Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of long-term debt issuing decisions: An alternative approach

This paper proposes a probit model to test capital structure theories. Our model is designed to circumvent a methodological problem in traditional regression analysis stemming from the use of scaling (e.g., in the form of financial ratios) that has plagued capital structure studies for more than 100 years (Pearson, 1897). Without correction, this problem potentially yields a spurious relation between the dependent and explanatory variables. For example, a negative relationship between capital leverage and firm profitability is concluded in the literature, which is counter to what is observed in reality. Using a sample of leverage increasing cases resulting from public debt issuances in US markets between 1996 and 2006, our probit model results indicate that leverage increasing firms tend to be more profitable. Our finding is consistent with the fact that, in practice, more profitable firms usually have easier access to debt markets.
Neural Machine Translation with Gumbel-Greedy Decoding

Previous neural machine translation models used some heuristic search algorithms (e.g., beam search) in order to avoid solving the maximum a posteriori problem over translation sentences at test phase. In this paper, we propose the \textit{Gumbel-Greedy Decoding} which trains a generative network to predict translation under a trained model. We solve such a problem using the Gumbel-Softmax reparameterization, which makes our generative network differentiable and trainable through standard stochastic gradient methods. We empirically demonstrate that our proposed model is effective for generating sequences of discrete words.
Revisiting the Role of TRP, Orai, and ASIC Channels in the Pulmonary Arterial Response to Hypoxia

The pulmonary arteries are exquisitely responsive to oxygen changes. They rapidly and proportionally contract as arterial PO2 decrease, and they relax as arterial PO2 is re-established. The hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is intrinsic since it does not require neural or endocrine factors, as evidenced in isolated vessels. On the other hand, pulmonary arteries also respond to sustained hypoxia with structural and functional remodeling, involving growth of smooth muscle medial layer and later recruitment of adventitial fibroblasts, secreted mitogens from endothelium and changes in the response to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator stimuli. Hypoxic pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction and remodeling are relevant biological responses both under physiological and pathological conditions, to explain matching between ventilation and perfusion, fetal to neonatal transition of pulmonary circulation and pulmonary artery over-constriction and thickening in pulmonary hypertension. Store operated channels (SOC) and receptor operated channels (ROC) are plasma membrane cationic channels that mediate calcium influx in response to depletion of internal calcium stores or receptor activation, respectively. They are involved in both HPV and pathological remodeling since their pharmacological blockade or genetic suppression of several of the Stim, Orai, TRP, or ASIC proteins in SOC or ROC complexes attenuate the calcium increase, the tension development, the pulmonary artery smooth muscle proliferation, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this Mini Review, we discussed the evidence obtained in in vivo animal models, at the level of isolated organ or cells of pulmonary arteries, and we identified and discussed the questions for future research needed to validate these signaling complexes as targets against pulmonary hypertension.
Comparing Trail Runners and Mountain Bikers: Motivation, Involvement, Portfolios, and Event-Tourist Careers

Amateur trail runners and endurance mountain bikers are compared with regard to motivation, involvement in their sport, competitive-event portfolios, and event-travel careers. Participants in two destination events produced by a for-profit company constitute the sample frame, with the respondents having answered a sub-set of identical questions on an online, post-event evaluation survey. The two “destination events” differ considerably in terms of the gender of participants, with a much higher proportion of females in the running event. Both samples were revealed to have a fairly high level of involvement in their sport, but a large proportion of participants in both events also participated in a wider portfolio of challenging sports. Because the dominant motivation for both samples, and for both men and women, was personal challenge, it is concluded that for many respondents involvement is directed more toward physically demanding sport than toward a particular kind of sport or event. This involvement has led a majority to develop an event-travel career. Implications are drawn for sport-event management and event-tourism marketing. Recommendations are made for further research to explore the relevance of brand communities and consumption constellations in event tourism.
Cournot Competition Yields Spatial Agglomeration

Most theoretical models of spatial competition show a strong tendency toward spatial dispersion of firms, yet common observations suggest that firms tend to agglomerate. In this paper, the authors show that competition between Cournot-type oligopolists that discriminate over space leads to spatial agglomeration. One implication is that firms do not (necessarily) earn supernormal profits at the free-entry equilibrium. Copyright 1991 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.
Nonnormalities and Tests of Asset Pricing Theories

The robustness of the multivariate tests of Michael R. Gibbons, Stephen A. Ross, and Jay Shanken (1986) to nonnormalities in the residual covariance matrix is examined. After considering the relative performance of various tests of normality, simulation techniques are used to determine the effects of nonnormalities on the multivariate tests. It is found that, where the sample nonnormalities are severe, the size and/or power of the test can be seriously misstated. However, it is also shown that these extreme sample values may overestimate the population parameters. Hence, they conclude that the multivariate test is reasonably robust with respect to typical levels of nonnormality. Copyright 1989 by American Finance Association.
An up-to-date review of rutin and its biological and pharmacological activities

1 Department of Botany and Microbiology, Addiriyah Chair for Environmental Studies, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia 2 Department of Crop Science, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-764, Korea 3 Visiting Professor Program (VPP), King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia * Corresponding author: E-mail: supark@cnu.ac. kr, Phone: +82-42-822-2631, Fax: +82-42-822-2631
Mechanism of DNA polymerase II-mediated frameshift mutagenesis

Escherichia coli possesses three SOS-inducible DNA polymerases (Pol II, IV, and V) that were recently found to participate in translesion synthesis and mutagenesis. Involvement of these polymerases appears to depend on the nature of the lesion and its local sequence context, as illustrated by the bypass of a single N-2-acetylaminofluorene adduct within the NarI mutation hot spot. Indeed, error-free bypass requires Pol V (umuDC), whereas mutagenic (−2 frameshift) bypass depends on Pol II (polB). In this paper, we show that purified DNA Pol II is able in vitro to generate the −2 frameshift bypass product observed in vivo at the NarI sites. Although the ΔpolB strain is completely defective in this mutation pathway, introduction of the polB gene on a low copy number plasmid restores the −2 frameshift pathway. In fact, modification of the relative copy number of polB versus umuDC genes results in a corresponding modification in the use of the frameshift versus error-free translesion pathways, suggesting a direct competition between Pol II and V for the bypass of the same lesion. Whether such a polymerase competition model for translesion synthesis will prove to be generally applicable remains to be confirmed.
Complementary conductance changes by Ikx and Ih contribute to membrane impedance stability during the rod light response

In addition to the HCN1 channels that mediate the h current, the kx current also performs signal filtering in rod photoreceptors. This current is known to be mediated by potassium channels and has similarities to the neuronal M current and EAG potassium channels. Although it is known that in filtering the light response of rods, Ih and Ikx undergo complementary conductance changes, the qualities and significance of these changes are not clear. Here we present an analysis demonstrating the filtering effect of HCN1 channels in salamander rods when Ikx is blocked, and a simulation of the rod light response demonstrating the magnitude and time course of the conductance changes by both currents. Finally, we propose that the purpose of opposing conductance changes by Ih and Ikx may be to optimize the propagation of signals in the rod network.
Self-Occlusion and Disocclusion in Causal Video Object Segmentation

We propose a method to detect disocclusion in video sequences of three-dimensional scenes and to partition the disoccluded regions into objects, defined by coherent deformation corresponding to surfaces in the scene. Our method infers deformation fields that are piecewise smooth by construction without the need for an explicit regularizer and the associated choice of weight. It then partitions the disoccluded region and groups its components with objects by leveraging on the complementarity of motion and appearance cues: Where appearance changes within an object, motion can usually be reliably inferred and used for grouping. Where appearance is close to constant, it can be used for grouping directly. We integrate both cues in an energy minimization framework, incorporate prior assumptions explicitly into the energy, and propose a numerical scheme.
Analysis of different types of converters for solar water pumping system

Solar Water Pumping was an important development for the entire world because till now, there are places with limited or no access to electricity and large areas of world are located on rural areas where only water supply comes from rain or distant rivers. Conventional Solar Water Pumping system are developed using batteries, which have a low life span of about only two years on average, which is extremely low compared to the useful life of 20 years of a PV module. Similarly in conventional system usually DC motors were used thus the boosting of the output of panels was not much essential But in the case of ac motors converters are very essential for boosting the small output of panels. Due to the development of power electronics there are different types of converters available for the same as Boost Converter, Conventional Two Inductor Boost Converter (TIBC), Push Pull Converter, Modified TIBC etc. with different voltage gain. The basic converter for boosting voltage is Boost Converter but this is not applicable for high voltage applications. Here the different types of converters are modeled and simulated in MATLAB and the output is analyzed.
SWOT Spatial Scales in the Western Mediterranean Sea Derived from Pseudo-Observations and an Ad Hoc Filtering

The aim of this study is to assess the capacity of the Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite to resolve fine scale oceanic surface features in the western Mediterranean. Using as input the Sea Surface Height (SSH) fields from a high-resolution Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM), the SWOT Simulator for Ocean Science generates SWOT-like outputs along a swath and the nadir following the orbit ground tracks. Given the characteristic temporal and spatial scales of fine scale features in the region, we examine temporal and spatial resolution of the SWOT outputs by comparing them with the original model data which are interpolated onto the SWOT grid. To further assess the satellite’s performance, we derive the absolute geostrophic velocity and relative vorticity. We find that instrument noise and geophysical error mask the whole signal of the pseudo-SWOT derived dynamical variables. We therefore address the impact of removal of satellite noise from the pseudo-SWOT data using a Laplacian diffusion filter, and then focus on the spatial scales that are resolved within a swath after this filtering. To investigate sensitivity to different filtering parameters, we calculate spatial spectra and root mean square errors. Our numerical experiments show that noise patterns dominate the spectral content of the pseudo-SWOT fields at wavelengths below 60 km. Application of the Laplacian diffusion filter allows recovery of the spectral signature within a swath down to the 40–60 km wavelength range. Consequently, with the help of this filter, we are able to improve the observation of fine scale oceanic features in pseudo-SWOT data, and in the estimation of associated derived variables such as velocity and vorticity.
Immunohistologic Diagnosis of Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's Disease) using Monoclonal Antibodies

Pseudorabies (PR) (Aujesky’s disease) has been seen in several domestic species, such as pigs, ruminants, dogs, and horses. The laboratory diagnosis of PR has been investigated using various approaches. The most frequent have been immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoperoxidase methods, histopathologic investigation, tissue culture inoculation, and in situ hybridization. Immunoperoxidase staining can also be used to diagnose virus-induced nonsuppurative encephalitis, which is hard to differentiate histopathologically. Eighty monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against PR virus (PRV) were produced at the Istituto Zooprofilattico to develop a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to differentiate antibodies elicited by glycoprotein (G)F-negative strain vaccines from antibodies resulting from infection with wild type viruses and to develop a suitable diagnostic tool for the identification of PRV either directly from infected tissues or from inoculated cell cultures. Eight of the 80 MAbs reacted strongly in the IF test performed on frozen tissue sections (E. Brocchi, personal communication). The reactivity of these MAbs with paraffin-embedded sections was examined to evaluate immunoperoxidase staining for PRV diagnosis in routinely samples. Moreover, a retrospective study was conducted on animals submitted for necropsy because of clinical neurologic signs. The 8 MAbs specific for PRV (Table 1) were tested immunohistochemically with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pig tonsils (for which PRV had been previously detected by IF on cryostatic sections). The following procedures were used for immunohistochemical staining. Five-micrometerthick paraffin-embedded sections were dewaxed in 2 changes of xilene for 15 minute each and hydrated through graded alcohols. All sections were treated with 3% hydrogen peroxide in methanol for 30-minutes at room temperature followed by several washes in Tris-buffered saline (TBS). Nonspecific antibody binding was blocked by 30 minutes of incubation with normal horse serum 1:75 diluted in TBS. As primary antibodies, ascitic fluid TBS dilutions (1:200, 1:400, 1:800, 1:1,000) of each MAb were incubated in 2 different ways, overnight at 4 C and 1 hour at 37 C. After MAb incubation, the sections were washed with TBS and sequentially incubated with biotinylated horse anti-mouse IgG 1: 200 diluted and streptoavidin peroxidase 1500 diluted for 30 minutes each, with rinses in TBS between the incubations. Diaminobenzidine was used as substrate of the peroxidase
The informal economy and economic volatility

The informal economy has traditionally played an important role in most Caribbean economies. Indeed, small-family-owned plots supplied a considerable domestic demand for agricultural commodities. Most Caribbean economies are now primarily service-oriented; however, the informal sector still plays a major role in most of their economies. There are disadvantages to an over reliance on the informal sector: low-tax yields and a focus mainly on the domestic market. This paper argues, nonetheless, that the informal sector is a key mechanism for insulating households from the effects of large negative economic shocks. The study therefore investigates the effects of the size of the informal economy on economic volatility in the Caribbean with emphasis on consumption volatility. The results are not meant to argue for policies to support the growth and penetration of the informal sector, but instead for policies aimed at supporting entrepreneurship within the region.
Measuring Fiscal Decentralization - Exploring the IMF's Databases

Conventional wisdom postulates that there are benefits from decentralizing government finances but there is little empirical evidence about actual country practices. This paper presents data on fiscal decentralization for about 80 countries over a period of about 20 years (1990 - 2008) from the IMF’s Government Finance Statistics Yearbook (GFSY), the only global database with fiscal data for several levels of government. The data show that in many countries, revenue collection remains relatively more centralized than expenditures and that employment tends to be concentrated in lower levels of government. Except for transition economies, the levels of decentralization are relatively stable over the time period. The findings are shown by degree of economic development, constitutional power arrangements, and geographic area, broadly confirming key factors identified in the literature as determining the extent of fiscal decentralization.
Managerial Incentives and Investment Policy in Family Firms: Evidence from a Structural Analysis**

This paper provides evidence that CEO incentive pay mediates the effect of family preferences on corporate investment policy. Our study focuses on the option portfolio volatility sensitivity vega, which motivates the risk‐taking behavior of undiversified managers. After controlling for factors that affect incentive pay and investment policy simultaneously, we find that one‐third of underinvestment in riskier R&D projects in active family firms can be attributed to a significantly lower vega. Passive family firms allocate more capital to R&D as opposed to active family firms, and are more active in M&A deal making. In contrast to many prior studies, pay incentives and families are not associated with capital expenditures. Overall, our empirical results suggest that CEO pay incentives induce investment policy contingent on firm risk. Family CEO incentive pay manifests the family preference for lower risk, especially in firms with higher firm risk. Nonetheless, after replacing family CEOs with outside professionals, investments in both R&D and M&A increase, which is consistent with the family preference for extended investment horizons. Interestingly, such a preference seems not to be manifested in incentive pay.
Assessing the quality of disclosure on intangibles in the Spanish capital market

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyse the quality of disclosure on intangibles in presentations to analysts held by firms listed in the Spanish capital market. Given that quantification of the information provides a more precise and convincing message than qualitative disclosure, the information is measured by two indices, which are focused on the specificity of the disclosure.Design/methodology/approach – The reports of all presentations to financial analysts held by Spanish companies listed in the Madrid Stock Exchange are analysed during the year 2000 and 2001. The sample contains 257 reports.Findings – Briefly, the study finds that there are differences in the quality of the information reported to financial analysts in Spain, and that several factors, such as firm size and the levels of profitability and leverage, highly influence it.Practical implications – This study contributes to the literature by analysing the disclosure of the information on intangibles beyond the commonly used disc.
Supermarkets in Low-Income Mediterranean Countries: Impacts on Horticulture Systems

In the past decade, supermarkets have spread rapidly in the low-income Mediterranean countries. Focusing on a case of advanced supermarket diffusion (Turkey) and of incipient diffusion (Morocco), this article examines this development and its impact on the fresh fruits and vegetable sector, emphasising the level of backward integration by the retailers into the supply chain and the type of retailer-supplier governance structure. Both countries' food sectors resemble those of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) transition countries in their shift from a mixed traditional/staterun/owned retail system to a liberalised system. Moreover, Turkey is also on the road to joining the European Union, and is classed in policy discussions with the CEE candidates.
Branding (Health) Journalism

Observational studies of journalists on social media platforms suggest that journalists are beginning to develop personal brands using social media. Similar studies suggest that journalists covering specialty areas such as health are more likely to experiment with and adopt new forms of practice that break with the traditional tenets of journalism. Through interviews with such journalists, this study explores the perceptions, practices, and drivers of personal branding among journalists. Findings indicate journalists are squarely focused on branding at the individual level (rather than branding the organizations they work for). Journalists cite technological and cultural changes in the profession as giving rise to personal branding. They also describe the tension they feel between their obligation to uphold the traditional tenets of journalism and their perceived need to incorporate more branding into their practice, especially on social media platforms. The findings indicate that journalists may be changing the fundamental elements of branding in at least one way, exchanging the differentiation between themselves and their content for the mutual sharing and co-creation of content with their colleagues and audience.
Inflation Forecasting: Issues and Challenges in India

This paper focuses on modelling and forecasting inflation in India using an augmented Phillips curve framework. Both demand and supply factors are seen as drivers of inflation. Demand conditions are found to have a stronger impact on non-food manufactured products inflation (NFMP) vis-a-vis headline WPI inflation; moreover, NFMP is found to be more persistent than headline inflation. Both these findings support the use of NFMP as a core measure of inflation. But, the impact of global non-fuel commodities on NFMP is found to be substantial. Inflation in non-fuel commodities is seen as a more important driver of domestic inflation rather than fuel inflation. The exchange rate pass-through coefficient is found to be modest, but nonetheless sharp depreciation in a short period of time can add to inflationary pressures. The estimated equations show a satisfactory in-sample as well as out-of-sample performance based on dynamic simulations. Nonetheless, forecasting challenges emanate from volatility in international oil and other commodity prices and domestic food supply dynamics.