Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of intangible investments on future OCF

Purpose – The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between intangible investments (R&D, advertising, training, software acquisitions and quality) and the ability of firms to generate future OCF (hereafter cash‐flow from operations). Design/methodology/approach – The authors developed dynamic panel models to estimate the relationship between intangible investments and three subsequent periods cash flows. These models are estimated using generalized method of moments (GMM), on a panel of 300 observations related to 50 Tunisian manufacturing firms and six years of data (2001‐2006). Findings – The findings show a positive and significant effect of intangible investments on future operating cash flows. First, this result confirms the main hypothesis of resource based view (RBV). Second, it is found that investments in R&D, quality, and advertising have significant effects on future cash flows from operations. While the effect of R&D activities and quality persists until the third lagged .
Association between Polymorphisms of the Angiotensinconverting Enzyme and Angiotensinogen Genes and Allergic Rhinitis in a Korean Population

Angiotensin-Converting enzyme (ACE) inactivates bradykinin, substance P, and neurokinin A, which are thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Expression of angiotensinogen, a precursor of angiotensin, is enhanced by augmented secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, interleukin-1) in the site of inflammation. Insertion or deletion (I/D) ACE and M235T angiotensinogen gene polymorphisms were reported to be associated with atopy in a Czech population. Using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism and SNaPshot typing analysis, we investigated the frequencies of the genotypes and alleles of the ACE gene in 137 patients with allergic rhinitis, of the M235T angiotensinogen gene in 186 patients with allergic rhinitis, and of both in 219 healthy control subjects. There was no difference in the frequency of the DD genotype of the ACE gene in the controls and patients (odds ratio, 1.32 [0.66–2.60]; p > .05). The D allele was more frequent in patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio, 1.21 [0.89–1.64]; p > .05). There was no difference in the frequency of the TT genotype of the angiotensinogen gene in the controls and patients (odds ratio, 1.01 [0.38–2.69]; p > .05). The T allele was more frequent in patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio, 1.10 [0.78–1.55]; p > .05). Our results indicate that polymorphisms in the genes for ACE and angiotensinogen may not be related to the development of allergic rhinitis in the Korean population.
Stochastic volatility and stochastic leverage

This paper proposes the new concept of stochastic leverage in stochastic volatility models. Stochastic leverage refers to a stochastic process which replaces the classical constant correlation parameter between the asset return and the stochastic volatility process. We provide a systematic treatment of stochastic leverage and propose to model the stochastic leverage effect explicitly, e.g. by means of a linear transformation of a Jacobi process. Such models are both analytically tractable and allow for a direct economic interpretation. In particular, we propose two new stochastic volatility models which allow for a stochastic leverage effect: the generalised Heston model and the generalised Barndorff-Nielsen & Shephard model. We investigate the impact of a stochastic leverage effect in the risk neutral world by focusing on implied volatilities generated by option prices derived from our new models. Furthermore, we give a detailed account on statistical properties of the new models.
New insights into the epidemiology of Type 1 diabetes in Mediterranean countries

In Mediterranean countries, the incidence (per 100 000 per year) of Type 1 diabetes in children aged under 15 years shows wide variation from country to country, ranging from 2.45 in Macedonia to 34.4 in Sardinia. By interacting with environmental factors such as diet, toxins or viral infections, the HLA plus non‐HLA genes of susceptibility or resistance to Type 1 diabetes so far identified are the strongest determinants of the disease as far as incidence, age at onset and sex ratio are concerned. The distribution of these genes in the Mediterranean region is still not completely known.
A novel SNR estimation algorithm for OFDM

In this paper, we extend the traditional SNR estimation algorithms defined in complex AGWN channel to time variant linear channel and present a new SNR estimation algorithm for OFDM system. We compare our algorithm with two moment-based algorithms. Simulation results show that the new algorithm performs better in large Doppler frequency environments and is insensitive to the statistical characteristics of the channel.
Metal ion cooperativity in ribozyme cleavage of RNA

Combinations of chemical and genetic approaches were used to study the function of divalent metal ions in cleavage of RNA by the ribozyme RNase P RNA. We show that different divalent metal ions have differential effects on cleavage site recognition and rescue of cleavage activity by mixing divalent metal ions that do not promote cleavage by themselves. We conclude that efficient and correct cleavage is the result of cooperativity between divalent metal ions bound at different sites in the RNase P RNA-substrate complex. Complementation of a mutant RNase P RNA phenotype as a result of divalent metal ion replacement is demonstrated also. This finding together with other data indicate that one of the metal ions involved in this cooperativity is positioned near the cleavage site. The possibility that the Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio might regulate the activity of biocatalysts that depend on RNA for activity is discussed.
The Dollar and its Discontents

Has the US dollar delivered the benefits that the rest of the world is expecting from its holdings of international liquidity? US government debt has been liquid and safe, and it is supplied in sufficient quantity. But it has given a low return to the countries that accumulated the most reserves, especially when those returns are measured in terms of the countries' own consumption. I argue in this paper that the countries that accumulate the most reserves should expect a low return in terms of their own consumption, and that there is little that international monetary reform can do to change that fact.
Collateral Convexity of Libor and FX Forwards (Slides)

Collateral discounting recognises the value of funding for derivatives, which has gained prominence in recent years as basis spreads have widened in response to the financial crises. This article considers the impact of collateral volatility on discount factors and Libor and FX forwards, and re-examines the core assumptions of the approach. Convenient expressions are derived for convexity adjustments and collateral options, in a form that easily integrates into curve building and pricing. Analysis of the models with reasonable volatility assumptions suggests that these pricing adjustments are not negligible.
Telecommunication Industry in Malaysia: Demographics Effect on Customer Expectations, Performance, Satisfaction and Retention

This study examined differences in customer expectations, perceptions of performance and satisfaction and retention of telecommunications service quality in the multi-ethnic environment of Malaysia. Analysis of multivariate covariance was used to determine the effect of a number of demographic variables (gender, ethnic, age, marital, education and income). Overall, the findings suggested that some demographic variables have significant effects on some dimensions involved in expectations, perceptions of performance and satisfaction, and retention with income having the most effects and gender, ethnic, and marital status having the least effects. Those dimensions include service coverage, billing integrity, quality of line, customer service and customer service outlet.
Chronic hypoxia and chemodectomas in bovines at high altitudes.

A severe degree of hyperplasia of the chief cells occurs in bovine carotid bodies at high altitudes, compared to sea level. As a result, the carotid body from an animal at high altitudes is significantly heavier and larger than the carotid body from an animal at sea level (P less than .001). In eight of 20 (40%) animals at high altitudes, the hyperplastic reaction had progressed to form chemodectomas. The findings suggest that neoplasia can result from chronic stimulation by a biologically essential environmental factor (atmospheric PO2) that acts pharmacologically on the target tissues (chief cells of the carotid body).
Heart rate and blood pressure during placebo‐associated panic attacks.

&NA; Increases in the anxiety ratings, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were compared in eight panicking and 57 nonpanicking panic disorder patients during placebo (dextrose) infusions. Heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly in placebo‐infused panickers, but these increases did not correlate well with increases in anxiety.
A COMPARISON OF PHARMACEUTICAL REIMBURSEMENT AGENCIES' PROCESSES AND METHODS IN FRANCE AND SCOTLAND

Objectives: Pharmaceutical reimbursement agencies’ processes and methods of appraisal vary across countries. The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of formal health economic analysis in a process using such analysis in Scotland in comparison to a process not routinely using such analysis in France. Methods: A framework for classifying reimbursement systems was used to analyze the two systems. A typology of recommendation was defined and a qualitative analysis of decisions on a sample of medicines appraised by both reimbursement agencies was conducted. Reasons for differences in recommendations were analyzed and case studies selected to illustrate the common reasons. Results: Thirty-nine common medicines appraised by both agencies were identified between 2005 and 2010, treating a variety of diseases for which the Scottish Medicines Consortium tended to provide more restrictive, or did not recommend, listing. Similarities in clinical evidence submitted to the respective reimbursement committees were observed. Differences in recommendation can be explained by a combination of the manufacturer's freedom to set price and the incentives provided by the consideration of health economic analysis and quality of life, alongside differences in relevant comparators, relevant outcomes, treatment guidelines, and the propensity to use network meta-analysis, in decision making. Conclusions: This study provides some explanations and hypotheses for the differences observed in recommendations for a selected sample of medicines with regards to differences in appraisal processes and methods adopted. Further research using larger datasets may allow stakeholders to assess the impact of such differences on the efficient use of health resources.
Clinical and radiographic intra‐subject comparison of implants placed with or without guided bone regeneration: 15‐year results

AIM To test whether implants placed with simultaneous guided bone regeneration (GBR) differ from implants placed without GBR regarding survival rate, interproximal marginal bone level (MBL), and dimensions of buccal bone and mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-three patients treated 15 years earlier were included. Machined implants had been inserted following one of the two procedures: (i) with simultaneous GBR, which involved grafting with particulate deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM), autogenous bone (AB), or a mixture of the two and defect covering with a native collagen membrane (CM) (GBR group) and (ii) standard implant placement without GBR (control group). One GBR and one control implant in each patient were selected for analysis. At 15 years, the dimensions of buccal bone and mucosa were measured with cone beam computed tomography. The interproximal MBL was evaluated at 5 and 15 years on periapical radiographs. RESULTS The 15-year survival rate amounted to 95.6% for GBR implants and to 94.1% for control implants. At 15 years, interproximal MBL measured 1.44 ± 0.84 mm for the GBR group and 1.69 ± 0.84 mm for the control group. From the 5- to the 15-year examination, the loss of interproximal MBL reached 0.23 ± 0.70 mm for the GBR group and 0.28 ± 0.63 mm for the control group. At 15 years, buccal MBL measured 1.98 ± 0.98 mm for GBR implants and 2.19 ± 1.29 mm for control implants. None of these values reached statistical significant differences between the groups. In cases in which GBR involved grafting with DBBM, GBR implants achieved approximately 0.3-0.4 mm higher mean values in buccal bone dimensions and mucosal level in comparison to control implants. In contrast, when GBR was performed by grafting with AB without DBBM, implants rendered less favourable results in buccal bone and mucosa dimensions than the control implants. CONCLUSIONS Implants placed with simultaneous GBR using particulate DBBM and/or AB in combination with CM did not significantly differ from implants completely placed into pristine bone with respect to 15-year implant survival, interproximal bone levels, and dimensions of buccal bone and mucosa. The machined-surface implants placed both into native bone and sites augmented by GBR exhibited stable interproximal bone levels.
Prevalence and Functional Analysis of Sequence Variants in the ATR Checkpoint Mediator Claspin

Mutational inactivation of genes controlling the DNA-damage response contributes to cancer susceptibility within families and within the general population as well as to sporadic tumorigenesis. Claspin (CLSPN) encodes a recently recognized mediator protein essential for the ATR and CHK1-dependent checkpoint elicited by replicative stress or the presence of ssDNA. Here, we describe a study to determine whether mutational disruption of CLSPN contributes to cancer susceptibility and sporadic tumorigenesis. We resequenced CLSPN from the germline of selected cancer families with a history of breast cancer (n = 25) or a multicancer phenotype (n = 46) as well as from a panel of sporadic cancer cell lines (n = 52) derived from a variety of tumor types. Eight nonsynonymous variants, including a recurrent mutation, were identified from the germline of two cancer-prone individuals and five cancer cell lines of breast, ovarian, and hematopoietic origin. None of the variants was present within population controls. In contrast, mutations were rare within genes encoding the CLSPN-interacting protein ATR and its binding partner ATRIP. One variant of CLSPN, encoding the I783S missense mutation, was defective in its ability to mediate CHK1 phosphorylation following DNA damage and was unable to rescue sensitivity to replicative stress in CLSPN-depleted cells. Taken together, these observations raise the possibility that CLSPN may encode a component of the DNA-damage response pathway that is targeted by mutations in human cancers, suggesting the need for larger population-based studies to investigate whether CLSPN variants contribute to cancer susceptibility. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(9):1510–16)
Laryngeal tuberculosis: a rare cause of critical airway obstruction

Laryngeal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare condition, occurring in less than 1% of patients infected with pulmonary TB. We present a case of a 57-year-old male patient, who presented in extremis with audible stridor, increased work of breathing and cyanosis. In addition, the patient had a complex medical history, including a recent diagnosis of congenital malformation of the epiglottis. Emergency intervention was required to secure the airway, and after initial attempts at intubation were unsuccessful, an emergency tracheostomy was performed. Four days after initial presentation, his sputum tested positive for acid-fast bacilli, and a subsequent CT chest revealed pulmonary as well as laryngeal TB, which was confirmed on biopsy of the larynx. The patient was commenced on a 24-week course of anti-tuberculous treatment and was successfully decannulated 6 months after the emergency airway was established.
THE EFFECT OF PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS ON THE ACADEMIC GROWTH OF LOWER SOCIOECONOMIC STUDENTS

As states move to include assessment data to be used in principal evaluations, there is a debate as to whether the principal has an effect on student achievement. Research on the principal in the past started as qualitative studies and moved to quantitative studies to identify specific behaviors in a principal that led to greater student achievement. Modifications and refinements to the research have been performed; however, mixed results have allowed the debate to continue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of principal instructional management characteristics on the growth of lower SES students. Utilizing the Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) (Hallinger, 1983), 128 teachers in a single school district rated the principals of their building. Results of the principals in these nine schools on the PIMRS were used as predictor variables for the normed growth of the lower socioeconomic status (SES) students on the Acuity® Predictive assessments. The findings of this research was that only one characteristic of the principal had an effect on the growth of the lower SES students. The characteristic of protecting instructional time showed a -0.177 coefficient meaning that as a principal protected instructional time with more frequency, growth of academic scores in lower SES students decreased.
Urban Interactions: Soft Skills Versus Specialization

This article considers the role of soft skills in cities and industry clusters. It begins by specifying a model of agglomeration economies where soft skills allow agents to interact more productively. The model exposes two conflicting forces: agglomeration allows opportunities to interact, but it also produces thick, specialized markets, and this specialization can be a substitute for interaction. In order to empirically evaluate the soft skills—agglomeration relationship, the article matches data on the interaction requirements of occupations from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles to Census data. The within-industry average level of soft skills is found to be higher in cities but not in industry clusters. Workers at the top of the skill distribution in large cities typically have higher levels of soft skills than in small cities, while the least skilled workers are less skilled in large cities than in small cities. This pattern is reversed for industry clusters.
Liberating HR through technology

Workforce management applications are expected to drive the next phase of enterprise-wide applications market growth. But will firms actually benefit from these applications? Horror stories of failed technology implementation efforts abound and hardly inspire confidence. Treating installation of HR technology as a form of innovation, we introduce a model that describes the technology implementation process. The model brings to the fore various issues that merit the attention of academics and practitioners alike. It appears that firms that undertake technology initiatives with a view to enable the HR function to focus more on value-added activities are the ones most likely to realize the full potential of technology. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Institutional antecedents and performance consequences of employment security and career advancement practices: Evidence from the people's republic of China

In this study, we examine the provision of employment security and career advancement opportunities in firms of diverse institutional ownership and the impact of such practices on employee and firm outcomes. The sample included 478 state-owned and non-state-owned firms (i.e., domestic private firms, Sino-foreign joint ventures, and wholly-foreign-owned firms) in the People's Republic of China. We found that the provision of employment security was greater in state-owned than in non-state-owned firms. The provision of career advancement opportunities in domestic private firms and Sino-foreign joint ventures was similar to that in wholly foreign-owned firms, but greater than that in state-owned firms. The provision of career advancement opportunities was positively related to employee organizational commitment, citizenship behaviors, and firm performance. The provision of employment security was positively related to employee organizational commitment, but not to citizenship behaviors or firm performance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The English Majors’ Expectations, Experiences, and Potentials: Inputs Toward Korea’s Globalization

This paper determined the English majors’ a) expectations in terms of class contents, teaching methodology, and teacher's professional/personal traits; b) experiences in terms of English classes, outside school socialization, and dealings with foreign professors; and, c) potentials in terms of critical thinking-driven and communicative activities. Results revealed that there is a discrepancy between their expectations, experiences, and potentials in achieving communicative competence due to cultural aspects, amount of communicative outputs, limitation of critical thinking, teaching and learning orientations, and English education system. However, the researcher still believes that Korean students majoring English still have the potentials to excel in communicative challenges towards Korea’s globalization by putting up more international schools that are affordable and English conversation clubs on campus, by implementing CLT-based approach more meaningfully, by integrating culture in the curriculum but use effective techniques to draw out student’s attention to communicate, and by designing a curriculum training program for English teachers and English majors more meaningfully.
Dynamics of consumers' perception, demographic characteristics and consumers' behavior towards selection of a restaurant: an exploratory study on Dhaka city consumers

Purpose – The overall objective of this study is to test the consumer's perception towards their behavior of choosing a restaurant when demographic characteristics such as age, gender, income play a mediating role. This study also seeks to highlight some propositions to guide future empirical research.Design/methodology/approach – The survey instrument was administered on 350 consumers from Dhaka city in Bangladesh. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to extract and test the key influential attributes on the basis of data of total samples respectively. Structural equation modeling was also used to define the structure of influencing attributes and to measure the degree of impact for each attribute of the consumer's behavior in selecting a restaurant.Findings – The results show that there is a strong relationship between consumer perception and behavior in selecting a restaurant when age, gender and income play a mediating role. In addition it is also found th.
Neurological disorders in rural Africa: a systematic approach

Empirical knowledge suggests that neurological disorders are common in sub-Saharan Africa. The aims of our study were to assess the hospital-based prevalence of neurological disorders in a rural African setting and to suggest a systematic approach to disease classification. Of 8676 admissions (over a period of eight months) 740 patients (8.5%) were given a neurological diagnosis; cases were grouped according to diagnostic certainty. We suggest three major categories for neurological disorders (group 1 = no diagnostic uncertainties; group 2 = minor diagnostic uncertainties; group 3 = major diagnostic uncertainties) with clinical implications.