bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BDNF-TrkB signalling in fear learning: from genetics to neural networks
Authors: Musumeci Grabiele , Minichiello Liliana 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDiscovering the basic mechanisms in fear encoding and expression is important in many fields, including psychology, sociology, medicine, and neuroscience. Effective treatment for fear-based pathology depends on understanding how fear is learned and regulated. Among the molecular systems required for fear learning and amygdalar synaptic plasticity, brain derived neurtrophic factor (BDNF) and its high affinity receptor Ntrk2/TrkB have been shown to play essential roles. Therefore, we will focus this review on three main aspects; first of all, the impact ofBdnfpolymorphism on fear related characteristics in humans and animal models. Secondly, we will discuss BDNF-TrkB activity regulation by epigenetic, transcriptional and post-translational events, and finally we will discuss TrkB-BDNF signalling in fear learning. BDNF-TrkB and the signalling activated in this particular form of plasticity are becoming crucial players in fear learning and memory thus highlighting these molecules as potential therapeutic targets in fear-related pathologies.
Approximate weak invariance for semilinear differential inclusions in Banach spaces
Authors: Lazu Alina , Postolache Victor 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
In this paper we give a criterion for a given set K in Banach space to be approximately weakly invariant with respect to the differential inclusion x′(t) ∈ Ax(t) + F(x(t)), where A generates a C
0-semigroup and F is a given multi-function, using the concept of a tangent set to another set. As an application, we establish the relation between approximate solutions to the considered differential inclusion and solutions to the relaxed one, i.e., x′(t) ∈ Ax(t) + $\overline {co} $
F(x(t)), without any Lipschitz conditions on the multi-function F.
New Evidence on Efficiency in Southern European Banking
Authors: Papadopoulos Simeon , Karagiannis Stelios 
Published: June 2011

New Evidence on Efficiency in Southern European Banking
This paper explores the issue of efficiency in Southern European banking by applying the Fourier functional form and the stochastic cost frontier approach in calculating inefficiencies for a large sample of Southern European banks between 1997 and 2003. The findings suggest that the largest sized banks are generally the least efficient, while the smallest sized banks are the most efficient. The strongest economies of scale are displayed by Spanish banks, while the weakest economies of scale are reported by Greek banks. The findings suggest that medium-sized banks report the strongest economies of scale, and the largest and smallest banks weaker economies of scale (ranging between 3,5% and 7%). Therefore, the notion that economies of scale increase with bank size cannot be confirmed. The impact of technical change in reducing bank costs (generally about 3% and 4% per annum) appears to systematically increase with bank size. The largest banks reap greater benefits from technical change. Overall, the results indicate that the largest banks in the sample enjoy greater benefits from technical progress, although they do not have scale economy and efficiency advantages over smaller banks.
An Assessment of Output Performance in Northern Cyprus
Authors: Mihci Hakan , Karaman Devrim 
Published: June 2011

An Assessment of Output Performance in Northern CyprusThis paper mainly attempts to investigate empirically the Northern Cyprus output performance by using a panel data method for the period 1977-2005. A supplementary aim is to assess the impact of export orientation on the Northern Cyprus output level. Empirical results suggest that investment, employment and export variables significantly and positively affect the sectoral production increases in Northern Cyprus. Among other variables, exports of goods and services exert considerable affects on the sectoral production in the case of Northern Cyprus economy. Therefore, it can be suggested that a production structure mostly dependent on foreign demand makes it easier to overcome the restrictions originating from the insufficiency of the domestic market through creating new employment opportunities for highly qualified labor force and additional production capacity with productive investments. Moreover, exports have the potential to rise total factor productivities, and hence, to improve output expansion of the country further. In short, one may propose that outward orientation seems to be relevant in achieving higher levels of output in the case of the Northern Cyprus economy.
Gas Distribution Benchmarking of Utilities from Slovenia, the Netherlands and the UK: an Application of Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Zorić Jelena , Hrovatin Nevenka , Scarsi Gian 
Published: June 2011

Gas Distribution Benchmarking of Utilities from Slovenia, the Netherlands and the UK: an Application of Data Envelopment AnalysisThis paper carries out non-parametric relative efficiency comparisons using an international sample of gas distribution utilities from two old and one new EU members, namely the Netherlands, the UK, and Slovenia. By conducting DEA on a cross-sectional sample of gas utilities, we discover that, on average, Slovenian utilities perform less efficiently than UK and Dutch utilities. To a large extent, this is due to the less extensive regulation of the Slovenian gas industry as seen in the past. The incentive-based price-cap regulation recently introduced in Slovenia could help close this efficiency gap over time. The authors also find out that different model specifications lead to very similar efficiency scores and rankings, implying that benchmarking can be employed as a useful complementary instrument for monitoring utility performance. In this way, the informational asymmetry between distribution utilities and regulatory authorities can be significantly mitigated. For the wider and more successful implementation of international benchmarking in the future, it is also important that coherent regional and international data is made available to regulators.
To List or Not To List: Expectations versus Reality for Greek Shipping IPOs
Authors: Mourdoukoutas Panos , Stefanidis Abraham 
Published: June 2011

To List or Not To List: Expectations versus Reality for Greek Shipping IPOsSharing ownership with outside investors through an IPO has advantages and disadvantages that create dilemmas for company founders. It can further be a source of disappointment when expectations fall short of reality. That's not the case for the Greek ship owners who floated the shares of their companies to major US Exchanges in the early 2000s, however. The listing has met and even exceeded their expectations: Broadened their capital structure, improved image and prestige, strengthened bargaining power with creditors, and enhanced entrepreneurial opportunities
The Political Economy of Currency Boards: Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Gedeon Shirley 
Published: June 2011

The Political Economy of Currency Boards: Case of Bosnia and HerzegovinaCurrency Board Arrangements (CBAs) operate in several post-socialist European economies as an alternative to traditional central banking. The CBA literature primarily focuses on the discipline of the fixed exchange rate, suggesting that the gain of reduced exchange rate volatility and monetary stability outweigh the loss of independent monetary policy. It does not address the role and impact of foreign ownership of the banking system on currency board dynamics. Through a case study of the CBA in Bosnia and Herzegovina over a ten-year period, including the global financial crisis of 2008-09, this paper suggests that monetary policy is not abandoned; it is decentralized and privatized and critical to the maintenance of financial stability of the CBA.
Determinants of FDI in Czech Manufacturing Industries between 2000-2007
Authors: Michalíkovń Eva , Galeotti Elisa 
Published: June 2011

Determinants of FDI in Czech Manufacturing Industries between 2000-2007The Czech Republic (and its manufacturing industry) has been a successful recipient of foreign direct investment over recent years. Therefore, it is important to understand the decisions made by foreign investors where to place their investments and how to decide on their location between alternative industries. The aim of this paper is to find and estimate an econometric model describing the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing industry of the Czech Republic between 2000-2007 and to make a review of recent literature on the topic. The econometric model includes several economic variables (for example labor, physical capital, R&D, profits per labor, Balassa index). Together with simple techniques of estimation (OLS, fixed effects) we used a generalized method of moments (GMM). In an effort to improve the result we used also a least trimmed squares estimator (LTS) from the class of robust estimators as a diagnostic tool for the heterogeneous pattern of data.
Challenges to Sustainable Development in Island Tourism
Authors: Nižić Marinela , Ivanović Saša , Drpić Danijel 
Published: June 2011

Challenges to Sustainable Development in Island Tourism
Every participant in the life of a local community, hence the local community of the island of Krk as well, must develop an awareness of how they can cooperate in the improvement of quality, environmental protection and safety. This awareness can be achieved through constant education, and the improvement and perfection of all the destination factors for the island of Krk. With the preventive measures of environmental protection and optimal resources usage in the construction projects and management of the island of Krk, as well as waste management practices (the system known as "The Eco Island of Krk"), the island of Krk has to become an example, aware of its responsibility for future generations and the need for sustainable development. Open communication and partner relations with the social community and all interested parties, primarily those related to environmental protection and tourist and visitor safety, must be main factors in the future sustainable development of the island. The adoption of an environmental management system as one of the strategic baselines of the sustainable development of the island provides it with a comparative advantage on the tourism market, thus defining it as an "eco island" with the fulfillment of all legal and other obligations, and satisfying the demands of tourists, the local community and the public, all with the goal of more successful environmental protection.
Financial Reforms and Industrial Sector Growth: Bound Testing Analysis for Pakistan
Authors: Wizarat Shahida , Hye Qazi 
Published: June 2011

Financial Reforms and Industrial Sector Growth: Bound Testing Analysis for PakistanThis study investigates the relationship between the financial liberalization index and industrial sector growth for Pakistan. Annual time series data from 1971 to 2007 is used and ARDL bounds testing techniques are applied. In the short run both the financial liberalization index and the real interest rate speed up industrial sector growth. However, in the long run the financial liberalization index and real interest rate slow down industrial sector growth. The error correction terms indicate that 41% disequilibrium in the short run is adjusted every year in the long run.
R&D Efforts by Indian Pharmaceutical Firms in the New Patent Regime
Authors: Mishra Pulak 
Published: June 2011

R&D Efforts by Indian Pharmaceutical Firms in the New Patent RegimeIn the context of recent amendments to the Indian Patent Act and introduction of the product patent, the present paper attempts to examine the innovative efforts of Indian pharmaceutical companies in the new patent regime. The paper finds that although R&D expenditure has increased significantly in the current decade, the increasing R&D efforts are not widespread across the firms and more than half of the Indian pharmaceutical companies do not spend at all on in-house R&D. This means that protection of intellectual property alone is not enough to encourage the firms towards innovation. Instead, it is observed that R&D expenditure varies directly the with market size of the firms, their capital intensity, exports orientation and past profitability, but inversely with their market share, selling efforts and import intensity. However, a firm's involvement in mergers and acquisition or sourcing of technology from foreign sources or variability in financial performance does not have any significant impact on its R&D efforts. Hence, the policy measures should be directed towards restricting the monopoly power of firms, encouraging exports, liberalizing imports of necessary machinery and equipment, and motivating the firms towards innovation, especially in life-saving drugs, an through appropriate incentive/disincentive structure.
Corporate Ownership and the Technical and Scale Efficiency of Pharmaceutical Firms in India - Empirical Evidence
Authors: Kaur Kuldip , Kumar Sunil 
Published: June 2011

Corporate Ownership and the Technical and Scale Efficiency of Pharmaceutical Firms in India - Empirical EvidenceIn the existing literature, the theoretical models suggest that foreign-owned firms perform better than domestic firms and that private sector firms perform better than public sector firms. The present study is a modest attempt in this regard to empirically test and compare the differences in the technical and scale efficiencies of 36 public limited companies, private sector firms and foreign firms belonging to the pharmaceutical industry of India using the DEA model. The analysis shows that overall technical efficiency was different in the case of private domestic and public sector firms in the year 1990, i.e., the pre-reform period. The difference was also significant in the case of private foreign and public sector firms, though it was not significant in the case of private domestic and private foreign firms in the pre-reform period. However, in the subsequent post-reform years, there were no significant differences.
The Pension System in Slovenia in Light of Current International Macroeconomic Changes and Trends
Authors: Dolenc Primož 
Published: June 2011

The Pension System in Slovenia in Light of Current International Macroeconomic Changes and TrendsThe paper presents the results of a study that sheds light on the pension system and its dilemmas in Slovenia in light of current international macroeconomic changes and trends. We found that Slovenia has a pension system similar to that of other comparable economies (with the exception of the second pillar) and that it currently faces similar dilemmas as other economies that are resulting in inevitable reforms of the pension system. On the basis of international comparison and current demographic trends in Slovenia we proposed some policy recommendations for future reforms of the pension system in Slovenia.
An Alternative Human Development Index Considering Unemployment
Authors: Taner Mehmet , Sezen Bülent , Mıhcı Hakan 
Published: June 2011

An Alternative Human Development Index Considering UnemploymentThe Human Development Index (HDI) has played an influential role in the debate on human development (HD) for many years. However, no index is perfect and neither is the HDI of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). This paper aims to construct a new composite index for the development performance of a sample of 30 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries by adding a fourth indicator, namely the unemployment index, to the calculation of HDI. The addition of the unemployment factor to the HDI as a new indicator has the potential to make the index more comprehensive and present a suitable approach for assessing the development performance of countries.
Mutual Fund Performance in Slovenia: An Analysis of Mutual Funds with Investment Policies in Europe and the Energy Sector
Authors: Hribernik Tanja , Vek Uroš 
Published: June 2011

Mutual Fund Performance in Slovenia: An Analysis of Mutual Funds with Investment Policies in Europe and the Energy Sector
This paper examines the risk and return performance of mutual funds in Slovenia from 2005 until August 2009. The research is limited to the regional investment policies in Europe and the energy sector. Using monthly returns, we analyzed different risk-adjusted measures such as: the Treynor ratio, the Sortino ratio and the Information ratio. We also studied selections and timing ability using the Treynor-Mazuy model. The risk and return performance of mutual funds in the Slovenian market does not deviate from those in developed markets. We also found out that the selection ability of fund managers is better than market timing and that the findings of this paper are in accordance with other international studies.
Gender Disparities in the Duration of Unemployment Spells in Slovenia
Authors: Pašič Polona , Kavkler Alenka , Boršič Darja 
Published: June 2011

Gender Disparities in the Duration of Unemployment Spells in SloveniaThe paper offers an overview of labor market characteristics in Slovenia with an emphasis on gender disparities. A survival analysis is conducted based on an extensive database obtained from the Employment Office of the Republic of Slovenia of more than 450,000 unemployment incidences between January 2004 and July 2008. Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival functions show specific disparities among unemployed women and men in Slovenia. Unemployed men are better off when re-entering the labor market as they are re-employed more quickly than women.
The Hedging Effectiveness of Stock Index Futures: Evidence for the S&P CNX Nifty Index Traded in India
Authors: Pradhan Kailash 
Published: June 2011

The Hedging Effectiveness of Stock Index Futures: Evidence for the S&P CNX Nifty Index Traded in IndiaThis study evaluates optimal hedge ratios and the hedging effectiveness of stock index futures. The optimal hedge ratios are estimated from the ordinary least square (OLS) regression model, the vector autoregression model (VAR), the vector error correction model (VECM) and multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (M-GARCH) models such as VAR-GARCH and VEC-GARCH using the S&P CNX Nifty index and its futures index. Hedging effectiveness is measured in terms of within sample and out of sample risk-return trade-off at various forecasting horizons. The analysis found that the VEC-GARCH time varying hedge ratio provides the greatest portfolio risk reduction and generates the highest portfolio returns.
Differences on Organizational Practices and Preferred Leader Attributes Between Polish Managers Investigated in 1996/1997 and 2008/2009
Authors: Mączyński Jerzy , Łobodziński Andrzej , Wyspiański Dariusz , Kwiatkowski Piotr 
Published: June 2011

Differences on Organizational Practices and Preferred Leader Attributes Between Polish Managers Investigated in 1996/1997 and 2008/2009
This study compares Polish managers' perceptions of their organizational culture and their beliefs concerning attributes necessary for leadership effectiveness, investigated in 1996/1997 and 2008/2009. As was unexpected, our results show that Polish managers of 2008/2009 score significantly higher than managers of 1996/1997 on Power Distance, Individualism, Masculinity and slightly lower on Future Orientation and Humane Orientation. Our findings suggest that more individualistic orientation in Polish organizations is still necessary in order to survive and be effective during the current turbulent and highly uncertain economic and business conditions. Relatively higher scores on Power Distance on the part of Polish managers being studied in the years 2008/2009 are also in line with findings concerned with attributes necessary for leadership effectiveness. Mean comparisons on beliefs concerning attributes necessary for leadership effectiveness show that Polish managers of 2008/2009 in comparison with their counterparts studied in 1996/1997 scored higher on Autocratic Orientation, Risk Avoidance, Isolationistic Orientation and Individualistic Orientation. Our findings are also consistent with regard to leadership attributes of Performance Orientation, Team Orientation, Decisiveness, Diplomatic, Humane Orientation, Integrity, Visionary and Charismatic/Inspirational, which are somewhat less strongly associated with leadership effectiveness by Polish middle managers investigated in 2008/2009 in comparison with their counterparts studied in 1996/1997.
How good gets better and bad gets worse: measuring the face of emotion
Authors: Adetoun Bolanle , Tserere Maggie , Adewuyi Modupe , Akande Titilola , Akande Williams 
Published: June 2011

How good gets better and bad gets worse: measuring the face of emotion
Given the history of the past, black South African students from different settings face unique academic and emotional climate. Using the Differential Emotions Scale (DES) which focuses on ten discrete emotions, and building upon Boyle's (1984) seminal work, this study reports a repeated-measure multiple discriminant function analysis for individual items across raters. The findings further indicate that majority of the DES items are sensitive indicators of the different innate and universal facial expressions. However, the construct requires revision so that it offers the examiner maximum flexibility in assessment at diverse levels, in terms of more extensive norming and programmatic replication. In brief, the DES potentially has much to offer provided that it is adequately developed for use in non-Western nations or contexts.
Perceived social support and life-satisfaction
Authors: Kasprzak Elżbieta 
Published: June 2011

Perceived social support and life-satisfaction
The article concerns the relationship between life-satisfaction and the features of interpersonal relationships and social support. The research presented in this paper concerned the satisfaction with the relationships with family members, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, the extent of the relationships among these groups, and the perceived social support. The aim of the presented research is to assess the impact of these characteristics on life-satisfaction. In addition, the changes that occurred after the social skills training in the level of life-satisfaction and its determinants were examined. The study group consisted of 60 participants. The results show that the strongest determinants of life-satisfaction are practical support and the satisfaction with the relationships with friends. After the social training the structure of the determinants changed. The factors which were relevant before the training appear to be insignificant now; however, the emotional support, satisfaction with family relationships and the number of friends gain in importance. The social skills training was also effective and increased the level of life-satisfaction.