Showing papers by "Mahidol University International College published in 2013"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore how powerful CEOs view investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and show that the association between CEO power and CSR is non-monotonic.
Abstract: We explore how powerful CEOs view investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR) The agency view suggests that CEOs invest in CSR to enhance their own private benefits On the contrary, the conflict resolution view argues that CSR investments are made to resolve the conflicts among various stakeholders Using Bebchuk, Cremers, and Peyer’s (2011) CEO Pay Slice (CPS) to measure CEO power, we show that the association between CEO power and CSR is non-monotonic When the CEO is relatively less powerful, an increase in CEO power leads to more CSR engagement However, as the CEO becomes substantially more powerful, he is more entrenched and no longer invests more in CSR In fact, when CEO power goes beyond a certain threshold, more powerful CEOs significantly reduce CSR investments
149 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore how powerful CEOs view investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and show that the association between CEO power and CSR is non-monotonic.
143 citations
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe fragmentation of N. larvatus habitats in the Lower Kinabatangan and the implications of such fragmentations on their long-term survival, particularly given that the prime areas for tourist accommodations and associated facilities typically comprising riverside habitats are critical to the species.
Abstract: Timber extraction from the lowland forests of the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain was widespread since the early 1980s and was the major threat to Nasalis larvatus populations. Since then, much of the region has been clear-felled to make way either for cocoa and oil palm plantations or for smaller government-sponsored farming projects. Such clearances not only led to a severe loss of habitats for N. larvatus, but also fragmented the remaining forests. Then beginning in the early 1990s, interests and the relative ease in viewing proboscis monkeys and other wildlife in the Lower Kinabatangan led to a booming tourism industry in parts of the region. This further fragmented N. larvatus habitats and threatened their survival, particularly given that the prime areas for tourist accommodations and associated facilities typically comprising riverside habitats are critical to the species. N. larvatus sleeping sites are determined by the presence of standing trees adjacent or overhanging large water bodies; therefore, loss of those trees or loss of access to those trees have several socio-ecological and conservation implications. Here I describe fragmentation of N. larvatus habitats in the Lower Kinabatangan and the implications of such fragmentations on their long-term survival.
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the phytostabilization potential of two grass species (Thysanolaena maxima and Vetiveria zizanioides) with respect to lead (Pb) tailing soil was investigated.
Abstract: Pot and field experiments were conducted to elucidate the phytostabilization potential of two grass species (Thysanolaena maxima and Vetiveria zizanioides) with respect to lead (Pb) tailing soil. Three fertilizers (Osmocote® fertilizer, cow manure, and organic fertilizer) were used to improve the physicochemical properties of tailing soil. V. zizanioides treated with organic fertilizer and cow manure showed the highest biomass (14.0±2.6 and 10.5±2.6 g per plant, respectively) and the highest Pb uptake in the organic fertilizer treatment (T. maxima, 413.3 μg per plant; V. zizanioides, 519.5 μg per plant) in the pot study, whereas in field trials, T. maxima attained the best performances of dry biomass production (217.0 ±57.9g per plant) andPb uptake (32.1mgper plant) in the Osmocote® treatment. In addition, both grasses showed low translocation factor ( 1). During a 1-year field trial, T. maxima also produced the longest shoot (103.9±29.7 cm), followed by V.zizanioides (70.6±16.8 cm), in Osmocote® treatment. Both grass species showed potential as exclud- er plants suitable for phytostabilization applications in Pb- contaminated areas.
58 citations
TL;DR: Both macroalgae showed a reduction in chloroplast, chlorophyll and carotenoid content after Cd and Pb exposure, while Zn exposure had little effects, and C. aculeolata seemed to be a better choice for Cdand Pb removal from wastewater due to its tolerance to these metals.
Abstract: The ability for usage of common freshwater charophytes, Chara aculeolata and Nitella opaca in removal of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) from wastewater was examined. C. aculeolata and N. opaca were exposed to various concentrations of Cd (0.25 and 0.5 mg/L), Pb (5 and 10 mg/L) and Zn (5 and 10 mg/L) solutions under hydroponic conditions for 6 days. C. aculeolata was more tolerant of Cd and Pb than N. opaca. The relative growth rate of N. opaca was drastically reduced at high concentrations of Cd and Pb although both were tolerant of Zn. Both macroalgae showed a reduction in chloroplast, chlorophyll and carotenoid content after Cd and Pb exposure, while Zn exposure had little effects. The bioaccumulation of both Cd and Pb was higher in N. opaca (1544.3 μg/g at 0.5 mg/L Cd, 21657.0 μg/g at 10 mg/L Pb) whereas higher Zn accumulation was observed in C. aculeolata (6703.5 μg/g at 10 mg/L Zn). In addition, high bioconcentration factor values (> 1000) for Cd and Pb were observed in both species. C. aculeolata showed higher percentage of Cd and Pb removal (> 95%) than N. opaca and seemed to be a better choice for Cd and Pb removal from wastewater due to its tolerance to these metals.
44 citations
TL;DR: Results indicated that the experimental group had higher means on six of the nine outcomes, though these were not statistically significant, suggesting that the bulletin board may have more than compensated for the larger class size.
Abstract: This paper describes a quasi-experimental study into the impact of a blended e-learning environment on academic writing assignments in English (L2) at a Thai international college. An experimental group of 15 students used an on-line bulletin board, as well as face-to-face (F2F) communication in class, to share information for essay topics they were preparing. The control group of 15 students, constituted from two smaller classes, used only F2F for the same task. The experimental and control groups were then compared on three variables for each of the three essays they wrote: number of references used; word count; essay score. The research hypothesis was that the use of the bulletin board would compensate for the larger class size of the experimental group and result in no difference in performance between the two groups. Results indicated that the experimental group had higher means on six of the nine outcomes, though these were not statistically significant, suggesting that the bulletin board may have more than compensated for the larger class size. The discussion includes consideration of how better control over the experimental conditions might lead to greater leverage of an on-line bulletin board as part of a blended learning environment.
35 citations
TL;DR: A form of electronic surveillance in a call centre that was not automatically performed through or by information and communication technology but required the active involvement of peers to provide feedback on each other's work by using an online reporting tool is analyzed.
Abstract: This paper analyses a form of electronic surveillance in a call centre that was not automatically performed through or by information and communication technology but required the active involvement of peers to provide feedback on each other's work by using an online reporting tool. Increased surveillance led to a tightening of control over certain aspects of work as advisors modified their call-handling practices. But surveillance was simultaneously undermined by technical and bureaucratic control linked to existing information systems, which affected the ability and availability of peers to perform monitoring. Electronic peer surveillance was also unable to provide objective information or unobtrusive control as performing and evaluating surveillance became a highly political and contested process. Various forms of resistance arose, which were not always directed at management, but were instead manifest through increased animosity between teams.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine ambiguity attitudes toward future prospects, particularly how they may differ from the attitudes toward comparable prospects in the present, and they demonstrate that when the prospects are in the future, individuals are less averse toward imprecise probabilities and more seeking toward ambiguous outcomes.
Abstract: Many personal, managerial, and societal decisions involve uncertain or ambiguous consequences that will occur in the future. Yet, previous empirical research on ambiguity preferences has focused mainly on decisions with immediate outcomes. To close this gap in the literature, this paper examines ambiguity attitudes toward future prospects, particularly how they may differ from the attitudes toward comparable prospects in the present. On the basis of a recent paradigm, we first distinguish between two types of ambiguity: imprecise probabilities and imprecise outcomes. Then, in accordance with construal level theory, which shows that temporal distance increases the relative importance of outcomes over probabilities in evaluating prospects, we conjecture that temporal distance would moderate attitudes toward imprecise probabilities but amplify attitudes toward imprecise outcomes. Through a series of experiments, we demonstrate that when the prospects are in the future, individuals are less averse toward imprecise probabilities and more seeking toward imprecise outcomes. However, the effect is most prominent for prospects where both the probability and outcome dimensions are concurrently imprecise. The paper ends with a discussion on how dimension salience may have contributed to this result. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors summarized the development of tourism curricula over the past 20 years from the perspective of global tourism and proposed a generic framework for a future tourism curriculum on the basis of a review of literature in the American, British, and other European contexts.
Abstract: This article summarizes the development of tourism curricula over the past 20 years from the perspective of global tourism. The paper proposes a generic framework for a future tourism curriculum on the basis of a review of literature in the American, British, and other European contexts. The proposed tourism curriculum aims to create well-rounded tourism graduates who view the tourism industry as a fully integrated system, are aware of the importance of connectivity in society, and can make appropriate contributions based on current demands and situations. Once understood and delivered by tourism graduates, the implicit value embedded in the tourism curriculum will inspire respect for this curriculum in higher education. In addition, balance in the development of the tourism industry is expected to be achieved in the future.
17 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that lucky CEOs invest significantly less in CSR than opportunistic CEOs and view CSR investments as depriving them of the free cash flow they could otherwise exploit, which does not support the notion that CSR is primarily used to enhance managers' private benefits at the expense of shareholders.
Abstract: ‘Lucky’ CEOs are given stock option grants on days when the stock price is the lowest in the month of the grant, implying opportunistic timing, severe agency problems and poor corporate governance. We find that lucky (opportunistic) CEOs invest significantly less in CSR. The evidence thus does not support the notion that CSR is primarily used to enhance managers’ private benefits at the expense of shareholders. Rather, lucky CEOs appear to view CSR investments as depriving them of the free cash flow they could otherwise exploit.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that many psychological characteristics and values that underpin transfer are based on assumptions that may not apply universally and that, accordingly, transfer may not be the central goal that it is frequently assumed to be.
Abstract: Transfer of learning has long been posited as a goal of education. Recent ideological developments have raised transfer's prominence in higher education: increasingly, universities measure their success by the transferability of graduates' skills and knowledge to the workplace. A cultural matrix of social psychology provides an alternative discourse, holding that many psychological characteristics and values that underpin transfer are based on assumptions that may not apply universally and that, accordingly, transfer may not be the central goal that it is frequently assumed to be. This discussion presents a critique on an adherence to transfer that ignores values that may be equally important to students' personal and social development. In so doing, it advocates the application of the cultural matrix to the theory of transfer of learning. It concludes that, paradoxically, recognition of divergent cultural values from around the globe, including the East, may guide universities back to the western cultura...
TL;DR: This paper found that lucky (opportunistic) CEOs invest significantly less in CSR than poor (poor) CEOs, and the evidence thus does not support the notion that CSR is primarily used to enhance managers' private benefits at the expense of shareholders.
Abstract: “Lucky” CEOs are given stock option grants on days when the stock price is the lowest in the month of the grant, implying opportunistic timing, severe agency problems, and poor corporate governance (Bebchuk, Grinstein, Peyer, 2010). We find that lucky (opportunistic) CEOs invest significantly less in CSR. The evidence thus does not support the notion that CSR is primarily used to enhance managers’ private benefits at the expense of shareholders. Rather, lucky CEOs appear to view CSR investments as depriving them of the free cash flow they could otherwise exploit.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore how corporate governance influences the cost of debt financing and find that stronger corporate governance is associated with higher costs of debt, and that while corporate governance may mitigate the agency conflict between managers and shareholders, it appears to exacerbate the conflict between shareholders and bondholders.
Abstract: Corporate governance is usually viewed in the context of strengthening shareholder rights and enhancing shareholders’ welfare. However, the impact of corporate governance on bondholders is much less understood. We explore how corporate governance influences the cost of debt financing. Using broad governance metrics encompassing fifty governance attributes reported by The Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), we document that stronger corporate governance is associated with a higher cost of debt. As governance strengthens by one standard deviation, the cost of debt rises by as much as 11 %. The results are robust even after controlling for both firm-specific and issue-specific characteristics. Our results are important because they suggest that corporate governance has a palpable effect on critical corporate outcomes such as credit ratings and bond yields. More importantly, we show that, while corporate governance may mitigate the agency conflict between managers and shareholders, it appears to exacerbate the agency conflict between shareholders and bondholders (the agency cost of debt).
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors collected panel data of listed firms in New York Stock and Shanghai Stock Exchanges during 1992 to 2008 and performed panel regression estimates for firms in each stock market.
Abstract: The Study collects panel data of listed firms in New York Stock and Shanghai Stock Exchanges during 1992 to 2008. The data are used to perform panel regression estimates for firms in each stock market. The main purpose is to compare the decision on dividend payout of listed firms in the two stock markets. The results from fixed effect estimates show that factors that can explain dividend payout of firms in New York Stock Exchange poorly explain dividend payout of firms in Shanghai Stock Exchange. This paper adds to the literature in that it provides an evidence of difference in dividend policy of firms between advanced and emerging stock markets. For policymakers in the Chinese economy, implementation of measures to enhance the advancement of bond market is necessary. Additionally, firms in Shanghai Stock Exchange should adjust their capital structure to provide room for investors to diversify and adjust their portfolios of stocks and bonds.
TL;DR: The Indochinese silvered leaf monkey Trachypithecus germaini (T. margarita) is probably the rarest and most threatened monkey in Lao PDR as mentioned in this paper, and it has received less conservation-related attention in the country than have the primates endemic to Indochina east of the Mekong because until recently it was generally considered conspetific with the widespread T. cristatus of Sundaic South-east Asia.
Abstract: The Indochinese silvered leaf monkey Trachypithecus germaini (perhaps comprising two species, T. germaini [sensu stricto] and T. margarita) is probably the rarest and most threatened monkey in Lao PDR. It has received less conservation-related attention in the country, however, than have the primates endemic to Indochina east of the Mekong because until recently it was generally considered conspetific with the widespread T. cristatus of Sundaic South-east Asia. All Lao records with firm locality details are from south of 16°23′N (in Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area) and in lowland forests (up to 550 m above sea level), with many from near waterbodies. The predominant habitat seems to be semi-evergreen forest as patches and strips within a mosaic of more deciduous forest types, especially semi-evergreen forest in riparian and other waterside situations. Occupied semi-evergreen forest seems generally at the dry end of its spectrum, with a high deciduous tree component (this is the predominant type in interior plains-level Indochina), where this forest type grades to what some call mixed deciduous forest. Few if any records come from the interior of extensive unbroken semi-evergreen forest, or from highly-deciduous mixed-deciduous forest. Occupied areas include narrow stands flanking watercourses in deciduous dipterocarp forest, but there are no records from the more extensive deciduous dipterocarp forest matrix itself. Vague reports suggest occurrence up to 1,200 m, but given the high survey effort in such habitat, the species is at best very rare above the lowlands. Lao villager reports, and comparison with its status in similar habitats in adjacent Cambodia, suggest steep declines in Lao PDR. Suitable habitat (as profiled above) naturally covers only a small part of the southern Lao landscape, is among Lao PDR's most threatened habitats, and bears heavy hunting. Hence the great rarity of Indochinese silvered leaf monkeys compared with sympatric monkeys and gibbons, which inhabit the more extensive hill forests. There are records of the Indochinese silvered leaf monkey from only one Lao site since 2001. Although appropriate surveys during the 2000s have been limited, the species may now be extremely rare in the country and should join other, better publicized, bird and mammal species of these southern lowland plains landscapes as in need of urgent conservation action.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the effect of overall corporate governance quality on CEO luck and show that an improvement in governance quality by one standard deviation diminishes CEO luck by 14.77-21.06%.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors utilize the classified board to test the quiet life hypothesis and find that managers entrenched by the staggered board adopt significantly less risky strategies, consistent with the quiet-life hypothesis.
Abstract: The quiet life hypothesis posits that entrenched managers are well insulated from removal and thus prefer to enjoy a quiet life, i.e. they tend to be less ambitious, avoid difficult decisions and engage in less risk-taking (Bertrand and Mullainathan, 2003). We utilize the staggered board (or classified board) to test this hypothesis. The staggered board is a powerful takeover defence that enables inefficient managers to evade the discipline of the takeover market, thereby exacerbating managerial entrenchment (Bebchuk and Cohen, 2005). We find that managers entrenched by the staggered board adopt significantly less risky strategies, consistent with the quiet life hypothesis. In particular, the presence of a staggered board reduces the volatility of stock returns by 4.46%. We also show that our conclusion is unlikely affected by the presence of endogeneity.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the level of importance of 50 factors drawn upon 6 retailing mix framework and selected the factors that were ranked "most important" and "highly important" were then selected for second stage analysis by using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA).
Abstract: Through several statistical tests, this two staged research aims to study desired attributes of shoes and its retail shop. Four hundred fifty one samples were collected. In the first stage, the research analysed the level of importance of 50 factors drawn upon 6 retailing mix framework. The factors that were ranked “most important” and “highly important” were then selected for second stage analysis by using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Based on EFA analysis, six new critical latent factors were grouped and named as, “Well Trained and Experienced Salesforce”, “Product Quality and Functions”, “Attractive Store and Product Presentation”, “Price and Perceived Value”, “Health and Comfort”, and “Fashion and Trends”. The research further explored if there was a significant difference of such factors on “Gender”, “Income Level” and “Age” of consumers. “Gender” and “Age” were confirmed to be the other drivers that could alter consumers’ perspectives toward the desired attributes of shoes and its retail shops. The shoe manufacturers and retailers are urged to take all these desired attributes into their consideration when they plan to develop and launch new shoe collections to market.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that European Union highereducation funding in Southeast Asia has at its foundation, motivations forthe revival of European influence and power within the region, and that EuropeanUnion engagement with Southeast Asia is designed to further EU andEU member states agenda's in the realm of politics, economics, trade and security by utilizing soft power instruments which has as its target,Southeast Asia's next generation of influential business, academic and government leaders via culture and/or a value based model inculcationin order to establish long term goals of influence, power, prestige and
Abstract: European Union foreign policy engagement in Southeast Asia ispredicated upon its institutional capabilities which are limited both byinstitutional design and ideological forbearance for the application oftraditional hard power. It is my argument that European Union highereducation funding in Southeast Asia has at its foundation, motivations forthe revival of European influence and power within the region. EuropeanUnion engagement with Southeast Asia is designed to further EU andEU member states agenda’s in the realm of politics, economics, tradeand security by utilizing soft power instruments which has as its target,Southeast Asia’s next generation of influential business, academic andgovernment leaders via culture and/or a value based model inculcationin order to establish long term goals of influence, power, prestige andto buttress EU diplomacy. Key Words: higher education, soft power, European Union, culturaldiplomacy, Southeast Asia
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors utilize the classified board to test the quiet life hypothesis and find that managers entrenched by the staggered board adopt significantly less risky strategies, consistent with the quiet-life hypothesis.
Abstract: The quiet life hypothesis posits that entrenched managers are well-insulated from removal and thus prefer to enjoy a quiet life, i.e. they tend to be less ambitious, avoid difficult decisions, and engage in less risk-taking (Bertrand and Mullainathan, 2003). We utilize the staggered board (or classified board) to test this hypothesis. The staggered board is a powerful takeover defense that enables inefficient managers to evade the discipline of the takeover market, thereby exacerbating managerial entrenchment (Bebchuk and Cohen, 2005). We find that managers entrenched by the staggered board adopt significantly less risky strategies, consistent with the quiet life hypothesis. In particular, the presence of a staggered board reduces the volatility of stock returns by 4.46%. We also show that our conclusion is unlikely affected by the presence of endogeneity.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the effect of overall corporate governance quality on CEO luck and show that an improvement in governance quality by one standard deviation diminishes CEO luck by 14.77-21.06%.
Abstract: CEOs are “lucky” when they receive stock option grants on days when the stock price is the lowest in the month of the grant, implying opportunistic timing. Extending the work of Bebchuk, Grinstein, Peyer (2010), we explore the effect of overall corporate governance quality on CEO luck. Provided by the Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), our comprehensive governance metrics are much broader than those used in prior studies, encompassing more diverse aspects of corporate governance, such as audit, state laws, boards, ownership, and director education. We show that an improvement in governance quality by one standard deviation diminishes CEO luck by 14.77-21.06%. The governance standards recommended by ISS appear to be effective in deterring the opportunistic timing of option grants.
TL;DR: Use of the resolution of Ewald operator method for computing long-range Coulomb and exchange interactions is presented and it is shown that the accuracy can be controlled by a single parameter in a manner similar to that used by conventional algorithms that compute two-electron integrals.
Abstract: Use of the resolution of Ewald operator method for computing long-range Coulomb and exchange interactions is presented. We show that the accuracy of this method can be controlled by a single parameter in a manner similar to that used by conventional algorithms that compute two-electron integrals. Significant performance advantages over conventional algorithms are observed, particularly for high quality basis sets and globular systems. The approach is directly applicable to hybrid density functional theory.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of dynamic capabilities on the performance of Thai exporting firms was investigated by using a quantitative research design usingsurvey method with statistical treatment, and the results indicated that dynamic capability of contextual ambidexterity significantly affected the level of export performance of the participating firms.
Abstract: Increased globalisation has led to a great number of firms looking for opportunities abroad, and exporting is themost common form of entry mechanism. The purpose of this study is thus to investigate the impact of dynamiccapabilities on the performance of Thai exporting firms. The study follows quantitative research design usingsurvey method with statistical treatment. Given the extant definitions of dynamic capabilities, contextualambidexterity, an ability of the organization to pursue alignment and adaptation simultaneously, was proposed asdynamic capability in this study. Structured questionnaires were collected from key informants of Thai firmsengaging in exporting (n = 102). Bivariate regression analysis was employed to test the hypothesis, whilst clusteranalysis and one-way analysis of variance were used to explore the results. The findings indicate that dynamiccapability of contextual ambidexterity significantly affected the level of export performance of the participatingfirms. By clustering all participating firms according to their level of alignment and adaptation, ‘highlyambidextrous’ firms (i.e., high scores on both alignment and adaptation) outperformed the firms in the othercombinations. The study offers practical suggestions on how exporting firms can improve profitability andperformance by pursuing the proper combinations of alignment and adaptability corresponding to the dynamismof their export markets. The main contribution of this paper is the examination of performance impact ofdynamic capability in exporting context which should contribute to the future development of this line ofresearch,particularly in emerging economies.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Physicians are better able to meet their patient's expectation regarding health supervision in a continuity setting and are less likely to miss the opportunities to address issues desired by their patient.
Abstract: Background and Objective: To evaluate the ability of pediatric residents in a continuity clinic to meet patient expectations regarding health supervision advice. Material and Method: This was a cross sectional prospective study conducted at the continuity clinic (COC) and outpatient well-child clinic (OPD-WCC) at the Department of Pediatrics Siriraj Hospital in 2008. The patients attending both clinics over a four-week period were asked to participate in a 2-part questionnaire. The first part, participants were asked to rank six health supervision topics in the order of their perceived importance. After the visit, the participants rated the advice quality given in each topic. The top three most-desired advices were termed ‘Priority Topics’ and the researchers categorized the visit quality as Interactive, Informative, or Missed Opportunity (MO) according to the participants’ perceived level of interaction. The participants were not aware of the ‘Priority Topic’ grouping prior to their participation. Main outcome measures were the proportions of Interactive visits and MO visits in for each of the six focus topics in the COC vs. OPDWCC setting. Results: The COC setting reported more Interactive sessions when the topic is discipline (31.6%, 9.1%, p≤0.05) than the OPD-WCC group, as well as more Informative sessions when the topics were behavior and dental care. There were also more MO in dental (50%, 0%, p≤0.05) and discipline 50%, 15.8%, p≤0.05) among the OPD-WCC than the COC group. Conclusion: Physicians are better able to meet their patient’s expectation regarding health supervision in a continuity setting. They are also more likely to be interactive regarding their advice and are less likely to miss the opportunities to address issues desired by their patient. Keywords: Continuity of care, Continuity clinic, Child health supervision, Patient satisfaction
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: The authors in this article show that the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is likely to persist for decades in small isolated, undisturbed forest fragments of even just 10 km2.
Abstract: The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus is a critically endangered colobine whose current distribution is largely restricted to tropical evergreen forest patches associated with karst limestone hills and mountains of northern Viet Nam. Five isolated extant populations have been identified since its rediscovery in 1992. The fragmentation of its habitats has primarily been the result of decades of expanding human population and increasing demands for scarce agriculturally lands. Habitat fragmentation has frequently been identified a major cause for declines of primate populations, including the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey. However, given that habitats of known Tonkin snub-nosed monkey populations were long fragmented prior to a pioneering study in 1993, the population decline over recent decades can likely be attributed to hunting activities. Comparative observations at two sites suggest that the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, if effectively protected, is likely to persist for decades in small isolated, undisturbed forest fragments of even just 10 km2. In addition, isolated forest fragments should be regarded as important refuges for biodiversity conservation, particularly in regions where little forest remains.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse the impact of trade flows on state-level energy usage and intensity in the US states and show that trade causes energy intensity to rise on average.
Abstract: In one strand of research, analysts examine the trends and determinants of energy usage and intensity. In the second strand, researchers analyse the impact of trade flows on environmental outcomes. Recently, Cole (2006) bridges this gap, analysing the impact of trade intensity on energy usage utilizing panel data at the country level. In line with Cole (2006), we analyse the impact of subnational trade flows across US states on state-level energy usage and intensity, controlling for the endogeneity of trade flows. The model treating trade as endogenous confirms the cross-country result in Cole (2006); trade causes energy intensity to rise on average. However, the impact is not homogeneous across sectors as the increase in intensity is concentrated in the industrial and transportation sectors.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the ideas and perceptions held by Gen Y undergraduates who are currently being educated in the field of tourism and hospitality and whose education will possibly lead them to seek long-term employment in the hotel industry.
Abstract: It is well known that hospitality work is physically demanding and involves mental stress and, at times, an un-competitive compensation package. This has resulted in a high employee turnover rate in recent years. Staff retention is thus a challenge, especially for employees belonging to Generation Y (Gen Y). The situation in Thailand is not different, especially with respect to Gen Y. This article aims to identify the ideas and perceptions held by Gen Y undergraduates who are currently being educated in the field of tourism and hospitality and whose education will possibly lead them Gen to seek long-term employment in the hotel industry. In order to identify the influential factors, the researchers aim to obtain maximum information, views and thoughts from research purposive respondents in this study; thus, qualitative research using an inductive approach involving a focus group discussion methodology was selected. 66 Gen Y students who are studying the Tourism and Hospitality Management programme from the first International College in Thailand participated in this study. The results suggest that Gen Y students share similar views on the influential factors to work effectively. They identified five key factors: effective leaders, a friendly environment, good pay and benefits, a flexible policy and culture and great facilities. The result details allow an understanding of the conditions and requirements for practitioners and researchers who are interested in studying Gen Y in the hotel industry.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that firms with a staggered board exhibit much better human rights performance than those with a single board, and they also show that their results are not likely driven by endogeneity.
Abstract: As part of corporate social responsibility, companies invest in activities that promote human rights or refrain from activities that violate human rights. Investments in human rights, however, usually do not yield immediate benefits. Rather, they are expected to improve the reputation of the firm over time as a good corporate citizen. As one of the most effective takeover defenses, a staggered board insulates managers from the takeover market. Secured in their positions, managers are less likely to be myopic and are more likely to adopt policies that yield long-term benefits, such as investments in human rights. Consistent with this notion, our results show that firms with a staggered board exhibit much better human rights performance. We also show that our results are not likely driven by endogeneity.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The most important Thai festivals are Loy Krathong and Songkran, Both festivals are linked to the Indian festivals as discussed by the authors, and they share a common religious, cultural, and linguistic heritage.
Abstract: Indians and Thais share a common religious, cultural, andlinguistic heritage. One facet of this sharing involves festivalscelebrated in Thailand. The most important Thai festivals are LoyKrathong and Songkran, Both festivals linked to the Indian festivals. Thaiscelebrate Loy Krathong on the full moon in November and pay respectto the river by floating the banana leaf cups and asking for forgivenessfrom the River Goddess Ganges. River Ganges has no connection withThailand but still is respected by Thais on this day. It is related to theIndian festival of Kartik Purnima which gets its name from the monthof Kartik (November-December). On this day people will bathe in sacredrivers as the beliefs are that Gods descend of earth and reside in the holyrivers that flow naturally for healthy growth and spiritual grace.The Thai New Year, Songkhran, falls on the 13th-14th of Aprilevery year. The word ‘Songkran’ derives from the Sanskrit word“Sankranti,” a festival celebrated in other parts of Asia. It portrays thetypical ways of life of the people which are involved in the agriculturalaspects in India as well as Thailand. Both the festivals are celebratedin India and Thailand with different names but with the same purposesomehow and are related to water. My paper deals with the culturalreligious connection of such festivals of Thailand with India. Key Words: Thailand, India, Myanmar, Songkran, Sankranti, PhalgunThagyamin, Thingyan, Brahma, Krishna
TL;DR: The molecular structure of the title compound is planar, as experimentally determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction and confirmed theoretically by DFT calculations on the single molecule and the halogen pair paired molecules, ruling out crystal packing forces as a principal factor leading to planarity.
Abstract: Based on the bulkiness of the iodine atom, a non-planar conformation was expected for the title compound. Instead, its molecular structure is planar, as experimentally determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction, and confirmed theoretically by DFT calculations on the single molecule and the halogen pair paired molecules, therefore ruling out crystal packing forces as a principal factor leading to planarity. Indeed, planarity is ascribed to the carbonyl double bond, as when this bond is saturated on forming the related alcohol derivative, the molecule loses planarity. The X-ray molecular structure shows an intermolecular separation between the iodine and the oxygen of the carbonyl shorter than the corresponding van der Waals distance suggesting a weak halogen bond interaction. DFT minimization of this 2-molecule arrangement shows the iodine--oxygen distance much shorter than that observed in the crystal interaction and confirming its stronger halogen bond nature. A trend between increasing I•••O(carbonyl) separation and decreasing C-I•••O(carbonyl) angle is demonstrated, further confirming the existence of a halogen bond.