Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Foreign Aid's 7 Functional Categories on Economic Development in Recipient Countries *

There are 3 major views on the effectiveness of foreign aid. First, foreign aid is perceived as positive in terms of its effect on growth. Second, foreign aid is effective when certain conditions (e.g. political conditions) are satisfied. Third, aid has neither significant impact nor has it positive returns on economic growth. A substantial part of foreign aid research has been focused on total amount of aid‘s effects on economic growth. To clarify all these issues, 7 major functional types of aid are examined (e.g. social services and infrastructure). From the methodology perspective, we use panel data techniques such as the fixed effects, random effects and system GMM. For describing economic development, we use the proxies of ? PQLI (Physical Quality of Life Index),‘ HDI (Human Development Index), infant mortality rate, age dependency ratio, adult literacy rate, as well as GDP growth, and others. All these variables are used as dependent variables to judge aid‘s effectiveness. Concerning the independent variables, we use a variety of them as per literature and the 7 categories of aid. As a result of this analysis all categories of aid affect our dependent variables in different ways. Two important consequences can be drawn from our study. First, our paper confirms the positive impact of foreign aid on economic development as many other researchers have been pointed and contrary to those who have suggested a negative impact of foreign aid. And second, both recipient and donor countries can see the significance and impact of different categories of aid more precisely.
Nanoporous Zeolite Thin Film-Based Fiber Intrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometric Sensor for Detection of Dissolved Organics in Water

A fiber optic intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (IFPI) chemical sensor was developed by fine-polishing a thin layer of polycrystalline nanoporous MFI zeolite synthesized on the cleaved endface of a single mode fiber. The sensor operated by monitoring the optical thickness changes of the zeolite thin film caused by the adsorption of organic molecules into the zeolite channels. The optical thickness of the zeolite thin film was measured by white light interferometry. Using methanol, 2-propanol, and toluene as the model chemicals, it was demonstrated that the zeolite IPFI sensor could detect dissolved organics in water with high sensitivity.
Knowledge sharing through co‐presence: added value of facilities

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to find suitable measures that facility managers can use to prove the importance of a building for employee behaviour (and thus organizational performance). The amount of knowledge sharing between colleagues is studied, because it influences innovation, which is one of the most important organizational goals these days.Design/methodology/approach – Knowledge sharing in open plan areas is studied with the help of measures derived from spatial network analysis methods. Data were collected from 138 employees working together in a research building and used to show the effect of co‐presence on the amount of knowledge sharing and the way knowledge is shared.Findings – Co‐presence explains 12 percent of the variability in the number of knowledge‐sharing meetings. Also the way knowledge is shared differs between people working in co‐presence and people who have separate rooms/areas. Spatial network analysis is an adequate way to describe open plan workplaces.Originality/value –.
The Credit Crunch and Insider Trading

This paper examines the behaviour and information content of insiders’ trades before and after the credit crunch and, in particular, examines the extent to which some insiders anticipated the market crash and took action to protect their positions. In part, the market crash was brought about by the excessive borrowing of financial institutions. Our results point to the view that a number of insiders, primarily directors, were aware that the excessive use of leverage by financial institutions would ultimately have a detrimental impact on the economy. These insiders acted by selling their shares prior to the market collapse and subsequently buying them back at a lower price. Supportive evidence for the above view is provided through both graphical evidence and regression analysis. In particular, we demonstrate a link between insider behaviour and the rapid decline in share values. Further evidence is also provided of a link between insider behaviour and future risk as measured by the CDS premium. In short, we argue that this selling was not motivated by liquidity or other contrarian strategies but was a result of understanding how higher levels of leverage and excessive trading in new risky derivatives could lead to higher levels of risk, an insight possessed only by a subset of insiders.
A review on bio-cooperative control in gait rehabilitation

While gait rehabilitation robots have become increasingly common to automate treadmill training, their efficacy is still controversial. Current robots lack the ability to react compliantly to the user's voluntary effort and cognitive intention. Bio-cooperative control concepts allow integrating the patient into the control loop as part of the plant rather than seeing him as a source of disturbance. Closed loop control is thereby performed on a physiological and psychological level. In this paper, we review the concept of bio-cooperative control implemented with neurological patients during robot-assisted gait rehabilitation. We highlight its clinical importance and review our work on control strategies that allow bio-cooperative control. We finish by discussing the future potential of bio-cooperative control in rehabilitation robotics.
A numerical study on hydrological impacts of forest restoration in the southern United States

Landscape in the southern United States changed dramatically during the 1930s and the following decades when massive agricultural and abandoned logging lands were converted to forest lands through natural restoration and silviculture. The impacts of this forest restoration on hydrology were investigated in this study by conducting numerical experiments with a regional climate model. Climatic and hydrological conditions for the months of January and July during an 8‐year period were simulated with prior and post forest conversion land cover, respectively. The assembled results of the simulations and experiments during the period indicate that overall precipitation decreases in July and increases in January in the restoration region (RR) in response to the restoration, mainly caused by the reduction in the corresponding prevailing winds due to increased surface roughness. Evapotranspiration and root‐layer soil moisture increase in both months, mainly caused by the changes in vegetation and soil properties. Solar radiation increases due to smaller albedo, most of which is used to increase sensible heat. Large increases in July precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff in the remote central Midwest are found, resulting from the change in the large‐scale atmospheric circulation. The implications of the results for the projected vegetation changes due to the climate change and the silviculture project in the Southeast in the future are discussed. Published in 2010. This article is a US Government work and is in the publich domain in the USA.
The protein tyrosine kinases EpsB and PtkA differentially affect biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis

The Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis is able to choose between motile and sessile lifestyles. The sessile way of life, also referred to as biofilm, depends on the formation of an extracellular polysaccharide matrix and some extracellular proteins. Moreover, a significant proportion of cells in a biofilm form spores. The first two genes of the 15-gene operon for extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, epsA and epsB, encode a putative transmembrane modulator protein and a putative protein tyrosine kinase, respectively, with similarity to the TkmA/PtkA modulator/kinase couple. Here we show that the putative kinase EpsB is required for the formation of structured biofilms. However, an epsB mutant is still able to form biofilms. As shown previously, a ptkA mutant is also partially defective in biofilm formation, but this defect is related to spore formation in the biofilm. The absence of both kinases resulted in a complete loss of biofilm formation. Thus, EpsB and PtkA fulfil complementary functions in biofilm formation. The activity of bacterial protein tyrosine kinases depends on their interaction with modulator proteins. Our results demonstrate the specific interaction between the putative kinase EpsB and its modulator protein EpsA and suggest that EpsB activity is stimulated by its modulator EpsA.
of Tobacco-Specific Carcinogen NNK Most Active Cytochrome P 450 for the Metabolic Activation Associated with Genetic Polymorphism in CYP 2 A 13 , the Substantial Reduction in Risk of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Cytochrome P450 2A13 (CYP2A13), an enzyme expressed predominantly in the human respiratory tract, exhibits high efficiency in the metabolic activation of tobacco carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). A C3T transition in the CYP2A13 gene causes Arg257Cys amino acid substitution and, thus, results in a significantly reduced activity toward NNK and other substrates. In this casecontrol study, we genotyped 724 patients with lung cancer and 791 controls for this polymorphism to examine the hypothesis that the variant CYP2A13 may have impact on risk of lung cancer in relation to tobacco smoking. A gene deletion polymorphism (CYP2A6*4) in CYP2A6, another enzyme involved in the metabolic activation of tobacco nitrosamines, was also analyzed as a comparison. We found that, compared with the CC genotype, the variant CYP2A13 genotype (CT TT) was associated with substantially reduced risk for lung adenocarcinoma [odds ratio (OR), 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.23–0.71], but not squamous cell carcinoma (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.57–1.29) or other types of lung cancer (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.32–1.09). Stratification analysis shows that the reduced risk of lung adenocarcinoma related to the variant CYP2A13 genotype was limited to smokers, especially light smokers (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08–0.68) but not nonsmokers or heavy smokers. No association was observed between CYP2A6 genotype and risk of lung cancer. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the variant CYP2A13 allele is associated with reduced risk of lung adenocarcinoma, suggesting the role of NNKCYP2A13 interaction as a causative factor for the cancer.
A Note on Capital IQ's Credit Line Data

Empirical work in finance is increasingly using Capital IQ’s detailed data on capital structure. We compare the Capital IQ credit line data to hand-collected data for a random sample of firms. Missing values in Capital IQ are prevalent, so the data set underreports the importance of corporate credit lines. When data is reported, Capital IQ often differs from hand-collected credit line activity. We suggest methods for correcting the errors in the Capital IQ data, note which portions of the data are most reliable, and quantify the effects of Capital IQ’s underreporting by examining the tradeoff between cash and lines of credit.
The role of prior exposure in the capture of attention by items in working memory

The Biased Competition Model (BCM) suggests both top-down and bottom-up biases operate on selective attention (e.g., Desimone & Duncan, 1995). It has been suggested that top-down control signals may arise from working memory. In support, Downing (2000) found faster responses to probes presented in the location of stimuli held vs. not held in working memory. Soto, Heinke, Humphreys, and Blanco (2005) showed the involuntary nature of this effect and that shared features between stimuli were sufficient to attract attention. Here we show that stimuli held in working memory had an influence on the deployment of attentional resources even when: (1) It was detrimental to the task, (2) there was equal prior exposure, and (3) there was no bottom-up priming. These results provide further support for involuntary top-down guidance of attention from working memory and the basic tenets of the BCM, but further discredit the notion that bottom-up priming is necessary for the effect to occur.
Infrastructure and well-being: employment effects of Jamuna bridge in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT We evaluate the impact of the Jamuna multipurpose bridge, the largest physical infrastructure in Bangladesh, on employment opportunities. We particularly focus on labour market integration effects using survey data that provide information on current and retrospective assessments of household situation in two adjacent districts connected by the bridge. Using a quasiexperimental framework of the canonical difference-in-difference regression methodology, we analyse the impact of this infrastructure on employment and job transition patterns. We find that, along with decreasing household unemployment, the bridge construction facilitated farm-to nonfarm shift of employments. Also, the treatment effects are heterogeneous across age groups.
THE SHIPPERS' PERSPECTIVE: TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS TRENDS AND ISSUES

Most major best-in-class shippers are performing well in managing transportation costs and operations. Even so, these shippers can still improve on total supply chain performance. The evolution of logistics from a cost center to one of strategic component is not occurring quickly enough to accommodate the rapid changes that are transforming both transportation and other supply chain links. If ever more demanding customer expectations are to be met, and new levels of efficiency attained, there must be greater integration of logistics processes within shippers' organizations, and greater integration of processes that comprise the substance of relationships between shippers and their suppliers, customers, and other supply chain partners.
Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of methanol extracts from aerial parts of Korean salad plants

The aim of this investigation was to determine the content of total phenolics, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of methanol extracts from the aerial parts of 11 Korean medicinal salad plants. The highest total phenolic content of the methanol extracts was found in Aster scaber (17.1 mg 100 g−1 ), followed by Ixeris dentate (16.4 mg 100 g−1 ), Aster yomena (12.0 mg 100 g−1 ) and Sedum sarmentosum (9.1 mg 100 g−1 ) of FW. Methanol extracts of Ixeris dentate and Aster scaber at 50 μg mL−1 exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity by 86.4 and 83.3%, respectively. It was registered a dose‐dependent increase of DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Total phenolic content of the studied plant extracts was correlated with the DPPH radical scavenging activity. It was found by means of MTT assay, that cytotoxicity of the methanol extracts was the highest against HCT‐116. Methanol extracts from Petasites japonicus (IC50 < 25.0 μg mL−1 ) showed the highest activity against HCT‐116, following by Angelica gigas (34.75 μg mL−1 ), Erythronium japonicum (44.06 μg mL−1 ), and Aster scaber (54.87 μg mL−1 ).
Foreign Aid, Policy Effectiveness and Economic Growth in Tanzania

: Doubts have always remained in the claim of foreign aid contributing towards the economic growth of the recipients. This paper, therefore, aims to study the effects of aid on the Tanzanian economic growth, the largest aid recipient in average, through Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling. The relevancy of the presence of sound policies in affecting the effectiveness of aid is also studied and an index for policies is constructed. The results show that aid contributes positively towards the Tanzanian economic growth and sound policy would enhance the effectiveness of aid, although it is not a necessity.
Essays on the relevance and use of dirty surplus accounting flows in Europe

This thesis intends to add empirical evidence to a recently heavily debated regulatory issue, the necessity of promoting a clean surplus income statement. I document the magnitude, and assess the relevance of dirty surplus accounting flows in European member states. In particular, this thesis evaluates the features of dirty surplus accounting flows, and clean surplus income, in terms of their relevance to stock returns, their persistence, and their use in forging accounting conservatism.
APOE Genotype-Function Relationship: Evidence of −491 A/T Promoter Polymorphism Modifying Transcription Control but Not Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Background The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) coding polymorphism modifies the risks of Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease. Aside from the coding variants, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the APOE promoter has also been shown to modify the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we investigate the genotype-function relationship of APOE promoter polymorphism at molecular level and at physiological level: i.e., in transcription control of the gene and in the risk of type 2 diabetes. In molecular studies, the effect of the APOE −491A/T (rs449647) polymorphism on gene transcription was accessed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. The −491 A to T substitution decreased the activity (p<0.05) of the cloned APOE promoter (−1017 to +406). Using the −501 to −481 nucleotide sequence of the APOE promoter as a ‘bait’ to screen the human brain cDNA library by yeast one-hybrid system yielded ATF4, an endoplasmic reticulum stress response gene, as one of the interacting factors. Electrophoretic-mobility-shift assays (EMSA) and chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP) analyses further substantiated the physical interaction between ATF4 and the APOE promoter. Over-expression of ATF4 stimulated APOE expression whereas siRNA against ATF4 suppressed the expression of the gene. However, interaction between APOE promoter and ATF4 was not −491A/T-specific. At physiological level, the genotype-function relationship of APOE promoter polymorphism was studied in type 2 diabetes. In 630 cases and 595 controls, three APOE promoter SNPs −491A/T, −219G/T (rs405509), and +113G/C (rs440446) were genotyped and tested for association with type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese. No SNP or haplotype association with type 2 diabetes was detected. Conclusions/Significance At molecular level, polymorphism −491A/T and ATF4 elicit independent control of APOE gene expression. At physiological level, no genotype-risk association was detected between the studied APOE promoter SNPs and type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese.
Infrared spectroscopy of eruptive variable protostars from VVV

In a companion work (Paper I), we detected a large population of highly variable Young Stellar Objects (YSOs) in the Vista Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) survey, typically with class I or flat spectrum spectral energy distributions and diverse light-curve types. Here we present infrared spectra (0.9–2.5? m) of 37 of these variables, many of them observed in a bright state. The spectra confirm that 15/18 sources with eruptive light curves have signatures of a high accretion rate, either showing EXor-like emission features (? v = 2 CO, Br? ) and/or FUor-like features (? v = 2 CO and H2O strongly in absorption). Similar features were seen in some long-term periodic YSOs and faders but not in dippers or short-term variables. The sample includes some dusty Mira variables (typically distinguished by smooth Mira-like light curves), two cataclysmic variables and a carbon star. In total, we have added 19 new objects to the broad class of eruptive variable YSOs with episodic accretion. Eruptive variable YSOs in our sample that were observed at bright states show higher accretion luminosities than the rest of the sample. Most of the eruptive variables differ from the established FUor and EXor subclasses, showing intermediate outburst durations and a mixture of their spectroscopic characteristics. This is in line with a small number of other recent discoveries. Since these previously atypical objects are now the majority amongst embedded members of the class, we propose a new classification for them as MNors. This term (pronounced emnor) follows V1647 Ori, the illuminating star of McNeil's Nebula.
Testing for Non-linearity in the Balancing Item of Balance of Payments Accounts: The Case of 20 Industrial Countries

The non-linearity of financial and economic time series is becoming a fundamental issue both at the theoretical and empirical level. This applies equally to balance of payments statistics such as balancing item (net errors and omissions), which is a residual variable needed to ensure that all debit and credit entries in the balance of payments statement sum to zero. This univariate variable is only one of a number of accounting balances that can be established in economic statistics that are used in assessing the accuracy of the balance of payments statistics. Except for Tang et al (forthcoming), the existing works which have studied the balancing item either disregard the presence of non-linearity or assume at the outset that the non-linearity takes a particular form. An AR(p) model is employed in the present paper to remove any linear structure from the balancing item series. Applying a battery of non-linearity tests, the assumption of linearity is tested for 20 industrial countries' balancing item. In general, the statistical tests reveal the presence of non-linear dependencies in the balancing item series for 16 out of the 20 industrial countries. An implication is that the non-linear dynamics of these balancing item series should be incorporated in the modelling and forecasting exercises for a majority of the countries.
The Relationship Between Board Characteristics and Voluntary Improvements in Audit Committee Composition and Experience

This study empirically examines the relation between certain board of director characteristics and the extent that audit committee composition voluntarily exceeds minimum mandated levels and includes outside directors with financial reporting and audit committee knowledge and experience. This study focuses on board characteristics as the board directly controls audit committee membership. Such staffing decisions can directly affect the ability of the audit committee to monitor management's financial reporting process on behalf of the board. Results suggests that Canadian firms which voluntarily include more outside directors on the audit committee than the mandated minimum have larger boards with more outsiders serving on those boards and are more likely to segregate the board chairperson position from the CEO/president positions. Additionally, firms who voluntarily create audit committees composed of outsider members with a breadth of relevant financial reporting and audit committee knowledge and experience have boards that are larger, have more outside members, and are less likely to be chaired by the CEO/president. Implications of these findings for auditors, institutional investors, regulators and other interested parties are discussed.