Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Taylor Rules in New Keynesian Models

We analyze the optimal Taylor rule in a standard New Keynesian model. If the central bank can observe the output gap and the inflation rate without error, then it is typically optimal to respond infinitely strongly to observed deviations from the central bank's targets. If it observes inflation and the output gap with error, the central bank will temper its responses to observed deviations so as not to impart unnecessary volatility to the economy. If the Taylor rule is expressed in terms of estimated output and inflation then it is optimal to respond infinitely strongly to estimated deviations from the targets. Because filtered estimates are based on current and past observations, such Taylor rules appear to have an interest smoothing component. Under such a Taylor rule, if the central bank is behaving optimally, the estimates of inflation and the output gap should be perfectly negatively correlated. In the data, inflation and the output gap are weakly correlated, suggesting that the central bank is systematically underreacting to its estimates of inflation and the output gap.
Interstitial Lung Disease in Connective Tissue Diseases: Survival Patterns in a Population-Based Cohort

Objectives: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with impaired survival among patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs), but population-based data on the frequency of ILD and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in different CTD subtypes and the impact on survival are sparse. Methods: We included patients with a first-time ICD-10 diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), myositis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or Sjögren’s disease registered in the Danish National Patient Registry between 2000 and 2015. Among these, we identified patients with ILD and PH. Using Kaplan–Meier analysis, we assessed survival for the five subtypes of CTD ± ILD and compared survival among CTD patients overall ± ILD with survival in the general population ± ILD. Results: We identified 11,731 patients with a diagnosis of CTD; 637 (5.4%) had a diagnosis of ILD. The proportion of patients with ILD was higher in SSc (13.4%) and MCTD (9.1%) than in myositis (6.0%), SLE (4.1%), and Sjögren (2.8%). Fifty-one percent were diagnosed with ILD in their fifties and sixties. PH was more frequent in SSc (7.5%) and MCTD (4.1%). Five-year survival was 73.3% (66.7–80.6) in SSc-ILD, 81.0% (69.0–95.1) in MCTD-ILD, 84.7% (77.3–92.9) in myositis-ILD, 83.5% (76.2–91.5) in SLE-ILD, and 84.7 (78.4–91.6) in Sjögren-associated ILD. Survival in CTD-ILD overall was impaired for all age groups compared with CTD alone. Age-stratified survival was comparable between CTD-ILD and ILD in the general population. The survival gap between ILD and non-ILD increased with age. Conclusion: Survival was comparable between different CTD-ILD subtypes and comparable to survival in non-CTD-ILD.
Conflict of opinion on accounting policy judgements: independence, knowledge and problem–solving ability of audit committees in Malaysia

This study employs a field experiment to investigate the effectiveness of audit committee monitoring role. The study relates three audit committee characteristics, independence, financial knowledge and problem-solving ability with judgements on conflicts of opinion between management and auditors on accounting policy. Participants are members of audit committees of public listed companies in Malaysia. Using a Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis, results show that independence, financial knowledge and ability to solve problems influence audit committee judgements. Financial knowledge mediates the effect of problem-solving ability on the judgements. There is a need for a proper membership selection policy to improve audit committee effectiveness.
Decent Work for the Street Vendors in Mumbai, India—A Distant Vision!

This paper explores the working conditions of the street vendors in Mumbai in relation to the concept of “decent work. ” The study highlights the vendors’ working conditions, their social security, and the collective bargaining by membership-based organisations aiming to provide them with a decent working life. The present research is based on mixed methods. The study is exploratory in nature, showing that the street vendors depend on moneylenders especially for social security purposes but also for their economic activity. The study shows that they are forced to borrow money at an exorbitant rate of interest (amounting to 5–10% per month), which in turn leads them to fall into a “debt-trap” situation. The current working hours of the vendors and the safety and security conditions in their workplace, together with the illegal activities of local authorities, are contributing to a deteriorating working environment and the deprivation of the workers.
Dynamic Count Data Models of Technological Innovation

This paper examines the application of count data models to firm level panel data on technological innovations. The model the authors propose exhibits dynamic feedback and unobserved heterogeneity. We develop a fixed effects estimator that generalizes the standard Poisson and negative binomial models allowing for dynamic feedback through both the firm's stock of knowledge and its product market power. By using the long pre-sample history of innovation information this 'entry stock' estimator is shown to control for correlated fixed effects and is compared with an alternative nonlinear GMM estimator. We find evidence of history dependence in innovation activity although variables reflecting the company's economic environment are also found to play a major role. Copyright 1995 by Royal Economic Society.
The Out-of-Sample Prediction of Annual Operating Cash Flow: A Comparison of Regression and Naïve Forecast Models

This study proposes that a no-change naive forecast of (operating) cash flow is as accurate as time-series (firm-specific) and cross-sectional regression forecasts of cash flow. The study first demonstrates that cross-sectional regression forecasts of cash flow with firm-size controls are as accurate as time-series regression forecasts. Next the study confirms the expectation that a naive forecast is as accurate as the regression model forecasts. Finally, the study identifies apparent misapplications of Theil’s U-statistic, which overstate the ability of regression forecast models to outperform a naive forecast model.
Isolation From “Being Alive”: Coping With Severe Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

BackgroundDespite ongoing investigations into specific causes of and treatments for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, it remains a common phenomenon of varying intensity that affects the quality of life for both affected women and their families. ObjectiveTo understand how women cope with severe nausea, vomiting, and/or retching during pregnancy. MethodWomen hospitalized with severe symptoms (N = 24) were purposely selected to participate in 24 semistructured interviews and one focus group (N = 4). ResultsA process was identified wherein women experienced severe and unrelenting nausea and related symptoms which became progressively more debilitating, leaving them feeling uncertain about when and if they would recover. This caused the women to isolate themselves from their world in an effort to cope with symptoms. ConclusionsSevere nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is a complex and overwhelming syndrome. Rather than emphasizing a specific treatment for a particular symptom (e.g., vomiting), nurses can intervene to reduce the impact of factors that affect the magnitude of nausea, vomiting, and retching.
Understanding the Relative Roles of Pharmacogenetics and Ontogeny in Pediatric Drug Development and Regulatory Science

Understanding the dose‐exposure‐response relationship across the pediatric age spectrum from preterm and term newborns to infants, children, adolescents, and adults is a major challenge for clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies. Over the past 3 decades, clinical investigations of many drugs commonly used in pediatric therapeutics have provided valuable insights into age‐associated differences in drug disposition and action. However, our understanding of the contribution of genetic variation to variability in drug disposition and response in children generally has lagged behind that of adults. This article proposes a systematic approach that can be used to assess the relative contributions of ontogeny and genetic variation for a given compound. Application of the strategy is illustrated using the current regulatory dilemma posed by the safety and effectiveness of over‐the‐counter cough and cold remedies as an example. The results of the analysis can be used to aid in the design of studies to yield maximally informative data in pediatric populations of different ages and developmental stages and thereby improve the efficiency of study design.
Strategic orientation, human resource management practices and organizational outcomes: evidence from Turkey

Based on a survey of 340 firms in Turkey, this study examines the link between human resource management (HRM) practices and three organizational outcomes namely employee skills and abilities, employee motivation and organizational financial performance. The study also examines the association between the alignment of HRM practices with the overall strategic orientation of the organization and the three organizational outcomes. The results provide support for the contingency approach, with HRM and strategy fit being the only variable which impacts on all three outcomes considered. Our findings also provide some interesting insights on the applicability of western HRM ‘best’ practices in the Turkish context.
Economic Growth and Environmental Quality in Nigeria: Does Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis Hold?

This study investigates the relationship between Economic Growth (GDP) and environmental quality in Nigeria. The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis is investigated and tested with the annual data of carbon emissions capita and GDP per capita from 1970-2005. EKC hypothesis postulates a relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation such that in the early stage of economic growth, the rate of environmental depletion would be on the rise and as income rises above some threshold level the magnitude of environmental impacts due to economic activity would begin to fall. The study reveals that there is no causal or long run relationship between carbon emissions and income in Nigeria. Again, the regression line (curve) gotten from regressing carbon emission on GDP and its square completely refute the EKC hypothesis in the case of Nigeria. Interestingly, the curve depicts a ‘U-shaped’ rather than an ‘inverted U-shaped’ curve (as suggested by the EKC hypothesis), meaning that with increase in income, carbon emission first experiences a declining trend and then starts rising again.
Cracking the survival code

Modifications of histones, the chief protein components of the chromatin, have emerged as critical regulators of life and death. While the “apoptotic histone code” came to light a few years ago, accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy, a cell survival pathway, is also heavily regulated by histone-modifying proteins. In this review we describe the emerging “autophagic histone code” and the role of histone modifications in the cellular life vs. death decision.
Minimum Wage Noncompliance and the Employment Decision

The employment effects of minimum wage noncompliance have been the focus of several theoretical contributions to the minimum wage literature, the dominating conclusion being that the noncomplying employer, while reducing employment below the free‐market level, will still employ more labor than he would if complying. Allowing, however, for partial compliance, this study applies a portfolio‐choice approach to the employer’s problem, concluding surprisingly that the minimum wage law may give rise to a full‐compliance employment effect even if it is partially evaded. This result is further shown to hold with regard to labor market laws in general.
Reassessing the Oppida: The Role of Power and Religion

Summary For a long time, the origins and development of Late Iron Age oppida were viewed from predominantly economic perspectives and as dependent on contacts with the Mediterranean world. However, advances in research in recent decades make it necessary to qualify and reassess many of the traditional interpretations of the genesis and functions of these centres, one of the most striking phenomena of the last two centuries BC. This article emphasizes the political and religious role of continental European oppida, understanding them as a new ‘technology of power’, which enabled a more hierarchical and centralizing ideology to be articulated. Moreover, new evidence suggests that many oppida may have had their origin in spaces for ritual gatherings. The result is a new interpretation of the genesis and characteristics of Late Iron Age centralization processes.
Biomonitoring in environmental medicine – results of

The Leipziger allergy risk study (LARS) investigated, during a period of five years, the influence of a typical indoor contaminant burden on the development of allergies and upper respiratory tract infections in children with an allergy-risk. During the third year of life, biomonitoring with the focus on passive smoking was carried out. Therefore, typical tobacco smoke related indoor volatile organic compounds (VOC) as well as excretion of certain VOC metabolites in urine were measured. The data analyses are based on parent-completed questionnaires, exposure measurements and medical examination. Generally, residences with a high burden of passive smoking showed higher benzene concentrations than nonsmoking ones. Significant differences between the excretion of VOC metabolites could be found between passive smoking and unburdened children. Obstructive bronchitis was observed more frequently in the children being exposed to increased concentrations of benzene as well as toluene, m,p-xylene and styrene. In addition, occurrence of atopic symptoms like eczema was found to be associated with the excretion of the VOC metabolite of toluene Sbenzyl-mercapturic acid (SBMA). Therefore, evaluation of external exposure should be supplemented with the evaluation of internal exposure.
The square root method for terminal voltage adjustment in a self-excited synchronous generator

There are various methods that keep the terminal voltage of an autonomous, self-excited synchronous generator constant. This work presents a new method that starts from the idea that the static and dynamic stability of the self-excited synchronous, autonomous generator operation necessitates a progressive change in the field current. This change is reflected in different power characteristics depending on the interior angle. We call this method the “square root method. ” By this method the field current, the three phase voltages, and the three currents depending on the load must be data captured. A dedicated software and an adjusting system ensure a field current that satisfies the requirements of a self-excited autonomous synchronous generator.
High-Performance Blue InGaN Laser Diodes With Single-Quantum-Well Active Layers

The authors report on the high-performance blue laser diodes (LDs) with an emission wavelength of ~448 nm employing InGaN single-quantum-well (QW) active layers. At 100-mW continuous-wave (CW) output power, operation current and voltage are, respectively, 150 mA and 5.3 V, corresponding to the wall plug efficiency of >12%, a record value for the single-mode InGaN LDs with blue wavelengths. The single QW blue LD showed normal temperature dependence of light output-current curves with the characteristic temperature of 170 K. In addition, we demonstrate a high level of catastrophic optical damage of >300 mW and long device lifetime under CW operation condition at room temperature.
A nested factor model for non-linear dependencies in stock returns

The aim of our work is to propose a natural framework to account for all the empirically known properties of the multivariate distribution of stock returns. We define and study a ‘nested factor model’, where the linear factors part is standard, but where the log-volatility of the linear factors and of the residuals are themselves endowed with a factor structure and residuals. We propose a calibration procedure to estimate these log-vol factors and the residuals. We find that whereas the number of relevant linear factors is relatively large (10 or more), only two or three log-vol factors emerge in our analysis of the data. In fact, a minimal model where only one log-vol factor is considered is already very satisfactory, as it accurately reproduces the properties of bivariate copulas, in particular, the dependence of the medial point on the linear correlation coefficient, as reported in Chicheportiche and Bouchaud [Int. J. Theor. Appl. Finance, 2012, 15]. We have tested the ability of the model to predict out-of-sample the risk of non-linear portfolios, and found that it performs significantly better than other schemes.
Interest Rate Risk at Commercial Banks: An Empirical Investigation

This paper develops and estimates models to measure banks' exposure to interest rate risk. The models are estimated for the 1976-83 period to determine whether banks' exposure to interest rate risk increased as a result of increased interest rate volatility and financial deregulation. The major findings are that banks changed their risk management strategies after 1979 and that total exposure to interest rate risk remained quite small. Copyright 1989 by MIT Press.
Politics and Poverty

Introduction: Storm Clouds Mar the Deal Part I : i.The Organisation ii. Directors General iii. Professionals iv. General Services v. The FAO Way vi. FAO in Rome Part II : vii. Marketing and the Rural Poor viii. FAO Marketing Assistance ix. The Marketing Group in FAO x. Can FAO be Young Again?
Role of the terminator hairpin in the biogenesis of functional Hfq-binding sRNAs

Rho-independent transcription terminators of the genes encoding bacterial Hfq-binding sRNAs possess a set of seven or more T residues at the 3′ end, as noted in previous studies. Here, we have studied the role of the terminator hairpin in the biogenesis of sRNAs focusing on SgrS and RyhB in Escherichia coli. We constructed variant sRNA genes in which the GC-rich inverted repeat sequences are extended to stabilize the terminator hairpins. We demonstrate that the extension of the hairpin stem leads to generation of heterogeneous transcripts in which the poly(U) tail is shortened. The transcripts with shortened poly(U) tails no longer bind to Hfq and lose the ability to repress the target mRNAs. The shortened transcripts are generated in an in vitro transcription system with purified RNA polymerase, indicating that the generation of shortened transcripts is caused by premature transcription termination. We conclude that the terminator structure of sRNA genes is optimized to generate functional sRNAs. Thus, the Rho-independent terminators of sRNA genes possess two common features: a long T residue stretch that is a prerequisite for generation of functional sRNAs and a moderate strength of hairpin structure that ensures the termination at the seventh or longer position within the consecutive T stretch. The modulation of the termination position at the Rho-independent terminators is critical for biosynthesis of functional sRNAs.
Sustainable cities: research and practice challenges

This paper presents a concepualisation of the research and practice challenges facing those of us working towards sustainable cities. I argue that these challenges are quite fundamental and centre around our ‘vision’ of the sustainable city and the processes required to bring about sustainable urban development. I draw on my own experience and the work of others to suggest that within the sustainable cities discourse there are a number of competing ‘visions’ of sustainable urbanism, and that it is important that we understand and value this multiplicity of socially-constructed potential futures, rather than adopt a ‘one model fits all’ appraoch. In terms of sustainable urban development processes, I suggest that research, practise and expertise tend to coalesce around either scientific and technological advances or around social change (largely couched in terms of behaviour, economic or governance shifts). Yet we need to move past this dualistic thinking towards a far deeper understanding of the interplay between social and technical solutions if we are make real progress. I hope this new journal provides a forum to explore different ‘visions’ and to share knowledge on the ‘mulitple-pathways’ that sustainable urban development may take.
Effect of St John's wort and ginseng on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects.

UNLABELLED M: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of St John's wort and ginseng on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin. METHODS This was an open-label, three-way crossover randomized study in 12 healthy male subjects, who received a single 25-mg dose of warfarin alone or after 14 days' pretreatment with St John's wort, or 7 days' pretreatment with ginseng. Dosing with St John's wort or ginseng was continued for 7 days after administration of the warfarin dose. Platelet aggregation, international normalized ratio (INR) of prothrombin time, warfarin enantiomer protein binding, warfarin enantiomer concentrations in plasma and S-7-hydroxywarfarin concentration in urine were measured. Statistical comparisons were made using anova and 90% confidence intervals are reported. RESULTS INR and platelet aggregation were not affected by treatment with St John's wort or ginseng. The apparent clearances of S-warfarin after warfarin alone or with St John's wort or ginseng were, respectively, 198 +/- 38 ml h(-1), 270 +/- 44 ml h(-1) and 220 +/- 29 ml h(-1). The respective apparent clearances of R-warfarin were 110 +/- 25 ml h(-1), 142 +/- 29 ml h(-1) and 119 +/- 20 ml h(-1) [corrected]. The mean ratio and 90% confidence interval (CI) of apparent clearance for S-warfarin was 1.29 (1.16, 1.46) and for R-warfarin it was 1.23 (1.11, 1.37) when St John's wort was coadministered. The mean ratio and 90% CI of AUC(0-168) of INR was 0.79 (0.70, 0.95) when St John's wort was coadministered. St John's wort and ginseng did not affect the apparent volumes of distribution or protein binding of warfarin enantiomers. CONCLUSIONS St John's wort significantly induced the apparent clearance of both S-warfarin and R-warfarin, which in turn resulted in a significant reduction in the pharmacological effect of rac-warfarin. Coadministration of warfarin with ginseng did not affect the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of either S-warfarin or R-warfarin.
Organisational flexibility and HRM in the hotel industry: evidence from Australia

The hotel industry is renowned for its poor pay and employment conditions and a low take-up of HR practices. It is generally believed that the industry has relied on a lowcost, numerically flexible and disposable workforce. Recently, however, there has been debate concerning the extent to which managers in the hotel industry are embracing high commitment HRM and functionally flexible work practices. This study seeks to shed light on this question by analysing large-scale survey and interview data on the hotel industry in Australia. While hotel workplaces in general continue to be associated with high levels of numerical and temporal flexibility and greater informality of HR policies, it was apparent that larger luxury hotels were adopting more systematic employee management techniques and strengthening their internal labour markets through functional flexibility initiatives. Such firms were also pursuing numerical and temporal flexibility strategies, although in rather different ways.