Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why targeted investing does not make sense

Proponents claim that economically targeted investments (ETIs) can earn a prevailing risk-adjusted rate of return while also providing an additional economic benefit to the plan participants. This paper discusses the fallacies in the reasoning behind ETIs. In short, the structure that would make ETIs acceptable under the fiduciary standards of ERISA may also create a lemons problem which makes ETIs poor investments, on average. An agency problem derived from the organizational structure of public pension plans can exacerbate the lemons problem. This paper's empirical evidence is consistent with this hypothesis. I find that the risk-adjusted portfolio returns associated with funds using ETIs are low.
A distributed reactive power optimization method for multi-area interconnected power grid

This paper presents a distributed optimization method to solve the optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) problem of multi-area interconnected power grid. An external network reduced equivalent model is used to implement the ORPF calculation of each sub-grid. And the inter-area coupling constraint can be transformed into the injection power modified equation of external boundary bus afterwards. Therefore, the distributed solution of multi-area ORPF problem can be realized through updating of boundary bus equivalent injection power and voltage phasors. The proposed method avoids the tedious process of network equivalence and reduces the dependence on the coordination layer. Furthermore, it accords with the local feature of reactive power optimization and control properly as well. The numerical simulation results of several IEEE cases show that the proposed method is effective and suitable for online application.
Virtual Incubation in Industrial Clusters: A Case Study in Pakistan

Abstract In industrial clusters, transaction costs are kept low and free riding is discouraged by a community mechanism developed through dense and repeated interactions among entrepreneurs. In such environments, new entrants without established reputations and connections are put at a distinct disadvantage. This negative effect on new entry must be neutralised for an industrial cluster to expand. Using enterprise level data from Pakistan, this study finds that personal networks are indeed important for successful enterprise operation, which works to the advantage of incumbents, but that subcontracting plays the role of virtual incubation in nurturing new enterprises, reinforcing the cluster's dynamism.
An Exploration of the Conditional Timing Performance of UK Unit Trusts

We examine the conditional market timing performance of UK unit trusts between January 1988 and December 2002. We find no evidence of superior conditional market timing performance by UK unit trusts either across different portfolios of trusts or by individual trusts. We also find that benchmark investing is significant for UK unit trusts and trusts have high numerical risk aversion to deviations from the benchmark. Our findings suggest that UK trusts act like benchmark investors.
Impact of Trade Reform on Nigeria's Trade Flows

This study examines the impact of trade liberalization on Nigeria's trade flow. It covers the period from 1973 to 2006 and employs the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) techniques. Results reveal among other findings that all categories of export except oil perform better during the trade liberalization period than before the trade liberalization period. Further analysis suggests that while the impact is significant enough to produce positive growth of manufactured exports, it is not so in the case of agricultural and aggregate non-oil exports. The results indicate that all categories of import experience improved performance during trade liberalization compared to the pre-liberalization period. However, the result suggests that in most cases the impact is not strong enough to turn the mean growth of imports positive. The study concludes that trade liberalization has not produced an impact that is significant enough to boost Nigeria's trade flows.
The Impact of Obesity on Wages

Previous studies of the relationship between body weight and wages have found mixed results. This paper uses a larger data set and several regression strategies in an attempt to generate more consistent estimates of the effect of weight on wages. Differences across gender, race, and ethnicity are explored. This paper finds that weight lowers wages for white females; OLS estimates indicate that a difference in weight of two standard deviations (roughly 65 pounds) is associated with a difference in wages of 9 percent. In absolute value, this is equivalent to the wage effect of roughly one and a half years of education or three years of work experience. Negative correlations between weight and wages observed for other gender-ethnic groups appear to be due to unobserved heterogeneity.
The extracellular matrix protein SC1/hevin localizes to excitatory synapses following status epilepticus in the rat lithium‐pilocarpine seizure model

The epileptic brain is characterized by increased susceptibility to neuronal hyperexcitability. The rat lithium‐pilocarpine model, which mimics many features of temporal lobe epilepsy, has been used to study processes leading to the development of recurrent seizures. After a prolonged seizure episode, termed status epilepticus (SE), neural changes occur during a period known as epileptogenesis and include neuronal cell death, reactive gliosis, axonal sprouting, and synaptogenesis. Extracellular matrix adhesion molecules are important regulators of synaptogenesis and axonal sprouting resulting from SE. SC1, also known as hevin, is an antiadhesive extracellular matrix molecule that localizes to synapses in the mammalian brain. In this study, the distribution of SC1 protein in neurons following SE was examined using the lithium‐pilocarpine model. SC1 protein levels in neuronal cell bodies showed a transient decrease at 1 day post‐SE, which coincided with an increase of SC1 in the synapse‐rich neuropil that was identified with the synaptic marker synaptophysin. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the decrease of SC1 signal in neurons at 1 day post‐SE and showed that SC1 remained localized to postsynaptic elements throughout the seizure time course. Increased colocalization of SC1 was detected with the excitatory synaptic markers vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), AMPA receptor subunit GluR1, and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor subunit NR1, but not with the inhibitory synaptic markers vesicular γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter (VGAT) and GABAA receptor subunit β2 (GABAA β2), which could reflect enhanced association of SC1 with excitatory synapses. These findings suggest that SC1 may be involved in synaptic modifications underlying epileptogenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does Social Capital Have a Role in Environmental Kuznets Curve Estimation

This study examines if social capital has a role to play in environmental Kuznets curve estimation. It uses information from the World Values Survey to extract the variables representative of the social capital to develop an index using a principal component analysis. Estimation involves the use of parametric and semiparametric panel models to examine the role of social capital in the EKC behavior.
Multirate Simulations With Simultaneous-Solution Using Direct Integration Methods in a Partitioned Network Environment

Multirate simulation of electric networks exhibiting a wide variety of time constants decreases the simulation runtimes by exploiting the property of circuit latency. The fundamental idea is to use different integration steps for different network subsystems, according to the requirements of accuracy of each subsystem. Programs that exploit circuit latency are usually based on relaxation methods that require iterations among the different subsystems of the original networks. These methods lack the numerical robustness of direct implicit integration methods used in circuit simulators and are not adequate for real-time simulation due to their non-uniform solution times. This paper proposes circuit latency exploitation without iterations making use of the concept of interlinked Multi-Area Thevenin Equivalents (MATE). Results are presented showing the efficiency and accuracy of the method
Longitudinal Growth During Infancy and Childhood in Children from Shanghai: Predictors and Consequences of the Age at Onset of the Childhood Phase of Growth

The age at onset of the childhood phase of growth, normally occurring between 6 and 12 mo, is recognized to be an important time during postnatal human development. The aims of this present work were to identify predictors for the age at onset of the childhood phase of growth. Furthermore, this work aimed to examine the consequences that this timing would have on the subsequent heights of 1720 Shanghai children. The mean age of the infants at onset of the childhood phase of growth was 11.2 mo in boys and 10.7 mo in girls. Compared with their Swedish counterparts, these means occurred 1.3 mo later in boys and 1.4 mo later in girls. Both age at onset of the childhood phase of growth and length at 6 mo of age significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to the attained height from 12 mo of age onward; 1-mo delay in the onset of the childhood phase of growth reduced height at 5 y of age by 0.4 cm in boys and 0.5 cm in girls. The age at onset of the childhood phase of growth was negatively associated (p < 0.001) with mid-parental height, although positively related (p < 0.001) to height at 6 mo of age. There was a distinct body mass index pattern of Chinese children between birth and 6 y of age in comparison with white values. There was a sharp increase in body mass index in Shanghainese during their first 6 mo of life, followed by a gradual decline up to 24 mo. In conclusion, the age at childhood onset is equally important when studying children from Shanghai as it is with their Swedish counterparts.
Surface radiative forcing of forest disturbances over northeastern China

Forests provide important climate forcing through biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes. In this study, we investigated the climatic effects of forest disturbances due to changes in forest biomass and surface albedo in terms of radiative forcing over northeastern China. Four types of forest disturbances were considered: fires, insect damage, logging, and afforestation and reforestation. The mechanisms of the influence of forest disturbances on climate were different. ‘Instantaneous’ net radiative forcings caused by fires, insect damage, logging, and afforestation and reforestation were estimated at 0.53 ± 0.08 W m−2, 1.09 ± 0.14 W m−2, 2.23 ± 0.27 W m−2, and 0.14 ± 0.04 W m−2, respectively. Trajectories of CO2-driven radiative forcing, albedo-driven radiative forcing, and net forcing were different with time for each type of disturbance. Over a decade, the estimated net forcings were 2.24 ± 0.11 W m−2, 0.20 ± 0.31 W m−2, 1.06 ± 0.41 W m−2, and −0.47 ± 0.07 W m−2, respectively. These estimated radiative forcings from satellite observations provided evidence for the mechanisms of the influences of forest disturbances on climate.
Developments: Observing Chief Executives: Analysing Behaviour to Explore Cross-Sectoral Differences

This article is an exploration of the role of the chief executive and its relation to the political and environmental context. It draws on case studies of chief executives from the public, private and voluntary sectors, which looked at what chief executives do and how their role relates to the context in which they work. The author uses a comparative theoretical framework, which includes position, organization, environment and decision-making to highlight cross-sectoral differences. Comparative concepts are used to explain difference and variability in the chief executives' work. The article develops propositions about the nature of chief executives' work that could be tested in further studies.
Retinol potentiates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in the mouse: mechanistic studies.

This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of retinol's potentiation of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. To accomplish this, the major bioactivation and detoxification pathways for acetaminophen were investigated following retinol (75 mg/kg/day, 4 days), acetaminophen (400 mg/kg), and retinol + acetaminophen treatment. Hepatic microsomes were used to determine the catalytic activity and polypeptide levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the murine metabolism of acetaminophen. Results showed that the catalytic activity and polypeptide levels of CYP1A2, CYP2E1, and CYP3A were unchanged in the treatment groups compared to vehicle and untreated controls. In combination, retinol + acetaminophen caused a significantly greater depletion of GSH compared to corn oil + acetaminophen (0.36 +/- 0.11 vs 0.89 +/- 0.19 micromol/g, respectively, p < 0.05). This greater GSH depletion correlated with a higher degree of hepatic injury in the retinol + acetaminophen-treated animals but is probably not the cause of the potentiated injury since the results showed that retinol treatment itself did not alter hepatic glutathione (3.34 +/- 0.43 vs 3.44 +/- 0.46 micromol/g for retinol vs vehicle, respectively). However, hepatic UDPGA stores were decreased in the retinol-treated group compared to untreated and corn oil controls (54.6 +/- 10.6 vs 200.6 +/- 17.6 nmol/g for retinol and untreated control, respectively, p < 0.001). This demonstrates that there is significantly less hepatic UDPGA available for conjugation following retinol administration. The results suggest that decreased hepatic UDPGA is likely the cause of retinol's potentiation of acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury.
IFN-&ggr; Overexpression Within the Pancreas Is Not Sufficient to Rescue Pax4, Pax6, and Pdx-1 Mutant Mice from Death

In the presence of interferon-&ggr; (IFN-&ggr;), pancreatic ductal epithelial cells grow continuously, and islets undergo neogenesis. To determine whether these new islets are derived from conventional precursors, we tested whether IFN-&ggr; can complement the loss of transcription factors known to regulate pancreatic development. We analyzed the effect of a transgene on lethality in mice lacking the transcription factors Pax4, Pax6, or Pdx-1, by intercrossing such mice with transgenic mice whose pancreatic cells make IFN-&ggr; (ins-IFN-&ggr; mice). However, IFN-&ggr; expression did not rescue these mice from the lethal mutations, because no homozygous knockout mice carrying the IFN-&ggr; transgene survived, despite the survival of all other hemizygous gene combinations. This outcome demonstrates that the pathway for IFN-&ggr; regeneration requires the participation of Pax4, Pax6, and Pdx-1. We conclude that the striking islet regeneration observed in the ins-IFN-&ggr; NOD strain is regulated by the same transcription factors that control initial pancreatic development.
Cross-Country Technology Diffusion: The Case of Computers

We use data on imports of computer equipment for a large sample of countries between 1 970 and 1990 to investigate the determinants of computer-technology adoption. We find strong evidence that computer adoption is associated with higher levels of human capital and with manufacturing trade openness vis-a-vis the OECD. We also find evidence that computer adoption is enhanced by high investment rates, good property rights protection, and a small share of agriculture in GDP. Finally, there is some evidence that adoption is reduced by a large share of government in GDP, and increased by a large share of manufacturing. After controlling for the above-mentioned variables, we do not find an independent role for the English- (or European-) language skills of the population.
Can Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Successfully Become Multichannel Retailers?

ABSTRACT The critical success factors required by brick-and-mortar retailers to successfully transform into multichannel retailers are analyzed in this study. We identify threshold resources and success factors required to survive in the online retailing industry. We suggest that by leveraging their already existing assets and augmenting certain resources and capabilities, brick-and-mortar retailers would be able to exploit gaps in online retailing and use opportunities arising from them, thus gaining a competitive edge over online retailers.
Hierarchical Markov Decision Based Path Planning for Palletizing Robot

On account of the complex application environment and the large number of uncertain conditions for the palletizing robot, we do path-planning for the multiple joints robot by the algorithm based on Hierarchical Markov Decision Process. First, according to the actual working environment, we set the range of the robot’s motion and select the conventional movement combination as the basic set of the robot’s behaviors. We can get the possible reward of various situations. We divide the state space in accordance with the location information of the obstacle space into a small number of state clusters, sub-level step by step to determine the precise trajectory of palletizing robots. We simulate 3D robot motion trajectory, including barrier-free and spherical obstacle conditions. Finally, experimental verification is carried out, the algorithm has been proved to control the compatible movements of each joint effectively and keep the error within the allowed range. The experiment results meet the requirement well. DOI : http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v12i3. 3851 Full Text: PDF
What's behind the liquidity spread? On-the-run and off-the-run US Treasuries

particular, various yield spreads widened, including spreads between off-therun and on-the-run Treasuries. Although movements in the so-called liquidity spread have attracted much attention as a way to track shifts in market liquidity, there has been little careful analysis of the trading activity that lay behind the dramatic movements of 1998. In this special feature, we find that trading activity in off-the-run Treasuries actually increased during autumn 1998, a fact that would appear to contradict the evidence derived from liquidity spreads, which seemed to indicate reduced liquidity for these securities. We then examine trading activity more closely by focusing on only the most recently off-the-run security and by accounting for anticipated factors that affect trading, including the auction cycle, announcement events and days of the week. Once these factors are isolated, we do find evidence that there was a marked shift in trading away from the offthe-run issue. We then examine the impact of trades on price movements in both the on-the-run and first off-the-run five-year note. We find that the impact of trades on both securities became stronger during autumn 1998, an indication of reduced liquidity for both securities. The increase in the price impact, however, was more pronounced for the off-the-run note. During this period of stress, the impact of trades on the price of the off-the-run note strengthened tenfold while that on the on-the-run note only doubled.
Association of viral particles and viral proteins with membranes in SA11-infected cells

Electron microscopy after negative staining of SA11-infected cell homogenates revealed that most of the viral particles are associated with membrane-like material. Many of the particles seemed to be fully enveloped in a membrane. This association could also be detected by the observed cosedimentation of viral proteins and cell membranes. Pulse-chase experiments showed that viral glycoproteins rapidly associate with membranes, whereas most of the structural proteins appearing in the soluble fraction immediately after the pulse were slowly chased into the membrane fraction. The membranes could be further fractionated into at least four fractions differing in density and containing a different distribution of viral proteins. Also, the distribution of label into each of these membrane fractions changed after long chase periods. The inhibition of glycosylation with tunicamycin yielded viral particles without an outer layer, but did not affect the described association with membranes. The possible relationship of this finding to the maturation of the virion is discussed.
Fv-4: Identification of the Defect in Env and the Mechanism of Resistance to Ecotropic Murine Leukemia Virus

ABSTRACT Mice expressing the Fv-4 gene are resistant to infection by ecotropic murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs). TheFv-4 gene encodes an envelope (Env) protein whose putative receptor-binding domain resembles that of ecotropic MuLV Env protein. Resistance to ecotropic MuLVs appears to result from viral interference involving binding of the endogenously expressedFv-4 env-encoded protein to the ecotropic receptor, although the immune system also plays a role in resistance. TheFv-4 env-encoded protein is processed normally and can be incorporated into virus particles but is unable to promote viral entry. Among the many sequence variations between the transmembrane (TM) subunit of the Fv-4 env-encoded protein and the TM subunits of other MuLV Env proteins, there is a substitution of an arginine residue in the Fv-4 env-encoded protein for a glycine residue (gly-491 in Moloney MuLV Env) that is otherwise conserved in all of the other MuLVs. This residue is present in the MuLV TM fusion peptide sequence. In this study, gly-491 of Moloney MuLV Env has been replaced with other residues and a mutant Env bearing a substitution for gly-487 was also created. G491R recapitulates theFv-4 Env phenotype in cell culture, indicating that this substitution is sufficient for creation of an Env protein that can establish the interference-mediated resistance to ecotropic viruses produced by the Fv-4 gene. Analysis of the mutant MuLV Env proteins also has implications for an understanding of the role of conserved glycine residues in fusion peptides and for the engineering of organismal resistance to retroviruses.
Control of neurotransmission, behaviour and development, by photo‐dynamic manipulation of tissue redox state of brain targets

Reversible manipulation of local neurotransmission in brain areas, using controlled spatial and temporal resolution, is one of the powerful techniques used to investigate integrative aspects of brain function. We have developed a novel technique for rapidly inactivating local synaptic transmission, from outside the brain, within seconds or minutes via oxidation of target tissue using a photosensitive dye followed by photoirradiation (photo‐dynamic tissue oxidation; PDTO). PDTO applied through a defined slit, sharply suppressed excitatory synaptic transmission in rat hippocampal slices and also suppressed in vivo hippocampal neurotransmission reversibly. Furthermore, we manipulated the voluntary movement of gerbils in free‐field activity by application of PDTO to the striatum. Also, in freely moving kittens, the development of the visual cortex was manipulated by long‐lasting application of PDTO to the eye. Thus, PDTO enables external manipulation of in vivo or in vitro neurotransmission in various clearly defined regions on the submillimeter scale. Suppression of neurotransmission occurred only within the photo‐oxidized area which can be histochemically visualized.
Internal marketing: focus on practice

Most studies in Internal Marketing (IM) are divorced from the realities that management practitioners encounter in the flow of everyday organisational life. Although some studies have called for the incorporation of practitioner 'voice' in IM research, such calls have often been ignored. This paper therefore, is an attempt at giving 'voice' to practitioners. Based on a qualitative study of perspectives drawn from multi-sector businesses in two functional areas – Marketing and Human Resources Management, the paper presents practitioners' understanding of the IM concept vis a vis the literature. Our findings indicate that interdepartmental conflicts between marketers and HR practitioners as purported in the literature are rarely evident in practice. The paper concludes with implications for managers and the academic community.