Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting the realized volatility in the Chinese stock market: further evidence

ABSTRACT In this study, the impact of noise and jump on the forecasting ability of volatility models with high-frequency data is investigated. A signed jump variation is added as an additional explanatory variable in the volatility equation according to the sign of return. These forecasting performances of models with jumps are compared with those without jumps. Being applied to the Chinese stock market, we find that the jump variation has a significant in-sample predictive power to volatility and the predictive power of the negative one is greater than the positive one. Furthermore, out-of-sample evidence based on the fresh model confidence set (MCS) test indicates that the incorporation of singed jumps in volatility models can significantly improve their forecasting ability. In particular, among the realized variance (RV)-based volatility models and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) class models, the heterogeneous autoregressive model of realized volatility (HAR-RV) model with the jump test and a decomposed signed jump variation have better out-of-sample forecasting performance. Finally, the use of the decomposed signed jump variations in predictive regressions can improve the economic value of realized volatility forecasts.
Identification of the major functional proteins of prokaryotic lipid droplets[S]

Storage of cellular triacylglycerols (TAGs) in lipid droplets (LDs) has been linked to the progression of many metabolic diseases in humans, and to the development of biofuels from plants and microorganisms. However, the biogenesis and dynamics of LDs are poorly understood. Compared with other organisms, bacteria seem to be a better model system for studying LD biology, because they are relatively simple and are highly efficient in converting biomass to TAG. We obtained highly purified LDs from Rhodococcus sp. RHA1, a bacterium that can produce TAG from many carbon sources, and then comprehensively characterized the LD proteome. Of the 228 LD-associated proteins identified, two major proteins, ro02104 and PspA, constituted about 15% of the total LD protein. The structure predicted for ro02104 resembles that of apolipoproteins, the structural proteins of plasma lipoproteins in mammals. Deletion of ro02104 resulted in the formation of supersized LDs, indicating that ro02104 plays a critical role in cellular LD dynamics. The putative α helix of the ro02104 LD-targeting domain (amino acids 83–146) is also similar to that of apolipoproteins. We report the identification of 228 proteins in the proteome of prokaryotic LDs, identify a putative structural protein of this organelle, and suggest that apolipoproteins may have an evolutionarily conserved role in the storage and trafficking of neutral lipids.
A SURVEY OF BACTERIAL AND PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF RATS CAUGHT

A postmortem survey on ten rats (Rattus spp.) caught in the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) was done to evaluate the parasite, viral and bacterial status. The rats were trapped in the laboratory animal facilities in VRI. The results indicated that seven rats harboured mites (Demodex sp.) from skin samples. Parasite eggs such as strongyle and Strongyloides sp. were also recovered from the intestines of four rats. Bacterial species isolated from the organs include Mycoplasma arthritidis, Corynebacterium sp. , Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp. Serological test detected the presence of antibody against Leptospira canicola, Leptospira celledoni and Leptospira pyrogenes. Many of these organisms are zoonotic especially Leptospirosis which can cause severe disease in humans. No pathogenic viruses were recovered from the rats. Control and eradication of pests like rats is essential to safeguard the health of humans. INTRODUCTION Rats can spread over 35 diseases to humans directly, through handling of rodents, through contact with rodent faeces, urine, or saliva, or through rodent bites or indirectly, through ticks, mites or fl eas that have fed on an infected rodent (http://www.cdc.gov/ rodents/index.html). Likewise, rodents can also spread diseases to animals in farms, homes and the outdoors. Wild rats can carry many different “zoonotic” pathogens, e.g. Leptospira sp. and Toxoplasma gondii and may transfer these across the species barrier to humans (The Merck Veterinary Manual, 2005). However, information on the current status on rodent-borne diseases in Malaysia is lacking. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. HPS was fi rst recognized in 1993 and has A SURVEY OF BACTERIAL AND PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF RATS CAUGHT IN THE VETERINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (VRI), IPOH PREMAALATHA B. , NURULAINI R. , ZAWIDA Z. , NORAKMAR I. , IMELDA LYNN V. , ADNAN M. , ZAINI C.M. , JAMNAH O. , TAN L.J., ZAINAB Z. , KHOO.L. L. , CHANDRAWATHANI P. AND RAMLAN M. Veterinary Research Institute, 59 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia Corresponding author: prema@jphvri.gov. my MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH VOLUME 1 NO. 1 JULY 2010 46 since been identifi ed throughout the United States. Although rare, HPS is potentially deadly. Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection.
Enhancing concordance with prescribed medication in older people.

Extent of non-concordance Since 1989, older people have been identified as an ‘at risk’ group associated with the problems of non-concordance with medication and medication mismanagement. This recognition led to surveillance initiatives such as the annual health check and the National Service Framework for Older People (Department of Health 2001). Older people were considered to be at risk because many were socially and physically vulnerable, and suffered memory impairment, altered physical status and increased risk of adverse drug reactions (Walker and Wynne 1994). These features contribute to the hypothesis that older people have a propensity to mismanage medication (WinlandBrown and Valiante 2000, Barat et al 2001). This is supported by reports that up to 59 per cent of older patients fail to adhere to prescribed medication regimes (Hill and Ball 1992). This poor adherence has caused 6 per cent or more of unplanned admissions to hospital (Tierney and North 1995). Recent findings suggest this figure may be as high as 10 per cent (Pearson et al 2002). In the UK, older people account for more than 18 per cent of the population and receive 45 per cent of the total medication prescribed (Department of Health 2002). The assessment and management of older people in the community is multi-faceted and often complicated by degeneration of physical status and, in some cases, the need to treat multiple pathologies concurrently (Grant et al 2002). Treatment often involves polypharmacy, which can trigger medication mismanagement (al Mahdy and Seymour 1990, Lindley and Tulley 1992, Woodhouse and Wynne 1992) and altered pharmacokinetic parameters (Hammerlein et al 1998). Management at this level requires practitioners who are specialists in older people’s care in the community. Currently there appears to be a deficit of such specialists (Fletcher et al 2002).
The influence of the legal environment on the post-takeover value of a firm

This thesis aims to analyze the influence of the legal environment on the post-takeover value of a firm. The idea behind this thesis stems from the large number of discussions concerning the future of the European corporate governance system and the direction its development is taking. In this thesis the following issues were formalized and analyzed: the existing differences between the two major corporate governance systems of the U.S. and the European Union (EU); and secondly constructed a formal model to demonstrate the influence of legal parameters on the post-takeover value of a firm. I construct a new model based on the one introduced by Burkart, Gromb and Panunzi (2005). This model formalizes, in the author’s opinion, three key differences between the two major systems of corporate governance: the possibility of implementing defensive strategies, the effect of the size of the toehold and the influence of majority blockholders. ________________________________________________________________________ 4
Carotid stenosis in a multiethnic population.

BACKGROUND Carotid stenosis is an important, treatable cause of stroke. Several population-based studies have shown ethnic differences in the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis. This study was performed at a large multiethnic hospital to clarify these differences. METHODS One thousand six carotid artery ultrasounds performed by the Department of Radiology at Los Angeles County General Hospital over a 4-year period were reviewed. Patients were classified as Caucasian (n=151), Hispanic (n=515), Black (n=173), or Asian (n=167) by self-declaration and birthplace. Carotid stenosis was defined as mild (1% to 39%), moderate (40% to 59%), severe (60% to 79%), critical (80% to 99%), or total (100%). RESULTS Twenty and one-half percent of Caucasian patients had greater than 59% stenosis compared with 10.1% of Hispanics, 8.7% of Blacks, and 10.7% of Asians (P<0.001). Nine and two-tenths percent of Caucasians had greater than 79% stenosis compared with 4.3% of Hispanics, 2.9% of Blacks, and 2.8% of Asians (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in age or gender representations between ethnic groups, and the indications for ordering carotid duplex sonography also did not vary by race. Caucasians and Blacks had a higher prevalence of cardiac disease, smoking, and heavy alcohol abuse. Hispanics had higher rates of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that significant differences in the degree of carotid stenosis exist among ethnic groups. Caucasian patients in our series showed a statistically higher likelihood of having a severe or critical level of stenosis. These findings may have implications for the allocation of health care resources as ethnic minorities compose a greater proportion of the population.
Determinants of Liquidity Risk in Indonesian Islamic and Conventional Banks

The purpose of the study is to examine the causes of the liquidity risk in Islamic and conventional banks in Indonesia using panel data regression method. The study found the significant and positive relation of ROA and NPF with the liquidity risk, whereas the negative and significant relation of CAR with the liquidity risk in Indonesian Conventional Banks. Meanwhile in Islamic banks, CAR result significantly positive effect on liquidity risk, while ROA shows negative and significant result. Possible explanation for this is that, given the huge profit by the conventional banks, it has more chance to allocate it as liquidity reserve as well as increasing the facilities (improvement on technology). When the NPL is high, conventional banks will increase the liquid assets as a buffer. Unlike that of conventional banks, the Islamic banks in Indonesia might allocate capital as liquidity reserves and might allocate ROA in fixed assets or financing or technology. The result confirm that the role of capital and bank’s performance in indeed important to the banking liquidity DOI: 10.15408/aiq.v8i2. 2871
Becoming an Adult in Uncertain Times: A 14-Country Comparison of the Losers of Globalization

Increasing uncertainty about economic and social developments is a definitive feature of globalization in advanced economies. However, the degree to which youth are impacted by rising uncertainty is filtered by historically grown and country-specific institutional settings. This paper summarizes the main empirical results of the impact of increased uncertainty on the transition to adulthood (entry into labor market, partnership, parenthood) in a 14 country comparative study. Results show that generally all youth are exposed to more uncertainty at labor market entry, yet that it is unequal, with risk accumulating in certain groups. Job uncertainty translates into a higher likelihood to postpone or forgo partnership and parenthood. Youth also develop rational responses, which we identified in the form of diverse behavioral strategies: postponement, multiple roles, flexible partnerships and genderspecific strategies, particularly in the male-breadwinner societies. We illustrate how nation-specific institutions serve to shield or funnel uncertainty in unique ways and to particular groups of youth. Paper presented in session “Transitions to Adulthood in International Context,” Friday April 2, 8:30-10:20, PAA 2004 Meeting, April 1-3, 2004, Boston, MA.
Comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression: prevalence, symptom severity, and treatment effect.

BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to investigate the co-occurrence of depressive disorders in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the effect of these disorders on combined pharmacologic and behavioral treatment for OCD. METHOD A retrospective chart analysis was performed on baseline ratings of 120 OCD patients and posttreatment ratings of 72 of these patients. For depressive symptoms, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Self-Rating Depression Scale were applied; for obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory were used; and for general anxiety symptoms, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, the Clinical Anxiety Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were given. RESULTS One third of the OCD patients in our sample were found to be depressed. Symptom severity on OCD symptoms at baseline did not differ between depressed and nondepressed OCD patients; on general anxiety symptoms, the comorbid group was more severely affected. Both depressed and nondepressed OCD patients responded well to treatment, as reflected in assessments for depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and general anxiety symptoms. However, comorbid depression had a negative effect on treatment: depressed OCD patients showed less improvement than nondepressed OCD patients on most scales. CONCLUSION Depression frequently accompanies OCD and appears to affect treatment outcome negatively. While both groups of patients improved with combination treatment, the OCD-alone group had more improvement than the group that had comorbid depression.
Incidence and phenotype of inflammatory bowel disease based on results from the Asia-pacific Crohn's and colitis epidemiology study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are becoming more common in Asia, but epidemiologic data are lacking. The Asia-Pacific Crohn's and Colitis Epidemiology Study aimed to determine the incidence and phenotype of IBD in 8 countries across Asia and in Australia. METHODS We performed a prospective, population-based study of IBD incidence in predefined catchment areas, collecting data for 1 year, starting on April 1, 2011. New cases were ascertained from multiple overlapping sources and entered into a Web-based database. Cases were confirmed using standard criteria. Local endoscopy, pathology, and pharmacy records were searched to ensure completeness of case capture. RESULTS We identified 419 new cases of IBD (232 of ulcerative colitis [UC], 166 of Crohn's disease [CD], and 21 IBD-undetermined). The crude annual overall incidence values per 100,000 individuals were 1.37 for IBD in Asia (95% confidence interval: 1.25-1.51; 0.76 for UC, 0.54 for CD, and 0.07 for IBD-undetermined) and 23.67 in Australia (95% confidence interval: 18.46-29.85; 7.33 for UC, 14.00 for CD, and 2.33 for IBD-undetermined). China had the highest incidence of IBD in Asia (3.44 per 100,000 individuals). The ratios of UC to CD were 2.0 in Asia and 0.5 in Australia. Median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 5.5 months (interquartile range, 1.4-15 months). Complicated CD (stricturing, penetrating, or perianal disease) was more common in Asia than Australia (52% vs 24%; P = .001), and a family history of IBD was less common in Asia (3% vs 17%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS We performed a large-scale population-based study and found that although the incidence of IBD varies throughout Asia, it is still lower than in the West. IBD can be as severe or more severe in Asia than in the West. The emergence of IBD in Asia will result in the need for specific health care resources, and offers a unique opportunity to study etiologic factors in developing nations.
Improving PTP robustness to the byzantine failure

Computer and telecommunications advances in the last years allowed new distributed applications developments. In this context, time synchronization is a very important issue. Many industrial sectors, such as financial and power, need to achieve high time accuracy. The IEEE 1588-2008 standard [1] defines the second version of PTP, designed to archive clock accuracy in the sub-microsecond range. Previous works [2] [3] has shown PTP vulnerability to byzantine failures. This paper describes an alternative to improve PTP robustness to the byzantine failure without modifying PTP slaves.
Dividend Payments and Cross-country Differences in the Choice of Dividend

One of the hallmarks of good corporate governance is a well built and complies with the dividend policy, taking into account the interests of both the majority and minority shareholders, companies need to preserve and accrued competitive position in the market. Companies that pay dividends pay attention to credit rating agencies. A comparative analysis of the main indicators of dividend in the emerging markets of Russia and Poland with the performance of the developed markets of France and Germany. In the Russian data tested Lintner model describes well the trajectory of dividend payments in the developed markets. Isolated set of financial results of Russian companies that have an impact on their decision to pay dividends on the selected size of payments, revealed differences in dividend-making companies that have carried out cross-listing from making dividend companies whose shares are listed in Russia. This paper discusses mainly observed the company's decision to pay or not to pay dividends and the establishment of the amount of dividends in each year separately. For a description of such decisions used the term “dividend of choice” or “dividend decisions”. It also shows that dividend decisions of companies can vary significantly in different countries. Keywords: Financial capital structure, dividend policy, financial markets, dividend option JEL Classifications: G32, F62, D53
Social marketing and value in behaviour?: Perceived value of using energy efficiently among low income older citizens

Purpose Drawing on value theory, this study aims to explore the perceived value of using energy efficiently amongst a low-income older population group. It aims to provide an empirical exploration of the concept of value-in-behaviour, and, in doing so, identify that it is a logical addition to the extant concepts of value-in-exchange and value-in-use. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory focus group research was conducted to explore older, low-income people’s perceived value towards using energy efficiently in the contexts of their everyday lives. The research was conducted in regional New South Wales, Australia, with 11 focus groups of 59 people (40 females, 19 males) aged over 60 with a personal disposable income below $26,104 per annum. Findings Using this framework, functional, economic and ecological value appeared to be the most pertinent value dimensions for using energy efficiently, while social or emotional value was less relevant. Attention is drawn to how value in using energy efficiently emerges within the everyday contingencies and constraints configured by individual households’ financial, social, material and cultural contexts. These findings suggest that programmes in this area and with similar target groups would benefit from trying to promote and co-create such value. Originality/value The present study provides empirical evidence that consumers in a social marketing context appear to perceive value-in-behaviour in relation to using energy efficiently. This approach inspires social marketers to foster individual behaviour change through a better understanding of how value is created in everyday practices. This builds upon existing work on value in social marketing and suggests that value is an important concept that warrants continued theoretical, empirical and practical exploration.
Sumoylation Inhibits Cleavage of Sp1 N-terminal Negative Regulatory Domain and Inhibits Sp1-dependent Transcription*

Sp1 is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that binds GC-rich cis elements. Many posttranslational modifications have been implicated in the regulation of Sp1 activity. We now provide evidence for a novel mechanism of Sp1 regulation involving the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO-1). Western blot analysis revealed a high molecular mass Sp1 of 125 kDa that is stabilized by a selective SUMO hydrolase inhibitor and destabilized by a specific SUMO-1 hydrolase. The covalent modification of Sp1 by endogenous SUMO-1 and SUMO-1 that has been fused to green fluorescent protein was demonstrated using transient transfection assays. A high probability sumoylation consensus motif, VK16IE18, is located within the N-terminal negative regulatory domain of Sp1. Either arginine substitution for lysine 16 (Sp1(K16R)) or alanine substitution for glutamic acid 18 (Sp1(E18A)), abrogated Sp1 sumoylation. In vitro SUMO-1 covalently bound affinity-purified GST-Sp1, but not GST-Sp1(K16R). In vivo Sp1 was determined to be N-terminally cleaved, while Sp1(K16R) could not be cleaved indicating that sumoylation and cleavage are coupled through the key regulatory lysine 16. This coupling was evident by the demonstration of an inverse relationship between cellular SUMO-modified Sp1 and N-terminally cleaved Sp1. Compared with Sp1, sumoylation-deficient Sp1(E18A) exhibited enhanced cleavage and was a better transcriptional activator, while constitutively SUMO-1-modified Sp1 was deficient in proteolytic processing and repressed Sp1 transcriptional activity. The repressive effect of sumoylation on Sp1 activity is emphasized through the use of a GAL4 based transactivation assay. A model is proposed defining a mechanism by which sumoylation preserves the integrity of a negative regulatory domain thereby allowing for the inhibition of Sp-dependent transcription.
Harvest of crayfish as an ecosystem service of wetlands compared to production systems with planted forage

ABSTRACT Crayfish harvest as an ecosystem service of moist-soil wetlands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) was evaluated using estimates of crayfish yield and operational costs to create enterprise budgets. The average daily yield of crayfish was 2.13 lb/acre (95% CI = 1.19–3.00) and yield did not differ between wetlands dominated with Red Swamp Crayfish or White River Crayfish. Four hypothetical scenarios of harvest operations revealed annual costs associated with harvesting crayfish to be $163.89–370.75/acre. Although these costs were lower than estimated costs currently associated with harvesting crayfish from fields with planted forage in Louisiana ($749.96/acre), a three-fold reduction in crayfish yield (lb/trap/day) from moist-soil wetlands resulted in an increase in the break-even selling price from $1.25/lb in Louisiana to $1.70–$3.86/lb in the MAV. Although this enterprise will likely not compete with the Louisiana rice-crayfish industry, harvesting crayfish from moist-soil wetlands may contribute to ecosystem services provided by wetlands and aid in the reduction of the quantity of crayfish products imported into the U.S. market.