Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Institutions for Economic and Financial Integration in Asia: Trends and Prospects

i»? Asian economic regionalism has emerged from a bottom-up process, driven by market forces in the absence of a grand plan for regional integration. While the financial crisis of 1997â€“98 triggered new regional cooperation initiatives, more recently several Asian political leaders have formulated proposals for the creation of a regional economic community, suggesting the possible start of a top-down approach. Based on the results of a survey of Asiaâ€™s opinion leaders conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2010, this paper discusses how Asiaâ€™s institutional architecture for economic and financial integration is taking shape, suggesting the need to strengthen existing institutions that promote Asian regionalism and to create new ones. While the focus of the paper is on monetary and financial integration, the analysis also covers other integration pillars such as trade and investment, connectivity and infrastructure, and regional public goods. It suggests the need to create new institutions in support of Asian regionalism and to adopt a broad perspective in moving towards the formation of a region-wide economic community based on strong political commitment and grassroots participation.
Determinants of intellectual capital reporting: evidence from the Romanian stock market

The present paper emphasizes an empirical study conducted at national level, within entities listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. The objective of this study is to develop the determinant factors of intellectual capital reporting such as size of entity expressed by turnover, equity, number of employees, industries wherein entities operate and recorded profit or loss. In order to achieve such objective, we have used the content analysis of participating entities’ financial statements. According to the results that have been obtained, the financial situation of entities represents a determinant factor of the reporting level of intellectual capital.
Aortic dilatation in patients with Turner’s syndrome without structural cardiac anomaly

Abstract Introduction Dilatation of the ascending aorta is described in Turner’s syndrome with variable prevalence (6.8–32%). Reported series typically include patients with associated cardiac anomalies. Objective To characterise the prevalence, age of onset, and the progress of dilatation of the ascending aorta in Turner’s syndrome patients free of structural cardiac anomalies. Potential risk factors such as karyotype and growth hormone therapy were analysed for correlation with aortic dilatation. Methods We carried out a retrospective study with data collected from medical records and echocardiography studies. Patients with Tuner’s syndrome followed-up between 1992 and 2010 with at least two echocardiography studies were eligible. Patients with previous cardiac surgery or under anti-hypertensive medication were excluded. Ascending aorta diameter measurements were adjusted for body surface area, and dilatation was defined as Z-score>2. Results The study population consisted of 44 patients, aged 11.9±7.4 years at the first echocardiogram and 17.9±7.3 years at the last follow-up, with a follow-up duration of 6.0±3.7 years. A total of 13 (29.5%) patients exhibited aortic dilatation during follow-up, suggesting an actuarial estimate of the freedom from aortic dilatation dropping from 86 to 70% and then to 37% at 10, 20, and 30 years of age, respectively. There was no statistically significant impact of karyotype or growth hormone therapy on aortic Z-score progression. Conclusion The prevalence of dilatation of the ascending aorta in Turner’s syndrome patients free of structural aortic anomalies is comparable with published data with associated lesions. Growth hormone therapy and karyotype had no significant impact; however, longitudinal follow-up is warranted.
Why policies fail? An institutional model explaining success and failure factors of rural development policies in Europe

This paper intends to analyse which are the main mechanisms and factors which bring either to failure or to success rural development policies. This analysis has been done in four Italian regions and in five rural areas, in order to catch macro and “meso” dimensions of success and failure. This analysis take under consideration governance and rules as the main arena where the different stakeholders try to impose their influence and interests at stake. Factors of success and failure operate along the institutional chain starting from the EU to the local level. By their collective action they try to shape rules and governance structures in relation to the impact they perceive on the resource allocation and the transaction costs needed to access to policies
Urban Economies and Productivity

Productivity levels and productivity growth rates vary significantly over space. These differences are perhaps most pronounced between countries, but they remain acutely evident within national spaces as economic growth favors some cities and regions and not others. In this paper, we map the spatial variation in productivity levels across Canadian cities and we model the underlying determinants of that variation. We have two main goals. First, to confirm the existence, the nature and the size of agglomeration economies - that is, the gains in efficiency related to the spatial clustering of economic activity. We focus attention on the impacts of buyer-supplier networks, labour market pooling and knowledge spillovers. Second, we identify the geographical extent of knowledge spillovers using information on the location of individual manufacturing plants. Plant-level data developed by the Micro-economic Analysis Division of Statistics Canada underpin the analysis. After controlling for a series of plant and firm characteristics, analysis reveals that the productivity performance of plants is positively influenced by all three of Marshall's mechanisms of agglomeration. The analysis also shows that the effect of knowledge spillovers on productivity is spatially circumscribed, extending, at most, only 10 km beyond individual plants. The reliance of individual businesses on place-based economies varies across the sectors to which the businesses are aggregated. These sectors are defined by the factors that influence the process of competition - access to natural resources, labour costs, scale economies, product differentiation, and the application of scientific knowledge. Neither labour market pooling, buyer-supplier networks nor knowledge spillovers are universally important across all sectors. This paper provides confirmation of the importance of agglomeration, while also providing evidence that external economies are spatially bounded and not universally important across all industries.
Trading Volume, Volatility, and the Serial Correlation of Stock Market Returns

In this paper we study the dynamic relationship between trading volume, volatility, and stock returns at international stock markets. We test a number of theoretical models which suggest that the trading volume and volatility can predict future behavior of stock returns. Our analysis uses both semi-nonparametric (Flexible Fourier Form) and parametric techniques. Our findings suggest that the main factor driving the magnitude of the return reversals is stock market volatility and not trading volume. First, apart from a direct effect on expected returns with mixed signs, we find no evidence of the trading volume affecting the serial correlation of stock market returns, as predicted by Campbell et al. (1993) and Wang (1994). Second, the stock market volatility has a negative and statistically significant impact on the serial correlation of the stock market returns, consistent with the “positive feedback” trading model of Sentana and Wadhwani (1992). Third, the lagged trading volume is positively related to the stock market volatility, supporting the “information flow” theory (Clark, 1973). Moreover, we find that taking into account both trading volume and volatility improves the accuracy of the out-of-sample forecasts of the stock market behavior.
Empirical Studies on the Pricing of Bonds and Interest Rate Derivatives

Nowadays, both large financial and non-financial institutions use models for the term structure of interest rates for risk management and pricing purposes. This thesis focuses on these two important applications of term structure models. In the first part, the empirical performance of several term structure models for the pricing and risk management of bonds is investigated. The applications in this part focus on modelling international bond returns, the pricing of bonds that are subject to default risk, and the role of transaction costs of bonds in testing term structure models. The second part of the thesis focuses on the pricing and hedging of interest rate derivatives. This part includes an analysis of the relevant number of term structure factors for the pricing and hedging of interest rate derivatives, and an empirical comparison of the recently developed market models. Finally, the benefits of combining interest rate data and derivative price data for estimating and testing term structure models are analyzed.
Acute Skier's Thumb Repaired With a Proximal Phalanx Suture Anchor

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome of a surgical technique for the repair of injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. A 14-point questionnaire was developed to determine functional outcome after surgical repair of acute ulnar collateral ligament rupture. Early ulnar collateral ligament repair was performed on 58 patients with grade III sprains (complete rupture) of the ligament using a new technique that employs a suture anchor for fixation. Forty-five patients were interviewed at a minimum postoperative interval of 12 months and were included in this study. Forty-four patients (98%) believed they had a stable repair, were satisfied with their surgery, and would have it again if necessary. Forty-four patients (98%) were not hindered in their day-to-day activities and had a functional range of motion. Mild discomfort was felt by eight of our patients (17%), but only three patients (7%) had pain with activities. The average time to return to skiing was 1.7 days. The use of a suture anchor provided a strong and stable repair if the surgery was performed early.
Peptide scanning for thyrotropin receptor T-cell epitopes in mice vaccinated with naked DNA.

Vaccinating mice with DNA encoding the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), the major autoantigen in Graves' disease, induces memory T cells that secrete interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in response to TSHR antigen. We used a panel of 29 synthetic TSHR peptides encompassing the ectodomain and three extracellular loops to identify T-cell epitopes after TSHR-DNA vaccination of BALB/c, NOD.H-2h4, and AKR/N mice. These strains were chosen because of their previous use in animal models of thyroid autoimmunity. In initial studies, challenge of splenocytes with TSHR protein induced IFN-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in all three strains of mice. BALB/c mice recognized three peptides, all in the TSHR A subunit. These peptides differed from the four peptides recognized by nonobese diabetic (NOD mice NOD H-2h4). Three of the latter were also in the A subunit. The fourth was within the intervening C peptide region excised on TSHR cleavage into A and B subunits. Because of high and erratic responses in AKR/N mice, their TSHR T-cell epitopes could not be determined. In summary, we report that TSHR DNA vaccination of BALB/c and NOD.H-2h4 mice, with different major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes (I-Ad and I-Ak, respectively), recognize restricted, nonoverlapping TSHR T-cell epitopes, nearly all in the TSHR A subunit.
Characteristics of the beta-glucan receptor of murine macrophages.

Phagocytosis of heat-killed yeast (HK-yeast), zymosan, and glucan particles by thioglycollate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages (Tg-macrophages) was inhibited by soluble glucan polymers/oligomers. The inhibitory capacity of soluble glucans decreased steeply with the decrease in the degree of polymerization (DPn); i.e., the concentration at which 50% inhibition of phagocytosis was attained was 0.23 microgram/ml for glucan 1 (DPn 24.8), 0.8 microgram/ml for glucan 2 (DPn 21.9), and greater than 40 micrograms/ml for glucan 3 (DPn 13.8). The glucan polymers were obtained by partial hydrolysis of glucan particles with formic acid (90%, 95 degrees C, 20 min) and fractionation according to solubility in ethanol water mixtures. A short preincubation (5 min, 4 or 37 degrees C) of Tg-macrophages with glucan 1 led to a subsequent inhibition of HK-yeast phagocytosis. Recovery of the phagocytic function was slow (27% in 3 h; 68% in 5 h) and required protein synthesis. beta-Glucan receptor expression was also suppressed by dexamethasone treatment. Mannan exerted at high concentrations (5 mg/ml) a partial inhibitory activity which was totally abrogated by beta-glucanase treatment. Treatment of macrophages with glucan together with mannan did not enhance the inhibitory capacity of glucan beyond the component abrogated by enzyme treatment. Contribution of local opsonization of HK-yeast to the phagocytic response (involvement of complement receptors) was indirectly negated; (a) glucan 1 which inhibits HK-yeast phagocytosis by up to 95% is not an activator of complement and therefore could not compete for the opsonizing proteins; (b) cycloheximide treatment in itself inhibited only partially HK-yeast phagocytosis whereas it inhibited the reexpression of the glucan receptors; (c) glucan 1 did not affect the phagocytosis of serum opsonized HK-yeast. Thus under the experimental conditions described, phagocytosis of HK-yeast by murine macrophages is mediated by and large by the beta-glucan receptors, while the mannose receptors and complement receptors do not contribute to the process.
Effects of in vivo dexamethasone administration on in vitro bovine polymorphonuclear leukocyte function

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function was evaluated in vitro after in vivo administration of a single dose of dexamethasone to cattle. Purified polymorphonuclear leukocytes from dexamethasone-treated cattle displayed enhanced random migration under agarose but impaired ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus, Nitro Blue Tetrazolium reduction, chemiluminescence, iodination, and antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The depression of iodination may have been related to a drop in the proportion of eosinophils present in the polymorphonuclear leukocyte preparations after dexamethasone administration.
Export Education and Tourism A Survey of Tertiary English Language Students in New Zealand

This study explored the influence of the ‘proximity’ (defined as an attack on homeland soil) of a terrorist attack upon the perceptions of international travel risk. Opportunity samples of US (n=39) and UK (n=59) citizens responded to a questionnaire that sought their opinions on international travel risk and the perceived safety of a set of vacation destinations. The study found that while ‘proximity’ to a terrorist attack may increase the general negative perceptions of the safety of international travel, when purpose of travel is for a vacation the influence of ‘proximity’ weakens. International vacation travel may therefore be particularly susceptible to the influences of a terrorist attack, wherever the attack occurs. Differences in perceptions of three vacation destinations (France, Spain and UK) between the US and UK respondents indicate that variables other than proximity to attacks influence perceptions of the safety of vacation destinations. Past experience of a destination and media coverage of the aftermath of terrorist acts may better explain some of the recorded differences surrounding the three vacation destinations.
Subtle changes in daily functioning predict conversion from normal to mild cognitive impairment or dementia: an analysis of the NACC database

ABSTRACT Background: There are relatively small but observable changes in functional ability in those without Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. The present study seeks to understand whether these individuals go on to develop MCI or dementia by assessing the association between baseline Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) and conversion independent and after adjustment for cognitive tests. Methods: The NACC database was used to conduct the analysis of which 7,625 participants were initially identified as having more than one visit and who were cognitively normal at their first visit. Cox proportional hazards were used to fit three models that controlled for executive and non-executive cognitive domains. A similar model was used to assess the effect of FAQ subcategories on conversion. Results: Of these individuals, 1,328 converted to either MCI or dementia by visit 10. Converters had a total visit 1 FAQ score significantly higher than non-converters indicating more functional impairment at baseline. After adjustment for cognitive tests, the association between visit 1 FAQ and subsequent conversion was not attenuated. Doing taxes, remembering dates, and traveling were individually identified as significant predictors of conversion. Conclusions: The FAQ can be used as an indirect measure of functional ability and is associated with conversion to MCI or dementia. There is a selective and significant association between changes in financial ability and conversion that is in accordance with other research of financial capacity.
Market‐oriented behavior

The activities of service and product firms are compared in terms of their market‐oriented behavior in their export operations (i.e. their export market‐oriented (EMO) behavior). Empirical analysis conducted on a sample of 783 Finnish exporters containing both service and product firms uncovered several interesting differences: service and product firms differed in their level of EMO behavior; the direct effects from EMO behavior to various dimensions of export success were invariant across the samples; however, the export environment moderated the link between EMO behavior and export profit performance in different ways across the samples. The results indicate that EMO behavior may be more appropriate under certain environmental conditions, and less appropriate under others. However, the nature of the relationship between EMO behavior and export success may also depend on whether the firm’s core export market offerings are services or physical products.
Road transport and diet affect metabolic response to exercise in horses1

Abstract This study investigated the effects of transport and diet on metabolic response during a subsequent race-like test in Standardbred horses in training fed a forage-only diet and a 50:50 forage:oats diet. Six trained and raced Standardbred trotter mares were used. Two diets, 1 forage-only diet (FONLY) and 1 diet with 50% of DM intake from forage and 50% from oats (FOATS), were fed for two 29-d periods in a crossover design. At Day 21, the horses were subjected to transport for 100 km before and after they performed an exercise test (transport test [TT]). At Day 26, the horses performed a control test (CT), in which they were kept in their stall before and after the exercise test. Blood samples were collected throughout the study, and heart rate and water intake were recorded. Heart rate and plasma cortisol, glucose, and NEFA concentrations were greater for the TT than for the CT (P = 0.008, P = 0.020, P = 0.010, and P = 0.0002, respectively) but were not affected by diet. Plasma acetate concentration was lower during the TT than during the CT (P = 0.034) and greater for the FONLY than for the FOATS (P = 0.003). There were no overall effects of the TT compared with the CT on total plasma protein concentration (TPP), but TPP was lower with the FONLY than with the FOATS (P = 0.016). There was no overall effect of the TT compared with the CT on water intake, but water intake was greater with the FONLY than the FOATS (P = 0.011). There were no overall effects of transport or diet on BW, plasma lactate, or plasma urea concentration. It was concluded that both transport and diet affect metabolic response during exercise in horses. Aerobic energy supply was most likely elevated by transportation and by the FONLY. The FONLY also decreased exercise-induced effects on extracellular fluid regulation. These results highlight the importance of experimental design in nutrition studies. If the aim is to examine how a diet affects exercise response in competition horses, transport should preferably be included in the experimental design, because horses are likely to be transported before a competition.
P03.18 Knowledge regarding hiv/aids and views on hiv testing before marrying migrant workers among rural higher secondary school students in bangladesh

Introduction The social context of Bangladesh does not permit adolescents to discuss reproductive health topics as well as sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS openly with their parents, teachers, or other senior members of the community. Methods This was a cross-sectional study to investigate knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and views on HIV testing before marrying migrant workers among rural grade 11 and 12 students in Bangladesh. Results A total of 92 students completed anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The average age of the students was 16.8 ± 0.9 years. All the students had heard about AIDS before they complete the questionnaire. Media (75%) was the main source of information. Overall, students had average knowledge regarding selected aspects of HIV/AIDS. A high (>73%) proportion of students were conversant with the major modes of spread of HIV. Many misconceptions were still noted relating to HIV/AIDS, 40% believing that healthy looking person cannot be infected with HIV, 27% and 25% believing that coughing and sneezing and mosquito bites spread AIDS respectively. Majority (75%) of the students indicated that they would not ask to do HIV test before marriage and amongst them more than a quarter reasoned as it might lead to break the marriage/marriage might not take place. Conclusion The knowledge level seems to be low and misconceptions about the routes of transmission were common. It is recommended that strategies for adolescents AIDS risk reduction be developed in Bangladeshi high schools. Disclosure of interest statement There is nothing to declare.
Bounded model checking of C++ programs based on the Qt cross‐platform framework

The software development process for embedded systems is getting faster and faster, which generally incurs an increase in the associated complexity. As a consequence, technology companies tend to invest in fast and automatic verification mechanisms, to create robust systems and reduce product recall rates. In addition, further development‐time reduction and system robustness can be achieved through cross‐platform frameworks, such as Qt, which favor the reliable port of software stacks to different devices. Based on that, the present paper proposes a simplified version of the Qt framework, which is integrated into a checker based on satisfiability modulo theories (SMT), known as the Efficient SMT‐based Context‐Bounded Model Checker, for verifying actual Qt‐based applications, with a success rate of 89%, for the developed benchmark suite. Furthermore, the simplified version of the Qt framework, named as Qt Operational Model, was also evaluated using other state‐of‐the‐art verifiers for C++ programs. In fact, Qt Operational Model was combined with 2 different verification approaches: explicit‐state model checking and also symbolic (bounded) model checking, during the experimental evaluation, which highlights its flexibility. The proposed methodology is the first one to formally verify Qt‐based applications, which has the potential to devise new directions for software verification of portable code.