Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Australian securitised property funds: an examination of their risk-adjusted performance

Purpose – This paper aims to gain exposure to Australian real estate investment trusts (A‐REITs). Many institutional investors make use of securitised property funds as they employ experienced property professionals with specialist knowledge of underlying property fundamentals, direct property markets and the 30‐plus A‐REITs. As securitised property funds operate in a competitive environment, investment performance benchmarks are important.Design/methodology/approach – To add to the familiar risk and return benchmarks, the risk adjusted performance (RAP) measure first outlined by Modigliani and Modigliani provides an additional and valuable return measure to a definite level of risk. This research selected 16 wholesale securitised property funds each with seven years of continuous quarterly total return data.Findings – Overall a large proportion of the selected funds (14 out of 16), on average, outperformed the market benchmark return (14.53 per cent) with the worst fund marginally under‐performing the in.
Are Nonconvexities Important for Understanding Growth?

Everyday experience and a simple logical argument show that nonconvexities are essential for understanding growth. Compared to previous statements of this well known argument, the presentation here places more emphasis on the distinction between two of the fundamental attributes of any economic good: rivalry and excludability. It also emphasizes the difference between public goods and the technological advances that are fundamental to economic growth. Like public goods, technological advances are rionrival goods. Hence, they are inextricably linked to nonconvexities. But in contrast to public goods, which are nonexcludable, technological advances generate benefits that are at least partially excludable. Hence, innovations in the technology are for the most part privately provided. This means that nonconvexities are relevant for goods that trade in private markets. Consequently, an equilibrium with price-taking in all markets cannot be sustained. Concluding remarks describe some of the recent equilibrium growth models that do not rely on price-taking and highlight some of the implications of these models.
Occupational contact dermatitis due to acrylonitrile

Within DSM Chemicals BV, a producer of acrylonitrile, skin complaints arc frequent, the majority of these are an irritant nature, while a smaller portion is based on acquired allergies Allergological examination revealed 3 employees with an allergy In acrylonitrile. 1 of these subject also developed paresthesiae in the skin sues affected, a finding not previously described for acrylonitrile. In the guinea ptE maximization lest (GPMT), acrylonitrile showed strong allergenic potential for prevention and treatment of contact allergologic disorders, close cooperation between occupational health officer, dermatologist and lexicologist in chemical companies is recommended
Are Funds of Funds Simply Multi-Strategy Managers with Extra Fees?

This article examines two approaches that many institutions consider when investing in hedge funds: multi-strategy hedge funds and funds of hedge funds. Since data at the index level is limited for these strategies a number of underlying drivers of risk and return are analyzed. The ability to rapidly move capital between strategies is also examined. Further the differences between the business models of multi-strategy managers and funds of funds and the potential impact for investors are explored. The results show that manager selection dominates strategy allocation for hedge funds. The results also show that the ability to rapidly move capital between strategies can significantly improve the performance of both multi-strategy as well as fund of funds. Finally the results of this article are contrasted with recent research arguing superior performance of multi-strategy hedge funds.
Effect of dentin biomodifiers on the immediate and long-term bond strengths of a simplified etch and rinse adhesive to dentin

Objectives This in vitro study evaluated the effect of dentin biomodifiers on the immediate and long-term bond strengths of a simplified etch and rinse adhesive to dentin. Materials and Methods Flat coronal dentin surfaces were prepared in 120 extracted human molars. Teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 24) according to 5 different surface pre-treatments: No pre-treatment (control); 1M carbodiimide (EDC); 0.1% epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG); 2% minocycline (MI); 10% sodium ascorbate (SA). After surface pre-treatment, adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2 [SB], 3M ESPE) was applied. Composite was applied into transparent plastic tubes (2.5 mm in diameter), which was placed over the bonded dentin surface. From each group, 10 samples were subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) evaluation at 24 hours (immediate) and remaining 10 samples were tested after 6 months (delayed). Additionally, 4 samples per group were subjected to scanning electron microscopic analysis for observation of resin-dentin interface. The data were statistically analysed with Shaperio‑Wilk W test, 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc Tukey's test. Results At 24 hours, SBS of all surface pre-treatment groups were comparable with the control group, with significant differences found between EDC and SA groups only (p = 0.009). After 6 months storage, EDC, EGCG, and MI pre-treatments preserved the resin-dentin bond strength with no significant fall. Conclusions Dentin pre-treatment with all the dentin biomodifiers except SA resulted in significant preservation of resin-dentin bond over 6 months storage period, without negatively affecting the immediate bond strength of the etch and rinse adhesive tested.
Mad Cows, Mad Corn, & Mad Money: Applying What We Know About the Perceived Risk of Technologies to the Perceived Risk of Securities

Thirty years of research has shown that the concept of risk in people's minds is complex and influenced by many factors. Lessons learned from studies on the perceived risk of technologies and activities (such as eating British beef or genetically modified food) are applied to the perceived risk of securities. How investors may be affected by qualitative dimensions of risk, affect and imagery, and socio-political attitudes and values, are highlighted. Specific recommendations are given for improving portfolio management with a qualitative, multi-dimensional, values-based approach that complements more traditional approaches to analysis of securities.
Botulinum Toxin Type A and Divalproex Sodium for Prophylactic Treatment of Episodic or Chronic Migraine

Objective. — To compare the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA; BOTOX®: Allergan, Inc.) and divalproex sodium (DVPX; DEPAKOTE®: Abbott Laboratories) as prophylaxis in reducing disability and impact associated with migraine.
Global Strategies in the Automobile Industry

BÉLIS-BERGOUIGNAN M. -C. , BORDENAVE G. and LUNG Y. (2000) Global strategies in the automobile industry, Reg. Studies 34, 41‐53. This paper views the multinational firm as a learning hierarchy , and presents a model capable of analysing the spatial organization of multinational firms. This model is based on two criteria: the principle of hierarchy; and the degree of hierarchical control. Four types of multinational companies are defined (world-wide, multidomestic, multiregional and transregional) and the process of internationalization is understood through the way in which firms develop their organizational capabilities. The model is applied to a study of the strategies which have been followed by American, Japanese and European carmakers. BÉLIS-BERGOUIGNAN M. C. , BORDENAVE G. et LUNG Y. (2000) Les stratégies globales de l'industrie automobile, Reg. Studies 34, 41‐53. Combinant l'approche de la firme multinationale comme une “hiérarchie” et l'analyse évolutionniste de la firme à travers les processus d'apprentissage collectif, l'article propose un modèle analytique relatif à l'organisation spatiale des firmes multinationales sur la base de deux critères (principe hiérarchique et degré de contrôle hiérarchique). Quatre configurations sont définies: firme mondiale, multidomestique, multirégionale et transrégionale. Le processus de multinationalisation est alors appréhendé à travers le développement des capacités organisationnelles de la firme et son évolution face aux modifications de son environnement concurrentiel. Cette grille est utilisée pour étudier l'internationalisation de l'industrie automobile depuis les premières expansions américaines de Ford et GM dans les années vingt jusqu'aux tentatives récentes des Européens, en passant par les stratégies globales des Japonais. BÉLIS-BERGOUIGNAN M. -C. , BORDENAVE G. und LUNG Y. (2000) Globale Strategien in der Automobilindustrie, Reg. Studies 34, 41‐53. Der vorliegende Aufsatz betrachtet multinationale Firmen als eine Lernhierarchie, und stellt ein Modell vor, das im Stande ist, die räumliche Organisation multinationaler Firmen zu analysieren. Dieses Modell stützt sich auf zwei Kriterien—das Prinzip der Hierarchie und das Ausmaß hierarchischer Kontrolle. Es werden zwei multinationale Firmentypen definiert (weltweite, multibinnenländische, multiregionale und Regionen überschreitende), und der Prozeß der Internationalisierung durch die Art und Weise erklärt, in der Firmen ihre organisatorischen Fähigkeiten entfalten. Das Modell wird auf eine Untersuchung der Strategien angewandt, die amerikanische, japanische und europäische Automobilproduzenten befolgt haben.
Gendered Lending Practices: Enabling South African Women Entrepreneurs to Access Start-Up Capital

This study explores gendered lending and marketing practices of start-up capital to women entrepreneurs in South Africa. A multi-method research design, comprising of 6 in-depth interviews with experts, and a survey of 50 women entrepreneurs was adopted using convenience and snowball sampling techniques, respectively. The findings revealed that women entrepreneurs are experiencing gendered discriminatory practices embedded in lending practices used by financial institutions, thereby discouraging them to venture into non-traditional industries. Whilst financial providers may know their products well, many emerging women entrepreneurs in South Africa may find it difficult and costly to obtain information on the thousands of financial products available. Hence, women entrepreneurs resort to taking greater risks than necessary in order to get their businesses off the ground. Educating women on financial matters is extremely important if South Africa is to benefit fully from the untapped entrepreneurial talent that women possess. The study adds voice to the discriminatory lending practices faced by women entrepreneurs in developing countries. Future research could explore the feasibility of establishing a financial institution which caters specifically for the needs of women.
Molecular cloning and genomic organization of a second probable allatostatin receptor from Drosophila melanogaster.

We (C. Lenz et al. (2000) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 269, 91-96) and others (N. Birgül et al. (1999) EMBO J. 18, 5892-5900) have recently cloned a Drosophila receptor that was structurally related to the mammalian galanin receptors, but turned out to be a receptor for a Drosophila peptide belonging to the insect allatostatin neuropeptide family. In the present paper, we screened the Berkeley "Drosophila Genome Project" database with "electronic probes" corresponding to the conserved regions of the four rat (delta, kappa, mu, nociceptin/orphanin FQ) opioid receptors. This yielded alignment with a Drosophila genomic database clone that contained a DNA sequence coding for a protein having, again, structural similarities with the rat galanin receptors. Using PCR with primers coding for the presumed exons of this second Drosophila receptor gene, 5'- and 3'-RACE, and Drosophila cDNA as template, we subsequently cloned the cDNA of this receptor. The receptor cDNA codes for a protein that is strongly related to the first Drosophila receptor (60% amino acid sequence identity in the transmembrane region; 47% identity in the overall sequence) and that is, therefore, most likely to be a second Drosophila allatostatin receptor (named DAR-2). The DAR-2 gene has three introns and four exons. Two of these introns coincide with two introns in the first Drosophila receptor (DAR-1) gene, and have the same intron phasing, showing that the two receptor genes are clearly evolutionarily related. The DAR-2 gene is located at the right arm of the third chromosome, position 98 D-E. This is the first report on the existence of two different allatostatin receptors in an animal.
Absolute Income, Relative Income, and Happiness

This paper uses data from the World Values Survey to investigate how an individual’s self-reported happiness is related to (i) the level of her income in absolute terms, and (ii) the level of her income relative to other people in her country. The main findings are that (i) both absolute and relative income are positively and significantly correlated with happiness, (ii) quantitatively, changes in relative income have much larger effects on happiness than do changes in absolute income, and (iii) the effects on happiness of both absolute and relative income are small when compared to the effects several non-pecuniary factors.
Comparison of conventional and torsional mode (OZil) phacoemulsification: randomized prospective clinical study

Purpose To compare the amount of intraoperative energy used during conventional and torsional phacoemulsification surgery and investigate the changes in corneal endothelial cell density. Methods In this study, a total of 100 eyes in patients with age-related cataract (mean age 68.9 years) were included. Patients were randomly allocated into conventional (group 1) or torsional (OZil, group 2) phacoemulsification. Mean nuclear grade made according to Lens Opacities Classification System II was not different in the 2 groups. Total ultrasound time (USTT), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and the percent of total equivalent power in position 3 (%USTEPiP3) were compared between the 2 groups. Results There were 47 eyes in group 1 and 53 eyes in group 2. Patient age and sex were matched between the 2 groups (p=0.49, p=0.08). Mean USTT was 1.6±1.1 minutes (m) in group 1 and 1.5 ± 0.9 m in group 2 (p=0.55). Average CDE was 29.9±16.9 in group 1 and 25.2±19.1 in group 2 (p=0.20). Mean %USTEPiP3 was 27.0%±8.5% in group 1; however, it was 22.4%±6.6% in group 2 (p=0.003). At the first postoperative day, mean corneal edema was graded as 0.25±0.5 in group 1 and 0.18 ± 0.4 in group 2 (p=0.47). At the first postoperative week, it was found to be 0.02±0.15 in group 1 and 0.03±0.27 in group 2 (p=0.71). ECD loss was 6.7%±3.3% in group 1 and 4.2%±5.7% in group 2 (p=0.56). Conclusions No statistically significant difference was found between conventional and torsional phacoemulsification with respect to USTT and CDE. Torsional mode led to a significant reduction in US power in footswitch position 3. Torsional mode also appears to be associated with less loss of ECD
Network Closure or Structural Hole? The Conditioning Effects of Network–Level Social Capital on Innovation Performance

This study contributes to the bonding–bridging debate in the social capital literature by examining the conditioning effects of collective social capital. Data generated from simulation reveals that network density, a measure of network–level social capital, negatively moderates the impacts of firm–level social capitals, measured separately by degree centrality and structural hole, on a firm's innovation performance. Specifically, in low–density networks, degree centrality and structural holes are complementary at enhancing innovation performance. In high–density networks, the positive impact of degree centrality weakens and structural holes turn out to be detrimental. The findings not only advance our understanding of the cross–level dynamics of social capital, but also provide a possible explanation for the mixed empirical results found in previous studies.
The antecedents and consequences of commitment in bank–corporate relationships: evidence from the Chinese banking market

This study draws on the exchange relationships literature to create a model of what motivates corporate customers to continue their relationships with their primary banking services providers. The study reports the results of a questionnaire survey administered to financial managers (N = 259) in China. Results provide evidence for the existence of a number of antecedents and consequences of commitment in bank–corporate relationships. Notably, service quality is found to be a significant antecedent of affective commitment, which in turn leads to cooperation and continuance intentions. Implications for bank management are discussed along with avenues for future research.
Efficiency of Thai Commercial Banks: Pre- vs. Post-1997 Financial Crisis

This study measures and compares the profit and cost efficiencies of Thai commercial banks between 1990 and 2008 which has been subdivided into the pre-crisis, the financial crisis, and the post-crisis periods. The efficiency scores are measured using a combination of parametric and non-parametric frontier approach. Both average profit and cost efficiency levels of the post-crisis period are found to be significantly lower than those of the pre-crisis period. The evidence also indicates that the real GDP growth rate and some general and financial characteristics are correlated with the efficiency level of Thai commercial banks.
Performance Measures of Covariance and Information Matrices in Resource Management for Target State Estimation

In target tracking, sensor resource management (SRM) assigns to each target a best combination of sensors, which requires performance analysis of track filter updates. Two popular implementations of track filters are the Kalman filter (or covariance filter) and the information filter. SRM with Kalman filters attempts to minimize the estimation error covariance matrix-based scalar performance measures, whereas SRM with information filters aims to maximize the information matrix-based counterpart. In this paper, we investigate issues related to scalar performance measures and, in particular, compare the use of trace, determinant, and eigenvalues of the covariance matrix or information matrix as scalar performance measures. The study demonstrates which matrix measures are appropriate for resource management applications. Furthermore, the study shows when the matrix measures lead to equivalent goals. While this analysis is agnostic to the type of measurement, the paper demonstrates how to accommodate bearing and range measurements. Overall, the analysis provides insight about how sensor measurements best reduce uncertainty so that we can properly exploit performance measures to satisfy requirements of practical tracking and SRM applications.
Residual convolutional neural network for diabetic retinopathy

This research proposes a method to detect diabetic retinopathy automatically based on fundus photography evaluation. This automatic method will speed up diabetic retinopathy detection process especially in Indonesia which lack of ophthalmologist. Besides, the difference of doctor ability and experience may produce an inconsistent result. Thus, with this method, we hope automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy will speed up with a consistent result so blindness effect from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented as early as possible. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is one of neural network variant which can detect the pattern on an image very well. Residual CNN is one of CNN variant which can prevent accuracy degradation for a deep neural network. Therefore this inspire us to apply Residual CNN on diabetic retinopathy. This Residual Network can detect diabetic retinopathy with kappa score 0.51049.
How Studies of the Educational Progression of Minority Children Are Affecting Education Policy in Denmark

Over the past decade, the number of ethnic minorities in Denmark has increased rapidly, now accounting for over 8 per cent of the total population. This paper presents results from a number of recent studies regarding the educational choices of minority children from less developed countries. An important social concern is that the educational attainment of these children is much lower than among native Danes. The studies show that that a main reason for the education gap is very high dropout rates from vocational schools among minority children and that inadequate Danish language proficiency of immigrants, parents and their children, is an important reason for the high dropout rates, as are inadequate educational preparedness from grade school and insufficient apprenticeship positions available for minority youth. Socio-economic background, however, has relatively little effect. Recent policy changes to reduce dropout rates from vocational schools are reviewed and additional policy interventions are proposed.
Optimal Income Taxation of Lone Mothers: An Empirical Comparison of the UK and Germany

Optimal tax rules are used to evaluate the optimality of taxation for lone mothers in Germany and Britain. The theoretical model is combined with elasticities derived from the structural estimation of lone mothers' labour supply. For both countries we do not find that in-work credits with marginal tax rates are optimal. However we show that when the government has a low taste for redistribution, out-of-work transfers and transfer for the working poor are very similar, implying very low marginal tax rates. Further, the current tax and transfer systems in both countries are shown to be optimal only if governments have a much higher welfare value for income received by the non-workers than the working poor. Copyright © Institute of Fiscal Studies. Journal compilation © Royal Economic Society 2009.
Capital structure and size: new evidence across the broad spectrum of SMEs

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to add to the existing literature by examining a number of hypotheses relating to the capital structure decision in relation to the firms’ size, namely by distinguishing among micro, small and medium firms. Design/methodology/approach - – The paper examines the hypothesis that the factors determining capital structure are different for firms belonging to different size groups. The authors use a panel data model capturing the dynamic concept of capital structure. Findings - – The authors find that whereas the size of the firm does affect how much debt a firm will issue, it does not influence the relationship between the other regressors and debt usage. Research limitations/implications - – The paper examines the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Does not examine the large firms. Practical implications - – During the last decade there has been a gradually increasing interest shown in the field of SMEs. These enterprises represent important parts of all economies in terms of both their total number and their job offer and job creation. For example, in the European Union (EU), in 2005, SMEs accounted for 99.8 percent of the total number of enterprises operating in EU-27, covering 66.7 of total employment in the non-financial business economy sector. Social implications - – This paper relates capital structure decision to firms’ size distinguishing them among micro, small and medium firms. Originality/value - – The paper tests differences in capital structure determination among different size groups of enterprises in a dynamic framework for more than one year.