Multiresolution Karhunen Loéve analysis of galvanic skin response for psycho-physiological studies

This paper proposes the use of Multiresolution Karhunen Loéve (MR-KL) analysis to analyse Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Signals. GSR signal, which is considered the golden standard in peripheral neuro-physiological and psycho-physiological studies, can be represented by two functions representing either the large and small scale variabilities of the series. The large scale variability, related to the tonic component, is modelled by smoothing splines while the small scale variability, related to the phasic component, is modelled by a MR-KL expansion. The recognition of these two components in a real data set is mandatory in neuro-psycho-physiology and we demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology by analysing a pilot experiment on a group of 13 subjects.     

THE SLOPE OF THE TERM STRUCTURE OF CREDIT SPREADS: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION

In this article we analyze the slope of the term structure of credit spreads. We investigate the explanatory role of interest rate, market, and idiosyncratic equity variables that the recent empirical literature highlights as important determinants of credit spread levels. This study extends the analysis and assesses its effect on credit slopes for a sample of corporate bonds. We find that these factors affect credit spreads at short and long maturities in a significantly different way. A closer inspection of the credit spread slope also reveals that it is a useful indicator of the direction of changes in future short‐term credit spreads. This evidence has important implications for the trading and risk management of portfolios of bonds with different maturities.     

Finding the funds in fun runs: exploring physical activity events as fundraising tools in the nonprofit sector

An increasingly popular form of raising funds in the nonprofit sector is the special event that involves some form of physical activity. This paper describes a study that tracked 50 events over nine months in order to explore the phenomenon of physical activity events, their function as a solicitation strategy and as a public awareness/relations tool, and to gauge how these events met the needs of participants who donated their money and energy to a cause. Data were collected by means of participant observation at 12 events and interviews with 12 participants and 12 hosting organisations. Using a social marketing framework and diffusion of innovations theory as an approach to making sense of the data, the results suggest that events serve two main purposes: celebrating a cause and offering an event that satisfies the physical activity interests of participants, and that events appropriately act as fundraising and publicity tools. Implications for adopting a social marketing orientation so that nonprofit organisations can hasten the diffusion process by tailoring events to meet the needs of participants, and for further research are discussed. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications     

Virtual Atmosphere: The Effect of Pleasure,Arousal, and Delight on Word-of-Mouth

This study investigates the effect of virtual atmospheric cues on emotions and word-of-mouth and also analyzes the differences between the perceptions of male and female participants relative to the online environment. Questionnaires were given to students in higher education and senior university students. The main findings suggest that pleasure is the most effective emotion to lead to a positive word-of-mouth for both genders. Women are more willing to say positive words to others than men. Women are also more influenced by the delight and pleasure, whereas men are influenced only by pleasure.     

La igualdad de género y la gobernanza de las cadenas de valor mundiales. Promoción de los derechos de las trabajadoras

La gobernanza privada, canalizada por conducto de programas de cumplimiento social e iniciativas de las empresas multinacionales en favor de la igualdad de género, no basta por sí sola para poner coto a la discriminación por razón de género en las cadenas de valor mundiales (CVM). Los Principios Rectores de las Naciones Unidas sobre las empresas y los derechos humanos (en adelante, Principios Rectores) proporcionan un marco que conjuga la gobernanza pública y la gobernanza privada a fin de abordar los derechos humanos en su globalidad, con inclusión de la igualdad de género. En el presente artículo se analiza si tales principios pueden ofrecer un marco de gobernanza más eficaz para atender los derechos de las trabajadoras en las CVM. Se sostiene que para poner fin a la discriminación por razón de género en las CVM y promover el ejercicio de la debida diligencia en materia de derechos humanos con una perspectiva de género es indispensable recurrir a una gobernanza en la que se articulen, en colaboración sinérgica, las entidades públicas, privadas y sociales.     

An empirical assessment of proposed solutions for resolving scale problems in value relevance accounting research

We implement the most common empirical specifications, with different approaches to control for scale problems, used in studies on the value relevance of accounting information. We study whether the results offered by these specifications are consistent with the residual income valuation model and with the Burgstahler and Dichev option-style valuation framework. Undeflated and per-share specifications offer results that are more in line with both benchmarks. Other deflated specifications and approaches deviate, to different extents, from the expectations of both frameworks. We interpret these deviations as signs of misspecification.     

Small Firm Growth in Developing Countries

Although the vast majority of small firms in developing countries never expand beyond a few employees, some experience rapid and substantial growth. This study explores factors associated with small firm growth. We discuss key findings for four types of factors: (1) individual entrepreneur characteristics; (2) firm characteristics; (3) relational factors (such as social networks or value chains); and (4) contextual factors (such as the business environment). We conclude by suggesting implications for development practitioners.     

Leadership Development in the Context of a University Consolidation: An Initial Evaluation of the Authentic Leadership Pipeline Program

University mergers and consolidations are on the rise, and the trend is likely to continue in the near term future. Such a trend is significant, as a university consolidations are inherently challenging and require strong and well‐developed leadership to be successful. In the current paper, a low‐cost leadership development program (the Authentic Leadership Pipeline program) that was initiated and developed to meet the leadership needs of Augusta University, the institutional result of the consolidation of Georgia Health Sciences University and Augusta State University is described. In addition, an initial pilot evaluation of the program that examined reactions and subjective perceptions of learning and behavior change is described. The findings were promising and suggest a high level of satisfaction, significant learning, and new behavior. Implications, applications, and future directions are discussed.     

Evolución de la capacidad tecnológica en México. Aplicación del análisis estadístico multivariante de cluster

This paper conducts an analysis on the existence of state clusters related with technological capabilities in Mexico. An empirical study was conducted using the technique of multivariate statistical cluster analysis, based on the set of indicators proposed by Cepal (2007), collecting data from various public sources country for 2006 and 2012 in order to study the time evolution of such clusters, trying to see what states have been moving to a cluster located in positions more which have advanced and retreated over the period. The results show the existence of 7 groups of states characterized by different technological capabilities, plus states are identified in decline and progress, both in terms of absorptive capacity and innovation, and in relation to the technological infrastructure capabilities.