Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Portfolio Selection with and without Relative Entropy

We analyze two robust portfolio selection models, where a mean-variance investor considers possible deviations from a reference distribution of asset returns, adopting a maxmin criterion. The two models differ in the metric used to measure the distance between the reference distribution of asset returns and the alternative probability distributions. In the first model, where relative entropy is used as a measure of distance between distributions, an observational equivalence result obtains, whereby introducing robustness is equivalent to increasing risk aversion and, therefore, the percentage composition of the optimal portfolio of risky assets is equal to that of the optimal portfolio held by an investor without concerns for robustness. In the second model, introducing an alternative measure of distance between distributions, we show that observational equivalence ceases to hold and the proportions between risky assets are altered. We exploit the natural game-theoretic interpretation of the maxmin setting to illustrate the differences between the two models.
Use of a human influenza challenge model to assess person-to-person transmission: proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND Influenza transmission in humans remains poorly understood. In particular, the relative contribution of contact, large droplet, and aerosol transmission is unknown. The aims of this proof-of-concept study were to determine whether an experimentally induced influenza infection is transmissible between humans and whether this would form a viable platform for future studies. METHODS In a quarantine facility, healthy volunteers ("donors") were inoculated with A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2) influenza virus via intranasal drops. On study days 2 and 3 "recipient" volunteers were exposed to donors under close living conditions. Volunteers socialized for 30 hours during a 2-day period. Infection was confirmed by ≥1 positive results from polymerase chain reaction, virus culture, or serology. RESULTS After inoculation, 4 of 9 donors developed symptoms consistent an influenza-like illness (ILI) and 7 of 9 were proven to be influenza-infected. After exposure, 4 of 15 recipients developed symptoms of ILI and 3 of 15 were proven to be infected. Serum collected within 2 days of study initiation indicated that 1 donor and 3 recipients were seropositive at study initiation. After adjustment for preexposure immunity, the overall secondary attack rate was 25% (3 of 12). CONCLUSIONS Experimental human exposure studies offer an attractive potential method for answering outstanding questions related to influenza transmission and the evaluation of interventions to reduce it.
Intellectual capital performance determinants and globalization status of Greek listed firms

Purpose – To present a study analyzing the intellectual performance of Greek listed corporations on the Athens Stock Exchange under the distinctive aspect of being a “globalized” or “localized” firm.Design/methodology/approach – Due to the used VAIC™ method the firm's performance is researched under its intellectual (IC) and physical (CA) aspect. The investigation confirms the existence of some semantic – added value‐based – performance differences by using predictor variables (discriminant analysis) and factors or “drivers” (factor analysis) influencing the actual “globalization status quo”. Findings – States that “localized firms” are the distinct small technocratic, blue‐collar intellectual performers while the “globalized” ones are the large plutocratic, white‐collar intellectual performers.Research limitations/implications – There is a need to analyze data of more corporations and for a longer time period in order to prove clearly the assumptions of the VAIC™ method. Additional comparative research wi.
Evolving K-Graph: Modeling Hybrid Interactions in Networks

In many realistic networks, entities of different types usually form an evolving network with hybrid interactions. However, how to mathematically model such networks remains unexplored. Motivated by this, we develop a novel evolving model, which, as validated by our empirical results, can well capture some basic features such as power-law distribution, densification and shrinking diameter. Particularly, in our proposed model, named Evolving K-Graph, the hybrid interactions among entities are classified into inter-type and intra-type connections that are respectively characterized by two joint graphs evolving over time. By empirical validation, we disclose two new network properties: a positive correlation of any two layers of the network, and an earlier occurrence of network connectivity resulted by our model.
Theory and simulations of water flow through carbon nanotubes: prospects and pitfalls

We study water flow through carbon nanotubes using continuum theory and molecular dynamics simulations. The large slip length in carbon nanotubes greatly enhances the pumping and electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency. In the absence of mobile charges, however, the electro-osmotic flow vanishes. Uncharged nanotubes filled with pure water can therefore not be used as electric field-driven pumps, contrary to some recently ventured ideas. This is in agreement with results from a generalized hydrodynamic theory that includes the angular momentum of rotating dipolar molecules. The electro-osmotic flow observed in simulations of such carbon nanotubes is caused by an imprudent implementation of the Lennard-Jones cutoff. We also discuss the influence of other simulation parameters on the spurious electro-osmotic flow.
Characterization of the Proteomic Profiles of the Brown Tide Alga Aureoumbra lagunensis under Phosphate- and Nitrogen-Limiting Conditions and of Its Phosphate Limitation-Specific Protein with Alkaline Phosphatase Activity

ABSTRACT The persistent bloom of the brown tide alga Aureoumbra lagunensis has been reported in coastal embayments along southern Texas, but the molecular mechanisms that sustain such algal bloom are unknown. We compared the proteome and physiological parameters of A. lagunensis grown in phosphate (P)-depleted, P- and nitrogen (N)-depleted, and nutrient-replete cultures. For the proteomic analysis, samples from three conditions were subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Because of the paucity of genomic resources in this species, a de novo cross-species protein search was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins, which revealed their involvement in several key biological processes, such as chlorophyll synthesis, antioxidative protection, and protein degradation, suggesting that A. lagunensis may adopt intracellular nutrient compensation, extracellular organic nutrient regeneration, and damage protection to thrive in P-depleted environments. A highly abundant P limitation-specific protein, tentatively identified as a putative alkaline phosphatase, was further characterized by enzyme activity assay on nondenaturing gel and confocal microscopy, which confirmed that this protein has alkaline phosphatase activity, is a cytoplasmic protein, and is closely associated with the cell membrane. The abundance, location, and functional expression of this alkaline phosphatase all indicate the importance of organic P utilization for A. lagunensis under P limitation and the possible role of this alkaline phosphatase in regenerating phosphate from extra- or intracellular organic phosphorus.
Political Parties, Candidate Selection, and Quality of Government

Abstract This article explores empirically the relation between political parties’ institutions and quality of government. I focus on procedures used to nominate presidential candidates given the importance of candidate selection in party politics. Using a panel dataset of Latin American countries, I find robust evidence of a positive relation between the use of democratic procedures, such as primaries, and quality of government. To shed light on the mechanism, I examine why parties use primaries. I find evidence suggestive that the results are mostly driven by the increase in political competition and candidates’ pre-electoral incentives.
Long Swings and Chaos in the Exchange Rate in a DSGE Model with a Taylor Rule

A DSGE model with a Taylor rule is augmented with an evolutionary switching between technical and fundamental analyses in currency trade, where the fractions of these trading tools are determined within the model. Then, a shock hits the economy. As a result, chaotic dynamics and long swings may occur in the exchange rate, which are appealing features of the model given existing empirical evidence on chaos and long swings in exchange rate fluctuations. Keywords: chaotic dynamics, foreign exchange, fundamental analysis, monetary policy, technical analysis JEL classification numbers: C65, E32, E44, E52, F31
Analysis of Telomere Lengths in Human Corneal Endothelial Cells from Donors of Different Ages

14. Intres R, Goldflam S, Cook JR, Crabb JW. Molecular cloning and structural analysis of the human gene encoding cellular retinaldehyde binding protein. / B i o l Chem. 1994;269:254l 1-25418. 15. Bobola N, Hirsch E, Albini A, Altruda F, Noonan D, Ravazzolo R. A single m-acting element in a short promoter segment of the gene encoding the interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein confers tissue-specific expression. JBiol Chem. 1995;270:1289-1294. 16. Mink S, Hartig E, Jennewein P, Doppler W, Cato ACB. A mammary cell-specific enhancer in mouse mammary tumor vims DNA is composed of multiple regulatory elements including binding sites for CTF/NFI and a novel transcription factor, mammary cell-activating factor. Mol Cell Biol. 1992;12:4906-4918. 17. Felsenfeld G. Chromatin as an essential part of the transcriptional mechanism. Nature. 1992;355:219-224.
Is the Fisher Effect for Real? A Reexamination of the Relationship between Inflation and Interest Rates

The basic puzzle about the so-called Fisher effect, in which movements in short-term interest rates primarily reflect fluctuations in expected inflation, is why a strong Fisher effect occurs only for certain periods but not for others. This paper resolves this puzzle by reexamining the relationship between inflation and interest rates with modern time-series techniques. Recognition that the level of inflation and interest rates may contain stochastic trends suggests that the apparent ability of short-term interest rates to forecast inflation in the postwar United States is spurious. Additional evidence does not support the presence of a short-run Fisher effect but does support the existence of a long-run Fisher effect in which inflation and interest rates trend together in the long run when they exhibit trends. The evidence here can explain why the Fisher effect appears to be strong only for particular sample periods, but not for others. The conclusion that there is a long-run Fisher effect implies that when inflation and interest rates exhibit trends, these two series will trend together and thus there will be a strong correlation between inflation and interest rates. On the other hand, the nonexistence of a short-run Fisher effect implies that when either inflation and interest rates do not display trends, there is no long-run Fisher effect to produce a strong correlation between interest rates and inflation. The analysis in this paper resolves an important puzzle about when the Fisher effect appears in the data.
Initiation of Cytokinesis Is Controlled through Multiple Modes of Regulation of the Sid2p-Mob1p Kinase Complex

ABSTRACT The Sid2p-Mob1p kinase complex is an important component of the septation initiation network (SIN) in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. However, regulation of this complex is still elusive. Here we show that Mob1p is required not only for the subcellular localization of Sid2p but also for its kinase activity. We identified a region at the amino terminus of Sid2p that is required for Mob1p binding and spindle pole body (SPB) localization. Deletion of this region abolishes Mob1p binding and diminishes SPB localization, whereas this region alone is sufficient to associate with Mob1p and SPBs. We further show that a similar region of the N terminus of the Sid2p-related protein kinase Orb6p binds to the Mob1p-related protein Mob2p, suggesting that this may be a conserved mode of interaction for this family of kinases. Phosphorylation of Ser402 and especially Thr578 is important for Sid2p function. Sid2p with a mutation of Thr578 to Ala (T578A) can no longer rescue sid2-250 mutant cells, and this results in reduction of Mob1p binding. Sid2p mutants mimicking phosphorylation at this site (T578D and T578E) can rescue sid2-250 cells, enhance Sid2p kinase activity, and partially rescue growth defects of upstream sin mutants. Interestingly, Sid2p, but not Mob1p, is self-associated. Our experiments suggest that self-associated Sid2p is inactive. This self-association is mediated by a region that overlaps with Mob1p and SPB binding sites. Overexpression of Mob1p is able to disrupt the self-association of Sid2p. Taken together, our results suggest that Sid2p kinase may utilize multiple modes of regulation including self-association, Mob1p binding, and phosphorylation to achieve its full activity at an appropriate time and place in the cell.
Factors affecting households’ seafood purchasing decisions in Auckland, New Zealand: an empirical analysis

This paper uses the binary choice model to identify the factors that are significantly influencing the household purchase decisions of seafood products for home consumption in Auckland, New Zealand. It is found that ‘quality’ and ‘cooking easiness’ are the main product attributes that significantly influence households’ choices of seafood in Auckland. Also, the representative household has shown a strong preference for fresh and other alternative seafood products, including processed, smoked and canned, over frozen products. Retail outlets are found to be more attractive to the household purchasing seafood for home consumption. The New Zealand seafood industry may find this baseline study useful as a guide to developing future research structure on the domestic market.
Social capital of the HR department, HR's change agent role, and HR effectiveness: evidence from South Korean firms

This study argues that for a human resource (HR) department to be highly effective, it should be socially well connected to the line managers and their subordinates. We theorize that the interdepartmental social capital of HR leads to positive HR effectiveness through the benefits of information, influence, and solidarity. Furthermore, we argue that this relationship is stronger when HR undertakes the role of a change agent. We have tested our theory using nationally representative survey data from South Korea (n = 300). The results of our empirical analyses support our claims.
The Atg18-Atg2 Complex Is Recruited to Autophagic Membranes via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Phosphate and Exerts an Essential Function*

Atg18 is essential for both autophagy and the regulation of vacuolar morphology. The latter process is mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate binding, which is dispensable for autophagy. Atg18 also binds to phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) in vitro. Here, we investigate the relationship between PtdIns(3)P-binding of Atg18 and autophagy. Using an Atg18 variant, Atg18(FTTG), which is unable to bind phosphoinositides, we found that PtdIns(3)P binding of Atg18 is essential for full activity in both selective and nonselective autophagy. Atg18(FTTG) formed a complex with Atg2 in a normal manner, and Atg18-Atg2 complex formation occurred in cells in the absence of PtdIns(3)P, indicating that Atg18-Atg2 complex formation is independent of PtdIns(3)P-binding of Atg18. Atg18 localized to endosomes, the vacuolar membrane, and autophagic membranes, whereas Atg18(FTTG) did not localize to these structures. The localization of Atg2 to autophagic membranes was also lost in Atg18(FTTG) cells. These data indicate that PtdIns(3)P-binding of Atg18 is involved in directing the Atg18-Atg2 complex to autophagic membranes. Connection of a 2×FYVE domain, a specific PtdIns(3)P-binding domain, to the C terminus of Atg18(FTTG) restored the localization of Atg18-Atg2 to autophagic membranes and full autophagic activity, indicating that PtdIns(3)P-binding by Atg18 is dispensable for the function of the Atg18-Atg2 complex but is required for its localization. This also suggests that PtdIns(3)P does not act allosterically on Atg18. Taken together, Atg18 forms a complex with Atg2 irrespective of PtdIns(3)P binding, associates tightly to autophagic membranes by interacting with PtdIns(3)P, and plays an essential role.
The impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial outcomes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that entrepreneurship education can have on entrepreneurial outcomes. The author aims to investigate the perceived influence that various entrepreneurship education courses have had on a cohort of 64 graduate entrepreneurs from eight HEIs in the UK.Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured, in‐depth telephone interviews were conducted annually over a ten year period (1997 to 2006) to document, measure and analyse respondent progression from graduation and into entrepreneurship.Findings – Results indicate that graduate needs for entrepreneurship education do not match actual outcomes in terms of entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and attitudes. This mismatch influences an entrepreneur's perceptions of actual and future educational needs. Most of the graduate entrepreneurs, however, seem to be satisfied with the outcomes of their entrepreneurship education, both in relative and in absolute terms.Practical implications – The findings provide val.
Gasto en desarrollo social en el contexto del modelo neoliberal en México 1995-2007: la reorientación del papel del Estado

La politica publica de gasto en desarrollo social ha tomado relevancia en los ultimos anos en varios paises de America Latina y, en particular, en Mexico. Esta importancia se asocia con la creciente desigualdad social y la concentracion de la riqueza, resultado de la aplicacion de las politicas neoliberales desde inicios de la decada de los ochenta en Mexico. El objetivo fundamental de este articulo es identificar los principales cambios que se han realizado en materia de politica publica de gasto social en Mexico, mediante un analisis comparativo entre el tipo y el monto del gasto en desarrollo social en dos periodos. El primero comprende de 1970 a 1982, durante el fin del modelo de sustitucion de importaciones. El segundo corresponde al analisis del gasto social ejercido por el gobierno mexicano en el contexto del modelo neoliberal, despues de la crisis financiera de Mexico en 1995.
Marketing in the Tax Administration in Albania

Abstract After the late 1970s the marketing discipline has known a considerable expansion and application not only in private sector but also in public or non-profit sector. Currently the debate is focused on how to better integrate the marketing concept and marketing function into the activities of government organizations as means of increasing the effectiveness of the delivery of public policy and citizens satisfaction. Public marketing is a new concept for the Albanian reality and very slowly is entering into the management approach. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how much is known and accepted the concept of marketing in the Albanian public sector and if this level of acceptance or rejection is reflected in the use of marketing strategies and tactics as instruments of public management. After a critical review of the literature about the last trends and research in this issue, qualitative methods are used through a case study in General Directorate of Taxation in Albania. In depth semi-structured interviews with several senior directors and officers were conducted to see the level of perceptions and practices thorough the major departments of this Institution. From the analysis of data gathered resulted that marketing is mostly equated with public relations function and was considered unnecessary and as a significant consumer of public funds. A number of recommendations are given on how to build an efficient marketing model for the General Directorate of Taxation in order to help increasing efficiency and quality of service to citizens.
Risk factors in patients surgically treated for peptic ulcer perforation

Objective. The overall mortality for patients undergoing surgery for perforated peptic ulcer has increased despite improvements in perioperative monitoring and treatment. The objective of this study was to identify and describe perioperative risk factors in order to identify ways of optimizing the treatment and to improve the outcome of patients with perforated peptic ulcer. Material and methods. Three hundred and ninety-eight patients undergoing emergency surgery in four university hospitals in Denmark were included in the study. Information regarding the pre-, intra- and postoperative phases were recorded retrospectively from medical records. Data were analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The primary end-point was 30-day mortality. Results. The 30-day mortality rate was 27%. The following variables were independently associated with death within 30 days of surgery: ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) class, age, shock upon admission, preoperative metabolic acidosis, elevated concentration of creatinine upon admission, subnormal concentration of albumin upon admission and insufficient postoperative nutrition. Conclusions. Thus, preoperative metabolic acidosis, renal insufficiency upon admission and insufficient postoperative nutrition have been added to the list of independent risk factors for death within 30 days of surgery in patients with peptic ulcer perforation. Finding that shock upon admission, reduced albumin blood levels upon admission, renal insufficiency upon admission and preoperative metabolic acidosis are independently related to 30-day mortality could indicate that patients with peptic ulcer perforation are septic upon admission, and thus might benefit from a perioperative care protocol with early source control and early goal-directed therapy according to The Surviving Sepsis Campaign. This hypothesis should be addressed in future studies.
Industrial Energy Demand, a Forecasting Model Based on an Index Decomposition of Structural and Efficiency Effects

This paper proposes an approach for explaining and forecasting global industrial energy demand, at the country level, that could be seen as a trade‐off between the two main options in use: ‘top‐down’ and ‘bottom‐up’ models. It relies on a two‐term decomposition of industrial energy intensity, one evaluating the contribution of changes in the industrial structure, the other one reflecting the contribution of changes in sectoral efficiency. The former can be projected ‘bottom‐up’ using microeconomic forecasts. The latter is modelled ‘top‐down’ as a function of real per capita gross domestic product and electricity's market share. Hence, this approach enables both to project future demand and to disentangle the effects of structural mutations and efficiency gains for explaining past or future changes. The latter driver might further be decomposed into two factors: efficiency gains resulting from fuel substitutions and ‘other’ sectoral efficiency gains.