Taxes and Unmarried Fathers’ Participation in the Underground Economy

In this paper we employ data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study in order to estimate a model of underground labor supply developed by Lemieux et al. (1994). We focus specifically on the underground labor supply of unmarried fathers, a group that is likely to have significant involvement in the underground economy. We also extend the empirical analysis of Lemieux et al. by taking into account exogenous state and local variation in marginal tax rates, as well as sociodemographic variables related to the likelihood of participation in the underground. In accordance with expectations, we find that a significant proportion of unmarried fathers report participation in the underground. However, although the theoretical model predicts a positive relationship between the tax rate and underground hours of work (under certain conditions), we find that the effect of the tax rate on hours is statistically indistinguishable from zero, even after including exogenous variation in tax rates. We also fail to find a positive and statistically significant effect of the tax rate on participation in the underground. Within the context of the model, these results have specific implications for the magnitudes of the probability of detection and the penalty on evaded tax. Therefore, we conclude that additional empirical information is needed regarding these parameters. Future research might also employ other datasets in the estimation of the theoretical model outlined by Lemieux et al., as well as investigate the applicability of other models of underground labor supply.

The Effect of Culture on Entrepreneurial Networks

Networking is an important aspect of business. For entrepreneurs in particular, the strength of a network could offer important resources and opportunities through both close and distant contacts, which are known in network theory as strong and weak ties. This thesis analyzes the impact of entrepreneurs’ network tie strength on firm performance by analyzing networks in different countries through a correlational meta-analysis. The moderating factor of culture was analyzed to understand the impact of how individualistic and collectivist cultures affect network tie strength. Through analyzing 23 different primary studies (N=4041) from various individualistic and collectivist countries, the meta-analysis determined that culture does not have a statistically significant moderating impact on network strength on firm performance. I discuss the implications of these findings for entrepreneurs and business networks

ESG Scores as a Measure of Risk: The Relationship Between Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Ratings and the Financial Performance of U.S. Oil and Gas Companies

This study investigates the association between ESG (environmental, social, corporate governance) scores on the financial performance of U.S. oil and gas companies, an industry facing significant ESG-related pressures. ESG scores evaluate a firm’s environmental impacts, social responsibility, and corporate governance practices and can be used as a form of evaluating a firm’s risk mitigation efforts. However, there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that there exists a relationship, positive or negative, between ESG scores and firm performance in this industry. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the growing interest in ESG investing and is useful for investors and firms in the oil and gas industry, as well as policymakers, in understanding the materiality of ESG scores

The Engineering Hubs and Spokes Project - institutional cooperation in educational design and delivery

The emergence of blended learning techniques that embrace a combination of face-to-face and online learning environments offers a raft of opportunity for flexibility in education. While much writing has focused on the opportunities for flexibility for the students and teachers, this paper focuses on the opportunities for effective sharing of expertise and effort between institutions. The Engineering 'Hubs and Spokes' project is a collaboration between The Australian National University and the University of South Australia. It draws on the strengths of each to improve the range and quality of educational opportunities for students. Two components of the project are underpinned by blended teaching and learning techniques: sharing of courses at the advanced undergraduate level; and development of an integrated graduate development program. We describe choices made, benefits identified, and the challenges encountered in the early stages of the project. We discuss recommendations for the future of cooperation in educational design and delivery, and comment on the opportunities that arise for structural reform of the higher education sector

The Hiv Care Continuum And Barriers To Viral Suppression Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) now account for nearly half of all new HIV cases in Malaysia. There has been little research, however, characterizing the HIV care continuum among MSM living with HIV in Malaysia. This study describes the HIV care continuum and examines factors associated with HIV viral non-suppression among newly diagnosed MSM living with HIV in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: We enrolled 163 MSM living with HIV who were in care at a major university hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Electronic medical chart review also provided data on engagement in the care continuum, including CD4 counts and HIV viral loads. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of HIV viral non-suppression. Results: 94.4% of this sample is currently on ART while 79.7% self-reported 100% adherence to medication. Nearly 80% of this population were optimally virally suppressed at \u3c20 copies/mL. In the multivariable model, not having a full-time job (aOR = 6.25; 95% CI = 1.53 – 25.49; p = 0.011) and being single (aOR = 9.15; CI = 1.07 – 78.21; p = 0.043) were associated with viral non-suppression (viral load of 200 copies/mL or more). 9.8% of all participants reported active (last 30 days) chemsex participation while nearly 40% indicated severe depression symptoms. Conclusions: This is the first study to describe the HIV care continuum on MSM from Malaysia. Though many MSM in this sample were able to achieve viral suppression, others continue to face socioeconomic barriers to treatment and retention in care. Future studies should recruit from a wider range of venues and include those disengaged from care

Rescuing urban regeneration from urban patronage: towards inclusive development in the Voortrekker Road Corridor

The Voortrekker Road Corridor in Cape Town was recently identified as an Integration Zone according to National Treasury's Integrated City Development Grant (ICDG). Prior to this a number of private and public stakeholders founded the Greater Tygerberg Partnership, in response to the need for a coordinating body to champion inclusive regeneration and local economic development in the corridor and neighbouring northern suburbs. Funded wholly by the City of Cape Town for its first three years of operation, the Partnership had after two years in operation appeared to have made little progress in catalysing interest and tangible investment in the area, even on a micro level. This dissertation utilises the qualitative analysis method of process tracing for the period of 2012-2015 to explore themes of urban governance and conversely urban patronage. It firstly considers whether the apparent stasis is due to the Partnership being subjected to capture by strong private and political elites. Subsequently it examines whether incremental, micro-level governance initiatives and acts of public entrepreneurship, though seemingly small, have the potential to build momentum capable of overcoming such threatening predatory networks, and in so doing redirect the organisation towards achieving substantive inclusive and equitable regeneration

Draft Genome Sequence of Fructophilic Lactobacillus florum.

Herein we report the first genome sequence for Lactobacillus florum. L. florum 2F was isolated from Valencia orange leaves and is fructophilic, like other strains of this species. The draft genome of L. florum 2F contains 1,261,842 bp with a G+C content of 41.5% in 46 contigs (≥500 bp)

Association analysis of MC1R, MC4R and AGRP in beef cattle

Three interrelated genes postulated to affect economically important traits related to growth and/or carcass quality of beef cattle were chosen to characterize and perform association analyses for this study. Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) and agouti related protein (AGRP) play an integral role in the appetite pathway and in fat deposition. We genotyped 328 crossbred steers of various coat colours that were purchased at weaning and fed until slaughter for the previously published alleles ED, E+ and e. The E+ allele was present at five percent in this population and therefore was not included in further analysis. Black cattle of ED/ED or ED/e genotype had increased backfat (