Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COST OF DEBT CAPITAL

THE IRRELEVANCE OF financial policy was first noted by J. B. Williams [46] some forty years ago, as he stated that "no change in the investment value of the enterprise as a whole would result from a change in its capitalization. "' In 1952, Durand [9], in contrasting the Net Operating Income and the Net Income approaches to market valuation, demonstrated that the value of a firm is independent of its capital structure under the Net Operating Income theory of market valuation. However, it was not until after the publication of Modigliani and Miller's (MM) [31] classic paper in 1958 that the theory of financial leverage began to attract a great deal of attention among researchers in finance and economics. In their paper, Modigliani and Miller first brought out more explicitly the relationship between market valuation and individual portfolio decisions under uncertainty and proved, based upon the risk-class assumption and the arbitrage argument, the famous proposition that the value of a firm is invariant to its capital structure in the absence of corporate income taxes and bankruptcy risk. Several subsequent studies have shown that the same result can be obtained under more general conditions.2 The meaning and the measure of a firm's cost of capital have been the subject of numerous theoretical and empirical inquiries in the past two decades, and the theory of financial leverage has now become an essential part of the modern theory of corporation finance. The cost of debt capital, an integral part of a firm's cost of capital, is defined as the equilibrium required rate of return on a risky corporate bond. Therefore, understanding the theory of corporate bankruptcy and the pricing of risky debt in an equilibrium capital market is the key to a better understanding of the determinants of a firm's cost of debt capital. The purpose of this paper is to review some recent developments in the theory of pricing risky debt and to examine more systematically the determinants of the cost of debt capital. In Section II, we review and discuss the pricing of risky bonds and the determination of the cost of debt capital within a framework of one-period capital asset pricing model under uncertainty. In Section III, the mathematically more elegant models of pricing risky bonds based upon the continuous-time option pricing model are reviewed and discussed. The determinants of the risk premiums
Male Income, Female Income, and Household Income Inequality in
Israel: A Decomposition Analysis

Differentiating between the sensitivity of income inequality to male income and female income and decomposing inequality by income determinants, we find that total income inequality is less sensitive to female income variability or the level of female income, than to male income variability or the level of male income. Uniform increases in education reduce income inequality, with increases in female education having a larger effect than increases in male education. An increase in the population fraction of ethnic minorities has a positive effect on inequality, but this operates mostly through female income. All this suggests that female income is the most adequate target for inequality-reducing policy, and that within-household gender equality is good for reducing income inequality among households.
Farmer Response to Policies Promoting Organic Farming Technologies in Finland

This paper analyses factors determining the choice between standard and organic farming technology in Finland by numerically iterating a Bellman equation backwards in time. The unknown parameters of a switching-type Probit model are estimated by maximum likelihood estimation. The maximised values of the uncertain revenue streams are stimulated. The results suggest that decreasing output prices and increasing direct subsidies trigger the switch to organic farming. The switch is also more likely on farms having large land areas and low yields. Intensive livestock production and labour-intensive production decrease the probability of switching to organic farming.
Fertility status, trace elements and heavy metal pollution of agricultural land irrigated from the Gediz River

The effect of the Gediz River, polluted by industrial and domestic wastes, on fertility status and trace elements and heavy metal pollution of agricultural land irrigated from this river was investigated. For this purpose, soil samples were collected in August 1998 between the source of the Gediz River (Murat Mountain) and its mouth (Aegean Sea). Soil samples were collected from 12 different sites along the length of the river basin from 0-30 cm depth. The soils were slightly alkaline, with no salt problem and were poor in organic matter. Total N and available P, K, Mg, Fe and Zn levels were low or average, whereas available Ca, Na, Cu, Mn were present at good and sufficient levels. Thirty three per cent of soils had available B and S of soils had total B levels above the phytotoxic lower boundary. Because of the geographical/geological structure, soil samples from the Gediz source (Sample Site 1) had high amounts of total Fe, Zn, Mn, B, Cd, Ni, Cr and Co. At the second sampling site, total Ni content was also higher than is acceptable according to the national standards set. In addition, in some soil samples the amount of total Cd was above the lower phytotoxic boundary value.
Composition of Follow-Up Formula for Young Children Aged 12-36 Months: Recommendations of an International Expert Group Coordinated by the Nutrition Association of Thailand and the Early Nutrition Academy

Background: There are no internationally agreed recommendations on compositional requirements of follow-up formula for young children (FUF-YC) aged 1-3 years. Aim: The aim of the study is to propose international compositional recommendations for FUF-YC. Methods: Compositional recommendations for FUF-YC were devised by expert consensus based on a detailed literature review of nutrient intakes and unmet needs in children aged 12-36 months. Results and Conclusions: Problematic nutrients with often inadequate intakes are the vitamins A, D, B12, C and folate, calcium, iron, iodine and zinc. If used, FUF-YC should be fed along with an age-appropriate mixed diet, usually contributing 1-2 cups (200-400 ml) of FUF-YC daily (approximately 15% of total energy intake). Protein from cow's milk-based formula should provide 1.6-2.7 g/100 kcal. Fat content should be 4.4-6.0 g/100 kcal. Carbohydrate should contribute 9-14 g/100 kcal with >50% from lactose. If other sugars are added, they should not exceed 10% of total carbohydrates. Calcium should provide 200 mg/100 kcal. Other micronutrient contents/100 kcal should reach 15% of the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization recommended nutrient intake values. A guidance upper level that was 3-5 times of the minimum level was established. Countries may adapt compositional requirements, considering recommended nutrient intakes, habitual diets, nutritional status and existence of micronutrient programs to ensure adequacy while preventing excessive intakes.
Immigrant Entrepreneurship, Institutional Discrimination, and Implications for Public Policy: A Case Study in Toronto

Immigration since World War 2 has been a primary engine of economic, social, and cultural change in Canada. Two of its important characteristics have been its ‘urban’ character and the non-European origins of immigrants since the 1960s. The Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) has been a major destination for those immigrants who have entered the self-employed sector of the economy in ever-larger numbers. The authors focus on the barriers and challenges experienced by the Polish, Portuguese, Caribbean, Korean, and Somali immigrants in the establishment and operation of their businesses in the Toronto CMA. With information collected through key-informant interviews, a questionnaire survey, and focus groups, it is found that, despite the Canadian commitment to multiculturalism at all levels of government, visible-minority entrepreneurs still confront more barriers in their business practice than do non-visible-minority entrepreneurs, with access to financing being a persistent problem. Given the increasingly multicultural nature of major Canadian cities and the acknowledged role of immigrants as an engine of economic growth, the authors identify barriers to entrepreneurship among immigrants as an area of clear concern both for policymakers and for scholars, and suggest solutions to address this concern.
The relationship between budget deficits and money demand: evidence from a small economy

A considerable number of empirical studies exploring the links between budget deficits and the demand for money have led to mixed results. By using annual data of the Greek economy and previous empirical studies, this paper empirically evaluates the sensitivity and validity of the Keynesian proposition and the Ricardian equivalence hypothesis. The paper employs cointegration, ECM methodology, and several diagnostic and specification tests. The empirical findings show a significant and positive relationship between budget deficits and the demand for money, supporting the Keynesian model.
Treatment with Interferon plus Ribavirin in anti-HIV Negative Patients with Congenital Coagulation Disorders and Chronic Hepatitis C

Summary Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected hemophiliacs respond at low rate to interferon (IFN) monotherapy. Aims To assess efficacy of IFN and RBV in HIV negative hemophiliacs with chronic hepatitis C and identify early predictive factors of response. Methods Twenty naive patients were treated with interferon and RBV for twelve months. Response was assessed by both serial ALT and HCV RNA levels. Results Normalization of ALT with clearance of HCV RNA occurred in seven (35%) patients. Age and age at infection were the only features associated with a higher likelihood of response. In all responders the viral load had decreased by at least one log within two months of starting treatment. Conclusions Combination of interferon and ribavirin is well tolerated by hemophiliacs who achieve similar sustained response rates to non-hemophiliacs. Quantitative assessment of viral load at two months of treatment is a useful method to identify non-responders at an early stage.
Culture and Intraracial Wage Inequality among America's African Diaspora

At the height of the US civil rights movement in the mid-1960s foreign-born persons were less than one percent of the African American popu lation. Today, 12 percent of America's African Diaspora work force consists of immigrants, and three percent are Hispanic. Some black immi grants? for example, Haitians and Spanish speaking Caribbean immigrants? have lower earnings and lower productivity-linked charac teristics than native African Americans. Other
Share prices and accounting variables: a hierarchical Bayesian analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance of accounting variables to explain the evolution of a company's share price; and more specifically, we analyse the influence of cash flow and book value on the evolution of the share price, taking into account certain covariates which have traditionally been regarded as helping explain this effect. Design/methodology/approach – A hierarchical Bayesian model is used to analyse the relevance of the accounting figures considered by the markets. Findings – The empirical results obtained show that the firm size and the speed of asset turnover are a company's most relevant features, which is indirectly consistent with the theory of company life cycles. Originality/value – The empirical results obtained are of value to support the validity of company life cycle theory.
A History of Empirical Literature on the Relationship between Trade and Growth

The purpose of this paper is to review the empirical literature on the relationship between international trade and economic growth. Case studies as well as econometrical works point to a positive impact of trade on growth, although they have shortcomings. Case studies are difficult to generalize and methods of econometrical works can be criticized. Industry and firm-level research also show that openness contributes to growth owing to its positive impact on productivity. The survey finally shows that the scope of the impact of trade reform on growth also depends on complementary policies.
Comparison Between Impact Factor, Eigenfactor Metrics, and SCimago Journal Rank Indicator of Pediatric Neurology Journals

Background: Impact Factor (IF) as a major journal quality indicator has a series of shortcomings including effect of self-citation, review articles, total number of articles, etc. In this study, we compared 4 journals quality indices ((IF), Eigenfactor Score (ES), Article Influence Score (AIS) and SCImago Journal Rank indicator (SJR)) in the specific Pediatric Neurology journals. Methods: All ISI and Scopus indexed specific Pediatric Neurology journals were compared regarding their 2011 IF, ES, AIS and SJR. Results: Fourteen pediatric Neurology journals were identified, 3 of which were only Scopus indexed and the others were both ISI and Scopus indexed. High correlation was found between IF and AIS (0.850). Correlations between IF and other indices were not that high. Self-citation, total article number and review articles were related to the IF and other indices as well as their ranks. English language and citation to non citable item didn’t have any effect on pediatric neurology journals ranks. Conclusion: Although all the above mentioned indicators can be used interchangeably, using all considered indices is a more appropriate way than using only IF for quality assessment of pediatric neurology journals.
Broadband impact on small business growth in Kentucky

Purpose – The paper aims to examine the relationship between broadband availability and firm establishment growth rates by employment size and by industry to assess the impact of broadband on small business growth in Kentucky.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a modified growth model as the theoretical foundation for empirical analysis.Findings – Broadband availability does increase growth in small and medium‐sized businesses. While broadband does tend to affect specific industries differently, the scope of the affects is limited to only a few industries: broadband encourages growth in small manufacturing firms, but discourages growth in financial services.Research limitations/implications – The scope of analysis is limited to the period of 2003‐2005, while some of the counties in Kentucky did not have sizable broadband deployment until 2005. Owing to the lack of data availability, the current research does not consider demand‐side factors, though several industries considered are likely to be d.
Turnover and What to Do About It

This article examines how five organizations with different management styles handle turnover: La Quinta Motor Inns, Forte Hotels, Interstate Hotels, Sterchi Hotels, and the Opryland Hotel. In varying degrees, each of those companies emphasizes the following: ongoing training, continuing education, employee empowerment, open communication with management, and a show of appreciation for jobs well done. Recommendations to reduce turnover include: (1) Set, maintain, and follow job descriptions for each position; (2) Establish an orientation program; (3) Clearly and quickly communicate decisions; (4) Make sure everyone knows what's expected of him or her, and for what he or she is accountable; (5) Base rewards solely on results, and not on any subjective data; (6) Set standards at a high level; (7) Give employees as much authority as possible; (8) Establish a quality-assurance program; (9) Develop and maintain training programs; and (10) Create an atmosphere of trust and sharing.
Shifting the focus from expert-centred to student-centred learning resources: Creating student-centred learning resources for direct practice

There is a lack of suitable multimedia resources for student learning in the three core methods of social work and human services practice: case work, group work, and community practice. In particular, there are very few audiovisual resources on direct practice that do justice to the particular contexts and complexities of social work practice. Existing audiovisual resources tend to focus on generic communication skills, or alternatively assume contexts such as clinical counselling that are not directly applicable to social work or the human services. In this article we provide an overview of a project that aimed to produce peer-based audiovisual learning materials for students in direct practice courses in social work and human services programs. In addition to describing this project, we consider the significance and benefits of involving students rather than ‘experts’ in developing these teaching and learning resources in terms of expanding traditional understandings of student-centred instruction.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 inhibitors: a patent review (2006 – present)

Introduction: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the serine protease inhibitor (serpin), binds to and inhibits the plasminogen activators—tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). This results in both a decrease in plasmin production and a decrease in the dissolution of fibrin clots. Elevated levels of PAI-1 are correlated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and have been linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, the pharmacological suppression of PAI-1 might prevent or treat vascular disease. Areas covered: This article provides an overview of the patenting activity on PAI-1 inhibitors. Patents filed by pharmaceutical companies or individual research groups are described, and the biological and biochemical evaluation of the inhibitors, including in vitro and in vivo studies, is discussed. An overview of patents pertaining to using these inhibitors for treating various diseases is also included. Expert opinion: Although there is still no PAI-1 inhibitor being evaluated in a clinical setting or approved for human therapy, research in this field has progressed, and promising new compounds have been designed. Most research has focused on improving the pharmacological profile of these compounds, which will hopefully allow them to proceed to clinical studies. Despite the need for further testing and research, the potential use of PAI-1 inhibitors for treating cardiovascular disease appears quite promising.
Geometric Hashing: A General And Efficient Model-based Recognition Scheme

A general method for model-based object recognition in occluded scenes is presented. It is based on geometric hashing. The method stands out for its efficiency. We describe the general framework of the method and illustrate its applications for various recogni- tion problems both in 3-D and 2-D. Special attention is given to the recognition of 3-D objects in occluded scenes from 2-D gray scale images. New experimental results are included for this important case.
Removal of a sialolith by an intraoral surgical approach in a warmblood gelding

SIALOLITHIASIS (the presence of stones in the salivary duct) has been recorded in human beings (McGurk and others 2005), monkeys (Ensley and others 1981), donkeys (Kay 2005), dogs (Bartels 1978), cattle (Ali and others 1978), buffaloes (Joshi and others 2003), camels (Barvalia and others 1992) and horses (Schumacher and Schumacher 1995). The incidence in human beings is estimated to be approximately one case per 20,000 people per year (Escudier and others 2003, Marchal and Dulguerov 2003); however, fewer than half of these salivary stones cause clinical symptoms (McGurk and others 2005). In human beings, 80 to 90 per cent of salivary stones are found in the submandibular gland, 5 to 10 per cent are found in the parotid gland and 0 to 5 per cent are found in the sublingual or other minor salivary glands (McGurk and others 2005). Sialolithiasis is uncommon in horses and its incidence is not known. Current published data indicate that in horses salivary stones are localised only in the parotid gland (Kay 2005). Most cases present with a short history of firm and sometimes painful swellings along the mandible. Decreased appetite, increased heart rate and fever have also been reported to occur in some horses. This short communication describes the removal of a sialolith from the parotid duct of a horse via an intraoral surgical approach.
Predicting Volunteer Commitment in Environmental Stewardship Programmes

The natural environment benefits greatly from the work of volunteers in environmental stewardship programmes. However, little is known about volunteers' motivations for continued participation in these programmes. This study looked at the relationship between volunteer commitment and motivation, as well as the effect that volunteering has on participants' behaviour and attitudes toward the environment. The study participants were 148 long-term volunteers from three environmental stewardship programmes in Michigan. The results of the study revealed that helping the environment and learning were important initial motivations. Other motivations, including social factors and project organization, were found to be significant predictors of volunteer commitment. Volunteers also indicated many significant changes in their environmental outlook and actions during their involvement in stewardship activities. The results of the study suggest that stewardship programmes that consider volunteers' changing motivations at different stages of their participation can effectively nurture personal growth while fostering a powerful constituency for the environment among their volunteers.
Diagnostic value of fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of genomic aberrations in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Karyotype is one of the most important prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). DESIGN AND METHODS To assess the diagnostic value of molecular cytogenetics in AML patients older than 60 years, we compared the results of chromosome banding with those of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) applying a comprehensive DNA-probe set for the detection of the most relevant AML-associated chromosome aberrations in a prospective series of 283 patients registered for the multicenter treatment trial AML HD98-B. RESULTS Four cases of inv(16)/t(16;16) and 2 cases of t(11q23) were only detected by FISH. Molecular cytogenetic analysis was also more sensitive for the detection of genomic imbalances, in particular 7q-, +11q, 17p-, and 20q-, but virtually all cases of aneuploidy or deletions that were missed on banding analysis were identified in patients without assessable metaphases, in patients with normal karyotypes but poor chromosome morphology, in patients with a leukemia-specific balanced rearrangement, or in patients with complex karyotypes. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Our results support the use of FISH as a complementary method for the detection of inv(16)/t(16;16) and t(11q23) in all older AML patients eligible for intensive therapy. Molecular cytogenetics should also be considered in cases with insufficient yields of metaphase cells, poor chromosome morphology, or both. Routine screening for chromosomal imbalances by FISH does not improve cytogenetic risk assessment in patients with adequate pretreatment karyotype information.
Bispectral index, predicted and measured drug levels of target‐controlled infusions of remifentanil and propofol during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and emergence

Background: Target‐controlled infusions (TCI) have been launched as simple, accurate and reliable delivery systems of intravenous drugs. Bispectral index of EEG (BIS) seems promising in measuring hypnotic effect of anaesthetic drugs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of TCI systems in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to correlate measured drug levels to BIS values. Data were analysed for possible gender differences during emergence.