Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Efforts on Remittances and Financial Intermediation

This report seeks to analyze the efforts among financial institutions to leverage the relationship between financial intermediation and remittance transfers. The impact of family remittances has been highlighted in the literature as an important one for development. A development impact is one that addresses issues relating to the distribution of wealth and overall improvements in the quality of people's lives. More recently, policy recommendations have stressed the importance of linking remittances to financial intermediation as a strategy to harness the development impact of such earnings. This paper attempts to identify emergent trends in the remittance and finance world that potentially point to a deepening connection between remittances and development vis-a-vis financial intermediation. It is a case study analysis of nine financial institutions, and focusing on three basic indicators: institutional ability to provide remittance transfers to its clients and community, to offer low cost remittance services, and to compliment transfer services with other financial services.
EASY RIDERS, JOINT PRODUCTION, AND PUBLIC GOODS*

The conventional wisdom on pure public good provision has certain accepted propositions:' (i) As group or community size increases, easy (or free) riding2 and its associated suboptimality also increase (Olson, I965). (2) The stability of Nash (or Nash-Cournot) equilibrium solely depends on the sign and magnitude of an inycome effect (see, for example, Breton, I970, p. 574; Olson and Zeckhauser, I966; Pauly, I970, p. 574; Williams, I966, p. 2I). (3) Nash behaviour always leads to inefficiency for public goods (Pauly, I970). (4) A model with identical individuals has a symmetric equilibrium where everyone provides the same equilibrium quantity of a pure public good (Olson, I965). (5) There is no measure for the extent of easy riding. These are important propositions that are universally used and accepted in public finance. This article explores the comparative statics of the demand for a marketed good that jointly provides public and private outputs or characteristics. Once joint products are admitted to the analysis of public goods, we demonstrate that propositions (I)-(4) no longer hold. In particular, the analysis shows that the consumption relationship of the jointly produced outputs influences the slope of the expenditure reaction paths, the stability of equilibria, and the departure of Nash equilibria from optimality (i.e. the extent of easy riding). When the joint products are complements in a Hicksian sense, particularly interesting results follow including the possibilities of positively sloped reaction paths and of reduced easy riding as the size of the community is increased. Thus, an agent's public expenditures may increase in response to increased public expenditures of others, even when all goods are normal with positive income elasticities. Such a result may well apply to an activity like philanthropy, where charitable activities provide private as well as public benefits to contributors (see, Sugden, I982; Posnett and Sandler, I983). Even in the absence ofjointness, this article demonstrates that propositions (i) and (4) are not valid. Furthermore, a simple, but useful, geometric technique is presented. This device can generate reaction paths and an index of easy riding, whose existence disproves proposition (5). Additionally, we derive the stability conditions for an n-person public good model. In Section V the theoretical results are applied to the study of a military alliance, where an arsenal jointly produces private and public outputs. This
Using qualitative comparative analysis to study causal complexity.

In case-oriented research, investigators study the ways in which the different aspects ofcases fit together within each case, and they make sense ofeach case separately (Ragin, earlier in this issue). Although this approach is rich in detail, it highlights individual cases at the expense of knowledge about cross-case patterns. This strategy differs from variable-oriented research, where the key concem is for patterns observable across cases, not the specfficity ofindividual cases. In this article, I bring these two kinds of concerns together. The key to bridging them is a "configurational" view of cases. In this view cases are understood in terms of the aspects they combine, as different configurations of set memberships. Rather than viewing cross-case patterns through the lens of "relationships between variables," the researcher compares and contrasts configurations. In my presentation of this approach, I emphasize the study of the different combinations ofcausal conditions that are sufficient for a selected outcome. However, the configurational approach is not limited to the study of causation or causal complexity. It is relevant to any investigation where the number of cases is small enough to permit some degree of familiarity with each case, yet large enough to warrant an interest in cross-case patterns. First, I explainmy approach to causal complexity. This discussion builds on the contrast between studies that focus exclusively on cases displaying a specific outcome and a search for common antecedent conditions, on the one hand, and studies that allow for the possibility that the same outcome can follow from different combinations of conditions, on the other. Next, I present Qualitativc Comparative Analysis (QCA) (Drass and Ragin 1992), an analytic technique designed specifically for the study ofcases as configurations of aspects, conceived as combinations of set memberships. I illustrate QCA
A testing strategy for two crossing survival curves

ABSTRACT In biomedical studies, the testing problem of two sample survival curves is commonly seen. The most popular approach is the log-rank test. However, the log-rank test may lead to misleading results when two survival curves cross each other. From Li et al., it is difficult to find a good method to test two sample survival curves for all situations. Here, we propose a strategy procedure to combine some existing approaches for the testing problem. Then, we conduct simulations to examine the power and Type I error rate, and compare the proposed methods with five competitive approaches from Li et al. under various crossing situations of two survival curves. From the results, we suggest the Strategy 2 for the two survival curves testing problem, which has higher power and appropriate Type I error for each situation. Finally, we analyze two real data examples with the proposed methods for illustrations.
Infant Orthopedics in UCLP: Effect on Feeding, Weight, and Length: A Randomized Clinical Trial (Dutchcleft)

Objective To study the effects of infant orthopedics (IO) on feeding, weight, and length. Design Prospective two-arm randomized controlled trial in three academic Cleft Palate Centers. Treatment allocation was concealed and performed by means of a computerized balanced allocation method. Setting Cleft Palate Centers of Amsterdam, Nijmegen, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Patients Infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), no other malformations. Interventions One group (IO+) wore passive maxillary plates during the first year of life, but the other group (IO−) did not. All other interventions were the same for both groups. Main Outcome Measures Bottle feeding velocity (mL/min) at intake, 3, 6, 15, and 24 weeks (T0 to T24); weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length using z scores; reference values from the Netherlands’ third nationwide survey on growth. Results Feeding velocity increased with time from 2.9 to 13.2 mL/min in the IO− group and from 2.6 to 13.8 mL/min in the IO+ group; no significant differences were found between groups. Weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length (z scores) did not differ significantly between groups, but overall the infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate in both groups had significantly lower mean z scores for weight-for-age and height-for-age than the reference during the first 14 months, and had lower mean values for weight-for-length after soft palate closure. Conclusion Infant orthopedics with the aim of improving feeding and consequent nutritional status in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate can be abandoned.
Towards 'Open' IS Managers: An Exploration of Individual-Level Connectedness, Ambidexterity, and Performance

This paper examines the individual IS manager's ability to exploit current IT capabilities and explore new technology innovations. It extends the concept of ambidexterity, which is often studied at the firm or business unit level, to the individual level, and draws from open innovation theory to examine how the ability of an individual IS manager to explore and exploit is associated with their degree of external and internal connectedness. The research model is tested through a survey of 67 IS managers from a large financial services company. The results show that external connectedness is strongly and positively associated with an IS manager's ability to innovate while internal connectedness is negatively associated with exploration. In addition, the degree to which individual IS managers simultaneously engage in exploration and exploitation (i.e. ambidexterity) is found to be positively associated with individual performance.
Decreased risk of colorectal cancer with the high natural killer cell activity NKG2D genotype in Japanese.

BACKGROUND NKG2D is an immune receptor on natural killer (NK) and other cells active in the immune system. It recognizes ligands expressed on mainly transformed cells and plays a role in their elimination through the so-called 'cancer immune surveillance'. It was reported that there are two haplotypes of NKG2D, HNK1 (high NK activity) and LNK1 (low NK activity). Harboring the HNK1 is reported to reduce the overall cancer risk. To elucidate its impact on colorectal cancer (CRC), we conducted the present case-control study. METHOD The subjects were 379 CRC patients and 1137 sex-age-matched non-cancer controls. Data on lifestyle factors including diet were obtained by self-administered questionnaire. The NKG2D genotypes (rs1049174: G-C, LNK1/LNK1:CC; LNK1/HNK1:CG and HNK1/HNK1:GG) were assessed by the TaqMan method. Associations were then assessed by multivariate logistic regression models, considering potential confounders. The measure of association was the odds ratio (OR) and its confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS We found a reduced risk of CRC with the NKG2D HNK1. Adjusted ORs were 0.77 for LNK1/HNK1 (95% CI: 0.60-0.99) and 0.48 for HNK1/HNK1 (0.32-0.72) relative to LNK1/LNK1. The same association was consistently observed with stratified analyses across all confounders except regular exercise and body mass index (BMI). Thus, the impact of harboring HNK1 was more evident among those with BMI >/= 25 and those exercising regularly, suggesting possible interactions between NKG2D genotype and these factors. CONCLUSION We found that the HNK1 genotype, associated with high NK cell activity, might be an independent protective factor for CRC among the Japanese population. This possibility warrants further analysis.
Research and Development, Competitiveness and European Integration of South Eastern Europe

Abstract This article explores the relationship between research and development (R&D) and competitiveness of South East European (SEE) economies from the perspective of European Union (EU) integration. Specifically, the article addresses the question of whether South East Europe is a potential asset or liability to the enlarged EU. SEE countries are quite diverse in terms of levels of competitiveness, with visible effects on the role of R&D, which is confirmed by analysis of R&D demand and supply factors. Improvements in the national innovation systems of SEE countries have largely taken place through vertical linkages on the supply and demand sides. However, a wider role for R&D will depend increasingly on the strength of horizontal linkages within national systems of innovation and their key agent—the local innovative business enterprise sector. This calls for a rethinking of science and technology policy, traditionally defined as a sectoral activity.
The day of the week effect: evidence from India

The day of the week effect is a well-documented calendar anomaly. This study investigates the presence of this effect in the Indian stock market during 1990 to 2013, using GARCH framework with three distribution assumptions. The results indicate that the traditional Monday effect is non-existent in the two leading market indices. In contrast, a positive Monday effect in Sensex and a positive Wednesday effect in Nifty are present in the entire sample period. The results remain robust to the distribution assumptions and sub-periods.
Immune interactions with cells infected with herpes simplex virus: antibodies to radioiodinated surface antigens.

Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed radioiodination was used to study reactions between surface antigens and antibodies on BHK-21 cells infected with HSV-1 and HSV-2. Isolation of iodinated surface antigens was achieved by indirect immune precipitation of Triton X-100 disrupted cells with antisera to HSV and IgG. Analysis of immune precipitates by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) revealed at least 10 antigens, ranging in m.w. from 35 x 103 to 160 x 103 daltons. Antigens were detectable on cell surfaces as early as 2 hr post-infection. Electrophoretic patterns of surface antigens induced by HSV-1 were similar to those induced by HSV-2. In both cases the major portion of activity was associated with glycoprotein(s) in the range of 115 x 103 to 130 x 103 daltons. A reduced amount of radioactivity was obtained if cells were reacted with anti-HSV sera before disruption with Triton X-100, suggesting that less surface antigen was accessible to HSV antibody applied directly to intact cells.
Endogenous Tariffs in a Common-Agency Model: A New Empirical Approach Applied to India

This paper proposes a new method to test the Grossman-Helpman model of endogenous protection and lobby formation, which does not require data on lobby formation or contributions. It identifies politically organized industries using commonly available trade and production data, as well as the model's structural parameter estimates. Applied to India, it yields results that are qualitatively consistent with the model's predictions and that seem quantitatively more plausible than estimates given for the US by alternative methods. Our estimates imply that the weight put by the Indian government on contributions by politically organized sectors is a third of the weight it puts on (gross) social welfare, well above existing estimates for the United States.
Contribution of natural and anthropogenic aerosols to optical properties and radiative effects over an urban location

A method to determine the contribution of natural and anthropogenic aerosol species to aerosol radiative forcing using surface-based, columnar and vertical profile measurements, optical properties and radiative transfer models is outlined. Aerosol optical properties and radiative fluxes measured during 2008 over Ahmedabad, an urban city located in western India are utilized. Mid-visible aerosol optical depth (AOD) does not show a strong seasonal variation, while α, the Ångström exponent, exhibits significant seasonal variation. α is higher during winter and post-monsoon, when fine mode aerosols are dominant, while α is lower during pre-monsoon and monsoon, when coarse mode aerosols are abundant. The contribution of mineral dust to the total aerosol mass is higher than 55% as the study location is in a semi-arid region. Natural aerosols (mineral dust and sea salt) dominate the aerosol mass concentration, while anthropogenic aerosols (water soluble aerosols and black carbon) dominate the aerosol optical depth. The percentage contribution of black carbon to the net atmospheric forcing is larger than 65% throughout the year, corroborating that black carbon aerosol is a strong contributor to global warming on regional scales. Black carbon aerosols contribute 50% or more to the aerosol radiative forcing at the surface, thus, significantly contributing to solar dimming. The large atmospheric warming and the surface forcing due to black carbon aerosols can influence the hydrological cycle. Results emphasize that aerosol radiative forcing is governed more by aerosol optical properties (aerosol optical depth and single scattering albedo) rather than their mass, and there exists no linear relation between mass, optical depth and radiative effects of different aerosol species. These results and the relationship can be used to delineate the anthropogenic influence of aerosols from their natural counterpart, because anthropogenic aerosols in the fine mode (lower mass) give rise to higher AOD, lower SSA, higher aerosol radiative forcing, while natural aerosols which are in the coarse mode (higher mass) give rise to lower AOD, higher SSA and lower aerosol radiative forcing.
Dynamic Analysis and Control for Resonant Currents in a Zone-Control Induction Heating System

This paper presents a quick and accurate power control method for a zone-control induction heating (ZCIH) system consisting of multiple working coils connected to multiple H-bridge inverters. A uniform temperature profile can be achieved by adjusting the current in each working coil. This paper proposes a new current control method based on a circuit model using real and imaginary (Re-Im) current/voltage components. The method detects and controls the Re-Im components of the coil current instead of the current amplitude and phase angle. As a result, the proposed method enables the inverters to control the coil current independently from the others. Experiments using a six-coil ZCIH system are conducted to verify the validity of the proposed method. The experimental results confirmed that the proposed method makes it possible to improve the stability of the current feedback control, not only in steady states but also in transient states.
Colonialism and problems of language policy: formulation of a colonial language policy in Sri Lanka

A corrected version of the PDF for this article was loaded on 28/03/2012. The problems of language policy in modern Sri Lanka have their roots in the nineteenth century. The question of language came to the fore during the early nineteenth century when British administrators and missionaries debated what kind of language education policy should be introduced. The first official pronouncement relating to language policy in colonial Sri Lanka is to be found in the Colebrooke report on the Administration of the Government of Ceylon (1832), which made explicit the privileged position of English in the country. Linguistic imperialism was another consequence of colonial policy, and colonial ideologies were reflected in language education policies. However, there was no total agreement among the missionaries and colonial officials on policies relating to language-in-education and they continued to hold conflicting views. It is clear that the dual discourses of Orientalism (policies in favour of education in local languages) and Anglicism (policies in favour of education in English) continued to coexist alongside, and served the interests of the British colonial agenda. The introduction of English education in the nineteenth century had a profound long-term impact on the country’s language policies and practices. This discussion of colonial language policies and practices reveals the historical origins of the language question in Sri Lanka and points to the general embeddedness of linguistic developments in colonial history. Keywords: Colonialism; Colonial Sri Lanka; Language policy; Education; Colebrooke; Cameron DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.4038/sljass.v1i1. 3814 Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies Vol.1(1) 2011 27-52
Directors' Diversity and Board Performance: Evidence from East African Microfinance Institutions

Active board participation is one of the main challenges faced by microfinance institutions. This article sets out to explore the effect of board of directors' characteristics (age, gender, and education) on their ability to effectively perform their board roles (monitoring and resource provision). Microfinance policy makers are concerned with the role of boards in terms of the performance of the industry. This study used the agency theory and resource dependence theory to test the relationship between directors' characteristics and boards' performance. The empirical analysis is based on a survey conducted with 105 board directors representing 63 microfinance institutions from three East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda). The results show a positive relationship between directors' age and their ability to monitor and provide the board with resources. The study also shows that the effect of directors' level of education on boards' performance is positive, while no evidence was found with regard to the effect of female directors on boards. The findings imply that board directors need to be appointed based on their personal characteristics and their ability to perform their roles.
Forecasting British Tourist Arrivals in the Balearic Islands Using Meteorological Variables

This paper investigates the possibility of improving the predictive ability of a tourism demand model with meteorological explanatory variables. The authors use as a case study the monthly British tourism demand for the Balearic Islands (Spain). For this purpose, a transfer function model and causal artificial neural network are fitted. The results are compared with those obtained by non-causal methods: an ARIMA model and an autoregressive neural network. The results indicate that incorporating meteorological variables can increase predictive power, although the most accurate prediction is obtained using a non-causal model – specifically, an autoregressive neural network.
Selenium (Se) from high‐selenium broccoli is utilized differently than selenite, selenate and selenomethionine, but is more effective in inhibiting colon carcinogenesis

The reduction in incidence of chemically‐induced colon cancer by foods high in selenium (Se) was investigated in Fisher‐344 rats. The foods used were high‐Se broccoli (produced in a greenhouse by addition of selenate to the media surrounding the plant roots) and a processed high‐Se wheat product (made by milling high‐Se wheat purchased from a seleniferous area). Weanling rats were fed diets containing different amounts of Se from these foods or from selenium salts (selenite and selenate). Early in the experiment the animals were injected with a chemical carcinogen. After 11 weeks on diets animals were killed and the colons examined for preneoplastic lesions (aberrant crypts foci, ACF). ACF were significantly reduced in animals fed supra‐nutritional amounts of Se from broccoli, despite the finding that Se from broccoli was poorly bioavailable. Supra‐nutritional amounts of Se from high‐Se processed wheat also significantly reduced aberrant crypts (AC), although pure selenomethionine, (the predominant chemical form of Se in wheat), did not significantly reduce AC. These results emphasize the need to study Se in food forms, and not extrapolate from previous studies using pure chemical forms in cancer inhibition studies. They also demonstrate that foods with high Se bioavailability are not necessarily the most efficacious for cancer incidence reduction.