Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate Social Responsibility in the Modern World-System A Case Study of German Automobile Corporations' Social and Environmental Responsibilities in South Africa

iii OPSOMMING . v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . vii TABLE OF CONTENTS . viii LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES . xi LIST OF INTERVIEW RESPONDENTS . xii ABBREVIATIONS . xiii Chapter
Credit Rationing and Threshold Effects in the Relation between Money and Output

The possibility that the effect of monetary policy on output may depend on whether credit conditions are tight or loose can be expressed as a non-linearity in the relation between real money supply and output, of which a simple case is a threshold effect. In this case, consistent with the credit-rationing model of Blinder (1987), the monetary variable has a more powerful effect if it is below some threshold than when it is above. Testing for the importance of this threshold is straightforward if the appropriate threshold value is known a priori, but where the value is not known and must be chosen based on the sample, the testing problem becomes more difficult. We apply recently-developed tests applicable in this situation to both US and Canadian data, and find substantial evidence of a threshold effect, particularly in US data. However, the estimated threshold values are high. Copyright 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein Folding Activity of Hsp70 Is Modified Differentially by the Hsp40 Co-chaperones Sis1 and Ydj1*

Specification of Hsp70 action in cellular protein metabolism may occur through the formation of specialized Hsp70:Hsp40 pairs. To test this model, we compared the ability of purified Sis1 and Ydj1 to regulate the ATPase and protein-folding activity of Hsp70 Ssa1 and Ssb1/2 proteins. Ydj1 and Sis1 could both functionally interact with Ssa1, but not the Ssb1/2 proteins, to refold luciferase. Interestingly, Ydj1:Ssa1 could promote up to four times more luciferase folding than Sis1:Ssa1. This functional difference was explored and could not be accounted for by differences in the ability of Sis1 and Ydj1 to regulate Ssa1 ATPase activity. Instead, differences in the chaperone function of Ydj1 and Sis1 were observed. Ydj1 was dramatically more effective than Sis1 at suppressing the thermally induced aggregation of luciferase. Paradoxically, Sis1 and Ydj1 could bind similar quantities of chemically denatured luciferase. The polypeptide binding domain of Sis1 was found to lie between residues 171–352 and correspond to its conserved carboxyl terminus. The conserved carboxyl terminus of Ydj1 is also known to participate in the binding of nonnative polypeptides. Thus, Ydj1 appears more efficient at assisting Ssa1 in folding luciferase because its contains a zinc finger-like region that is absent from Sis1. Ydj1 and Sis1 are structurally and functionally distinct Hsp40 proteins that can specify Ssa1 action by generating Hsp70:Hsp40 pairs that exhibit different chaperone activities.
Randomization and the analysis of variance.

This paper attempts to strengthen faith in randomization, first by defining it in general and second by showing how it is the fundamental means, in many experiments, of generating the probability space. It is defined by the natural structure of the experimental units (E.U.'s) not by a particular experimental design imposed on that structure. Three examples are given, with the same design but different E.U. structures and randomizations, to show that models developed from experimental designs are superficial, but that their randomization is fundamental.
Country of Origin and Immigrant Earnings, 1960-2000: A Human Capital Investment Perspective

Using microdata from the 1960-2000 decennial censuses, this paper explores how large initial differences in immigrant earnings by country of origin change with duration in the United States. One analysis reveals that country of origin adds less to the explanation of earnings, among working-age adult male immigrants, the longer they reside in the United States. Another discovers that the earnings dispersion of demographically comparable immigrants across countries of origin diminishes with time in the United States. Both indicate convergence in immigrant earnings by country of origin. To probe the sensitivity of these results to immigrant emigration, we pursue a theoretical analysis, which gauges how hypothetical patterns of selective emigration affect the convergence results, and an empirical analysis, which could be more broadly applied as a test for emigration bias. Both suggest that immigrant earnings convergence by country of origin is not an artifact of emigration. The convergence has methodological ramifications for the measurement of immigrant economic assimilation – in studies that follow cohorts and in studies that follow individuals with longitudinal data – and more generally for the study of any process in which unmeasured variables jointly affect initial conditions and subsequent growth.
Globalization and Transformations of Public Administration: The Malaysian Experience

Globalization is a highly contested term. Although it has many dimensions and consequently is used to describe a range of contemporary economic, socio-cultural and politico-administrative changes, there is hardly any consensus about its meaning' forms and implications. There are also serious disagreements about the causes and effects of globalization. The controversy is particularly intense with regard to the impacts of globalization where both its advocates and critics have presented strong evidence in favo? of their arguments. While the debate continues, globalization has emerged as a powerful force that has set off unprecedented transformations across the globe. It has altered, among other things, the nature of modern state and its administration, the role of the state in the society and raised serious questions about democracy and sovereignty in developing nations (Abu-Rabi, 1998; Farazmand, 1999). It has reduced the scope and power of nation states to operate independently
Social media as a destination marketing tool: its use by national tourism organisations

Social media are gaining prominence as an element of destination marketing organisation (DMO) marketing strategy at a time when public sector cuts in their funding are requiring them to seek greater value in the way marketing budgets are spent. Social media offers DMOs with a tool to reach a global audience with limited resources. The aim of this study is to explore the usage of social media among the DMOs of the top 10 most visited countries by international tourists. The study uses content analysis and semi-structured interviews to examine the usage and impact of social media marketing strategies and identifies a framework of best practice for other national tourism organizations (NTOs) to learn from. The study argues that social media usage among top DMOs is still largely experimental and that strategies vary significantly.
Long-term beneficial effects of dexamethasone on intellectual and neuropsychological outcome of children with pneumococcal meningitis

A Substantial ratio of bacterial meningitis survivors suffers mild or serious intellectual and neuropsychological handicaps. We organized eighty subjects into three groups: 1) Pneumococcal meningitis (PM) who did not receive dexamethasone, 2) PM who received dexamethasone, 3) Other bacterial meningitis with different etiology. All subjects underwent Bender Visual Motor Gestalt test and age-appropriate Intelligence qutient (IQ) tests. The mean full-scale IQ scoring fell within normal range (90±17) in the post-meningitic cohort. There was no statistical difference between two pneumococcal groups regarding full scale IQ testing (88±16 and 91±18) and Bender-Gestalt scoring (4.0±3.3 and 3.8±2.6), respectively. However, the subjects with full scale IQ score <85 (below the average) were statistically less in the group with steroid therapy. PM patients who received dexamethasone therapy had statistically better academic performance. As a result, adjuvant steroid therapy has no significant impact on overall intellectual tests in PM subjects. However, dexamethasone seems to diminish development of below the average IQ scoring in PM cases. In addition, PM subjects who received steroids showed better academic achievement. These findings may support the idea of dexamethasone administration prior to first antibiotic dose in PM subjects.
Reference intervals for serum cystatin C and creatinine of an indigenous adult Nigerian population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is important for the evaluation of patients with kidney disease. Some studies suggest that GFR estimated from serum cystatin C (Cys C) is more accurate than that from serum creatinine (SCr). For Cys C to be used for this purpose, normal values need to be determined for various populations. This study determined the serum Cys C levels and reference intervals (RIs) of a Nigerian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred and four healthy adult subjects were analysed. Serum Cys C and SCr were determined by particle enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay and modified Jaffe kinetic method respectively. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 (SPSS for Windows Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Estimation of RIs was done as per the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry guidelines. RESULTS The RIs for Cys C were 0.65-1.12 mg/L (median 0.86) for males, 0.62-1.12 mg/L (median 0.85) for females and 0.64-1.12 mg/L (median 0.86) for all the subjects. The RIs for SCr were 73-110 μmol/L (median 89) for males, 65-102 μmol/L (median 82) for females and 66-106 μmol/L (median 86) for all the subjects. There was no significant gender difference in the RIs for serum Cys C, (P > 0.05). The SCr levels and RI were significantly lower in females than in males (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study has determined the serum Cys C levels and RI of an indigenous healthy adult black population in Nigeria.
Intellectual capital and value creation in Spanish firms

– The purpose of this paper is to explore and to explain the influence of representative variables of human capital and structural capital on the creation of business value. , – An exploratory analysis was initially performed on the degree to which firms actually used human and structural capital indicators, through a survey sent out to Spanish firms with a staff of 25 employees or more. Subsequently, by means of an explanatory analysis, the relationship was studied between the use made of the aforementioned indicators and a set of variables selected as representative of value creation. The information on value creation was taken from the Sistema de Analisis de Balances Ibericos (SABI‐AMADEUS) database. Moreover, in an attempt to corroborate the results of this explanatory analysis, a further independent variable was simultaneously introduced taken from the financial statements held on the same database and applied to the same sample of firms; known as the value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC), it analyses value creation efficiency. , – The explanatory analysis of multiple lineal correlations and regressions allows us to confirm the positive relation that exists between the use of human and structural capital indicators, and value creation measured by sales growth. Simultaneously, higher levels of the VAIC, in particular for the component that refers to the sum of the coefficient of human capital and structural capital, are also related to improvements in competitiveness reflected through an increase in sales figures. , – Despite having identified a relation between intellectual capital and value creation, the study finds no evidence of a significant relationship between the use of human capital and structural capital indicators and dependent variables other than sales growth, such as return on assets (ROA) or productivity. The authors would have preferred to have obtained information from a larger number of firms, which would perhaps have contributed to finding new significant relations. This limitation suggests that further research is needed, such as carrying out large‐scale longitudinal studies using panel data analysis. , – This analysis has a dual perspective based on observations taken from a survey and economic‐financial analysis. It is a novel study in the Spanish context given that the analysis of aspects related to intellectual capital have on numerous occasions centred on large and/or quoted firms in that country, solely using information taken from secondary sources (databases).
Interaction among Btn1p, Btn2p, and Ist2p Reveals Potential Interplay among the Vacuole, Amino Acid Levels, and Ion Homeostasis in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Btn2p, a novel cytosolic coiled-coil protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was previously shown to interact with and to be necessary for the correct localization of Rhb1p, a regulator of arginine uptake, and Yif1p, a Golgi protein. We now report the biochemical and physical interactions of Btn2p with Ist2p, a plasma membrane protein that is thought to have a function in salt tolerance. A deletion in Btn2p (btn2Δ strains) results in a failure to correctly localize Ist2p, and strains lacking Btn2p and Ist2p (btn2Δ ist2Δ strains) are unable to grow in the presence of 0.5 or 1.0 M NaCl. Btn2p was originally identified as being up-regulated in a btn1Δ strain, which lacks the vacuolar-lysosomal membrane protein, Btn1p, and serves as a model for Batten disease. This up-regulation of Btn2p was shown to contribute to the maintenance of a stable vacuolar pH in the btn1Δ strain. Btn1p was subsequently shown to be required for the optimal transport of arginine into the vacuole. Interestingly, btn1Δ ist2Δ strains are also unable to grow in the presence of 0.5 or 1.0 M NaCl, and ist2Δ suppresses the vacuolar arginine transport defect in btn1Δ strains. Although further investigation is required, we speculate that altered vacuolar arginine transport in btn1Δ strains represents a mechanism for maintaining or balancing cellular ion homeostasis. Btn2p interacts with at least three proteins that are seemingly involved in different biological functions in different subcellular locations. Due to these multiple interactions, we conclude that Btn2p may play a regulatory role across the cell in response to alterations in the intracellular environment that may be caused by changes in amino acid levels or pH, a disruption in protein trafficking, or imbalances in ion homeostasis resulting from either genetic or environmental manipulation.
The effectiveness of Central Bank intervention: evidence from Turkey

This article investigates the effectiveness of Central Bank intervention on the conditional variance and the mean of the exchange rate returns in Turkey during the float period. The daily exchange rates are studied within an Exponential General Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedastic (EGARCH) framework. Little evidence is found for the effectiveness of intervention operations. Empirical results suggest that foreign exchange (FX) selling auctions increase exchange rate volatility. However, a reverse causality relationship detected between one-day past sales of FX auctions and exchange rate returns which is supportive of leaning-against-the-wind behaviour of the Central Bank contradicts its announcements. Also the Central Bank of Turkey (CBT) tends to intervene through FX selling auctions when one-day past volatility is higher.
[Neuropathic pain treatment].

INTRODUCTION neuropathic pain is a frequent complication and results from numerous mechanisms, (infectious, post traumatic, metabolic, vascular) or toxic (i.e. medications). It is a complex entity due to its pathophysiology and its clinical features, but remains under diagnosed despite medical awareness. MATERIAL AND METHOD we reviewed the recent literature on evaluation and treatment of neuropathic pain with a focus on published guidelines. RESULTS scales and questionnaires are available (DN 4, LANSS, etc.) but are not superior to anamnesis and a close physical examination. Usual treatments mostly based on empirical experiences are antidepressants, anti epileptics, calcium channels inhibitors, opioids, and cannabinoids. CONCLUSION neuropathic pain is a complex and heterogeneous syndrome. Various medications are available but none is specific. The best choice is a drug with few interactions and side effects. Some preventive therapies are promising. We propose a practical guideline based on data from the literature.
Adverse health effects of PM10 particles: involvement of iron in generation of hydroxyl radical.

OBJECTIVES: Environmental particles < 10 microns average aerodynamic diameter (PM10) are associated with mortality, exacerbation of airways diseases, and decrement in lung function. It is hypothesised that PM10 particles, along with other pathogenic particles, generate free radicals at their surface in reactions involving iron, and that this is a factor in the pathogenicity of PM10 particles. Identification of free radical activity in PM10 and examination of the content and role of iron in this process was undertaken. METHODS: Free radical activity was detected with a supercoiled plasmid, phi X174 RF1 DNA, and measured as scission of the supercoiled DNA (mediated by free radicals) by scanning laser densitometry. The role of the hydroxyl radical was confirmed by the use of the specific scavenger mannitol, and the role of iron investigated with the iron chelator desferrioxamine-B (DSF-B). Iron released from PM10 particles at pH 7.2 and pH 4.6 (to mimic conditions on the lung surface and in macrophage phagolysosomes, respectively) was assessed spectrophotometrically with the Fe++ chelator ferrozine and the Fe+ + + chelator DSF-B. RESULTS: PM10 particles showed significant free radical activity by their ability to degrade supercoiled DNA. A substantial part of this activity was due to the generation of hydroxyl radicals, as shown by partial protection with mannitol. Similarly, DSF-B also conferred protection against the damage caused to plasmid DNA indicating the role of iron in generation of hydroxyl radicals. Negligible Fe++ was released at either pH 7.2 or pH 4.6 by contrast with Fe+ + +, which was released in substantial quantities at both pHs, although twice as much was released at pH 4.6. CONCLUSIONS: PM10 particles generate the hydroxyl radical, a highly deleterious free radical, in aqueous solution. This occurs by an iron dependent process and hydroxyl radicals could play a part in the pathogenicity of PM10 particles. Iron release was greatest at the pH of the lysosome (pH 4.6) indicating that iron may be mobilised inside macrophages after phagocytosis, leading to oxidative stress in the macrophages.
An overview of complications associated with open and percutaneous tracheostomy procedures

Tracheostomy, whether open or percutaneous, is a commonly performed procedure and is intended to provide long-term surgical airway for patients who are dependent on mechanical ventilatory support or require (for various reasons) an alternative airway conduit. Due to its invasive and physiologically critical nature, tracheostomy placement can be associated with significant morbidity and even mortality. This article provides a comprehensive overview of commonly encountered complications that may occur during and after the tracheal airway placement, including both short- and long-term postoperative morbidity.
Total Body Bone Mineral Content and Tibial Cortical Bone Measures in Preschool Children

This study was undertaken to identify factors that influence total body bone area (TBBA), total body bone mineral content (TBBMC), and tibial cortical bone measures in 239 children aged 3–5 years. We obtained information on demographic and anthropometric characteristics and measurements of diet, physical activity, and strength. In multiple regression analysis, TBBA correlated with height (p < 0.001), weight (p < 0.001), percent body fat (p < 0.001), and calcium intake (p = 0.02). TBBMC correlated with TBBA (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.001), and weight (p = 0.02) and inversely correlated with height (p < 0.001) and percent body fat (p < 0.001). Children born preterm had lower TBBMC compared with children born at term (p = 0.02). Both periosteal and endosteal circumferences were correlated with weight (both, p < 0.001) and inversely correlated with age (p = 0.006 and p = 0.003, respectively) and percent body fat (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005 respectively). Endosteal circumference was greater and cortical bone area was lower in children born preterm compared with those born at term (both, p = 0.04). Findings of higher TBBA and lower TBBMC in children with high percent body fat indicate undermineralization of bone and suggest that obesity in preschool children may have detrimental effects on total body bone mass accretion. A smaller tibial periosteal circumference and thus cross‐sectional area in children with the same weight but higher percent body fat also would lead to a biomechanical disadvantage in these children. Findings of low TBBMC and cortical bone area among children born preterm need to be confirmed in other populations. We speculate that differences in these measurements between children born preterm and at term may be caused by differences in activity.
Emissions Trading and the Polluter-Pays Principle: Do Polluters Pay under Grandfathering?

Abstract Emissions trading is becoming increasingly popular in environmental law. Allowances to trade emissions can either be auctioned off or handed out free of charge by means of grandfathering. Although grandfathering is frequently used in emissions trading schemes, it is a popular view in the economic and legal literature that grandfathering is inconsistent with the polluter-pays principle. We come to a different, more nuanced view. The question of whether polluters pay under grandfathering depends on how the polluter-pays principle is interpreted. We present a taxonomy of interpretations. Based on an efficiency interpretation of the principle, consistency is demonstrated by emphasizing the economic impact of the opportunity costs of gratis allowances and the lump sum nature of the subsidy that is inherent to grandfathering. Inconsistency can only be claimed based on an equity interpretation of the polluter-pays principle. Allocating allowances free of charge means that polluting firms receive a capital gift making their shareholders richer, which may be perceived as unfair. We draw two conclusions. First, contrary to what some have claimed, grandfathering is compatible with an efficiency interpretation of the polluter-pays principle. Second, only auctioning is consistent with an extended form of this principle. Auctioning ensures not only that pollution costs are internalized (efficiency), but also that producers buy their allowances before they pass on those costs to consumers (equity).