Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pricing Foreign Equity Options with Stochastic Correlation and Volatility

A new class of foreign equity option pricing model is suggested that not only allows for the volatility but also for the correlation coefficient to vary stochastically over time. A modified Jacobi process is proposed to evaluate risk premium of the stochastic correlation, and a partial differential equation to price the correlation risk for the foreign equity has been set up, whose solution has been compared with the one with constant correlation. Since taking into account the stochastic volatility gives rise to more dimensions that produce more difficulty in numerical implementation of partial differential equation and Monte carlo, we figure out a series solution for pricing options under the correlation risk.
Intergenerational Transfers and the Intergenerational Transmission of Poverty in Bangladesh: Preliminary Resultsfrom a Longitudinal Study of Rural Households

This paper examines the determinants of intergenerational transfers and the association between such transfers and the intergenerational transmission of poverty, based on a newlongitudinal dataset from Bangladesh. Women receive less schooling, land and inherited assets than men, and also give up their inheritance to their brothers in exchange for economic and social support. While intergenerationally transferred assets, mostly controlled by the husband, increase levels of current assets and consumption, only husbands’ schooling and inherited land, as well as women’s social networks, are protective against chronic poverty.
Examining an adult education partnership through a positive organizational lens

OF DISSERTATION EXAMINING AN ADULT EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP THROUGH A POSITIVE ORGANIZATIONAL LENS This companion dissertation reports the findings of applied case study research on four community college organizational units that consistently meet or exceed standard performance measures. In addition, prior ample evidence confirms that performance extended significantly beyond what might be explained by available tangible resources alone. The case study contexts are common in higher education in general: a) an external partnership, (b) an ad hoc team, (c) a traditional, cross-divisional service unit, and (d) a grant-funded student service unit. Emerging positive organizational theory and research show promise for revealing performance-influencing phenomena and behaviors that are not adequately represented in standard measures. Therefore, this collaborative case study research was designed to explore positive influences on the success of the four community college units. This companion dissertation contains four manuscripts. Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the study. Chapter 2 contains a collectively written synthesis of the findings from the four individual case studies. Chapter 3 reflects individual research on a partnership that serves as a national model for adult education. Chapter four offers an alternative perspective to developing authentic leaders in community colleges. Key findings across the units suggest the influence on performance of: (a) a people-first culture, (b) authentic, trusting, inclusive leadership, and (c) resource richness beyond constrained tangible resources. Practical recommendations for scholars and practitioners are offered.
The Logic of Economic Organization

The transaction cost logic of economic organization had its origins in a tautology, which Ronald Coase wryly defines as "a proposition that is clearly right" (1988:00). The basic insight, first advanced by Coase in his classic 1937 article (1952:341) and restated for this conference, is this: "A firm . [has] a role to play in the economic system if . transactions [can] be organized within the firm at less cost than if the same transactions were carried out through the market. The limit to the size of the firm . [is reached] when the costs of organizing additional transactions within the firm [exceed] the costs of carrying out the same transactions through the market" (1988). Albeit "clearly right," the argument is also subject to the objection that "almost anything can be rationalized by invoking suitably specified transaction costs" (Fisher: 322, n. 5). That the state of transaction cost economics in 1972 was approximately where Coase had left it in 19371 is largely attributable to the failure, for thirty-five years, to operationalize this important concept. That this flat trajectory has been supplanted by exponential growth during the past fifteen
Repositioning the Human Resource Function: Transformation or Demise?

Executive Overview The human resource department is being presented with an opportunity to become a significant player on the management team. This is occurring because the human resource (HR) function is being transformed into a significant management function. Environmental changes are confronting organizations with people issues of great importance and uncertainty. People issues are thus becoming formulated as significant business issues. One result is that line managers are reaching out to take control and ownership over the HR function. This is being facilitated by many HR departments that remain focused on issues involving functional expertise rather than business-relatedness. Examples exist, however, of companies in which the HR departments are seizing the opportunity to become vital members of the management team and working with line managers to tackle the people-related business issues. Doing so, however, appears to require a virtual repositioning of the HR department. This, in turn, involves ne.
Monetary Policy Reaction Functions: ECB Versus Bundesbank

We estimate monetary policy reaction functions for the Bundesbank (1979:4-1998:12) and the European Central Bank (1999:1-2003:7). The Bundesbank regime can be characterised, both before and after German reunification, by an inflation weight of 1.2 and an output weight of 0.4. The estimates for the ECB are 1.2, and 1, respectively. Thus, the ECB, while reacting similarly to expected inflation, puts significantly more weight on stabilising the business cycle than the Bundesbank did.
Proceedings towards a natural classification of the worldwide taxa Phellinus s.l. and Inonotus s.l., and phylogenetic relationships of allied genera.

The classification of Phellinus s.l. , Inonotus s.l. and the phylogenetic relationships of allied genera were studied using nuc-lsu rDNA sequence data. The worldwide taxon sampling comprised 107 species, 99 of them belonging to the Hymenochaetales. The phylogenetic trees were discussed in relation to morphological and anatomical features of the fruit bodies. The Hymenochaetales formed no monophyletic group and several non-Hymenochaetales appeared as intermingled with the Hymenochaetales. Trichaptum abietinum and Oxyporus populinus showed no certain affinities within the Hymenochaetales, whereas Basidioradulum radula was closely related to Phellopilus nigrolimitatus, and Hyphodontia quercina and Schizopora paradoxa were related to Coltricia, Coltriciella and Pyrrhoderma adamantinum. Phellinus s.l. and Inonotus s.l. formed no monophyletic groups, and a subdivision in the following genera is accepted: Phellinus s.s. , Inonotus s.s. , Inocutis, Fomitiporella, Aurificaria, Phylloporia, Fulvifomes, Mensularia, Pseudoinonotus, Fomitiporia, Porodaedalea, Onnia, Fuscoporia, and Inonotopsis. Coltricia and Coltriciella were confirmed as seperate genera. The taxonomic status of Phellinidium and Pyrrhoderma remained uncertain. 16 new combinations are proposed.
Dynamic optimal schedule management method for microgrid system considering forecast errors of renewable power generations

This paper proposes the dynamic optimal schedule management method for an isolated or grid-connected microgrid system with renewable power generations such as PV systems and wind power systems, and with back-up and storage sources such as micro-turbine generators and electricity storage, which is able to consider forecast errors with uncertainties of solar radiation, wind speed and local user demands. The energy management system (EMS) structure for optimization in terms of the economic and stable operation in the microgrid is proposed. Optimization problem for the power from micro-turbine generators or the grid and electricity storage in EMS is resolved by dynamic programming (DP) and equal incremental fuel cost method. The proposed method is confirmed by case study that used forecast data and realization data of renewable power generations and local user demands. In conclusion, this paper presented a practicable method for the operation of a microgrid.
C-Reactive Protein and Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness in a Community Population

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) has been linked to cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Large-scale epidemiological studies have shown a correlation of CRP level with risk of stroke, myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial disease. Nevertheless, the question whether serum CRP itself is an independent indicator of the atherosclerotic process remains unanswered. Methods In a community-based sample free of advanced atherosclerotic disease (n=1018; mean age ± SD, 54.1 ± 12.0 years; 49.7% women) we examined the relationship between carotid intimal medial thickness (IMT), conventional vascular risk factors (that is, smoking, obesity, elevated blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia) and serum CRP. Results We found an association between increasing IMT values with increasing CRP values for all sites within the carotid system (for example, common carotid artery [CCA-] IMT, β=0.174, P < 0.001). The relationship was weakened after accounting for the above-mentioned conventional risk factors (linear regression), particularly body mass index, but remained significant (for example, mean CCA-IMT β=0.02, P=0.042). Including fibrinogen in the regression made the relationship no longer significant (mean CCA-IMT β=0.01, P=0.277). Conclusion It is unlikely that CRP per se is a major independent cause of early arteriosclerosis. Elevations of CRP, or less specifically chronic inflammation, may mediate the effect of certain conventional risk factors on promoting atherogenesis, especially obesity.
Evaluation of the Cepheid Xpert Flu Assay for Rapid Identification and Differentiation of Influenza A, Influenza A 2009 H1N1, and Influenza B Viruses

ABSTRACT The Xpert Flu Assay cartridge is a next-generation nucleic acid amplification system that provides multiplexed PCR detection of the influenza A, influenza A 2009 H1N1, and influenza B viruses in approximately 70 min with minimal hands-on time. Six laboratories participated in a clinical trial comparing the results of the new Cepheid Xpert Flu Assay to those of culture or real-time PCR with archived and prospectively collected nasal aspirate-wash (NA-W) specimens and nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs from children and adults. Discrepant results were resolved by DNA sequence analysis. After discrepant-result analysis, the sensitivities of the Xpert Flu Assay for prospective NA-W specimens containing the influenza A, influenza A 2009 H1N1, and influenza B viruses compared to those of culture were 90.0%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, while the sensitivities of the assay for prospective NP swabs compared to those of culture were 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The sensitivities of the Xpert Flu Assay for archived NA-W specimens compared to those of Gen-Probe ProFlu+ PCR for the influenza A, influenza A 2009 H1N1, and influenza B viruses were 99.4%, 98.4%, and 100%, respectively, while the sensitivities of the Xpert Flu Assay for archived NP swabs compared to those of ProFlu+ were 98.1%, 100%, and 93.8%, respectively. The sensitivities of the Xpert Flu Assay with archived NP specimens compared to those of culture for the three targets were 97.5%, 100%, and 93.8%, respectively. We conclude that the Cepheid Xpert Flu Assay is an accurate and rapid method that is suitable for on-demand testing for influenza viral infection.
Smart Global Positioning System for Autonomous Delivery Robots in Hospitals

Autonomous delivery robots have been employed in several hospitals across the United States to transport medical equipment, medicine, and food. However, they still face many difficulties, especially with the localization of robots within buildings, since most robots are currently using outdated techniques such as landmark recognition, beacons, or RFID tags. These methods are not only imprecise and unreliable but they also require a careful setup/distribution of special hardware in the hospital. Additional sensing and computing power are also needed for searching and detecting of landmarks, ultimately increasing manufacturing costs. We propose an innovative solution with a Smart Global Positioning System (S-GPS) framework and a novel algorithm for tracking delivery robots using multilateration technique with optimal number of references. The S-GPS framework enables to compute coordinates of all static sensors and mobile robots within the building and allows for fault tolerance in case of sensor failures. The algorithm provides precise localization of patients and delivery robots for improved navigation.
Mutations of the Notch3 Gene in Non-Caucasian Patients with Suspected CADASIL Syndrome

The Notch3 gene has been recently identified as a causative gene for cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). To investigate the genetic contribution of Notch mutations in familial cases with vascular leukoencephalopathy, we screened 13 patients from 11 unrelated families, which were selected on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging findings and positive family history. We identified three different missense mutations in 5 patients from 4 families. Two (Arg90Cys and Arg133Cys) are the same as previously reported in Caucasian patients, the other (Cys174Phe) is a novel mutation causing a loss of a cysteine in epidermal-growth-factor-like repeats of Notch3. These data indicate that the CADASIL Notch3 mutations were found in approximately 35% of familial cases with leukoencephalopathy, suggesting genetic heterogeneity of the disease.
Present-value models of land prices in England and Wales

This paper presents some parsimonious econometric models of the relationship between land prices and cash rents derived from an encompassing present-value framework. Alternatives based on adaptive, naive, and rational (or perfect foresight) expectations are applied to three separate data sets on annual land prices in England and Wales. The empirical results support the adaptive expectations versions and imply that a real rate of discount of 2-3 percent per year is used in the land market. The notion of disequilibrium pricing is examined but is not supported in the sample period. Copyright 1991 by Oxford University Press.
An Implementation of Operation Method for Disaster GIS on Ultra Definition Display

In case of large scale disaster, officers of local government will receive a large amount of information related disaster status in order to make decision what to do into first responding tasks. Moreover, there is some problems caused by delaying of report on these information, this delay be an obstacle to take disaster countermeasure activity. In this paper, we describe an operation method for unified GIS based disaster information system on ultra-high definition display environment supporting to resolve above problems. Our method provides three features, record disaster statuses, represent them on ultra-high definition display, and controlling of disaster information on them. We attempt to manage both displaying of disaster damage status in wide-area both detailed view of it by our design. Our method consists of generic tablet device to operate workspace which displayed on ultra definition display. This paper also introduces the prototype implementation of our system and then we suggest current figured challenge of our method.
Prognostic significance of the initial electrocardiogram in patients with acute myocardial infarction. GUSTO-I Investigators. Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA for Occluded Coronary Arteries.

CONTEXT Early risk stratification of patients with myocardial infarction is critical to determine optimum treatment strategies and enhance outcomes, but knowledge of the prognostic importance of the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) is limited. OBJECTIVE To assess the independent value of the initial ECG for short-term risk stratification after acute myocardial infarction. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA (alteplase) for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO-I) clinical trial database. SETTING A total of 1081 hospitals in 15 countries. PATIENTS From the 41 021 patients enrolled in the overall study, we selected those who presented within 6 hours of chest pain onset with ST-segment elevation and no confounding factors (paced rhythms, ventricular rhythms, or left bundle-branch block) on the ECG performed before thrombolysis was administered (n=34 166). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Ability of initial ECG to predict all-cause mortality at 30 days. RESULTS Most ECG variables were associated with 30-day mortality in a univariable analysis. In a multivariable analysis combining the initial ECG variables and clinical predictors of mortality, the sum of the absolute ST-segment deviation (both ST elevation and ST depression: odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-1.69), ECG, heart rate (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.41-1.59), QRS duration (for anterior infarct: OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.43-1.68), and ECG evidence of prior infarction (for new inferior infarct: OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 2.02-3.00) were the strongest ECG predictors of mortality. A nomogram based on the multivariable model produced excellent discrimination of 30-day mortality (C-index, 0.830). CONCLUSIONS In patients presenting with myocardial infarction accompanied by ST-segment elevation, components of the initial ECG help predict 30-day mortality. This information should be valuable in early risk stratification, when the opportunity to reduce mortality is greatest, and may help in assessing outcomes adjusted for patient risk.
High Prevalence of Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Objective. Endothelial dysfunction and early atherosclerosis have been found in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) without cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Few studies have investigated whether there is any early impairment of myocardial function. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in PsA patients and the disease-related risk factors. Methods. Ninety-four PsA patients without clinical evidence of CVD and 63 healthy subjects were enrolled. All underwent conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Results. Sixty-one (65%) patients with PsA had evidence of subclinical LV dysfunction as defined by mean myocardial peak systolic velocity (Sm) of basal 6 segments < 4.4 cm/s, lateral E’ < 11.5 cm/s, and/or lateral E/E’ > 10. Thirty-six (38%) patients had only diastolic dysfunction, 4 (4%) had only systolic dysfunction, and 21 (22%) had both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. PsA patients with subclinical LV dysfunction were older, had a higher age at diagnosis of PsA and of psoriasis, a longer disease duration, a higher prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, higher levels of serum creatinine, and more antihypertensive treatment than those with normal LV function. Multivariate regression showed that age at diagnosis of PsA > 40 years (OR 3.388, 95% CI 1.065–10.777, p = 0.039) and hypertension (OR 4.732, 95% CI 1.345–16.639, p = 0.015) were independent predictors of subclinical LV dysfunction. Conclusion. PsA patients without established CVD disease and in the absence of traditional CV risk factors have a high prevalence of subclinical LV dysfunction.
Efficacy of a Novel Light-Activated Antimicrobial Coating for Disinfecting Hospital Surfaces

Silicone polymers containing the light-activated antimicrobial agent methylene blue with or without gold nanoparticles were evaluated for their ability to reduce the microbial load on surfaces in a clinical environment. When irradiated with white light, polymers containing nanogold were more effective in this respect than those containing only methylene blue.
The Roots of the African Diaspora: Methodological Considerations in the Analysis of Names in the Liberated African Registers of Sierra Leone and Havana*

Europe and the Americas have long dominated studies of transatlantic exchanges and much more is known about European participation in the Atlantic world than of its African counterpart. Current knowledge of how those parts of Africa located a few miles away from the African littoral contributed to the early modern Atlantic World is particularly sparse. This is despite the fact that the slave trade was the largest branch of transatlantic migration between Columbian contact and 1870, and that it is becoming apparent that Africans and indigenous Americans helped shape the new political and economic power structures, as well as the post-Columbian worlds of culture and labor. Assessments of the impact of any group on the global stage must begin with the nature of the group itself, and thus efforts to raise the African profile in Atlantic scholarship and to focus on the agency of Africans must quickly face the contentious issue of ethnicity. From the broadest perspective, it is odd that the way the ancestors of the Atlantic World defined themselves should have become so much more contentious among Africanists and Afro-Americanists than among those scholars who study Europe and Europeans overseas. At the outset of the repeopling of the Americas, the European state existed in nascent form in only Spain, Britain, and France. The predominance of the nation-state in the way the world is organized in the twenty-first century—rather than its status in 1492—has perhaps led scholars to stress the contrasts between Africa and Europe on issues of early modern nationhood, and, more generally, human identity.
A TEST OF EMPLOYER DISCRIMINATION IN THE NBA

"This paper presents a test of an important implication of Becker's theory of employer discrimination: when institutional change enhances labor mobility, employer discrimination falls because it becomes more costly for employers to indulge tastes for discrimination. The test case is the National Basketball Association (NBA). This paper specifically addresses the following question about the NBA: why did black/white player salary differentials vanish by the early 1990s? Previous studies claim that NBA wage gaps in the 1980s are attributable to customer discrimination and monopsonistic wage discrimination. This study argues that employer discrimination was an important source of those gaps and that one reason they vanished was because reduced monopsony power eradicated employer discrimination. Monopsony power fell because the 1988 NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement and the entry of four new teams in the league enhanced player mobility and increased the amount of labor market competition. Using data for the 1985-86 and 1990-91 seasons, employer discrimination was proxied by the race of the team's general manager. Empirical results strongly suggest that a major reason the NBA wage gap vanished in the later period was because of a reduction in employers' ability to discriminate. This is in contrast to earlier literature on the NBA, which has tended to emphasize the role of customer discrimination. " ("JEL" J71) Copyright 1999 Western Economic Association International.