Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding gender and diversity dimensions of irrigation management for pro‐poor interventions

This paper offers a critical review and synthesis of key issues and lessons on gender and diversity dimensions of irrigation in the context of poverty alleviation interventions. The paper is a part of the multi‐country study carried out by the author at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in collaboration with national partners in six Asian countries (Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Vietnam) during 2001–2002. The paper suggests that, while making large contributions to irrigated agriculture, women depend on, and benefit from, irrigation water in a variety of ways including water uses for domestic and livelihood purposes. Gender and diversity aspects are critical in irrigation management that aims to address poverty issues. An understanding of these aspects is important for designing pro‐poor interventions in irrigated agriculture. Women and low socio‐economic groups have benefited where gender and diversity issues have been incorporated in policy formulation, project design and implementation. Designing the irrigation infrastructure such that the irrigation systems become multiple use systems can enhance the benefits of investments in irrigation for the poor women. Finally, the paper suggests that policy and project level interventions that aim to address gender and diversity issues need to focus not only on areas predominantly inhabited by the poor belonging to low castes, clans, tribes and ethnic minorities, but also in areas where such groups are in minorities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate Finance and the Governance Implications of Removing Government Support Programs

Governments worldwide spend trillions of dollars on business support programs. This article examines the implications to investors of phasing out one of these subsidy programs. Our setting takes advantage of a unique quasi-natural experiment, where tax subsidies for Canadian Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCCs) were phased out in one province but not in others. Using a difference-in-differences setting, we show that fund performance—unrelated to the tax credit—decreased substantially following the enactment of the phase-out. We further show empirically that LSVCC managers continued to charge venture capital-like management fees, despite the fact that their investment strategies become more similar to mutual funds. Our data strongly support the idea that investors in companies and/or funds that unexpectedly lose government support face significant financial costs.
Corporate Governance in Uk/Usa Boardrooms

This paper reflects on the duties of the board of directors, in the light of transatlantic differences in practice, the instructive case history of Marconi, the interventions of Sarbanes-Oxley, and the proposals of the Higgs Review of non-executive directors. It is argued that ensuring a balance between good corporate governance and effective strategy is essential for sustained business results.
Transport infrastructure investment: implications for growth and productivity

Theory and evidence on the effects of public investment on growth and productivity are reviewed. It is concluded that, on average, public capital has positive impacts on output and private investment, partly offset by the effects of the taxation needed to finance it. A possible future shortfall in public capital in the UK is highlighted. The paper also reviews the contribution of transport infrastructure to productivity and considers implications for cost-benefit analysis. It is suggested that there is a case for greater UK investment in roads but, ideally, this should be implemented along with an efficient national road-pricing scheme.
Are REIT Returns Hedgeable

This study examines the ability of existing futures contracts to hedge the returns on real estate investment trusts (REITs). The results from various hedging strategies suggest that existing futures contracts do not provide the means to effectively hedge REIT returns. REITs could remain unhedgeable until futures contracts written specifically on REITs are developed.
Visual outcome of pars plana vitrectomy with intraocular foreign body removal through sclerocorneal tunnel and sulcus-fixated intraocular lens implantation as a single procedure, in cases of metallic intraocular foreign body with traumatic cataract

Aim: To evaluate visual outcome following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal through the sclerocorneal tunnel combined with simultaneous cataract extraction and sulcus-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) implantation as a single procedure in penetrating ocular trauma with IOFB and traumatic cataract. Materials and Methods: Eighteen cases of penetrating ocular trauma with retained IOFB and traumatic cataract who underwent PPV, IOFB body removal and cataract extraction with posterior chamber IOL (PCIOL) implantation in the same sitting, between June '04 and December '05 were retrospectively analyzed. All the foreign bodies were removed through the sclerocorneal tunnel. Result: All the 18 patients were young males, with an average follow-up period of 12 months. In 12 cases the foreign body was intravitreal and in six cases it was intraretinal but extramacular. Thirteen cases had a best corrected visual acuity ranging from 20/20 to 20/60 at their last follow-up. Five cases developed retinal detachment due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) changes postoperatively and were subsequently managed by surgery. Conclusion: Primary IOL implantation with combined cataract and vitreo-retinal surgery is a safe option reducing the need for two separate surgeries in selected patients with retained IOFB and traumatic cataract. This combined procedure provides good visual outcome with early rehabilitation in young working patients.
Exploring information-seeking processes by businesses: analyzing source and channel choices in business-to-government service interactions

With the rise of electronic channels it has become easier for businesses to consult various types of information sources in information-seeking processes. Governments are urged to rethink their role as reliable information source and the roles of their (electronic) service channels to provide efficient service support. This article addresses how governments cope with the availability of numerous sources and channels and focuses on similarities, differences and interdependencies between source and channel selection processes. Individual and group interviews were held with businesses throughout the Netherlands. The results indicate that some factors influence source and channel choices (e.g. task characteristics), others influence only channel choice (e.g. situational factors, channel characteristics). Source and relationship characteristics uncover interdependencies between both, since these source-related concepts influence channel choices. Further insight is needed to increase our understanding and come to an integrated theory of source and channel choices in information-seeking processes. Points for practitioners The channels used by the government are in their own control (i.e. information quality); however, other sources and their channels are outside their control. Management of these sources can be realized through strategic partnerships with crucial sources. The first implication is that governments provide content to other sources, which these sources can use for advice to its customers. The second implication concerns the use of cross-referrals between sources and their channels. For instance, the government website contains a recommendation to call an advisor for specific information since this source-channel combination provides only general information.
The term structure of implied costs of equity capital

We model and estimate the term structure of implied costs of equity capital (and implied risk premia) at the firm level for the years 1996–2015 from forward looking option contracts. Empirical tests reject the assumption that the term structure of implied firm-level costs of equity is constant over different time horizons. Instead, we find that the term structure is often upward sloping and concave. However, we also find that the term structure flattened during the 1998 and 2007–2008 crises and even sloped downward during part of 2008. Term structure estimates are shown to predict future stock returns and volatilities over multiple horizons. In contrast to static implied cost of capital models, the term structure estimates can capture ex ante the well-documented earnings announcement premium. Moreover, various firm-level characteristics related to firm performance and risk are shown to explain some of the cross-sectional variation in the shape of the term structure.
NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS FLAVONES AGAINST GLOBAL ISCHEMIC MODEL IN RATS

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB) is the medicinal plants mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for the treatment of various chronic inflammatory syndromes including respiratory disease, fever and gastric ulcer in traditional Eastern medicine and its major components; baicalin, baicalein and wogonin; were reported to have various biological effects. The aim of this study was to isolate the neuroprotective flavones from the root of S. baicalensis (SB) by bioactivity-guided fractionation of S. baicalensis methanol extract (SBME). Neuroprotective effect of isolated flavones, namely was studied on global ischemic model in rat by 4-VO. SBME was fractionated with different solvent and resulting fractions were administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg to the rat and potent neuroprotective fractions were sub-fractionated. At a dose of 10 mg/kg, isolated compounds, wogonin, and baicalein inhibited the hippocampal neuronal cell death by 78.6% and 81.0% respectively. Our study suggested that SB and its isolated flavones have potential neuroprotective effect and these findings may be one of the alternative therapies for the management of stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN SYRIA

There is broad consensus among scientists that climate change is altering weather patterns around the world. However, economists are only beginning to develop comprehensive tools that allow for the quantification of such weather changes on countries' economies and people. This paper presents a modeling suite that links the downscaling of global climate models, crop modeling, global economic modeling, and sub-national-level dynamic computable equilibrium modeling. Important to note is that this approach allows for decomposing the potential global and local economic effects on countries, including various economic sectors and different household groups. We apply this modeling suite to Syria, a relevant case study given the country's location in a region that is consistently projected to be among those hit hardest by climate change. We find that, despite a certain degree of endogenous adaptation, local impacts of climate change (through declining yields) are likely to affect Syria beyond the agricultural sector and farmers and also reduce economy-wide growth and incomes of urban households in the long term. The overall effects of global climate change (through higher food prices) are also negative, but some farmers may reap the benefit of higher prices. Combining local and global climate change scenarios shows welfare losses across all rural and urban household groups, whereas the poorest household groups are the hardest hit.
The real exchange rate and growth in Malawi: Exploring the transmission route

This study focuses on the impact of real exchange rate on savings rate and economic growth. It further explores the savings transmission mechanism through which such a link can take place in the country. The results show that real effective exchange rate (REER) volatility has adverse effects on economic performance. Contextually, an appreciated REER is significantly and positively correlated with economic growth, reflecting Malawi’s net-importer position. On the other hand, REER volatility is significantly and negatively correlated with growth, reflecting investors’ preference for a stable exchange rate. With regard to savings, the study finds that appreciation of the REER (or nominal exchange rate) would encourage savings. The study also finds that devaluation of the REER has an insignificant effect on economic growth in the long-run. The negative impact of real exchange rate volatility on economic growth suggests that eliminating real exchange rate volatility can have strong growth-enhancing effects. Government has a variety of instruments at their disposal to influence the level, and reduce the volatility of the real exchange rate. The options include currency intervention (building up foreign exchange reserves) and eliminating institutional and market failures.
The performance paradox

Executive Overview Many management teams may know what they should do to improve their performance dramatically—not five or ten percent but twenty-five, fifty or one hundred percent. However, like many individuals who know they should stop smoking, see a physician, start exercising, or begin dieting, the management team ignores, avoids, delays or simply acts contrary to what they already know they should do. Unfortunately, this contradiction appears to be more prevalent and common than anyone would care to admit.
Financial Management Information Systems: 25 Years of World Bank Experience on What Works and What Doesn't

This paper was prepared by the public sector and governance group of the World Bank poverty reduction and economic management network. Since 1984, the World Bank has financed 87 Financial Management Information System (FMIS) projects in 51 countries, totaling over US $2.2 billion, of which US $938 million was for FMIS-related Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions. This study presents the World Bank's experience with these investment operations, including substantial ICT components, in order to share the achievements and challenges observed, and provide guidance for improving the performance of future projects. This study is dived into five chapters. The introduction covers the definitions used and methodology applied in reviewing projects. Chapter 2 provides descriptive characteristics of the sample data drawn from Bank databases and describes general patterns in duration, regional distribution, costs, and ICT solutions implemented, among other aspects. Chapter 3 analyzes the performance of the projects, differentiating between ratings of the Implementation Completion Reports (ICRs) and the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) reports, as well as the factors contributing to the success and failure of projects and individual components. A detailed analysis of country case studies from Mongolia, Turkey, Albania, Guatemala, and Pakistan are presented in chapter 4. In conclusion, chapter 5 synthesizes the main lessons learned and prerequisites necessary for an effective FMIS project. The findings of this study are based on a comprehensive database of 55 closed and 32 active Treasury and FMIS projects implemented between 1984 and 2010 (pipeline projects were also analyzed in some sections). The data presented here was gathered from individual project ICRs, Project Appraisal Documents (PADs), the IEG reports, and complemented with interviews with task team leaders and relevant public sector and informatics specialists.
Central Banking in Latin America: From the Gold Standard to the Golden Years

This paper provides a brief historical journey of central banking in Latin America to shed light on the debate about monetary policy in the post-global financial crisis period. The paper distinguishes three periods in Latin America’s central bank history: the early years, when central banks endorsed the gold standard and coped with the collapse of this monetary system; a second period, in which central banks turned into development banks under the aegis of governments at the expense of increasing inflation; and the “golden years,” when central banks succeeded in preserving price stability in an environment of political independence. The paper concludes by cautioning against overburdening central banks in Latin America with multiple mandates as this could end up undermining their hard-won monetary policy credibility.
Sub-surface Biogeochemical Characteristics and Its Effect on Arsenic Cycling in the Holocene Gray Sand Aquifers of the Lower Bengal Basin

High arsenic (As) content in the fertile delta plains of West Bengal has been widely reported since the 1990s. The shallow grey sand aquifers (GSA) deposited during the Holocene, are more commonly used as potable water sources, but they have high As levels. The release of As into groundwater is influenced by indigenous microbial communities metabolizing different organic carbon sources present in the GSA sediments. After pre-screening the groundwater for assessing their microbial phylogenetic diversity, two50-m deep boreholes were drilled in the GSAs, and 19 sediment samples were recovered from each core. In each of these samples, grain-size distribution, sequential extraction, and quantification of trace metals and total extractable lipids were analyzed. The aquifer sediments consisted of medium to fine micaceous sand with clay lenses in between them; a thick clay layer occurred on top of both boreholes. Arsenic concentration in these sediments varied from 1.80 to 41.0 mg/kg and was mostly associated with the oxide and silicate-rich crystalline minerals. Arsenic showed a significant correlation with Fe in all fractions, suggesting the presence of Fe-(oxy)-hydroxides bound As minerals. The diagnostic lipid biomarkers showed presence of compounds derived from higher plants (epicuticular waxes) and microbial inputs. The biomarkers were abundant in clay and silt-rich layers. The samples indicated preferential preservation of n-alkanes over other functional compounds (e.g. alcohols and fatty acids), that are more reactive, and hence subject to further degradation. Sediments recovered from the borehole indicated the presence of Eustigmatophytes and vascular plant waxes that are mostly surface-derived. The sedimentary lipids also indicated the presence of complex petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. These compounds provide organic substrates, and support the preferential survival of specific microbial communities in these sediments.
Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy and Ruptures with Flexor Hallucis Tendon Transfer: Clinical Outcome and MRI Findings

Background: In patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy, augmentation with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer can be performed to improve pain and functional limitations. There are no reports of postoperative imaging for evaluating tendon integration, inflammatory alterations or degeneration of the FHL muscle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative MR imaging based on clinical outcome and isokinetic strength. Materials and Methods: 13 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy (10 ruptures) underwent augmentation with FHL transfer. Clinical parameters, isokinetic strength and outcome measurements (AOFAS, SF-36) were evaluated at an average followup of 46.5 months. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of postoperative MRI were conducted using the non-operated side for comparison. Results: All patients had a significant reduction of pain. The operated side had a torque deficit of 35% for plantar flexion. Ten patients returned to their former level of activity. MRI showed a complete integration of the FHL tendon in six patients. Fatty atrophy in the triceps surae was found in ten patients. The FHL was free of degeneration in all patients. Hypertrophy of the FHL of more than 15% was observed in eight patients. Conclusion: Augmentation with FHL transfer is a valuable option in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy with and without rupture. Our results demonstrate high patient satisfaction without donor site morbidity. The FHL tendon is well integrated into the Achilles tendon. Hypertrophy of the FHL muscle suggests functional incorporation into plantar flexion. The primary benefit of the operation is pain relief and increased muscle strength.
Neonatal angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in the rat induces persistent abnormalities in renal function and histology.

Recently, we reported that neonatal blockade of the renin-angiotensin system in the rat produces irreversible abnormalities in renal histology associated with increased diuresis. In the present study, we assessed the long-term consequences of neonatal angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on renal function. Rats were injected with 10 mg.kg-1.d-1 enalapril or vehicle from day 3 to day 24 after birth. Urine concentrating ability, renal function, and renal histology were assessed in 16-week-old rats. There was a twofold increase in diuresis and water intake in enalapril-treated rats throughout the study course. Urine osmolality after 24 hours of water deprivation was 1008 +/- 108 and 2549 +/- 48 mOsm.kg-1 (P < .05) in enalapril- and vehicle-treated rats, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate (0.54 +/- 0.03 versus 0.75 +/- 0.06 mL.min-1x100 g body wt-1, P < .05) and effective renal plasma flow (1.76 +/- 0.09 versus 2.19 +/- 0.14 mL.min-1x100 g body wt-1, P < .05) were reduced in neonatally enalapril-treated versus control rats. Absolute and fractional urinary sodium excretion values were elevated (P < .05) in enalapril-treated rats. Semiquantitative assessment of renal histology demonstrated statistically significant degrees of papillary atrophy, interstitial fibrosis and inflammation, tubular atrophy and dilatation, and focal glomerulosclerosis in neonatally enalapril-treated rats. In conclusion, neonatal angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in the rat produces irreversible alterations in renal function and morphology, demonstrating the importance of an intact renin-angiotensin system neonatally for normal renal development.
Ventilation requirements during high frequency ventilation

This study was undertaken to investigate ventilatory requirements during high frequency ventilation (HFV). Six anesthetized dogs were ventilated with bird M-2 or Emerson 2-V ventilators at respiratory rates (RRs) ranging from 13–1300 breath/min. Paco2 was maintained within normal range at all rates by tidal volume (VT) adjustment. Required minute volume (VE) increased linearly with rate while VT decreased exponentially and approached a plateau at rates above 200. Airway pressure was inversely proportional to rate at rates below 80 but increased with rate thereafter. A method is provided to estimate required ventilatory volume during HFV based on the results of this study. It was concluded that gas exchange during HFV can be explained by conventional concepts of ventilation and with an unvented nonrebreathing system no benefit accrues from respiratory rates above 200 inasmuch as neither airway pressure nor VT can be reduced in the face of increasing VE requirements.
Is there a part-time/ full-time pay differential in Australia?

The incidence of part-time employment in Australia is high by international standards and the trend towards part-time work is on the rise. In this paper, we show that, on average, part-timers earn significantly less than full-timers. After controlling for human capital characteristics, the adjusted hourly earnings gap between men employed full-time and women employed part-time is equal to 22.5%. When comparing women only, the human capital adjusted part-time/full-time gap is equal to 8.9%. The latter falls to 1.1% when industry and occupation are controlled for, reflecting important segregation effects. These findings are consistent with international evidence. Consistent with other Australian studies, we also find that the part-time pay gap varies with casual status. In the female labour market, our human capital adjusted models show a part-time casual premium equal to 3.6% relative to the base group (women employed full-time on a non-casual basis).