Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“Pricing Lookback Options and Dynamic Guarantees”, Hans U. Gerber and Elias S.W. Shiu, January 2003

ments, Analysis, and Applications. New York: Irwin. PANJER, H. H. , ED. 1998. Financial Economics: With Applications to Investments, Insurance, and Pensions. Schaumburg, IL: The Actuarial Foundation. SESHADRI, V. 1993. The Inverse Gaussian Distribution: A Case Study in Exponential Family. Oxford: Oxford University Press. STREIFF, T. F. , AND C. A. DIBIASE. 1999. Equity-Indexed Annuities. Chicago: Dearborn Financial. TIONG, S. 2000a. “Equity-Indexed Annuities in the Black-Scholes Environment. ” Ph.D. thesis, University of Iowa, Iowa City. ———. 2000b. “Valuing Equity-Indexed Annuities,” North American Actuarial Journal 4 (4): 149–70; also see Discussions in 5 (3): 128–36. WILMOTT, P. 1998. Derivatives: The Theory and Practice of Financial Engineering. New York: Wiley. ZHANG, P. G. 1998. Exotic Options: A Guide to Second Generation Options. 2nd ed. Singapore: World Scientific.
Surface expression of CXCR4 in unrestricted somatic stem cells and its regulation by growth factors

Umbilical cord blood‐derived USSCs (unrestricted somatic stem cells) have recently been considered as a potential source for stem cell therapy and transplantation due to their characteristics such as easy accessibility, low immunogenicity, self‐renewing and multilineage differentiation potential. Stem cell homing is a key factor in successful transplantation, which is regulated by CXCR4 in stem cells. In this study, we evaluated the expression of CXCR4 in USSCs different passages. Moreover, the effect of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and IGF‐1 (insulin‐like growth factor 1) on its expression was assessed. It was shown that the expression of CXCR4 in USSCs decreased with the increase in passage number. It was also revealed that VEGF increased surface expression and mRNA level of CXCR4 in USSCs, while IGF‐1 decreased its expression. When VEGF and IGF‐1 were administered simultaneously, CXCR4 expression was increased, but the expression level was less than VEGF alone. Finally, it was shown that over‐expression of CXCR4 enhanced the migratory capacity of USSCs. The increase of CXCR4 expression, here caused by VEGF in USSCs, can improve the efficacy of stem cell therapy and transplantation after long‐term culture of stem cells before clinical use.
An analysis of Portuguese students’ performance in the OECD Programme for International Student

This study focuses on the evolution of the scores of Portuguese students in PISA cycles from 2003 to 2009. It may be concluded that the variation in scores is strongly infl uenced by changes in the family background of students and other variables, such as the distribution of students by degrees. The sampling methods used for data collection under the programme tend to amplify these changes. When such factors are taken into account for the analysis, holding constant the score determinants, there has been a continued improvement in student performance over the cycles considered.
Examination of Structure–Activity Relationship of Viologen-Based Dendrimers as CXCR4 Antagonists and Gene Carriers

Chemokine receptors and their ligands play a central role in cancer metastasis, inflammatory disorders, and viral infections. Viologen dendrimers (VGD) emerged recently as a promising class of synthetic polycationic ligands for chemokine receptor CXCR4. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of VGD as novel dual-function polycations capable of simultaneous CXCR4 antagonism and gene delivery. As part of our systematic studies, we have synthesized a library of VGD with differences in molecular architecture, number of positive charges, and type of capping group. The ability of VGD to condense DNA was evaluated, and physicochemical and biological properties of the resulting polyplexes were studied. We have evaluated the effect of VGD surface charge, size, capping group, and molecular architecture on physicochemical properties of polyplexes, transfection efficiency, CXCR4 antagonism, and cytotoxicity in human epithelial osteosarcoma (U2OS) and in human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. We found that properties and behavior of the polyplexes are most dependent on the number of positive charges and molecular weight of VGD and to a lesser extent on the type of a capping group. Using TNFα plasmid, we have demonstrated that VGD prevents CXCR4-mediated cancer cell invasion and facilitates TNFα-mediated cancer cell killing. Such dual-function carriers have potential to enhance the overall therapeutic outcomes of cancer gene therapy.
A Study of Airlines’ Online Reservation Services on the Internet

This article reports on a study about examining airlines’ Web-based online reservation services. Thirty airlines from three regions (North America, Europe and Middle East, and Asia and Australia) were assessed to determine whether there were any significant differences between the three regions, in terms of the Web site attributes and services provided to travelers. In this research, the attributes selected for examination included (1) components of online reservation services, (2) provision of extra benefits, (3) factors affecting reservation time, and (4) provision of additional services/facilities. Empirical results indicated that some airlines did not provide all components in the chosen attributes and that airlines in these three regions differed significantly in certain dimensions of the chosen attributes. In particular, airlines in North America were found to have the most comprehensive Web-based reservation services.
Doctor–patient relationship strength’s impact in an online healthcare community

ABSTRACT Doctor–patient (D–P) interaction currently faces a set of challenges owing to a dearth in medical resources and related communication reasons. Healthcare information technology and associated systems, such as those supporting online healthcare communities (OHCs) that provide new platforms for information exchange and online communication, are expected to alter traditional D–P relationship models. Despite significant results from extant research indicating patient benefits, empirical research on OHC returns for physicians is lacking. This exploratory study examines the strength of the D–P relationship and its impacts on physicians’ individual outcomes in an OHC. Guided by the social capital and social ties theories, and using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to study 339,010 instances of doctor–patient communication from 1430 physicians at The Good Doctor (www.Haodf.com), which is one of the largest Chinese OHCs, we found that weak ties can result in economic and social returns for doctors. However, further analysis has indicated that strong ties mediate the effect of weak ties, thus encouraging doctors to convert weak ties into strong ties by mobilizing their website settings to strengthen their relationships and, subsequently, to be better rewarded. Implications for research and practice on the development of healthcare information technology and associated systems are discussed.
H&#8734;Loop Shaping Controller for Shape Memory Alloy Actuators

This paper describes a Robust H∞Controller for a Shape Memory Alloy actuator. A formulation based on concepts from physics, has been used to model the Shape Memory Alloy (SMA). The modelling equations include Joules heating - convectional cooling to explain the dynamics of temperature, Fermi-Dirac statistics to explain the variation of mole fraction with temperature, and a stress-strain constitutive equation to relate changes in mole fraction and temperature to changes in stress and strain of the SMA. An H∞loop shaping controller using normalized coprime stabilization is designed such that the gains are high when the model describes the SMA accurately and low at higher frequencies when the model is inaccurate. Simulation and experimental results show fast and accurate control of the strain in the SMA actuator.
Improving Groundwater Quality Management for the Sustainable Utilization of the Bangkok Aquifer System

Several measures have been implemented to address the negative environmental consequences brought about by the overexploitation of groundwater resources in the Bangkok Aquifer System. However, such measures were mainly directed to quantity issues such as resource depletion and land subsidence, whereas quality aspects seem to have been given less attention. Given that quality deterioration, mainly chloride contamination, has affected groundwater users, this article evaluates current groundwater quality management practices in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, points out the challenges, and provides some specific recommendations for the sustainable utilization of the valuable resource.
‘Unidentified Shareholders’: the Impact of Oil Companies on the Banking Sector in Russia

ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE FEATURES of the Russian banking sector is that one of its best-capitalised parts is represented by a group of banks that are owned by oilextracting enterprises. Both Russian citizens at large and business owners identify them with such labels as oligarchic banks, captive banks or pocket banks. Whatever title is used, the reality behind it is one of the key features of the present day economy of Russia. Owing to the fact that a large chunk of the best-capitalised Russian banks are owned and/or controlled by oil-related enterprises, the performance of the banking sector is tied to that of the hydrocarbons industry. Moreover, oil enterprises affect bank regulators by imposing lax regulation of these banks, which creates perverse incentives for the banking system as a whole. The most conspicuous example of poor regulation is the inability of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) to put an end to the practice of non-disclosure of 'oil bank' owners (the phenomena of so-called 'unidentified shareholders'). Yet another example of the power of oil enterprises is their capacity to influence regional politics through alignment with particular governors and influencing elections that in turn affect banks. On the whole, the Russian banking sector is undercapitalised, investment-shy, weakly regulated and uncompetitive, especially outside Moscow. Despite the substantial improvement in both bank performance and regulation that has happened during the last five years (bank loans relative to GDP grew from 9% in 1997 to 22% in 2004), one conspicuous feature of Russian banks remains: they do not bank very much. ' This means that the volume of resources they transfer to borrowers from lenders is low, and they remain involved in transactions that are less central to banking: playing on speculative markets, carrying out treasury operations for their owners and the like. I argue here that the performance of Russian banks may to a large extent be explained by the impact of the mineral economy2 upon them. This article seeks to analyse the Russian case based on claims of petrostate theory.3 In particular, it aims to test the theory developed by Chaudhry (1997), who came to the conclusion, based on her analysis of the Yemeni and Saudi cases, that the influence of the extractive economy creates a banking sector that is dramatically disconnected from the local economy. Banks that have access to oil revenue are neither connected to the population through retail banking nor able to lend money properly to enterprises
Reachability Analysis of Deep Neural Networks with Provable Guarantees

Verifying correctness for deep neural networks (DNNs) is challenging. We study a generic reachability problem for feed-forward DNNs which, for a given set of inputs to the network and a Lipschitz-continuous function over its outputs computes the lower and upper bound on the function values. Because the network and the function are Lipschitz continuous, all values in the interval between the lower and upper bound are reachable. We show how to obtain the safety verification problem, the output range analysis problem and a robustness measure by instantiating the reachability problem. We present a novel algorithm based on adaptive nested optimisation to solve the reachability problem. The technique has been implemented and evaluated on a range of DNNs, demonstrating its efficiency, scalability and ability to handle a broader class of networks than state-of-the-art verification approaches.
A Dynamic Model of Voting

We propose and estimate a dynamic model of voting with asymmetric information incorporating the three main factors affecting voting choices of individual citizens: party identification, policy preferences, and candidates’ valence. Using individual level data on voting decisions in two consecutive presidential elections, we identify and estimate (1) the distribution of voters’ policy positions and (2) candidates’ valence. In addition to providing an equilibrium interpretation of the observed voting profiles and electoral outcomes, we use the estimated model to conduct counterfactual experiments to assess the relative importance of candidates’ policy positions, valence, and voters’ information on the outcomes of elections and to evaluate the performance of the electoral process.
Can Coastal Management Programs Protect and Promote Water-Dependent Uses?

Anecdotal evidence indicates that commercial and recreational water-dependent uses have been under development pressure in recent years, and in some cases have been converted to other uses. The conversion of water-dependent uses, which range from commercial shipyards to recreational marinas, may have many public costs, including the loss of access to public trust waters, the loss of jobs and associated economic activity, and the loss of traditional working waterfronts. This two-part study investigated the role of five coastal management programs in the northeastern United States in managing, monitoring, and protecting water-dependent uses. First, coastal managers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey were interviewed to assess the conversion problem. Second, in collaboration with New York City-based Regional Plan Association, follow-up interviews were conducted with coastal managers and local planners in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey to gain greater insight into the role of coastal management programs and local governments in managing and promoting water-dependent uses. This article presents select findings from this study and discusses recommendations for improving the capacity of coastal management programs and local governments to manage water-dependent uses for the benefit of the public.
A 300Hz 19b DR capacitive accelerometer based on a versatile front end in a 5th-order ΔΣ loop

This paper presents a 5<sup>th</sup>-order ΔΣ capacitive accelerometer. The ΔΣ loop is implemented in mixed signal, the global 5<sup>th</sup>-order filter having a 2<sup>nd</sup>-order analog and a 3<sup>rd</sup>-order digital part. The system can be used with a wide range of sensors, because the mixed-signal front end is programmable. The ASIC developed comprises a voltage-mode preamplifier, two parallel demodulators implementing CDS, and a 7-bit Flash ADC. The latter drives a 3<sup>rd</sup>-order digital filter, which can be configured for different sensor parameters in order to ensure overall loop stability and optimize the noise performance. With a low-noise MEMS sensor, the system achieves a 19-bit DR and a 16-bit SNR, both over a 300Hz bandwidth.
Acquisition and Loss of Nationality. Volumes 1 + 2

Nationality and citizenship have recently become a hotly contested policy field in several European states. Reforms of the acquisition or loss of nationality have been shaped by concerns about the integration of immigrants as well as by attempts to strengthen ties with emigrants. A team of 30 researchers has examined nationality laws and their implementation in the pre-2004 Member States of the European Union.http://www.imiscoe. org/natac/
Accounting Boot Camp

This study examines the effectiveness of a program designed to set appropriate student expectations and motivate students to put forth the necessary effort to succeed in intermediate accounting and other upper-division accounting courses. At a mid-sized public university in the Western US many students enrolled in Intermediate Accounting I (their first upper-division course) struggle with the rigor and academic demands of this course, resulting in failure rates of 30–45%. In many cases, students new to upper-division courses appear to lack a commitment to, or awareness of, the effort needed for success in the accounting program. The faculty implemented an accounting “Boot Camp” to prepare new accounting majors for the expectations of the program. This paper details the implementation of the Boot Camp and reviews its effectiveness by comparing the performance of attendees with the performance of non-attendees. After controlling for other contributing factors, the evidence suggests that attendees outperform their non-attending peers in Intermediate Accounting I. This relatively low-cost intervention should be attractive to faculty concerned about the common problem of students failing and then retaking intermediate accounting.
Enhancement of grid connected PV inverter using optimal maximum power point tracking algorithm with estimation of climatic parameter

In this paper, a grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system with an efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm (MPPT) technique named Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is presented. The main aim of proposed system is to reach the Grid Voltage demand, manage the power flow, inject the excess power into the grid, and charge the battery from the grid when required. The MPPT method aides will trim down the hardware arrangement increases the efficiency of array power and MPPT response time. The simulation results are given to justify the MPPT algorithm operation and estimation capabilities of climatic parameters. The suggested converter building design has reduced number of power conversion stages that helps to improve efficiency and reliability of the system. Simulation results obtained using MATLAB/Simulink shows the performance of PV system with ANFIS under various modes of operation for power flow management.
The role of financial markets' openness in the transmission of shocks in Europe

In this paper we report the results of a series of internal and external shocks on the Euro Area, using the National Institute's Global Econometric Model, NiGEM. The differences in impacts across countries are discussed, stressing the role of openness to the rest of the world, the nature of investment finance, the importance of wealth in different economies, and the impact of liquidity constrained consumers on the transmission mechanism. The link between financial market integration and channels of policy transmission is closely studied.
On the staying power of defenders, analyzers, and prospectors

The article focuses on “Organizational Strategy, Structure, and Process,” by Raymond Miles and Charles Snow, and its effect on strategic management and organization theory. Miles and Snow's views are at the philosophical midpoint of business-level strategy—between the situationalists and the universalists. They proposed four basic types of strategy: defenders, prospectors, analyzers, and reactors. The concept of strategic equifinality, a configurational view of strategy, business risk, and the typology of strategy classification systems are mentioned.
The role of management accounting in the development of a manufacturing strategy

A well developed manufacturing strategy is becoming increasingly important to many manufacturing organizations. A major feature of such a strategy is the definition of a manufacturing infrastructure that is consistent with how products and services compete in the selected market. The managerial accounting system is a key component of this infrastructure. Reports the results of a survey of 85 manufacturing companies. Finds that many companies use an accounting system that appears to be inappropriate. The systems are often ill suited to their marketplace and inconsistent with an appropriate manufacturing strategy. Discusses recommendations for change for companies currently developing a manufacturing strategy.
Testing for Trade-offs in the Reinsurance Decision of U.K. Life Insurance Firms

Drawing a framework from the insurance and finance literature, we test for trade-offs between underwriting, solvency, and tax management objectives in the decision to purchase reinsurance in U.K.-based life insurance firms. Using a panel data design covering 630 firm-year observations for 1992-2004, we observe that underwriting and solvency risks, and expected taxes, appear to be important determinants of the level of reinsurance purchased by U.K. life insurance firms. Additionally, some of these key determinants interact with each other, suggesting that the reinsurance decision is conjointly determined. Two of the three interactions tested, however, have an impact that is in the direction opposite to that predicted. In addition, firm-specific factors, such as product mix and profitability, appear to explain the corporate decision to purchase reinsurance.
Are Trade Openness and Financial Development Complementary?

Trade liberalization and financial deepening have assumed greater significance for a countrys economic growth performance in recent times. Several theoretical and empirical studies have devoted considerable attention to the association between economic performance and trade liberalization as well as to the connections between financial market development and economic growth. However, literature is sparse in terms of the direct linkages between trade openness and financial sector development. This paper finds that trade openness and financial development are complementary and econometrically tests this hypothesis for India over a period of time. However, two important policy implications of the analysis presented in this paper deserve attention. First, although financial deepening has emerged as an important aspect of the economic growth strategy in the Indian context, since the sources of such a deepening may be both domestic as well as external; the importance of a judicious policy mix cannot be neglected, especially in the wake of the current global financial meltdown. Second, as documented in the econometric analysis, the complementarities between trade openness and financial deepening appear to be less pronounced. However, this should be interpreted with some caution. While the Indian data suggest that trade and financial liberalization policies may possibly be pursued independent of each other, this by no means suggests that there are no reinforcing linkages between the two.
An Approach to Unsupervised Ontology Term Tagging of Dependency-Parsed Text Using a Self-Organizing Map (SOM)

I describe here a machine-learning estimation method for term tagging which can learn semantic disambiguation. The model is trained with a Semantic Web ontology, and a set of sample text documents with a set of concepts tagged, referring to the given ontology. The machine-learning method is based on creating numeric representations, or embeddings, which are based on dependency analysis of the syntactic environment of the word being analyzed. In contrast to many modern neural data-driven models, this model uses a less data-hungry unsupervised clustering method, the Self-Organizing Map (SOM). Based on the observations found with the experimental model, I suggest this can be utilized for populating ontologies with new concepts and terms, and for guessing the best matching ontology concepts for the found terms.
Sonographic diagnosis of intramural duodenal hematomas

We present 2 cases of duodenal hematoma. Sonography demonstrated a heterogeneous mass within the duodenal wall in both patients, and neither patient had signs of bowel perforation. CT confirmed the sonographic findings. Sonography and computed tomography are useful in diagnosing duodenal hematoma, in excluding accompanying lesions, and in monitoring resolution with conservative treatment. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 27:213–216, 1999.