Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proof That Properly Discounted Present Values of Assets Vibrate Randomly

Even the best investors seem to find it hard to do better than the comprehensive common-stock averages, or better on the average than random selection among stocks of comparable variability. Examination of historical samples of percentage changes in a stock's price show that, when these relative price changes are properly adjusted for expected dividends paid out, they are more or less indistinguishable from white noise, or, at the least, their expected percentage movements constitute a driftless random walk (or random walk with mean drift specifiable in terms of an interest factor appropriate to the stock's variability or riskiness). The present contribution shows that such observable patterns can be deduced rigorously from a model which hypothesizes that a stock's present price is set at the expected discounted value of its future dividends, where the future dividends are supposed to be random variables generated according to any general (but known) stochastic process. This fundamental theorem follows by an easy superposition applied to the 1965 Samuelson theorem that properly anticipated futures prices fluctuate randomly -- i.e., constitute a martingale sequence, or a generalized martingale with specifiable mean drift. Examples demonstrate that even when the economy is not free to wander randomly, intelligent speculation is able to whiten the spectrum of observed stock-price changes. A subset of investors might have better information or modes of analysis and get above average gains in the random-walk model; and the model's underlying probabilities could be shaped by fundamentalists' economic forces.
The ambulatory hypotensive effect of aerobic training: a reappraisal through a meta‐analysis of selected moderators

The effectiveness of regular exercise in decreasing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) is well‐established. Our purpose was to assess the impact of both subject and physical activity program characteristics on ambulatory BP through a meta‐analysis of the existing literature. Three databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) were searched using relevant terms and strategies. From 637 identified records, 37 studies met inclusion criteria: details about training intervention and participant characteristics, pre‐ and post‐training ambulatory BP measurements, at home (HBPM) or during 24‐h (ABPM). The weighted mean difference was for 24‐h systolic/diastolic ABPM (n = 847 participants): −4.06/−2.77 mmHg (95%CI: −5.19 to −2.93/−3.58 to −1.97; P < 0.001), for daytime (ABPM or HBPM, n = 983): −3.78/−2.73 mmHg (95%CI: −5.09 to −2.47/−3.57 to −1.89; P < 0.001) and nighttime ABPM periods (n = 796): −2.35/−1.70 mmHg (95%CI: −3.26 to −1.44/−2.45 to −0.95; P < 0.001). Characteristics significantly influencing BP improvement were: an initial office BP ≥130/85 mmHg and diet‐induced weight‐loss. We found no differences according to sex, age, or training characteristics (intensity, number of sessions, training duration). Antihypertensive effects of aerobic training assessed by ambulatory BP measurements appear significant and clinically relevant for both daytime and nighttime periods, in particular for participants with an office BP ≥130/85 mmHg.
Performance of a multi‐marker Diabetes Risk Score in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS), a multi‐ethnic US cohort

This study compares a previously developed Diabetes Risk Score to commonly used clinical tools for type 2 diabetes risk evaluation in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) cohort, a multi‐ethnic US cohort. Available as a clinical test, the PreDx® Diabetes Risk Score uses fasting concentrations of adiponectin, C‐reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin‐2 receptor alpha, HbA1c, glucose and insulin, plus age and gender to predict 5‐year risk of diabetes. It was developed in a Northern European population.
A Financial Perspective on Structure, Conduct, and Performance in the Family Firm: An Empirical Study

Respondents from 485 family firms in Canada rated integrity and commitment to the business as the most important attributes of a successor. Results indicated that the older the family business and the longer the respondent's tenure in that business, the more important these attributes became. Birth order and gender were rated the least important, despite the attention the literature has given to those attributes.
Allocative Disturbances and Specific Capital in Real Business Cycle Theories

chanted, albeit in varying degree, with business cycle theories that either posit unexplained nominal wage and price rigidities or rely on misperceptions about nominal variables as a key driving force. One response to this disenchantment has been a concentration of research effort on real business cycle theories. Aside from dissatisfaction with competitor theories, the very visible oil price shock episodes of the 1970's lent plausibility to the view that exogenous "real" disturbances cause large fluctuations in aggregate economic activity. This essay on real business cycle theory considers the role of allocative disturbances in aggregate economic fluctuations when human and physical capital are specialized. By "allocative disturbances," I mean events that impinge on the economy by inducing a costly, time-consuming reallocation of specialized resources. At least since the publication of Ricardo's Principles in 1817, economists have recognized some of the potentially important aggregate consequences of allocative disturbances. Ricardo writes:
Carbonic anhydrase in marine algae.

An electrometric system for determination of carbonic anhydrase activity was constructed. Enzyme activity was assayed in homogenates of marine macroscopic Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, and Phaeophyta. Plants surveyed included Ulva expansa (Setchell) Setchell and Gardner, Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot, Enteromorpha sp. , Chaetomorpha torta (Farlow) McClatchie (Chlorophyta); Laurencia papillosa (Greville). Plocamium coccineum var. pacificum (Kylin) Dawson, Pterocladia capillacea (Gmelin) Bornet and Thuret. Gigartina armata J. Agardh (Rhodophyta); Eisenia arborea Areschoug and Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C. A. Agardh (Phaeophyta). Activity was present in all algae; in the Phaeophyta this could be demonstrated only after dialysis. p-Chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid (10(-4)m) decreased activity in 1 species, Plocamium; this inhibition could be almost completely overcome with the addition of 10(-3)m dithiothreitol. In 2 green and 2 red algae assayed for sensitivity to acetazolamide (Diamox), inhibition was complete at 10(-4)m concentration of inhibitor. Dithiothreitol at a concentration of 10(-3)m did not enhance activity in any of the homogenates, and was not necessary for enzyme expression.
Nonconservative Discrete-Time ISS Small-Gain Conditions for Closed Sets

This paper presents a unification and a generalization of the small-gain theory subsuming a wide range of existing small-gain theorems. In particular, we introduce small-gain conditions that are necessary and sufficient to ensure input-to-state stability (ISS) with respect to <italic>closed</italic> sets. Toward this end, we first develop a Lyapunov characterization of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\omega$</tex-math></inline-formula>ISS via finite-step <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\omega$</tex-math></inline-formula>ISS Lyapunov functions. Then, we provide the small-gain conditions to guarantee <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\omega$</tex-math> </inline-formula>ISS of a network of systems. Finally, applications of our results to partial ISS, ISS of time-varying systems, synchronization problems, incremental stability, and distributed observers are given.
Fossil oak galls preserve ancient multitrophic interactions

Trace fossils of insect feeding have contributed substantially to our understanding of the evolution of insect–plant interactions. The most complex phenotypes of herbivory are galls, whose diagnostic morphologies often allow the identification of the gall inducer. Although fossil insect-induced galls over 300 Myr old are known, most are two-dimensional impressions lacking adequate morphological detail either for the precise identification of the causer or for detection of the communities of specialist parasitoids and inquilines inhabiting modern plant galls. Here, we describe the first evidence for such multitrophic associations in Pleistocene fossil galls from the Eemian interglacial (130 000–115 000 years ago) of The Netherlands. The exceptionally well-preserved fossils can be attributed to extant species of Andricus gallwasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) galling oaks (Quercus), and provide the first fossil evidence of gall attack by herbivorous inquiline gallwasps. Furthermore, phylogenetic placement of one fossil in a lineage showing obligate host plant alternation implies the presence of a second oak species, Quercus cerris, currently unknown from Eemian fossils in northwestern Europe. This contrasts with the southern European native range of Q. cerris in the current interglacial and suggests that gallwasp invasions following human planting of Q. cerris in northern Europe may represent a return to preglacial distribution limits.
Determinants of audit report lag: Does implementing corporate governance have any impact? Empirical evidence from Egypt

Purpose – There are three main purposes of this study which are: first, to review the literature on audit report lag (ARL) and its determinants; second, to measure the extent of ARL in a developing country, Egypt; and third, to empirically examine the impact of corporate governance (CG) characteristics on ARL in Egypt.Design/methodology/approach – The literature on determinants of ARL motivated the author to investigate about the impact of CG characteristics and audit‐related characteristics on ARL especially in emerging capital markets, such as the Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange (CASE) for a sample (85 companies) of Egyptian listed companies. Further, the study includes explanatory variables relating to CG characteristics, which have not previously been considered (i.e. board independence, duality of chief executive officer (CEO), and existence of an audit committee), that may shed more light on the structure and dynamics of the ARL.Findings – The ARL for each of the 85 listed sample companies range.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment of Vancomycin in Neonates on Extracorporeal Life Support

Objectives: To evaluate the population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic target attainment of vancomycin in neonates with a contemporary ¼-inch extracorporeal life support circuit with a Quadrox-iD Pediatric oxygenator (Maquet Cardiovascular, LLC, Wayne, NJ). Design: Retrospective medical record review. Setting: Two free-standing tertiary/quaternary pediatric children’s hospitals. Patients: Neonates receiving either veno-arterial or veno-venous extracorporeal life support and vancomycin for empiric or definitive therapy with resulting serum concentrations. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Twelve patients with a median gestations age of 39 weeks (range 36–41 wk) and a median postnatal age of 9.5 days (range 0–28 d) accounted for 14 courses of vancomycin therapy while on extracorporeal life support and were included in the analysis. The median weight was 3.1 kg (range 2.2–4.41 kg) with five of 12 patients (41.7%) being female. Vancomycin concentrations were best described by an one-compartment model incorporating allometric scaling of estimated glomerular filtration rate on clearance. The mean total body clearance (mL/min/kg) for the population was 3.48 ± 1.31 mL/min/kg, and the mean total volume of distribution (L/kg) for the population was 1.2 ± 0.4 L/kg. The intermittent and continuous infusion dosing regimens that provided for the highest percentage of trough concentrations in the range of 10–20 mg/L were the 10 mg/kg/dose IV q8h, 12.5 mg/kg/dose IV q8–12h, 15 mg/kg/dose IV q12h, and 20 mg/kg/dose IV q12h, and the 20, 25, and 30 mg/kg/d continuous infusion regimens, respectively. All regimens allowed for an area under the concentration:minimum inhibitory concentration ratio of 400:1 for minimum inhibitory concentrations of less than or equal to 0.5 mg/L for a 90% PTA. None of the simulated regimens had a greater than 90% probability of achieving an area under the concentration:minimum inhibitory concentration ratio of 400:1 for vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations greater than or equal to 1 mg/L while maintaining trough concentrations in the range of 10–20 mg/L. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of neonates receiving vancomycin with a contemporary ¼-inch extracorporeal life support circuit including the Quadrox-iD Pediatric oxygenator (Maquet Cardiovascular, LLC). The data suggest differences in vancomycin pharmacokinetics compared with previous extracorporeal life support data, notably a more rapid clearance, which could result in lower vancomycin concentrations. Considering this, a more aggressive initial dosing regimen may need to be employed in infants on extracorporeal life support.
Age-Dependent Impairment of Somatosensory Response in the Amyloid Precursor Protein 23 Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Quantitative functional magnetic resonance imaging was applied to characterize brain function in amyloid precursor protein 23 (APP23) transgenic mice, which reproduce the neuropathological alterations associated with Alzheimer's disease. Electrical stimulation of the paw led to cerebral blood volume increases in the contralateral somatosensory cortex. In APP23 mice this hemodynamic response decreased with increasing age of the animal and with increasing stimulus amplitude as compared with wild-type animals. The age-dependent dysfunction in APP23 mice may be attributed in part to a compromised cerebrovascular reactivity. Quantitative functional brain mapping that uses standardized sensory inputs should allow for assessment of disease progression and therapy response (e.g., passive immunization against β-amyloid) in patients also.
Sedimentation from particle-bearing plumes in a stratified ambient

To understand better the spread of ash from volcanic eruptions penetrating into the stratosphere, laboratory experiments are performed using a recently developed light attenuation technique to measure the deposit of sediments from a particle-bearing plume rising in stratified fluid. The results are used to calibrate an adaptation of a plume model that accounts for particle settling and re-entrainment.
Job Preferences, College Major, and the Gender Gap in Earnings

Work preferences and preparation (college major) are included in an analysis of the gender differential in earnings among recent college graduates, using data from the National Longitudinal Studies of the High School Class of 1972. The results indicate a tendency for the young men and young women in the sample to prefer different occupational roles and to major in different fields of study in college. Together, these differences account for about one-third to two-thirds of the gender gap in hourly earnings three years after college graduation. This indicates that omission of work preferences and college major leads to an overestimation of the degree of current labor market discrimination against young female college graduates.
On Trade Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility and Institutional Quality: The Case of Central European Countries

This paper explores the effect of exchange rate volatility and of the institutional quality on international trade flows of transition economies in Central European Countries by applying a gravity model of balance panel between 1999 and 2008. The results show that nominal exchange rate volatility has had a significant negative effect on trade by applying Psuedo-Maximum-Likelihood (PML) estimator method over this period. The institutional quality need to be improved in case of size of government and the quality of regulation. The negative effect of exchange rate volatility on agricultural exports suggests that joining Central European Countries to the euro zone can reduce the negative effects of exchange rate volatility on trade.
Domestic debt in Low-Income Countries

The potential consequences of the development of domestic debt markets in Low-Income Countries (LICs) are extremely relevant for policy-makers and international financial institutions, especially in light of a scaling-up of public investment in infrastructures. This paper introduces a new dataset on the stock of domestic debt in LICs over the period 1970-2010. With respect to the existing dataset, this one expands the country and time coverage, devotes a careful attention to the problem of the zeros and addresses some inconsistencies between the existing datasets. The descriptive analysis of the evolution of domestic debt in LICs, especially over the last two decades, points out some interesting patterns. The reliance on internal financing has partially offset the reduction in external debt granted by bilateral and multilateral debt relief initiatives. Domestic debt increased at a lower and less volatile pace in countries with better policies and institutions. This pattern is mirrored by a greater capital accumulation, a faster financial development, and a stronger output growth. This descriptive evidence supports the hypothesis that the development of the domestic debt market can bring benefits only in presence of a stable macroeconomic environment, lack of political uncertainty and a developed financial system.
The Expectations Hypothesis of the Term Structure and Risk Premiums in Dry Bulk Shipping Freight Markets

The availability of shipping freight contracts with different duration offers shipowners, operators, and charterers the choice to trade risk and return according to the characteristics that each of these contracts offers on the utility frontier. The aim of this paper is to investigate the expectations hypothesis of the term structure in the formation of period rates, which requires long-term charter rates to be a function of a series of short-term contracts within the life of a long-term contract. The paper uses a battery of tests to examine the validity of the expectations hypothesis for a variety of size categories and different length charter rates over the period January 1980 to August 1997. © The London School of Economics and the University of Bath 2002
Effects of Statins on Restenosis After Coronary Stent Implantation

Experimental data and preliminary clinical studies suggest that lipid-lowering drugs might have a beneficial effect on restenosis after coronary angioplasty. Recently, statins have been focused on prevention of restenosis after coronary stent implantation. However, their benefit has not yet been established. The authors studied the effects of statins on stent restenosis. We compared retrospectively the quantitative coronary angiographic (QCA) variables between 62 dyslipidemic patients treated with statins (pravastatin or fluvastatin) and 62 normolipidemic patients, as a control, treated without statins after undergoing successful coronary stent implantation with 6-month follow-up angiography from May 1999 to December 2002. Major cardiac events were about the same in both groups. Each of the QCA variables before and immediately after coronary stenting was similar in the 2 groups. At follow-up angiography, however, minimal lumen diameter (MLD) (2.12 ∓0.73 vs 1.78 ∓0.7; p<0.01) was larger in the statin group than in the normolipidemia group. Both restenosis rate (15% vs 31%; p=0.05) and target lesion revascularization rate (10% vs 24%; p=0.05) were lower in the statin group than in the normolipidemia group. Statin reduced restenosis rate. The efficacy of statins appears to be dependent on their pleiotropic effects on vascular wall rather than on lipid-lowering effects.
Inconsistency Management in Software Engineering: Survey and Open Research Issues

The development of complex software systems is a complex and lengthy activity that involves the participation and collaboration of many stakeholders (e.g. customers, users, analysts, designers, and developers). This results in many partial models of the developing system. These models can be inconsistent with each other since they describe the system from different perspectives and reflects the views of the stakeholders involved in their construction. Inconsistent software models can have negative and positive effects in the software development life-cycle. On the negative side, inconsistencies can delay and increase the cost of system development; do not guarantee some properties of the system, such as safety and reliability; and generate difficulties on system maintenance. On the positive side, inconsistencies can facilitate identification of some aspects of the system that need further analysis, assist with the specification of alternatives for the development of the system, and support elicitation of information about it. The software engineering community has proposed many techniques and methods to support the management of inconsistencies in various software models. In this paper, we present a survey of these techniques and methods. The survey is organized according to a conceptual framework which views inconsistency management as a process composed of six activities. These activities are the detection of overlaps, detection of inconsistencies, diagnosis of inconsistencies, handling of inconsistencies, tracking of inconsistencies, and specification and application of a management policy for inconsistencies. This paper also presents the main contributions of the research work that has been conducted to support each of the above activities and identifies the issues which are still open to further research.