Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interest Costs of Green Bonds: Credit Ratings, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Certification

ABSTRACT In recent years, green financing has attracted global attention. Many countries and international organizations have proposed frameworks for developing green financing, and an increasing number of companies issue green bonds as financial instruments for funding green projects. Unlike conventional bonds, green bonds have unique features, and their issuance follows a special process. We use data on Chinese green bonds in a linear regression model to empirically explore the impact of credit ratings, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and green certification on yield spreads. The results show that these factors all have a significant impact on interest costs. Issuing green bonds is a signal of CSR, and green bonds with green certificates have lower interest costs than those without them. Finally, we outline some policy implications regarding the governance of green bonds based on our findings.
The Impact of Organizational Change on Government Civil Servants’ Behavioral Responses in China

With the globalization and the development of scientific technology, competition pressure is more and more in all kinds of organization. Thus, organizational change is becoming the norm, which inevitably lead to the uncertainty of employment relationship, particularly, on employees’ serious of behaviours. These effects have become the vital factors in the organization achieving its organizational goals, and have become an important factor in determining successful organizational change. However, the relevant studies are based predominately on Western theories and models, rather than Chinese cultural background, especially within a public sector context such as the government. By selecting more than 500 Chinese civil servants for the questionnaire, this study is going to measure the dimension of organizational change in Chinese government, and its impact on Chinese civil servants’ behavioural responses. The results show that the impact of different organizational change on Chinese civil servants’ behavioural responses (Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect) is different.
Health Care Utilization Following Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients From a Pediatric Accountable Care Organization

Background: Vagus nerve stimulation has been a therapy for epilepsy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients 4 and older and shown efficacy and safety in younger pediatric patients. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective analysis utilizing Medicaid claims from an accountable care organization to measure the intervention of vagus nerve stimulation therapy in regard to unplanned health care utilization. Thirteen unique patients were included who had vagus nerve stimulation therapy who had at least 6 months of continuous enrollment in a managed Medicaid health plan. Comparison with 12 months of data before and after vagus nerve stimulation implantation was performed. Results: Patients had statistically significant fewer unplanned inpatient visits per patient per enrollment month after vagus nerve stimulation implantation. Conclusion: Utilizing claims data, vagus nerve stimulation implantation demonstrates a reduction in unplanned hospitalizations.
Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations in Dogs

Many human epidemiologic studies have reported associations between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations and cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis. However, few studies have examined the relationship between Hcy and disease in dogs. In this study, we investigated the relationship between canine plasma Hcy concentrations and sex, age, breed, size; spay/neuter status, and disease. Plasma Hcy concentrations were related to sex and age, but the correlations were very weak. ShibaInu dogs and Labrador Retrievers had a higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia than other breeds. We compared the plasma Hcy concentrations of healthy control dogs with those of dogs with heart, inflammatory, bone and joint, nervous system, neoplastic, skin, and kidney diseases. The mean plasma Hcy concentrations of dogs with cardiovascular, neoplasia, skin, and kidney diseases were significantly different from those of controls. However, multivariate logistic regression (parameters: Hcy concentration, age, sex, and spay/neuter status) revealed a significant relationship between only skin disease and plasma Hcy concentration. The odds ratio (per 1 μmol/l increase of Hcy) was 1.077 (95% confidence interval 1.00–1.158, p<0.05). Plasma Hcy concentrations significantly differ among dog breeds, and there is a relationship between high plasma Hcy concentration and skin disease.
Afferent connections of the medial frontal cortex of the rat. II. Cortical and subcortical afferents

In order to compare the frontal cortex of rat and macaque monkey, cortical and subcortical afferents to subdivisions of the medial frontal cortex (MFC) in the rat were analyzed with fluorescent retrograde tracers. In addition to afferent inputs common to the whole MFC, each subdivision of the MFC has a specific pattern of afferent connections. The dorsally situated precentral medial area (PrCm) was the only area to receive inputs from the somatosensory cortex. The specific pattern of afferents common to the ventrally situated prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) areas included projections from the agranular insular cortex, the entorhinal and piriform cortices, the CA1–CA2 fields of the hippocampus, the subiculum, the endopiriform nucleus, the amygdalopiriform transition, the amygdalohippocampal area, the lateral tegmentum, and the parabrachial nucleus. In all these structures, the number of retrogradely labeled cells was larger when the injection site was located in area IL. The dorsal part of the anterior cingulate area (ACd) seemed to be connectionally intermediate between the adjacent areas PrCm and PL; it receives neither the somatosensory inputs characteristic of area PrCm nor the afferents characteristic of areas PL and IL, with the exception of the afferents from the caudal part of the retrosplenial cortex.
Growth-youth unemployment nexus in upper-middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract. The issue concerning growth-youth unemployment nexus has not been verified with respect to upper middle-income countries (UMIC) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The importance of this paper is to ascertain the relationship between economic growth and youth unemployment based on panel and individual countries data in term of annual series data from 1991 to 2017. To achieve the objective of this paper, data were sourced from the World Bank development indicators, for GDP growth rate and youth unemployment rate. Several statistical and econometric tests were conducted, the results obtained revealed that the average GDP-growth rate was 6.36% while youth unemployment rate was 32.30% for UMIC in SSA. The individual countries statistics indicated that Gabon has the highest GDP-growth rate of 21.01% while the highest youth unemployment rate was in South Africa with 47.30%. The lowest GDP-growth rate was observed in South Africa while the lowest youth unemployment was observed in Equatorial Guinea with 11.69%. The empirical results indicated that there exists a long-run and positive relationship between the variables of GDP-growth rate and youth unemployment rate in UMIC in SSA and that Okun’s law is not applicable in these countries. Based on the results obtained statistically it revealed high rate of youth unemployment and low rate of GDP-growth within the period of study, hence this paper suggest that individual countries in the UMIC in SSA should implement youth employment scheme in order to reduce the level of unemployment with respect to this age cohort. Creation of jobs for youth will help to reduce the economic and social costs associated with youth unemployment especially in countries like South Arica, Namibia, Botswana and Gabon. The UMIC in SSA are encouraged to boost their level of economic activities through investment in order to stimulate employment of young-able body persons in UMIC in SSA. Keywords. Economic growth, Youth unemployment, Upper middle-income countries, Sub-Saharan Africa, Okuns’s coefficient. JEL. O40, O57, J64.
A Survey of Screening Compliance among First Degree Relatives of People with Colon Cancer in New South Wales

Objective— To survey screening practices, knowledge, and attitudes towards screening among first degree relatives of people with colon cancer. Setting— A random sample of people with colon cancer listed on the New South Wales (NSW) Cancer Registry were mailed a questionnaire to be passed on to an appropriate first degree relative. Methods— Two hundred and twenty five first degree relatives completed a self administered questionnaire. Results— Although there were high levels of awareness about colorectal cancer, and attitudes towards colorectal cancer were generally positive, screening rates were low, and only three relatives had been screened in accordance with current Australian recommendations. Factors associated with previous participation in any type of screening test (usually once) included receiving a medical recommendation to screen, having more than one relative with colorectal cancer, being a sibling of the relative with colon cancer, the relative with cancer being female, and perceiving screening as messy, but not painful. Conclusions— Strategies to enhance screening awareness and participation among relatives need to be considered. This study provides some insight into factors to be considered in developing awareness programmes. Further research is required to explore these factors, and to identify ways to overcome barriers.
Cost of tracheoesophageal prostheses in developing countries. Facing the problem from an internal perspective

Conclusions. All the discussants of our questionnaire agreed that the price of tracheoesophageal (TE) prostheses was too expensive for developing countries. The problem could be addressed in terms of international laws regarding companies’ patent rights. TE prosthesis manufacturers from rich countries could move their manufacturing in part to developing countries. High production standards could allow TE prostheses to be exported to developed countries. Another approach to the problem may be based on a partnership between non-profit-making Western laryngological societies with specific medical and technical prosthetic know-how and local manufacturers. The aim of this cooperation could be the low-cost production of advanced TE prostheses in the developing countries. Objectives. In communities in the developing world, most laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas are diagnosed at advanced stages and require total laryngectomy. Prosthetic TE voice restoration is the method of choice for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy in developed countries. Unacceptably high costs are a significant limitation to Third World use of TE voice prostheses. The aims of this paper are to discuss the consequences of the high costs of TE prostheses in developing countries with head and neck surgeons working in Third World hospitals and to propose how European and American laryngological societies can promote TE speech in the developing countries. Material and methods. A questionnaire was given to a group of expert head and neck surgeons working in developing countries and their answers and suggestions discussed.
Spillovers and Path Dependences in the Chinese Manufacturing Industry: A Firm-Level Analysis

Abstract In China, numerous policy interventions have been undertaken to promote exports of the manufacturing industry. In this paper, we study how the burgeoning export sector has affected the performance of the manufacturing industry. In particular, we focus our attention on two dimensions: efficiency and technological advancement, and the presence of spillovers and path dependences. The main feature of our empirical study is to distinguish between different types of firms according to their output orientation, ownership, and technology intensity. We also recognize that outputs for domestic use and exports may be produced using different technologies. Our results demonstrate the superiority of multi-output firms in both efficiency and technological advancement. Further, these firms generate strong outgoing spillovers to the industry. In contrast, export-only firms are found to be the most inefficient and technologically underdeveloped, while barely generating outgoing spillovers. In terms of efficiency and technological advancement, we also find that foreign- and privately-owned firms and high-tech firms are the best performers. Finally, we find evidence of strong path dependence and weak absorptive capacities for incoming spillovers in the manufacturing industry. We give targeted policy recommendations based on these findings.
Gdp-B: Accounting for the Value of New and Free Goods in the Digital Economy

The welfare contributions of the digital economy, characterized by the proliferation of new and free goods, are not well-measured in our current national accounts. We derive explicit terms for the welfare contributions of these goods and introduce a new metric, GDP-B which quantifies their benefits, rather than costs. We apply this framework to several empirical examples including Facebook and smartphone cameras and estimate their valuations through incentive-compatible choice experiments. For example, including the welfare gains from Facebook would have added between 0.05 and 0.11 percentage points to GDP-B growth per year in the US.
The importance of repeated risk assessment for pressure sores in cardiovascular surgery.

BACKGROUND Patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery are at high risk for sores because of impaired perfusion, the time spent on the operating room table, and restricted mobility in the immediate postoperative period. OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for sores. METHODS In a 900-bed teaching hospital, 163 patients who underwent cardiovascular interventions were enrolled. Risk measurement included skin assessment, Braden and Norton scales, physic and biologic data and specific risk factors. The development of the most severe stages of pressure sores was followed (Stages II and III). RESULTS Forty-eight (29.5%) patients totalized 75 pressure sores. In univariate analyses, Norton and Braden scores, hemoglobin concentration, presence of ulcers at admission, use of antihypertensive drugs, systemic use of corticosteroids, nosocomial infection, re-intervention and readmission in intensive care units were associated with sores. In a logistic regression model, hemoglobin concentration at admission (p=0.0007), postoperative Braden score (p=0.0002), and postoperative steroid therapy (p=0.020) were the only predictors of sores. Total length of stay was 6 days higher (p=0.03) for patients with pressure sores. CONCLUSIONS The detection of risks is recommended during the entire stay. Identification of patients at risk is required to provide preventive resources appropriately, which can lessen the incidence of pressure sores and reduce patient discomfort, length and costs of hospital stay.
Intraocular Lens Opacification After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

Purpose: Intraocular lens (IOL) opacification is a rare but serious complication that may necessitate its exchange. The use of intraocular gases is a known precipitant. Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) involves injecting air into the anterior chamber. IOL opacification has been described after this procedure; however its incidence is currently unknown. Methods: A retrospective review of case notes from a single center of all patients undergoing DSAEK, who were either already pseudophakic or had simultaneous cataract surgery. Cases with IOL opacification were analyzed, and any risk factors were identified. Results: One hundred sixty-eight DSAEK were performed on 154 eyes of 137 patients. Fifty-four cases had simultaneous cataract surgery with implantation of an IOL. Fifteen (9.7%) eyes developed IOL opacification. This had a distinctive pattern, being limited to the anterior lens surface, in the pupillary zone. Median time interval from keratoplasty to the first observation of IOL opacification was 17 months (range, 4–34 months). The only statistically significant risk factor was rebubbling of detached endothelial grafts. Rebubbling was performed in 62.5% (10/15) of cases with IOL opacification, compared with 23% (32/139) with no opacification (P = 0.0009). Conclusions: This is the first study to report the incidence of IOL opacification after undergoing DSAEK. Although the mechanism is unknown, multiple injections of air into the anterior chamber statistically increase the risk of IOL opacification.
A Lysosomal Cysteine Proteinase from Dictyostelium discoideum Contains N-Acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate Bound to Serine but Not Mannose-6-phosphate on N-linked Oligosaccharides (*)

Previous studies showed that vegetative Dictyostelium discoideum cells make a lysosomal proteinase, proteinase-1, that contains multiple GlcNAc-α-1-P residues in phosphodiester linkage to serine. We extended these studies and, in contrast to earlier reports, found that proteinase-1 contains 7.5 mol of Fuc, 8 mol of Man, 2 mol of Xyl, and 30 mol of GlcNAc per calculated mol of protein but no Man-6-P residues. The protein binds to concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin lectin affinity columns, and PNGase-F digestion released most of the mannose and xylose but little of the GlcNAc. β-Elimination under reducing conditions released only GlcNAc-α-1-P. There was no evidence for the release of disaccharides or of fucitol. A rabbit antiserum and monoclonal antibodies prepared against proteinase-1 recognize GlcNAc-α-1-P residues in immunoblots and are specifically competed by UDP-GlcNAc or GlcNAc-α-1-P. Use of other monoclonal antibodies showed the presence of mannose-6-sulfate on N-linked sugar chains, and α-fucose residues on the protein. Thus, proteinase-1 has at least two types of modifications: GlcNAc-α-1-P-Ser, which we call phosphoglycosylation, and N-linked oligosaccharides. This is the first purified lysosomal enzyme in Dictyostelium that does not contain Man-6-P residues. The GlcNAc-α-1-P-specific antibodies also recognize a group of developmentally regulated proteins, especially enriched in vegetative cells. Some of them are also lysosomal cysteine proteinases, and all bind to the GlcNAc-α-1-P-specific monoclonal antibody but not to the mammalian CI-Man-6-P receptor. Conversely, lysosomal enzymes that have Man-6-P do not bind to the GlcNAc-α-1-P-specific antibody. An exception to this is β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, where 15% of the activity binds to this antibody. Thus, there appear to be two sets of lysosomal enzymes with distinct post-translational modifications.
PENGARUH GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DAN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL DISCLOSURE TERHADAP COST OF EQUITY CAPITAL

This study aimed to examine the effect good corporate governance and intellectual capital disclosure on cost of equity capital. This research was conducted on issues of banking sector in the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2012-2014. The sample of this research totally are 90 data from the manufacturing sector in the Indonesia Stock Exchange with a purposive sampling method. The analytical method used is multiple regression analysis. Statistical t-test was performed before analysis of multiple regression equation, in the first phase of testing performed classical assumption of normality, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, and autocorrelation. The next step is to test the hypothesis that is done using the t test to determine the effect of each independent variable . Based on the analysis , it is known that institutional ownership, managerial ownership, the proportion of independent board and the proportion of independent audit committees do not affect the cost of equity capital. While intellectual capital disclosure positive effect on the cost of equity capital. The coefficient of determination that saw the influence of the independent variables used in the study model of the dependent variable was 9.4%, while the rest (90.6%) is explained by other variables .
Are old people so gentle? Functional and dysfunctional impulsivity in the elderly

ABSTRACT Background: Although old people may seem less impulsive than adults, numerous experimental studies report that they have inhibitory deficits. Bearing in mind that there is a relationship between inhibition processes and impulsivity, age-related inhibition deficits suggest that older people could be more impulsive than adults. Methods: The aim of the current study was to compare the functional and dysfunctional impulsivity scores obtained in a sample of elderly people (65 years old and above) with those obtained in previous studies on samples of adolescents and adults. Dickman's Impulsivity Inventory was administered to 190 individuals aged between 65 and 94 years without dementia or cognitive impairment. Results: Results indicated that the elderly sample showed higher dysfunctional impulsivity levels than the adult samples, which is consistent with the inhibition deficits mentioned above. There were no significant differences in functional impulsivity. Furthermore, old women had higher scores than old men on dysfunctional impulsivity. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of age-related changes in dysfunctional impulsivity. Functional impulsivity did not show the same pattern as dysfunctional impulsivity, being quite stable across the age span. it seems, then, that impulsivity cannot be considered to decrease with age and dysfunctional impulsivity may even increase.
Partial discharge monitoring of power transformers using UHF sensors. Part I: sensors and signal interpretation

Determining whether power transformers are suffering from internal arcing or dangerous levels of partial discharge (PD) is important because failure without warning can result in damage to neighboring equipment, customer dissatisfaction, disruption to economic activity, and the imposition of regulatory fines. This paper provides an overview of the excitation of UHF signals by PD inside transformers. The use of externally mounted sensors has been outlined, and the structure of a dielectric window that can be constructed on an inspection hatch has been outlined. Attenuation of UHF signals propagating inside a transformer tank has been shown to be relatively low. A new approach to locating PD sources in three dimensions has been presented, based on using a numerical model of the transformer materials, which defines electromagnetic propagation velocities on a mesh of 5-cm sub-cells. The concepts of the propagation-velocity matrix (PVM) and the propagation-time matrix (PTM) were thereby introduced. Once the PD source has been located to a specific region of the transformer, the PVM might be used to index a database of physical descriptions of the transformer that could provide additional information to assist with diagnosis.