Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Greek banks in international markets: a study of entry modes and approaches

Research results identified that Greek banks adopt foreign direct investment entry mode and organisational forms, such as branches and representative offices (internal growth), as well as subsidiaries and affiliates (external growth). It also was found that the Greek banks participating in this research combine the two types of growth in their foreign market entries. This study identified that the balance of combination is dependent on a number of reasons and factors.
Unemployment Insurance and Male Unemployment Duration in Canada

A model of unemployment duration is estimated with weekly micro data on Canadian men. Entitlement provisions in the unemployment insurance program and demand conditions are found to have a significant effect on the probability of leaving unemployment. The probability of a worker leaving unemployment declines with the duration of unemployment, holding unemployment insurance entitlement constant. When entitlement is allowed to vary, the probability of leaving first falls and then generally rises with unemployment duration. These results are robust with respect to allowing for person-specific unobserved heterogeneity and alternative specifications of duration dependence.
Privacy-Enabled Probabilistic Verification in Broadcast Authentication for Vehicular Networks

Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) authentication schemes need to consider mobility and rapidly changing topologies in addition to an unreliable wireless channel communication. IEEE 1609.2, VANET security standard, suggests Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) for the authentication of Vehicleto-Vehicle (V2V) messages. However, it has the drawback of expensive computations for verification. Therefore, we provide a smart probabilistic verification strategy for the authentication of V2V communication. We propose a practical and efficient strategy that makes use of secure ECDSA but still decreases the computation time for the most relevant packets. Furthermore, we maintain conditional privacy of vehicles through a lightweight vehicle registration process with a regional registering authority. In comparison to IEEE 1609.2, our algorithm reduces the packet loss ratio that occurs due to messages expiring in the verification queue.
Doing good with or without being known? Media coverage of corporate social performance and its impact on corporate financial performance

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to examine the media coverage of corporate social performance (CSP), as well as the ultimate impact that such coverage has on the financial performance of corporate entities. Design/methodology/approach - – Based on a sample of financial holding companies (FHC) listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the authors select the two most popular newspapers in Taiwan, to construct the unique media coverage of CSP activity database. Findings - – First, the quantity of news articles about social activities of FHCs is positively correlated with financial performance. Second, the authors find that news articles about FHCs’ positive social activities for shareholders will trigger a positive evaluation by shareholders; however, news articles about FHCs’ positive (negative) social activities for employees will trigger a negative (positive) evaluation by shareholders. But if the news articles about FHCs’ positive social activities for employees are initiated by the media, rather than by the company itself, they will trigger a positive evaluation by shareholders. Originality/value - – The average shareholders may praise management for one particular CSP activity of a positive nature, whereas they may criticize another CSP activity, despite it being generally regarded outside of the firm as also being positive in nature. It therefore becomes clear that when setting out to investigate whether “doing good” actually does translate into “doing well,” the authors should not attempt to total different kinds of information on CSP; In this paper, the authors emphasize that they need to be analyzed separately.
Dual-Material Double-Layer Gate Stack SON MOSFET: A Novel Architecture for Enhanced Analog Performance—Part II: Impact of Gate-Dielectric Material Engineering

Part I of this paper dealt with the simulation study, using ATLAS 2D, of analog-circuit performance metrics for the dual-material-gate (DMG) silicon-on-nothing (SON) MOSFET. It was reported that, out of the several combinations in the DMG design studied, the DMG device with LM1/ L ratio as 1/2 amalgamates the advantages of using a high metal work-function gate M1 and low metal work-function gate M2 in the most efficient manner. This paper focuses upon the effect of double-layer gate stack (DGS) (high-k/SiO2) on the single-material-gate (SMG) SON and the DMG SON MOSFETs. Improved Early voltage and reduced output conductance of the DMG SON MOSFETs are the driving forces behind the observed increase in intrinsic gain and fT-gain relationship for the DMG devices over SMG SON MOSFETs, with the DMG SON MOSFETs having LM1/L ratio as 1/2, proving to be the best choice among various LM1/L ratios studied. A further improvement in intrinsic gain in DMG DGS SON MOSFETs comes about because of increased gate control on the channel, thus establishing design guidelines aiming at higher gain and better fT-gain relationship.
Monetary Transmission and Bank Lending in Portugal: A Sectoral Approach

This paper investigates the role of bank lending in the monetary transmission process in Portugal. We estimate a small sectoral VAR model of the Portuguese macroeconomy. This model is then used to simulate the effects of an exogenous monetary policy shock upon asset prices, bank balance sheet variables and final target variables (activity and prices), for the personal and corporate sectors. Significant sectoral differences are found among the channels of monetary transmission. In addition, the use of sectoral data facilitates the identification of distinct money and credit channels in the transmission of monetary policy. These results contrast with the ambiguous findings on the roles of money and credit in the literature to date. Our study suggests that there is a bank-lending channel in Portugal.
Deterministic Construction of Partial Fourier Compressed Sensing Matrices Via Cyclic Difference Sets

Compressed sensing is a novel technique where one can recover sparse signals from the undersampled measurements. This paper studies a $K \times N$ partial Fourier measurement matrix for compressed sensing which is deterministically constructed via cyclic difference sets (CDS). Precisely, the matrix is constructed by $K$ rows of the $N\times N$ inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) matrix, where each row index is from a $(N, K, \lambda)$ cyclic difference set. The restricted isometry property (RIP) is statistically studied for the deterministic matrix to guarantee the recovery of sparse signals. A computationally efficient reconstruction algorithm is then proposed from the structure of the matrix. Numerical results show that the reconstruction algorithm presents competitive recovery performance with allowable computational complexity.
On the analytical treatment of singular impedance integrals in electromagnetics

A method is presented for reducing the number of subsequent integrations in impedance integrals containing the dynamic Green's function. The method works whenever a point can be found that is coplanar (or collinear) to both the basis and test support. This is always the case for singular impedance integrals. As an example, explicit formulas are given for the self-patch impedance integrals for the electric field integral equation.
Rab31 and APPL2 enhance FcγR-mediated phagocytosis through PI3K/Akt signaling in macrophages

Rab31 recruits APPL2 to regulate phagocytic cup closure and FcγR signaling pathways via production of PI(3,4,5)P3 in macrophages. APPL2 is poised to activate macrophages and act as a counterpoint to APPL1 in FcγR-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling. New locations and roles are found for Rab31 and APPL2 by which they contribute to innate immune functions.
Employee perceptions of the climate for creativity in the workplace of Thekwini FET College, Durban.

A climate that stimulates creativity and encourages optimal performance is essential for enhancing the knowledge capacity of organisations. This encompasses the roles played by diverse aspects such as organisational support, freedom, work pressure, idea time/support, workplace challenges and trust/openness. This study is located in the field of Adult Education in general with a specific focus on Workplace Learning. A qualitative study was conducted to describe the perceptions of managers and non-managers in five campuses of Thekwini FET College as either potential enablers or disablers of a creative climate. The research explicates what and how these professionals learn in creative climates. This study examines four research questions: In what ways do employees perceive the climate for creativity in the workplace? ; How is the climate for creativity nurtured or stifled in the workplace? ; What is meant by a 'creative climate'? ; What are the critical success factors for inducing and facilitating a creative climate at Thekwini FET College? Thirteen participants, who had working knowledge experience and were able to provide a rich description of their work climate, were selected. A comprehensive collection and analysis of data was yielded through: (a) semi-structured individual interviews; (b) looking at words, sentences and paragraphs of documents; and (c) informal observations. Data was analysed and interpreted by identifying the themes promulgated by Ekvall's Creative Climate Questionnaire and Amabile's KEYS survey. The findings led to the emergence of two new themes of coping mechanism and informal learning. The discussions inform and support the research from the perspective of employee experience and the theoretical model. The following recommendations were made in terms of: (a) Organisational Culture devalue bureaucracy with greater interpersonal functioning of trust, freedom and support; (b) People value and make people central in the workplace; and (c) Value Socialisation organisational support for informal learning, playful about ideas, tolerant of spirited debates and challenges.
How to Capture Value from Innovation: Shaping Intellectual Property and Industry Architecture

Capturing value from innovation requires innovators to figure out how to blunt inroads into the profit stream by imitators, customers, suppliers, and other providers of complementary products and services. In making strategic decisions around technology commercialization, managers often assume that the intellectual property environment and the architecture of the industry are beyond their control. This need not be so. This article shows how managers can shape both the appropriability regime and the architecture of the industry in ways that can benefit the innovator by blunting the actions of others who may endeavor to tap into the stream of profit generated by innovation. Even small firms can play important roles. Tools include putting information into the public domain, helping to shape standards, and promoting modularity.
The Impact of the Chinese Renminbi on Korean and Japanese Exports to the United States

This paper examines the impacts of the real exchange rates of the Chinese renminbi against the US dollar on Japanese and Korean exports to the United States. Empirical test results, which have analyzed the quarterly data covering 1986Q1 to 2008Q2, show different long-run impacts of the renminbi in the export functions of the two countries. In particular, depreciation of the renminbi has a positive impact on Japanese exports but a negative impact on Korean exports. However, since some stability tests indicate a structural break in the export functions, the functions are re-estimated for the recent sub-period (1995Q1 to 2008Q2). Different from the estimation results for the whole sample period, in tests with the subperiod data, depreciation of the renminbi turns out to have a positive impact on Korean exports and insignificant impacts on Japanese exports. In addition, the coefficients of the real GDP of the US and the real exchange rate of the Japanese yen and the Korean won are estimated to be consistent with conventional predictions. Finally, it should be noted that only the estimated values of the renminbi coefficient change drastically across the two period data sets, while other coefficient values are quite stable.
Dollarization in Latin America: Gresham's Law in Reverse?

Since the 1970s, a number of high-inflation Latin American countries have experienced persistent "dollarization. " To interpret some of the stylized facts, a simple model is presented in which dollarization reflects the costs that are involved in switching the currency denomination of transactions. The transaction costs of dollarization define a band for the inflation differential within which there will be no incentive to switch between currencies. Above the upper value of the band, the local currency gradually disappears as the economy becomes fully dollarized; below the lower value, de-dollarization occurs.
Coomassie Blue as a Near-infrared Fluorescent Stain: A Systematic Comparison With Sypro Ruby for In-gel Protein Detection*

Quantitative proteome analyses suggest that the well-established stain colloidal Coomassie Blue, when used as an infrared dye, may provide sensitive, post-electrophoretic in-gel protein detection that can rival even Sypro Ruby. Considering the central role of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in top-down proteomic analyses, a more cost effective alternative such as Coomassie Blue could prove an important tool in ongoing refinements of this important analytical technique. To date, no systematic characterization of Coomassie Blue infrared fluorescence detection relative to detection with SR has been reported. Here, seven commercial Coomassie stain reagents and seven stain formulations described in the literature were systematically compared. The selectivity, threshold sensitivity, inter-protein variability, and linear-dynamic range of Coomassie Blue infrared fluorescence detection were assessed in parallel with Sypro Ruby. Notably, several of the Coomassie stain formulations provided infrared fluorescence detection sensitivity to <1 ng of protein in-gel, slightly exceeding the performance of Sypro Ruby. The linear dynamic range of Coomassie Blue infrared fluorescence detection was found to significantly exceed that of Sypro Ruby. However, in two-dimensional gel analyses, because of a blunted fluorescence response, Sypro Ruby was able to detect a few additional protein spots, amounting to 0.6% of the detected proteome. Thus, although both detection methods have their advantages and disadvantages, differences between the two appear to be small. Coomassie Blue infrared fluorescence detection is thus a viable alternative for gel-based proteomics, offering detection comparable to Sypro Ruby, and more reliable quantitative assessments, but at a fraction of the cost.
Efflux transporters in ulcerative colitis: Decreased expression of BCRP (ABCG2) and Pgp (ABCB1)

Background Efflux transport proteins are important components of the intestinal barrier against bacterial toxins, carcinogens, and drugs. This investigation was conducted to determine the expression of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP/ABCG2), P‐glycoprotein (Pgp/MDR1/ABCB1), and Multidrug Resistance Protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2) in the gut mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods Patients were thoroughly diagnosed according to well‐established clinical, endoscopic, and histologic criteria to be included in the group of patients with active UC (n = 16) or UC in remission (n = 17). Colonic and rectal mucosa from patients with UC were compared with tissues from control subjects (n = 15). The mRNA expression (TaqMan) of the efflux transporters and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1&bgr; and IL‐6 was determined. Western blot was used in the analysis of protein expression and the tissue localization of BCRP was determined with confocal microscopy. Results BCRP and Pgp expression was strongly reduced in individuals with active inflammation compared with controls and was negatively correlated with the levels of IL‐6 mRNA. The BCRP staining of colonic epithelium seen in healthy mucosa was diminished in inflamed tissues, with concurrent disruption of epithelial F‐actin structure. Conclusions Two of the efflux transporters of importance for the barrier function of the gut mucosa, Pgp and BCRP, are expressed at strongly reduced levels during active inflammation in patients with UC. Investigations are warranted to determine whether the low levels of efflux transporters during active UC contribute to altered transport and tissue exposure of carcinogens, bacterial toxins, and drugs. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007)
Higher‐Moment Risk Exposures in Hedge Funds

The paper singles out the key roles of US equity skewness and kurtosis in the determination of the market premia embedded in Hedge Fund returns. We propose a conditional higher-moment asset pricing model with location, trading and higher-moment factors in order to describe the dynamics of the Equity Hedge (Market Neutral, Short Selling and Long/Short strategies), Event Driven, Relative Value, and Funds of Hedge Funds styles. The volatility, skewness and kurtosis implied in the US options markets are used by Hedge Fund managers as instruments to anticipate market movements. Managers should adjust their market exposure in response to variations in the implied higher moments. We show that higher-moment premia improve a conditional asset pricing model both in terms of explanatory power (R-squares and Schwarz criterion) and specification errors across all Hedge Fund styles.
A mechanism for 1,4-Benzoquinone-induced genotoxicity

Benzene is a common environmental toxin and its metabolite, 1-4-Benzoquinone (BQ) causes hematopoietic cancers like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). BQ has not been comprehensively assessed for its impact on genome maintenance, limiting our understanding of the true health risks associated with benzene exposure and our ability to identify people with increased sensitivity to this genotoxin. Here we analyze the impact BQ exposure has on wild type and DNA repair-defective mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and wild type human cells. We find that double strand break (DSB) repair and replication fork maintenance pathways including homologous recombination (HR) and Fanconi anemia (FA) suppress BQ toxicity. BQ-induced damage efficiently stalls replication forks, yet poorly induces ATR/DNA-PKCS responses. Furthermore, the pattern of BQ-induced γH2AX and 53BP1foci is consistent with the formation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)-stabilized regressed replication forks. At a biochemical level, BQ inhibited topoisomerase 1 (topo1)-mediated DNA ligation and nicking in vitro; thus providing mechanism for the cellular phenotype. These data are consistent with a model that proposes BQ interferes with type I topoisomerase's ability to maintain replication fork restart and progression leading to chromosomal instability that has the potential to cause hematopoietic cancers like MDS and AML.
The Effect of Ownership Changes on the Employment and Wages of Central Office and Other Personnel

D URING the 1980s there has been a rapid increase in the rate of business ownership change in the United States. The value of the companies involved in such transactions increased almost sixfold between 1980 and 1986. The high rate of ownership change has stimulated growing interest (and in some cases concern) among policymakers, scholars, and the public about the causes and effects of ownership change, particularly about its effects on efficiency (hence "competitiveness"). Some theories of ownership change, and anecdotal or fragmentary evidence concerning these changes, suggest that various kinds of ownership change-such as hostile takeovers, leveraged buyouts, and voluntary divestitures-result in reductions in administrative and managerial employment, both absolutely and relative to production employment. Carl Icahn, a prominent performer of hostile takeovers, claims that we have "created a corporate welfare state. companies are burdened by layers of vice presidents who not only don't produce, but are often counterproductive. I and other 'raiders' usually eliminate the people who are most
Female Mate Fidelity in a Lek Mating System and Its Implications for the Evolution of Cooperative Lekking Behavior

The extent and importance of female mate fidelity in polygynous mating systems are poorly known. Fidelity may contribute to high variance in male reproductive success when it favors attractive mates or may stabilize social interactions if females are faithful to mating sites rather than males. Using 12 years of data on genetic mate choice in the cooperatively lekking lance-tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), I investigated the frequency of fidelity within and between years, whether females were faithful to individual males or to mating sites across years, and whether fidelity favored attractive males. Mate fidelity occurred in 41.7% of 120 between-year comparisons and was observed for 41.1% of 73 individual females that had the opportunity to mate faithfully. Females were not more likely to mate at prior mating sites when previous mates were replaced. Faithful females mated with the same male in up to four consecutive years but were not disproportionately faithful to attractive partners. Mating history influences current mate choice, and fidelity in this lekking system apparently represents active mate choice by females but little consensus in mate choices among faithful females. This study underscores the prevalence of mate fidelity in polygynous mating systems and emphasizes the need to consider the larger context of lifetime reproductive behavior when interpreting patterns of female choice.
Education and Unemployment: A French-German Comparison

This paper analyses the link between educational attainment and unemployment risk in a French-German comparison, based on a discrete time competing risks hazard rate model applied to comparable microdata sets. The unemployment risk is broken down into the risk of entering unemployment and the risk, once unemployed, of not getting reemployed. The paper examines the impact of education on both risk components. France faces a higher unemployment rate than West-Germany, due to a higher risk of entering unemployment whereas the risk, when unemployed, of not getting reemployed is lower than in Germany. The risk of entering unemployment is particularly high for French employees with poor education, but higher education graduates face a higher risk of getting unemployed in Germany than in France. Concerning the reemployment prospects of the unemployed, they are better in France than in West-Germany at all education levels, but particularly for the unemployed with a low education level. The effect of education on both risk components does not differ significantly across genders, all else equal.
Modelling Price Movements in Housing Micro Markets

This study identifies housing sub-markets (micro markets) that may be price leaders within local housing market areas and relates their performance to potentially relevant economic factors. This can be important as it provides both policy-makers and market players with a useful barometer regarding housing market behaviour. The study uses cointegration analysis to find those markets that interact with each other over the long run and isolates housing sub-markets that are not influenced by housing market behaviour elsewhere in the local urban economy. The study lays the basis for research aimed at identifying whether different housing markets respond to the same or to different economic stimuli. The research is likely to be of interest to policy-makers (such as town planners) as well as to developers and lending institutions.