Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Distribution‐Free Tests and Further Evidence of Heteroscedasticity in the Market Model: A Comment

IN A RECENT ARTICLE in this Journal, Giaccotto and Ali [7] addressed several potential deficiencies in prior studies which investigated heteroskedasticity in the single index market model. Much of the previous work employed standard parametric tests for heteroskedasticity, such as the Goldfeld-Quandt, Bartlett, or Glejser tests, which lean heavily on the assumed normality of the disturbances, a potentially untenable assumption in light of the apparent leptokurtotic nature of returns. Moreover, some authors have employed alternative tests, such as the Goldfeld-Quandt peak test, on the ordinary least squares (OLS) residuals from market model regressions under the assumption of the independence of the OLS residuals when, in fact, these residuals are correlated by construction. Finally, the previous literature investigated only a small number of specific forms of heteroskedasticity whereas Giaccotto and Ali [7] suggested the virtues of tests which have power against a variety of alternatives. These considerations led Giaccotto and Ali to consider alternative rank and robust tests which have good power characteristics.1 Since these test statistics require the use of independent observations, Giaccotto and Ali observed that OLS residuals should not be used in such tests since they are correlated and, hence, dependent. The authors instead employed recursive residuals which were introduced by Brown and Durbin [2] and since have been studied extensively in Brown, Durbin, and Evans [3], Hedayat and Robson [11], Harvey and Phillips [10], Harvey and Collier [9], Godolphin and DeTullio [8], Dufour [4], and Garbade [6]. These recursive residuals are standardized one step ahead prediction errors which by construction are mutually uncorrelated. Giaccotto and Ali concluded that this orthogonality property makes recursive residuals appropriate for the construction of the aforementioned test statistics. Unfortunately, this unwarranted conclusion involves an elementary flaw in statistical reasoning since uncorrelated random variables that are not normally distributed are not necessarily independent. This simple observation renders their claims involving the distribution-free nature of their tests incorrect. In fact, it is not clear whether any of their test statistics possess well-defined distributions in large samples when based on recursive residuals.
Modernização Ecológica e Responsabilidade Social Empresarial

This article discusses the role of social and environmental enterprises revealed in the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and analyzed in the light of Ecological Modernization Theory (TME). The overall objective of this study is to understand CSR from the perspectiveof TME through more detailed research of a CSR program called Clube dos Produtores [Producers Club]. This program aims to influence the supply chain to adopt responsible and sustainable practices, and seeks to strengthen the small and medium producers through structured actions, such as training, qualification, and inspection, stimulating quality, innovation and productivity growth. It is conducted in parallel, in Portugal, by the Rede Sonae de Distribuicao and, in Brazil, by Walmart Company. The data collection included both Countries. In Portugal, the Clube dos Produtores has emerged to combine the synergy between distribution and production and promote the development of domestic production. It takes the environment as the genesis for its creation, maintains a nationalist approach by encouraging the consumption of domestic products, and recognizes consumer pressure as the force for continuous innovation of products and services. In addition, it reconciles tradition and modernity through products supported by different generations. In Brazil, the Club is founded on the sustainability discourse; the customer awareness about environmental issues was not captured in the research; the producers innovations result from their own initiatives to participate in fairs or from direct contact with consumers; the dialogue between tradition and modernity occurs primarily through the entrepreneurial capacity of the producers and less direct intervention by Walmart.
Structural Analysis of a Dengue Cross-Reactive Antibody Complexed with Envelope Domain III Reveals the Molecular Basis of Cross-Reactivity

Dengue virus infections are still increasing at an alarming rate in tropical and subtropical countries, underlying the need for a dengue vaccine. Although it is relatively easy to generate Ab responses to dengue virus, low avidity or low concentrations of Ab may enhance infection of FcR-bearing cells with clinical impact, posing a challenge to vaccine production. In this article, we report the characterization of a mAb, 2H12, which is cross-reactive to all four serotypes in the dengue virus group. Crystal structures of 2H12-Fab in complex with domain III of the envelope protein from three dengue serotypes have been determined. 2H12 binds to the highly conserved AB loop of domain III of the envelope protein that is poorly accessible in the mature virion. 2H12 neutralization varied between dengue serotypes and strains; in particular, dengue serotype 2 was not neutralized. Because the 2H12-binding epitope was conserved, this variation in neutralization highlights differences between dengue serotypes and suggests that significant conformational changes in the virus must take place for Ab binding. Surprisingly, 2H12 facilitated little or no enhancement of infection. These data provide a structural basis for understanding Ab neutralization and enhancement of infection, which is crucial for the development of future dengue vaccines.
How the legislation influenced the M&A transactions in Romania

We know that there is a close connection between the mergers and acquisitions and the legislation in every country. The M&A market is usually governed by commercial codes and other special laws in order to enhance business performances but maintaining proper competitive environments for improving business performances. The aim of this study is to analyze whether the M&A market in Romania was influenced in time by the specific legislation that was regulated for this purpose. Our analyze will include data for mergers and acquisitions between 2000 and 2014 and different types of mergers and acquisition processes which happened both on the stock exchange market and on a counter-to-counter basis. We will also discuss about the political decision that had an effect on the M&A market in Romania mainly in cases of privatisation processes. We will take into account the EU accession when Romania had to align its legislation to the European one (The European Community Merger Regulation Law) to see if this affected the M&As.
Delayed abrupt tamponade by isolated left atrial compression following coronary artery perforation during coronary angioplasty

Cardiac tamponade following coronary artery perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention is a rare but potentially life‐threatening complication. When associated with Ellis type III coronary perforations, tamponade develops rapidly during the intervention. In contrast, Ellis type I and II coronary perforations, because of their contained nature, are usually managed conservatively and rarely result in tamponade. We report two unusual cases of delayed but abrupt tamponade caused by localized left atrial compression after contained coronary artery perforation following angioplasty. This complication is an extremely rare event. Etiology, diagnostic modalities, and management are discussed. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different Conceptual Accounting Frameworks for Public and Private Enterprises: An Analysis of Canada's IFRS Transition and Suggestions for International Empirical Work

Prior accounting research, coupled with demographic data relating to the current needs of financial statement users, suggests that Canada’s strategy of adopting IFRS for public firms while retaining a classic conceptual framework based on reliability, conservatism and verifiability for private enterprises is a rational strategy that confers a comparative advantage on Canada’s private enterprises relative to their peers in other countries. I propose research projects that could examine that inference as a testable hypothesis, thereby providing evidence standard setters could weigh in determining whether the strategy is worth preserving. I also explain why conservatism can co-exist with unbiased fair values of private enterprises’ equity securities and their derivatives.
Un repaso de conceptos sobre capacidad y esfuerzo fiscal, y su aplicación para los gobiernos locales mexicanos.

In order to analyze the transfers policy among different levels of government, first it is necessary to calculate the capacity and fiscal effort of the specific region of study. This paper reviews the different methods to compute these two concepts and it also shows how the availability of information restricts the possibilities for the researcher to study these aspects of public finance. In addition, due to the lack of international evidence, the paper also shows the few theoretical and empirical efforts to offer an overview of this subject. As an example, it calculates the effort and the fiscal capacity of 2,412 local governments in Mexico during 1993-2004. The results confirm the myth that large local governments in Mexico have made the greater fiscal effort given the conditional as noncondicional transfers policy in the country during the last years.
Respiratory distress in neonates with special reference to pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE (i) To find causes of respiratory distress in neonates brought to a referral neonatal unit with symptoms suggestive of respiratory disorder; (ii) to evaluate clinical signs for diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia; (iii) To determine bacterial etiology of neonatal pneumonia; and (iv) To determine indicators of fatality in neonatal pneumonia. DESIGN Prospective descriptive. SETTING Referral neonatal unit of a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS 150 neonates admitted with respiratory symptoms consecutively. METHODS All neonates presenting with respiratory symptoms were included in the study. The diagnosis of the cause of respiratory distress was based on guidelines recommended by the National Neonatology Forum. Clinical features, FiO2 requirement, sepsis screen, X-ray chest, blood culture and antibiotic sensitivity, arterial blood gases and other relevant investigations were documented in a structured proforma. The neonates were regularly followed up for outcome. Multivariate unweighted logistic regression was done to find out the indicators of fatality in neonatal pneumonia for those variables which were significantly associated with outcome on univariate analysis. RESULTS Pneumonia was found to be the most common cause (68.6%) of respiratory distress in neonates. Other conditions included hydline membrane disease (HMD), transient tachypneia of new born (TTNB), birth asphyxia with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Clinical signs and symptoms were non specific and did not differentiate between pneumonia and other causes of respiratory distress. Respiratory rate was less than 60 per minute in 11.6% neonates with pneumonia. The most common organism responsible for neonatal pneumonia was Klebsiella pneumoniae. Chest X-ray was clear in 15% of neonates with pneumonia. On univariate analysis weight < 2000 g, gestation age < 34 weeks, age at presentation < 72 hours, lethargy, absent neonatal reflexes, shock, positive C-reactive protein, positive ventilatory support, blood culture positivity, Silverman Score >3, FiO2 >40%, pH < 7.2, alveolar arterial gradient (AaDO2) > 250 mmHg and arterial alveolar tension ratio (a/A) of < 0.25 were significantly associated with mortality in neonates with pneumonia. However, on multivariate analysis, only AaDO2 of > 250 mmHg was found to be independent predictor of fatality in neonatal pneumonia. CONCLUSION Pneumonia was the most common cause of respiratory distress in neonates. Clinical features and X-ray chest missed the diagnosis of pneumonia in 15 cases and had to be corroborated with sepsis screen and blood culture. AaDO2 > 250 mmHg was an independent predictor of fatality in neonatal pneumonia
PRIVATIZATION IN THEORY AND PRACTICE

Privatization George Yarrow This paper examines the theoretical and empirical case for private versus public ownership. Privatization usually leads managers to place greater emphasis on the pursuit of profits. However, whether this is beneficial to society depends on the trade-off between possible market failures due to a lack of competition and deficiencies in government control of public firms. The competitive and regulatory environment is more important than the question of ownership per se . In competitive markets there is a presumption in favour of private ownership. Where there is a natural monopoly, vigorous regulatory action is required. The evidence suggests that privatization has led to improved performance by firms such as the National Freight Corporation and Cable and Wireless which operate in a relatively competitive environment. The benefits are less clear in the case of firms like BP, Britoil and British Aerospace. However, the most worrying case is that of British Telecom and the projected privatization of British Gas where little thought has been given to limiting the abuse of monopoly power. Rather the regulatory environment has been tailored to the needs of the existing management and to ensuring a successful share flotation. Privatization is also advanced as a weapon for reducing trade union power, encouraging wider share ownership, redistributing wealth and improving the public finances. However, there are other policy instruments better suited to achieving these objectives. The existing privatization programme has not led to a marked widening of share ownership and has resulted in windfall gains to a small group of investors at the expense of taxpayers in general.
Adherence to Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care: Vascular Cognitive Impairment Screening and Assessment Practices in an Ontario Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Facility

Abstract Background: The Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care suggest that (1) all patients with stroke should be screened for cognitive impairment and (2) persons who are detected as having cognitive impairment on a screening test should receive additional cognitive assessment. The purpose of this study is to determine whether care in an Ontario inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility is consistent with these recommendations. Methods: Stroke patients discharged from an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program located in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, from May to October 2009 were included in this study. Charts were reviewed to identify current screening and assessment practices. The percentages of patients formally screened and/or assessed as well as differences between those who were and were not screened are reported. Results: The study included 123 patients (62 male; mean age = 67.3, SD 15.1). During inpatient rehabilitation, 82.9% of patients were screened using a formal cognitive screening instrument. Patients with cognitive and/or communication deficits were significantly less likely to be screened than those with intact cognitive and communicative abilities. Although 77.5% of those screened scored below the threshold for cognitive impairment, evidence of referral for a comprehensive cognitive assessment was found for only 3 patients. Conclusions: Although the majority of patients were screened for cognitive impairment while in inpatient rehabilitation, few patients were referred for a comprehensive diagnostic examination. On the basis of these results from a single inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit, it appears that specific cognitive deficits are likely underidentified in stroke rehabilitation patients in Ontario.
Analysis of scattering by PEC objects in layered medium with Calderón preconditioner

Electromagnetic scattering by perfect electrically conducting (PEC) objects in a layered medium is studied in this paper. The layered medium Green's function is adopted as the kernel of the electric field integral equation (EFIE) so that the effects from the multilayered background can be accounted for automatically. However, the spectrum of the EFIE with this kernel, is unfortunately undesirable. This leads to slow convergence of the iterative solution. To improve the convergence, the Calderón identities are derived and leveraged to precondition the EFIE. By utilizing Buffa-Christiansen (BC) basis function in discretizing the preconditioning operator, the preconditioner can be made completely multiplicative. Different numerical examples are designed to show the performance of the preconditioner. It is shown that the proposed preconditioner makes the EFIE system with layered kernel converge rapidly, independent of the discretization density.
Trends of labour productivity in Italy: a study with panel co‐integration methods

Purpose - The main aim of this paper is to examine labour productivity trends in Italy over the period 1981-2004. Design/methodology/approach - To this end, relying on recent developments in the analysis of non-stationary dependent panels, the paper develops a new method for estimating total factor productivity (TFP) trends. Findings - The conclusions confirm the view that the recent decline in Italian labour productivity growth is mostly due to a widespread fall in TFP growth. Research limitations/implications - The main assumption underlying the proposed TFP estimation method is that technology growth is driven by a single trend common to all units included in the panel (industries, regions or countries). Originality/value - The paper provides two distinct contributions: empirically, it provides robust evidence that TFP slow-down is the main cause of recent negative trends in labour productivity in Italy. Methodologically, the paper proposes an approach to estimating TFP that enjoys several advantages: only basic data for input and output flows are needed, the non-stationary nature of the data is explicitly taken into account, and confidence intervals for TFP growth can be computed. This method can thus be easily applied to many routinely available datasets, to either corroborate existing growth accounting estimates or to obtain previously unavailable estimates.
Protein Kinetics and Metabolic Effects Related to Disease States in the Intensive Care Unit

Evaluating protein kinetics in the critically ill population remains a very difficult task. Heterogeneity in the intensive care unit (ICU) population and wide spectrum of disease processes creates complexity in assessing protein kinetics. Traditionally, protein has been delivered in the context of total energy. Focus on energy delivery has recently come into question, as the importance of supplemental protein in patient outcomes has been shown in several recent trials. The ICU patient is prone to catabolism, immobilization, and impaired immunity, which is a perfect storm for massive loss of lean body tissue with a unidirectional flow of amino acids from muscle to immune tissue for immunoglobulin production, as well as liver for gluconeogenesis and acute phase protein synthesis. The understanding of protein metabolism in the ICU has been recently expanded with the discovery of how the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 is regulated. The concept of “anabolic resistance” and identifying the quantity of protein required to overcome this resistance is gaining support among critical care nutrition circles. It appears that a minimum of at least 1.2 g/kg/d with levels up to 2.0 g/kg/d of protein or amino acids appears safe for delivery in the ICU setting and may yield a better clinical outcome.
Comparison of Cognitive Modeling and User Performance Analysis for Touch Screen Mobile Interface Design

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to analyze and comparatively evaluate the usability of touch screen mobile applications through cognitive modeling and end-user usability testing methodologies. The study investigates the accuracy of the estimated results of a cognitive model produced for touch screen mobile phone interfaces. A mobile wallet application was chosen as the mobile software. The CogTool modeling tool was used as the cognitive modeling method. Eight tasks were determined and user tests were conducted in a usability laboratory with 10 participants. The tasks were compared on the basis of step time and total task completion time. This study reveals that CogTool gives approximate estimations with actual user performance on touch screen mobile phone application interfaces. However, if there are special cases in the tasks such that users are very accustomed to the steps or decision-making that is involved in the tasks, the “Think Operation” in CogTool should be modified.
‘We the People’ versus ‘We the Heads of States’: the debate on the democratic deficit of the European Union

The Eurozone crisis has rekindled the debate on the democratic deficit of the European Union (EU). In this paper, the debate is reconsidered by contrasting the modus vivendi of ‘We the People’ in the USA with the modus vivendi of ‘We the Heads of States’ in the EU. It is demonstrated that many of the solutions to the alleged democratic deficit focus on how more voice can be given to ‘We the People’ on the input side, but that this goes against the functional logic of the EU system, thereby undermining its ability to govern. Instead, we argue that more attention should be given to how to increase output legitimacy, and a number of proposals are put forward. Such a reshuffling of the analytical focus is the best way forward to escape the current impasse in the debate on how to ‘fix’ democracy in the EU.
An improved cryptosystem of low key authentic degree

The key authentic degree of cryptosystem under the threat of the rubber-hose attack and ciphertext only attack is discussed. The foregoing cryptosystem of low key authentic degree is analyzed and its weakness is pointed out. An improved cryptosystem is given by changing the format the key and the encryption parameter. The cryptosystem is like multiple-choice questions. It is easy to find spurious keys of the cryptosystem that can confuse and mislead cryptanalysts according to the need.
Rapid evolutionary adaptation to elevated salt concentrations in pathogenic freshwater bacteria Serratia marcescens

Rapid evolutionary adaptions to new and previously detrimental environmental conditions can increase the risk of invasion by novel pathogens. We tested this hypothesis with a 133-day-long evolutionary experiment studying the evolution of the pathogenic Serratia marcescens bacterium at salinity niche boundary and in fluctuating conditions. We found that S. marcescens evolved at harsh (80 g/L) and extreme (100 g/L) salt conditions had clearly improved salt tolerance than those evolved in the other three treatments (ancestral conditions, nonsaline conditions, and fluctuating salt conditions). Evolutionary theories suggest that fastest evolutionary changes could be observed in intermediate selection pressures. Therefore, we originally hypothesized that extreme conditions, such as our 100 g/L salinity treatment, could lead to slower adaptation due to low population sizes. However, no evolutionary differences were observed between populations evolved in harsh and extreme conditions. This suggests that in the study presented here, low population sizes did not prevent evolution in the long run. On the whole, the adaptive potential observed here could be important for the transition of pathogenic S. marcescens bacteria from human-impacted freshwater environments, such as wastewater treatment plants, to marine habitats, where they are known to infect and kill corals (e.g., through white pox disease).