Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Empirical Dynamic Asset Pricing: Model Specification and Econometric Assessment

Written by one of the leading experts in the field, this book focuses on the interplay between model specification, data collection, and econometric testing of dynamic asset pricing models. The first several chapters provide an in-depth treatment of the econometric methods used in analyzing financial time-series models. The remainder explores the goodness-of-fit of preference-based and no-arbitrage models of equity returns and the term structure of interest rates; equity and fixed-income derivatives prices; and the prices of defaultable securities. Singleton addresses the restrictions on the joint distributions of asset returns and other economic variables implied by dynamic asset pricing models, as well as the interplay between model formulation and the choice of econometric estimation strategy. For each pricing problem, he provides a comprehensive overview of the empirical evidence on goodness-of-fit, with tables and graphs that facilitate critical assessment of the current state of the relevant literatures. As an added feature, Singleton includes throughout the book interesting tidbits of new research. These range from empirical results (not reported elsewhere, or updated from Singleton's previous papers) to new observations about model specification and new econometric methods for testing models. Clear and comprehensive, the book will appeal to researchers at financial institutions as well as advanced students of economics and finance, mathematics, and science.
Effectiveness of Menu Orientation in Chinese

Graphical user interface guidelines have been developed predominantly in English-speaking countries, but aspects related to culture (e.g., local metaphors, symbols, color, and flow) are not universal and have received little or no attention. Even though the reading and writing flow of languages such as English, Japanese, and Chinese differ widely, most software interfaces do not take account of this. In this paper we investigate the effectiveness of menu flow or menu orientation in both the Chinese and English languages for Chinese users. The experimental results indicate that for the Chinese population, a horizontal menu in either language is more effective than the vertical orientation. Thus item differentiation in menus is best performed when the natural flow of the user's native language is broken through a transformation process similar to a matrix transpose. Even though we did not investigate search strategies explicitly, we hypothesize that the primary reason for the difference lies in the scanning patterns adopted by the Chinese population in search tasks so that there is no mismatch in the reading metaphors. Applications of this research include the design of culturally and linguistically adapted human-computer interfaces for Chinese users.
Alteration of Purinergic Neurotransmission in Isolated Atria of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract Cardiac dysfunctions are described in diabetes. However, the role of purinergic neurotransmission in diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the purinergic neurotransmission in isolated atria from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The animals were grouped as control and diabetic with 30 days (D30) and 60 days (D60) after streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The isolated left and right atria were used in functional experiments. The effects of adenosine triphosphate, uridine diphosphate, and adenosine were evaluated on atrial inotropism and chronotropism. The antagonists 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate were also used, as blockers of P1 and P2 receptors, respectively. A negative inotropic effect followed by a positive inotropic effect was induced by adenosine triphosphate in isolated atria. This negative inotropic effect was decreased by 25% in left atria of D30. Additionally, the apparent affinity for adenosine was diminished in left atria of D30, suggesting changes in P1 receptor function. No changes were found in the right atria of D30 stimulated by adenosine. The left atria and right atria stimulated by uridine diphosphate showed an increased inotropic effect of 92% and 17%, respectively. No changes were observed in left and right atria of D30 stimulated by uridine diphosphate. Our data showed the involvement of purinergic neurotransmission in diabetes-related cardiovascular changes.
Precision analysis for hardware acceleration of numerical algorithms

The precision used in an algorithm affects the error and performance of individual computations, the memory usage, and the potential parallelism for a fixed hardware budget. H owever, when migrating an algorithm onto hardware, the potential improvements that can be obtained b y tuning the precision throughout an algorithm to meet a range or error specification are often o verlo ked; the major reason is that it is hard to choose a number system which can guarantee any such s pecification can be met. Instead, the problem is mitigated by opting to use IEEE standard double precis ion arithmetic so as to be ‘no worse’ than a software implementation. However, the flexibility in the number representation is one of the key factors that can be exploited on reconfigurable hardware su ch as FPGAs, and hence ignoring this potential significantly limits the performance achievable. In order to optimise the performance of hardware reliably, we require a meth od that can tractably calculate tight bounds for the error or range of any variable within an algo rithm, but currently only a handful of methods to calculate such bounds exist, and these either sacrifi ce tightness or tractability, whilst simulation-based methods cannot guarantee the given error estimate. This thesis presents a new method to calculate these bounds, taking into account both input ranges and finite precision effects, which we show to be, in general, tighter in comparison to existing methods; this in tu rn can be used to tune the hardware to the algorithm specifications. We demonstrate the use of this software to optimise hardware for various algo rithms to accelerate the solution of a system of linear equations, which forms the basis of many pro blems in engineering and science, and show that significant performance gains can be obtain ed by using this new approach in conjunction with more traditional hardware optimisations.
Separation of molecular species of sphingomyelin by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

A convenient method for the separation of molecular species of sphingomyelin by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described. Sphingomyelin species from bovine brain and sheep and pig erythrocytes were resolved into 10-12 separate peaks on a micro -BondaPak C(18) or Nucleosil-5-C(18) reversedphase column with methanol-5 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, 9:1 (v/v) as the solvent. Detection was at 203-205 nm. The sphingomyelin species were primarily resolved due to specific hydrophobic interaction of their fatty acid and sphingoid chains with the alkyl ligand of the stationary phase. The retention time of the sphingomyelin species increased progressively as the number of carbon atoms in the hydrophobic chains increased in the homologous series. The presence of one double bond in the molecule reduced the retention time significantly. Introduction of a second double bond in the fatty acid side chain did not reduce the retention time to the same extent as the first double bond. The presence of a trans double bond in the sphingoid moiety increased the retention time of sphingomyelin more than did a cis double bond in the fatty acid side chain. The differential hydrophobic interaction observed between the ligand of the stationary phase and different alkyl chains of the sphingomyelin species illustrates that reversed-phase HPLC technique can be conveniently used to study the extent of relative hydrophobicity of different types of alkyl chains. -Jungalwala, F. B. , V. Hayssen, J. M. Pasquini, and R. H. McCluer. Separation of molecular species of sphingomyelin by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.
Determinants of Board Structure in MFIs

This study investigates the association between the unique characteristics of microfinance institutions and board structure. The agency and resource dependence theories provided the theoretical guidance for this study. Using a panel dataset of 63 microfinance institutions in East Africa, we found that the presence of regulations and international influence is associated with larger boards, while the presence of founders is associated with small boards and less board independence. There is a higher level of board gender diversity in microfinance institutions managed by founders. There is greater diversity of nationalities in microfinance institutions that are internationally influenced. The implications for practice and theory from this study are further discussed.
Critical impact of radiotherapy protocol compliance and quality in the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer: results from TROG 02.02.

PURPOSE To report the impact of radiotherapy quality on outcome in a large international phase III trial evaluating radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin plus tirapazamine for advanced head and neck cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS The protocol required interventional review of radiotherapy plans by the Quality Assurance Review Center (QARC). All plans and radiotherapy documentation underwent post-treatment review by the Trial Management Committee (TMC) for protocol compliance. Secondary review of noncompliant plans for predicted impact on tumor control was performed. Factors associated with poor protocol compliance were studied, and outcome data were analyzed in relation to protocol compliance and radiotherapy quality. RESULTS At TMC review, 25.4% of the patients had noncompliant plans but none in which QARC-recommended changes had been made. At secondary review, 47% of noncompliant plans (12% overall) had deficiencies with a predicted major adverse impact on tumor control. Major deficiencies were unrelated to tumor subsite or to T or N stage (if N+), but were highly correlated with number of patients enrolled at the treatment center (< five patients, 29.8%; > or = 20 patients, 5.4%; P < .001). In patients who received at least 60 Gy, those with major deficiencies in their treatment plans (n = 87) had a markedly inferior outcome compared with those whose treatment was initially protocol compliant (n = 502): -2 years overall survival, 50% v 70%; hazard ratio (HR), 1.99; P < . 001; and 2 years freedom from locoregional failure, 54% v 78%; HR, 2.37; P < . 001, respectively. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the critical importance of radiotherapy quality on outcome of chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer. Centers treating only a few patients are the major source of quality problems.
Falling cholecystectomy thresholds since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether cholecystectomy rates among the elderly increased following the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1989, and to assess whether changes in rates were accompanied by lower clinical thresholds for performing cholecystectomy. DESIGN Time-series quasi-experimental design based on quarterly observations from 1986 to 1993. Data were obtained from Medicare hospital discharge files for Pennsylvania. PATIENTS Medicare patients aged 65 years or older who resided in Pennsylvania, did not have end-stage renal disease, and underwent cholecystectomy in Pennsylvania from 1986 to 1993. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cholecystectomy rates per 1000 elderly Medicare beneficiaries, stage of gallstone disease (uncomplicated vs complicated) at cholecystectomy, type of admission (elective vs urgent/emergent), patient age and comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative mortality. RESULTS Cholecystectomy rates increased 22% from 1989 to 1993. The proportions of cholecystectomy patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease and with elective admissions declined from 1986 to 1989 but then increased rapidly after laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced. In contrast, the age distribution and comorbidities of cholecystectomy patients did not change during the study period. Postoperative mortality rates were stable from 1986 to 1989 but decreased thereafter. CONCLUSIONS Growth in cholecystectomy rates following the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was accompanied by evidence of lower clinical thresholds for performing surgery. The normative, or prescriptive, implications of lower cholecystectomy thresholds require further analyses that consider lower direct medical costs and indirect costs and reduced postoperative morbidity after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
The alignment of business and information technology strategy in the financial services sector in South Africa

Many studies have been done to determine the benefits that the alignment of business and IT strategies can achieve. This has become more prominent as IT has evolved. Previous studies have highlighted that this has been difficult to achieve. From these studies many factors have been identified that promote alignment. This study focuses on the people, process and organisational factors and has been done to determine which of these factors are the most important in promoting alignment between business and IT strategies and to determine the success that has been achieved through these factors. A survey of the financial services sector, both public and private sector was performed. The study highlighted that all of the factors are perceived as important and further highlighted the factors that should receive attention by those organisations to achieve alignment.
Could everyday technology improve access to assessments? A pilot study on the feasibility of screening cognition in people with Parkinson's disease using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment via Internet videoconferencing.

BACKGROUND The distances and distribution of people, and pressures on the health system in Australia mean that access to services for people living with a neurodegenerative condition may be inadequate. Telehealth may offer ways to provide timely and efficient monitoring and support. People with Parkinson's disease require regular screening of their symptoms and needs, but may have limited access to health professionals. Cognitive changes can impact on occupational performance, thus timely monitoring of cognition is important for informing occupational therapy interventions. AIM To evaluate the feasibility of screening cognition in people with Parkinson's disease using available technology in their homes. METHOD Eleven participants with Parkinson's disease completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment face-to-face and then via videoconferencing one week later using the technology available at their home. Participants and assessors provided feedback on their experience. RESULTS All Montreal Cognitive Assessment items could be completed over videoconference (e.g. Skype), with a median difference of 2 (IQR: 1-2.5) between face-to-face and videoconference scores. Higher scores were not favoured by either mode of assessment. Three participants received inconsistent cognitive classifications between the two assessment methods. Participant and assessor feedback indicated reported benefits including convenience as well as technological limitations. CONCLUSIONS Given the pressures on the health system and the apparent acceptability to consumers, occupational therapists may explore the utility of readily accessible technology to enable timely monitoring of cognition for people with Parkinson's disease. Further research is needed to develop and demonstrate the reliability and validity of this approach.
IN FRACTAL PHYSIOLOGY

Journal Name: Frontiers in Physiology ISSN: 1664-042X Article type: Methods Article Received on: 29 Jun 2012 Accepted on: 29 Aug 2012 Provisional PDF published on: 29 Aug 2012 Frontiers website link: www.frontiersin. org Citation: Riley MA, Bonnette S, Kuznetsov N, Wallot S and Gao J(2012) A TUTORIAL INTRODUCTION TO ADAPTIVE FRACTAL ANALYSIS. Front. Physio. 3:371. doi:10.3389/fphys.2012. 00371 Article URL: http://www.frontiersin. org/Journal/Abstract.aspx? s=454& name=fractal%20physiology&ART_DOI=10.3389/fphys.2012. 00371
The Influence of Organisational Culture on Strategic Supply Chain Relationship Success

The purpose of this paper is to explore and develop the general proposition that organisational cultural compatibility between strategic supply chain partners results in improved performance outcomes for each participant in the chain. A theoretical framework is proposed of the relationship of differing organisational cultural elements (practices, values, behaviours and norms) to supply chain performance. A number of propositions are presented along with conclusions and suggestions for further research. This paper is one of the first to deconstruct differing organisational cultural elements and present a model linking them to a diverse range of strategic supply chain partner performance outcomes throughout the supply chain.
A Viking Age Gold Hoard from Essu, Estonia

This chapter presents in full the small gold hoard from Essu, north-east Estonia, on the Vikings’ Austrvegr (eastern route). The hoard was found in a peat bog in the nineteenth century, and comprised six gold pendants dating to around the last quarter of the ninth century. This chapter provides a detailed analysis of the six pendants—one Arabic dinar-pendant and five pendants decorated with filigree and granulation—discussing their decoration and cultural parallels. Results from recent Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis cast new light on the pendants’ production, alloy content, and use-wear. It is suggested that the filigree pendants were manufactured within Scandinavia and originally formed part of an elaborate female necklace, while the dinar-pendant reached Estonia via the Nordic countries. Overall, the hoard illustrates the prominence of gold within the Viking Age display economy. The chapter concludes by discussing the significance of the hoard from a gender perspective, relating it to a wider group of Viking Age ritual deposits of gold female jewellery sets (so-called ‘themed deposits’).
The Role of Herd Immunity in Parents’ Decision to Vaccinate Children: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Herd immunity is an important benefit of childhood immunization, but it is unknown if the concept of benefit to others influences parents’ decisions to immunize their children. Our objective was to determine if the concept of “benefit to others” has been found in the literature to influence parents’ motivation for childhood immunization. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline through October 2010 for articles on parental/guardian decision-making regarding child immunization. Studies were included if they presented original work, elicited responses from parents/guardians of children <18 years old, and addressed vaccinating children for the benefit of others. RESULTS: The search yielded 5876 titles; 91 articles were identified for full review. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Seventeen studies identified benefit to others as 1 among several motivating factors for immunization by using interviews or focus groups. Nine studies included the concept of benefit to others in surveys but did not rank its relative importance. In 3 studies, the importance of benefit to others was ranked relative to other motivating factors. One to six percent of parents ranked benefit to others as their primary reason to vaccinate their children, and 37% of parents ranked benefit to others as their second most important factor in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be some parental willingness to immunize children for the benefit of others, but its relative importance as a motivator is largely unknown. Further work is needed to explore this concept as a possible motivational tool for increasing childhood immunization uptake.
Being “Them” and “Us” at the Same Time? Subgroups of Cultural Identification Change Among Adolescent Diaspora Immigrants

Recent research suggests that cultural groups comprise subgroups differing in the combination of their self-identifications with their heritage and host cultures and following distinct trajectories of acculturation. This study aimed at identifying such subgroups, predicting group membership by pre-migration factors, and testing for acculturation-related experiences with the host culture over time. The sample comprised 366 adolescent diaspora migrants (59% female, 16 years old) from the former Soviet Union to Germany. A person-oriented and longitudinal approach using growth mixture modeling revealed three subtypes of cultural identification change. The first subgroup (Idealists) comprised adolescents with high and stable identification with their host culture and low but increasing identification with their heritage culture. The second group (Skeptics) showed low and stable identification with their host culture and high but decreasing identification with their heritage culture. The third group (Realists) reported medium-level and stable identification with both host and heritage cultures. Group comparisons showed pre-migration differences: Idealists and Realists most likely spoke the host-culture language (i.e., German) as a native language and Idealists reported the highest level of maternal education. Membership in subgroups also related to adolescents’ perception of their current situation in the host culture: Idealists reported less acculturation-related hassles with respect to language and socio-cultural adaptation. Skeptics perceived lower expectations by natives to get in contact with natives and higher expectations to spend time with members of their immigrant group than the average immigrant. Results highlight the heterogeneity in immigrant populations and their specific needs before and after the actual migration.
Flood Disasters in Nigeria: Farmers and Governments’ Mitigation Efforts

The 2012 floods was one of the worst in Nigeria leading to loss of lives and property worth millions of naira. The floods were unprecedented and despite the fact that floods are a yearly occurrence in the country, the government lacked capacity to handle disaster of such magnitude. Individuals and several agencies joined hands with the government to assist flood victims by donating relief materials as well as providing temporary accommodation to alleviate plight of victims. Due to climate change, floods and natural disasters are expected to increase in coming years and there is need to ascertain flood management approaches employed by farmers and the government in the wake of the 2012 floods. Materials for this review were from newspapers, internet, books etc. The study revealed that farmers adopt practices such as planting of resistant trees/varieties, building of manual embankments and use of indigenous knowledge. The Nigerian government has also established the early warning systems to alert farmers on impending floods. There is the need to do more in the area of educating and encouraging farmers to heed to early warning systems, relocating farmers from flood prone areas and encouraging farmers to insure their crops. Keywords : Flood disaster, Farmers, Government, Mitigation efforts
Financial Market Reform and Skill-Intensive Industry Growth

Financial markets in most developed economies were open to foreign investors before 1980, yet these countries continued to reform their financial systems dramatically in subsequent decades. During the same time period, high-skill industries become increasingly important; for example, in the US high-skill business services now account for over 20% of GDP, more than double their share in the late 1970s. I link the domestic financial reforms of the 1980s and 1990s to the growth of high-skill industries in a broad sample of countries and unveil a previously unexplored channel linking financial reform to growth in already financially open and developed economies.