Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting FDI Equity Income for the Danish Balance of Payments

Late and significant revisions are often observed in FDI equity income in many countries, hampering the quality of preliminary balance of payments statistics. We test a range of models on Danish data and find that forecasts for FDI equity income based on a combination of past profitability and consensus data for changes in expected private consumption growth outperform forecasts solely based on historical profitability. When the refined models are applied to the Danish balance of payments, the largest improvements are observed for outward and inward FDI separately. Revisions of net FDI equity income only decrease marginally because the significant revisions in gross terms resulting from the historical models have a tendency to (partly) cancel out each other on a net basis.
Electrophysiological Correlates of Subliminal Perception of Facial Expressions in Individuals with Autistic Traits: A Backward Masking Study

People with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show difficulty in social communication, especially in the rapid assessment of emotion in faces. This study examined the processing of emotional faces in typically developing adults with high and low levels of autistic traits (measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient—AQ). Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during viewing of backward-masked neutral, fearful and happy faces presented under two conditions: subliminal (16 ms, below the level of visual conscious awareness) and supraliminal (166 ms, above the time required for visual conscious awareness). Individuals with low and high AQ differed in the processing of subliminal faces, with the low AQ group showing an enhanced N2 amplitude for subliminal happy faces. Some group differences were found in the condition effects, with the Low AQ showing shorter frontal P3b and N4 latencies for subliminal vs. supraliminal condition. Although results did not show any group differences on the face-specific N170 component, there were shorter N170 latencies for supraliminal vs. subliminal conditions across groups. The results observed on the N2, showing group differences in subliminal emotion processing, suggest that decreased sensitivity to the reward value of social stimuli is a common feature both of people with ASD as well as people with high autistic traits from the normal population.
Integrated inventory models with fuzzy annual demand and fuzzy production rate in a supply chain

The successful implementation of Just-in-time (JIT) production in today's supply chain environment requires a new spirit of cooperation between the buyer and the vendor. An integrated inventory model with such a consideration is based on the total cost optimization under a common stock policy and business formula. However, the supposition of known annual demand in most related literature may not be realistic. This paper proposes the inclusion of fuzzy annual demand and/or the production rate, and then employs the signed distance, a ranking method for fuzzy numbers, to find the estimate of the common total cost in the fuzzy sense, and subsequently derives the corresponding optimal buyer's quantity and the integer number of lots in which the items are delivered from the vendor to the purchaser. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the results of proposed models.
Fingolimod treatment abrogates chikungunya virus–induced arthralgia

Abrogation of pathogenic CD4+ T cells to the joints with fingolimod (FTY720) treatment prevents chikungunya virus–induced joint pathology. Taming T cells to ameliorate chikungunya arthritis Mosquito-borne chikungunya virus causes fever and joint pain; some patients suffer from arthritis for years with no treatment options. In this issue, two studies investigated targeting pathogenic CD4+ T cells to prevent arthritis symptoms in a mouse model of chikungunya virus infection. Teo et al. demonstrated that fingolimod, a drug that sequesters immune cells to lymphoid organs, was able to relieve arthritis symptoms without affecting viral replication. Miner et al. used a combination of abatacept, which blocks T cell costimulation, and a human chikungunya neutralizing antibody to reduce both viral replication and disease severity. Repurposing these clinically available therapies could provide treatment options for chikungunya patients. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is one of the many rheumatic arthropod-borne alphaviruses responsible for debilitating joint inflammation in humans. Despite the severity in many endemic regions, clinically approved intervention targeting the virus remains unavailable. CD4+ T cells have been shown to mediate CHIKV-induced joint inflammation in mice. We demonstrate here that transfer of splenic CD4+ T cells from virus-infected C57BL/6 mice into virus-infected T cell receptor–deficient (TCR−/−) mice recapitulated severe joint pathology including inflammation, vascular leakages, subcutaneous edema, and skeletal muscle necrosis. Proteome-wide screening identified dominant CD4+ T cell epitopes in nsP1 and E2 viral antigens. Transfer of nsP1- or E2-specific primary CD4+ T cell lines into CHIKV-infected TCR−/− recipients led to severe joint inflammation and vascular leakage. This pathogenic role of virus-specific CD4+ T cells in CHIKV infections led to the assessment of clinically approved T cell–suppressive drugs for disease intervention. Although drugs targeting interleukin-2 pathway were ineffective, treatment with fingolimod, an agonist of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor, successfully abrogated joint pathology in CHIKV-infected animals by blocking the migration of CD4+ T cells into the joints without any effect on viral replication. These results set the stage for further clinical evaluation of fingolimod in the treatment of CHIKV-induced joint pathologies.
Agribusiness as the Anchor: The Role of KijaniAgro

KijaniAgro is a Tanzanian-registered agribusiness that operates on the simple principle and model that Africa can benefit from professional, commercial, successful agribusinesses that are committed to sharing know-how with the farmers, providing access to technology, and creating a network of outgrowers interested in developing an integrated agricultural food producer value chain. The model has evolved into a successful framework. This case reviews the evolution and improvement of this integrative model – Tanzania is the focus of the successful implementation.
The Determinants of Corporate Entrepreneurial Intention within Small and Newly Established Firms

In this article, we study the determinants of corporate entrepreneurial intention (CEI) within small and newly established firms. Given that in these ventures, entrepreneurial activities usually occur as a result of individuals’ behaviors, the CEI of their founders is key to explaining these companies’ ability to become engaged in entrepreneurial actions. Building on the theory of planned behavior, we conceptualize how individual characteristics and contextual variables influence CEI. Our theoretical model of the micro–foundation of CEI is tested on a sample of 200 entrepreneurs, founders of 133 new technology–based firms. Results show that CEI is influenced by situationally specific motivation, individual skills, and perceived environmental dynamism. Managerial implications are discussed.
Intergenerational Transfers and Private Savings: an Experimental Study

SUMMARY This paper presents the results of an overlapping-generations experiment on the individual choice between intergenerational transfers and savings. One dominant finding of our experiment is that if savings are possible individuals choose to (gradually) opt out of the intergenerational transfer system. In that case the average individual pay-offs are lower but their distribution among individuals is less volatile. This suggests that risk aversion is a driving force behind the decline of intergenerational transfers. The willingness to give to previous generations does not disappear completely, however. Moreover, the degree of cohesion between successive generations, measured by (lie correlation between current and past transfers does not diminish significantly after the introduction of (he savings option. ZUSAMMIENEASSUNG Dicser Artikcl prasentierl die ErgebnisseeinesOvcrlapping-Generations-Experitnents, indent sich die Tcilnehmer zwisehen tnlergenerationalcn Transfers und Sparen entscheiden mussten. Eines der Hauptergcbnisse besteht darin, dass die Einfuhrung der Mogliehkeit zur individuellen Zukunfts-vorsorge durch Sparen zu einer (allmahlichen) Zuruckdrangung von intergencrationalen Transfers fuhrt. Im Fall des Sparens isl die durehschnittliche individuclle Auszahlung zwar geringer, dafur aber weniger unsieher. Die Zuruckdrangung intergenerationaler Transfers lasst sich dahcr durch Risikoaversion erklaren. Dennoch verschwindct die Bereitschaft, an die vorausgehende Generation abzugeben, nicht vollig. Ausserdein vennindert sich die Starke des Zusatnnienhalts zwisehen aufcinanderlolgcnden Generalionen, getnessen durch die Korrelation zwisehen gegenwartigen und fruheren Transfers, nicht wesentlich durch die Einfuhrung der Mogliehkeit des Sparens. RESUME Le papier presente des resultats experimentaux sur les choix individuels entre transferts inter-generation et epargnc. Un des resultats principaux est que s'il est possible d'epargncr, alors (progressivement) les agents passent du systeme de transfer! inter-generationnelausysteme d'epargne. Dans de cas le payoff moyen des agents est plus faible mais la distribution des payoffs est inoins volatile. Ceei suggere que l'aversion pour le risque est l'une des prineipales causes du declin des transferts intergeneration. Cependant, les transferts inter-generation ne disparaissent pas totalement. De plus, le degre de cohesion entre les generation successives, mesure par la correlation entre les transferts presents et passes, ne diminue pas significativemenl apres l'introduction de la possibilitye d'epargncr.
Intellectual capital, management accounting practices and corporate performance : perceptions of managers

Purpose - The purpose of the paper was to examine whether, and in what way, managers perceive that the level and shape of intellectual capital (IC) within firms influences management accounting practice, specifically, performance measurement, planning and control, capital budgeting, and risk management. It also explores whether such firms are better able to respond to unanticipated economic and market changes and achieve relatively higher performance within their sector. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on the results of a study conducted in Malaysia through a questionnaire survey in 119 large companies with varying levels of IC and selected interviews with both accounting and non-accounting executives in a subset of them. Findings - The findings in the paper suggest some evolution in management accounting practices for firms investing heavily in IC. The findings are discussed and further explored through interviews in some of the firms analysed. Research limitations/implications - The limitations of survey research in this paper are acknowledged, however these are ameliorated by confirmatory insights from the interviews. Further research could be carried out using more extensive case studies in companies, perhaps longitudinally, or undertaken using sector focused surveys. Practical implications - It is important to show in the paper that management accounting systems reflect the strategic orientation of the companies concerned. Where a greater focus on intangibles and intellectual capital occurs it may require a different emphasis on management accounting practices compared to companies where they do not feature strongly. It is important that management recognise and act on this in order to improve corporate performance. Originality/value - The paper shows that it is widely recognised that (IC), whether in the form of knowledge, experience, professional skill, good relationships, or technological capacity is a major source of corporate competitive advantage. Whilst the literature places considerable attention on the valuation, measurement and reporting of IC for external reporting purposes, far less attention has so far been given to the implications of IC for managerial accounting practice. This paper addresses this omission.
Managing the American Tourist Experience in Ireland: An Emotional Context

The special relationship that exists between the United States of America and the island of Ireland has its origins predominantly in emigration. Through several centuries, the interaction generated by familial ties has steadily developed into a strong and lasting bond irrevocably linking both nations. The relationship between the United States of America and Ireland has provided the impetus for a continual flow of traffic across the Atlantic. This movement of people and vessels to and fro, engaged in the varied tasks of commerce, family interaction, and leisure, created a new energy for the tourism industry sector in Ireland which continues to flourish into modern times. This paper presents new findings on the Irish tourism industry, with particular reference to the American tourist’s emotional relationship. The paper seeks to outline the historical framework governing the development of the relationship between the United States and Ireland, and identifies the emotional and connectional factors that bind the two nations.
PRIOR UNCERTAINTY, ANALYST BIAS, AND SUBSEQUENT ABNORMAL RETURNS

In this paper we examine the relation between analysts' overoptimism and uncertainty as proxied by the standard deviation of earnings forecasts. We find a positive relation between overoptimism and uncertainty, but very little or no optimism when uncertainty is low. If the uncertainty surrounding a firm is high, analysts have fewer reputational concerns when they act on their inclinations to issue optimistic forecasts. Portfolio strategies based on these findings generate abnormal returns. The results suggest that greater prior uncertainty leads to higher analyst optimism, which in turn causes market overvaluation and profitable portfolio strategies.
The S-measurement in the diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE To propose a direct measure of subluxation of the femoral head (S) in the assessment of hip joint laxity and evaluate it for clinical use. STUDY DESIGN Method comparison study. ANIMALS Dogs (n = 51). METHODS Dogs were sedated or anesthetized for a dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) examination. Two sets of radiographs were acquired, 1 each by a different technologist. A calibrated measuring bar was included on the image at the height of the hip to assess magnification. The DLS was calculated for each hip and different persons unaware of these details measured the "S"-value. One person measured the S-value 3 times over 3 days. Box plots were used to determine a cut-off for the empiric (8 mm) and corrected (4 mm) S-value. RESULTS Of 51 dogs, 33 were dysplastic based on a DLS score <55%. Magnification and body weight were strongly correlated (r = 0.4922, P = .0006). Both empiric and corrected S measurements showed good agreement with the DLS score (κ = 0.688 and κ = 0.681, respectively). The corrected S measurement produced more false negatives. Bland-Altman analysis showed interobserver and technician variance acceptable for clinical use (limits of agreement < ±3 mm). Intraobserver repeatability was acceptable for the right hip (95% of differences were ≤1.3 mm and 100% ≤ 1.9) but not for the left hip. CONCLUSION Using a cut-off value of 5 mm, the empirical S measurement can be used to exclude hip dysplasia in young dogs of various body proportions.
Ligand-Dependent Degradation of Retinoid X Receptors Does Not Require Transcriptional Activity or Coactivator Interactions

ABSTRACT Cells utilize ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis to regulate the activity of numerous proteins involved in signal transduction, cell cycle control, and transcriptional regulation. For a number of transcription factors, there appears to be a direct correlation between transcriptional activity and protein instability, suggesting that cells use targeted destruction as one method to down-regulate or attenuate gene expression. In this report we demonstrate that retinoid X receptors (RXRs) which function as versatile mediators of nuclear hormone-dependent gene expression are marked for destruction upon binding agonist ligands. Interestingly, when RXR serves as a heterodimeric partner for retinoic acid (RAR) or thyroid hormone (TR) receptors, binding of agonists by RAR or TR leads to degradation of both the transcriptionally active RAR or TR subunits as well as the transcriptionally inactive RXR subunit. Furthermore, using a series of mutants in the ligand-dependent activation domain (activation function 2), we demonstrate that agonist-stimulated degradation of RXR does not require corepressor release, coactivator binding, or transcriptional activity. Taken together, the data suggest a model for targeted destruction of transcription factors based on structural or conformational signals as opposed to functional coupling with gene transcription.
Bacteriologic and Clinical Efficacy of Ofloxacin 0.3% Versus Ciprofloxacin 0.3% Ophthalmic Solutions in the Treatment of Patients with Culture-positive Bacterial Keratitis

Purpose. To compare the efficacy and safety of ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution with ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution in patients with culture-positive bacterial keratitis. Methods. Patients with a microbiologic diagnosis of bacterial keratitis were included in this double-masked, parallel-group study and were randomized to treatment with either ofloxacin 0.3% or ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution. One drop of the study medication was instilled during the daytime according to the following schedule: every half-hour on study day 1, every hour on days 2 through 4, and every 2 hours on days 5 through 21. Healing, the primary outcome measure, was defined as complete reepithelialization, accompanied by nonprogression of stromal infiltrate for 2 days. Secondary outcome measures included signs and symptoms of infection. Patients were monitored throughout the study period for any adverse events. Results. A total of 217 patients completed the study: 112 were treated with ofloxacin and 105 were treated with ciprofloxacin. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most commonly encountered pathogen in all patients. Complete corneal reepithelialization occurred in 85% of those treated with ofloxacin and in 77% of those treated with ciprofloxacin (p = 0.32). The average time to corneal ulcer healing was 13.7 days in those treated with ofloxacin and 14.4 days in those treated with ciprofloxacin. Both treatments were well tolerated with no patient discontinuing the study because of side effects. Conclusion. Ofloxacin 0.3% and ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solutions are effective and safe in the treatment of patients with culture-positive bacterial keratitis.
A Rolling Regression Analysis of International Transmission of Inflation in Malaysia

The paper assesses the transmission of foreign inflationary disturbances for Malaysia. Using quarterly data from 1971 to 2003, we form a four–variable vector error correction model (VECM) consisting of domestic prices, US prices, Ringgit exchange rate and relative interest rate. Apart from the full–sample analysis, recursive and rolling regressions are adopted to examine potential changes in inflation transmission from the US to Malaysia. As a basis for inferences, we rely on the speed of adjustments estimates as well as the sig–nificance of lagged first–differenced terms of the VECM. The results unequivocally suggest significant spillover of US inflationary disturbances to Malaysia in the short run regardless of the estimation periods. However, the speed of adjustment estimates for domestic prices tend to decline or turn insignificant when recent observations are added. Our findings demonstrate that inflation transmission across nations ought not to be cast in the light of exchange rate regimes alone. Indeed, the degree of capital mobility may have played a more dominant role.
TOPIC OF THE WEEK 20 Years of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Ma Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an accepted treatment for patients with heart failure (HF), impaired left ventricular (LV) function, and a wide QRS complex. It has been revolutionary for patients with advanced HF whose only previous option was cardiac transplantation, and it is now a realistic option for patients with mild HF. The development of CRT also has united the previously disparate cardiological subspecialties of electrophysiology and HF. This review, written on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the first clinical use of CRT for HF, takes a historical perspective on CRT’s evolution from “bench to bedside. ” We also comment on the task faced by electrophysiologists and HF specialists as they make this life-saving therapy available to an increasing number of eligible patients. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2014;64:1047–58) © 2014 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.
Parallel-coupled line bandpass filter design using different substrates for fifth generation wireless communication applications

The aim of this paper is to propose characterization of a compact microstrip bandpass filter (BPF) design for fifth generation (5G) wireless communication applications concerning the design frequency of 15 GHz. The BPF design consists of quarter wave parallel-coupled line resonators and additional small resonator attached between the first/last coupled-line section and the ports' 50 ohm transmission line. The characterization is based on the analysis of different substrates with the selected relative permittivity of 2.2 (RT/Duroid 5880), 3.55 (RO4003C), 4.70 (TMM4), 10.7 (RO6010) and 11.20 (RO3010). The proposed design with RO6010 substrate exhibits an improvement in the bandwidth performance. The design and analysis are performed via the use of Keysight's Advanced Design System (ADS) 2015 simulator.
Efficient identification of non-robustly untestable path delay faults

This paper presents an efficient implication-based approach for identifying non-robustly untestable path delay faults. It starts from possible conflicts to find untestable faults by performing static implication. It is neither path-oriented nor space-search based. Experimental results for ISCAS'85 benchmark circuits demonstrate that a significant portion of non-robustly non-robustly untestable path delay faults is identified efficiently. The method can be combined easily with ATPG-based approaches for path delay testing to yield cost effective methods for path delay faults in large circuits.
Two-dimensional noncontact transportation of small objects in air using flexural vibration of a plate

This paper investigates a two-dimensional ultrasonic manipulation technique for small objects in air. The ultrasonic levitation system consists of a rectangular vibrating plate with four ultrasonic transducers and a reflector. The configuration of the vibrator, the resonant frequency, and the positions of the four transducers with step horns were determined from finite element analysis such that an intense acoustic standing-wave field could be generated between the plates. A lattice flexural vibration mode with a wavelength of 28.3 mm was excited on the prototype plate at 24.6 kHz. Small objects could get trapped in air along the horizontal nodal plane of the standing wave. By controlling the driving phase difference between the transducers, trapped objects could be transported without contact in a two-dimensional plane. When the phase difference was changed from 0° to 720°, the distance moved by a small particle in the orthogonal direction was approximately 29 mm, which corresponds with the wavelength of the flexural vibration on the vibrating plate.