes with a focus on behavioral models. This research makes a case for performance measures with direct welfare, congestion, or air pollution effects and focuses on papers that explicitly model carpool formation and allow for induced demand. Papers on individual regions find that HOV lanes may increase or decrease welfare, while more general papers find that the impact of HOV lanes depends on underlying parameters. The Clean Air Act assumes that HOV lanes reduce traffic volume and improve air quality and recommends HOV lanes to areas with poor air quality. This research finds there is no consensus on HOV lane impacts and, that using HOV lanes as a travel control measure may be misguided, but that further research is warranted.
Monetary Policy in Emerging Market Economies: What Lessons from the Global Financial Crisis?

During the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, emerging market economies (EMEs) loosened monetary policy considerably to cushion the shock. In previous crises episodes, by contrast, EMEs generally had to tighten monetary policy to defend the value of their currencies, to contain capital flight, and to bolster policy credibility. Our study aims to understand the factors that enabled this remarkable shift in monetary policy, and also to assess whether this marks a new era in which EMEs can now conduct countercyclical policy, more in line with advanced economies. The results indicate statistically significant linkages between some characteristics of the economies and their ability to conduct countercyclical monetary policy. We find that macroeconomic fundamentals and lower vulnerabilities, openness to trade, and international capital flows, financial reforms, and the adoption of inflation targeting all facilitated the conduct of countercyclical policy. Of these factors, the most important have been the financial reforms achieved over the past decades and the adoption of inflation targeting. As long as EMEs maintain these strong economic fundamentals, continue to reform their financial sector, and adopt credible and transparent monetary policy frameworks such as inflation targeting, the conduct of countercyclical monetary policy will likely be sustainable.
Frequentist and Subjectivist Perspectives on the Problems of Model Building in Economics

he "heathens" to whom I. J. Good refers are the non-Bayesians of the world and they are my targeted audience as well. Specifically, I plan to discuss, in as simple and nontechnical a fashion as possible, the subjectivist-Bayesian attitude toward model building in econometrics and to contrast it with the standard frequentist attitude. Most of the issues I raise are familiar to statisticians but not to economists. Rather than give the suspicious reader a menu of Bayesian techniques, I hope to create an interest in acquiring a taste for the Bayesian cuisine by recommending five pragmatic principles. While neither the Bayesian nor the non-Bayesian flocks are homogeneous with respect to the beliefs of their own members, I believe the "within-group" differences
The Effects of Minimum Wages on Food Stamp Enrollment and Expenditures

We provide the first analysis of how minimum wage policy affect s enrollments and expenditures i n the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Exploiting state and federal - level variation in minimum - wage policy between 1990 and 2012, and incorporating local controls in our specifications, we find that a 10 percent minimum wage increase reduces SNAP enrollment between 2.4 and 3.2 percent, and reduces program expenditures an estimated 1.9 percent. If the federal minimum wage were increased from $7.25 to $10.10, enrollment would fall between 7 . 5 and 8.7 percent (3. 1 to 3. 6 million persons) relative to 2012 levels, and annual expenditures would decrease 6 percent ($4.6 billion).
Strategies of Foreign Banks in Transition Economies

This paper examines the strategies of foreign banks in transition economies. An extreme high share of foreign banks characterizes theses banking markets. I outline different strategies of foreign banks, model their entry decision and provide an empirical analysis by estimating loan supply functions. The main finding is that foreign banks compete with domestic banks in the same market segments. Furthermore, foreign banks tend to follow long-term strategies and thus contribute to credit market stabilization. Contrary to conclusions in the general banking literature, foreign banking behavior is independent of the macroeconomic conditions prevailing in the foreign banks' country of origin.
Regulation of osteoprotegerin production by androgens and anti-androgens in human osteoblastic lineage cells.

BACKGROUND Estrogens and androgens have anti-resorptive effects on bone, although recent evidence indicates that, even in men, estrogen is the dominant sex steroid regulating bone resorption. The receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand is essential for osteoclastic bone resorption, and its effects are blocked by the decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG). While estrogen has been shown to induce osteoblastic OPG production, the effects of androgens on OPG production have not been defined. METHODS In this study, we assessed the regulation of OPG by androgens in hFOB/AR-6, an immortalized fetal osteoblastic cell line stably transfected with the human androgen receptor (AR), and MSC cells, primary human pluripotent marrow stromal cells capable of differentiating towards mature osteoblasts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS 5Alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) dose-dependently decreased OPG mRNA levels and protein concentrations in hFOB/AR-6 cells by up to 50 and 60% respectively (P<0.001). Inhibition of OPG mRNA levels and protein production by 5alpha-DHT was completely abrogated by the AR antagonist, hydroxyflutamide (OHF), indicating that these effects are directly mediated by the AR. Of note, OHF alone increased OPG mRNA levels and protein secretion by 2- to 3-fold. Moreover, 5alpha-DHT and testosterone also decreased OPG protein secretion by 40-46% in the untransformed MSC cells, while OHF stimulated it. In conclusion, we demonstrate that androgens specifically inhibit OPG mRNA levels and protein secretion by osteoblastic cells.
Site-directed mutagenesis of histidine-388 in the hinge region of yeast 3-phosphoglycerate kinase: effects on catalytic activity and activation by sulfate.

It has been proposed that the catalytic mechanism of 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and the regulation of its enzymatic activity by sulfate ions involve relatively large conformational changes. We have applied site-directed mutagenesis to assess the role of the interactions between glutamate-190 and histidine-388, located in the interdomain hinge region, in the substrate- and sulfate-induced conformational transitions. We have shown previously that substitutions of Glu-190 with either glutamine or aspartate resulted in a complete loss of sulfate activation and in decreased activities; corresponding to 26% and 36% of the activity of native PGK, respectively [Mas, M. T. , Resplandor, Z. E. , & Riggs, A. D. (1987) Biochemistry 26, 5369-5377]. In contrast, the Lys-388 and Ala-388 mutants retain the ability to undergo sulfate-induced activation and exhibit a larger decrease in activity (relative activities of 6% and 13%, respectively). The decrease of the enzymatic activities of these mutants and the relatively small changes of the Km values for the substrates imply that both residues participate in the catalytic mechanism by contributing to the conformational flexibility of the enzyme. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Short- and Long-term Pulmonary Outcome of Palivizumab in Children Born Extremely Prematurely.

BACKGROUND Palivizumab reduces the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection in premature infants, but whether there is a protective effect beyond the preschool age is unknown. This study sought to assess the short- and long-term effects of palivizumab immunization on respiratory morbidity and pulmonary function at school age in children born extremely prematurely. METHODS Infants born before 29 weeks' gestation in 2000 to 2003 were assessed at school age by parental questionnaire, hospital chart review, and lung function tests. Children born immediately before the introduction of routine palivizumab prophylaxis were compared with age-matched children who received palivizumab prophylaxis during the first respiratory syncytial virus season. RESULTS Sixty-three children with a mean age 8.9 years were included: 30 had received palivizumab and 33 had not (control subjects). The groups were similar in terms of gestational age, birth weight, need for mechanical ventilation, and oxygen supplementation. Fifty-three percent of the palivizumab group, compared with 39% of the control group, had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P = .14). Wheezing occurred in the first 2 years of life in 27% of the palivizumab group and in 70% of control subjects (P = .008); respective hospitalization rates were 33% and 70% (P = .001). At school age, rates of hyperresponsiveness (provocative concentration leading to a 20% fall in FEV1 < 1 mg/mL) were 33% and 48%, respectively (P = .38). Spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, and exhaled nitric oxide were within normal limits, with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION Palivizumab prophylaxis was associated with reduced wheezing episodes and hospitalizations during the first 2 years of life in children born extremely prematurely. However, it did not affect pulmonary outcome at school age.
An Effector-Targeted Protease Contributes to Defense against Phytophthora infestans and Is under Diversifying Selection in Natural Hosts1[W]

Since the leaf apoplast is a primary habitat for many plant pathogens, apoplastic proteins are potent, ancient targets for apoplastic effectors secreted by plant pathogens. So far, however, only a few apoplastic effector targets have been identified and characterized. Here, we discovered that the papain-like cysteine protease C14 is a new common target of EPIC1 and EPIC2B, two apoplastic, cystatin-like proteins secreted by the potato (Solanum tuberosum) late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. C14 is a secreted protease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato typified by a carboxyl-terminal granulin domain. The EPIC-C14 interaction occurs at a wide pH range and is stronger than the previously described interactions of EPICs with tomato defense proteases PIP1 and RCR3. The selectivity of the EPICs is also different when compared with the AVR2 effector of the fungal tomato pathogen Cladosporium fulvum, which targets PIP1 and RCR3, and only at apoplastic pH. Importantly, silencing of C14 increased susceptibility to P. infestans, demonstrating that this protease plays a role in pathogen defense. Although C14 is under conservative selection in tomato, it is under diversifying selection in wild potato species (Solanum demissum, Solanum verrucosum, and Solanum stoliniferum) that are the natural hosts of P. infestans. These data reveal a novel effector target in the apoplast that contributes to immunity and is under diversifying selection, but only in the natural host of the pathogen.
Research Methods in the Leading Small Business–Entrepreneurship Journals: A Critical Review with Recommendations for Future Research**

Small business and entrepreneurship scholars have made significant progress toward advancing the field and gaining recognition as an important domain of scientific inquiry. However, the authors suggest that a strong methodological foundation built on state‐of‐the‐art research technologies is necessary to support further paradigmatic growth and maturation. Using Chandler and Lyon's study as a benchmark for research methods through the 1990s, the study critiques research methodologies used by small business and entrepreneurship researchers over the ensuing years. The analysis includes all 665 papers published between 2001 and February of 2008 in the Journal of Small Business Management, Journal of Business Venturing, and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. The research outlines key methodological issues, assesses recent methodological practice, identifies current trends, and offers recommendations for researchers in adopting existing and emerging research technologies.
Dual-Band EBG Integrated Monopole Antenna Deploying Fractal Geometry for Wearable Applications

This letter presents the design of a dual-band wearable fractal-based monopole patch antenna integrated with an electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) structure. The prototype covers the GSM-1800 MHz and ISM-2.45 GHz bands. The EBG structure reduces the radiation into the human body over 15 dB. It also reduces the effect of frequency detuning due to the human body. The performance of the antenna under bending, crumpling, and on-body conditions has been studied and presented. Specific absorption rate (SAR) assessment has also been performed to validate the antenna for its usefulness in wearable applications.
Ethical leadership, organizational identification and employee voice: examining moderated mediation process in the Chinese insurance industry

This study examines the link between ethical leadership and employee voice behaviour by focusing on the mediating role of organizational identification and the moderating role of organizational trust. The results of distinctive data from 293 supervisors–follower pairs in an insurance group from the People's Republic of China reveal that ethical leadership positively relates to employee voice behaviour, and that organization identification fully mediates the positive influence of ethical leadership on employee voice behaviour. We also found that organization trust moderates the relationship between the organization identification and employee voice. Furthermore, the mediating effect between ethical leadership and employee voice is moderated by organizational trust, that is to say moderated mediation. We discuss implications of these findings for research and practice.
Immigration domestic migration and demographic balkanization in America: new evidence for the 1990s.

The recent scrutiny given to the impact of post-1965 immigration to the United States has largely overlooked an important long-term consequence: social and demographic divisions across regions that are being created by distinctly different migration patterns of immigrants and domestic mostly native-born migrants. Evidence for 1990-95 shows a continuation of: highly focused destinations among immigrants whose race-ethnic and skill-level profiles differ from those of the rest of the population; migration patterns among domestic migrants favoring areas that are not attracting immigrants; and accentuated domestic outmigration away from high immigration areas that is most evident for less educated and lower-income long-term residents. These separate migration patterns are leading to widening divisions by race-ethnicity and population growth across broad regions of the country. These patterns are likely to make immigrant assimilation more difficult and social and political cleavages more pronounced. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA) (EXCERPT)
Corrupt clubs and the convergence hypothesis 1

Empirical work in a cross‐section framework demonstrates little or no support for absolute convergence in per capita GDP. I argue in this paper that “divergence in corruption”, defined as the tendency of corrupt countries to become more corrupt faster than less corrupt nations, is a neglected factor that also determines the speed of convergence. Using Transparency International (TI) corruption perceptions index, I estimate C‐σ and C‐γ coefficients for corrupt and less corrupt economies to explore the C‐divergence in corruption rankings. The study concludes that corrupt countries are C‐converging, forming a “corrupt club”.
ADAPTATION BY A PARASITIC TREMATODE TO LOCAL POPULATIONS OF ITS SNAIL HOST

In each of two reciprocal cross‐infection experiments, a digenetic trematode (Microphallus sp.) was found to be significantly more infective to snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) from its local host populations. This gives strong evidence for local adaptation by the parasite and indicates that there is a genetic basis to the host–parasite interaction. It is suggested that the parasite should be able to track common snail genotypes within populations and, therefore, that it could be at least partially responsible for the persistence of sexual subpopulations of the snail in those populations that have both obligately sexual and obligately parthenogenetic females.
Innovation, growth and economic development: have the conditions for catch-up changed?

This paper shows that there have been important changes in how the global economic system works. A high growth regime has gradually been substituted by one of low growth. This change appears to be especially pronounced for small economies. Until the end of the 1980s, the scope for technological imitation was a significant factor in generating growth in low-income countries but this did not extend to the 1990s. The results reported in this paper suggest that, during the 1990s, whether low-income countries managed to catch up or fall behind depended mainly on their ability to develop their 'innovation system'.
Broader social implication of the strategies of business corporations

Business in a globalised era affects lives beyond business and commerce. Minds, attitude, preferences, behaviour, culture, social activities, all are reshaped under the influence of globalisation. George Ritzer talks of certain implicit but sweeping consequences of corporate strategies, which he designated as McDonaldisation. He argued that the established business corporations, whether transnational corporations (TNCs), or locally dominant players, are slowly but shockingly transforming the way people is leading their lives across the globe through their business strategies, methods of operation and marketing techniques. This paper critically examines the McDonaldisation thesis. The four pillars of McDonaldisation are efficiency, calculability, predictability and control. The paper examines the implications of these four concepts as explained by Ritzer and to what extent they are valid, at least in the Indian context. Our results based on a small empirical study do not validate the McDonaldisation thesis in Indian context. The very factors that Ritzer argues are the irrational elements of the system are attracting the customers to the food outlets.
CEO Pay and Corporate Governance in the U.S.: Perceptions, Facts, and Challenges

This article brings a broad range of statistical studies and evidence to bear on three common perceptions about the CEO compensation and governance of U.S. public companies: (1) CEOs are overpaid and their pay keeps increasing; (2) CEOs are not paid for their performance; and (3) boards do not penalize CEOs for poor performance. While average CEO pay increased substantially during the 1990s, it has declined since then — by more than 30% — from peak levels that were reached around 2000. Moreover, when viewed relative to corporate net income or profits, CEO pay levels at S&P 500 companies are the lowest they've been in the last 20 years. And the ratio of large‐company CEO pay to firm market value is roughly similar to its level in the late 1970s, and lower than the levels that prevailed before the 1960s. What's more, in studies that begin with the late '70s, private company executives have seen their pay increase by at least as much as public companies. And when set against the compensation of other highly paid groups, today's levels of CEO pay, although somewhat above their long-term historical average, are about the same as their average levels in the early 1990s. At the same time, the pay of U.S. CEOs appears to be reasonably highly correlated with corporate performance. As evidence, the author cites a 2010 study reporting that, over the period 1992 to 2005, companies with CEOs in the top quintile (top 20%) of realized pay in any given year had generated stock returns that were 60% higher than the average companies in their industries over the previous three years. Conversely, companies with CEOs in the bottom quintile of realized pay underperformed their industries by almost 20% in the previous three years. And along with lower pay, the CEOs of poorly performing companies in the 2000s faced a significant increase in the likelihood of dismissal by their own boards. When viewed together, these findings suggest that corporate boards have done a reasonably good job of overseeing CEO pay, and that factors such as technological advances and increased scale have played meaningful roles in driving the pay of both CEOs and others with top incomes — people who are assumed to have comparable skills, experience, and opportunities. If one wants to use increases in CEO pay as evidence of managerial power or “board capture,” one also has to explain why the other professional groups have experienced similar, or even higher, growth in pay. A more straightforward interpretation of the evidence reviewed in this article is that the market for talent has driven a meaningful portion of the increase in pay at the top. Consistent with this conclusion, top executive pay policies at roughly 97% of S&P 500 and Russell 3000 companies received majority shareholder support in the Dodd-Frank mandated “Say-on-Pay” votes in 2011 and 2012, the first two years the measure was in force.
National differences in entrepreneurial networking

The paper reports findings of a study into the personal contact networks of Greek entrepreneurs, and compares these to results already published for other countries (Canada, Japan, Italy, Northern Ireland, Sweden, the UK, and the USA). Findings show that generic behaviour across borders cannot be assumed, although similarities exist in the under-representation of women as network members, the average age of network contacts, duration of relationships, and average monthly meetings. A clear example has also been provided of a culture where business networks are very deeply embedded in social structures, and where little or no evidence of an instrumentalist neo-classical model can be found. From a theoretical perspective, adaptation of Hofstede's four-dimensional model provides a generally robust interpretive framework for the results.