Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When the back office moved to the front burner: settlement fails in the treasury market after 9/11

Settlement fails, which occur when securities are not delivered and paid for on the date scheduled by the buyer and seller, can expose market participants to the risk of loss due to counterparty insolvency. This article examines the institutional and economic setting of the fails problem that affected the Treasury market following September 11 and describes how the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury responded. The authors explain that fails rose initially because of the physical destruction of trade records and communication facilities. Fails remained high because a relatively low federal funds rate and investor reluctance to lend securities kept the cost of borrowing securities to avert or remedy a fail comparable to the cost of continuing to fail. The fails problem was ultimately resolved when the Treasury increased the outstanding supply of the on-the-run ten-year note through an unprecedented "snap" reopening. The article also suggests other ways to alleviate chronic fails, such as the introduction of a securities lending facility run by the Treasury and the institution of a penalty fee for fails.
The Use of Directives by Two Hispanic Children: An Exploration in Communicative Competence.

The display of communicative competence in the Spanish and English of trio Hispanic children is explored in this paper in an analysis of directive speech acts, i.e., orders, requests, suggestions, hints, etc. The linguistic, sociolinguistic, and strategic resources of the MexicanAmerican children, aged 4 1/2 to 6 years, are examined qualitatively in data taken from naturalistic tape recordings made in their homes and school classrooms. The data show that the language in which the child has the most grammatical competence is also the language in which communicative competence in issuing directives is best demonstrated. Sociolinguistic and strategic competence appear to compensate for the lack of grammatical, competence in the weaker language. Examples from the data indicate that these bilingual Hispanic children know a variety of directive types in Spanish and English by the age of six. Confirming what previous studies have shown, these children tend to,use the direct imperative with peers and siblings, and inferred and indirect requests with adults or children whose special favor they seek. The issue of communicative performance is also explored, with particular attention to how the circumstances of the speech act may mitigate against the child's demonstration of communicative competence.
Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Postoperative Infections in Cardiac Surgical Patients: The CALCITOP-Study

Background Vitamin D has immunomodulatory properties and seems to reduce the risk of infections. Whether low vitamin D concentrations are independent risk factors for nosocomial postoperative infections in surgical patients remains to be studied in detail. Methods In 3,340 consecutive cardiac surgical patients, we investigated the association of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD; indicator of nutritional vitamin D status) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D; active vitamin D hormone) with nosocomicial infections. The primary endpoint was a composite of thoracic wound infection, sepsis, and broncho-pulmonary infection. Vitamin D status was measured on the last preoperative day. Infections were assessed until discharge. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between vitamin D metabolite concentrations and the composite endpoint. Results The primary endpoint was reached by 5.6% (n = 186). In patients who reached and did not reach the endpoint, in-hospital mortality was 13.4% and 1.5%, respectively (P<0.001). Median (IQR) 25OHD and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations were 43. 2 (29.7–61.9) nmol/l and 58.0 (38.5–77.5) pmol/l, respectively. Compared with the highest 1,25(OH)2D quintile (>81.0 pmol/l), the multivariable–adjusted odds ratio of infection was 2.57 (95%CI:1.47–4.49) for the lowest 1,25(OH)2D quintile (<31.5 pmol/l) and 1.85 (95%CI:1.05–3.25) for the second lowest quintile (31.5–49.0 pmol/l). There was no significant association between 25OHD concentrations and the primary endpoint. Conclusions Our data indicate an independent association of low 1,25(OH)2D levels with the risk of postoperative infections in cardiac surgical patients. Future studies should pay more attention on the clinical relevance of circulating 1,25(OH)2D and its regulation.
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics A chance-constrained approach to stochastic line balancing problem

In this paper, chance-constrained 0–1 integer programming models for the stochastic traditional and U-type line balancing (ULB) problem are developed. These models are solved for several test problems that are well known in the literature and the computational results are given. In addition, a goal programming approach is presented in order to increase the system reliability, which is arising from the stochastic case. 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Poland: domestic discord makes for a problematic partner

Poland entered the process that led to the agreement of the Lisbon Treaty with a commitment to retain the advantageous conditions it was awarded under the Nice Treaty. The nationalist credentials of the current right-wing leadership in Poland produced some lively disagreements with EU partners, but much of this was political rhetoric. Poland endorsed the Treaty with some delay, but gained some advantages from its vigorous pursuit of national interests.
Iranian Nurses’ Views on Barriers and Facilitators in Patient Education: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: As a major factor in patient-centered care, patient education has a great impact on the quality of care provided by nurses; however, clinical nurses’ performance with regard to patient education is not satisfactory. This study is an attempt to investigate barriers and facilitators in patient education from nurses’ point of view. Methods: 122 nurses at Jahrom University of Medical Sciences participated in this descriptive-cross sectional study. Sampling was based on the census method. The questionnaire used to collect data included questions about nurses’ demography, barriers (10 questions), and facilitators (10 questions) in patient education. The questionnaire was designed to be completed independently. To analyze the data, the researchers used descriptive statistics, including frequency, mean and standard deviation. Results: The highest scores related to barriers to patient education were: nurses’ insufficient knowledge, patients’ physical and emotional unpreparedness, and lack of a proper environment for education. The most important facilitators, on the other hand, were: enhancement of instructing nurses’ knowledge and skills, motivating nurses, and a step-by-step approach to patient education. Conclusion: It is important that nurses be prepared and motivated to train their patients. By satisfactory patient education on the part of nurses, patients will be more willing to cooperate in the treatment process.
Reviewing the Association between the History of Parental Substance Abuse and the Rate of Child Abuse

Background Substance abuse is a social, and health problem in Middle Eastern countries such as Iran. One of its most devastating effects is domestic violence against children. This study examined the association between the history of parental substance abuse, and rate of child abuse in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods This was a case-control study. The study population included all parents with high school children in Ahwaz within the academic year 2012-2013. The sample size was 384 people in two groups; with a history of substance abuse (case group) and no history of substance abuse (control group). Multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used through the Cochran formula. The data collection tools included a Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) (Bernstein, 1995), a demographic questionnaire, Duncan Socioeconomic Index (DSI), and a researcher-made questionnaire for the history of substance abuse. For data analysis, statistical indicators such as percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and correlation and regression analysis were used. Findings Data analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation among parents with a history of substance abuse and domestic violence toward children. Mean and standard deviation of the violence level in families with normal parents were 61.34 ± 16.88, and in families with a history of substance abuse were 98.99 ± 32.07. Therefore, the test results showed that there was a significant difference between normal families and families with history of substance abuse and violence toward children (P < 0.001, t = 8.60). Conclusion Based on the findings, the history of domestic violence and parental substance abuse (physical and emotional abuse, emotional and physical neglect) had a significant positive correlation with their behavior toward their children. After matching the two groups we found that the most common types of violence against children by their parents were, respectively, emotional violence (r = 58%), physical neglect (r = 54%), emotional neglect (r = 46%), and then physical violence (r = 39%).
Disagreement-induced CEO Turnover

Abstract We propose and test a new explanation for forced CEO turnover, and examine its implications for the impact of firm performance on CEO turnover. Investors may disagree with management on optimal decisions due to heterogeneous prior beliefs. Theory suggests that such disagreement may be persistent and costly to firms; we document that this induces them to sometimes replace CEOs who investors disagree with, controlling for firm performance. A lower level of CEO-investor disagreement serves to partially “protect” CEOs from being fired, thus reducing turnover-performance sensitivity, which we also document. We also show that firms are more likely to hire an external CEO as a successor if disagreement with the departing CEO is higher. Disagreement declines following forced CEO turnover. Using various empirical strategies, we rule out other confounding interpretations of our findings. We conclude that disagreement, independently of firm performance, affects forced CEO turnover.
Goal representations and motivational drive in schizophrenia: the role of prefrontal-striatal interactions.

The past several years have seen a resurgence of interest in understanding the psychological and neural bases of what are often referred to as "negative symptoms" in schizophrenia. These aspects of schizophrenia include constructs such as asociality, avolition (a reduction in the motivation to initiate or persist in goal-directed behavior), and anhedonia (a reduction in the ability to experience pleasure). We believe that these dimensions of impairment in individuals with schizophrenia reflect difficulties using internal representations of emotional experiences, previous rewards, and motivational goals to drive current and future behavior in a way that would allow them to obtain desired outcomes, a deficit that has major clinical significance in terms of functional capacity. In this article, we review the major components of the systems that link experienced and anticipated rewards with motivated behavior that could potentially be impaired in schizophrenia. We conclude that the existing evidence suggests relatively intact hedonics in schizophrenia, but impairments in some aspects of reinforcement learning, reward prediction, and prediction error processing, consistent with an impairment in "wanting. " As of yet, there is only indirect evidence of impairment in anterior cingulate and orbital frontal function that may support value and effort computations. However, there are intriguing hints that individuals with schizophrenia may not be able to use reward information to modulate cognitive control and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function, suggesting a potentially important role for cortical-striatal interactions in mediating impairment in motivated and goal-directed behavior in schizophrenia.
Multinational Firms, Regional Integration and Globalising Markets: Implications for Developing Countries

It is axiomatic that the potential of FDI to act as a catalyst for economic development varies by its motivation, and the competence level and scope of foreign-owned affiliates. This chapter seeks to examine the effect of regional integration (RI) on MNE strategies while acknowledging other globalisation-related developments. We examine MNE strategies in developing countries in four scenarios; (1) in a non-RI, pre-liberalised environment; (2) with RI in a pre-liberalised environment (3) in a non-RI, post-liberalisation scenario, (4) RI in a post-liberalisation scenario. We also distinguish between least developed countries (LDCs), and intermediate developing countries, within North-South and South-South RI. Liberalisation and a shift in policy orientation have had a greater affect on MNE strategies than integration. Globalisation of MNE activity and liberalisation has led to a downgrading of MNE activity in most LDCs. Much of the gains in FDI flows have been a result of redistribution, associated with privatisation. Countries with a threshold level of domestic capability and more efficient institutions have benefited from increases in the quality of FDI. RI schemes have reinforced these trends, benefiting those countries that have a viable domestic sector, and have created the appropriate multilateral institutions to exploit cross-border efficiencies. In general, South-South RI in a post-liberalised world has had limited benefits for LDCs relative to intermediate developing countries. RI schemes need to be seen as an opportunity to respond gradually to globalisation in a controlled and stepwise- manner, and not as an alternative to multilateralism.
Cooperative learning: Developing an observation instrument for student interactions

ABET states in Criterion 3(d) that engineering students should demonstrate "an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. " As we enter an era of globalization, industry is placing a greater emphasis on engineers who can engage in collaborative working environments, i.e. teams. Engineering educators must teach engineers the relevant content but also train them to interact and work productively in collaborative teams. The model of cooperative learning, developed by Johnson and Johnson, and applied to engineering by Smith, specifies instructional use of small groups (or teams) where students work together in an effort to maximize their own and others learning. The researchers state that carefully structured cooperative learning strategies involve the elements of positive interdependence, individual and group accountability, opportunities for group processing, a focus on developing social skills, and promotive face-to-face interaction. The authors of this paper have developed a classroom observation instrument for evaluating the elements of cooperative learning and teaming in an engineering setting. This paper presents and discusses the development of this mixed methods observation tool, that captures observed instances of cooperative learning and teaming among engineering students engaged in content and course assignments as well as evaluates the effectiveness of the observed instance for each element.
Breast cancer mortality in organised mammography screening in Denmark: comparative study

Objective To determine whether the previously observed 25% reduction in breast cancer mortality in Copenhagen following the introduction of mammography screening was indeed due to screening, by using an additional screening region and five years additional follow-up. Design We used Poisson regression analyses adjusted for changes in age distribution to compare the annual percentage change in breast cancer mortality in areas where screening was used with the change in areas where it was not used during 10 years before screening was introduced and for 10 years after screening was in practice (starting five years after introduction of screening). Setting Copenhagen, where mammography screening started in 1991, and Funen county, where screening was introduced in 1993. The rest of Denmark (about 80% of the population) served as an unscreened control group. Participants All Danish women recorded in the Cause of Death Register and Statistics Denmark for 1971-2006. Main outcome measure Annual percentage change in breast cancer mortality in regions offering mammography screening and those not offering screening. Results In women who could benefit from screening (ages 55-74 years), we found a mortality decline of 1% per year in the screening areas (relative risk (RR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96 to 1.01) during the 10 year period when screening could have had an effect (1997-2006). In women of the same age in the non-screening areas, there was a decline of 2% in mortality per year (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99) in the same 10 year period. In women who were too young to benefit from screening (ages 35-55 years), breast cancer mortality during 1997-2006 declined 5% per year (RR 0.95, CI 0.92 to 0.98) in the screened areas and 6% per year (RR 0.94, CI 0.92 to 0.95) in the non-screened areas. For the older age groups (75-84 years), there was little change in breast cancer mortality over time in both screened and non-screened areas. Trends were less clear during the 10 year period before screening was introduced, with a possible increase in mortality in women aged less than 75 years in the non-screened regions. Conclusions We were unable to find an effect of the Danish screening programme on breast cancer mortality. The reductions in breast cancer mortality we observed in screening regions were similar or less than those in non-screened areas and in age groups too young to benefit from screening, and are more likely explained by changes in risk factors and improved treatment than by screening mammography.
Urban E-Government Initiatives and Environmental Decision Performance in Korea

Although e-government initiatives have been credited as engines of government reform, empirical evidence is insufficient to determine their effects on public sector performance. To explore the impact of e-government on local governance, this article examines how e-government initiatives influence the perceived performance of environmental decision making in anurban context andwhat organizational and contextual factors affectWeb-aideddecision performance. Data were collected from the content analysis of city government Web sites and a nationwide survey of city officials in Korea. Findings from path analysis show that (1) information technology leadership of seniormanagement andWeb site quality are key to decision intelligence, quality, and speed and (2) e-government Web divide, a gap in the capability of city Web sites to support public service delivery and democratic interaction, translates into disparities in environmental decision performance across cities. Additionally, environmental activism is a significant factor shaping the impact of e-government on environmental decision making. E-government initiatives contribute to local governance performance, but their impacts vary, depending on Web site quality and the entrepreneurial leadership of public managers.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Model for Unsupervised Learning of Script Knowledge

We present a hierarchical Bayesian model for unsupervised induction of knowledge from scripts. Scripts are abstract representations of common everyday scenarios which consist of a temporally ordered, stereotypical sequence of events (Schank and Abelson, 1975; Regneri et al., 2010). In recent years, a body of work on inducing script knowledge automatically from data has emerged. We extend this work by presenting a new, unsupervised approach which jointly learns three the objectives of (1) equivalence classes of events, (2) constraints on the temporal order of events, and (3) equivalence classes of participants. We embed the three objectives in one uni ed framework, arguing that they provide strong cues for each other. We formulate our model in the framework of Bayesian modeling. We provide the complete formulation of a hierarchical Bayesian model for our problem, and derive an inference algorithm. We incorporate a statistical model of permutations, the Generalized Mallows Model (GMM; (Fligner and Verducci, 1986)), for modeling ordering constraints. We further include prior knowledge of semantic similarity obtained from WordNet to guide the inference process and leverage the problem of relatively small training data sets we have available. We present an evaluation for all three tasks, comparing our results to a system which learns the same three objectives using a pipeline-based architecture, and evaluating the bene t of di erent components in our model. We show that the GMM is a robust model of event orderings in scripts. While we do not achieve state-of-theart performance on participant class learning, our model compares favourably on event clustering and temporal ordering constraint induction.
The tail behavior of extreme stock returns in the Gulf emerging markets: An implication for financial risk management

Purpose - In this paper, the aim is to investigate the tail behavior of daily stock returns for three emerging stock in the Gulf region (Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia) over the period 1998-2005. In addition, the aim is also to test whether the distributions are similar across these markets. Design/methodology/approach - Following McNeil and Frey, Wanger and Marsh, and Bystrom, extreme value theory (EVT) methods are utilized to examine the asymptotic distribution of the tail for daily returns in the Gulf region. As a first step and to obtain independent and identically distributed residuals series, the returns are prefiltered with an ordinary time-series model, taking into account the observed Gulf return dynamics. Then, the “Peaks-Over-Threshold” (POT) model is applied to estimate the tails of the innovational distribution. Findings - Not only is the heavy tail found to be a facial appearance in these markets, but also POT method of modelling extreme tail quantiles is more accurate than conventional methodologies (historical simulation and normal distribution models) in estimating the tail behavior of the Gulf markets returns. Across all return series, it is found that left and right tails behave very different across countries. Research limitations/implications - The results show that risk models that are able to exploit tail behavior could lead to more accurate risk estimates. Thus, participants in the Gulf equity markets can rely on EVT-based risk model when assessing their risks. Originality/value - The paper extends previous studies in two aspects. First, it extends the classical unconditional extreme value approach by first filtering the data by using AR-FIAPARCH model to capture some of the dependencies in the stock returns, and thereafter applying ordinary extreme value techniques. Second, it provides a broad analysis of return dynamics of the Gulf markets.
An Empirical Model of Factor Adjustment Dynamics: Working Paper 2006-13

This paper investigates how firms dynamically adjust their use of capital, labor, energy, and materials when there are both smooth and lumpy adjustment possibilities and interrelation among adjustments. The Colombian Annual Census of Manufacturing provides evidence of these kinds of adjustment. The innovation of this paper lies in three areas: in considering the joint adjustment and interrelation of labor and capital at the establishment level; in describing the dynamic adjustment of all the production factors; and in a rich description of adjustment costs, which includes disruption of the