Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated Variance Forecasting: Model-Based vs. Reduced-Form

This paper compares model-basedÂ and reduced-formÂ forecasts of financial volatility when high-frequency return data are available. We derived exact formulas for the forecast errors and analyzed the contribution of the "wrong" data modeling and errors in forecast inputs. The comparison is made for "feasible" forecasts, i.e., we assumed that the true data generating process, latent states and parameters are unknown. As an illustration, the same comparison is carried out empirically for spot 5 min returns of DM/USD exchange rates. It is shown that the comparison between feasible reduced-formÂ and model-basedÂ forecasts is not always in favor of the latter in contrast to their infeasible versions. The reduced-formÂ approach is generally better for long-horizon forecasting and for short-horizon forecasting in the presence of microstructure noise.
Outcomes Assessment of Role-Play Scenarios for Teaching Responsible Conduct of Research

We describe the summative assessment of role-play scenarios that we previously developed to teach central topics in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) to graduate students in science and engineering. Interviews with role-play participants, with participants in a case discussion training session, and with untrained students suggested that role-playing might promote a deeper appreciation of RCR by shifting the focus away from wanting to simply “know the rules. ” We also present the results of a think-aloud case analysis study and describe the development of a behaviorally-anchored rating scale (BARS) to assess participants' case analysis performance.
The moderating effect of self-efficacy on perceived service quality in E-learning: a China case study

— this study sought to determine the extent to which students’ self-efficacy and their social environment influence their perceptions of the e-learning platform as provided by the institution. Based on literature the Perceived Service Quality model (PSQ) is modified using self-efficacy as a moderating effect. Although multiple studies also indicate a moderating effect for social influence, no significance was found to confirm this. A case study at the East China Normal University was performed in validating the conceptual model.
Synthesis, G‐Quadruplex Stabilisation, Docking Studies, and Effect on Cancer Cells of Indolo[3,2‐b]quinolines with One, Two, or Three Basic Side Chains

G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA structures in telomeres and oncogenic promoter regions are potential targets for cancer therapy, and G4 ligands have been shown to modulate telomerase activity and oncogene transcription. Herein we report the synthesis and G4 thermal stabilisation effects, determined by FRET melting assays, of 20 indolo[3,2‐b]quinolines mono‐, di‐, and trisubstituted with basic side chains. Molecular modelling studies were also performed in an attempt to rationalise the ligands′ binding poses with G4. Overall, the results suggest that ligand binding and G4 DNA thermal stabilisation increase with an N5‐methyl or a 7‐carboxylate group and propylamine side chains, whereas selectivity between G4 and duplex DNA appears to be modulated by the number and relative position of basic side chains. From all the indoloquinoline derivatives studied, the novel trisubstituted compounds 3 d and 4 d, bearing a 7‐(aminoalkyl)carboxylate side chain, stand out as the most promising compounds; they show high G4 thermal stabilisation (ΔTm values between 17 and 8 °C) with an inter‐G4 ΔTm trend of Hsp90A>KRas21R≈F21T>c‐Kit2, 10‐fold selectivity for G4 over duplex DNA, and 100‐fold selectivity for the HCT116 cancer cell line (IC50 and IC90: <10 μM) over primary rat hepatocytes. Compounds 3 d and 4 d also decreased protein expression levels of Hsp90 and KRas in HCT116 cancer cells.
Marketing Strategies and National Culture: an empirical investigation of customers’ acceptance of the online banking channel in the context of Saudi national culture

Ahmad Altwaijri Page ii Abstract Technology and the development of the Internet has led to greater awareness among organisations of the role the Internet can play in improving services through online channels. Banks, financial institutions and the relevant government authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have made great progress towards improving their eservices; however, these efforts came with a lack of theoretical background concerning the main challenge, which is to encourage customers to accept Online Banking (OB). This research has explored these concerns, with the aim of providing better understanding of the salient factors affecting people‟s acceptance and adoption of OB technology within the specific national cultural context of Saudi Arabia. The literature suggests numerous factors as determinants of people‟s technology adoption in general and OB in particular. This study employs a qualitative approach to narrow down and identify factors that did not emerge in the literature, to arrive at the most appropriate ones. The qualitative stage of the research involved a combination of two focus groups (14 participants) and eight semi-structured interviews. After accomplishing the first stage, a model was proposed to explain the factors affecting user acceptance of technology in the context of OB in Saudi Arabia comprising eight constructs (Perceived Usefulness, Resistance to Change, Perceived Trust, Perceived Usefulness, Social Influence, Perceived Quantity, Uncertainty Avoidance and Perceived Image). A crosssectional survey was developed and distributed, resulting in 945 responses for use in the data analysis (using SPSS 20.0), for descriptive and exploratory factor analysis to extract constructs of the model. To finish, the proposed model and its hypotheses were examined by applying two-stage structural equation modelling. The conceptual model was found to be of value in explaining the role of the chosen factors that affect user acceptance of technology. The research found the seven direct predictors of BI to use OB explained 84.5 percent of BI variance. From the findings, it was found that the most significant predictor of BI was UA, followed by RC then PU. This research contributed to knowledge by providing a new e-service adoption model involving the impact of national culture. The newly proposed factors (PQ and UA as determinants) helped understand users‟ e-behaviours in KSA where research is seriously under-developed. The research limitations and recommended further efforts are finally presented.
Narasin, a Novel Antiviral Compound that Blocks Dengue Virus Protein Expression

Background Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes a spectrum of human diseases ranging from mild dengue fever to dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome in severe cases. Currently, there is no effective antiviral therapy or vaccine against DENV infection. Methods In order to identify potential antiviral agents against DENV, we performed high-throughput cell-based screening on a highly purified natural products library. Among the screening hits, selected compounds which displayed 50–75% inhibition against DENV2 were validated using secondary assays. Time-of-addition studies, dose-dependent assays, real time quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, Western blot and ultrastructural imaging were conducted in an attempt to elucidate the potential antiviral mechanisms of narasin. Results In this study, an ionophore, narasin was selected for detailed analysis due to its strong inhibitory profile against DENV infection with minimal cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration >1,000 μM). A dose- dependent study revealed narasin to have an 50% inhibitory concentration of less than 1 μM against all four serotypes of DENV. Time-of-addition studies of narasin-treated, DENV2- infected Huh-7 cells suggested narasin to be involved in inhibiting the post-entry stages of viral replication during DENV infection. Proteomic and ultrastructural analyses revealed the antiviral mechanism of narasin as likely to be associated with the disruption of viral protein synthesis. In addition, quantitative RT-PCR studies showed no differences in viral RNA levels between narasin- treated and control DENV2-infected cells. Conclusions Narasin was identified and characterized as a novel agent that inhibits DENV replication in vitro through non-cytotoxic mechanisms, thus indicating its potential to be further developed as a therapeutic anti-DENV agent.
Determinants of souvenirs purchasing behavior among international Phuket visitors

The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to examine the factors influencing souvenir purchasing behavior among international Phuket visitors, (2) to explore the importance of marketing mixes to souvenirs purchase decision and (3) to explore weakness of the marketing strategies of souvenir retailers in Phuket, and (4) to provide recommendations for improving the offer of souvenirs by Phuket venders. A mixed methods approach has been adopted including questionnaire and interview. The research began with a behavior study among International Phuket Visitors, and then focused on the marketing strategies implemented by retailers. 400 questionnaires were distributed to visitors who were 15 years or older. The questionnaires were collected during April to May 2006. SPSS for Windows was the statistical analysis package used to analyze the data. The statistic used were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, crosstabulation and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative research was utilized from in-dept interview from 138 souvenirs retailers with consisted of 5 souvenir categories. The finding related to souvenir purchasing behaviors revealed that most of respondent purchase souvenir sometimes (60.75%), follow by hardly ever (21.25%), every time (14.25%) and never (3.75%). The objective of purchasing was examined based on multi-respond and found that respondent bought
Cognitive profiles of healthy siblings of schizophrenia patients: Application of the cognitive domains of the MATRICS consensus battery

Even though a large body of data suggests the presence of various types of cognitive deficits in the unaffected relatives of schizophrenia patients, more study is needed to clarify the comparative sensitivities of specific cognitive measures for relative-control differences. In this study, the authors compared the cognitive profiles of unaffected siblings of schizophrenia patients and those of patients and normal controls, and attempted to identify cognitive markers that might be associated with genetic liability to schizophrenia. Eighty-eight clinically stable schizophrenia patients, 44 healthy patient siblings, and 100 normal controls were evaluated using comprehensive neuropsychological tests. The domain structure of the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery was adopted, and both domain scores and individual test scores were used in the analysis. Performances of the sibling group were intermediate between those of patients and controls on most measures. A significant difference between the sibling and control groups was observed only in the Category Fluency Test. This cognitive deficit might be caused by familial predisposition to schizophrenia and could be a candidate of endophenotype for schizophrenia.
Demand for and Assessment of Audit Quality in the Market for Private Capital: A Field Study

An organization’s demand for auditing is believed to be driven by regulation intended to protect third-party interests, especially those of shareholders and creditors. There is little agreement on what audit quality is. In this field study of private companies, we conduct interviews to learn about various sources of demand for audits, and criteria to assess their quality. Our study reveals several additional sources of unregulated demand from both internal agents (boards and employees) as well as external agents (customers, suppliers, bonding agencies, and other regulators). We also find that users assess audit quality based on auditor’s accounting expertise, presentation of financial statements, absence of errors, fee, connectivity in the business community, and on internal control and general business advice. Users are also interested in audit procedures, risk assessments and how they spent their time. Interestingly, regulators of public company audits discourage or prohibit the advisory functions and expansive reporting valued by private company users, for the fear of undermining audit independence and quality. Contrary to claims about the efficacy of audits, users remain skeptical of audited financial statements and put only limited reliance on them.
An investigation into the economic benefits of fast-timescale demand response using thermostatically controlled loads on the NEM

Amongst the many innovations for improving grid performance and stability is the concept of Fast-Timescale Demand Response (FTDR), which is particularly suited for appliances which have the capacity to store energy in the short term. In particular, domestic thermostatically-controlled loads (TCL), such as air-conditioners, are excellent candidates for FTDR. FTDR has the potential to reap financial benefits in the form of reduced running costs, but also may allow increased uptake of renewable energy by supplying grid-supporting services. The potential benefits of TCL-enabled FTDR has led to this idea being explored overseas, and this paper investigates the concept with reference to the Australian context. Along with geographically appropriate data and various optimisation methods, a computation framework is implemented here to calculate potential financial benefits to such a scheme. Specifically, by utilising 28 days of summer temperature readings for various locations around Sydney, it is found that an FTDR scheme as proposed yields a negative cost benefit, adding approximately 85% to these devices' running costs. We conclude that this is due to the inherent design of the models and framework used, in that they promote nonoptimal system behaviours. As such, it should be noted that these methods here possess several limitations, which need further study in order to be addressed, as a real system should yield a benefit.
Moving up the global value chain in Latvia

Stronger integration in global value chains would speed up economic convergence to advanced OECD economies and raise living standards. Participation in global value chains (GVCs) offers opportunities for boosting productivity through knowledge transfer and intensive use of technologically advanced inputs. It also enables Latvia to diversify exports into high value added goods and services. Latvia’s participation in GVC lags behind its Baltic and Central European peers. It also draws less value added from GVCs compared to many OECD economies. Nevertheless, GVC participation boosts the productivity of Latvian firms and enables them to increase employment and wages. Strong skills, high innovation capabilities and efficient resource allocation are essential for Latvian firms to engage in more knowledge intensive activities within GVCs. Improving access to higher education, promoting innovation cooperation between Latvian firms and foreign research institutes, reducing the large informal economy and establishing an effective judiciary and insolvency regime would unlock productivity growth through stronger integration in GVCs. This Working Paper relates to the 2017 OECD Economic Survey of Latvia. (www.oecd.org/eco/surveys/economic-survey-latvia.htm).
Early lactate-guided therapy in intensive care unit patients: a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial.

RATIONALE It is unknown whether lactate monitoring aimed to decrease levels during initial treatment in critically ill patients improves outcome. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of lactate monitoring and resuscitation directed at decreasing lactate levels in intensive care unit (ICU) patients admitted with a lactate level of greater than or equal to 3.0 mEq/L. METHODS Patients were randomly allocated to two groups. In the lactate group, treatment was guided by lactate levels with the objective to decrease lactate by 20% or more per 2 hours for the initial 8 hours of ICU stay. In the control group, the treatment team had no knowledge of lactate levels (except for the admission value) during this period. The primary outcome measure was hospital mortality. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The lactate group received more fluids and vasodilators. However, there were no significant differences in lactate levels between the groups. In the intention-to-treat population (348 patients), hospital mortality in the control group was 43.5% (77/177) compared with 33.9% (58/171) in the lactate group (P = 0.067). When adjusted for predefined risk factors, hospital mortality was lower in the lactate group (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.87; P = 0.006). In the lactate group, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were lower between 9 and 72 hours, inotropes could be stopped earlier, and patients could be weaned from mechanical ventilation and discharged from the ICU earlier. CONCLUSIONS In patients with hyperlactatemia on ICU admission, lactate-guided therapy significantly reduced hospital mortality when adjusting for predefined risk factors. As this was consistent with important secondary endpoints, this study suggests that initial lactate monitoring has clinical benefit. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials. gov (NCT00270673).
[Some of criteria in the evaluation of severity and prognosis with different forms of acute pancreatitis].

UNLABELLED The aim of the research is to improve diagnosis and assessment of severity and prognosis with different forms of acute pancreatitis. In 79 patients were studied levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, leucocyte intoxication index (LII), the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDG), creatinephosphokinase (CPK), amylase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT). RESULTS The level of leukocytes reflects the severity of the disease, but had no prognostic value. The level of lymphocytes, LII. LDG and lipase reflect the severity, of the disease and have prognostic value. The level of amylase, AST, ALT, CPK not always reflect the severity of the disease, but had prognostic value. CONCLUSION The most readily available to assess the severity and prognosis in acute pancreatitis are the level of blood lymphocytes and LII. Indicators LDG. CPK, amylase, lipase, AST and ALT also reflect the course and prognosis of the disease.
Robotics in computer science education

Robots would not be robots without computer science. Leave out computer science and what remains are fancy mechanisms and remotely controlled machines. It is no surprise then that robots appear in numerous computer science courses. The papers in this special issue, like the title of the issue itself, represent two distinct topics. The first two papers investigate the use of robots in teaching computer science concepts to a general audience. The final three papers study how to best teach concepts in robotics to upper-level computer science students. Taken together, these papers show the use of robotics in education with 11-year-old school children all the way up to students pursuing graduate studies in computer science. Robots have been used for education since 1971 (Feurzeg, 2006) when the Logo “floor turtle” (Papert, 1980) was introduced to teach logic and computing concepts to children. Using Logo, children could program the hemispherical floor robot “turtle,” to move a specified distance, turn, beep, and draw shapes on paper using a small pen placed under the turtle’s body. Roughly, a year later, the same team introduced the “screen turtle” simulator (Feurzeg, 2006) that was widely used by children in the 1980s. The 1990s saw several major developments that accelerated the use of robots in education: the creation of the first low-cost microcontrollers, such as the BASIC Stamp (Edwards, 1998) and the Handy Board (Martin, 2001), provided students with the ability to create robots around programmable devices. The founding and explosive growth of robotics competitions, notably FIRST (http://www.usfirst.org/) and Botball (http://botball.org/), raised awareness of robotics among high-school teachers. Finally, the development and mass-market sale of a reconfigurable robotics kit, the Lego RCX (Cliburn, 2006), allowed even elementary school students to build and program a robot in just a few hours. By 2000, computer science educators at the college level were beginning to explore using robots as tools in introductory computer science classes. Early results were not always promising. In an impressive study, Fagin and Merkle (2002) evaluated the performance of 938 students taking a core computing course required of all students at the US Air Force Academy. Roughly, one-quarter of these students were in special robotics sections of the class in which students used Lego Mindstorms Robots in four out of the
Risk of Critical Illness Among Patients With Solid Cancers: A Population-Based Observational Study.

IMPORTANCE Critical illness may be a potential determinant of cancer outcomes and geographic variations, but its role has not been described before. OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) within 2 years following cancer diagnosis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This was a retrospective observational study using cancer registry data in 4 datasets from 2000 to 2009 with linked ICU admission data from 2000 to 2011, in the West of Scotland region of the United Kingdom (population, 2.4 million; all 16 ICUs within the region). All 118,541 patients (≥16 years) diagnosed as having solid (nonhematological) cancers. Their median age was 69 years, and 52.0% were women. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Demographic and clinical variables associated with admission to an ICU and death in an ICU. RESULTS A total of 118,541 patients met the study criteria. Overall, 6116 patients (5.2% [95% CI, 5.0%-5.3%]) developed a critical illness and were admitted to an ICU within 2 years. Risk of critical illness was highest at ages 60 to 69 years and higher in men. The cumulative incidence of critical illness was greatest for small intestinal (17.2% [95% CI, 13.3%-21.8%]) and colorectal cancers (16.5% [95% CI, 15.9%-17.1%]). The risk following breast cancer was low (0.8% [95% CI, 0.7%-1.0%]). The percentage who died in ICUs was 14.1% (95% CI, 13.3%-15.0%), and during the hospital stay, 24.6% (95% CI, 23.5%-25.7%). Mortality was greatest among emergency medical admissions and lowest among elective surgical patients. The risk of critical illness did not vary by socioeconomic circumstances, but mortality was higher among patients from deprived areas. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, about 1 in 20 patients experienced a critical illness resulting in ICU admission within 2 years of cancer diagnosis. The associated high mortality rate may make a significant contribution to overall cancer outcomes.