Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of human capital and foreign direct investment in promoting economic growth: Evidence from Commonwealth of Independent States

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to validate the Endogenous Growth Model by examining the impacts of Human Capital (HK) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on economic growth in ten countries from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Design/methodology/approach - – For empirical investigation, a linear regression model based on growth theory and panel data set covering the time-period from 1993 to 2011 are used. Fixed and random effects models are applied. On the basis of the Hausman test, the fixed effects model has been preferred over the random effects model. Findings - – The results support the hypothesis of the study by confirming that HK development is critical for economic growth. Similarly, FDI has been found to have a facilitating role in promoting growth in the former Soviet Republics now comprising Central Asian independent economies. This is despite of the fact that there are country-specific differences across CIS. Practical implications - – The findings suggest that investment climate in the host countries must be enriched through suitable policies. Improved domestic conditions not only enhance the performance of multinational corporations but also allow host economies to reap greater benefits of FDI inflows. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that investment in both education and health are indispensable. Therefore, improved levels of education and health should be the primary objective running concurrently with other factors in order to stimulate economic growth. Originality/value - – The choice of CIS has been made because very little research has been found for the region particularly in the area of economic growth despite strong evidence of commonality in terms of landlocked geographical layout and economic and political structures of these economies. The region has gained importance gradually after independence of these states; and it has started to attract foreign funds in the shape of FDI only recently. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the future prospects pertaining to the importance of FDI and HK on growth performance of these economies and will insistently contribute to the literature.
Perceptions of Time, Cost and Quality Management on Building Projects

This paper examines the relative intrinsic importance of the effective management of projecttime, cost and quality in the attainment of client objectives. The findings from a questionnairesurvey are presented. The survey explored the perceptions of South Africanclients concerning their objectives and the project time, cost and quality management associatedwith building procurement systems in South Africa. The findings indicate thatmis-perceptions exist between clients, contractors and building professionals regardingthe time, cost and quality management associated with building projects, and the contributionthis makes to the attainment of client objectives.
DYNAMICS OF AUTOMORPHISMS OF COMPACT COMPLEX MANIFOLDS

We give an algebro-geometric approach towards the dynamics of automorphisms/endomorphisms of projective varieties or compact Kahler manifolds, try to determine the building blocks of automorphisms /endomor- phisms, and show the relation between the dynamics of automorphisms/endomorphisms and the geometry of the underlying manifolds.
Carving and adaptive drainage enforcement of grid digital elevation models

An effective and widely used method for removing spurious pits in digital elevation models consists of filling them until they overflow. However, this method sometimes creates large flat regions which in turn pose a problem for the determination of accurate flow directions. In this study, we propose to suppress each pit by creating a descending path from it to the nearest point having a lower elevation value. This is achieved by carving, i.e., lowering, the terrain elevations along the detected path. Carving paths are identified through a flooding simulation starting from the river outlets. The proposed approach allows for adaptive drainage enforcement whereby river networks coming from other data sources are imposed to the digital elevation model only in places where the automatic river network extraction deviates substantially from the known networks. An improvement to methods for routing flow over flat regions is also introduced. Detailed results are presented over test areas of the Danube basin.
Transition problems in economic reform: agriculture in the North American free trade agreement

How fast should Mexican agriculture be incorporated into the North American Free Trade Agreement? The authors focus on the implications for policy design of the absence of efficient capital markets on the welfare costs of reforming gradually, on incentive problems created by trade adjustment policies, and on the redistributive aspects of policy reform--all transitional problems that arise in most economic reforms. A key consideration is that adjustment should focus on increasing the value of the assets owned by the groups affected and not on direct income transfers or programs targeted on characteristics controlled by the beneficiaries. Copyright 1995 by American Economic Association.
Gaussian Mixture Modeling of Hemispheric Lateralization for Language in a Large Sample of Healthy Individuals Balanced for Handedness

Hemispheric lateralization for language production and its relationships with manual preference and manual preference strength were studied in a sample of 297 subjects, including 153 left-handers (LH). A hemispheric functional lateralization index (HFLI) for language was derived from fMRI acquired during a covert sentence generation task as compared with a covert word list recitation. The multimodal HFLI distribution was optimally modeled using a mixture of 3 and 4 Gaussian functions in right-handers (RH) and LH, respectively. Gaussian function parameters helped to define 3 types of language hemispheric lateralization, namely “Typical” (left hemisphere dominance with clear positive HFLI values, 88% of RH, 78% of LH), “Ambilateral” (no dominant hemisphere with HFLI values close to 0, 12% of RH, 15% of LH) and “Strongly-atypical” (right-hemisphere dominance with clear negative HFLI values, 7% of LH). Concordance between dominant hemispheres for hand and for language did not exceed chance level, and most of the association between handedness and language lateralization was explained by the fact that all Strongly-atypical individuals were left-handed. Similarly, most of the relationship between language lateralization and manual preference strength was explained by the fact that Strongly-atypical individuals exhibited a strong preference for their left hand. These results indicate that concordance of hemispheric dominance for hand and for language occurs barely above the chance level, except in a group of rare individuals (less than 1% in the general population) who exhibit strong right hemisphere dominance for both language and their preferred hand. They call for a revisit of models hypothesizing common determinants for handedness and for language dominance.
Effects of copepod foraging behavior on predation risk: An experimental study of the predatory copepod Pareuchaeta norvegica feeding on Acartia clausi and A. tonsa (Copepoda)

The effect of foraging behavior on predation risk was studied by exposing the two small calanoid copepods Acartia clausi and Acartia tonsa to 0 or 1 ppm (~1,500 cells ml−1) of the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii and to presence of the predator Pareuchaeta norvegica. In filtered water, predation rate was the same on the two species. In algal suspension, predation rate on A. clausi was half that in filtered water and half that on A. tonsa. Video observations revealed distinct differences in motility of Acartia depending on algal concentration. Both species performed frequent short feeding bouts in algal suspension; nonfeeding copepods in filtered water alternately sank or adjusted their vertical distribution by stronger jumps. Jump frequency nearly doubled for A. clausi in filtered water, but no significant difference was observed for A. tonsa. To explain the predation, assuming that P. norvegica is a rheotactic predator, we developed a model of potential hydrodynamic disturbance associated with each foraging behavior. Increased encounter rate with P. norvegica caused by frequent strong jumps by A. clausi in the absence of algae could explain >40% of the observed increase in predation rate. For A. tonsa, jump frequencies and predation rates were similar in both food treatments, which is in accordance with the model.
Inactivation of a Single Copy of Crebbp Selectively Alters Pre-mRNA Processing in Mouse Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Global expression analysis of fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells (FL HSCs) revealed the presence of unspliced pre-mRNA for a number of genes in normal FL HSCs. In a subset of these genes, Crebbp+/− FL HSCs had less unprocessed pre-mRNA without a corresponding reduction in total mRNA levels. Among the genes thus identified were the key regulators of HSC function Itga4, Msi2 and Tcf4. A similar but much weaker effect was apparent in Ep300+/− FL HSCs, indicating that, in this context as in others, the two paralogs are not interchangeable. As a group, the down-regulated intronic probe sets could discriminate adult HSCs from more mature cell types, suggesting that the underlying mechanism is regulated with differentiation stage and is active in both fetal and adult hematopoiesis. Consistent with increased myelopoiesis in Crebbp hemizygous mice, targeted reduction of CREBBP abundance by shRNA in the multipotent EML cell line triggered spontaneous myeloid differentiation in the absence of the normally required inductive signals. In addition, differences in protein levels between phenotypically distinct EML subpopulations were better predicted by taking into account not only the total mRNA signal but also the amount of unspliced message present. CREBBP thus appears to selectively influence the timing and degree of pre-mRNA processing of genes essential for HSC regulation and thereby has the potential to alter subsequent cell fate decisions in HSCs.
WAQF DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Waqf or endowment as an institution begins with a pious intention to do good deeds for the benefit of one and others. In other words, waqf is a dedication made by one person for the benefit of others, with the intention that the dedicator be entitled to a continuous reward from Allah the Creator throughout the period of the endowment. Once the waqf is declared by the person it will effect a transfer of the property which is the subject matter of the dedication to Allah Almighty. However the benefit derived from the use of property will be given in accordance with the founder’s intention. Historically, waqf played a key role in the development of Muslim societies. Waqf served the Muslim community (ummah) in almost all fields, such as religion, education, medicine and other socio-economic activities. However, nowadays waqf has become dormant and less popular in Muslim countries. Waqf no longer serves the needs of the ummah due to problems, such as mismanagement, waqf laws and awareness of it in Muslim society. The status of waqf has deteriorated to such an extent that in some countries waqf assets have been neglected and abandoned. As a result of colonialism, Malaysia and Singapore adopted western laws, which precede Islamic laws including those dealing with waqf. Despite this, Johor and Singapore still provide the best models of the successful development of waqf. Therefore, it is interesting to compare the different environments and situations of the two states in order to identify the challenges faced by waqf institutions in both states. Based on a comprehensive literature review of issues affecting waqf in the two states, the following major themes were identified; legal issues, perceptions, management and operation. The importance of the legal system is basically to support and protect waqf in areas such as registration or amending the deeds. Any change in contemporary law does not necessarily mean it is against Shariah principles, as long as the state regulation upholds Shariah principles, in order to protect the waqf while catering for the current situation. Generally, both quantitative and qualitative data support the theory that many people still believe that waqf is only for religious purposes. The data obtained from both states also show that national differences play an important role in the variation of knowledge and awareness of waqf. In managing waqf, there are problems or challenges that have to be faced. The problems that can be detected are from three kinds, namely; development, management and public awareness. However, lack of awareness amongst the public becomes problematic when there is a need to increase and improve waqf assets. Based on the empirical analysis presented in this thesis, the last chapter’s purpose is to highlight policy recommendations with respect to improving waqf development and increasing public awareness. This small contribution not only fulfils the research requirement but hopefully also helps to make my beloved small country Brunei Darussalam more aware of and concerned with this important institution.
A remark about minimal surfaces with flat embedded ends.

In questo lavoro si prova un teorema di ostruzione all’esist nza di superficie minime complete nello spazio Euclideo aventi soltanto code piatte lisce. Nella dimostrazione confluiscono tecniche di geometria algebric a (spinori su supeficie di Riemann compatte) e differenziale (herisson e formula di monotonicità). Come corollario si ottiene che una superficie minimale di genere d u avente tre code piatte lisce e tipo spinoriale pari non è immergibile minim al ente inR3.
Microsegment-based connected digit recognition

By building acoustic phonetic models which explicitly represent as much knowledge of pronunciation in a small domain (the digits) as possible, we can create a recognition system which not only performs well but allows for meaningful error analysis and improvement. An HMM-based recognizer for the digits and a few associated words was constructed in accord with these principles. About 65 phonetic models were trained on 140 carefully labeled utterances, then iteratively trained on unlabeled data under orthographic supervision. The basic system achieved less than 3% word error rate on digit strings of unknown length from unseen test speakers, and 1.4% on 7-digit strings of known length. This is competitive with word-based models using the same HMM engine and similar parameter settings. As an R&D system, it allows meaningful analysis of errors and relatively straightforward means of improvement.
Nicaragua Social Investment Fund: Conditional Cash Transfer, a New Avenue for Social Funds?

The note presents the case of the Nicaragua Social Investment Fund (FISE), which accounts for an impressive record, having financed a significant number of projects in ten years (sixty percent of these benefiting the education sector). Moreover, it reinforced rural water, and municipal infrastructure projects, and strengthened its engagement in local capacity building at the municipal, and community levels. However, in the late 90s, it became clear there were limits to the effectiveness of supply side interventions, and both FISE, and the government began thinking about strengthening the demand side, through new ways to improve access to social services, and creating an opportunity for inclusion of the most vulnerable, particularly children living precariously in rural areas. The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program is examined, a new window to finance cash transfers to extremely poor families in selected rural areas. Yet, the remarkable results of CCT questions its affordability, and sustainability. The Government is now starting to prioritize programs, and investments in the social sector to achieve greater impact. As for the question of the program's cost effectiveness, the Government is considering undertaking a comparative analysis to assess results.
Silencing nc886, a Non-Coding RNA, Induces Apoptosis of Human Endometrial Cancer Cells-1A In Vitro

Background The role that nc886, a non-coding microRNA, plays in human endometrial cancer is unknown. The present study aimed to describe the functional role of nc886 in human endometrial cancer-1A (HEC-1A) cell line, which may provide another target for human endometrial cancer treatment. Material/Methods The expression levels of nv886 in normal human endometrial tissue and the early phase and late phase of human endometrial cancer tissues were determined and compared by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Small interference RNA (siRNA) was used to inhibit nc886, and cell proliferation was evaluated with the MTT test. mRNA levels of PKR, NF-κB, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and caspase-3 were determined against glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH between the HEC-1A control group and the silenced group (nc886 silenced with siRNA) by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein levels of PKR (total and phosphorylated form), NF-κB, VEGF, and caspase-3 were determined against GAPDH by Western blotting, and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Results Our results indicated that a higher level of nc886 was expressed in the late phase of human endometrial cancer tissue, less than in the early phase but still higher than in normal human endometrial tissue. After nc886 was silenced, protein levels of p-PKR (phosphorylated PKR) and caspase-3 were increased, whereas NF-κB and VEGF were decreased. Conclusions The rate of apoptosis in the silenced group was increased and the rate of cell proliferation was slower in comparison to the control.
Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Publications Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Exogenous Application of Estradiol to Eggs Unexpectedly Induces Male Development in Two Turtle Species with Temperaturedependent Sex Determination Exogenous Application of Estradiol to Eggs Unexpectedly 

NOTICE: this is the author's version of a work that was accepted for publication in General and Comparative Endocrinology. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was ABSTRACT Steroid hormones affect sex determination in a variety of vertebrates. The feminizing effects of exposure to estradiol and the masculinizing effects of aromatase inhibition during development are well established in a broad range of vertebrate taxa, but paradoxical findings are occasionally reported. Four independent experiments were conducted on two turtle species with temperature-dependent sex determination (Chrysemys picta and Chelydra serpentina) to quantify the effects of egg incubation temperature, estradiol, and an aromatase inhibitor on offspring sex ratios. As expected, the warmer incubation temperatures induced female development and the cooler temperatures produced primarily males. However, application of an aromatase inhibitor had no effect on offspring sex ratios, and exogenous applications of estradiol to eggs produced male offspring across all incubation temperatures. These unexpected results were remarkably consistent across all four experiments and both study species. Elevated concentrations of estradiol could interact with androgen receptors or inhibit aromatase expression, which might result in relatively high testosterone concentrations that lead to testis development. These findings add to a short list of studies that report paradoxical effects of steroid hormones, which addresses the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the role of sex steroids in sexual development.
CSE 255 Assignment 1 : Helpfulness in Amazon Reviews

In this paper we consider models for predicting the helpfulness rating of Amazon book reviews. We examine features such as the review’s star rating, the length of the review text, the readability of the review text, and the amount of comparisons made in the review. We compare Support Vector Machine and Random Forests models both for regression and classification.
Asymmetries in Stock Returns: Statistical Tests and Economic Evaluation

We provide a model-free test for asymmetric correlations in which stocks move more often with the market when the market goes down than when it goes up, and also provide such tests for asymmetric betas and covariances. When stocks are sorted by size, book-to-market, and momentum, we find strong evidence of asymmetries for both size and momentum portfolios, but no evidence for book-to-market portfolios. Moreover, we evaluate the economic significance of incorporating asymmetries into investment decisions, and find that they can be of substantial economic importance for an investor with a disappointment aversion (DA) preference as described by Ang, Bekaert, and Liu (2005). , Oxford University Press.
Why do pine processionary caterpillars Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) live in large groups? An experimental study

Optimal group size of gregarious larvae is the result of a trade-off between the costs and benefits undergone by individuals living in groups of different sizes. Thus, females should adjust their clutch size to an optimal-minimum group size. In this study, we experimentally manipulated the size of colonies of pine processionary caterpillars, a capital breeder species, to test the hypothesis that a large group size enhances larval growth and survival. We also explored whether this relationship fits a quadratic or an asymptotic curve and estimated an optimum or a minimal-optimum group size. The results showed significant differences in the final larval sizes in the various treatments, being greater in the larger groups. In addition, according to the existence of a minimal-optimum group size, we found that a Piecewise Linear Regression fits the above relationship better than does a linear regression. Groups larger than 32 individuals did not differ in growth or survival parameters. Although the number of dead larvae per group did not differ between experimental treatments, large experimental colonies suffered a lower percentage of mortality. Thus, the probability of reaching the pupal stage was greater for larvae from large colonies because of dilution effects. Our results demonstrated a minimum group size, above which group size did predict larval growth or mortality, thereby explaining why pine processionary caterpillars live in large groups.
Keynes as the first behavioral economist: the case of the attribute-substitution heuristic

Abstract: The present article demonstrates that Keynes’s analysis of inferential judgment and assimilation that was inherent in his theory of fundamental uncertainty is consistent with and historically a predecessor of attribute-substitution accounts of models of heuristic judgment, which are used in modern behavioral economics. This conclusion is important because it associates Keynes’s theory of fundamental uncertainty with contemporary psychology, it explains key ideas of the former in terms of cognitive psychology, and it strengthens the importance of Keynesian psychological concerns for the development of contemporary behavioral economics.