Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Essays on institutional investment and socially responsible investing

This thesis contributes to the growing body of research on socially responsible investing (SRI) and institutional investment. Throughout the three main chapters of the thesis, I empirically investigate how institutional investors incorporate environmental, social and ethical considerations into their investment practices. First, I assess the impact of different political dimensions on the equity holdings of 31 U.S. state pension funds. I provide evidence that pension funds with Democratic leaning members tend to tilt their portfolios more strongly towards companies with higher environmental and social performance and that pressures by Democratic state politicians intensify this tendency. Additionally, I show that the sample funds neither under- nor outperform on their politically motivated SRI holdings, implying that their SRI preferences are unlikely financially-driven. Next, I investigate how Scandinavian public asset owners balance their financial and ethical objectives through exclusionary screening. I empirically analyse the performance effect of the exclusion of “unethical” companies from the portfolios of two leading Nordic investors, Norway’s Government Pension Fund-Global (GPFG) and Sweden’s AP-funds. I show that the portfolios of excluded companies do not generate an abnormal return relative to the funds’ benchmark indices, indicating that the exclusion decisions generally did not harm fund performance. Finally, I evaluate the extent to which investors account for the financial materiality of environmental and social factors in their shareholder activism. I find that a considerable amount of investor resources is spent on advancing immaterial issues through shareholder proposals. While certain “dedicated” investors such as public pension funds, endowments, religious institutions and asset managers are better at targeting financially material issues, the overall shareholder base does not differentiate between the financial materiality, or otherwise, of a proposal. Material proposals neither receive greater vote support nor does the market react more positively to learning that a company has been targeted by a material proposal.
Numerical Investigations on Edge Effects of Shielding Current Density in HTS Thick Film

The permanent magnet method for measuring critical current density in high-temperature superconducting (HTS) film is numerically investigated. Numerical results show that the critical current density is approximately proportional to the maximum repulsive force. Furthermore, the values of proportional constant rapidly increase as the value of HTS radius R approaches to value of permanent magnet radius rm . When the area where value of the shielding current density does not exceed the critical current density Jc exists even a little it is possible to evaluate the value of critical current density by using same proportional constant only measuring the electromagnetic interaction.
The State of the Animals: 2001

s, it started to include review articles in 1976 and then, early in the ’80s, dropped the abstracts altogether and adopted its current format, which is centered on original articles. ATLA (Alternatives to Laboratory Animals) is now well enough established to be covered by the Science Citation Index. In the United States, interest in alternatives grew slowly. By the mid-’70s, the term had entered the The First Forty Years of the Alternatives Approach: Refining, Reducing, and Replacing the Use of Laboratory Animals 125 Table 3 Alternatives Chronology: 1970–1979 1970 FRAME publishes Is the Laboratory Obsolete? , which outlines replacement methodologies such as computer modeling, tissue culture studies, and the use of lower organisms. 1971 Council of Europe Resolution 621 suggests that an alternatives database be established, the first significant government recommendation on alternatives. Bruce Ames of the University of California at Berkeley introduces a nonanimal test for detecting mutationcausing substances, later known as the Ames Test, using a bacterium. 1972 The Felix Wankel Prize (now 50,000 deutsche marks) for advancing the field of alternatives is offered for the first time. 1973 FRAME begins to publish ATLA (Alternatives to Laboratory Animals). 1975 The U.S. National Academy of Sciences holds the United States’ first major scientific meeting on alternatives. 1977 The Netherlands Animal Protection Law includes a specific section on alternatives that has grown into a program in which the government provides the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars to support alternatives research. 1978 FRAME hosts “Alternatives in Drug Development and Testing” at the Royal Society—Europe’s first big scientific meeting on alternatives. David Smyth, president of the United Kingdom Research Defense Society—established to support animal research—publishes the first book examining alternatives since the publication of Russell and Burch’s 1959 work. 1979 At the urging of United Action for Animals, the Research Modernization Act (H.R. 4805), which would redirect 30–50 percent of animal research funding to alternatives, is introduced in Congress. The Swedish government allocates $90,000 in funding for alternatives—the first government funding for alternatives. The Dutch Minister of Health states that the government supports the use of alternatives.
Endoscopic Endonasal Marsupialization of Nasopalatine Duct Cyst

AbstractNasopalatine duct cyst is one of the most common cysts among the nonodontogenic cysts in the maxillofacial area. This lesion usually does not show specific symptoms except for pressure from large cysts or infectious symptoms. Surgical removal including the epithelial lining is considered the treatment of choice. There are few reports of cases of endoscopic marsupialization treatment of large cysts, which have the risk of oronasal fistula. Here, we reviewed 3 cases of nasopalatine duct cyst treated with intranasal marsupialization and compared treatment results with those of conventional surgical enucleation. We suggest that endoscopic marsupialization could be used as an initial treatment option in selective cases.
The risk-adjusted return potential of integrating ESG strategies into emerging market equities

ABSTRACT This study purposed to quantify the performance potential of integrating ESG research within emerging market investment strategies, as well as the potential for risk diversification through investments in emerging markets. This study evaluated literature on investing in both emerging markets and integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) research-based strategies. This study examines real data on ESG and non-ESG integrated emerging market indices, both region-specific and country-specific. This examination includes measuring historical returns, beta, the Sharpe ratio, the Sortino ratio, the Conditional Value at Risk, skewness, and the Omega ratio for ESG and non-ESG integrated emerging market indices. Paired t-test analysis is incorporated in the measurement of the data. The results of the study indicate significant outperformance based on ESG integration. The implications of this study indicate that integrating ESG emerging market equities into institutional portfolios could provide institutional investors the opportunity for higher returns and lower downside risk than non-ESG equity investments.
Regulation of megakaryocyte maturation and platelet formation

Summary. Each day in every human, approximately 1 × 1011 platelets are produced by the cytoplasmic fragmentation of megakaryocytes (MK), their marrow precursor cells. Platelets are the predominating factor in the process of hemostasis and thrombosis. Recent studies have shown that platelets also play a hitherto unsuspected role in several other processes such as inflammation, innate immunity, neoangiogenesis and tumor metastasis. The late phases of MK differentiation identified by polyploidization, maturation and organized fragmentation of the cytoplasm leading to the release of platelets in the blood stream represent a unique model of differentiation. The molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating platelet biogenesis are better understood and may explain several platelet disorders. This review focuses on MK polyploidization, and platelet formation, and discusses their alteration in some platelet disorders.
Chromosomal localization of three GGA4 genes using BAC-based FISH mapping: a region of conserved synteny between the chicken and human genomes.

The chicken homologues of three genes spaced widely on HSA4q, ANXA5 (annexin A5), ALB (albumin) and EDNRA (endothelin receptor type-A) have been mapped to the GGA4 linkage map but with some uncertainty as to their relative location (SCHMID et al. 2000; SUCHYTA et al. 2001). A cytogenetic map assignment has been made only for the ALB gene (SUZUKI et al. 1999). Here we report the chromosomal localization of all three genes on GGA4 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using BAC clones as probes.
A comprehensive study of the Gafchromic EBT2 radiochromic film. A comparison with EBT.

PURPOSE Radiochromic film has become an important tool to assess complex dose distributions. In particular, EBT was accepted by the scientific community as a reference two-dimensional detector. Recently, Gafchromic EBT2 has replaced old film, providing new improvements in both accuracy and handling. METHODS This work presents a dosimetric study of the new Gafchromic EBT2 using an Epson 10000XL flatbed scanner, also comparing the results with EBT film as reference when necessary. The most important film characteristics have been studied, such as ambient light sensitivity, different possibilities of the three RGB color channels, postirradiation development, high dose behavior, exposition at temperatures similar to the human body, and dependence on orientation during the scanning process. RESULTS The results obtained confirm a considerably lower sensitivity to ambient light of EBT2, as well as a fast stabilization of the film within 2 h. It has also been found that the green channel has a better behavior at high dose levels up to 35 Gy, in addition to good behavior of the red channel at doses below 10 Gy. Other features, such as temperature independence and scanning orientation dependence, have also been shown. CONCLUSIONS Gafchromic EBT2 can be used for clinical practice in the same way as the old EBT film. However, a much easier handling as the result of all new enhancements improves film behavior, expanding in this way the potential applications of radiochromic film dosimetry.
Down-regulation of Voltage-gated Ca2+ Channels by Neuronal Calcium Sensor-1 Is β Subunit-specific*

Neuronal Ca2+sensor protein-1 (NCS-1) is a member of the Ca2+ binding protein family, with three functional Ca2+ binding EF-hands and an N-terminal myristoylation site. NCS-1 is expressed in brain and heart during embryonic and postnatal development. In neurons, NCS-1 facilitates neurotransmitter release, but both inhibition and facilitation of the Ca2+ current amplitude have been reported. In heart, NCS-1 co-immunoprecipitates with K+channels and modulates their activity, but the potential effects of NCS-1 on cardiac Ca2+ channels have not been investigated. To directly assess the effect of NCS-1 on the various types of Ca2+ channels we have co-expressed NCS-1 inXenopus oocytes, with CaV1.2, CaV2.1, and CaV2.2 Ca2+ channels, using various subunit combinations. The major effect of NCS-1 was to decrease Ca2+ current amplitude, recorded with the three different types of α1 subunit. When expressed with CaV2.1, the depression of Ca2+ current amplitude induced by NCS-1 was dependent upon the identity of the β subunit expressed, with no block recorded without β subunit or with the β3 subunit. Current-voltage and inactivation curves were also slightly modified and displayed a different specificity toward the β subunits. Taken together, these data suggest that NCS-1 is able to modulate cardiac and neuronal voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in a β subunit specific manner.
Effects of Global Communication on National Competitiveness: Evidence from Twitter Communication Network

Drawing on a social capital perspective, central countries in global communication networks can be more competitive because they can easily and quickly obtain valuable information through the network. Based on data from Twitter’s Public Streams and the Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum, this study empirically investigates how the centrality of countries in Twitter communication network impacts their competitiveness. A series of analyses were conducted to test the effects of centrality on national competitiveness. The results show that the centrality of countries in Twitter communication network has significant and positive effects on national competitiveness. Thus, we suggest that the global communication activity of citizens is critical in enhancing national competitiveness. By investigating how a country’s position in social networks affects national competitiveness through analyzing the social structures of Twitter communication network, this study provides motivation to further empirically explore national competitiveness from the social network perspective. Position identification of a country in the global communications network provides policymakers and practitioners with beneficial information to better understand the state of their country in relation to other nations. To improve national competitiveness, they should make more economic and cultural efforts to improve the global communication of their citizens.
A focused supply chain strategy for luxury fashion management

Purpose Globalization and advanced manufacturing capabilities changed industrial dynamics. To this end, not only were new retail concepts developed to broaden the distribution toward larger consumer bases, but alternative ways were also sought to reorganize supply networks for a balance between local and global production. Yet, the choice of supply network configurations must be coherent with a fashion companies’ critical success factors. Hence, it is pivotal to understand how such large brand portfolios and global supply networks could be effectively managed in a united way. In this vein, the purpose of this paper is to explain how the triplet of product, brand, and retail channel could affect SC performance, and how the positioning of a luxury company could depend on managerial attitudes. Design/methodology/approach Subsequent to an extensive literature review, 30 most frequently quoted key performance indicators (KPIs) were derived. A Delphi study was then employed to reach a consensus and 17 key KPIs were derived considering the key SC performance areas and marketing dimensions. Survey technique was deployed to examine the impact of strategic combinations of product, brand, and retail channel on SC strategy. Survey results were analyzed through factor analysis where five principal components emerged to represent performance areas. ANOVA technique was then employed to explore the dependence between product-brand-retail channel and key performance areas. Findings Brand, retail channel, and product directly affect operational performance. The positioning of a fashion company would depend on its management attitude toward strategy segmentation and considered stage of the SC. The respondents’ profile analysis further showed a preference to segment the SC based on products. Interestingly, this finding is not aligned with earlier research (Brun and Castelli, 2008) suggesting that the brand was to become the most relevant driver for SC segmentation. Originality/value Academic development and empirical testing is rather rare in the luxury fashion context. Undeniably, SC strategies represent a very relevant issue for fashion companies, and the present study could be considered a first statistical step toward SC segmentation for luxury fashion companies.
The dynamical impact of Rossby wave breaking upon UK PM 10 concentration

Abstract. Coarse particulate matter (PM10) has long been understood to be hazardous to human health, with mortality rates increasing as a result of raised ground level concentrations. We explore the influence of synoptic-scale meteorology on daily mean observed PM10 concentration ([PM10]) using Rossby wave breaking (RWB). Meteorological reanalysis data for the winter months (DJF) between January 1999 and December 2008 and observed PM10 data for three urban background UK (Midland) sites were analysed. Three RWB diagnostics were used to identify RWB that had significant influence on UK Midland PM10. RWB events were classified according to whether the RWB was cyclonic or anticyclonic in its direction of breaking and whether the RWB event was influenced more by poleward or equatorial air masses. We find that there is a strong link between RWB events and UK [PM10]. Significant increases (p
The importance of MPIS on RK for further ITS implementation in Malaysia

Article history: Received 24 May 2017 Received in revised form 20 July 2017 Accepted 1 August 2017 The aim of this study is to review the passenger satisfaction on information provided using Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) components by RK service, as a Public Transport in Malaysia. The method used in this research is quantitative method by questionnaire survey to the 100 passengers of RK. The result had showed that there are positive and significant correlations between ITS components which are Bus LED Destination, Bus Next-Stop Sign, Audio Voice Announcement System, Multimedia Passenger Information System (MPIS) and also Bus Station Display System with the Passenger Satisfaction in partially and also in simultaneously. In conclusion, this research will assist RK to identify the performance of implementation of ITS components in the bus towards the passenger satisfaction and can be used as reference to other bus company that want to implement the same system that can manage management of passenger information system. These research findings recommend improvement on the passenger information system.
Occurrence and diversity of barnacles on international ships visiting Osaka Bay, Japan, and the risk of their introduction

Abstract The occurrence and diversity of barnacles attached to the hulls of two intercontinental bulk carriers were studied at the port in Osaka Bay, Japan, to assess the potential risk of introduction of exotic species to the inner part of the bay. Barnacles were sampled from the bulbous bows, near the midship draft marks, and around the propeller posts and rudders. Twenty-two species were found, with 14 of these not previously recorded in Osaka Bay, including four species not previously recorded elsewhere in Japan. From an assessment of environmental similarity between Osaka Bay and native ranges, of the 14 species, Elminius modestus and Amphibalanus variegatus were considered to have the highest risk of introduction to the inner part of the bay.
On the Contraction of Groups and Their Representations.

Classical mechanics is a limiting case of relativistic mechanics. Hence the group of the former, the Galilei group, must be in some sense a limiting case of the relativistic mechanics’ group, the representations of the former must be limiting cases of the latter’s representations. There are other examples for similar relations between groups. Thus, the inhomogeneous Lorentz group must be, in the same sense, a limiting case of the de Sitter groups. The purpose of the present note is to investigate, in some generality, in which sense groups can be limiting cases of other groups (Section I), and how their representations can be obtained from the representations of the groups of which they appear as limits (Section II). Section III deals briefly with the transition from inhomogeneous Lorentz group to Galilei group. It shows in which way the representation up to a factor of the Galilei group, embodied in the Schrodinger equation, appears as a limit of a representation of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group and also gives the reason why no physical interpretation is possible for the real representations of that group.
Lesinurad, a Selective URAT-1 Inhibitor With a Novel Mechanism in Combination With a Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor, for Hyperuricemia Associated With Gout

Objective: To review the pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and role of lesinurad for the management of hyperuricemia associated with gout. Data Selection: A MEDLINE search (2000 to April 2017) was conducted using the terms hyperuricemia, gout, URAT-1, URAT-1 transporter, and lesinurad. Published articles and scientific posters relevant to the efficacy and safety of lesinurad were reviewed and summarized. Data Synthesis: Lesinurad was evaluated in 3 randomized, phase 3 clinical trials (CRYSTAL, CLEAR 1 and 2). The primary endpoint for CRYSTAL trial was the percentage of patients achieving serum uric acid (SUA) concentration ≤ 5 mg/dL. The CLEAR 1 and 2 trials had a primary endpoint of percentage of patients achieving SUA concentration ≤ 6 mg/dL. Lesinurad at either 200 or 400 mg/d was superior to xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI) monotherapy in reducing the SUA concentration to 5 or 6 mg/dL, when added to either allopurinol or febuxostat. Conclusion: Data from phase 3 clinical studies suggest the addition of lesinurad to allopurinol or febuxostat is superior to XOI monotherapy alone in reducing SUA concentrations while increasing the risk of renal-related adverse events. Lesinurad, 200 mg orally per day, would be a safe recommendation, in combination with an XOI, among patients with adequate renal function (i.e., above 45 mL/min) who need additional therapy for inadequately controlled hyperuricemia associated with gout.
Determinants Distribution of Financing and the Implications to Profitability: Empirical Study on Cooperative Sharia Baitul Maal wa Tamwil (BMT) in Indonesia

Financing is one of the main activities and a major source of revenue for Islamic Cooperatives. This study aimed to analyze the effect of capital structure, third party funds and non-performing financing to the finance portfolio as well as to analyze the effect of capital structure, deposits, non-performing financing and the distribution of funding to profitability. The analysis technique used is multiple regression analysis, using F test and t test. The results of the analysis showed that the capital structure, third party funds and non-performing financing significantly effect on the distribution of funding. Capital structure, third party funds, and the distribution of funding has a significant effect on profitability, Sharia Cooperative BMT in Indonesia. While non-performing financing does not affect the profitability of Islamic Cooperative Baitul Maal Tamwil in Indonesia.