Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pricing and Integration of Credit Default Swap Index Tranches

This paper studies the pricing in the CDX tranche market, and whether these instruments have been reasonably priced and integrated within the financial market generally, over the period of the financial crisis of 2008. We first design a procedure to value CDO tranches using an intensity-based model which falls into the affine model class. The CDX tranche spreads are efficiently explained by a three-factor version of this model, before and during the crisis period. We then construct tradable CDX tranche portfolios, representing the three default intensity factors. These portfolios capture the same exposure as the S&P 500 index option market, to a market crash. We regress these CDX factors against the underlying index, the volatility factor, and the smirk factor, extracted from the index option returns, and against the Fama-French market, size and book-to-market factors. We finally argue that the CDX spreads are integrated in the financial market, and their issuers have not made excess returns.
The Prevalence of Venous Disease in Primary Lymphoedema

Objective: To assess the prevalence of venous incompetence in primary lymphoedema. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Outpatients attending St George's Hospital, London, UK. Patients: Forty-six patients (61 limbs) with primary lymphoedema extracted from a consecutive series of patients presenting with swollen legs. Only those with clinical and lymphoscintigraphic evidence of lymphoedema were included. Patients with any clinical evidence of venous disease were excluded. Controls: Seventeen subjects (33 limbs) with no history or clinical evidence of either lymphoedema or venous disease. Methods: Light reflective rheography (LRR) and quantitative isotopic lymphoscintigraphy. Main outcome measures: Venous refilling times (RT) with and without tourniquet control. Statistical analysis: Prevalence of venous incompetence in lymphoedema patients compared with normal controls and literature values. Results: In the patients, seven of 61 limbs (11.5%) had a venous RT of less than 25 s; eight limbs (13.1%) had a venous RT between 25 and 40 s. An above-knee tourniquet corrected the RT in all 15 limbs indicating superficial venous incompetence. In the controls, one of 33 limbs (3%) had a venous RT between 25 and 40 s. An above-knee tourniquet corrected the RT indicating superficial venous incompetence. Conclusion: Covert venous insufficiency may complicate primary lymphoedema. This has implications for both the pathophysiology of the oedema and its management.
Illness and the Development of Master-Slave Relations in Morrison’s A Mercy and Lalami’s The Moor’s Account

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare Master-Slave relations in two historical novels by African-American novelist Toni Morrison and Arab-American novelist Laila Lalami . The study aims at examining the formation of Master-Slave relations in Morrison’s A Mercy (2008) and Lalami’s The Moor’s Account (2014), with a particular focus on the role illness and healing play on their development. This will be done within three stages of before, during and after illnesses. Moreover, Hegel’s Master-Slave Dialectic theory will serve as the theoretical framework upon which Master-Slave relations will be examined within their historical and cultural contexts. Masters’ illnesses in both novels represent a turning point in the course of Master-Slave relations, providing Slaves with a chance to prove to themselves and to their Masters that the two are involved in complex and multifaceted connections. However, the study shows that the way illnesses affect the development of the relation in each novel differs drastically. In The Moor’s Account , illness offers an opportunity for Mustafa and his companions to add value to the services they offer to the Native American tribes they serve. In contrast, the emergence of illness in A Mercy negatively affects Lina’s relationship with Rebekka as the latter loses faith in the former and substantially downgrades her efforts and labors. The results of this study reveal the importance of external factors, such as the appearance of illnesses, in defining and affecting Master-Slave relations. Hence, by reading both novels alongside each other, the study highlights sociopolitical, cultural and historical aspects in the two narratives that have not been fully explored previously.
The Role of Signaling When Promoting Diversity and Inclusion at the Firm Level: A Financial Advisory Professional Case Study

Based on signaling theory and visual perception theory, this study evaluated how financial advisory firms depict diversity through online platforms. Signals sent by firms may impact outsiders’ understanding of race and gender inclusion at the firm level, which may explain why some struggle to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. To evaluate, 1,379 advisor biographies on 73 firm websites were analyzed. In this study, 29% of all client-facing advisors with known gender were women; only 0.5% of those with known race were Black. This is much lower than what other studies, based on different industrial codes, have reported. The fact that White males featured predominantly in depictions of employees on firm websites may influence who applies for positions in financial advisory firms. This signaling pattern may also indicate hiring preferences among firm owners and managers. Results have implications for firms that wish to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
Observability of Inter-Organizational Crisis Management Capability

Effective responses to severe strains and large-scale disasters demand efficient crisis management, i.e., capabilities that depend on inter-organizational collaborations. Inter-organizational exercises are performed to maintain and develop the inter-organizational crisis management (ICM) capability. In a previous review of scientific literature, we identified nine themes (i.e., aspects) of ICM capability (ICMC): interaction, coordination/C2, decision making, relationships, situation awareness (SA), resilience, preparedness, system performance, and information infrastructure. This paper presents empirical testing of the nine ICMC aspects, by observational studies in two ICM exercises. The ICMC aspects were implemented in a structured observation protocol, which allowed observations based on classification of single utterances and actions. All ICMC aspects except system performance were observed. Actions related to SA, interaction, and coordination/C2 were frequently observed, while relations, resilience, and preparedness were observed to a lesser extent. In addition, exercise evaluators rated the relevance of all nine ICMC aspects as high.
Improving Dysphagia Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients Receiving Head and Neck Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy plays a critical role in the management of head and neck cancer (HNC), used as a primary modality, often in combination with surgical and chemotherapeutic options. Dysphagia, or a difficulty in swallowing, is a consequence of high dose radiation therapy. Both acute and late dysphagia can compromise the clinical outcomes of HNC patients, with respect to disease control and persistent, life-limiting toxicities. The opportunity to better understand dysphagia, its debilitative effects, and how to manage its onset is critical to achieving the optimal patient outcomes. This thesis investigates methods to better predict dysphagia onset enabling improved patient care.
The benefits of Functional Movement Screen in judo

With the development of screening methods, simple screening tools could commonly be used to assess movement quality in real-world conditions. One of those methods is the functional movement screen (FMS), that was developed to helps determine the fundamental movement patterns of an individual. FMS test was administered to 9 elite judokas aged 22 ± 4.24 years, height 176.44 ± 7.44 and weight 79.44 ± 15.92 kg. The overall FMS score was 17.56 ± 1.59. No significant asymmetries were noted in the bilateral test. The lowest score was achieved in shoulder mobility 1.89 ± 0.6 which represent and issue that needs to be addressed to prevent the occurrence of injuries. Overall the FMS testing could be a beneficial tool to strength and conditioning coaches in judo, especially in the preseason to assess the functional movement status of judo athletes and to address any issues that could be identified. It represents a fast and affordable screening tool, but it needs to be administered by a qualified assessor. The data of this study could serve as a reference score to other FMS research in judo or other combat sports or martial arts.
Investigation of Antiferromagnetic Superstructures in Rare-Earth Compounds

In this thesis, we present experimental studies of antiferromagnetic superstructures in rare-earth materials by means of single-crystal neutron diffraction. In the compounds HoCu, TmCu, ErCu, and EuPtSi3 complex magnet phase diagrams with multitudinous magnetic ground states are reported. Signatures of multi-k ground states with long-wavelength modulations and of ground states with nontrivial topology are observed.
Factors Associated with Gingivitis in Children with Developmental Disabilities

Objective: To investigate factors associated with gingivitis in children aged one to 13 years with developmental disabilities. Material and Methods: A total of 408 dental records were used to recover the data. Gingivitis was measured based on the Modified Gingival Index. Other variables were also analysed: gender, age, International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code, mouth breathing, history of gastroesophageal reflux, use of psychotropic drugs, reports of dry mouth, history of asthma, use of medications to treat asthma, oral hygiene, dental caries, and filled or missing teeth in deciduous or permanent dentition. For the purposes of this analysis, the individuals were categorized as with and without gingivitis. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were incorporated into the logistic regression models (ICD, reflux, oral hygiene, primary tooth decay or filling, mouth breathing, dry mouth and use of psychotropic drugs). Results: We found a 14.67% prevalence of gingivitis. Individuals with mouth breathing had a 2.574-fold (95% CI: (1.113-5.950) greater chance of exhibiting gingivitis. Individuals with moderate oral hygiene had a 2.763-fold (95% CI: 1.066 to 7.160) greater chance of exhibiting gingivitis, and individuals with poor oral hygiene had a 15.029-fold (95% CI: 3.705-60.965) greater chance of exhibiting gingivitis than those with good oral hygiene. Conclusion: Moderate or poor oral hygiene and mouth breathing are factors associated with gingivitis in a group of patients with developmental disabilities at a dental service in Belo Horizonte.
Recurrent Optical Neuritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a case of benign form of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) can occur in the context of autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, in what is now defined as NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Case Report: We describe a case of a 32-year old woman with recurrent optic neuritis and a long-standing history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She was subsequently found to be seropositive for neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G (NMO-IgG) (anti-aquaporin-4 antibody) and was diagnosed with NMOSD. Five years after this diagnosis the patient remains clinical stable (no relapses) with low doses of oral prednisolone. Discussion: There are no specific recommendations for the treatment of NMO/SLE overlapping cases and few data exist on a possible benign form of NMO. We present a case illustrative of a good-outcome NMOSD.
Quants' Quandary: Crossing the Chasm

Contrary to the mainstream media’s portrayal that adoption of quantitative fund investing is widespread, only a small portion of individual and institutional dollars has been allocated to quantitative strategists. The amount of quant-managed fund allocations and the general potential benefits and drawbacks of quantitative investment are described. Results of a survey of more than forty financial advisors and analysts concerning their recommendations on quantitative investment are shared. Everett M. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (1995) model is applied to explain the slow diffusion of quantitative investment. Additional models of innovation resistance are also discussed in order to understand reluctance and resistance to investment in quantitative strategies. Included is management consultant Geoffrey A. Moore’s Crossing the Chasm (2013) model to illustrate where quantitative investment currently lies on the “Adopter Categorization” S-curve. Practical recommendations for due diligence are included along with suggestions for promotion of quantitative investing where appropriate for suitable investors.
ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY SYSTEM FOR RAT PARVALBUMIN

A highly sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay for parvalbumin has been developed. The amount of parvalbumin was measured by the sandwich enzyme immunoassay using anti-parvalbumin IgG-coated polystyrene balls and anti-parvalbumin Fab’-horseradish peroxidase conjugate. The minimum detection limit was 30 pg parvalbumin per assay tube. The present enzyme immunoassay was about 30-fold more sensitive than the previously described radioimmunoassay in which the detection limit was lng/tube. The assay showed no cross-reactivity with calmodulin and S-100. The coefficients of variation in within-run and between-run were 6.8-8.9% and 7.0-9.6%, respectively. Concentrations ofparvalbumin in various rat tissues were determined by this assay system. High concentrations of the protein were observed in fast skeletal muscles such as gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior. On the other hand, the concentration in soleus muscle was only about two hundredths that in fast skeletal muscles. Parvalbumin was also present in the heart, lung and kidney. The results suggest that parvalbumin may also play an important role in the regulation of Ca2+ ions in various tissues other than skeletal muscles. Parvalbumin, which is one of the intracellular calcium-binding proteins, is an acidic, watersoluble and low molecular weight protein (17). Biological function of parvalbumin has been little elucidated. Parvalbumin is reported to be found only in type II (fast-twitch) skeletal muscle fibers (2). However, it has been recently reported that parvalbumin exists also in neurons, retina and endocrine glands (1, 3, 4). The quantitative measurement of parvalbumin has been performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (8, 14). The detection limit of HPLC is microgram order. We have developed an enzyme immunoassay system for the measurement of parvalbumin in various rat tissues using antibodies raised in rabbits with purified rat skeletal muscle parvalbumin as irnmunogen. MATERIALS AND METHODS
HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors and Intimate Relationships among Young Sub-Saharan African Immigrants in Switzerland: A Brief Report

Abstract Objectives: This study explores the intimate relationship context in which sub-Saharan young immigrants (18–25) adopt HIV sexual risk behaviors. Methods: Qualitative data from 37 in-depth semistructured interviews and two focus groups were analyzed through an inductive approach and constant comparative analyses. Results: HIV sexual risk behaviors occurred in four types of intimate relationships. However, reasons for taking risks varied by relationship type and also depended on material resources, as well as interactional, cultural, and social dimensions related to sexual socialization and migration. Conclusions: Findings support the importance of considering the intimate relationship context to understand how HIV sexual risk behaviors occur.
Paediatric breast ultrasound - what, why and when?

Poster: "ECR 2014 / C-0879 / Paediatric breast ultrasound - what, why and when? " by: " E. -L. Gerety 1, P. Britton1, M. G. Wallis1, A. Gomez2; 1Cambridge/UK, 2Cambridge /UK"
Additional Value of FDG PET and Resting State-functional MRI for theAssessment of Consciousness Disorders in Hypoglycemia-induced Coma

Background: Consciousness disorders in brain-injured patients are sometimes complicated to understand. The accuracy of the distinction between coma, vegetative state, minimally conscious state and locked-in syndrome can be improved by using functional imaging modalities, which is important because of the therapeutic impact. Case presentation: We report a case of a 34 years old diabetic Caucasian woman whose glycemia had been previously tightly controlled with an insulin pump and who developed a profound coma overnight (spontaneous ventilation and Glasgow score 6) with transient ocular revulsions and intermittent crawling movements triggered by noxious stimuli at admission. At the 3rd day, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) were performed when the patient spontaneously opened her eyes, but no evidence of awareness of the environment could be obtained. Awareness recovered progressively and follow-up imaging was performed on the 7th day when the patient presented only certain cognitive disorders. We demonstrated that rs-fMRI and FDG PET are non-invasive imaging tools that are helpful in the assessment of consciousness levels and residual cognitive disorders in patients with metabolic severe coma.
Epidemiology of viral hepatitis B and C in Punjab, Pakistan: a multicenter cross-sectional study, 2017-18

Background: Globally, approximately 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which are responsible for 96% of all hepatitis-related mortality. Pakistan has the second highest prevalence of HCV in the world. Method s: We conducted this study to ascertain the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infections in Punjab. A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 24 Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Clinics of the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center clinics, Lahore. A total of 141,705 individuals who visited the clinics during 2017-18 were included for seroprevalence analysis of hepatitis B (HBsAg) and C (Anti-HCV). In addition, 12,427 individuals from the main group underwent detailed face-to-face interviews based on a predesigned questionnaire for risk factor assessment. Results: The overall prevalence for HBV and HCV was 8.4% and 42.7%, respectively. Of those with HCV infection, 4.2% had a co-infection. The transgender population had a higher seroprevalence of HBV (11.8%) and HCV (58.8%). Higher HBV seroprevalence was found in a younger age group (16-30 years), while the older age group ( > 61 years) had a higher HCV seroprevalence. Geographically, Muzaffargarh district had the highest HBV seroprevalence at 26%, followed by Rajanpur district (20.3%). HCV seroprevalence was significantly (P value 1; p<0.05) for HBV and HCV. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for proper implementation of preventive and control strategies, as well as formal evaluation and monitoring mechanisms. Sustainable and adequate funding of public-sector hepatitis programs is also an extremely important area that should not be neglected.
Examining depression and quality of life in patients with thalassemia in Sri Lanka

Background: With more effective treatments and improved outcomes in thalassemia, there is increasing focus on its psychological sequelae. Most published data on this topic are from high-income countries and much less so from low- and middle-income countries, where thalassemia is more prevalent. Aim: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the psychiatric morbidity and quality of life in relation to demographic- and illness-related variables among Sri Lankan patients with thalassemia. Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted at the University of Kelaniya Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Patients with all forms of thalassemia, over 12 years of age, and in stable medical condition (n = 120) were recruited. Assessment tools included a general demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure–Brief. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear regressions, Chi-squares, and analyses of variance. Results: Lack of family support, longer duration of inpatient admission, and female gender were associated with higher depression scores and reduced quality of life. Environmental and social quality of life were positively correlated with levels of peer support in males, while increased support from religion correlated with lower depression scores and higher satisfaction with environmental and psychological quality of life in women. There was no association between the type of thalassemia and either depression or quality of life measures. Conclusion: Several factors may influence the psychological state and well-being of patients with thalassemia in Sri Lanka. Specific service innovations (some gender-specific) may help to address these factors to improve treatment outcome and well-being.
Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Diversity in Mammals: A Correlation between the Effective and Census Population Sizes

What determines the level of genetic diversity of a species remains one of the enduring problems of population genetics. Since, neutral diversity depends upon the product of the effective population size and mutation rate there is an expectation that diversity should be correlated to measures of census population size. This correlation is often observed for nuclear but not for mitochondrial DNA. Here we revisit the question of whether mitochondrial DNA sequence diversity is correlated to census population size by compiling the largest dataset to date from 639 mammalian species. In a multiple regression we find that nucleotide diversity is significantly correlated to both range size and mass-specific metabolic rate, but not a variety of other factors. We also find that a measure of the effective population size, the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous diversity, is also significantly negatively correlated to both range and mass-specific metabolic rate. These results together suggest that species with larger ranges have larger effective population sizes. The slope of the relationship between diversity and range is such that doubling the range increases diversity by 12 to 20%, providing one of the first quantifications of the relationship between effective and census population sizes.
Exogenous melatonin mitigates the salinity damages and improves the growth of pistachio under salinity stress

Abstract This study investigated the ability of exogenous melatonin (MT) to alleviate salinity stress in pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera cv. Badami-Zarand) in a controlled greenhouse. Seedlings were treated with different salinity levels (25, 50, and 100 and 150 mM). Foliar application of melatonin with 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 μmol/L concentrations was applied two times during the seeding treated with the various salinity levels. The results indicated that the deleterious effects of MT application were observed when they were applied under non-stressful conditions (control). The greatest protective effect against simulated salinity stress was observed in 100 μmol/L of MT in 150 mM salinity levels. Melatonins markedly alleviated the inhibitory effects of salinity on root and shoot growth, chlorophyll level and ion leakage. Activities of antioxidant enzymes, proline content, endogenous polyamine and melatonin increased with exogenous application of MT in salinity stress condition. Exogenous melatonin was also associated with significant increases in the nutrient uptake. Therefore, exogenous melatonin can attenuate the salinity damage via enhancing anti-oxidation ability, osmotic activity-adjusting, nutrient uptake and polyamines biosynthesis.