Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ownership Structure and Dividend Policy: Evidence from Malaysian Companies

The paper investigates the effect of large shareholders and dividend policy of Malaysian companies using panel data from 2002 to 2006. Ownership structure in Malaysia is concentrated, therefore the relevant agency conflicts to analyse are the one that arises from the relationship between large shareholders and minority shareholders. The result shows that companies make higher dividend payout as the shareholding of the largest shareholder increase. The magnitude of dividend payout is also larger when there is a presence of the substantial second largest shareholder in the company.
Structural alterations of blood vessels in hypertensive rats.

Vascular changes in the mesenteric arteries were examined in three animals models for human essential hypertension. These models are: spontaneously hypertensive rats, which develop hypertension with age; Dahl model of genetic, salt-dependent hypertensive rats; and deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertensive rats. Morphometric measurements of the arterial wall components (e.g., endothelium, media) were carried out in the elastic arteries, muscular arteries, and arteriolar vessels from the mesenteric bed. The observed changes were correlated with the stages of hypertension development and the effect of antihypertension therapy, including sympathectomy. Specific emphasis was made to determine whether the changes observed were primary in nature, and related to the causes of hypertension, or they were secondary adaptive changes. A comparison of the three models showed that common changes in the intima, media, and adventitia were present in the three models. Alterations in the endothelium (e.g., enlargement of subendothelial space, necrotic changes), adventitia (collagen increase), and hypertrophy of the smooth muscle cells are secondary adaptive changes, because these changes occur subsequent to the development of hypertension, and antihypertensive therapy also prevent these changes from taking place. In contrast, hyperplasia of the smooth muscle cells is a primary change, because it occurs prior to the onset of hypertension. Functionally, alteration in the media is probably the most important change, because it can cause hyperreactivity of the arteries in response to stimulation. Damage to the endothelial cells may play a role in the maintenance of hypertension during the later phase. Alteration in adventitia is a passive change, which does not appear to have a major role in hypertension. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
[Combined myocardial injury markers for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE To compare the diagnostic accuracy of different myocardial injury markers and their combinations in diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS The myocardial injury markers: AST, CK, CK-MB, LDH, HBDH, cTnI, CK-MB mass were detected in patients with acute chest pain-onset who were hospitalized in Sichuan University West China Hospital from July 2005 to October 2006. The accuracy of those markers in diagnosing AMI were evaluated by their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio. Student t-test and one-way ANOVA were performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the markers. RESULTS cTnI had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with 85% of sensitivity and 92.5% of specificity (P < 0.05). cTnI in parallel with myocardial enzymes produced the highest combined diagnostic accuracy, with 100% of sensitivity and 37.29% of specificity (P < 0.05). Myocardial enzymes in sequence with cTnI produced the highest sequential diagnostic accuracy, with 50% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION cTnI is the best indicator for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of AMI. Myocardiozymogram is poor in sensitivity and specificity, which should be used only in combination with cTnI or CK-MB mass. Parallel testing can increase sensitivity, while sequential testing can improve specificity.
A Typology of Service Firms in International Markets: An Empirical Investigation

To date, service industries have been generally dominated by an operations orientation that treats each industry as a different market segment. This mindset often manifests itself in managerial attitudes that assume, for example, that the marketing of legal services has nothing in common with engineering services, health care, or management consulting. If, however, it can be shown that these services do share particular market-relevant characteristics, then a useful cross-fertilization of managerial and strategic insights may be achieved.
Optical coherence tomography: measuring in-vivo axonal survival and neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis

Purpose of review This review considers the latest developments in the use of optical coherence tomography in neuro-ophthalmology. Recent findings Optical coherence tomography can accurately and reproducibly quantitate the micron thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, as well as the thickness and volume of the macula. It is able to perform both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in patients with multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis. It is able to measure and assess axonal preservation and protection when used in clinical trials. Summary Specific guidelines when undertaking optical coherence tomography analyses for patients with multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis are needed to ensure uniformity among clinical trials; this development would be similar to the parameters devised when magnetic resonance imaging emerged as an important technology.
Understanding the Stock Market’s Response to Monetary Policy Shocks

This paper explores whether a limited participation model of the monetary transmission mechanism can account for the observed response of stock market returns to monetary policy shocks. It is found that the model generates responses that broadly match the empirical counterparts, although the magnitudes are somewhat too small. Moreover, the results suggest that the increased exposure of bank-dependent firms to liquidity shocks cannot fully account for the heterogenous responses of returns that are observed across firms.
Racial Harassment, Ethnic Concentration, and Economic Conditions

In this paper, we analyse the association between the spatial concentration of ethnic minorities and racial harassment. Ethnic concentration relates to racial harassment through at least three channels: hostility in the attitudes of majority individuals that finds expression in harassment behaviour, the probability that minority individuals meet majority individuals, and the cost of expressing hostility aggressively. Thus, harassment cannot simply be modelled as a stronger form of hostility. Using unique data for Britain, we show that, in areas of higher local ethnic concentration, experience of harassment is lower, even though hostility on the side of the majority population is not.
An analysis of technical trading strategies

This dissertation extends the literature on the efficacy of technical analysis in the direction of the `risk premium view' as an explanation for excess trading rule returns. First, we generally rely on the theoretical alternatives to the efficient market hypothesis which encourages possibilities for markets to be inefficient. We then investigate the link between the risk involved in trading rule strategies and the resulting excess returns. The empirical analysis is based mainly on a sample of stocks drawn from the London Stock Exchange, (LSE), portfolios constructed from three US markets; the New York Stock Exchange, (NYSE), the American Stock Exchange, (ASE), and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation market, (NASDAQ). Data from ten small emerging markets of Africa is also used in empirical analyses. Focusing on documented evidence of differences in risk levels among several markets or market segments, the empirical analyses examined whether these risk differentials can explain excess trading rule profits as compensation for bearing risk. The empirical analyses find that, to a large extent, liquidity, book-to-market ratio, and institutional arrangements can explain the excess profits from technical analysis. These empirical analyses are carried out in chapters three, four and six. As part of the analysis, I conduct empirical tests to assess the appropriateness of some risk estimates for trading rules. Using recently developed techniques, the evidence in chapter five is consistent with the notion that certain risk estimates may not be appropriate for adjusting trading rule returns for risk.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibition: Effect on bone changes and sarcoma tumor induction in balb/c mice

An increase in prostaglandins (PGs) of the E series has been demonstrated in Moloney sarcoma virus (MSV)‐induced leg tumors of 6‐week‐old BALB/c male mice. The level of the hormone has been shown to increase with the tumor diameter and decrease with tumor regression. At the peak of tumor size the tibial bones of the mice were considerably deformed, suggesting osteoclastic activity. The systemic calcium level was not elevated, indicating possible release of calcium into the local tumorous area. In mice treated with indomethacin the tumors failed to develop and PG levels were markedly lower. Tibial bones of treated mice were similar in appearance to those of control, non‐tumorous mice. PG levels of DBA/1J mice bearing extensive Cloudman S91 melanomas were not elevated and no bone deformation was seen. When contrasted with studies of immuno‐depressed mice the results suggest that indomethacin acted in conjunction with and possibly to restore the PG‐induced depression of the immune system in preventing tumor development. It is also hypothesized that indomethacin, by suppressing the PG‐mediated calcium release from bone, could be operative in inhibiting tumor growth.
The responsiveness of employment service provision to the needs of refugees.

Greater 'responsiveness' to the needs of service users has been called for as a central policy aim. In the context of employment service provision, this includes responding to the needs of refugees, amongst whom there are high levels of unemployment (Department of Work and Pensions, 2005a, 2006). However, despite the policy rhetoric, there has been limited analysis of the concept and the factors that influence provider responsiveness to users' needs. While responsiveness has been conceived in terms of new lines of outwards accountability of providers to users, by directly responding to their needs and preferences (see Mulgan, 2000), there may be tensions between the performance systems in which providers operate and responsiveness in this respect. The thesis considers (1) refugees' experiences and perceptions of the responsiveness of the public employment service (Jobcentre Plus) and third sector providers of specialist services to their needs; and (2) these providers' experiences and perceptions of the factors influencing responsiveness to refugees' needs. The findings emphasise variation in the appropriateness of provision to refugees' English language needs, skills and interests. This is related to tensions between wider policy imperatives and organisational priorities in publicly-funded employment services; a performance system and incentive structure oriented towards short-term job outcomes; and directly responding to the needs of refugee clients. The thesis concludes by arguing that where upwards accountability to public funders and central government departments predominates in performance systems, the responsiveness of providers directly to refugees' needs is limited by these systems. In order to facilitate greater responsiveness to the employment-related needs of refugees, greater alignment between performance measures and refugees' needs is emphasised, as is the role of information to refugee users on service provision. In addition, means of facilitating the involvement of refugees in decision-making processes concerning the allocation of resources to address their needs are considered.
Studies on Autoimmunity for T-Cell-Mediated β-Cell Destruction: Distinct Difference in β-Cell Destruction Between CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cell Clones Derived From Lymphocytes Infiltrating the Islets of NOD Mice

Six CD4+ and three CD8+ islet-reactive T-cell clones were established from lymphocytes infiltrating the pancreatic islets of NOD mice. Two of six CD4+ T-cell clones responded to NOD islet cells only, not to spleen cells. The remaining four clones responded to both islet cells and spleen cells from NOD mice, but not to cells from other strains of mice, including SJL, C3H, C57BL/6, and DBA/2 mice. None of the CD4+ T-cell clones had a cytotoxic effect on the cultured islet cells. On the other hand, all of the CD8+ T-cell clones showed both a proliferative response and a cytotoxic effect on the islet cells, with the restriction of MHC class I H-2Db. Electron microscopic studies revealed that islet-specific CD4+ T-cells attached closely to islet cells but did not destroy them. In contrast, CD8+ T-cell clones showed pseudopodialike protrusions into β-cells, but not α- or δ-cells, leading to selective destruction of β-cells. CD8+ CTLs could not be isolated from islets of NOD mice < 10 wk of age, even if the islets showed lymphocytic infiltration, whereas CD4+ T-cells could be isolated from islets of these younger NOD mice. On the basis of these observations, we concluded that CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells interact differently with β-cells at different stages in T-cell–mediated β-cell destruction. CD4+ T-cells may secrete cytokines, which in turn activate effector cell populations, whereas CD8+ T-cells may act as a final effector directly involved in β-cell destruction.
HOW TO MESH UP EWALD SUMS. II. AN ACCURATE ERROR ESTIMATE FOR THE PARTICLE-PARTICLE-PARTICLE-MESH ALGORITHM

We construct an accurate estimate for the root mean square force error of the particle–particle–particle mesh (P3M) algorithm by extending a single particle pair error measure which has been given by Hockney and Eastwood. We also derive an easy to use analytic approximation to the error formula. This allows a straightforward and precise determination of the optimal splitting parameter (as a function of system specifications and P3M parameters) and hence knowledge of the force accuracy prior to the actual simulation. The high quality of the estimate is demonstrated in several examples.
Endogeneity and the Dynamics of Voluntary Disclosure Quality: Is There Really an Effect on the Cost of Equity Capital?

Research on the effects of voluntary disclosure quality on the cost of equity capital is often plagued by endogeneity concerns. I use a dynamic panel system GMM estimator to minimize these concerns by incorporating the dynamic nature of voluntary disclosure choices. The dynamic panel system GMM approach provides internal instruments from the firm’s history that directly address endogeneity arising from unobserved heterogeneity and simultaneity. By using hand-collected voluntary disclosure scores, I examine the dynamic relation between voluntary disclosure quality and the cost of equity capital in a panel over 10 years. My results suggest that the empirical relation between voluntary disclosure quality and the cost of equity capital becomes insignificant after controlling adequately for potential dynamic endogeneity, simultaneity, and unobserved heterogeneity. This result is robust to an extension to the U.S. market.
RELEVANSI NILAI INFORMASI AKUNTANSI, SEBELUM ADOPSI IFRS DAN SETELAH ADOPSI IFRS PADA PERUSAHAAN YANG TERCATAT DALAM BURSA EFEK INDONESIA

This study aimed to explore the value relevance of accounting information in the period before and after the adoption of IFRS in Indonesia . This study uses the value of accounting earnings and book value of equity as a proxy for the value relevance of accounting information . Quality of accounting information can be seen on the relevance of accounting information in the decision-making of investors as reflected in the stock price . Adoption of IFRS -based standards are not predicted to improve the quality of accounting information due to spesific environmental factors in Indonesia . The population of this research is a listed public company on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the period 2009-2012 . The results showed that the adoption of IFRS -based standards in Indonesia have not been able to improve the quality of accounting information . this is due to only the relevance of equity book value are increased , while the relevance of accounting earnings with investment decisions as reflected in the stock price does not increase significantly in the period after the adoption of IFRS. Keyword: Value relevance, Accounting Earnings, Book Value of Equity, IFRS adoption.
On the Patterns of Trade Liberalization, Oligopolistic Concentration and Profitablility: Reflections from Post-1980 Tukrish Manufacturing

In this paper we investigate the structural consequences of the post-1980 outwardorientation on the market concentration and accumulation patterns in the Turkish manufacturing industries. Using various panel data procedures over 29-subsectors of Turkish manufacturing for the period 1980-1996, we focus on three sets of issues: (i) the effect of openness on the extent of market concentration as measured in CR4 ratios; (ii) the behavior of gross profit margins (mark-ups) in relation to openness, concentration ratios, and real wage costs; and (iii) the behavior of sectoral real investments (by destination) in relation to the profit margins, real wage costs, and the openness indicator. Our results suggest very little structural change in the sectoral composition and nature of market concentration and behavior of profit margins under the post-1980 structural adjustment reforms and outward-orientation. We find that contrary to expectations, “openness” had very little impact, if any, on profit margins (mark-ups), and, within manufacturing, the trade–adjusting sectors reveal a positive relationship between the profit margins and openness. Profit margins are found to be positively and significantly related to concentration power and real wage cost increases. Real investments in the sector display positive relationship with profit margins and real wages, yet bear a statistically insignificant relationship vis-a-vis openness.
Virus-like particles as universal influenza vaccines

Current influenza vaccines are primarily targeted to induce immunity to the influenza virus strain-specific hemagglutinin antigen and are not effective in controlling outbreaks of new pandemic viruses. An approach for developing universal vaccines is to present highly conserved antigenic epitopes in an immunogenic conformation such as virus-like particles (VLPs) together with an adjuvant to enhance the vaccine immunogenicity. In this review, the authors focus on conserved antigenic targets and molecular adjuvants that were presented in VLPs. Conserved antigenic targets that include the hemagglutinin stalk domain, the external domain of influenza M2 and neuraminidase are discussed in addition to molecular adjuvants that are engineered to be incorporated into VLPs in a membrane-anchored form.
Price Discovery in Gold Markets: China and the US

China has become the world’s biggest consumer of gold in recent years. After only several years of operation, the Chinese gold futures market is now one of the largest globally. This paper studies the price discovery process for the Chinese gold markets. Since the financial crisis in 2007, gold has become one of the best-performing assets. This paper adopts the classic Information Share (IS) and Component Share (CS) metrics to measure information leadership. Recent studies show that IS and CS fail to assign information dominance among different markets if they have different noise levels caused by market microstructure differences. As suggested by Yan and Zivot (2010) and Putniņs (2013), the IS and CS metrics can be combined to overcome this problem. The results suggest that the Chinese gold futures market functions well by facilitating price discovery for the Chinese spot market. However, unlike many previous works showing that the US market leads other countries (Fung et al. 2003, Ghosh et al. 1999), our findings suggest that the Chinese gold futures market leads US gold futures. The Chinese gold futures market contributes more to the price discovery process than the US market. Our results uncover an interesting pattern in that the Chinese and US gold futures markets take turns in leading the Chinese gold spot market during the day and night trading sessions.
Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Indomethacin-Sensitive Headaches

Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Indomethacin-Sensitive Headaches Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are a group of primary headache disorders that are characterized by attacks of unilateral pain of varying duration and prominent, ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms, such as lacrimation, conjunctival injection, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, or periorbital edema. The TACs include cluster headaches, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing or cranial autonomic symptoms.1 Paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) attacks last 2 to 30 minutes and typically occur several times per day.1,2 Hemicrania continua (HC) is characterized by continuous pain with exacerbations lasting for hours or days.3 Both are defined by their response to indomethacin; a high dose of 225 mg daily or greater may be needed1 and lifelong treatment is frequently required. Unfortunately, indomethacin is often poorly tolerated because of adverse effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or gastric bleeding. Transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve with the GammaCore (electroCore, LLC) has been effective for the acute treatment of episodic cluster headaches in 2 randomized shamcontrolled trials,4,5 raising the possibility that this treatment might be effective for other TACs including HC.6 We began treating patients with PH or HC who were unable to tolerate
The influence of corporate social responsibility on business practice : the case of International Certifiable Management Standards

This study explores the influence of CSR on business practice. To succeed in its aim, the dissertation employs International Certifiable Management Standards (ICMS), as proxy-indicators of CSR related practices and draws on an inter-disciplinary approach. In contrast to previous research suffered from narrow analytical insights and lack of empirical evidence, this study contributes to existing knowledge by adopting a more holistic approach and focusing on the breadth, depth and context of ICMS adoption. The research draws on a mixed-methods approach and its analysis is based on 211 responses from small, medium and large companies from services, commerce and manufacture collected through a survey (21.4% response rate), and on eighteen (18) semi-structured interviews. The results reveal that CSR practices fail to influence business practice; firms do not adopt such practices in order to improve their CSR performance but they do it due to competitiveness and legitimacy reasons. The study shows that companies use CSR practices to convince or even mislead stakeholders that the activities of the firm are carried out within the framework set by society. The findings also indicate that the context of implementation of CSR practices is lax failing to secure the integration of these practices in firms’ everyday activities.