Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are There Sex Differences in Neuropsychological Functions Among Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

The purpose of this study was to examine whether men and women with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) demonstrate differences in neuropsychological functioning compared to healthy men and women. Participants were 56 consecutive patients (33 male, 23 female) and 40 healthy control participants (20 male, 20 female) of comparable characteristics. Male and female patients had comparable symptom severity, illness duration, comorbidity, in- or out-patient status, and medication usage. An extensive neuropsychological test battery was administered including tests of general nonverbal intelligence, attention, verbal and nonverbal memory, and executive functions. Male and female OCD patients showed comparable neuropsychological performances on most cognitive domains. However, we found some evidence for cross-sex shifts in verbal fluency tasks (FAS and Category Alternation Test [CAT]), the reading component of the Stroop test, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Digit Span-Forward test. Post hoc analyses revealed that female patients showed reduced performance on these tests compared to healthy women, in the male-typical direction. Among OCD women only, there were significant negative correlations between OCD symptom severity and performance on the CAT and the reading Stroop. We conclude that sex does not seem to be a major determinant of neuropsychological function in OCD, but the observed cross-sex shifts on some tasks deserve further examination.
Demographic Changes, Household Savings and Economic Growth in All China: A Time-Series Approach

This paper investigates the effects of population age structure and economic growth on the household saving rate in China and examines whether life cycle hypothesis (LCH) holds in the country like China, where LCH may be less applicable. By applying two popular time series econometric techniques (cointegration technique and vector error correction model), the author examines the long-run convergence between household saving rate, age structure of population and GDP growth in all China from 1963 to 2006. The empirical findings can be summarized as follows. Firstly, there exists a long-run steady-state relationship between them. Secondly, both the youth dependency ratio and old dependency ratio have a negative and significant impact on the household saving rate, while the GDP growth rate have a positive effect on the household saving rate. Therefore, the results support the life cycle hypothesis (LCH). Thirdly, with regards to the vector error correction model (VECM), the estimation results show that all variables expect youth dependency ratio (YDR) will not have a significant adjustment to a new equilibrium if there is a disturbance occurred in the whole system.
Rate of Returns to Education of Persons with Disabilities in Rural China

The aim of this paper is to estimate the returns to education in the disable people in rural China in the past 20 years. The regression of Mincerian wage equation as the method is used, and the data is based on CHNS data in 1991-2009 survey. The results show that the education level has significant positive linear relationship with the rate of returns to education (RRE). The RRE for the rural disable people is lower than the RRE of the disabled in urban, which are 5.3% and 7.6%. The RRE of male disabled is higher than the RRE of female. Difference of RRE of disabled people between different regions are significant and East>West>Central is RRE orders in rural regions in China. The results imply that it is necessary to increase supply of special education to improve the education situation of the disabled in rural China and focus on the educational problem in the female disabled. Index Terms - rural; disabled people; returns to education; Mincer regression I. Introduction
Speed of Heart Rate Recovery in Response to Orthostatic Challenge.

RATIONALE Speed of heart rate recovery (HRR) may serve as an important biomarker of aging and mortality. OBJECTIVE To examine whether the speed of HRR after an orthostatic maneuver (ie, active stand from supine position) predicts mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS A longitudinal cohort study involving a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older individuals aged ≥50 years. A total of 4475 participants completed an active stand at baseline as part of a detailed clinic-based cardiovascular assessment. Beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure responses to standing were measured during a 2-minute window using a finometer and binned in 10-s intervals. We modeled HRR to the stand by age group, cardiovascular disease burden, and mortality status using a random effects model. Mortality status during a mean follow-up duration of 4.3 years served as the primary end point (n=138). Speed of HRR in the immediate 20 s after standing was a strong predictor of mortality. A 1-bpm slower HRR between 10 and 20 s after standing increased the hazard of mortality by 6% controlling for established risk factors. A clear dose-response relationship was evident. Sixty-nine participants in the slowest HRR quartile died during the observation period compared with 14 participants in the fastest HRR quartile. Participants in the slowest recovery quartile were 2.3× more likely to die compared with those in the fastest recovery quartile. CONCLUSIONS Speed of orthostatic HRR predicts mortality and may aid clinical decision making. Attenuated orthostatic HRR may reflect dysregulation of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
Trading System and Market Integration

In this paper we empirically investigate the impact of the trading system on the integration of markets. Our data set consists of intraday quotes of screen traded stock index futures and two stock index price series. One index series results from stock prices determined in a floor trading system while the other is based on screen traded stocks. Two main results are obtained: First, futures and spot prices move together more closely when both instruments are screen traded. Second, the observed discrepancy in market integration cannot be attributed to differences in arbitrage trading.
Reduced Use of Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Diets Fed to Weanling Pigs: Dietary Tools, Part 2

Diets formulated to maximize performance of weanling pigs need to support the development of intestinal tissue, support intestinal colonization with beneficial, mainly lactic acid-producing bacteria, and support development of the intestinal and overall immune system. This objective is not likely to be achieved using one single strategy, but there is strong evidence that diets formulated with cereal grains other than corn, with a low concentration of crude protein and with the use of direct-fed microbials, will improve intestinal health and performance of weanling pigs. Further improvements may be observed if the grain part of the diet is fermented prior to feeding or if the diet is fed in a liquid form, but the need for specialized equipment limit the implementation of this strategy. Dietary supplements such as essential oils and nucleosides or nucleotides may also be useful, but more research is needed to verify the effects of these substances.
A practical solution to wireless energy transfer in WSNs

With the advancement in the technology of wireless energy transfer based on magnetic resonant coupling, multiple nodes can be charged simultaneously. In this paper, we utilize this new breakthrough to transfer energy to sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks. We carry on the cellular structure in [4] to describe a wireless sensor network (WSN) and employ a wireless charging vehicle (WCV) periodically visiting each cell to charge nodes within it wirelessly. We propose a dynamic optimization model which is practical and feasible to forecast the departure time and charging time in each cell of the WCV. With the target of maximizing the time during which WCV stays at the service station, we develop two constraints as sufficient and necessary conditions to satisfy the energy requirement at each node and present through simulation how to schedule the WCV to accomplish its energy transfer tasks in a real-time WSN.
Basic Studies on the Bone Formation Ability by Platelet Rich Plasma in Rabbits

Purpose:Platelets, which contain many growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), can be obtained in high concentrations by centrifugal separation and are being used as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in clinical applications. The authors evaluated the bone formation ability by PRP in rabbits. Materials and Methods:In experiment 1, the authors made platelet precipitations from the whole blood obtained from rabbits. Each precipitated platelet was resuspended in fibrin glue. The glue was applied to a 1-mm wide slit defect of the same rabbit mandible. After 1 week, the authors observed the histologic appearances. In experiment 2, the fibrin glue containing the precipitated platelet was applied to a bicortical defect of a rabbit cranium with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules as artificial bone material. After 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months, the authors observed the radiologic and histologic appearances. Results and Conclusions:In both experiments, a prosperous bone formation was observed from the beginning more in the group treated with PRP than in the group untreated. In experiment 2, gradual appearances of the bone formation were observed in the bubble of β-TCP. In application with artificial bone materials, bone formations by PRP were suitably observed.
Correcting for non-response bias in contingent valuation surveys concerning environmental non-market goods: an empirical investigation using an online panel

Data collection for economic valuation by using Internet surveys and pre-recruited Internet panels can be associated with severe disadvantages. Problems concerning sample coverage and sample representativeness can be expected. Representation errors may occur since people can choose whether to be part of an Internet panel and subsequently whether they wish to participate in the survey, thereby introducing two elements of potential self-selection. These elements may be correlated with preferences, thus making the respondents a non-random and non-representative sample, ultimately biasing results. This paper analyses a sample used for an Internet contingent valuation method survey eliciting preferences for improvements in water quality of a river. We find that some variables that affect the survey participation decision also affect willingness-to-pay, consequently biasing our welfare estimates. We show how adjusting willingness-to-pay for this bias can be accomplished by using a grouped data model incorporating a correlation parameter to account for selection.
Continuity in lexical and morphological development: a test of the critical mass hypothesis

ABSTRACT Several recent studies have demonstrated strong relationships between lexical acquisition and subsequent developments within the domain of morphosyntax. A connectionist model of the acquisition of a morphological System analogous to that of the English past tense (Plunkett & Marchman, 1993) suggests that growth in vocabulary size may relate to the onset of over-regularization errors. However, this model suggests that the relationships between vocabulary size and morphosyntactic development are non-linear. Incremental increases in the number of verbs to be learned result in qualitative shifts in the treatment of both previously learned and novel forms, but only after the size of the lexicon exceeds a particular level (i.e. reaches a ‘critical mass’). In this paper we present parental report data from an extensive study of English-speaking children aged 1;4 to 2;6 using the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Toddler form (N = 1130). These data corroborate several findings from previous studies, including the early usage of unmarked verb stems and the correct production of irregular past tense forms. Further, we demonstrate support for the ‘critical mass’ view of the onset of over-regularization errors, focusing on continuity among lexical and morphological developments. In our view, these data suggest that these linguistic milestones may be paced by similar, if not identical mechanisms.
Contribution of the long form of syntaxin 5 to the organization of the endoplasmic reticulum

Summary The SNARE protein syntaxin 5 exists as long (42 kDa) and short (35 kDa) isoforms. The short form is principally localized in the Golgi complex, whereas the long form resides not only in the Golgi but also in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Although the Golgi-localized short form has been extensively investigated, little is known about the long form. In the present study, we demonstrate that the long form of syntaxin 5 functions to shape the ER. We found that overexpression of the long form of syntaxin 5 induces rearrangement and co-alignment of the ER membrane with microtubules, the pattern of which is quite similar to that observed in cells overexpressing CLIMP-63, a linker between the ER membrane and microtubules. The ability of syntaxin 5 to induce ER-microtubule rearrangement is not related to its SNARE function, but correlates with its binding affinities for CLIMP-63, and CLIMP-63 is essential for the induction of this rearrangement. Microtubule co-sedimentation assays demonstrated that the long form of syntaxin 5 has a substantial microtubule-binding activity. These results suggest that the long form of syntaxin 5 contributes to the regulation of ER structure by interacting with both CLIMP-63 and microtubules. Indeed, depletion of syntaxin 5 caused the spreading of the ER to the cell periphery, similar to the phenotype observed in cells treated with the microtubule-depolymerizing reagent nocodazole. Our results disclose a previously undescribed function of the long form of syntaxin 5 that is not related to its function as a SNARE.
Are the poor socially integrated? The link between poverty and social support in different welfare regimes

Cultures of support vary across enlarged Europe. This article examines the link between poverty and social integration in countries characterized by different economic, cultural and welfare state regimes. Its object is to determine whether being materially disadvantaged increases the likelihood of social disintegration (accumulation) or whether poor people can count on receiving more support (compensation). In addition it will examine the conditions under which material and social disadvantages accumulate. The empirical analysis thus combines a micro- with a macro-sociological perspective and focuses particular attention on the context in which people are poor. Although poverty is closely connected to social disintegration, the degree of accumulation varies from one country to the next. Of decisive importance is household composition, which is strongly related to country-specific social policy design. Contextual factors such as the prevalence of poverty also play a role, as do general attitudes to religion and family solidarity.
Is South Korea's stock market efficient?

This letter applies the Zivot and Andrews (Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, 10, 251–70, 1992) one break and the Lumsdaine and Papell (Review of Economic and Statistics, 79, 212–8, 1997) two break unit root tests to examine the random walk hypothesis for stock prices in South Korea. The results provide strong evidence that stock prices in South Korea are characterized by a unit root, which is consistent with the efficient market hypothesis.
China: Coming to Grips with the New Global Player

This paper analyses China's economic performance in the last 25 years and discusses its prospect for growth in the future. Exports and investment have been the two driving forces for the high annual GDP growth rates. FDI plays an important role. However, structural issues such as the loss-making state-owned firms and the fragile banking industry have to be solved. Monetary policy is complicated by the accumulation of reserves which, however, provide an insurance for the fragile banking system. Property rights, a crucial element in transforming a communist society, are far from being clearly developed. Major policy issues in the future include the correction of the distorted growth process and of the institutional deficits, especially with respect to the rule of law and the lack of democracy.
Cutting fraud losses in Canadian organizations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of various internal controls (i.e. hotlines, regular ethics (fraud) training, surprise audits, internal and external audits and background checks) on reducing occupational fraud losses by victim organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The paper, based on data from an occupational fraud report co-authored by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and Peltier-Rivest (2007), uses a multivariate regression analysis to analyze the effect of various internal controls on preventing fraud losses. Findings – The authors’ analyses demonstrate that hotlines, regular ethics (fraud) training, surprise audits and internal audits all decrease fraud losses when used separately. However, hotlines and surprise audits are the only statistically significant controls when controlling for the potential correlation among all internal controls. Hotlines are associated with a reduction of 54 per cent in median fraud losses, while surprise audits cut me.
The issuance of convertible bonds and earnings management: evidence from Taiwan

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine whether companies engage in earnings management during the specific years when convertible bonds are issued and redeemed; also to determine if any differences exist in earnings management when convertible bonds are issued domestically or abroad. Design/methodology/approach - Discretionary current accruals are adopted as proxies for earnings management and the regression models are used to control the related variables. Findings - The empirical results indicate that companies conduct earnings management in the years when convertible bonds are issued, and that there is no significant difference between earnings management when convertible bonds are issued in Taiwan or abroad. However, data after 2001 indicate that companies issuing convertible bonds abroad perform less earnings management compared to those issuing convertible bonds domestically. The results show no significant difference in earnings management in the years when convertible bonds are redeemed; the reasons may be due to the relatively small sample size and that the majority of convertible bonds are still outstanding. Originality/value - This paper advances findings from previous studies, that firms conducting seasoned equity offerings manage earnings upward to increase the offering proceeds. This paper highlights the linkage between convertible bonds and earnings management. Conducting an integrated analysis of the relationship between convertible bonds and earnings management, it aims to provide a better understanding of the process.
Do E-government Services ‘Really’ Make Life Easier? Analyzing Demographic Indicators of Turkish Citizens’ E-government Perception Using Ordered Response Models

The evolution stages of e-government services should be well-established for more effective e-government services and more satisfied citizens. This study aims to determine factors affecting e-government services with an emphasis on demographic attributes in a developing country. Particularly, the study investigates the effectiveness of past e-government services in terms of their contribution to human life. For these purposes, the data obtained from 2011 Life Satisfaction Survey were analyzed using four distinctive ordered response models including ordered logit, generalized ordered logit, heterogeneous choice model and partial constrained generalized ordered logit models due to the natural ordering of the dependent variable. The results of this study show that there are significant relationships among the factors that influence perception of e-government, namely, current residence, educational level, and occupational sector for all models, additionally household size for heterogeneous choice model. Consequently, partial constrained generalized logit model was found to have more parsimonious than other models. This study was probably the first attempt to analyze e-government service quality using four different ordered response models in e-government research literature. The outcome of this study may provide valuable information and enable benchmarking options for future e-government policies. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n1p185
The effects of artificial ageing on the leaching behaviour of heavy metals in stabilized/solidified industrial sludge

The use of a hydraulic binder for the treatment of mineral‐based industrial wastes, containing heavy metals, by the chemical fixation and solidification (CFS) technique has raised serious questions regarding the prediction of the behaviour of these pollutants in the obtained solid matrix. It seems necessary, for this reason, to study the behaviour of these metals in response to leaching in order to evaluate their chemical speciation within the solidified sludge over the medium and long‐terms. Within the framework of the current research, we applied the CFS technique to metallic hydroxide sludge, produced by the electrotyping surface treatment industry, by using Portland artificial cement (PAC). Compaction at the paste phase of this treated sludge resulted in up to 35% enhancement of the retention of pollutants, mainly trivalent chromium, in a cementing matrix, as compared with the classical technique that uses a simple vibration of sludge at the paste phase. The implemented process led to an improvement in the compactness of the sludge, and thus assured a better retention of heavy metals in response to the leaching of this treated sludge. The evaluation of the chemical properties of the materials obtained after an artificial ageing process using humidity variation cycles and thermal chocks also revealed a significant improvement in the retention capacity of heavy metals in the solidified sludge, which was mainly favoured by the development of carbonation. In fact, the release of the heavy metals from the above mentioned treated sludge was reduced by 58% for zinc and 51% for trivalent chromium after the artificial ageing process.
Non-Paternalistic Social Discounting

The long-run social discount rate sets the rate of return a public project with long-term consequences must earn to be welfare improving, and is thus a critical input to the cost benefit analysis of policies such as climate change mitigation, nuclear waste management, and infrastructure investments. Economists have had persistent disagreements about the appropriate values of the welfare parameters that determine this quantity, leading to substantial disagreements on the benefits of policies with long-run consequences. I present a model in which public decision-makers have heterogeneous opinions about the normative inputs to social discounting formulae, but their preferences are non-paternalistic, i.e. they do not impose their own views on others when evaluating future social wellbeing. I show that non-paternalism causes all decision-makers to agree on the long-run social discount rate. While surveys suggest that the 5-95% range of economists’ recommended values for the social discount rate is 1-7%/yr in common growth scenarios, non-paternalism could reduce this to a range of 3.2-3.3%/yr for projects with a maturity of 50 years, with even greater consensus emerging for longer maturities.