Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Providing new financing to low-income countries with high levels of debt : some considerations

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) currently assess future trends in a country's debt sustainability based on long term projections for several variables, including economic growth, export growth, and new borrowing. These projections are important inputs for evaluating the magnitude of new financing that will be made available to a country. But in many cases the projections have turned out to differ significantly from actual outcomes, especially more than one or two years out in the future. The projections tend to be overly optimistic, which has led to more debt financing than would be consistent with lower growth rates. This note briefly examines these issues, with a view towards exploring alternatives to economic growth and export projections in considering new financing, including both debt and grants. The note is focused on new financing following debt relief, and not on the issue of the appropriate amount of debt relief itself. The next section of the paper analyzes projections versus outcomes in the first eight countries (Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda) to reach their completion point under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program. The third examines ways in which several structural characteristics of low-income countries can provide guidance for both the overall envelope of new financing and the allocation of that new financing between loans and grants.
Habitat‐induced degradation of sound signals: Quantifying the effects of communication sounds and bird location on blur ratio, excess attenuation, and signal‐to‐noise ratio in blackbird song

The habitat‐induced degradation of the full song of the blackbird (Turdus merula) was quantified by measuring excess attenuation, reduction of the signal‐to‐noise ratio, and blur ratio, the latter measure representing the degree of blurring of amplitude and frequency patterns over time. All three measures were calculated from changes of the amplitude functions (i.e., envelopes) of the degraded songs using a new technique which allowed a compensation for the contribution of the background noise to the amplitude values. Representative songs were broadcast in a deciduous forest without leaves and rerecorded. Speakers and microphones were placed at typical blackbird emitter and receiver positions. Analyses showed that the three degradation measures were mutually correlated, and that they varied with log distance. Their variation suggests that the broadcast song could be detected across more than four, and discriminated across more than two territories. The song’s high‐pitched twitter sounds were degraded more rapidly than its low‐pitched motif sounds. Motif sounds with a constant frequency projected best. The effect of microphone height was pronounced, especially on motif sounds, whereas the effect of speaker height was negligible. Degradation was inversely proportional to microphone height. Changing the reception site from a low to a high position reduced the degradation by the same amount as by approaching the sound source across one‐half or one‐whole territory. This suggests that the main reason for a male to sing from a high perch is to improve the singer’s ability to hear responses to its songs, rather than to maximize the transmission distance. The difference in degradation between low and high microphone heights may explain why females, which tend to perch on low brush, disregard certain degradable components of the song.
Impairment of Retrograde Neuronal Transport in Cardiac Vagal Motoneurons in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: A Wheat Ger Agglutinin-Horseradish Peroxidase Neurohistochemical study

Central projections of vagal motoneurons to the heart were studied in diabetic rats using Wheat germ Agglutinin-Horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP). Experimental rats were rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in citrate buffer. The diabetic rats were maintained in a stable diabetic state by daily injection of insulin for 24 weeks. Age-matched control rats were injected intraperitoneally with citrate buffer not containing streptozotocin. Control rats were also kept alive for 24 weeks after citrate buffer injection. At the end of 24 weeks the two groups were prepared for injection with WGA-HRP. Following anesthesia with sodium pentobarbitone, thoracotomy was performed on the left aspect of the thorax to expose the heart. The atrial and ventricular walls were then injected with 5% WGA-HRP by multiple intramuscular penetrations. Experimental and control rats were sacrificed 72 h after tracer injection by transcardial perfusion first with normal saline followed by fixative and then buffered sucrose. Transverse serial frozen sections of the brainstem were then taken and processed for WGA-HRP neurohistochemistry and analyzed under light and dark-field microscopy. Analysis of the sections taken from diabetic rats revealed fewer WGA-HRP labeled neurons in the nucleus ambiguus (nA) than sections taken from control rats. Sporadic labeling of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve was observed in control rat but not in the diabetic rats. It was concluded that the depletion of labeled neurons in the diabetic rats compared with the normoglycaemic rats is indicative of impairment of retrograde neuronal transport of WGAHRP in chronic diabetic state.
Competitive Charitable Giving and Optimal Public Policy with Multiple Equilibria

Consider a large number of small individuals contributing to a charity or to a public good. We study the properties of a competitive equilibrium in giving and allow for multiple equilibria. Our proposed condition, aggregate strategic complementarity, is a necessary condition for multiple equilibria. Consider two equilibria with low (L) and high (H) levels of giving. Comparative statics at L could be perverse (subsidies reduce giving) while those at H could be normal (subsidies induce giving), which rules out the use of incentives at L. We demonstrate how public policy, in the form of temporary direct government grants to charity can engineer a move from L to H. We use a welfare analysis to determine the optimal mix of private and public contributions to charity. Our paper contributes to the broader and more fundamental question of using public policy to engineer moves between multiple equilibria.
On the behaviour of barnacles II. The influence of habitat and tide-level on cirral activity

During a study of the relation between temperature and cirral activity of barnacles, reported in Part I of this series (Southward, 1955), specimens for investigation were collected from those habitats and tide-levels where the particular species was most abundant. However, it is possible that some variation in behaviour may arise from local environmental factors such as tide-level and degree of exposure to wave action, and experiments were carried out to test this possibility.
DMT Method Approach for Liquefaction Hazard Vulnerability Mapping in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

DOI:10.17014/ijog.2.1.53-61 On May 27 2006, an earthquake (Mw 6.2) occurring in Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Province, triggered liquefaction phenomenon such as sand boiling and lateral spreading. Knowledge of the liquefied soil layers is required to mitigate the hazard. The purpose of this research is to determine the depth and thickness of liquefiable soil layers using the flat blade dilatometer test (DMT) method. The horizontal stress index values (KD) obtained from the DMT were used to calculate the cyclic resistance ratio (CRR), while the PGA (peak ground acceleration) calculated by the software EZ-FRISK 7.52 were employed to determine the cyclic stress ratio (CSR). The DMT-based liquefaction potential analysis shows that the thickness of liquefiable soil layers ranges from 1.8 to 4.0 m. These results show a good agreement with the previous analysis based on CPT (cone penetration test) data. The analysis also indicated that, for the given earthquake magnitude and PGA, the liquefiable soil layers are characterized by a range of maximum KD value from 2.1 to 3.7.
A report on Allelic Variation in Helicobacter pylori dupA: A viewpoint

Corresponding Author: Amin Talebi Bezmin Abadi Department of Bacteriology, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115111, Tehran, Iran. Phone: +989120310214 E-mail: amin.talebi@modares.ac. ir Abstract Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the pivotal cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer diseases (PUD) and gastric cancer. Morphologically, the bacterium is spiral, Gram-negative and microaerophilic which survives lifespan in the human stomach in case of weak antibiotic therapy. There is a major difference in the pattern of global prevalence of H. pylori infection based on different levels of urbanization, hygiene, sanitation, access to clean water and other socioeconomic factors. To date, many studies have attempted to find significant associations between specific gastroduodenal diseases and dupA-positive strains, but no conclusive conclusion has been declared. The main reason for these inconsistent findings is the various methodologies applied in experiments which in turn have resulted in inaccurate observation. Our analysis showed that the existence of various alleles located in the dupA cluster would be a novel explanation for different associations found between this bacterial gene and diseases. In detailed experiments examining our proposed alleles using a large number of patients can be useful to disclose a significant clinical association between H. pylori dupA-positive strains and duodenal ulcer.
Empowering the Use of Mobile-Based Vocabulary Notebooks.

The high demand on the mobile devices like smart phones and Ipads in daily life has given a rise to mobile learning trends in foreign language learning. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in vocabulary achievement level of students keeping mobile-based and paper-based vocabulary notebooks in English language learning. The study was designed through mixed method where a pre-post test control group quasi-experimental study was conducted. Data were collected through a vocabulary achievement test used as pre and post tests. The results indicated mobile-based vocabulary notebooks have positive effects on students’ vocabulary achievement.
Relationship between Czech and European developed stock markets: DCC MVGARCH analysis

The study concentrates on an analysis of the Czech stock market performed by an application of DCC MV GARCH model of Engle (2002). Data sample including years from 1994 to 2009 is represented by daily returns of Prague Stock Exchange index and other 11 major stock indices. There is found an existence of increasing trend in conditional correlations among a whole European region. The trend reveals breakpoints splitting a data series into three phases of development. The analysis includes a composition of returns adjusted by exchange rates capturing a point of view of global investors. The Czech Koruna exchange rate effects in a conjunction with equity returns are identified as a possible risk aversion instrument. Granger causality concept is added in order to find a development of data flow directions in a perspective of the Czech market. Results show that unidirectional influence of foreign markets affecting Czech market occurs in data series.
CAPITAL ASSET PRICING MODEL IN FORECASTING THE EXPECTED RETURN: THEORY AND EVIDENCE

This paper is made to investigate the theories and evidences related to the evolution of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). The previous studies examined the single factor model, CAPM and Theory of Arbitrage, conditional CAPM on positive and negative market premium, CAPM with higher skewness and kurtosis, and also CAPM with higher size. This paper finds that there’re so many previous researchers investigated the robustness of the Capital Asset Pricing Model. The return expectation from investor cannot be explained by the single factor, namely systematic risk (beta). Hence, there’re various models that have been developed and investigated to project the return expectation in capital market.
The effects of artificial livestock trampling on germination and growth of Stipa barbata

To assess the effects of livestock grazing on soil compaction (density changes), the trampling action of livestock was simulated. The research field was located to the south west of Nazarabad in Savojbolagh district, south west of Tehran Province. Samples were annually collected based on a completely randomized design. From the triple regions (reference, key and critical) 36 cylindrical cores were taken they were 8 and 15 cm in diameter and depth respectively. Sampling was done at the end of each grazing season (early fall) in 2004-2005, pot experiments being composed of 9 treatments in 4 replicates. Collected data were analyzed in a completely randomized block design using ANOVA. The means were compared using Duncan Test. The results show that during conversion from critical to key and reference situations, germination rate and the height in critical condition, critical to key and critical to reference conditions have increased. The organic matter for these conversions were 0.033, 0.07 and 0.23 respectively, among which significant statistical differences are observed (P≤0.05). In conversion of key to critical and reference conditions, germination rates (in pot environments) for key, key to critical and key to reference conditions were reduced respectively. The organic matter contents were 0.052, 0.026 and 0.107 gr. While the heights being 51.19, 27.69 and70.62 cm respectively. Stipa barbata shows significant differences in germination rate as well as height. With decrease of bulk density and compaction in the first treatment, and with reverse conditions for the second one, in both treatments, germination rates were decreased. In converting reference to key and critical conditions, germination rates for pots of reference, reference to key and reference to critical conditions were 50, 56.25 and 29.69% respectively. The heights and organic matter were reduced and while in all treatments significant differences being observed (P≤0.05).
The Differential Relationship between Absorptive Capacity and Product Innovativeness: A Theoretically Derived Framework

The concept of absorptive capacity is one of the main drivers of new product development. However, absorptive capacity has been treated as a concrete, uni-dimensional proxy targeting RD acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and utilization of external information/knowledge have rarely been theoretically analyzed in relation to firm product innovativeness in the new product development (NPD) literature. Addressing this particular gap in the literature, we develop a conceptual model encapsulating the simultaneous but differential interrelationships between absorptive capacity variables and product innovation in particular. This study contributes to the literature in three ways. First, the theoretical framework proposed highlights the effects of absorptive capacity variables on product innovation. Hence the focus is, on distinguishing product innovation from other innovation types, and building a theoretical background for the relationship of absorptive capacity variables and product innovativeness. Second, based on the extended reconceptualization of absorptive capacity of Zahra and George (2002) this study aims to assess the differential roles of absorptive capacity variables in NPD efforts. Thus we propose the multidimensional operationalization of the construct through; acquisition, assimilation, transformation and utilization capabilities embedded within firm’s absorptive capacity. Third, this research integrates absorptive capacity literature to the knowledge management literature through offering a theoretical framework where absorptive capacity is a process consisting of organizational routines which not only acquires but also assimilates, transforms and exploits the knowledge leaning on the basic determinants of knowledge management.
Title Association of High Myopia with Crystallin Beta A 4 ( CRYBA 4 ) Gene Polymorphisms in the Linkage-Identified MYP 6 Locus

Background: Myopia is the most common ocular disorder worldwide and imposes tremendous burden on the society. It is a complex disease. The MYP6 locus at 22 q12 is of particular interest because many studies have detected linkage signals at this interval. The MYP6 locus is likely to contain susceptibility gene(s) for myopia, but none has yet been identified. Methodology/Principal Findings: Two independent subject groups of southern Chinese in Hong Kong participated in the study an initial study using a discovery sample set of 342 cases and 342 controls, and a follow-up study using a replication sample set of 316 cases and 313 controls. Cases with high myopia were defined by spherical equivalent # -8 dioptres and emmetropic controls by spherical equivalent within 61.00 dioptre for both eyes. Manual candidate gene selection from the MYP6 locus was supported by objective in silico prioritization. DNA samples of discovery sample set were genotyped for 178 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 26 genes. For replication, 25 SNPs (tagging or located at predicted transcription factor or microRNA binding sites) from 4 genes were subsequently examined using the replication sample set. Fisher P value was calculated for all SNPs and overall association results were summarized by meta-analysis. Based on initial and replication studies, rs2009066 located in the crystallin beta A4 (CRYBA4) gene was identified to be the most significantly associated with high myopia (initial study: P = 0.02; replication study: P = 1.88e-4; meta-analysis: P = 1.54e-5) among all the SNPs tested. The association result survived correction for multiple comparisons. Under the allelic genetic model for the combined sample set, the odds ratio of the minor allele G was 1.41 (95% confidence intervals, 1.21-1.64). Conclusions/Significance: A novel susceptibility gene (CRYBA4) was discovered for high myopia. Our study also signified the potential importance of appropriate gene prioritization in candidate selection. Citation: Ho DWH, Yap MKH, Ng PW, Fung WY, Yip SP (2012) Association of High Myopia with Crystallin Beta A4 (CRYBA4) Gene Polymorphisms in the LinkageIdentified MYP6 Locus. PLoS ONE 7(6): e40238. doi:10.1371/journal.pone. 0040238 Editor: Qingyang Huang, Central China Normal University, China Received February 26, 2012; Accepted June 3, 2012; Published June 29, 2012 Copyright: 2012 Ho et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Funding: This study was supported by grants (G-YX2V, J-BB7P and 87TP) from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. * E-mail: shea.ping. yip@inet.polyu. edu.hk
The turbulent diffusion of toroidal magnetic flux as inferred from properties of the sunspot butterfly diagram

Context. In order to match observed properties of the solar cycle, flux-transport dynamo models require the toroidal magnetic flux to be stored in a region of low magnetic diffusivity, typically located at or below the bottom of the convection zone. Aims. We infer the turbulent magnetic diffusivity affecting the toroidal field on the basis of empirical data. Methods. We considered the time evolution of mean latitude and width of the activity belts of solar cycles 12–23 and their dependence on cycle strength. We interpreted the decline phase of the cycles as a diffusion process. Results. The activity level of a given cycle begins to decline when the centers of its equatorward propagating activity belts come within their (full) width (at half maximum) from the equator. This happens earlier for stronger cycles because their activity belts are wider. From that moment on, the activity and the belt width decrease in the same manner for all cycles, independent of their maximum activity level. In terms of diffusive cancellation of opposite-polarity toroidal flux across the equator, we infer the turbulent diffusivity experienced by the toroidal field, wherever it is located, to be in the range 150–450 km 2 s -1 . Strong diffusive latitudinal spreading of the toroidal flux underneath the activity belts can be inhibited by an inflow toward the toroidal field bands in the convection zone with a magnitude of several meters per second. Conclusions. The inferred value of the turbulent magnetic diffusivity affecting the toroidal field agrees, to order of magnitude, with estimates based on mixing-length models for the solar convection zone. This is at variance with the requirement of flux-transport dynamo models. The inflows required to keep the toroidal field bands together before they approach the equator are similar to the inflows toward the activity belts observed with local helioseismology.
Stress Drop during Earthquakes: Effect of Fault Roughness Scaling

We propose that a controlling parameter of static stress drop during an earthquake is related to the scaling properties of the fault-surface topography. Using high resolution laser distance meters, we have accurately measured the roughness scaling properties of two fault surfaces in different geological settings (the French Alps and Nevada). The data show that fault-surface topography is scale dependent and may be accurately described by a self-affine geometry with a slight anisotropy characterized by two extreme roughness exponents ( H R ), H ||=0.6 in the direction of slip and H ⊥=0.8 perpendicular to slip. Disregarding plastic processes like rock fragmentation and focusing on elastic deformation of the topography, which is the dominant mode at large scales, the stress drop is proportional to the deformation, which is a spatial derivative of the slip. The evolution of stress-drop fluctuations on the fault plane can be derived directly from the self-affine property of the fault surface, with the length scale ( λ ) as std Δσ ( λ )∝ λ H R -1. Assuming no characteristic length scale in fault roughness and a rupture cascade model, we show that as the rupture grows, the average stress drop, and its variability should decrease with increasing source dimension. That is for the average stress drop Δσ ( r )∝ r H R -1, where r is the radius of a circular rupture. This result is a direct consequence of the elastic squeeze of fault asperities that induces the largest spatial fluctuations of the shear strength before and after the earthquake at local (small) scales with peculiar spatial correlations.
Low-frequency gravitational-wave science with eLISA/NGO

We review the expected science performance of the New Gravitational-Wave Observatory (NGO, a.k.a. eLISA), a mission under study by the European Space Agency for launch in the early 2020s. eLISA will survey the low-frequency gravitational-wave sky (from 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz), detecting and characterizing a broad variety of systems and events throughout the Universe, including the coalescences of massive black holes brought together by galaxy mergers; the inspirals of stellar-mass black holes and compact stars into central galactic black holes; several millions of ultra-compact binaries, both detached and mass transferring, in the Galaxy; and possibly unforeseen sources such as the relic gravitational-wave radiation from the early Universe. eLISA’s high signal-to-noise measurements will provide new insight into the structure and history of the Universe, and they will test general relativity in its strong-field dynamical regime.