Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Futures Contracting and Dividend Uncertainty in Experimental Asset Markets

Prices in experimental asset markets tend to bubble and then crash to dividend value at the end of the asset's useful life. Explanations for this phenomenon are (1) that participants cannot form reliable future price expectations or (2) dividend risk aversion. We report the results of experiments to test these hypotheses. In one experimental series, a futures market is introduced so that participants can obtain information on future share prices. In another series of experiments, the per-period dividend is known with certainty. The futures market treatment reduced the bubble. The certain dividend treatment had little effect on the character of bubbles with inexperienced traders. Copyright 1995 by University of Chicago Press.
Where is the implementation in sport policy and programme analysis? The English Football Association's Charter Standard as an illustration

Although there is an abundance of research into sports programmes and policies that inherently discuss implementation, most fail to explicitly address this phenomenon, nor do they consider theories and concepts associated with implementation evident in social and political sciences. It is contended that to ignore such a vital process may limit or constrain knowledge of not only how and why sport policies and programmes have been implemented, but also how we come to make assumptions and propositions as to their impacts and relative successes or failures. This article seeks to encourage the incorporation, generation and innovation of existing implementation theories, concepts and models into the sport policy analysis lexicon. It is hoped that this will not only generally broaden the sport policy analysis research agenda, but specifically generate and develop a theoretically informed literature on the practice of sport policy and programme implementation to enhance sport policy students, academics and policymaker's knowledge of the implementation process. To illustrate this, following a critique of top-down/bottom-up and synthesized models, this article applies Matland's (1995) model of conflict and ambiguity to The Football Association's Charter Standard Scheme. This article concludes by suggesting that Matland's (1995) model is a potential way forward for analysing case study-specific sport policy and programme implementation analyses.
Impact of compositions and characteristics of board of directors and earnings management on fraud

This paper examines the effects of board of directors characteristics and compositions, earnings management on fraud for Taiwan listed SES and OTC companies. The effects of Institutional director holding, the duality of board chair and CEO have not influence on fraud before the act of the independent directors and auditor, but Institutional director holding, the duality of board chair and CEO has negative influence on fraud afterward. The discretionary working capital accrual has not influence on fraud and the interaction of institutional director holding and the discretionary working capital accrual has negative influence on fraud before the act of the independent directors and auditor, but the discretionary working capital accrual has negative influence on fraud afterward. The interaction of independent director holdings and the discretionary accrual has positive influence on fraud after the act of the independent directors and auditor. It is ironical to promotion of the corporate government system in Taiwan that increasing independence director holdings would increase the influence of discretionary accrual on fraud. Key words: Fraud, earnings management, board of director logit regression analysis, corporate governance.
Complementarity and contextuality in the adoption of information systems

To understand the impact of Information Systems (ISs) on actual performance, we employed 616 Korean firms to estimate the complementarities among such systems and to uncover the contextual factors influencing them. In particular, we introduced various contextual variables and analysed their effects on the complementarities of firms. Our results indicate that Information Technology (IT) stock serves as an important contextual factor for enhancing the complementarity between the adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Furthermore, although IT stock has a strong positive direct and indirect IS-mediated impact on the performance of firms, other IT-related variables such as IT organization and the use of firewalls generally have a positive influence only when they are combined with the adoption of ISs.
Time Varying Parameters with Random Components: The Orange Juice Industry

The assumption of nonstochastic parameters has long been recognized as restrictive to the solution of many marketing problems and to economic modeling in general. Parameter variation historically has been treated with the use of nonstochastic adjustments through interaction variables and the use of proxy dummy and trend variables. Though these empirical techniques in many cases give reasonable results, they presuppose that the researcher can specify the nature of the parameter change. In fact, it may not be obvious that random parameters are part of the estimation problem. Furthermore, specification of structural shifts in parameters is usually difficult. Comparison of parameter changes through techniques such as grouping of data and using various F-tests is most often dependent on the criteria for grouping (Maddala, p. 390–404). Also, the procedure fails to identify the dynamic path of adjustments that must have occurred when various F-tests indicate that parameters have changed. Other approaches to determining structural shifts in parameters may require elaborate search procedures. To limit the extent to which the search is required, restrictive assumptions about many of the parameters are sometimes made (Simon).
Dynamic Asset Allocation

© 1998, Society of Asset Allocators and Fund Timers, Inc. diversification across hundreds of securities within each asset class and allowing investors to move assets overnight between funds with little or no cost. • Bear markets really do exist. Properly implemented, a dynamic asset allocation strategy should lessen an investor’s exposure to declining markets, blunting the impact of bear markets and preserving capital and the majority of prior gains. The more investors lose money in a down market, the more they lose valuable time and opportunity. A look at the bear markets of the past 110 years shows that investors spent 76% of their time suffering through bear markets and the struggle back to breakeven. Only 24% of their time was spent increasing their original investment.
Characterization of two temperature-sensitive mutants of coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 with maturation defects in the spike protein

Two temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of mouse hepatitis virus strain A59, ts43 and ts379, have been described previously to be ts in infectivity but unaffected in RNA synthesis (M. J. M. Koolen, A. D. M. E. Osterhaus, G. van Steenis, M. C. Horzinek, and B. A. M. van der Zeijst, Virology 125:393-402, 1983). We present a detailed analysis of the protein synthesis of the mutant viruses at the permissive (31 degrees C) and nonpermissive (39.5 degrees C) temperatures. It was found that synthesis of the nucleocapsid protein N and the membrane protein M of both viruses was insensitive to temperature. However, the surface protein S of both viruses was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum at the nonpermissive temperature. This was shown first by analysis of endoglycosidase H-treated and immunoprecipitated labeled S proteins. The mature Golgi form of S was not present at the nonpermissive temperature for the ts viruses, in contrast to wild-type (wt) virus. Second, gradient purification of immunoprecipitated S after pulse-chase labeling showed that only wt virus S was oligomerized. We conclude that the lack of oligomerization causes the retention of the ts S proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. As a result, ts virus particles that were devoid of S were produced at the nonpermissive temperature. This result could be confirmed by biochemical analysis of purified virus particles and by electron microscopy.
Systems Genetics Identifies a Novel Regulatory Domain of Amylose Synthesis1[OPEN]

Interlinking GWAS of Debranched Starch Structure with Gene Regulatory Networks Uncovers a Regulatory Region for Amylose Synthesis in Rice (Oryza sativa). A deeper understanding of the regulation of starch biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa) endosperm is crucial in tailoring digestibility without sacrificing grain quality. In this study, significant association peaks on chromosomes 6 and 7 were identified through a genomewide association study (GWAS) of debranched starch structure from grains of a 320 indica rice diversity panel using genotyping data from the high-density rice array. A systems genetics approach that interrelates starch structure data from GWAS to functional pathways from a gene regulatory network identified known genes with high correlation to the proportion of amylose and amylopectin. An SNP in the promoter region of Granule Bound Starch Synthase I was identified along with seven other SNPs to form haplotypes that discriminate samples into different phenotypic ranges of amylose. A GWAS peak on chromosome 7 between LOC_Os07g11020 and LOC_Os07g11520 indexed by a nonsynonymous SNP mutation on exon 5 of a bHLH transcription factor was found to elevate the proportion of amylose at the expense of reduced short-chain amylopectin. Linking starch structure with starch digestibility by determining the kinetics of cooked grain amylolysis of selected haplotypes revealed strong association of starch structure with estimated digestibility kinetics. Combining all results from grain quality genomics, systems genetics, and digestibility phenotyping, we propose target haplotypes for fine-tuning starch structure in rice through marker-assisted breeding that can be used to alter the digestibility of rice grain, thus offering rice consumers a new diet-based intervention to mitigate the impact of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases.
Behaviour of intra-daily stock return on an Asian emerging market - Hong Kong

This study examines the intra-daily return behaviour of one of the most open Asian emerging markets - Hong Kong. It is found that there is a general increase in the positive skewness and kurtosis of all the intra-daily returns after the 1987 October crash and the distributions of all the returns have become non-normal after the crash. There seems to be more day-of-the-week and time-of-the-day variations in the post-crash period than in the pre-crash period. There also exists some day-end effect in both of the periods and such a day-end effect seems to be related to the day of the week.
Superoxide anions regulate TORC1 and its ability to bind Fpr1:rapamycin complex

The small natural product rapamycin, when bound to FKBP12, is a potent inhibitor of an evolutionarily conserved Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1), which plays a central role in mediating cellular response to nutrient availability. Given the prominent role of TORC1 in cell growth and proliferation, clinical trials have explored the possibility of using rapamycin as an anticancer agent. Unfortunately, the percentage of patients responding favorably has been low, intensifying the need to find biomarkers able to predict rapamycin sensitivity or resistance. In this study, we elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying partial rapamycin resistance in yeast. Using the yeast deletion collection, we identified 15 deletion strains leading to partial rapamycin resistance. Among these were Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase Sod1, copper transporter Ctr1, and copper chaperone Lys7, suggesting a role for oxidative stress in rapamycin resistance. Further analysis revealed that all 15 strains exhibit elevated levels of superoxide anions, and we show that elevated levels of reactive oxygen species specifically modify TORC1 such that it is no longer able to fully bind FKBP12:rapamycin. Therefore, elevated oxidative stress modifies TORC1 and prevents its binding to the FKBP12:rapamycin complex, ultimately leading to rapamycin resistance. These results warrant an examination into whether similar reasons explain rapamycin resistance observed in various clinical samples.
Exchange rate and interest rate differential: the case of the Malaysian Ringgit/US Dollar

The paper tests for the systematic empirical relationship between the Malaysian Ringgit/US Dollar real exchange rate and the real interest rate differential between Malaysia and the US using the Johansen maximum likelihood cointegration procedure. The results indicate the existence of a fairly robust long-run relationship between the real exchange rate and the real interest rate differential. The estimated error correction models also indicate the existence of stable adjustment dynamics when either the real exchange rate or the real exchange rate differential deviates from their long-run equilibrium position.
Service Work in Consumer Capitalism: Customers, Control and Contradictions

There is an important literature suggesting that the consumer has become a key focus of identity and figure of authority in contemporary society. Within this literature, however, there is little consideration of the role that the identification with the customer could play in management control within production, nor of the ensuing potential contradictions. This paper examines these issues in front line call centre work. Control in this setting is theorised as being informed by dual logics of customer-orientation and bureaucratisation. The paper shows the important use of norms of customer identification in control. It also highlights two levels of contradictions in the use of these norms. First there is the contradiction between continuing bureaucratic control and the attempts to develop normative control. Second, there are contradictions within the development of customer-related normative control. Specifically, the definition of the customer as the focus for normative commitment is a contested terrain, with systematic and significant differences existing here between call centre workers and management.
Lifelong learning and older workers

Tom Karmel and Davinia Wood examine the influence of education and training on the participation of older people in the labour market, and the pay-off of undertaking education and training as an older-person compared to earlier in life. On the whole, the results indicate the more qualifications the better, and education, lifelong learning and training are beneficial to maintaining and increasing employment rates. However, while the authors suggest the 'education effect' will partially offset the impact on the labour force, the demographic impact of the ageing population will dominate.
Survey of Contact Lens Prescribing to Infants, Children, and Teenagers

Purpose. To determine the types of contact lenses prescribed for infants (aged 0 to 5 years), children (6 to 12 years), and teenagers (13 to 17 years) around the world. Methods. Up to 1000 survey forms were sent to contact lens fitters in each of 38 countries between January and March every year for 5 consecutive years (2005 to 2009). Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fits or refits performed after receiving the survey form. Results. Data were received relating to 105,734 fits [137 infants, 1,672 children, 12,117 teenagers, and 91,808 adults (age ≥18 years)]. The proportion of minors (<18 year old) fitted varied considerably between nations, ranging from 25% in Iceland to 1% in China. Compared with other age groups, infants tend to be prescribed a higher proportion of rigid, soft toric, and extended wear lenses, predominantly as refits for full-time wear, and fewer daily disposable lenses. Children are fitted with the highest proportion of daily disposable lenses and have the highest rate of fits for part-time wear. Teenagers have a similar lens fitting profile to adults, with the main distinguishing characteristic being a higher proportion of new fits. Orthokeratology fits represented 28% of all contact lenses prescribed to minors. Conclusions. Patterns of contact lens prescribing to infants and children are distinctly different to those of teenagers and adults in a number of respects. Clinicians can use the data presented here to compare their own patterns of contact lens prescribing to minors.
An experiment in the usefulness of a strategy map

Purpose – The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a strategy map on the quality of decision making.Design/methodology/approach – An experimental design is used in this study. A total of 24 participants were randomly assigned into two groups – a control group and a treatment group. Each participant completed two rounds of the experiment covering 24 decisions using a simulation game. The multiple regression technique is used as the analysis tool in this study.Findings – The results show that strategy maps do not affect the performance of participants' decision making.Research limitations/implications – This research employs the laboratory experimental design. Thus the external validity (the generalizability) is limited.Practical implications – Results obtained from this research suggest that a strategy map alone is not an effective tool to help managers make better decisions. More details, such as a correlation between strategic measures in the strategy map or guidelines for the use of t.
PNAS-2: A Novel Gene Probably Participating in Leukemogenesis

Objective:As4S4 is an effective drug for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia but its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. In a previous study, we identified PNAS-2, a human apoptosis-related protein gene, using gene expression profiling. In this study, we tried to clarify the role of PNAS-2 in apoptosis and leukemogenesis. Methods: NB4 and U937 leukemia cell lines and serial clinical samples were studied. RNA interference (RNAi) and RNA overexpression were used to address the potential role of PNAS-2 in apoptosis. PNAS-2 expression was examined using Northern blot in multiple tissues, and real-time PCR was applied to analyze PNAS-2 expression in various patient samples. Results: Functional analyses of PNAS-2 by RNAi and RNA overexpression indicate PNAS-2 is an anti-apoptosis gene. PNAS-2 expression is significantly increased in de novo or relapsed acute leukemia, but in patients in complete remission PNAS-2 levels decrease to levels comparable to those found in normal controls. In carcinomas, PNAS-2 expression was not upregulated, indicating that PNAS-2 overexpression was specific for leukemia. Conclusion: Based on the preliminary data, we suggest that the PNAS-2 gene functions as an anti-apoptotic gene and probably participates in leukemogenesis.
Private Equity and Venture Capital in an Emerging Economy: Evidence from Brazil

The Private Equity and Venture Capital (PE/VC) financial model was initially developed in the US and, therefore, designed for the US institutional environment. The degree to which the US PE/VC model can perform in other institutional environments is an interesting question. This article is based on data supplied by all of the 65 PE/VC organizations with offices in Brazil in 2004. Comparing Brazil and the US, we found that the main similarities are: an industry composed mostly of independent organizations, managing capital coming mostly from institutional investors; capital is heavily concentrated regionally and in few organizations; investments are made within a close geographical distance; and software and IT are preferred sectors. The main differences are that for Brazil: investments are concentrated in more advanced stages of corporate development; since credit is scarce, few LBOs take place; low levels of sector specialization (PE/VC investing in a broad variety of industrial sectors); firm concentration in Sao Paulo's financial district suggests a quest for commercial partners and strategic buyers for portfolio companies; and Brazilian PE/VC regulation recognizes the inefficiency of the legal system and forces the use of arbitration. We also discuss possible reasons for these adaptations.
Entrepreneurial strategies of Etna wine farms

Viticulture, as well as agriculture in general, performs an environmental and landscaping function and it encourages rural development through the creation of income and job opportunities in the areas where wine is produced. The wine sector, in fact, is of great social and economic importance within the Sicilian agriculture and food industry, because of the job opportunities it provides and due to Sicilian pedoclimatic peculiarities, variety of grape wines cultivars and production process. The present study aims at assessing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises that cultivate wine grapes in the Etna area. In particular, it has been examined a sample of wine farms that produce Etna wine controlled designation of origin (DOC), a product with high value added, in order to assess their strategies adopted to compete in an increasingly wide and globalised market.
Grading articular cartilage of the knee using fast spin-echo proton density-weighted MR imaging without fat suppression.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this work was to determine the accuracy of fast spin-echo proton density-weighted MR imaging in the evaluation of the articular cartilage of the knee using arthroscopy as a gold standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed MR images of the knee in 54 patients for whom arthroscopic results were available. All MR imaging studies included fast spin-echo proton density-weighted coronal and axial sequences as part of our routine protocol. Evaluation of the articular surfaces was performed by three independent observers who were unaware of the arthroscopic results. The cartilage surfaces were graded using a 3-point system, and results were compared with arthroscopic findings. RESULTS Of 324 cartilage surfaces evaluated, arthroscopy showed 241 surfaces as normal, 56 as containing partial-thickness defects, and 27 as containing full-thickness defects. Compared with arthroscopic data, sensitivity of MR imaging for the three reviewers was 59-73.5%; specificity, 86.7-90.5%; positive predictive value, 60.5-72.6%; negative predictive value, 86.0-90.8%; and accuracy, 79.6-86.1%. Interobserver variability for the presence of disease, which was measured using the kappa statistic, was 0.63. CONCLUSION Fast spin-echo proton density-weighted MR imaging sequences can be used to evaluate the cartilage of the knee with accuracy comparable to that of previously reported cartilage-specific sequences.