Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asset Allocation Recommen-dations of Financial Advisors

The authors observe that banks and financial advisors make recommendations for the asset allocation of individual investors. Determinants are the individual's stage of life, his/her risk tolerance and investment goals, as well as his/her liquidity needs. These recommendations are usually based on a heuristic approach. Modern Portfolio Theory, in contrast, postulates the optimization of a portfolio's return in consideration of its risk. The authors focus on determining the risk/return characteristics of the asset allocation recommendations for five asset classes (equities, bonds, real estate, hedge funds, cash) and compare them with risk-optimized portfolios. Their goal is to find out whether these are the best possible recommendations in terms of risk and return. They conclude that the recommendations of the financial advisors are not too far away from the efficient frontier.
Understanding wide-band MOS transistors

A quantitative understanding of MOS-transistor speed has been slow to emerge because of the absence of a commonly agreed-upon figure of merit for MOS-transistor speed and a lack of familiarity among designers with MOS-amplifier topologies. It is suggested that these problems can be addressed through the use of the unity-gain current frequency (f/sub T/) as a figure of merit for MOS transistors, the use of f/sub T/ in the prediction of amplifier bandwidth, and a wider familiarity among designers with practical examples of MOS wideband amplifiers. The use of f/sub T/ as a figure of merit is discussed, and the achievable amplifier bandwidths are determined. Increasing the f/sub T/ of an MOS device by making the g/sub m/ larger or the C/sub g/ smaller, or both, is discussed. Wideband CMOS amplifiers are considered. <<ETX>>
Organizational Environments and Industry Exit: the Effects of Uncertainty, Munificence and Complexity

Economists and organization theorists have asked which factors are linked to the rate at which firms exit an industry. Yet little research has linked exit rates to changes over time in the key dimensions which characterize an industry's environment. This study examines linkages between exit rates and changing levels of uncertainty, munificence and complexity in an industry. A longitudinal study of the American cement (1888-1980) and minicomputer (1958-82) industries reveals that uncertainty is the key environmental dimension associated with organizational mortality. Controlling for ecological and macroeconomic conditions, exit rates are associated with uncertainty, but not complexity or munificence. The greater the uncertainty, the higher the exit rates. Two kinds of uncertainty create hazardous environmental conditions: unpredictable changes in demand and eras of ferment bounded by technological discontinuities and dominant designs. Our results indicate that while organizations can deal with different levels of economic munificence and complexity, uncertainty is a significantly more lethal characteristic of organizational environments. The results support Schumpeterian perspectives linking industry turnover to "waves of creative destruction", but suggest more broadly that an organization's ability to cope with uncertainty is a key determinant of its life chances. Copyright 2001 by Oxford University Press.
The Impact of Thromboemboli Histology on the Performance of a Mechanical Thrombectomy Device

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recently we published a novel method of thrombus preparation for use in a swine model for evaluation of thrombectomy designs. The clot (fibrin rich clot) is characterized by its similarity in histologic characteristics to the thromboemboli recovered from stroke patients. The purpose of this latest study was to evaluate if the performance of a mechanical thrombectomy device was affected by the histologic characteristics of thromboembolus. Erythrocyte rich clot, which was created using exogenous thrombin, and the novel experimental clot with abundance of fibrin/cellular component were used for comparison. The Merci clot retriever was used for the evaluation and the angiographic outcomes were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two histologically different types of experimental clot, a conventionally used thrombin-induced clot (erythrocyte-rich clot) and a novel experimental clot that is similar in histologic characteristics to the thromboemboli recovered from patients with stroke (fibrin-rich clot), were prepared. Eight extracranial arteries in swine were occluded with erythrocyte-rich clot (group A), and 8 were occluded with fibrin-rich clot (group B), and MT by using the Merci clot retriever device was performed. Angiographic results in each group were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 48 attempts at MT were made. The average number of attempts to achieve TIMI grade II or III recanalization was 2.75 times in group A and 4.5 times in group B (P < .001), respectively. The mean time to achieve recanalization was 15.5 minutes in group A and 81.5 minutes in group B (P < .01). Every vessel in group A showed recanalization (100%), whereas only 3 of 8 samples (37.5%) achieved recanalization in group B. CONCLUSIONS: In this model, arteries occluded by fibrin-rich clot demonstrated a significantly lower recanalization rate, lower final TIMI score, and a longer mean recanalization time than did arteries occluded by erythrocyte-rich clot. The angiographic outcome of MT by using the Merci clot retriever system was influenced by the histologic characteristics of the occluding thromboembolus.
Integrating Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing with Spatial Economic and Mixed Logit Models for Environmental Valuation

This research focuses on the Emory and Obed Watersheds in the Cumberland Plateau in Central Tennessee and the Lower Hatchie River Watershed in West Tennessee. A framework based on market and nonmarket valuation techniques was used to empirically estimate economic values for environmental amenities and negative externalities in these areas. The specific techniques employed include a variation of hedonic prioing and discrete choice conjoint analysis (i.e., choice modeling), in addition to geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Microeconomic models of agent behavior, including random utility theory and profit maximization, provide the principal theoretical foundation linking valuation techniques and econometric models. The generalized method of moments estimator for a first­ order spatial autoregressive function and mixed logit models are the principal econometric methods applied within the framework. The dissertation is subdivided into three separate chapters written in a manuscript format. The first chapter provides the necessary theoretical and mathematical conditions that must be satisfied in order for a forest amenity enhancement program to be implemented. Such a program is possible and would yield an efficient outcome under three conditions: (1) contributors are willing to pay an amount that maximizes the utility they derive from forest amenities; ( 2) an intermediary party sets a compensation price based on contributor aggregate willingness to pay such that the social value of the program is maximized; and (3) a participating landowner maximizes profit given this incentive. The second chapter evaluates the effect of forest land cover and information about future land use change on respondent preferences and willingness to pay for alternative hypothetical forest amenity enhancement options. Land use change information and the amount of forest land cover significantly influenced respondent preferences, choices, and stated willingness to pay. Hicksian welfare
Money volatility and output volatility: any asymmetric effects?: Evidence from conditional measures of volatility

Purpose – To investigate whether monetary volatility in the US exerts any asymmetric impact on output volatility over the period 1974-2002. Design/methodology/approach – For the empirical purposes, the analysis makes use of the multi-variable GARCH (MVGARCH), which allows not only the presence of volatility clustering but also the presence of asymmetries in that volatility clustering. Findings – The empirical findings suggest that money supply volatility exerts a significant asymmetric influence on output volatility, i.e. the variance of output changes more due to positive changes than negative changes of money supply volatility. Originality/value – The paper investigates, for the first time, the presence of any asymmetric impact of the volatility of money on the volatility of output in the case of the US.
Performance after surgical treatment of patients with ankle fractures--14-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Few studies have been published that extensively evaluate physical outcome after ankle fractures. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge of how physical outcome correlates with subjective assessments of symptoms and function after ankle fracture. The purpose of the present study was to investigate outcome after surgical treatment of patients with ankle fracture and to study how well the experience of symptoms and function correlated with the results of clinical physical tests. METHOD The study used a retrospective cross-sectional study design. Fifty-four patients, aged 17-64 years, were evaluated 14 months post-operatively. Evaluation included a questionnaire containing the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) (Olerud and Molander, 1984) and some additional questions. Patients were also called for a physical and radiographic examination. RESULTS The median OMAS obtained was 75 (range 10-100). Only 10 (19%) of the patients reported complete recovery and 16 (30%) scored > or = 90, indicating good function. The results of the following clinical tests were correlated with OMAS: loaded dorsal extension; ankle circumference; number of toe and heel rises; and single-limb stance. Those who showed poorer results in physical outcome on the affected side had lower OMAS. No ankles with clear mechanical instability were found, although almost half the patients experienced functional instability that, in turn, was associated with decreased total OMAS. CONCLUSIONS Both subjectively scored function and physical performance after surgically treated ankle fractures indicated poor results. One reason for this might be insufficient rehabilitation.
Friends or rivals: comparative perceptions of human resource and line managers on perceived future firm performance

Based on stakeholder theory, we examined whether perceptions and actual relationships between human resource (HR) and line managers influence perceived future firm performance as rated by line managers. With a matched sample of 105 HR managers and line managers working in Hong Kong, we found that when line managers perceived HR as an effective function, a higher level of HR involvement in the strategic planning process was positively associated with perceived future firm performance. Moreover, HR managers rated HR effectiveness higher than line managers. The discrepancy of perceived HR effectiveness between HR managers and line managers was negatively associated with perceived future firm performance. Furthermore, HR managers, in contrast to line managers, perceived horizontal collaboration as being positively related to perceived future firm performance. Limitations and managerial implications are discussed.
Don't Trust. And Verify: A Security Architecture Stack for the Cloud

This article is for security architects whose companies are moving critical systems to the cloud. Whenever technology architecture changes, it's worth revisiting the assumptions that went into security architecture and design. This is particularly relevant for security and cloud computing; although many organizations rate security as a critical issue in moving to the cloud, few know what to do about it.
EVOLUTION DU CAPITAL HUMAIN AU CAMEROUN ENTRE 2001 ET 2007 : UNE ANALYSE PAR LES TESTS DE DOMINANCE STOCHASTIQUE

The Objective of this study is to analyze the stochastic dominance of Human Capital between 2001 and 2007. To capture the Human Capital the multiple component analysis was used to generate a composite indicator of education and health. The data Used is coming from the second and third Cameroonian household survey. The results show that the level of education has increase between 2001 and 2007 while the level of health has decrease. Taking into account these results, the construction of school and hospital in the urban and rural zones, the promotion of girl education, the equipment of old and new health center with modern material for primary necessity, the reduction of consultation and drug cost are therefore our principal recommendations.
Isolated ventriculomegaly on prenatal ultrasound: What does fetal MRI add?

Cerebral ventriculomegaly is one of the most commonly detected fetal anomalies at the midtrimester ultrasound. Current evidence suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is indicated when the isolated ventriculomegaly (IVM) on ultrasound is severe (>15 mm), but there is less agreement when IVM is mild or moderate (10–15 mm). The current study aimed to determine the frequency and nature of additional findings on MRI in IVM and their relationship to the severity of VM and gestational age.
Apartment Rent Prediction Using Spatial Modeling

This paper provides a new model to explain local variation in apartment rents by introducing the notion of a spatial process. This model differs from those in the literature by explicitly specifying spatial association between pairs of locations as a function of distance between them. Data on apartment rents for the eight markets are used to illustrate the spatial model. Results indicate significant prediction improvement over traditional hedonic rent models that only include indicator variables to capture spatial effects.
Small Business and the Informal Economy: Evidence from the UK

Purpose – The magnitude of the informal economy has been estimated using either indirect measurement methods that employ proxy indicators or small-scale household surveys. This paper seeks to provide an analysis of the findings of the first direct survey in an advanced market economy of national business opinion on its magnitude and impacts.Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyses the findings of a UK survey of business opinion on the prevalence of the informal economy in their sector and its impacts on their businesses, namely the Small Business Service’s (SBS) 2004/05 Small Business Survey of 7,505 small businesses.Findings – The finding is that 14 per cent of UK small businesses view themselves as negatively affected by the informal economy, with businesses estimating on average that 8 per cent of trade in their sector is conducted on an off-the-books basis. The sectors most affected by the informal economy are land transport, construction, the motor vehicle trade, and hotels and restaurants, with fledgling enterprises and businesses in peripheral regions most affected.Research limitations/implications – This survey records only business perceptions of the size of the informal economy in their sector rather than directly collecting data on the amount of informal work that businesses conduct.Practical implications – This paper demonstrates that it is wholly feasible to conduct business surveys on the size and impacts of the informal economy and recommends modifications to the SBS survey method to improve data collection.Originality/value – This paper reports the findings of the first survey in an advanced economy of national business opinion on the size and impacts of the informal economy.
Quality assessment of randomized control trials in dental research. II. Results: periodontal research.

Twenty-one reports of 14 randomized control trials (RCTs) published between 1968 and 1984 comparing methods of periodontal treatment were evaluated using a system to assess the quality of RCTs based on published reports. The quality assessment system evaluates the design, implementation, and analytic methods used. An index of quality is calculated with a maximum score attainable of 1.00. The mean quality score for these 14 RCTs was 0.35±0.07 (ISD). There was no evidence of improvement in scores over time. Ninety-five percent of the trials used the 'split-mouth’protocol. Although the results of 17 reports claimed no statistically significant differences between treatments, in no case was a type II error calculated to ensure that a sample size sufficient to detect a difference of clinical interest had been used. It is recommended that future RCTs of periodontal treatment utilize and report a standard design protocol so that results may be better compared and combined.
Ideal characteristics of an antiepileptic drug: how do these impact treatment decisions for individual patients?

Effective management of epilepsy requires a holistic approach that takes into account the needs of the individual patient. Antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment must therefore look beyond efficacy to ensure that the patient's overall health status and quality of life (QoL) are optimized. Because the primary objective of AED treatment is to control seizures over the long term, the ideal AED should, first and foremost, demonstrate sustained efficacy and favourable tolerability. In addition, it should have a broad spectrum of activity; its pharmacokinetic profile should be stable and predictable and allow the option of once‐daily dosing; and it should not interact with other medications and concomitant AEDs. Because the efficacy of first‐line AEDs is broadly comparable, choice of treatment should be based on the individual patient's specific clinical characteristics. In particular, the primary and secondary prevention of comorbid conditions should be taken into consideration, because this can reduce the risk of mortality and improve health outcomes and QoL. Treatment selection must also take into account the patient's particular lifestyle and priorities, to maximize the likelihood of long‐term treatment adherence. Advances in genetic testing may help inform choice of treatment – not only by elucidating a patient's underlying aetiology, but also by helping to avoid unnecessary side effects. Although certain patient populations (e.g. women of childbearing potential, adolescents, the elderly) require particular consideration when choosing the most appropriate treatment, every patient's unique clinical characteristics and personal circumstances must be taken into account to ensure treatment success and optimize their QoL.
NEXT STEPS IN THE EVOLUTION OF ANTITRUST LAW: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ROBERTS COURT

Under the leadership of Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., the Supreme Court has demonstrated a willingness to cast aside the Court's prior antitrust decisions. The qualified per se rule applicable to tying surely will not survive much longer, but what else might be in store is more speculative. This essay identifies four decisions relating to competitor collaboration in which the Court's prior application of the per se rule does not comport with its modern decisions. In two of the cases, the conduct likely would be found lawful today; while in the other two, the conduct most likely still would be condemned but only after an abbreviated application of the rule of reason. This essay also identifies three legal doctrines ready for retirement. They are the absolute requirement of market delineation as a predicate for merger analysis, the outmoded approach to market delineation of Brown Shoe, and the unhelpful formulation of the monopolization offense in Grinnell.
Port strategic planning: Canadian port reform

Recent port reform established major commercial ports as Canadian Port Authorities (CPAs) as federal non-profit, business corporations. Canadian port reform was aimed at allowing CPAs to compete effectively. Canada's major ports operate in an increasingly competitive business environment. To gain advantage over their competition, Canadian ports must develop business strategies dealing with their organizational cultures, institutional structures, operations, and facility provision. Developing appropriate strategies involves creating a strategic plan that considers external and internal port environments. This paper outlines the evolution of strategic planning and its applicability to Canadian ports. The initial literature review is followed by a brief review of Canadian port reform and an analysis of external and internal port environments. This analysis determines the resources available to exploit external opportunities and defend against threats, and considers the internal strengths and weaknesses of Canadian ports. A list of strategic issues facing Canadian ports and how the Canada Marine Act affected them is derived from the analysis.
III–V/SOI heterogeneous photonic integrated devices for optical interconnection in LSI

InP-based photonic devices on SOI substrate using bonding technologies were demonstrated. Direct bonding and BCB bonding enable us to realize high optical confinement DFB lasers and other devices for intra/inter-chip connection in Si LSI circuit. Low threshold optical pumped membrane lasers and CW-operation of lateral current injection lasers with thin lateral cladding lasers were realized.
Can Child Poverty Be Abolished? Promises and Policies in the UK

In 1999 Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister, promised to end child poverty within a generation. What does this mean? Can it be achieved? What progress has been made so far? The paper starts by placing UK child poverty at the end of the 20th Century in historical and international context. It reviews the policies that have been introduced in order to meet specific interim targets - of reducing child poverty by one quarter by 2004/5 and halving it in ten years - and discusses the prospects for success in meeting these targets. The second part takes a step back and reflects on why child poverty - rather than poverty more generally - has become the political and policy focus. It then considers whether such an emphasis - together with the particular policy directions that have been taken - may be counter-productive in meeting the eventual goal of ending child poverty. The ‘end to child poverty’ has now been translated as meaning having achieved a relative child poverty rate that is ‘among the best (i.e. lowest) in Europe’. The final part of the paper considers what this might involve. To what extent can the policy approaches taken by the current ‘best in Europe’ countries be seen as recipes for success for the UK, or indeed elsewhere?
Down-regulation of Runx1 Expression by TCR Signal Involves an Autoregulatory Mechanism and Contributes to IL-2 Production*

Runx1 transcription factor plays multiple roles in T cell development, differentiation, and function. However, the regulatory mechanisms and functional significance of high Runx1 protein expression in resting peripheral CD4+ T cells is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that T-cell receptor (TCR) activation down-regulates distal Runx1 transcription, resulting in a significant reduction of Runx1 protein. Interestingly, this down-regulation of distal Runx1 transcription appears to be mediated through a negative auto-regulatory mechanism, whereby Runx1 protein binds to a Runx consensus site in the distal promoter. Through the use of Runx1-overexpressing cells from transgenic mice, we demonstrate that interference with TCR-mediated Runx1 down-regulation inhibits IL-2 production and proliferation in activated CD4+ T cells. In contrast, using Runx1-deficient cells prepared from targeted mice, we show that the absence of Runx1 in unstimulated CD4+ T cells results in IL-2 derepression. In summary, we propose that high levels of Runx1 in resting CD4+ T cells functions negatively in the regulation of IL-2 transcription, and that TCR activation-mediated down-regulation of Runx1 involves negative auto-regulation of the distal Runx1 promoter and contributes to IL-2 production.