Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Definitions and Measurement of Social Exclusion—A Conceptual and Methodological Review

Poverty and inequality have long been the dominant categories to describe people’s living conditions, and they continue to reflect significant problems in Danish society, even though the risk of poverty in Denmark is low compared to other European countries. However, during the 1990s, social exclusion, as a “new” concept, has in many ways drawn attention away from poverty. The article raises the question of what social exclusion can contribute with as a concept and in what way it differs from other key concepts, for example, poverty and social capital. The overall aim of the article is to provide a broad overview analysis of a number of key scientific definitions. In addition, selected quantitative and qualitative studies on social exclusion, to problematize the lack of empirical studies of social exclusion using direct measures for social exclusion, are included. Far too often, this results in the raising of questions about to what extent it is social exclusion or other related terms being “measured” in various empirical studies. Mental health is used in the discussion on “measurement” of social exclusion as a critical case to point out shortcomings in existing empirical studies and to inject nuance into the discussion of information from qualitative studies on causal processes behind social exclusion.
MT-DP – 2014 / 6 Do Women Panic More Than Men ? An Experimental Study on Financial Decision

We report experimental evidence on gender differences in financial decision that involves three depositors choosing between waiting or withdrawing their money from a common bank. We find that the position in the line, the fact of being observed and the observed decisions are key determinants to explain subjects’ behavior. Although both men and women value being observed, it has a greater effect on women’s decisions. Observing a withdrawal increases the likelihood of withdrawal but women and men do not react differently to what is observed, so they are equally likely to panic if a bank run is already underway. Interestingly, risk aversion has no predictive power on depositors’ behavior.
Investor protection and criminal liabilities for defective prospectuses

Purpose – This paper aims to critically examine the applicability of disclosure‐based regulation in a pre‐emerging securities market.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents, by using archival data, an analysis of prerequisites for the usefulness of the disclosure philosophy making reference to some Asian securities markets with special reference to the contemporary experiences of the Bangladesh securities market.Findings – The paper concludes that the disclosure philosophy itself is not a panacea, an effective disclosure regime requires a certain level of structural and infrastructural development of the market, and that a particular securities market should follow a paternalistic merit regulation until the attainment of that progress.Originality/value – This paper contributes to the understanding of effectiveness of the disclosure philosophy for the regulation of securities markets from the perspective of investor protection.
Quinoa in Morocco – Effect of Sowing Dates on Development and Yield

Quinoa is a highly nutritious food product, being cultivated for several thousand years in South America, and it is recently introduced in Morocco and showed a high potential of adaptation in Morocco. A field study was carried out in the south of Morocco in order to investigate the effects of sowing date on quinoa performance in a series of experiments conducted for adaptation of quinoa. The experiment took place in Agadir, with a test of 10 sowing dates, each 15 days from 1st November to 15th March. Sowing dates affected the growth and productivity due to differences in temperature, precipitation and radiation over the year. Highest seed yield and dry matter yield were obtained when quinoa sown in November and early December. The growing season length has been affected by accumulated radiation. In addition to abiotic factors (temperature, radiation, rainfall) affecting quinoa growth, biotic factors such as downy mildew and weeds affected the yield. Early sowing in November to early December secured good plant development when low temperatures occurred in January and February and downy mildew appeared in March.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Anacardium occidentale Leaves and Bark Extracts

Anacardium occidentale is a local medicinal plant used in ethno medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, constipation,pain and inflammation. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of this plant parts were assessed for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities using experimental animal model and agar disc diffusion methods respectively. Results show that the ethanolic extract of the plant were more efficacious than the aqueous extract in inhibiting the carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats in a non dose-dependent manner( P>0.05). No significant difference was found between the ethanolic extract of the leaves and bark (P>0.05). Also, the antibacterial activity was apparently higher in ethanolic extract than in aqueous extract for both leaves and barkwith the bark extract displaying a significantly (P
Contemporaneous and post-program impacts of a public works program : evidence from Côte d'Ivoire

Public works are one of the most popular safety net and employment policy instruments in thedeveloping world, despite limited evidence on their effectiveness and optimal design features.This paper presents results on contemporaneous and post-program impacts from a public worksintervention in Cote d'Ivoire. The program provided 7 months of temporary employment inroad maintenance to urban youths. Participants self-selected to apply for the public works jobs,which paid the formal minimum wage and were randomized among applicants. Randomizedsub-sets of beneficiaries also received complementary training on basic entrepreneurship or jobsearch skills. During the program, results show limited contemporaneous impacts of publicworks on the level of employment, but a shift in the composition of employment towards thebetter-paid public works wage jobs. A year after the end of the program, there are no lastingimpacts on the level or composition of employment, although positive impacts are observed onearnings through higher productivity in non-agricultural self-employment. Large heterogeneityin impacts are found, particularly during the program. Results from machine learningtechniques suggest potential trade-offs between maximizing contemporaneous and postprogramimpacts. Traditional heterogeneity analysis shows that a range of practical targetingmechanisms perform as well as the machine learning benchmark, leading to strongercontemporaneous and post-program benefits without sharp trade-offs. Overall, departing fromself-targeting based on the formal minimum wage would lead to strong improvements inprogram cost-effectiveness.
Contribution of high-nl shells to electron-impact ionization processes

The contribution to electron-impact ionization cross sections from excitations to high-$nl$ shells and a consequent autoionization is investigated. We perform relativistic subconfiguration-average and detailed level-to-level calculations for this process. Ionization cross sections for the ${\text{W}}^{27+}$ ion are presented to illustrate the large influence of the high shells $(n\ensuremath{\ge}9)$ and orbitals $(l\ensuremath{\ge}4)$ in the excitation-autoionization process. The obtained results show that the excitations to the high shells $(n\ensuremath{\ge}9)$ increase cross sections of the indirect ionization process by a factor of 2 compared to the excitations to the lower shells $(n\ensuremath{\le}8)$. The excitations to the shells with orbital quantum number $l=4$ give the largest contribution compared with the other orbital quantum numbers $l$. Radiative damping reduces the cross sections of the indirect process approximately twofold in the case of the level-to-level calculations. Determined data show that the excitation-autoionization process contributes approximately 40 % to the total ionization cross sections.
Zoobenthos as an environmental quality element: the ecological significance of sampling design and functional traits

The EC Water Frame Directive (WFD) states that all coastal water bodies must achieve ‘good ecological status’ by the year 2015. A range of different classification methods have been developed and used to define ecological status to support the WFD. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of using two different mesh sizes of sieve (1.0 and 0.5 mm) on zoobenthic assemblages and on the ecological status of benthic macrofauna (using the Brackish water benthic index, BBI) in three ecologically distinct archipelago areas (Inner, Middle and Outer) in the Aland Islands, Northern Baltic Sea. We performed a biological trait analysis (BTA) to evaluate differences in the functional (trait) diversity of macrofauna collected using different mesh sizes and estimate the ecological relevance of mesh size. The results showed that sieve mesh size had significant effects on the recorded number of species, abundance, and total biomass of the zoobenthos. Small-bodied species and juveniles (e.g. Macoma balthica) were not observed when using a 1.0-mm mesh. The ecological status (sensu WFD) was only slightly affected by the mesh size, and all areas had good or high ecological status. BTA showed a difference in trait composition when using 0.5- or 1.0-mm mesh, particularly in the Outer area, where the proportion of small-sized species was high. Our results highlight how biological traits, in addition to species number and biomass, can play a key role when analyzing ecosystem structure for assessment and classification of coastal ecosystems. We show that combining traditional monitoring for the EU WFD with a functional analysis strengthens our ability to interpret environmental quality, and thus increases the precision of our advice for management purposes.
The first open methodological experience in Czech voluntary patients : a pilot study

Aim. Cystic fibrosis (CF) brings numerous limitations and changes in the perception and behaviour. The present study aimed to use a specific qualitative approach to describe the main dimensions and categories in the area of perception/presence of CF in 25 cases. Methods. The research (a pilot study) used the open methodological approach of the incomplete sentences (a total of 15) and the ‘three wishes’ technique in 25 voluntary patients (20 women and 5 men). Two items identified the current condition and sources of support. Results. Main dimensions emphasised/signified by cases included particularly health assistance/support and life satisfaction/wishes. The categories of family and patient themselves were the main sources of patients’ support. Conclusions. The given methodological approach seemed as a highly specific and valuable tool for obtaining the data of subjective nature. The knowledge and understanding of the specifics can help mutual effectiveness in the context of communication, diagnostic and compliance processes in treatment, health/special education and other areas.
The cointegration analysis in hypothesis of heteroschedasticity: the wild bootstrap test

We consider the problem of comparing, by simulations, the robustness as regards heteroschedasticity GARCH (1,1) of some of the most important procedures proposed in literature for the cointegration analysis. In particular, we consider the Johansen test and some "two steps" "procedures", i.e. Dickey-Fuller test, Sargan-Bhargava test and an External Bootstrap test. The Bootstrap test performs very well, particularly for the lowest sample size.
Do Men and Women Exhibit Different Preferences for Mates? A Replication of Eastwick and Finkel (2008)

Evolutionary theory predicts that men will prefer physically attractive romantic partners, and women will prefer wealthy, high-status partners. This theory is well-supported when examining ideal hypothetical partner preferences, but less support has been found when people interact face-to-face. The present study served as a direct replication of results reported in Eastwick and Finkel (2008). We recruited 307 participants and utilized a speed-dating methodology to allow in-person interactions, then administered follow-up surveys to measure romantic interest over 30 days. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling and were aggregated using meta-analysis. Consistent with previous findings, our results showed that participants were more romantically interested in potential partners if they were viewed as attractive and good potential earners, and these associations were not moderated by gender. Results suggest that gender differences predicted by evolutionary theory may not hold when people interact with potential romantic partners face-to-face. However, we discuss these results in light of some general methodological limitations and evidence from other lines of research.
Are GCC Countries Converging or Diverging: Evidence from 1983–2011

In this paper we shed light on the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by empirically investigating the presence of convergence across these six countries, over a period (1983–2011). In this period there are significant events that affected these countries, including different episodes of expansions and recessions, fluctuations of oil prices, Gulf Wars (I, II, and III) and the 2008 financial crisis. In line with numerous studies on convergence, we use cross-state regressions to determine the existence or lack of convergence among the GCC countries. The empirical tests give some support to absolute and conditional p-convergence; however we don’t find significant evidence of a-convergence. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA
International Conference on Simulation and Modelling

This paper tests whether conditional versions of the CAPM are consistent with the behaviour of returns in 20 emerging markets and four developed ones. A country's risk is defined as the conditional sensitivity or covariance of its market return with a world stock return. This risk is permitted to vary through time. The conditional covariances calculated for each emerging market should explain the differences in national stock index performance. The results are varied: those markets with high capitalizations and high correlations with world ma rkets appear to be priced more in terms of world factors whilst others are much more influenced by local factors.
Genetic diversity in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Wilczek germplasm.

Genetic diversity was studied in diversified mungbean germplasm by using Metroglyph analysis. Forty mungbean genotypes originating from Pakistan, Thailand and India were used in the present study. Different morphological and economic traits like plant height, clusters per plant, pods per plant, hundred seed weight, biological yield, seed yield and harvest index exhibited considerable genetic variability. Metroglyph analysis distributed mungbean genotypes into 8 groups. Group I and II, consisted of only one genotype each and were found to be distant from all other groups. Groups VII and VIII were the largest groups consisting of 10 genotypes each. The range of total mean index score varied from 12.6 to 17.0. Maximum index scores were obtained by groups I, II and III. In all the three groups, biological yield and seed yield contributed more to
Eigenfunction Analysis of Decadal Fluctuations in Sandbank Morphology at Gt Yarmouth

Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis (or Principal component analysis) has become an established technique for investigating interannual beach level fluctuations. In this paper, EOF techniques are applied to a series of historical bathymetric surveys of a nearshore sandbank system in order to investigate their long term morphological behaviour. The sandbanks cover an area approximately 30km alongshore and 10km cross-shore and lie ~2 kilometres offshore from Gt. Yarmouth which is situated on the East Coast of the UK. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques were used to create digital models of the seabed from historic survey data. The models were analysed using EOF and GIS methods to identify any trends or cyclic behaviour in the morphology of the sandbanks. Evidence of changes in gross sandbank configuration, long term trends and potentially recurrent behavior have been identified, and their significance for current coastal management practice are discussed.
Stock Market Reaction to Mergers and Acquisitions Announcements in Emerging Markets. Evidence from Mergers and Acquisitions Firms Listed in Eastern Africa Securities Markets

Stock market reaction to mergers and acquisitions announcements is a topical issue in corporate finance. Consequently, the topic has received attention in equal measure; however, the bulk of these studies are skewed towards the developed financial markets. The foregoing evidence raises a fundamental question; is the empirical evidence exhibited in developed financial markets applicable in the emerging markets? Using data from listed firms in Eastern Africa securities market involved in mergers and acquisitions for the period 1996- 2015, we computed cumulative abnormal returns for different holding period. Parametric t test was used to test the significance of the abnormal returns. Our findings revealed that acquirer firm shareholders earned a significant positive cumulative abnormal return during the entire event window that is [-20, +20]. On the other hand, cumulative average abnormal return findings revealed that acquiring firms earned positive return immediately after the acquisition announcement. However, the positive performance was short lived, four days after M&A announcement returns declined sharply. Keywords: Mergers and acquisition, cumulative abnormal return and Cumulative average abnormal return.
Exploring the impact of information and communication technology on employees’ work and personal lives

Orientation: Technology has become part of society’s everyday functioning, changing rapidly and providing widespread mobility. Employees are moving towards a continually connected lifestyle, a situation in which information and communication technology (ICT) seem to have become omnipresent. Research purpose: The overall objective of this research was to investigate the influence of ICT on employees’ work and personal lives. Motivation for the study: The impact of ICT on the work and personal lives of employees has never been researched before, which motivated the current study. Research approach, design and method: A qualitative research design, with a sample of 25 employees, was followed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, and the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and processed through thematic analyses. Main findings: Five themes with sub-themes were extracted: The positive and negative experiences of ICT both within the work and personal lives of employees, the increased expectations brought about by ICT usage, and the role of ICT on relationships. Findings highlighted that although ICT are generally perceived as positive, employees should make a conscious decision in managing their ICT to decrease the negative impact thereof on their work and personal lives. Practical/managerial implications: Overall, the general positive experiences of ICT outweigh the negative experiences, and findings almost suggest that as the quantity of communication increased, the quality of conversations decreased. Contribution/Value add: This study provides a holistic understanding of the impact of ICT on the work and personal lives of employees. Keywords: Information and communication technology (ICT); constructivism paradigm; work lives; personal lives; employees
FE Prediction of Hysteretic Component of Rubber Friction

The hysteretic part of the friction coefficient for rubber sliding on an ideal rigid, rough surface has been investigated by FE technique. The FE models were created by using two different FE softwares, ABAQUS and MSC.MARC. The surface roughness has been considered by using two different sine waves having a wavelength of 100 μm and 11.11 μm, as well as their superposition. Parameters of the viscoelastic material models of the rubber were gained, firstly from a fit to the measured storage modulus, secondly from a fit to the measured loss factor master curve of the rubber. The effect of viscoelastic material models, comparing 10-term and 40-term generalized Maxwell models was also considered together with the temperature effect between −50 and 150°C. According to the results, both postprocessing methods, namely, the reaction force and the energy-based approach, show very similar coefficients of friction. The 40-term Maxwell model fitted to both the storage modulus and loss factor curve provided the most realistic results. The tendency of the FE results has been explained by semianalytical theory.
Livestock depredation by large carnivores in the Indian trans-Himalaya: conflict perceptions and conservation prospects

Livestock depredation by the snow leopard, Uncia uncia, and the wolf, Canis lupus, has resulted in a human-wildlife conflict that hinders the conservation of these globally-threatened species throughout their range. This paper analyses the alleged economic loss due to livestock depredation by these carnivores, and the retaliatory responses of an agro-pastoral community around Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in the Indian trans-Himalaya. The three villages studied (80 households) attributed a total of 189 livestock deaths (18% of the livestock holding) over a period of 18 months to wild predators, and this would amount to a loss per household equivalent to half the average annual per capita income. The financial compensation received by the villagers from the Government amounted to 3% of the perceived annual loss. Recent intensification of the conflict seems related to a 37.7% increase in livestock holding in the last decade. Villagers have been killing the wolf, though apparently not the snow leopard. A self-financed compensation scheme, and modification of existing livestock pens are suggested as area-specific short-term measures to reduce the conflict. The need to address the problem of increasing livestock holding in the long run is emphasized.
The First Observation of Metallic Behaviour in Nd 3 . 5 Sm 0 . 5 Ni 3 O 8

In Nd 3.5 Sm 0.5 Ni 3 O 8 which has basically the same crystal structure and the similar electrical configuration (Ni 3d/Ni 3d mix valence state)with high-T c cuprate, it has been found that thismaterial showsmetallic behaviour down to about 20 Kby intercalation and subsequent deintercalation with sulfur. This is the first observation of the metallic state in this system. It is unclear why sulfurintercalation and deintercalation induce the metallic state. We speculate that sulfur works as an effective getter for removing the interstitial apical oxygen which impedes the metallic conduction. However, the weak localization of carriers in the NiO 2 planes still remains below 20K and the localization may be one of the obstacles to occurrence of possible superconductivity.