Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convertible Bond Financing: Are Some Issuers Mimickers?

This study examines whether firms issuing convertible bonds that do not infuse a firm's capiatl structure with equity mimic higher quality firms at offer announcement. Our evidence indicates that, prior to offer announcement, "mimicking" firms are smaller, riskier, less profitable, have lower market-to-book ratios, and more information asymmetry than non-mimicking firms. However, the convertible bonds issues by the two types of firms are indistinguishable. Offer announcements by mimicking firms result in a non-negative change in wealth, while wealth declines significantly for non-mimicking firms. The difference in wealth change is statistically significant.
Magic angle-oriented sample spinning (MAOSS): A new approach toward biomembrane studies.

The application of magic angle sample spinning (MAS) NMR to uniformly aligned biomembrane samples is demonstrated as a new general approach toward structural studies of membrane proteins, peptides, and lipids. The spectral linewidth from a multilamellar lipid dispersion is dominated, in the case of protons, by the dipolar coupling. For low-gamma or dilute spins, however, the chemical shift anisotropy dominates the spectral linewidth, which is reduced by the two-dimensional order in a uniformly aligned lipid membrane. The remaining line broadening, which is due to orientational defects ("mosaic spread") can be easily removed at low spinning speeds. This orientational order in the sample also allows the anisotropic intermolecular motions of membrane components (such as rotational diffusion, tauc = 10(-10) s) for averaging dipolar interactions to be utilized, e.g., by placing the membrane normal parallel to the rotor axis. The dramatic resolution improvement for protons which are achieved in a lipid sample at only 220 Hz spinning speed in a 9.4 T field is slightly better than any data published to date using ultra-high fields (up to 17.6 T) and high-speed spinning (14 kHz). Additionally, the analysis of spinning sidebands provides valuable orientational information. We present the first 1H, 31P, and 13C MAS spectra of uniformly aligned dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayers. Also, 1H resolution enhancement for the aromatic region of the M13 coat protein reconstituted into DMPC bilayers is presented. This new method combines the high resolution usually achieved by MAS with the advantages of orientational constraints obtained by working with macroscopically oriented samples. We describe the general potential and possible perspectives of this technique.
Waterfront Redevelopment: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Policy-making Process within the Chatham Maritime Project

The redevelopment of the former naval dockyards in Chatham is one of the largest regeneration sites in the UK and is widely seen as a high-profile flagship project aimed at encouraging business investment. This paper utilises the Chatham redevelopment project as a basis from which to discuss recent developments in UK policy. It draws upon the methods of critical discourse analysis in order to discuss particular tensions within the project in the context of central-local government relations, partnership arrangements, project implementation and marketing. The paper's conclusion is that, in spite of the initiatives established to devolve decision-making and establish regional autonomy, property-led development projects in the UK are likely to remain tightly controlled with only limited scope for community groups to exert influence.
Bi-directional transport of the nucleus by dynein and kinesin-1

Proper transport and positioning of cell organelles often depends on the antagonistic activities of dynein and kinesin-1, two microtubule motors with opposite directionality.1 One of the largest known transport cargoes is the cell nucleus. Both dynein and kinesin-1 participate in positioning of the nucleus through binding to the nuclear envelope (NE). 2-9 Surprisingly, both dynein and kinesin-1 can be recruited to the NE through multiple pathways, one involving SUN-KASH domain containing proteins and the other involving nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of dynein and kinesin recruitment to the NE through NPCs, as well as the functional implications of dynein and kinesin-1 activity at the NE in mammalian cells. Finally, we discuss how motor activities at the NE might be controlled during the cell cycle.
Motivating Ergonomic Computer Workstation Setup: Sometimes Training Is Not Enough

Abstract Musculoskeletal disorders lead to pain and suffering and result in high costs to industry. There is evidence to suggest that whereas conventional ergonomics training programs result in knowledge gains, they may not necessarily translate to changes in behavior. There were 11 participants in an ergonomics training program, and a subsample of participants received a motivational intervention in the form of incentives for correct workstation setup. Training did not yield any changes in ergonomics measures for any participant. Incentives resulted in marked and durable changes in targeted workstation measures. The data suggest that improving worker knowledge about ergonomically correct workstation setup does not necessarily lead to correct workstation setup, and that motivational interventions may be needed to achieve lasting behavior change.
Tiered sampling: An efficient method for approximate counting sparse motifs in massive graph streams

We introduce TIERED SAMPLING, a novel technique for approximate counting sparse motifs in massive graphs whose edges are observed in a stream. Our technique requires only a single pass on the data and uses a memory of fixed size M, which can be magnitudes smaller than the number of edges. Our methods addresses the challenging task of counting sparse motifs — sub-graph patterns that have low probability to appear in a sample of M edges in the graph, which is the maximum amount of data available to the algorithms in each step. To obtain an unbiased and low variance estimate of the count we partition the available memory to tiers (layers) of reservoir samples. While the base layer is a standard reservoir sample of edges, other layers are reservoir samples of sub-structures of the desired motif. By storing more frequent sub-structures of the motif, we increase the probability of detecting an occurrence of the sparse motif we are counting, thus decreasing the variance and error of the estimate. We demonstrate the advantage of our method in the specific applications of counting sparse 4 and 5-cliques in massive graphs. We present a complete analytical analysis and extensive experimental results using both synthetic and real-world data. Our results demonstrate the advantage of our method in obtaining high-quality approximations for the number of 4 and 5-cliques for large graphs using a very limited amount of memory, significantly outperforming the single edge sample approach for counting sparse motifs in large scale graphs.
Combating Principal-Agent Relationship Problems: Use of the Truth Revealing Incentive Mechanism

Abstract : The purpose of this MBA professional report is to introduce the Truth Revealing Incentive Mechanism (TRIM) as a tool to help the government obtain more accurate cost estimates and control program costs. The TRIM is an economic mechanism based on principal-agent relationships that uses incentives to align contractors interests with those of the Government. The TRIM combats principal-agent problems by extracting a contractor's true estimated costs. The TRIM is structured so that revealing the true estimated cost offers the contractor the highest potential fee. This report describes the principal-agent theory, identifies principal-agent problems in the current DoD contracting environment, discusses how the TRIM addresses these problems more effectively than traditional cost-reimbursement contracts, and explains how and where the TRIM can be applied. This report also includes an electronic version of the TRIM in Microsoft Excel format, as well as a practitioner's guide to help contracting officers use the TRIM.
Non-homogeneous volatility correlations in the bivariate multifractal model

In this paper, we consider an extension of the recently proposed bivariate Markov-switching multifractal model of Calvet, Fisher, and Thompson [2006. “Volatility Comovement: A Multifrequency Approach. ” Journal of Econometrics 131: 179–215]. In particular, we allow correlations between volatility components to be non-homogeneous with two different parameters governing the volatility correlations at high and low frequencies. Specification tests confirm the added explanatory value of this specification. In order to explore its practical performance, we apply the model for computing value-at-risk statistics for different classes of financial assets and compare the results with the baseline, homogeneous bivariate multifractal model and the bivariate DCC-GARCH of Engle [2002. “Dynamic Conditional Correlation: A Simple Class of Multivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity Models. ” Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 20 (3): 339–350]. As it turns out, the multifractal model with heterogeneous volatility correlations provides more reliable results than both the homogeneous benchmark and the DCC-GARCH model.
An aggregate consumption function for Canada: a cointegration approach

This study utilizes cointegration theory and error correction models (ECMs) to specify a candidate dynamiac formulation of the aggregate consumption function using quarterly Canadian date. The variables entering the long-run equlibrium relationship are tested for unit roots using a variety of techniques such as the Dickey–Fuller, the augemented Dickey–Fuller and the Phillips–Perron test profedures. The Engle and Granger cointegration test, and the fully modified consistent and efficient estimator of Phillips and Hansen are used to estimate the cointegration relationship. Johansen’s maximum likelihood approach is also used to determine the rank of the cointegrating matrix. The error correction model, which appears to be a tentatively adequate conditional characterization of the date generating process, revelas that disposable income, wealth, government expenditures, relative prices and liquidity constraints (proxied by the unemployment rate) are important variables. Non-nested tests are carried out against.
Foundation degrees

Foundation Degrees (FDs) were launched in 2000 by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). One of the key reasons for their introduction was a belief that this new work-based higher education (HE) qualification could help meet employer demand for people with higher technician/associate professional-level skills. According to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)'s 'Foundation Degree Prospectus' (2000) there was a shortage of people with these intermediate-level skills, and forecasts at the time indicated that there would be an increasing demand for such skills. This paper examines the extent to which FDs have been able to widen participation, meet employer needs and provide a means for students to progress to higher-level courses. It focuses on the experience of full-time students who usually complete their FD in two years and are able to 'top-up' their FD to gain an honours degree with a further period of study, usually one year. The paper draws upon two studies by the author: (1) an on-going study referred to as the 'transition study'; and (2) a study into the approach to educational decision-making adopted by students choosing to study for a FD, referred to as the 'decision-making study'.
Executive Function in Adolescence Among Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Taiwan

Objective: Little is known about executive function among adolescents with a childhood diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and there is a lack of such information in an ethnic Chinese population. This study investigated nonverbal executive functions in adolescence among Taiwanese children with ADHD. Methods: The sample included fifty-three 11- to 16-year-old adolescents (male, 75.5%) with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD according to the DSM-IV criteria, and 53 age-, sex-, IQ-, and parental education-matched comparison adolescents. They were assessed using psychiatric interviews (mothers included), the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-3rd edition, and the tasks involving the executive functions of the Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery: the spatial span, spatial working memory, intradimensional/extradimensional shifts, and stocking of Cambridge. A linear multilevel model was used for data analysis for the matched case-control study design and repeated measures within the same participants. Results: Forty-three adolescents (81.1%) had persistent DSM-IV ADHD diagnosis. The ADHD group made more errors in the spatial span and spatial working memory, had more complete stage trials in the intradimensional/extradimensional shifts, and had fewer problems solved and shorter initial and subsequent thinking time in the stockings of Cambridge than the controls. The magnitudes of group differences increased with increased task difficulties. Persistent ADHD and methylphenidate did not make significant difference in executive functions. Conclusions: The findings of the authors suggest that adolescents with childhood ADHD need extra assistance when they are assigned complex tasks regardless of persistence of ADHD at adolescence.
Nonautonomous Chemostats with Variable Delays

The appearance of delay terms in a chemostat model can be fully justified since the future behavior of a dynamical system does not in general depend only on the present but also on its history. Sometimes only a short piece of history provides the relevant influence (bounded or finite delay), while in other cases it is the whole history that has to be taken into account (unbounded or infinite delay). In this paper a chemostat model with time variable delays and wall growth, hence a nonautonomous problem, is investigated. The analysis provides sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of nontrivial equilibria of the chemostat with variable delays, as well as for the existence of nonautonomous pullback attractors.
Efectos del nuevo PGC en los estados financieros: El problema de la comparabilidad de los datos

The first adoption of the new Spanish GAAP has not been identical for all companies. In each of the three key elements of the transition: date, valuation and disclosure, the Spanish regulator has included some choices for the transition that may affect the content and quality of the transitional financial information. In this paper we analyse the impact of the new Spanish GAAP adoption in terms of main accounting figures and ratios. Our results show that the impact has been significant for most of the figures and some of the ratios and therefore do not support the transition data choice as it damages comparability.
Bargaining in ignorance of the opponent's utility function

1 The original version of this paper was written at the Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics at Yale University, under Contract Nonr-358 (01), NR 047-006 of the Cowles Foundation with the Office of Naval Research. It was distributed as Cowles Foundation Discussion Paper No. 46. A revised version of this paper was presented at the Princeton Conference on Game Theory and Negotiations in October, 1961. The paper has benefited from comments by the other participants of the Conference. 2 But of course there are exceptions. For a model dealing with the case where the players do not know one another's utility functions, see (Luce and Adams, 1956). know (and know they do not know) each other's utility functions. I shall also indicate some interesting problems our analysis raises for empirical research.
Smart Meters in Smart Grid: An Overview

Smart meter is one of the most important devices used in the smart grid (SG). The smart meter is an advanced energy meter that obtains information from the end users' load devices and measures the energy consumption of the consumers and then provides added information to the utility company and/or system operator. Several sensors and control devices, supported by dedicated communication infrastructure, are utilized in a smart meter. This paper outlines some smart meter's aspects and functions of smart meter. In addition, it introduces two basic types of smart meter system's communication technologies: Radio Frequency (RF) and Power Line Carrier (PLC) and recent advances with regard to these two technologies. This paper also presents different policy and current status as well as future projects and objectives of SG development in several countries. Finally, the paper compares some main aspects about latest products of smart meter from different companies.
Application of aspect angle normalized polsar images for urban building detection

Variation in the building aspect angle, defined as the angle between the flight direction of a satellite (azimuth direction) and the vertical wall of a building, is a significant cause of accuracy reduction in building detection and terrain classification from Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture POLSAR (POLSAR) images. However, the existing building detection methods usually are effective for the buildings with a limited aspect angle range. Considering the relationship between the aspect angle of the building and the orientation angle shift, an aspect angle normalization method is introduced to remove the disadvantageous influences caused by the aspect angle. From a comparison between the double-bounce building detection results of the original and aspect angle normalized RadarSat-2 data acquired in Beijing, China, buildings with any aspect angle can be detected effectively from aspect angle normalized data.
Ages Estimated from a Diffusion Equation Model for Scarp Degradation

The diffusion equation derived from the continuity equation for hillslopes is applied to scarp erosion in unconsolidated materials. Solutions to this equation allow direct calculation of the product of the rate coefficient and the age of the scarp from measurements of scarp morphology. Where the rate coefficient can be estimated or can be derived from scarps of known age, this method allows direct calculation of unknown ages of scarps.
Employee Training in Australia: Evidence from Awirs

We use linked data for 13 991 employees and 1494 workplaces to analyse the incidence of employer-provided training in Australia. We find potential experience, current job tenure, low education levels, skilled vocational training and part-time or fixed-term employment status are all associated with a lower probability of recent training. In contrast to studies for other countries, we find no evidence of discrimination on the basis of demographic characteristics in the provision of this job-related training. Finally, and in support of recent non-competitive training models, higher levels of wage compression are found to be positively related to a greater incidence of employee training.
Bankruptcy Workouts and Debt Contracts

CREDITORS and debtors can anticipate the approximate outcomes of Chapter 11 reorganizations, and bankruptcy proceedings are costly. A private workout thus should Pareto dominate a legal bankruptcy: each party could receive the share of the insolvent firm it would expect to get in bankruptcy plus a portion of the savings from avoiding the court. Debtor firms do propose private workouts when they experience financial distress. In some cases, the debtor attempts to persuade creditors to accept by contrasting the payoff under its offer with the plausibly lower payoff that creditors would receive in bankruptcy. The incentive to avoid litigation costs induces a settlement rate in private lawsuits of well over 90 percent. In contrast, the creditors of substantial insolvent firms accept workout offers in fewer than half the cases. '
Poverty among Tribals in South West Madhya Pradesh: has anything changed over time?

While there is evidence of some positive change as a result of economic development and some of the anti-poverty strategies implemented in India, the overall effect is fairly limited, especially among the poor. Some of the less favoured rural areas have faced deterioration due to a shrinking land base and restricted access to forest resources. The slow pace of economic growth only partly explains the exclusion of certain categories of households, indicating that parts of the rural community, particularly the landless and the small-marginal farmers, remain unaffected by even a moderately faster growth rate. This paper examines changes in poverty and related poverty factors in South West Madhya Pradesh, and it aims to further an understanding of poverty typology and poverty dynamics by focusing on a micro setting. Findings indicate that there is a need for establishing basic infrastructures, especially for health and education, and that crop- productivity and market support do not develop at a sufficient rate to impact on the reduction of chronic poverty.
The two faces of partnership

The paper examines the context and characteristics of partnership arrangements currently emerging between employers and unions at the workplace level in Britain. Case studies of 11 firms involving interviews with managers and trade union officials revealed two broad types of arrangement. Those in production sector firms nurtured collective bargaining through informal partnership relationships, while those in the private service sector contained collective bargaining tightly through formalised partnership agreements. We analyse the pressures that underlie relationships, the net benefits to the parties, the scope of relationships, and employer strategies for restricting union influence. A key finding is that partnership relationships can be characterised by a “continuum” of union involvement in the workplace, with unions having greater rights where they have informal relationships backed up with high levels of workforce unionisation.
Role of social capital in advancing regional sustainable development

This paper argues that well-functioning social networks within regions can play a useful role in achieving sustainable development because they facilitate the speedy dissemination of novel information, expertise and resources across the region. In well-functioning networks all relevant key roles are occupied and played by individuals and organisations in a way that is credible, consistent, legitimate and equitable. Using insights from three network theories an outline of a regional network infrastructure is drawn. Key roles are identified: the gatekeeper; prime mover; bridge builder/intermediary; representative spokesperson; and monitor. Three examples are given of diverse organisations that aim to fulfil these roles: Midlands Renewable Energy Technology Transfer, UK Round Table on Sustainable Development and Sustainability North West.
On The Determinants Of Capital Flight: A New Approach

This paper seeks to contribute to the literature on capital flight determinants by employing a new approach to the estimation of capital flight equations over four different measures of capital flight for Malaysian time-series data during the period 1970-96. It improves upon earlier work in the area by employing, for the first time in the relevant empirical literature, relatively recent developments associated with modern time-series analysis, such as cointegration, within the context of a general-to-specific econometric methodology. Empirical findings obtained seem to suggest the importance of macro-economic fundamentals in the capital flight process. The results of econometric analysis reveal the existence of a long-run relationship between capital flight, as variously defined (Dooley's, World Bank's, Private Claim and Balance of Payments measures) on the one hand and exchange rate movements, changes in external debt, real GDP growth and foreign direct investment activities, on the other.