Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Macroprudential Policy Instruments Affect the Link between Lending and Capital Ratio? – Cross-Country Evidence

In this paper we ask about the capacity of macroprudential policies to reduce the positive association between loans growth and the capital ratio. We focus on aggregated macroprudential policy measures and on individual instruments and test whether their effect on the association between lending and capital depends on bank size, the economic development of a country as well as on the extent of capital account openness. Applying the GMM 2-step Blundell and Bond approach to a sample covering over 60 countries, we find that macroprudential policy instruments reduce the impact of capital on bank lending during both crisis and non-crisis times. This result is stronger in large banks than in other banks. Of individual macroprudential instruments, only borrower-targeted LTV caps and DTI ratio weaken the association between lending and capital. Our results also show that the effect of macroprudential policies on the association between lending and the capital ratio in non-crisis periods is stronger in advanced countries than in emerging countries. Additionally, differentiating by the level of capital account openness, we find that macroprudential policies are more effective in increasing the resilience of banks and thus weakening the association between loan supply and capital ratio for relatively closed economies but less effective for relatively open economies. Generally, with our study we are able to support the view that macroprudential policy has the potential to curb the procyclical impact of bank capital on lending and therefore, the introduction of more restrictive international capital standards included in Basel III and of macroprudential policies are fully justified.
Corporate Culture: Evidence from the Field

Does corporate culture matter? Can differences in corporate culture explain why similar firms diverge with one succeeding and the other failing? To answer these questions, we use a novel survey and interview-based analysis of 1,348 North American firms. Over half of senior executives believe that corporate culture is a top-three driver of firm value and 92% believe that improving their culture would increase their firm's value. Surprisingly, only 16% believe their culture is where it should be. Executives link culture to ethical choices (compliance, short-termism), innovation (creativity, taking appropriate risk), and value creation (productivity, acquisition premia). We assess these links within a framework that implies cultural effectiveness depends on interactions between cultural values, norms, and formal institutions. Our evidence suggests that cultural norms are as important as stated values in achieving success.
Moving between Opposite Short-Sale Regimes: Are Stock Characteristics Priced Differently?

This paper examines the differences in the price effects of stock characteristics between two alternative short-sale regimes - one under which stocks are shortable and the other where they are not. Using the uniqueness of Hong Kong regulations on short sales to distinguish between the two regimes, we estimate a panel regression model for those Hong Kong stocks which switch between the two regimes. By exploring the interaction between the characteristics variables and the distinct short-sale regimes, we find evidence of differences in some of their price effects. Under the no-short-selling regime, stocks would have higher risk-compensation adjusted returns; stocks with larger sizes may perform even better in terms of their returns; contemporaneous (lagged) illiquidity would have a weaker negative (stronger positive) effect on returns; the negative relation between dividend yields and future returns would weaken; and the presence of both short-sale constraints and opinion dispersion would cause contemporaneous returns to rise and future returns to fall by more than the presence of only opinion dispersion would.
Battery state-of-charge (SOC) estimation using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)

A battery is a quite complex and nonlinear system comprising interacting physical and chemical processes although it seems deceptively simple. State-of-charge (SOC), a parameter to describe how much energy battery has, is a key factor in battery management and its estimation is an important and challenging task. We develop an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to achieve the goal. First in this paper, nonconventional input variables of the ANFIS are selected by three different correlation analysis techniques, linear correlation analysis (LCA), nonparametric correlation analysis (NCA) and partial correlation analysis (PCA). Next, the ANFIS model of five inputs and one output is presented. Takagi and Sugeno's fuzzy if-then rules are used. Then, number determination of training data pairs is discussed. Finally, hybrid learning algorithm combining the gradient method and the least squares estimate (LSE) is adopted to train the ANFIS. Predicted results obtained by the ANFIS are compared with measured results, verifying presented ANFIS. For contrast, a three-layer feedforward back-propagation (BP) artificial neural network (ANN) is presented to estimate SOC. Compared with the BP ANN model, the ANFIS obtains better prediction performance when interpolating. Comparisons of the two approaches have highlighted the potential of ANFIS in modeling and prediction of the behavior of complex nonlinear dynamic systems.
Empirical Evidence on Positive Feedback Trading in Mature and Emerging Stock Markets

In this paper, we investigate the hypothesis that some participants in mature and emerging capital markets engage in positive feedback trading. The analysis is based on the Shiller-Sentana-Wadhwani noise trader model which has the attractive property that it yields a testable implication on the presence of positive feedback traders in stock markets. This theoretical framework together with an asymmetric GARCH model allows us to draw conclusions about whether differences exist between mature and emerging capital markets in terms of the degree of positive feedback trading. The empirical results show that this phenomenon exists in both type of markets and that there are no major differences concerning the presence of feedback traders in mature and emerging capital markets.
ATTRIBUTION TO RED SUGGESTS SPECIAL ROLE IN DOMINANCE SIGNALLING

In many animals red is a signal of dominance and in humans there is evidence that red colouration may provide an advantage in sporting competition. This has been disputed by findings showing that colours other than red can also provide a competitive advantage. Here we examine basic perception of red versus blue in simple shapes by human judges to address the social signalling properties of red. We show that red is seen as more likely to win in physical competitions, more aggressive and more dominant then blue. When hue information is removed, however, the darker contrast of the blue shapes leads to a reversal in the attributions. This confirms that red hue is special in social attribution consistent with it being a signal of competitive quality and that darker contrast, through a potential link to testosterone signalling, could also act as a signal of dominance.
Development of polyvinyl alcohol–gelatin membranes for antibiotic delivery in the eye

Aim: The aim of the present study was to develop biosynthetic hybrid polymer-based ocular insert for topical administration of antibiotics for treatment of ocular infections. Methods: Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride-loaded three different inserts were prepared by solution casting method by esterification of a biopolymer (gelatin) with a synthetic polymer (polyvinyl alcohol, PVA). Esterification between PVA and gelatin was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results: Inserts were found to be wettable and swellable with simulated tear fluid and had a contact angle <50° with simulated tear fluid. Mechanical properties of PVA–gelatin (10:3 wt%) inserts included a maximal tensile strength of 8.6 ± 2 MPa and the inserts showed adequate mucoadhesion with reconstituted mucin. In vitro drug release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride for up to 24 hours was observed from the inserts. Inserts were found to be biocompatible using SIRC rabbit corneal epithelial cell line by sulforhodamine B assay and by Draize test in albino rabbits. Further inserts showed higher ocular penetration of sodium fluorescein in goat eye as compared to eyedrop solution. Conclusions: In brief, the study suggests that PVA–gelatin polymeric blends are promising as ocular inserts for prolonged release of antibiotic in the eye as compared to eyedrops. Such inserts may also be therapeutically beneficial for treatment of corneal ulcers and external ocular infections.
Quality and Time-to-Market Trade-offs when There Are Multiple Product Generations

We extend previous work evaluating the quality versus time-to-market trade-off for a single product generation to the case of multiple generations. While a single generation framework is appropriate when either the technology is not extendable or when additional launch costs outweigh benefits, we find that it is important to recognize whether a technology is extendable and explicitly consider the potential for multiple generations. We evaluate the factors determining optimal development-cycle length and intensity using a forward-looking model that allows for multiple product generations. Comparisons are made with restricted versions of the model that reflect pure single generation and sequential single generation approaches. Against an active competitor, the multiple generation approach is much more profitable, with the greatest differences in fast-moving industries.More total time is spent in development when a multiple generation model is used. Further, this time is dedicated to the more frequent introduction of improved product generations--a "rapid inch-up" strategy--resulting in more, higher quality products over time. Factors affecting optimal time-to-market differ substantially for the single versus multiple generation approaches. A key difference is that faster rates of quality improvement lead to longer development cycles for the single and sequential single generation models, but shorter cycles with the forward-looking multiple generation model. With a single generation, variable costs have the biggest impact on cycle length ( higher costsshorten cycles), but with multiple generations, fixed costs have the biggest impact on cycle length ( higher costs lead tolonger cycles).
A Wireless Pressure Measurement System Based on TiO2 Interdigitated Sensors

The ability to monitor pressure remotely is of particular importance in medical and environmental applications as it is less labour intensive, safer and offers peace of mind to the general public. To meet this demand, a prototype system using TiO2 thick film interdigitated capacitors has been developed. The circuit is based on the principle of capacitance-frequency-voltage conversion and has been designed to minimize power consumption. The sensor was tested under hydrostatic pressure ranging from 0-17 kPa and high sensitivity (DeltaV=47 mV) with low hysteresis (4 %) was recorded. It can be seen that this approach may provide cost effective, reliable devices for wireless sensing applications
The Temporal Stability of Gender Differences in MIS Students

Few women major in Management Information Systems (MIS), which creates a serious bottleneck of women qualified to enter into the MIS workforce. To address this bottleneck, this study examines gender issues in MIS education. We assessed whether gender differences in MIS students’ educational goals, stereotypes of MIS, and attitudes towards MIS classes and instructors remain stable over time. In addition, we analyzed the differential effects of individual MIS instructors on female and male students. Finally, we examined whether attitudes toward MIS instructors and classes predict grades in future MIS courses. We found that gender differences in MIS students are not temporally stable. Some attitudes towards MIS courses and instructors revealed greater problems or less satisfaction with instruction for female MIS students. Another interesting finding was that female MIS students underestimated their ability to a greater extent than did male students.
Novel Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis, Brazil

We report a clinical case of spotted fever group rickettsiosis acquired in São Paulo, Brazil. Definitive diagnosis was supported by seroconversion between acute-phase and convalescent-phase serum samples. Molecular analysis of skin samples indicated the agent was a novel spotted fever group strain closely related to Rickettsia africae, R. parkeri, and R. sibirica.
Millimeter Wave Circularly Polarized Fresnel Reflector for On-Board Radar on Rescue Helicopters

The increasing use of millimeter waves for civil radar application, e.g., for automotive or helicopter obstacle detection- requires the development of high gain and low cost antennas in compact form. With this aim, a Fresnel reflector with circular polarization over 5 GHz bandwidth (76-81 GHz) has been designed, fabricated and measured. The gain remains higher than 32 dBi with a peak value of 35 dBi at 79 GHz. For obtaining this performance, specific patches have been designed. They are based on circular rings, rectangular and offset patches. Each of them converts an incident linear electric field into a circular polarized one.
Electronic Business in Developing Countries: The Digitalization of Bad Practices

This chapter uses information theory to study the effect of the Internet and e-business over the digital divide. It develops a framework that defines four types of information technologies and Internets based on four dimensions of information: physical, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic. Technologies like e-mail that only make use of the first three hardly interact with the industrial infrastructure and superstructure. Nonetheless, technologies like e-commerce that require the pragmatic dimension, which is related to matter and energy (products and services) need such structures. For example, ecommerce requires a trustworthy transportation and payment infrastructure. Unfortunately, developing countries are lacking them. This differential capacity to use the pragmatic dimension of AdvIT/IS (pragmatic fragility) explains why developing countries are not able to skip industrialization and jump into the information era. This pragmatic fragility increases the existing digital divide since implementing e-business in developing countries ends up being the digitalization of bad business practices. IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITB11178 This chapter appears in the book, Electronic Business in Developing Countries: Opportunities and Challenges edited by Sherif Kamel. © 2005, Idea Group Inc.
A novel selective motion vector matching algorithm for error concealment in MPEG-4 video transmission over error-prone channels

The performance of MPEG-4 video transmission over error-prone channels is limited by the channel noise. Error concealment is an effective method of combat to these channel errors. In MPEG-4 video coding, motion vectors (MVs) are highly significant for the matching of the missing video block. Thus how to recover the lost MV is an important issue for error concealment in MPEG-4 video communications. Concerning the high block loss ratio (BLR) during video transmission and the matching of edge blocks in video frames, we propose the selective motion vector matching (SMVM) algorithm for MV recovery. It incorporates the status flags of the neighboring pixels of the missing block and constructs new MV sets for block matching. Experimental results show that it is highly effective and significantly outperforms other existing MV recovery methods for error concealment at different BLRs.
Estrogen and its receptors in cancer

The involvement of estrogen and its receptors in the development of cancer has been known for years. However, the exact mechanism responsible is far from clear. The estrogen‐mediated carcinogenic process is complicated by recent findings, which reveal that estrogens have multiple functions in cells, which can be either adverse or beneficial, and that the effects of estrogen may be cell‐type or organ dependent. The estrogenic effect may be also greatly influenced by the state of two estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ. This review will discuss the role and function of estrogens and its receptors in cancers of three categories: (1) Breast cancer and gynecologic cancers, (2) Cancers of endocrine organs, (3) Lung cancer and cancers of digestive system. We will also review some novel treatments aiming to interfere with relevant pathways mediated by estrogens and its receptors. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 6, 954–974, 2008
THE FRONTAL SINUS ENLARGEMENT AS AN INDICATOR OF GROWTH MATURITY IN CLASS III PATIENTS - A PILOT STUDY

Background: Diverse indicators have been used to predict growth in children. Skeletal parameters, such as hand wrist bones ossification, have been considered to cause an additional radiation exposure. To avoid such situation, new approaches as the cervical vertebrae maturation have been proposed. Aims & Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate a correlation between the enlargement of the frontal sinus and the body height peak in Angle Class III patients, and whether a sinus peak would serve as an indicator of growth maturity. Material and Methods: 20 Class III female patients were selected. Records of body height and serial lateral cephalograms taken for orthodontic treatment from 7 to 17 years old were used. By using the method of Ertuk, the Nasion – Sella line was oriented and the peripheral border of the sinus was traced. The highest (Sh) and the lowest (Sl) points related to S-N line were located. A perpendicular line to Sh-Sl was drawn and the maximum width of the sinus was assessed. Tracings were analyzed and the sinus growth was determined. Results: The frontal sinus enlargement was closely related to body height. One year after the body height peak occurred, the frontal sinus also reached a peak that coincided with the maximum amount of sinus width enlargement. The frontal sinus growth peak velocity was about 1.02mm/yr. Nevertheless, there was a small remaining growth one year after the sinus peak in few cases. Conclusion: Because of the close relationship between the body height growth and the enlargement of frontal sinus during puberty, the frontal sinus development could be used as an indicator of growth maturity.
Evaluation of hot carrier degradation of N-channel MOSFET's with the charge pumping technique

Hot carrier degradation in n-channel MOSFET transistors has been evaluated using the charge pumping technique in addition to the conventionalI_{ds}-V_{gs}measurements. It is shown that the generation of large amounts of interface states is the primary result of moderate hot carrier stress. The simultaneous injection and recombination of injected electrons and holes is suggested to be responsible for this formation of interface states. The net charge in the oxide and interface states after any hot carrier stress is shown to be positive.
Enterprise technology governance: New information and technology core competencies for boards of directors

Boards of directors have legal and ethical responsibilities to be competent. Yet, in a world where business models and whole sectors are being disrupted by rapid information and technology change, a majority of directors lack IT governance knowledge and skills. Individual IT competency and collective board Enterprise Technology Governance capability is a global problem. Without capability, boards are potentially flying blind, and risk is increased and opportunities to lead and govern digital transformation lost. To address this capability gap, this research provides the first multi-industry validated Enterprise Technology Governance competency set for use in board evaluation, recruitment and professional development. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2. 2.34027. 95529
Evidence-Based School Behavior Assessment of Externalizing Behavior in Young Children

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Revised Edition of the School Observation Coding System (REDSOCS). Participants were 68 children ages 3 to 6 who completed parent-child interaction therapy for Oppositional Defiant Disorder as part of a larger efficacy trial. Interobserver reliability on REDSOCS categories was moderate to high, with percent agreement ranging from 47% to 90% (M = 67%) and Cohen's kappa coefficients ranging from . 69 to . 95 (M = .82). Convergent validity of the REDSOCS categories was supported by significant correlations with the Intensity Scale of the Sutter-Eyberg Student Behavior Inventory-Revised and related subscales of the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale-Revised: Long Version (CTRS-R: L). Divergent validity was indicated by nonsignificant correlations between REDSOCS categories and scales on the CTRS-R: L expected not to relate to disruptive classroom behavior. Treatment sensitivity was demonstrated for two of the three primary REDSOCS categories by significant pre to posttreatment changes. This study provides psychometric support for the designation of REDSOCS as an evidence-based assessment procedure for young children.
Influence of sumatriptan on gastric fundus tone and on the perception of gastric distension in man

BACKGROUND In animals, activation of 5-HT1 like receptors causes a relaxation of the gastric fundus through the activation of intrinsic inhibitory neurones. AIMS To investigate the effect of sumatriptan, an agonist at enteric neuronal 5-HT1receptors, on fasting fundus tone and sensitivity to gastric distension in man. METHODS A gastric barostat was used to study the effect of placebo and sumatriptan, 6 mg subcutaneously, on basal fundic tone in healthy subjects. In addition, stepwise isobaric and isovolumetric gastric distensions were performed and perception was measured before and after the administration of placebo and sumatriptan. RESULTS Placebo had no significant effects on gastric tone and on perception. Sumatriptan induced an immediate relaxation of the gastric fundus, reflected by an intragastric volume increase of 209 (39) ml (p<0.0005). After sumatriptan, intragastric pressures at the thresholds for perception or discomfort were not significantly altered. However, the intragastric volumes and the corresponding calculated wall tensions at perception and discomfort thresholds were significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS Administration of the 5-HT1 receptor agonist sumatriptan induces a relaxation of the gastric fundus in man, allowing larger intragastric volumes before thresholds for perception or discomfort are reached. The effects of sumatriptan on the gastric fundus may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia.
Macroeconomic and Non-Macroeconomic Variables Linking to Singapore Hotel Stock Returns

Abstract This study aimed to examine the effects of macroeconomic and non-macroeconomic variables on Singapore hotel stock returns using hotel companies listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX). Data were obtained from the Singapore Department of Statistics, PULSES, and CEIC database. Regression procedures and residual tests were carried out using an econometric program, E-Views. The derived model which consisted of the significant macroeconomic variables and the unexpected non-macroeconomic variables was established. Results of stability and predictive power tests of the derived model inferred that the model was stable and reliable in explaining hotel stock returns and was also reliable for forecasting. Regression analyses indicated that changes in industrial production and money supply displayed positive relationships whilst exchange rates, inflation, short- and long-term interest rates showed negative relationships with Singapore hotel stock returns.