Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk sharing in a financial market with endogenous option prices

This article investigates a financial market in which investors may trade in risk-free bonds, stock and put options written on the stock. In each period, stock and option prices are simultaneously determined by market clearing. While the introduction of put options will decrease the systematic risk in the financial market, it will increase the price of risk. Investors with mean-variance preferences will generally hold portfolios containing the primary asset and the put option and may use the option to increase the risk in their wealth position in exchange for higher returns. Aggregate wealth is unaffected by an option market when there are no spillover effects on stock prices, and it is shown that short selling of options will increase the volatility of individual wealth positions. Investors with erroneous beliefs may on average be better off not trading in put options.
Reading an intellectual capital statement: Describing and prescribing knowledge management strategies

This paper introduces a framework for analysing intellectual capital statements. It is suggested that the three‐way model of intellectual capital (human, organisations and structural) can be developed in its descriptive and its prescriptive qualities. Another model is offered which relate intellectual capital indicators to the firm’s knowledge strategy. This IC accounting system describes the transactions that allow the firm’s knowledge strategy to be implemented and it prescribes an agenda from which it is possible to monitor the effects around intellectual resources, to qualify and upgrade them and to survey the portfolio of intellectual resources. An example of Systematic Software Engineering’s two intellectual capital statements from 1999 and 2000 is used to illustrate how intellectual capital statements may be read from this perspective.
The Profit‐Maximizing Case for Corporate Social Responsibility in a Bilateral Monopoly

We analyze a stylized distribution channel (bilateral monopoly) model where an upstream manufacturer sells output to a downstream retailer. In a two‐stage linear demand game setting, we show that a two‐part contract, consisting of a wholesale price and corporate social responsibility (CSR) component, can be utilized by the manufacturer to fully coordinate and control its retailer. Thus, a CSR contract can be used in place of the traditional two‐part tariff scheme (wholesale price and fixed franchise fee) to optimally coordinate the marketing channel. Our model provides a novel theoretical profit‐maximizing rationale for the strategic use of CSR. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas are uncommon in the head and neck, the sinonasal tract being the most common location. This report describes 5 cases in this area: two in the nasal cavity, two in the maxillary sinus, and one in the frontal sinus. Four were primary cases and one was secondary to previous irradiation. All patients received surgical treatment, one of them with postoperative irradiation. All five patients experienced local recurrences and three also experienced distant metastases. Only one of these recurrences was successfully salvaged and the patient is alive and free of disease 3 years after resection. A summary of knowledge about the entity is reviewed.
Some Applications of the Rank Revealing QR Factorization

The rank revealing QR factorization of a rectangular matrix can sometimes be used as a reliable and efficient computational alternative to the singular value decomposition for problems that involve rank determination. This is illustrated by showing how the rank revealing QR factorization can be used to compute solutions to rank deficient least squares problems, to perform subset selection, to compute matrix approximations of given rank, and to solve total least squares problems.
Dual Polarized Patch Antenna Fed by Meandering Probes

A dual polarized patch antenna fed by meandering probes is presented. The antenna achieves an impedance bandwidth (SWR < 2) of 26% at each input port. By locating the meandering probes appropriately, the antenna has isolation more than 25 dB, which can be further enhanced to more than 30 dB by surrounding the antenna with vertical metallic walls. The gain of the antenna is about 10 dBi across the operating bandwidth.
Mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) prevents oxidative DNA damage induced by cadmium exposure in Wistar rats

Abstract The Mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) is a plant native from South America; it is used in the traditional medicine systems for treating bacterial, fungal, parasitic and inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities induced by mimosa (M. caesalpiniifolia) in multiple rodent organs subjected to intoxication with cadmium chloride. A total of 40 Wistar rats (8 weeks old, 250 g) were distributed into eight groups (n = 5), as follows: Control group (non-treated group, CTRL); Cadmium exposed group (Cd); cadmium exposure and treated with extract at 62.5 mg/kg/day; cadmium exposure and treated with extract at 125 mg/kg/day; cadmium exposure and treated with extract at 250 mg/kg/day; cadmium exposure and treated with ethyl acetate fraction at 62.5 mg/kg/day. For evaluating the toxicogenetic potential of mimosa, two groups were included in the study being treated with extract at 250 mg/kg/day and acetate fraction of mimosa at 62 mg/kg/day, only. Extract of mimosa at concentrations of 62.5 and 125 mg decreased DNA damage in animals intoxicated with cadmium when compared to cadmium group. In a similar manner, treatment with ethyl acetate fraction of mimosa at 62.5 mg concentration in animals previously exposed to cadmium reduced genetic damage in peripheral blood cells. In a similar manner, the treatment with ethyl acetate fraction reduced DNA damage in liver cells. Oxidative DNA damage was reduced to animals exposed to cadmium and treated with 125 mg of extract as well as those intoxicated to cadmium and treated with 62.5 of acetate fraction of mimosa. Taken together, our results indicate that mimosa prevents genotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure in liver and peripheral blood cells of rats as a result of antioxidant activity.
Geographic Proximity and Analyst Coverage Decisions: Evidence from IPOs

Using hand-collected data on analyst locations, we study how geographic proximity affects analyst coverage decisions for U.S. firms that went public during 1996–2009, along with the impact of local coverage on firm visibility. Analysts are 80% more likely to cover local firms than non-local ones, and nearby non-underwriter analysts initiate coverage one to three weeks earlier than distant ones. Proximity matters most for smaller, less visible firms, for firms with less complex operations and for lower status analysts. Less visible firms may use local analyst coverage as a stepping-stone to increase visibility with other analysts and institutional investors.
The Disability Divide: a study into the impact of computing and internet-related technologies on people who are blind or vision-impaired

People with disabilities, and in particular people who are blind or vision impaired, are not embracing computing and Internetrelated technologies at the same rate as the able-bodied population. The purpose of this study was to find the reasons behind this digital divide for people with disabilities and provide solutions. The investigation into this ‘disability divide’ initially examined the historical significance of the social construction of disability, the developments of computing and Internet-related technologies and the evolution of associated government and corporate policies. In order to gain an understanding of the specific elements in the current disability divide, interviews were conducted with a range of government representatives, multinational information technology developers and online information providers in Australia and the United States of America. In order to gain an understanding of what people with disabilities required from information technology, a national survey was conducted with people who are blind or vision impaired to determine their computing and Internet experiences. This study clearly identified that people with vision disabilities have a high level of computing and Internet expertise and it is specific barriers, rather than lack of will, that has prevented access to computing and Internet-related technologies. These barriers include issues relating to the perception of disability in society, Federal and state government policy, corporate policy, mainstream computing products, assistive technologies, real-time online communication, poverty and a lack of educational opportunities. Addressing the issues in these areas will significantly reduce the impact of the disability divide, allowing people who are blind or vision impaired to participate more effectively in the information age. Comments http://digitalcommons.ilr. cornell.edu/gladnetcollect/340 This article is available at DigitalCommons@ILR: http://digitalcommons.ilr. cornell.edu/gladnetcollect/340 Faculty of Media, Society and Culture The Disability Divide: A Study into the Impact of Computing and Internet-related Technologies on People who are Blind or Vision Impaired
Long-term results of endoscopic Histoacryl injection sclerotherapy for gastric variceal bleeding: a 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND The long-term efficacy and safety of endoscopic injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) were evaluated as the initial treatment for bleeding gastric varices. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-two patients with bleeding gastric varices underwent endoscopic injections of Histoacryl for hemostasis over a 10-year period. Histoacryl was injected intravariceally. Among these 52 patients, 32 had active bleeding and 20 had recent bleeding. Most of the varices were large (F2 or F3, 48 cases). After Histoacryl injection, the patients were followed endoscopically with retreatment administered as necessary. The patients were followed for a mean 28.1 months. RESULTS The rate of initial hemostasis (no bleeding occurred for 48 hours after sclerotherapy) was 96.2%. Cumulative nonbleeding rates were 64.7%, 52.7%, and 48.2% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. When rebleeding occurred, 80.0% was within 1 year after initial injection. Recurrent bleeding was easily stopped with the reinjection of Histoacryl in most patients. The treatment failure-related mortality rate was 4.0% (2 of 52). The cumulative survival rates were 66.9%, 60.4%, and 55.5% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The mortality depended on either malignancy or liver function (Child-Pugh classification). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that Histoacryl injection sclerotherapy is highly effective for the treatment of bleeding gastric varices, with rare complications occurring both acutely and long-term. Therefore, Histoacryl injection sclerotherapy is considered to be the first choice of treatment for bleeding gastric varices, but the rate of recurrent bleeding is so high that further methods or devices still need to be developed in order to prevent gastric variceal rebleeding.
Rituximab as a first-line preventive treatment in pediatric NMOSDs

Objective: No established therapeutic protocol has been proposed to date for childhood-onset neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorders (NMOSDs). We report the response of 5 NMO immunoglobulin (Ig)G–positive pediatric cases to a standardized B-cell–targeted first-line immunosuppressive protocol with rituximab for prevention of relapses. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study. Results: All patients included in the study showed disease remission after rituximab induction. Relapses always occurred in conjunction with CD19+ B-cell repopulation and appeared less severe than prior to treatment. At the end of follow-up, neurologic disability and MRI findings stabilized or improved in all the patients, with only minor and transient side effects. Oral steroid discontinuation was possible in all the patients. Conclusions: Our protocol is well-tolerated and has provided encouraging results in terms of control of relapses and progression of disability. An early intervention with rituximab might affect the disease course in pediatric NMO-IgG–positive NMOSDs. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that for children with NMOSDs, rituximab is well-tolerated and stabilizes or improves neurologic disability.
Acetylation by Histone Acetyltransferase CREB-binding Protein/p300 of STAT6 Is Required for Transcriptional Activation of the 15-Lipoxygenase-1 Gene*

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) induces expression of reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) in various mammalian cells via the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) signaling system. We studied the mechanism of 15-LOX-1 induction in A549 lung epithelial cells and found that genistein, a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor, prevented phopsphorylation of STAT6, its binding to the 15-LOX-1 promoter, and the expression of catalytically active enzyme. In contrast, cycloheximide did not prevent 15-LOX-1 induction. Surprisingly, we found that IL-4 up-regulated the histone acetyltransferase activity of CREB-binding protein (CBP)/p300, which is responsible for acetylation of nuclear histones and STAT6. The acetylation of both proteins appears to be essential for the IL-4-induced signal transduction cascade, because inhibition of CBP/p300 by the viral wild-type E1A oncoprotein abrogated acetylation of both histones and STAT6 and strongly suppressed transcriptional activation of the 15-LOX-1 gene. Moreover, we found that the inhibition by sodium butyrate of histone deacetylases, which apparently suppress 15-LOX-1 gene transcription, synergistically enhanced the IL-4-stimulated 15-LOX-1 expression. These data suggest that both phosphorylation and acetylation of STAT6 as well as acetylation of nuclear histones are involved in transcriptional activation of the 15-LOX-1 gene, although these reactions follow differential kinetics. STAT6 phosphorylation proceeds within the first hour of IL-4 stimulation. In contrast, CBP/p300-mediated acetylation requires 9–11 h, and similar kinetics were observed for the expression of the active enzyme. Thus, our results suggest that in the absence of IL-4, nuclear histones may be bound to regulatory elements of the 15-LOX-1 gene, preventing its transcription. IL-4 stimulation causes rapid phosphorylation of STAT6, but its binding to the promoter appears to be prevented by nonacetylated histones. After 9–11 h, when histones become acetylated, STAT6 binding sites may be demasked so that the phosphorylated and acetylated transcription factor can bind to activate gene transcription.
Maximizing the Success of Balanced Scorecard Implementation in the Hospitality Industry

Abstract The balanced scorecard (BSC) is increasingly being adopted by firms in the corporate sector, with some studies estimating that more than 40% of the Fortune 100 companies will implement the BSC by 2001. Analogous to the instrument panel of a plane, the BSC provides management with a holistic view of what is happening inside and outside the organization. A well-designed BSC can help management to translate the organization's mission into goals, actions and performance measures, align individual and organizational goals, and measure/guide progress towards goal attainment. However, the BSC is not without its share of pitfalls and problems. This article discusses how hospitality establishments also can reap the benefits from implementing the BSC while avoiding its pitfalls. We provide an overview of the nature of the BSC, and review two case studies from the hospitality industry. Findings from discussions with hotel general managers also are reported. These managers strongly support the potential usefulness of the BSC in their industry. Then we draw on examples and experiences of organizations that have implemented the BSC to provide a comprehensive discussion of the pitfalls to avoid in BSC development and implementation.
Three-Tesla MRI diagnosis of meniscal tears of the knee.

OBJECTIVE To study and diagnose meniscal tear of the knee using 3-Tesla (3-T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with arthroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHOD One hundred twenty eight consecutive patients who underwent MRI of the knee using a 3-T magnet between April 2007 and Nov 2008 were included in this study. The inclusion criteria were the patients who had (i) subsequent knee arthroscopy, (ii) available medical records, and (iii) no history of meniscal surgery. Their MR images were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists with consensus agreement. The diagnostic values for diagnosing meniscal tears were evaluated and compared to the arthroscopic results. RESULTS Thirty-two patients (64 menisci) were included; 26 males and 6 females, mean age was 36.4 years (range 19-62). The mean interval between MRI and arthroscopy was 93 days. To diagnose tear of medial, lateral, and both menisci; the sensitivity was 100%, 90%, 100%; the specificity was 77%, 73%, 50%; the accuracy was 91%, 78%, 84%; the positive predictive value (PPV) was 86%, 60%, 81%; and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%, 94%, 100%, respectively. False positive MR findings were found predominantly at the posterior horn and at the peripheral third of the menisci. By dividing the patients into 2 groups according to the mean MRI-arthroscopy interval (< 93 and > 93 days): increased sensitivity and NPV of detecting lateral meniscal tear; increased specificity, accuracy, and PPV of both meniscal tear was observed in the longer duration group, but there was no statistical significance in the present study. CONCLUSION The present results with 3-T MRI revealed high sensitivity and NP V comparable to the literature, thus supporting previous studies that if a meniscal tear is not seen on 3-T MRI, it is highly unlikely to be present. False positive MR findings found predominantly at the posterior horn and at the peripheral third of the menisci. The longer the MRI-arthroscopy interval yielded increased diagnosing values of meniscal tear but there is no statistical significance in the present study
Monetary Policy Restriction and Dividend Behaviour of Pakistani Firms: An Empirical Analysis

Studies upon impact of macro variables on firm’s dividend policy are very limited and specifically rare in Pakistan perspective. Main purpose of this research paper is to observe impact of restricted monetary policy on dividend behaviour of Pakistani firms. During restricted monetary policy, cost of external funds increases and firms prefer to utilise internal funds leading to reduction in dividend payout. Behaviour of 100 listed firms, selected purposefully, has been observed for the period from 2001 to 2009 by using Lintner’ modified model. During the research period of nine years, monetary policy has been gone through both loose and tight phases. Proposed model is dynamic one as lagged dependent variable has been used as explanatory variable. Results of the all three estimations reveal almost same results. First lagged dividend has been proved to be most deterministic factor of dividend policy followed by current earnings. Monetary policy and lagged dividends interactive variables provide mixed results. First interactive variable has negative coefficients in all three, fixed effect, random effects and GMM, models but with insignificant p-values. Second monetary policy interactive variable has positive coefficients with significant values in random effects and GMM model. Firms seem to follow relatively stable dividend policies with lower adjustment factor. Monetary policy has not been observed as significant determinant of dividend policy of Pakistani firms according to dynamic GMM model.
A Microcycle of Inflammation Following a Team Handball Game

Abstract Chatzinikolaou, A, Christoforidis, C, Avloniti, A, Draganidis, D, Jamurtas, AZ, Stampoulis, T, Ermidis, G, Sovatzidis, A, Papassotiriou, I, Kambas, A, and Fatouros, IG. A microcycle of inflammation following a team handball game. J Strength Cond Res 28(7): 1981–1994, 2014—This study investigated the time-course of performance and inflammatory responses during a simulated 6-day in-season microcycle following a team handball (TH) game. Twenty-four handball players participated in a 1-week control trial and in an experimental trial (TH game participation followed by a 6-day training microcycle). Concentrations of lactate, glucose, glycerol, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and ammonia were measured pregame and postgame. Heart rate (HR) was monitored during the game. Performance (jumping, speed, agility, line-drill testing, and strength), muscle damage (knee range of motion [ROM], knee extensors/flexors delayed onset muscle soreness [DOMS], and creatine kinase activity [CK]), inflammatory (leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, interleukins 1&bgr; and 6 [IL-1&bgr; and IL-6], soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1 [sVCAM-1], p-selectin, uric acid, cortisol, and testosterone), and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA], protein carbonyls [PC], reduced [GSH] and oxidized glutathione [GSSG], total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase, glutathione peroxidase activity [GPX]) markers were determined pregame, postgame, and daily for 6 consecutive days postgame. The game induced a marked rise of HR (∼170 b·min−1), lactate (∼8-fold), glycerol (60%), NEFA (105%), and ammonia (∼62%). Performance deteriorated until 24 hours postgame. Knee ROM decreased (3–5%), whereas DOMS and CK increased (3- to 5-fold and 80–100%, respectively) 24 hours postgame. Leukocyte count, IL-1&bgr;, IL-6, cortisol, MDA, PC, and catalase increased only immediately postgame. C-reactive protein and uric acid increased at 24 hours; sVCAM-1, GSSG, and GPX peaked postgame and remained elevated for 24 hours. The GSH declined until 24 hours postgame. Results suggest that a TH game represents a strong metabolic challenge and induces a short-lived and modest inflammatory response that may affect performance for as long as 24 hours postgame.
Reference Dependence in Political Primaries

This research considers how reference dependence impacts choice in a primary election. The normative advice is to weigh personal political preference against the greater ability of a more electable candidate to win the later general election. Here a behavioral view of primary elections is developed by adding reference dependence to a Hotelling model of political competition. The model details the impact of references on voter choice and generates recommendations as to the reference marketers for any candidate would like primary voters to employ. The advice to a more electable, that is, moderate, candidate is to encourage voters to compare the primary candidates to the extremes of the opposite party. A less electable candidate should encourage voters to compare the candidates to positions within their own party.
Entrapment and Enmeshment Schemes Used by Sex Traffickers

Emerging research suggests that sex traffickers/pimps control the majority of trafficked girls in the United States. The youthfulness of these victims and their lack of psychosocial maturity severely diminish their ability to detect exploitative motives or withstand manipulation of traffickers. A review of 43 cases of sexually exploited girls involving non-relative traffickers and 10 semi-structured interviews with social service providers revealed numerous scripts and schemes used by sex traffickers to entrap and entangle victims including boyfriend/lover scripts, ruses involving debt bondage, friendship or faux-family scripts, threats of forced abortion or to take away children, and coerced co-offending. These findings inform potential prevention efforts and highlight the need for multi-systemic, victim-centered approaches to intervention.