Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Return Distributions of Property Shares in Emerging Markets

Executive Summary. We empirically examined the return process of the emerging equity markets, and that of property indices in particular. We found that the emerging market property indices are more volatile than both the respective market indices and the real estate investment trust indices in the United States. In terms of predictability, contrary to the traditional wisdom, we did not find overwhelming evidence for autocorrelation in the majority number of these indices. We found certain diversification benefits to invest in the emerging market property indices, but we also found the unfavorable asymmetry in the correlation between emerging property indices and the U.S. NAREIT Index (i.e., correlations were higher during time of market volatility).
Prevalence of Academic Procrastination and Reasons for Academic Procrastination in University Students

_____________________ Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Safia Afzal, Alumni, National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad-Pakistan. Email: safiaafzal786@gmail.com Humaira Jami, PhD, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-iAzam University, Islamabad-Pakistan. Email: jami@nip.edu. pk Prevalence of Academic Procrastination and Reasons for Academic Procrastination in University Students
Learning Robust Rewards with Adversarial Inverse Reinforcement Learning

Reinforcement learning provides a powerful and general framework for decision making and control, but its application in practice is often hindered by the need for extensive feature and reward engineering. Deep reinforcement learning methods can remove the need for explicit engineering of policy or value features, but still require a manually specified reward function. Inverse reinforcement learning holds the promise of automatic reward acquisition, but has proven exceptionally difficult to apply to large, high-dimensional problems with unknown dynamics. In this work, we propose adverserial inverse reinforcement learning (AIRL), a practical and scalable inverse reinforcement learning algorithm based on an adversarial reward learning formulation. We demonstrate that AIRL is able to recover reward functions that are robust to changes in dynamics, enabling us to learn policies even under significant variation in the environment seen during training. Our experiments show that AIRL greatly outperforms prior methods in these transfer settings.
Teachers' Perspectives on the Challenges of Teaching Physical Education in Urban Schools

The purpose of this study was to analyze how the challenges of urban schools influence physical education teachers' emotional understanding and connections with their students and the implications on their teaching. Sixty-one elementary physical educators from an urban school district in the midwestern U.S. were interviewed multiple times (N = 136) over 3 years using interpretive methodology. Teachers reported five unique challenges that significantly shaped their thinking about students and their careers, along with strategies they used to overcome or manage those challenges. The challenges were: (a) insufficient instructional resources, (b) implementing culturally relevant pedagogy, (c) dealing with community violence, (d) integrating more games in curricula, and (e) teaching in a culture of basketball. Implications centered on the guilt-inducing nature of urban teaching, developing an informed and realistic vision of urban physical education, and the role of teacher preparation and professional development.
A Study on Robust Stability Analysis of Sampled-Data Systems against Parametric Uncertainties via a Separator-Type Stability Theorem

In this paper, we study the robust internal stability problem of sampled-data systems. We confine ourselves to a simple class of separators with which we apply the separator-type stability theorem derived recently, and show that the robust stability analysis with that class can be classified into two types of methods as far as real scalar parametric uncertainties are concerned. Moreover, we clarify that each of these methods can be regarded as an extended version of an associated existing method. Furthermore, we study the relation between these two types of methods and compare their effectiveness from the viewpoint of conservativeness of the robust stability analysis
Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Benefits from Conservation Practices Targeted in Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy 2013: A Non Market Valuation Approach

With the aim of improving water quality, the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy 2014 sets a goal of reducing agricultural non-point-source generated nitrogen load by 41 percent and phosphorus load by 29 percent in Iowa's waterways. The "strategy" describes several land use that could achieve those reductions, such as widespread adoption of conservation practices in farming, land retirement, and wetland restoration that can meet the specified target reduction. The goal of the current study is to identify the range of ecosystem benefits resulting from the conservation practices associated with each of these scenarios and apply a nonmarket valuation method to monetize as many of these co-benefits as possible. The results will inform policymakers and stakeholders regarding the efficiency of the program.
Mapping of functional epitopes of osteopontin by monoclonal antibodies raised against defined internal sequences

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted protein that has been implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes. OPN can bind to integrins, via GRGDS or SVVYGLR amino acid sequences, and to other cell surface receptors, and many of OPN's functions are likely mediated via cell adhesion and subsequent signaling. Here we developed and characterized a series of five monoclonal antibodies, raised to distinct internal peptide sequences of human OPN, and have used these sequence‐specific reagents, along with the previously described anti‐OPN monoclonal antibody mAb53, to map functional epitopes of OPN that are important to cell adhesion and migration. All antibodies were reactive with native as well as recombinant human OPN. One antibody (2K1) raised against the peptide VDTYDGRGDSVVYGLRS could inhibit RGD‐dependent cell binding to OPN, with an efficacy comparable to that of mAb53. Furthermore, 2K1 could inhibit α9 integrin‐dependent cell binding to OPN. The epitope recognized by 2K1 was not destroyed by thrombin digestion, whereas mAb53 has been shown to be unable to react with OPN following thrombin cleavage. The two distinct epitopes defined by 2K1 and mAb53 antibodies are closely related to the SVVYGLR cell‐binding domain and the GLRSKS containing thrombin cleavage site, respectively, and are involved in cell binding and cell migration. J. Cell. Biochem. 84: 420–432, 2002. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ameliorating Effects of Exogenously Applied Proline on Seed Composition, Seed Oil Quality and Oil Antioxidant Activity of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Drought Stress

This study was carried out to appraise whether or not the exogenous application of a potential osmoprotectant, proline, could ameliorate the adverse effects of drought stress on maize seed and seed oil composition, as well as oil antioxidant activity. Water stress reduced the kernel sugar, oil, protein and moisture contents and most of the seed macro- and micro-elements analyzed in both maize cultivars but it increased the contents of seed fiber and ash. Water stress increased the oil oleic acid content with a subsequent decrease in the amount of linoleic acid, resulting in an increased oil oleic/linoleic ratio for both maize cultivars. However, no variation was observed in oil stearic and palmitic acids content due to water stress. A considerable drought induced an increase in seed oil α-, γ-, δ- and total tocopherols and flavonoids were observed in both maize cultivars. However, oil phenolic and carotenoid content as well as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity decreased. Foliar-applied proline significantly increased the content of seed sugar, oil, protein, moisture, fiber and ash in both maize cultivars under well irrigated and water deficit conditions. Furthermore, exogenous application of proline increased the oil oleic and linoleic acid contents. The concentrations of antioxidant compounds namely phenolics, carotenoids, flavonoids and tocopherols estimated in the seed oil increased due to foliar-applied proline under water deficit conditions that was positively correlated with the enhanced oil DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Moreover, the increase in the contents of these antioxidant compounds and oil antioxidant activity due to the foliar application of proline was noted to be more pronounced under water deficit conditions.
The Non-Expected Utility Model and Asset Returns: Some Evidence from Japan

This paper empirically analyzes the relationship between asset returns and consumption stream in Japan, based on the non-expected utility model developed by Epstein (1988) and Epstein and Zin (1990, 1991). Generalized method of moments procedure is used to estimate and test the model. Empirical results show that the model performs well. Estimated parameter values are reasonable. The non-expected utility model significantly improves the goodness-of-fit of the model.
Treatment adherence and persistence with duloxetine, venlafaxine XR, and escitalopram among patients with major depressive disorder and chronic pain-related diseases

Abstract Objective: Chronic pain is prevalent in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study compared adherence and persistence rates among MDD patients with comorbid chronic pain-related diseases (CPD, including fibromyalgia, diabetes with neurological manifestations, osteoarthritis, low back pain, and headache) for three antidepressants: duloxetine, venlafaxine XR, and escitalopram. Research design and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 15,523 adult MDD patients with CPD in the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database who started on one of the study medications between 07/01/06 and 06/30/07. Patients were followed-up for 6 months. Adherence was reported using a medication possession ratio ≥0.8. Persistence was measured using persistence rates (proportions of patients who continuously refilled prescriptions during 6 months) and duration of therapy (number of days patients remained on the study medication before a prescription gap over 30 days). Multivariate logistic regression on adherence and persistence rates and linear regression on duration of therapy adjusting for patient and prescription characteristics were conducted. Results: Patients on duloxetine had a higher adherence rate (46.03%) than those on venlafaxine XR (42.94%; p = 0.0033) or escitalopram (37.27%; p < 0.0001). Patients on duloxetine also had a higher persistence rate and longer duration of therapy (43.66%, 117.82 days) than did patients treated with venlafaxine XR (40.38%; p = 0.0017; 114.24 days; p = 0.009) or escitalopram (33.86%; p < 0.0001; 105.73 days; p < 0.0001). These differences were still significant after adjusting for patient and prescription characteristics (p < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses found similar patterns using an allowable gap for refill of 15 days. Conclusions: Among commercially insured MDD patients with CPD, duloxetine-treated patients had higher adherence and persistence rates than did patients treated with venlafaxine XR or escitalopram during 6 months after medication initiation. Future studies should examine the clinical and economic implications of these differences. Limitations: This study has limitations such as possible selection bias using secondary database analysis.
Predictors for Cecal Insertion Time: The Impact of Abdominal Visceral Fat Measured by Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND: Several factors affect the risk for longer cecal insertion time. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of longer insertion time and to evaluate the effect of visceral fat measured by CT. DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational study. PATIENTS: Outpatients for colorectal cancer screening who underwent colonoscopies and CT were enrolled. Computed tomography was performed in individuals who requested cancer screening and in those with GI bleeding. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Information on obesity indices (BMI, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue area), constipation score, history of abdominal surgery, poor preparation, fellow involvement, diverticulosis, patient discomfort, and the amount of sedation used was collected. RESULTS: The cecal insertion rate was 95.2% (899/944), and 899 patients were analyzed. Multiple regression analysis showed that female sex, lower BMI, lower visceral adipose tissue area, lower subcutaneous adipose tissue area, higher constipation score, history of surgery, poor bowel preparation, and fellow involvement were independently associated with longer insertion time. When obesity indices were considered simultaneously, smaller subcutaneous adipose tissue area (p = 0.038), but not lower BMI (p = 0.802) or smaller visceral adipose tissue area (p = 0.856), was associated with longer insertion time; the other aforementioned factors remained associated with longer insertion time. In the subanalysis of normal-weight patients (BMI <25 kg/m2), a smaller subcutaneous adipose tissue area (p = 0.002), but not a lower BMI (p = 0.782), was independently associated with a longer insertion time. Longer insertion time had a positive correlation with a higher patient discomfort score (&rgr; = 0.51, p < 0.001) and a greater amount of midazolam use (&rgr; = 0.32, p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: This single-center retrospective study includes a potential selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to BMI and intra-abdominal fat, female sex, constipation, history of abdominal surgery, poor preparation, and fellow involvement were predictors of longer cecal insertion time. Among the obesity indices, high subcutaneous fat accumulation was the best predictive factor for easier passage of the colonoscope, even when body weight was normal.
Influence of Host Age on Critical Fitness Parameters of Spathius galinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a New Parasitoid of the Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

ABSTRACT Spathius galinae Belokobylskij and Strazenac (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a recently discovered gregarious idiobiont larval ectoparasitoid currently being evaluated for biological control against the invasive emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in the United States. To aid in the development of laboratory rearing protocols, we assessed the influence of various emerald ash borer stages on critical fitness parameters of S. galinae. We exposed gravid S. galinae females to emerald ash borer host larvae of various ages (3.5, 5, 7, and 10 wk post egg oviposition) that were reared naturally in tropical (evergreen) ash (Fraxinus uhdei (Wenzig) Lingelsh) logs, or to field-collected, late-stage emerald ash borers (nonfeeding J-shaped larvae termed “J-larvae,” prepupae, and pupae) that were artificially inserted into green ash logs. When exposed to larvae in tropical ash logs, S. galinae attacked 5 and 7 wk hosts more frequently (68–76%) than 3.5 wk (23%) and 10 wk (12%) hosts. Subsample dissections of the these logs revealed that 3.5, 5, 7 and 10 wk host logs contained mostly second, third, fourth, and J-larvae, respectively, that had already bored into the sapwood for diapause.NoJ-larvae were attacked by S. galinaewhennaturally reared in tropical ash logs. When parasitized by S. galinae, 7 and 10 wk hosts produced the largest broods (≈6.7 offspring per parasitized host), and the progenies that emerged from these logs had larger anatomical measurements and more female-biased sex ratios. When exposed to emerald ash borer J-larvae, prepupae, or pupae artificially inserted into green ash logs, S. galinae attacked 53% of J-larvae, but did not attack any prepupae or pupae. We conclude that large (fourth instar) emerald ash borer larvae should be used to rear S. galinae.
Cross-Section Production Functions and the Elasticity of Substitution in American Manufacturing Industry

V = y[8 K-P + (I -)L-P] P ( () where V, K, L are value added per man year, capital, and man-years of labor time and y, 8, p are the efficiency, distribution, and substitution parameters respectively. From (i) it may be shown that I/(i + p) is the elasticity of substitution and that it corresponds exactly to the regression coefficient (b) in the following logarithmic regression equation: log (V/L) = log a + b log W + u, (2) where W is the annual wage rate. The authors used international data from I9 countries and 24 ISIC three-digit industries to fit this regression. Their results were very good. The b's were significant in all cases; and in all but eight cases, the b's were significantly different from unity, mostly in the interval o < b < i. On the basis of these results and other tests, ACMS concluded that there is some evidence that the elasticity of substitution between capital and labor in manufacturing may typically be less than unity. There are weaker indications that in primary production this conclusion is reversed. " 2
[Influence of general anesthetics on the incidence of postoperative delirium in the elderly].

BACKGROUND Postoperative delirium increases the morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. The present study was carried out to evaluate whether the difference of anesthetics has influence on the incidence of postoperative delirium, retrospectively. METHODS Among the patients undergoing surgical procedure aged above 75 years, in seventy one patients anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (group S), and 38 with propofol (group P). The incidence of delirium postoperatively was obtained retrospectively from their medical chart. The delirium was diagnosed with the confusion assessment method diagnostic algorithm. RESULTS The incidence of postoperative delirium of group P (15.8%) was significantly lower than that of group S (38.0%, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Propofol anesthesia decreases postoperative delirium in elderly patients compared with sevoflurane anesthesia.
DL‐propranolol and chlorpromazine following admission for schizophrenia

Similar improvement followed when propranolol and ‐ chlorpromazine were randomly used as the first drug after admission. Forty‐six patients with florid symptoms of schizophrenia were assigned at random to have either racemic propranolol (24) or chlorpromazine (22). Each individual's drug was adjusted to an optimal dose, and the progress of the groups was followed for 12 weeks. Thirty‐five patients remained in the study for 6 weeks, and 27 for 12 weeks. By weeks 6 and 12 the total schizophrenia scores on a modified Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale had improved significantly when the results from both groups were combined. The numbers leaving the study, and the amount and rate of improvement, were similar for both groups, but with a possible advantage to chlorpromazine. Side‐effects, which usually were mild, were commoner in the chlorpromazine group.
Entrepreneurship Curriculum and Pedagogical Challenges in Captivating Students' Interest towards Entrepreneurship Education

Abstract Entrepreneurship is the intentional creation of an organisation for the purpose of adding value through organisation of resources. Entrepreneurship education is life long learning that involves creating the capacity for individuals and organisations to cope with, create and enjoy higher levels of uncertainty and complexity in all walks of life. Entrepreneurial curriculum contains information on how students can identify and shape opportunities, assess business concepts, develop operational plans, fund and launch ventures, grow new enterprises and case studies which should be discussed in the classroom to provide students with another venue for examining entrepreneurial strategies and learning about the successes and failures of new ventures (OECD, 2010). Entrepreneurship Pedagogy on the hand is the study of the methods and styles of teaching entrepreneurship. Different approaches are involved and these have to do with the different models that are used in teaching and communicating entrepreneurship education in our schools, institutions, organisations and society. Due to the fact that different methods are involved in teaching entrepreneurship education this has resulted to different pedagogical challenges. To ensure teaching effectiveness, there is need to encourage and motivate students through entrepreneurship curriculum. This study is therefore aimed to examine the relationship between entrepreneurship curriculum and pedagogical challenges in captivating students’ interest towards entrepreneurial education. Key Words: Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Curriculum, Entrepreneurial Education and Pedagogical Challenges
Foraging Populations and Distances of the Desert Subterranean Termite, Heterotermes aureus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), Associated with Structures in Southern Arizona

Abstract Mark-release-recapture studies were conducted on foraging populations of Heterotermes aureus (Snyder) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) associated with three structures in Tucson, AZ. Foraging population estimates ranged from 64,913 to 307,284 termites by using the Lincoln Index and from 75,501 to 313,251 termites using the weighted mean model. The maximum distance between monitors ranged from 26 to 65 m, with minimum total foraging distance ranging between 297 and 2,427 m. Characterizations of the cuticular hydrocarbons of foraging groups were qualitatively identical. Quantitative similarities within sites and differences among sites suggested that each site was occupied by a single colony during the sampling period. The colony at each site had a proportion of soldiers (0.135, 0.069, and 0.040) that was significantly different from the colonies at each of the other sites. From this study, we question the assumption of equal mixing of marked H. aureus foragers throughout the occupied collars around structures.
Managerial Incentives and the Choice between Public and Bank Debt

I propose a simple model with complete and perfect information on the relation between managerial incentive compensation and choice between public and bank debt. The empirical analysis offers considerable support to the model's predictions. I find that managers whose compensation is tied to firm performance prefer bank to public debt. Further, I find a positive relation between cost of public debt and managerial incentive compensation and no relation between loan spreads and incentive compensation. Finally, I find that banks are more likely to include a collateral provision in the debt contract if the CEO's compensation is tied to firm performance.