Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Farmland as a portfolio investment

M odern Portfolio Theory (MPT) quantifies the old investment adage: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. MPT states that combining two assets whose returns are not fully correlated reduces the overall volatility below that of each one taken separately. The modern portfolio manager attempts to reduce volatility by seeking assets having a small or negative return correlation with the managed portfolio. Stated another way, the portfolio manager tries to reduce volatility without reducing total return. The selection of assets is thus complicated by the simultaneous desire to increase or maintain return and reduce volatility or risk. The goal of this article is to describe return characteristics of farmland ownership so as to assess its value as a diversification tool in an asset portfolio. ’ I compare farmland index returns to other benchmarks and show gains from diversifying into farmland as a n asset class; I then use Markowitz optimization to create less unwieldy, more efficient farm portfolios. Let us begin by comparing total returns and return correlations for six asset classes: farm real estate, large capitalization stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds, long-term government bonds, and U.S. Treasury bills from 1947 to 1980. 1
Perceptions and Utilization of a Police–Social Work Crisis Intervention Approach to Domestic Violence

This study reports survey findings of police officer perceptions and utilization of a domestic violence response team, which involved social workers and trained volunteers providing crisis intervention at the scene of domestic violence crimes. The majority of the 219 police officer respondents perceived the domestic violence response team as helpful. Other feedback provided in the survey was used to expand services and to make them more efficient and effective.
The Dynamic Interaction of Order Flows and the CAD/USD Exchange Rate

We explore the relationship between disaggregated order flow, the Canada/U.S. dollar (CAD/USD) market and U.S. macroeconomic announcements. Three types of CAD order flow and the CAD/USD are cointegrated. Financial order flow appears to contemporaneously drive the CAD/USD while commercial order flow seems to contemporaneously respond to exchange rate movements. Past order flow and lagged exchange rates strongly explain most types of order flow. Despite this predictability and the contemporaneous correlation of order flow with exchange rate returns, exchange rate returns are not predictable by either statistical or economic criteria (trading rule). This negative finding contrasts with that of Rime et al (2007), who use a different data set. There is strong evidence of structural breaks in the order-flow-exchange rate systems in 1994, 1996-1997 and 1999-2000.
Capital Investment and Earnings: International Evidence

We examine the nature of the dynamic linkage (causality) between earnings and capital investment using firm-level data from around the world to see whether the legal environment, including corporate governance and monitoring mechanisms, and financial development are important in the profitability of capital investment. Using firms in 40 countries over the period 1988–2004, we find that the causality from earnings to capital investment is positive and strong in almost all countries, irrespective of the type of legal system and the degree of financial development. However, the causality from capital investment to earnings is generally negative for firms in civil law and financially undeveloped countries, while the causality is generally positive in common law and financially developed countries. Therefore, our international cross-country study enables us to find that the legal system and financial development are factors in the determination of the profitability of capital investment. Our findings imply that internal financing is a significant constraint for capital investment, which provides support for the pecking order theory even for financially developed markets and for the free cash flow theory. Common law and financially developed countries tend to provide better shareholder protection with more efficient corporate governance and better investment decisions. To encourage managers to make capital investments in value-increasing projects, it is important to further improve a legal environment that includes corporate governance, monitoring, and incentive mechanisms. Financial development that includes effective financial regulatory agencies should be sought.
Australian Evidence on CEO Option Grants

We test the option incentive models of Hall and Murphy (2000, 2002) and Choe (2003). Hall and Murphy (2000, 2002) posit optimal grant size and exercise price contingent on the executive’s levels of risk aversion and private diversification. Choe (2003) relates these choices to firm characteristics, principally the target risk level and financial leverage. A unique hand-collected data set of Australian grants is employed, wherein exercises prices and grant sizes are unconstrained by taxation and accounting practices. The Hall and Murphy (2000, 2002) model is found to explain observed exercise prices while neither model satisfactorily explains grant sizes. However, there is some evidence that CEO influence is associated with larger grants than posited by these optimal incentive models, but does not impact on exercise prices.
The aging brain and anesthesia

Purpose of review To review the neurophysiology and neuroanatomy of normal aging and the recent recommendations for the clinical management of general anesthesia and sedation in the elderly. Recent findings As the population ages, the number of elderly patients having surgery is likewise increasing and with it, the prevalence of postoperative cognitive disorders. Postoperative cognitive disorders including delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction are common postanesthesia complications in elderly patients. Several risk factors for postoperative disorders have been identified, and anesthesiologists commonly adapt their practice habits when taking care of elderly patients to try to mitigate the effects of the anesthetics on postoperative cognitive function. These practices are reasonable and prudent; yet, they are not well supported by an understanding of the aging brain and specifics of how the anesthetic effects on the brain change with age. Through functional imaging and electrophysiological studies, much is being learned about the neurophysiology and the neuroanatomy of normal aging. Summary Our analysis suggests that understanding the neurophysiology and neuroanatomy should be part of the standard working knowledge of anesthesiologists and that this knowledge can guide their use of the electroencephalogram to track more accurately the brain states of elderly patients receiving anesthesia care.
Direct foreign investment and inter‐regional economic disparity in China

Discusses the pattern of the regional distribution in the Chinese economy of Direct foreign investment (DFI) in the context of the open‐door policy and the regional difference in investment environments. Presents a regression analysis on the effects of DFI on the economic growth in the eastern and western regions, using pooled time‐series and cross‐section data for 16 provinces over a seven‐year period (1986‐92). Discusses other important factors influencing regional economic development including rural industry development, differential growth of fixed capital investment and exports, and domestic capital flow from the western region to the eastern region. A case study of the effect of DFI on the intra‐provincial economic inequality in Guangdong Province is presented and some conclusions and policy implications are drawn.
The role of structural and relational governance in creating stable innovation networks: Insights from sustainability-oriented Dutch innovation networks

The aim of the present paper is to explore the role of structural and relational governance in conditions of innovation uncertainty and network heterogeneity in sustainability-oriented innovation networks. The explorative analysis of eighteen innovation networks leads to two important findings. It demonstrates the importance of internalization of stakeholders in the network to create stability in the newly established coalitions and to assure continuation of sustainability-oriented innovation. Also, it demonstrates that even in conditions of innovation, complementarity of structural and relational governance is important. Structural governance (formalization) increases clarity and understanding about partners' differences, reduces uncertainty and increases rational commitment in uncertain and heterogeneous conditions. Relational governance (trust) has a complementary role in this, because it requires time to develop trust in newly established innovation networks with limited previous cooperation. In addit.
Strategic HRM in Small and Medium Enterprises: A CEO's Perspective?

Recent research studies in Australia have reported a gradual but apparently growing convergence between the theory and practice of strategic HRM, especially in larger organizations and from the perspectives of HRM practitioners themselves. Little empirical evidence has been produced on HRM strategies and practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), or on the opinions of their chief executive officers (CEOs). This article reports the findings from a sample of CEOs in Australian SMEs in an attempt to add more pieces to the jigsaw of this desirable convergence. While the findings are not as encouraging as earlier presented, there are signs that SMEs may eventually reflect such models of SHRM.
Expression of microRNAs in the ascites of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and peritonitis

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PCA) has a prognostic role in patients with gastrointestinal cancers. The differential diagnosis may be challenging due to the low sensitivity of cytology. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been a focus of various specimens and diseases, to the best of the authors' knowledge only limited knowledge exists regarding ascites. Herein, the authors systematically evaluated preanalytical factors and the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers of ascites.
Simultaneous analysis of foodborne pathogenic bacteria by an oligonucleotide microarray assay

A rapid and accurate method for simultaneous identification of foodborne infectious pathogens was developed based on oligonucleotide microarray technology. The proposed identification method is based on PCR amplification of the target region of the groEL genes with degenerate primers, followed by the PCR products hybridization with oligonucleotide probes specific for species. The groEL gene amplification products of seventeen species of pathogenic bacteria were hybridized to the oligonucleotide array. Hybridization results were analyzed with digoxigenin‐linked enzyme reaction. Results indicated that fifteen species of pathogenic bacteria showed high sensitivity and specificity for the oligonucleotide array, while two other species gave cross‐reaction with the E. coli. Our results suggested that microarray analysis of foodborne infectious pathogens might be very useful for simultaneous identification of bacterial pathogens. The oligonucleotide array can also be applied to samples collected in clinical settings of foodborne infections. The superiority of oligonucleotide array over other tests lies on its rapidity, accuracy and efficiency in the diagnosis, treatment and control of foodborne infections. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
EVALUATING THE SOCIO‐CULTURAL CARRYING CAPACITY OF RURAL TOURISM COMMUNITIES: A ‘VALUE STRETCH’ APPROACH

Using the carrying capacity value stretch (CCVS) model incorporated into nominal group technique (NGT) methodology, this paper investigated a rural community's determinants of socio-cultural carrying capacity perceptions in the wake of rural tourism development. The case of Kibbutz Yiron in Northern Israel was used to detect the tourism impacts, to evaluate to what extent rural tourism in this community is violating its limits for acceptable change and what necessary steps should be taken in order to mitigate existing, and to avoid future negative impacts? Results of this study support previous tourism impact studies. However, they are unique in their interpretation of carrying capacity measures in a qualitative and multidimensional manner. Based on the analysis of perceived intolerable, current and expected tourist impacts, these results can guide planning and policy oriented benchmarks for socio-culturally sustainable rural tourism.
An emotional framework in foreign language pedagogy : facing the Postmethod challenge

Caruso, Giuseppe An Emotional Framework in Foreign Language Pedagogy: Facing the Postmethod Challenge Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2015, 18 p. (Jyväskylä Studies in Humanities ISSN 1459-4323; 257 (nid.), ISSN 1459-4331; 257 (PDF)) ISBN 978-951-39-6249-4 (nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-6250-0 (PDF) Research has recently highlighted the usefulness of the focus on emotions in pedagogy (Hargreaves 1998). Concerning foreign languages, it has shown how learners’ emotional involvement could lead to more effective acquisition (Dewaele, 2011). In this study, carried out in the University of Jyväskylä using qualitative procedures, I have explored the impact of an emotional framework on foreign language learners from a context-sensitive Postmethod perspective. I have discussed how an appeal to the emotions, rousing positive feelings in the learners, provides them with the motivation needed to cope with the effort and pressure involved in the learning process. In particular I have identified humour, songs and puzzles as areas which can be profitably exploited to emotionally involve learners. Although activities related to these three areas have long been part of foreign language pedagogy, they have generally been confined to a marginal role, e. g. as time-fillers, and have generally been employed with young learners. In my emotional framework, on the other hand, they play a central role, being the backbone of the lesson, and are used with adult learners as well. I have also shown how estrangement techniques can be exploited in order to increase the impact of classroom activities. I have put special emphasis on teachers’ motivation, focusing on the personal and professional satisfaction given by the teachers’ production of their own pedagogical materials. The analysis of the data, which comes mainly from students' feedback, shows remarkable interest and involvement. However, my research does not assume that this particular emotional framework could be applied in any context. My aim is not to provide a rigid pedagogical model, but to show how useful and profitable a focus on the emotions might be in foreign language pedagogy, and to encourage teachers to create and apply an emotional frameworktaking into consideration its local relevance and following their own personality and inclination.
Linking Agenda Setting to Coordination Structures: Bureaucratic Politics inside the European Commission

Abstract This article provides a detailed study of how bureaucratic politics in the European Commission can systematically affect the substance of the legislative agenda that makes up European integration. Based on an encompassing description of the bureaucratic policy-formulation process within the Commission, it shows how the Commission’s different elements play off against each other and thereby systematically advantage the lead department and the Secretariat-General. Empirical case studies from a sample of 48 policy formulation processes in the Commission during 1999–2008 illustrate how these structural advantages actually change the political substance of policy proposals. Against additional evidence on an uneven distribution of procedural advantages across the Commission departments, it concludes that bureaucratic politics in the Commission may account for systematic biases on the European Union’s legislative agenda.
RANKL Treatment Releases the Negative Regulation of the Poly(ADP‐Ribose) Polymerase‐1 on Tcirg1 Gene Expression During Osteoclastogenesis

The Tcirg1 gene encodes the osteoclast‐specific a3 isoform of the V‐ATPase a subunit. Using the mouse osteoclastic model RAW264.7 cells, we studied Tcirg1 gene expression, and we identified PARP‐1 as a transcriptional repressor negatively regulated by RANKL during osteoclastogenesis.
Tumorigenic hazard of particulate alpha activity in Syrian hamster lungs.

Syrian hamsters were exposed to lung irradiation by three modalities that differed in degree of localization of the radiation dose and in the fraction of lung exposed. Intratracheal instillation of210 Po solution gave nearly uniform α irradiation of the entire lung, intravenous injection of large numbers of ${\rm ZrO}_{2}$ microspheres loaded with ${}^{147}{\rm Pm}$ gave whole lung exposures to low LET radiation, and intravenous injection of Pu-loaded microspheres provided a series of focal α exposures with varying numbers and specific activities of particles. The Po and Pm exposures were highly tumorigenic, whereas the Pu microspheres produced tumors only when a large fraction of the lung was exposed to large doses. Exposures of 2000 ${\rm PuO}_{2}-{\rm ZrO}_{2}$ spheres per hamster, irradiating about 1% of the lung, gave no significant tumor incidence even at doses up to 118 nCi/g of lung tissue. It is concluded that, for a given lung burden.
Régularité du problème de Kelvin–Helmholtz pour l’équation d’Euler 2D

Nous prouvons que pour toute solution u du probleme de Kelvin–Helmholtz des nappes de tourbillons pour l'equation d'Euler bi-dimensionnelle, definie localement en temps, la courbe de saut de u et la densite de tourbillon sont analytiques (sous une hypothese de regularite Holderienne de la courbe de saut). Nous donnons egalement un resultat de regularite partielle de la trace de u sur t=0 lorsque u est definie sur un demi-interval [O,T[ .
A Science of Public Administration

In a recent article, the venerable Harlan Cleveland proclaims that "it is time to put behind us the idea that the politics and administration of human endeavors are some kind of science. "1 In this, as in most such pronouncements, he is both absolutely correct and fundamentally misguided. Cleveland is completely correct that policy and administrative studies cannot be a science, especially given his characterization of science as the mechanistic world of Sir Isaac Newton (also represented by the positivist label). However, since the so-called hard sciences only adhere to select aspects of this perspective, it is somewhat a straw man. Moreover, the "ecological model," which Cleveland suggests as an alternative, is nothing if not a form of science, or at least a system. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, if the various applied domains of policy and administrative studies do not continue to aspire to at least rigorous modes of inquiry (both empirical and philosophical), if not science, then they will continue to be relegated to the lower levels of intellectual endeavor. Meanwhile, their less self-deprecating cousins (e.g., economics and psychology) will continue to flourish and further displace them as guides to societal enterprise.
Determinants of voluntary formation of risk management committees

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine the nexus between firm-specific attributes and a company’s decision to setup a separate risk management committee (RMC) as a sub-committee of the board within the context of an emerging economy, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The authors analyse data extracted from audited annual financial reports of 181 non-financial firms listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) by using logistic regression technique. Findings – The results show a strong positive relationship between the existence of a separate RMC and board independence, board size, firm size and industry type. However, the authors fail to find support for the hypotheses that independent board chairman, auditor reputation, reporting risk and financial leverage have an influence on a firm’s decision to establish RMC as a separately standing committee in the board structure. The findings signify the role of costs associated with information asymmetry, agency, upkeep of a standalone RM.
KAMEDO Report No. 93 The Power Failure at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 07 April 2007

Abstract A sudden and extensive power failure occurred at Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge on Easter Saturday, 07 April 2007. The power failure lasted one hour and 22 minutes, but it took a longer time for activities to return to normal. It put many patients at great risk, particularly in the intensive care unit and other departments with critically ill patients. This report details the conditions and response at Karolinska University Hospital during the power failure and provides lessons learned for future events.
An Analysis of Energy Intensity in Indonesian Manufacturing

Many countries utilize their resources at optimal capacity in fostering countries’ economic growth without any concern on environmental impact. Even though the importance of environmental issue as one of the important aspects in sustainable development is fully understood, the economic growth still remained as the priority target. In Indonesia, industry is one of the important sectors both in term of its contribution to national output and national energy consumption. Based on Indonesian Statistic Bureau, industry is always at the top list of contributor of national energy consumption since 2000. This paper employs the decomposition analysis to calculate what factors contribute to the change in energy intensity. We also conduct a panel data analysis to investigate the determinants of energy intensity using firm level data. The result suggests that, even though the industrial sector’s energy intensity is higher than national level, it varied across sub sectors within the industry. Meanwhile, the econometric analysis suggests that wage, age, capital intensity and share of capital owned by private sector have positive impact on energy intensity, whereas size of firms, labor productivity and technology intensity has negative impact on energy intensity.
Values, Identity, and Israel Advocacy

What do we care about—or pretend to care about—when we try to sway hearts and minds through political action? The question of values and value trade-offs in International Relations is understudied. By examining Diaspora-based Israel advocacy (the set of political and educational activities at the school, campus, community and formal political levels designed to increase support by Diaspora Jews, their co-citizens, and their governments for Israel), this paper interrogates the idea of “Jewish values,” and theorizes about how actors negotiate among sentiment, aspiration, and values. The evidence suggests that Jews are more likely to invoke “Jewish values” when engaging in in-group critique, whereas Israel advocates are more likely to draw on universal values to defend Israeli goals and actions to others. The essay identifies five value clusters that appear to structure Israel advocacy activities: nationalism and sovereignty, democracy, science, history, and peace, identifies some potential value conflicts that may result, and raises questions about the strategic use of values in social mobilization.