bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Note on Close Elections and Regression Analysis of the Party Incumbency Advantage
Authors: Aronow Peter M. , Mayhew David R. , Lin Winston 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMuch research has recently been devoted to understanding the effects of party incumbency following close elections, typically using a regression discontinuity design. Researchers have demonstrated that close elections in the US House of Representatives may systematically favor certain types of candidates, and that a research design that focuses on close elections may therefore be inappropriate for estimation of the incumbency advantage. We demonstrate that any issues raised with the study of close elections may be equally applicable to the ordinary least squares analysis of electoral data, even when the sample contains all elections. When vote share is included as part of a covariate control strategy, the estimate produced by an ordinary least squares regression that includes all elections either exactly reproduces or approximates the regression discontinuity estimate.
Unraveling Additive from Nonadditive Effects Using Genomic Relationship Matrices
Authors: Muñoz Patricio R , Resende Marcio F R , Gezan Salvador A , Resende Marcos Deon Vilela , de los Campos Gustavo , Kirst Matias , Huber Dudley , Peter Gary F 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The application of quantitative genetics in plant and animal breeding has largely focused on additive models, which may also capture dominance and epistatic effects. Partitioning genetic variance into its additive and nonadditive components using pedigree-based models (P-genomic best linear unbiased predictor) (P-BLUP) is difficult with most commonly available family structures. However, the availability of dense panels of molecular markers makes possible the use of additive- and dominance-realized genomic relationships for the estimation of variance components and the prediction of genetic values (G-BLUP). We evaluated height data from a multifamily population of the tree species Pinus taeda with a systematic series of models accounting for additive, dominance, and first-order epistatic interactions (additive by additive, dominance by dominance, and additive by dominance), using either pedigree- or marker-based information. We show that, compared with the pedigree, use of realized genomic relationships in marker-based models yields a substantially more precise separation of additive and nonadditive components of genetic variance. We conclude that the marker-based relationship matrices in a model including additive and nonadditive effects performed better, improving breeding value prediction. Moreover, our results suggest that, for tree height in this population, the additive and nonadditive components of genetic variance are similar in magnitude. This novel result improves our current understanding of the genetic control and architecture of a quantitative trait and should be considered when developing breeding strategies.
MicroRNA Expression Profiles in the Management of Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Lee James C. , Gundara Justin S. , Glover Anthony , Serpell Jonathan , Sidhu Stan B. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the major contributor to the dramatically increasing incidence of thyroid cancer. Low-risk PTC shows the most rapid rate of increase because of changing trends in neck imaging and the use of fine needle aspiration to investigate thyroid nodules. The need for a paradigm shift in the management of these patients, to provide personalized treatment and surveillance plans, has led to the focus on molecular biomarker research. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) compose a class of molecules with promising applications for every stage of PTC management, including diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and surveillance. Although most of the miRNA studies are currently preclinical, given the rapid progress of scientific discovery, clinical trials will not be far away. Thyroid clinicians will be expected to have good insights into the current status of PTC-related molecular translational research. This article focuses on the potential roles of miRNA in PTC management in the context of contemporary recommended clinical practice.
Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated From Pulp and Periodontal Ligament
Authors: Hakki Sema S. , Kayis Seyit Ali , Hakki Erdogan E. , Bozkurt S. Buket , Duruksu Gokhan , Unal Zehra Seda , Turaç Gizem , Karaoz Erdal 
Published: October 2014

Background: Cell‐based therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seems promising to obtain regeneration of dental tissues. A comparison of tissue sources, including periodontal ligament (PDL) versus pulp (P), could provide critical information to select an appropriate MSC population for designing predictable regenerative therapies. The purpose of this study is to compare the proliferation and stemness and the MSC‐specific and mineralized tissue–specific gene expression of P‐MSCs and PDL‐MSCs.Methods: MSCs were obtained from PDL and P tissue of premolars (n = 3) extracted for orthodontic reasons. MSC proliferation was evaluated using a real‐time cell analyzer for 160 hours. Telomerase activity was evaluated by a telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay based on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Total RNA was isolated from the MSCs on day 3. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array was used to compare the expression of MSC‐specific genes. The expression of mineralized tissue‐associated genes, including Type I collagen (COL I), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RunX2), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin (OCN) messenger RNA (mRNA), was evaluated using quantitative real‐time PCR.Results: Higher proliferation potential and telomerase activity were observed in the P‐MSCs compared to PDL‐MSCs of premolar teeth. Fourteen of 84 genes related to MSCs were expressed differently in the PDL‐MSCs versus the P‐MSCs. The expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and BMP6; sex‐determining region Y‐box 9 (SOX9); integrin, alpha 6 (ITGA6); melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM); phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis, class S (PIGS); prominin 1 (PROM1); ribosomal protein L13A (RPL13A); and microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) were higher in the P‐MSCs compared to the PDL‐MSCs, and higher expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), interleukin (IL)‐6, insulin (INS), alanyl (membrane) aminopeptidase (ANPEP), and IL‐10 were observed in the PDL‐MSCs. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the expression of mineralized tissue–associated genes, including BSP and RunX2, between the P‐MSCs and the PDL‐MSCs. Higher expression of COL I and lower expression of OCN mRNA transcripts were noted in the PDL‐MSCs compared to the P‐MSCs.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that MSCs isolated from P and PDL tissues show different cellular behavior. To increase the predictability of MSC‐based regenerative treatment, differences in dental tissue–derived MSCs and favorable aspects of cell sources should be further clarified.
The International Court of Justice and the Legality of UN Security Council Resolutions
Authors: Ušiak Jaroslav , Saktorová Ľubica 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Through the United Nation’s Charter, the UN Security Council represents the most powerful executive institutional body in the field of collective security. Moreover, its ultra vires acts may have distinct legal consequences. Accordingly, questions arising from these facts are whether such a large scope of competences could be abused, what are the limits of the executed power and above all, affirmation of the legality of the actions of Council. Predominantly by means of the analytical method as well as a case study of the Lockerbie case, the present study provides the related argumentative discourse. Notwithstanding the fact that the decisions of the Council appear to be without any limitations, it is obliged to act within the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the SC’s actions in the field of collective security are still, however, indirectly expressed through its general function.
Enhanced Economic Governance in the EU: Alternative to a Political Union?
Authors: Kawecka-Wyrzykowska Elżbieta 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In reaction to the sharp deterioration of fiscal positions and a sovereign debt crisis in the majority of EU member states, EU leaders have been strengthening the EU economic governance framework, in particular for the eurozone member states. This has been reflected mainly through a reinforcement of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) within the so-called six-pack and through the recent adoption of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union (TSCG).
The objective of this paper is to present the main decisions taken to address intensifying problems in the EU and assess them from the point of view of stability of the eurozone. The paper argues that the recent adoption of the six-pack and of the TSCG has created a legal basis for more effective governance structure that is much stronger than previously, and closer fscal coordination among EU member states in order to ensure public fnance sustainability. The practical results will depend, however, on the political willingness of countries to accept the new rules and rigorous enforcement of those rules.
Most of the new solutions continue the previous approach: stricter preventive and punishing rules, and their more rigorous application. TSCG has adopted a new element: parallel to EU rules, there should be enhanced national rules (possibly in the form of constitutional commitments) and national institutions responsible for fscal discipline. This approach implies that international rules are not strong enough for sovereign countries, which agree to be subject to democratically elected national authorities but do not want to follow decisions by “outside” institutions. In addition, reverse voting in the Council encourages for more pragmatic, economically justifed use of the modifed SGP. In view of a lack of political will to move forward into a political union, this seems the only realistic approach to ensure fscal stabilization and keep the eurozone alive in the short and medium run.
Two main research methods have been applied:

(a)
Statistical analysis of data on changes of the public fnances in the EU member states (budgetary defcit and public debt),

(b)
comparative analysis of successive EU documents on strengthening economic governance and identifcation of strong and weak aspects of the new documents from the point of view of stability of the eurozone.

The main conclusion is that in a situation of a lack of political will to move forward into a political union, the only realistic approach to ensure fscal stabilization and keep the eurozone alive in the short and medium term seems to be to enforce rigorously the recently adopted new commitments aiming at better fscal control of euro area members.
Internationalization of the Polish Economy and its Susceptibility to the Global Crisis After 2007
Authors: Napiórkowski Tomasz M. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The aim of this research is to look at how the recent economic crisis, which was so strong that its consequences are still apparent nearly six years later, impacted Poland, which has been resilient to it compared with other economies, and what role was played by Poland's internationalization or its openness. The approach involves a detailed analysis of not only such staple macroeconomic variables as gross domestic product and changes in the trade structure but also of such openness factors as shifs in inward foreign direct investment across industries and the changes (for example, employment and productivity) seen in multinational firms present in Poland. The main finding is that the openness of the Polish economy allowed it to rake in various benefits after 2007 while not being too exposed to the international arena (for example, membership in the euro zone). Thus, Poland showed a positive balance relating to the impacts on the Polish economy emerging from the crisis.
An Attempt to Assess the Quantitative Impact of Institutions on Economic Growth and Economic Development
Authors: Próchniak Mariusz 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This study aims at assessing to what extent institutional environment is responsible for worldwide differences in economic growth and economic development. To answer this question, we use an innovative approach based on a new concept of the institutions-augmented Solow model which is then estimated empirically using regression equations. The analysis covers 180 countries during the 1993-2012 period. The empirical analysis confirms a large positive impact of the quality of institutional environment on the level of economic development. The positive link has been evidenced for all five institutional indicators: two indices of economic freedom (Heritage Foundation and Fraser Institute), the governance indicator (World Bank), the democracy index (Freedom House), and the EBRD transition indicator for post-socialist countries. Differences in physical capital, human capital, and institutional environment explain about 70-75% of the worldwide differences in economic development. The institutions-augmented Solow model, however, performs slightly poorer in explaining differences in the rates of economic growth: only one institutional variable (index of economic freedom) has a statistically significant impact on economic growth. In terms of originality, this paper extends the theoretical analysis of the Solow model by including institutions, on the one hand, and shows a comprehensive empirical analysis of the impact of various institutional indicators on both the level of development and the pace of economic growth, on the other. The results bring important policy implications.
Motives for Multisourcing in the IT Sector
Authors: Łoboda Barbara 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Multisourcing is a relatively new phenomenon that began a decade ago as companies began developing strategies to split large information technology (IT) contracts into smaller ones. This provided the opportunity to choose best-of-breed suppliers, who were supposed to collaborate to provide a seamless service to the company. Firms began to multisource when the large IT contracts they had did not bring assumed benefits. At the same time, the business environment was forcing them to be flexible, efficient and able to quickly implement new technologies. The trend to multisource has been growing, so it is worth investigating why companies prefer this form of cooperation. This topic was not a subject of research previously.
The goal of the article is to identify, structure and analyze the motives for choosing multisourcing as a model for cooperation between frms. It verifies motives based on IT multisourcing literature. Case study is described, which, following Eisenhardt, is the correct method for early stages of studies on a topic such as multisourcing, which is still in its nascent stages.
The identified motives for multisourcing are uncertainty bounding, access to resources, preparedness, effectiveness, learning, and external motives. In any case, companies need to be mature and ready for it, so the motive of preparedness is the most crucial one to realize benefits of this form of cooperation. Knowledge of motives for multisourcing is important for companies that take decisions on service supplier strategy. The article helps to increase understanding of the multisourcing phenomenon and offers a fertile basis for future research.
Open Pension Funds in Poland: The Efects of the Pension Privatization Process
Authors: Oręziak Leokadia 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Since their establishment in 1999, the Open Pension Funds (OPFs) have comprised a mandatory capital pillar in the pension system of Poland. The paper`s objective is to analyze the principles under which the OPFs function and assess their past and anticipated future impact on the state of the country's public fnances, particularly on the public debt. The analysis also considers the past and potential effects of the OPFs existence from the point of view of future levels of old-age pension. The studies are targeted at determining the threats connected with further maintenance of the OPFs from the point of view of both public fnance stability and pension system security.
Comparative Price Levels of New EU Member Countries
Authors: Taušer Josef , Žamberský Pavel , Čajka Radek 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This article analyzes comparative price levels of 10 new EU member countries from Central, East, and South-East Europe and discusses their main determinants. A comparison of comparative price levels is logically followed by a comparison of relative GDP per capita in purchasing power parities. Further, the Balassa-Samuelson efect is theoretically explained and empirically tested using a sample of EU27 countries (excluding Luxemburg). The results of simple regression analysis confrm that diferences in comparative price levels can be explained by the diferences in relative GDP per capita in purchasing power parities. Besides the Balassa-Samuelson efect there are, however, many other factors that have an impact on comparative price levels. Tey are related to the lower competitiveness of domestic companies on international markets as the result of such factors as a lower quality of production, inefcient organizational structures and management styles, insufcient marketing and business skills, or a poor approach to international distribution channels.
The Role of Knowledge Absorption and Innovation Capability in the Technological Change and Economic Growth of EU Regions
Authors: Runiewicz-Wardyn Malgorzata 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The framework of the endogenous growth models and empirical evidence argue that two dimensions determine a region's ability to narrow its technological gap and improve its productivity growth. The first is its absorptive capacity, e.g. its ability to imitate foreign advanced technologies. The second is its innovative capability, namely the extent to which it is able to produce new, advanced knowledge. Thus, the narrowing knowledge absorption and innovation gaps between regions improve a region's productivity level and move it up the value chain towards specialization in knowledge-intensive and high value-added activities. The following paper attempts to contribute to the existing empirical findings and theoretical discussion on the inter-linkages between knowledge absorption, innovation capability, determined technological change, and economic growth of EU regions. The author's results show that despite the fact that the EU has a long tradition in education and new knowledge generation, there is a very modest ability to make EU regions more productive and grow them. The important role of productivity and knowledge-based sectors in improving EU regional prosperity suggests to carefully examine which knowledge activities drive productivity and the catching-up process of the EU regions. Overall, prospects for catching up will depend largely on how regions balance higher education and R&D priorities and place emphasis on the above activities. These results may be regarded as supportive of recent EU regional policy based on the Lisbon and Europe 2020 Strategies of Smart Growth.
Do Investor Preferences Drive Corporate Dividend Policy?
Authors: Konieczka Przemysław , Szyszka Adam 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This research paper aims at assessing whether managers adapt their dividend policies to the changing preferences of investors, as predicted by the catering theory of dividends. To answer this question, we used an modified approach based on the method proposed by Baker and Wurgler [2004a] in their studies on dividend catering.
We noted a systematic decline in percentage of companies that paid out dividends in a sample of American publicly-traded companies, excluding companies of low capitalization and low profitability. Next, we observed a parallel declining tendency in dividend premiums in our sample. The decrease in the readiness to pay out dividends among companies on the American market can be linked to the fact that investors have assigned less weight to dividends over the years, and so in turn they were less willing to reward dividend-paying companies with higher valuations. Periodic fluctuations in investor mood with regard to dividend-paying companies, and the resulting changes in their relative valuation, influence the propensity of managers to pay out dividends. We showed a statistically significant relationship between changes in dividend premiums in one year, and the proportion of companies that paid out dividends in the following year. Additionally, it looks like companies try to compensate shareholders by paying out dividends in years of worse performing market and are less likely to distribute their earnings when shareholders gain on rising stock price. We found a negative correlation between the change in proportion of companies paying out dividends and changes in the S&P500 index. However, this does not seem to reflect investor preferences and taste for dividends. We found no statistically significant correlations between the change of the dividend premium and changes in the S&P500 index and, surprisingly, we observed relatively worse valuation of dividend-paying frms in years of market downturn.
In terms of originality, our work contributes to the ongoing dividend puzzle discussion in a number of ways. First, we use a sample of American companies after excluding small capitalization stocks. Second, we assume a time lag between a shift in investor preferences and a change in corporate payout policy. Finally, our studies also account for the impact of general market conditions on dividend decisions.
Knowledge Development and Transfer in Foreign Subsidiaries and Their Parent Transnational Corporations
Authors: Zorska Anna 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The article aims at analysis of knowledge-oriented growth of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries, their transformation and evolving participation in knowledge development by parent transnational corporations (TNCs). The author's concept of increasing involvement of foreign subsidiaries in leveraging knowledge in TNCs' organizations is presented with a focus on a new process of “creative transition” by corporate foreign subsidiaries and its implications for the parents and host economies. The research method is based on integration of concepts, elements and instruments used in international management and international business to investigate the evolution of the knowledge development process in TNCs' cross-border organizations.
The analysis of knowledge development and transfer in TNCs, and growth of their foreign subsidiaries as well as key factors of expanding their knowledge-oriented activities reveals the “creative transition” process which is underway in the subsidiaries. It leads to their increased participation in the knowledge development by TNCs and implies some results for parent firms and host economies. It is concluded that the knowledge-oriented activity of foreign subsidiaries can result in possible capturing valuable knowledge co-created by domestic entities what can imply weakening innovativeness and competitiveness of the host economies.
The problem of knowledge-oriented activity of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries and its domestic impacts has not been investigated in Polish publications yet. The article offers a conceptual basis for further theoretical and empirical research with a focus on impacts in a host economy resulting from the knowledge-oriented activity of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries and shows a necessity to work out a fair approach to sharing benefits of knowledge creation and utilization in the host economy.