Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generating Economic Growth: An Analytical Survey

The theoretical richness and variety of the new growth literature can make it difficult to capture the essence of growth models. With this paper, we wish to provide one possible integrating view of the nature of the growth generating processes. Revisiting the models that constitute the core of growth theory, we expose analytically the main mechanisms through which long-run growth can be delivered. Models that contemplate physical capital accumulation generate long-run growth through the attainment of a non- declining marginal productivity of capital. One mechanism for achieving this entails the introduction of technological progress; another mechanism involves the inclusion of human capital accumulation; and a third method relies on the elimination from the production function of the diminishing returns to capital feature. The foundational models that clas- sically represent each of these mechanisms are reviewed in an analytical and integrating perspective. Some growth models do not contemplate physical capital and hence obtain long-run growth without generating a non- declining marginal productivity of capital. We look into two reference models of this nature.
Dynamic Spillovers of Oil Price Shocks and Policy Uncertainty

This study examines the dynamic relationship between changes in oil prices and the economic policy uncertainty index for a sample of both net oil-exporting and net oil-importing countries over the period 1997:01-2013:06. To achieve that, we extend the Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2012) dynamic spillover index using structural decomposition. The results reveal that economic policy uncertainty (oil price shocks) responds negatively to aggregate demand oil price shocks (economic policy uncertainty shocks). Furthermore, during the Great Recession of 2007-2009, total spillovers increase considerably, reaching unprecedented heights. Moreover, in net terms, economic policy uncertainty becomes the dominant transmitter of shocks between 1997 and 2009, while in the post-2009 period there is a significant role for supply-side and oil specific demand shocks, as net transmitters of spillover effects. These results are important for policy makers, as well as, investors interested in the oil market.
Researching the absence of professional organisation in Victorian England

Professionalisation is a major research focus of accounting historians, with particular attention paid to circumstances attending the formation and spread of accounting associations. This paper adds a new dimension to such research by examining the failure of public accountants to create a professional body in circumstances that appear conducive to organisational formation whether viewed from a functionalist or critical perspective. It is argued that strategies adopted by Bristol's leading public accountants enabled them to achieve economic and social advance in the absence of organisational formation. Of importance was how they positioned themselves in Bristol society through geographical location, the political, philanthropic and religious networks that connected them to the governing élite, and devices employed for publicising their services. Also relevant was their association with key venues where professionals and businessmen met to discuss commercial affairs. No inconsistency is revealed between the failure of Bristol's leading accountants to form a professional association in the 1870s and their enthusiastic embrace of chartered status following formation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1880.
Reactively Loaded Array Pattern Synthesis as a Quadratically Constrained Quadratic Program

The pattern synthesis problem of maximizing the gain at a scanning direction subject to a maximum sidelobe level for a reactively loaded antenna array is formulated as a quadratically constrained quadratic program (QCQP). This formulation is derived from the scattering matrix and the active element patterns of the array considering both fed and loaded antennas as ports. Since the resulting QCQP is nonconvex, the loads are computed from the solution of the semidefinite relaxation of the problem by forcing the feasibility of the constraints in a meaningful physical sense, i.e., by explicitly imposing passive or purely reactive loads. Numerical results of dipole arrays with various configurations are presented and compared to previous works.
The Link Between Wages and Productivity in Spain

Abstract This paper examines the effect of productivity on wages for Spanish industrial sectors by developing a model that captures effects from both sector‐specific and aggregate variables. The results show that a dual behaviour can be inferred, at the sector level, in the wage‐setting mechanism. It is also found that the linkage between wages and productivity varies over time. Some explanations for the increase in wage dispersion are provided, focusing on the increasing decentralisation in wage bargaining after 1986. Finally, we cast some light on the theoretical structure underlying the labour market.
The Pharmacokinetics of Morphine and Codeine in Human Plasma and Urine after Oral Administration of Qiangli Pipa Syrup

Papaveris pericarpium, a natural source of morphine and codeine, is the principal active component in many antitussive traditional Chinese medicines. We herein report the first PK study of papaveris pericarpium in human plasma and urine following oral administration of single (15, 30, 60 mL) and multiple dose (15 mL) of Qiangli Pipa Syrup (MOR 0.1 mg/mL, COD 0.028 mg/mL) by monitoring morphine and codeine using a HPLC‐MS/MS method. Their Tmax and t1/2 values are independent of dosages, while the AUC0−t linearly increased with higher dosages, indicating linear PK characteristics. AUC0−t increased obviously after multiple doses, indicating possible risk of accumulative toxicity. Urine studies suggested risks of positive opiate drug tests with a cutoff of 300 ng/mL, which lasted 6–14 h at different doses. These results provide important information for clinical safety, efficacy and rational drug use of Qiangli Pipa Syrup and also guide the related judicial expertise of its administration.
Serological survey of virus infection among wild house mice (Mus domesticus) in the UK

The serological prevalence of 13 murine viruses was surveyed among 103 wild-caught and 51 captive-bred house mice (Mus domesticus), originating from several trapping locations in northwest England, using blood samples obtained during routine health screening of an established wild mouse colony. A high proportion of recently caught wild mice were seropositive for mouse hepatitis virus (86%), mouse cytomegalovirus (79%), mouse thymic virus (78%), mouse adenovirus (68%), mouse parvovirus (59%) and minute virus of mice (41%). Seroprevalences of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), orthopoxvirus, reovirus-3 and murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4, also called murine γ-herpesvirus [MHV-68]) were low (3–13%), and no animals were seropositive to Sendai virus, pneumonia virus or polyomavirus. Seroprevalence in wild-caught animals that had been in captivity for over six months was generally consistent with the range found in recently caught wild animals, while seroprevalence was generally much lower in captive-bred mice despite no attempt to prevent viral spread. A notable exception to this was LCMV, which appeared to have spread efficiently through the captive population (both captive-bred and wild-caught animals). Given the known viral life cycles in laboratory mice, it appears that viral persistence in the host was an important contributing factor in the spread of infection in captivity.
Similar specificities of symbiont uptake by adults and larvae in an anemone model system for coral biology

Reef-building corals depend for much of their energy on photosynthesis by symbiotic dinoflagellate algae (genus Symbiodinium) that live within their gastrodermal cells. However, the cellular mechanisms underpinning this ecologically critical symbiosis, including those governing the specificity of symbiont uptake by the host, remain poorly understood, in part because of the difficulties of working with corals in the laboratory. Here, we used the small symbiotic sea anemone Aiptasia as an experimentally tractable model system to analyze the specificity and timing of symbiosis onset in larval and adult animals under controlled laboratory conditions. Using four clonal, axenic Symbiodinium strains, we found no difference in uptake specificity between larvae (even when very young) and adults. Although both compatible and incompatible algal strains were found within the larval guts, only the former appeared to be internalized by gastrodermal cells, and they (but not incompatible algae) proliferated rapidly within the larvae in the absence of detectable exchange with other larvae. Older larvae showed reduced ingestion of both compatible and incompatible algae, and the addition of food failed to promote the uptake of an incompatible algal strain. Thus, Aiptasia adults and larvae appear to have similar mechanisms for discriminating between compatible and incompatible dinoflagellate types prior to phagocytosis by host gastrodermal cells. Whether a particular algal strain is compatible or incompatible appears to be stable during years of axenic culture in the absence of a host. These studies provide a foundation for future analyses of the mechanisms of symbiont-uptake specificity in this emerging model system.
Prevalence of Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors and Screening for High Cholesterol Levels Among Young Adults, United States, 1999–2006

PURPOSE Previous studies have reported low rates of screening for high cholesterol levels among young adults in the United States. Although recommendations for screening young adults without risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) differ, all guidelines recommend screening adults with CHD, CHD equivalents, or 1 or more CHD risk factors. This study examined national prevalence of CHD risk factors and compliance with the cholesterol screening guidelines among young adults. METHODS National estimates were obtained using results for 2,587 young adults (men aged 20 to 35 years; women aged 20 to 45 years) from the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. We defined high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as levels higher than the goal specific for each CHD risk category outlined in the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. RESULTS About 59% of young adults had CHD or CHD equivalents, or 1 or more of the following CHD risk factors: family history of early CHD, smoking, hypertension, or obesity. In our study, the overall screening rate in this population was less than 50%. Moreover, no significant difference in screening rates between young adults with no risk factors and their counterparts with 1 or more risk factors was found even after adjustment for sociodemographic and health care factors. Approximately 65% of young adults with CHD or CHD equivalents, 26% of young adults with 2 or more risk factors, 12% of young adults with 1 risk factor, and 7% with no risk factor had a high level of LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS CHD risk factors are common in young adults but do not appear to alter screening rates. Improvement of risk assessment and management for cardiovascular disease among young adults is warranted.
Banking Sector Development and Economic Growth in India

This article investigates short-run as well as long-run relationships, and also causality relationships between banking sector development and the economic growth of India for which empirical analysis is performed using annual data. We use a new data set of banking sector development indicators to argue that banking sector development substantially affected economic growth. We find strong evidence that banking sector development caused economic growth in the Indian economy, especially in the period between 1960 and 2011, covering 52 years of the post-independence period for India.
Arthropods (Acari, Siphonaptera, Heteroptera, Psocoptera) associated with Nyctalus noctula (Schreber, 1774) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Southern Poland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS From 101 specimens of Nyctalus noctula collected in Southern Poland during winter, 2637 arthropods of 13 species were obtained: Siphonaptera (3 species), Acari (8 species), Heteroptera (one species) and one specimen of Psocoptera. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The most numerous species were Macronyssus flavus (96.8% of the collection) and Steatonyssus spinosus (1.9% of the collection). Females of N. noctula were stronger infested than males. In females, the mean infestation by Macronyssus flavus was 30.8 and in males 23.5. Acanthophthirius noctulius and Nycteriglyphus tuerkorum are new to the fauna of Poland.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and diabetic nephropathy: A HuGE review and meta-analysis

Candidate-gene association studies that examined the association between polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene (G894T, 4b/a, and T786C) and diabetic nephropathy or diabetes leading to severe nephropathy produced inconclusive results. Thus, a meta-analysis of all candidate-gene association studies with endothelial nitric oxide synthase genotyping (7401 cases and 8046 controls) was conducted. Other study designs, such as family-based association studies and genome-wide linkage and association studies were also reviewed for supportive evidence of implication of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene in diabetic nephropathy. The meta-analysis showed that G894T is significantly associated with diabetic nephropathy and diabetes leading to severe nephropathy in type 2 diabetics and in East Asians, respectively. Concerning the 4b/a polymorphism and its relationship to diabetes leading to severe nephropathy, a significant association was shown for East Asians. Heterogeneity between studies was in general high. There was no differential magnitude of effect in large versus small studies. One genome-wide linkage scan provided evidence of linkage nearby the endothelial nitric oxide synthase locus. Studies exploring gene and environment interactions with endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms may help understand better the genetics of diabetic nephropathy.
Comparison of the effects of four different cochlear implant electrodes on intra-cochlear pressure in a model

Abstract Conclusion: Based on this model experiment, a small tip and low volume electrode show lowest intra-cochlear pressure values. Insertional support by a tool minimizes fast pressure changes. Higher electrodes volumes affect slow and fast pressure changes as well. Objective: Insertion causing low intra-cochlear pressure is assumed to be important for atraumatic cochlear implant surgery to preserve residual hearing. Cochlear implant electrodes differ in terms of parameters like tip size, length, volume, and technique of insertion. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of different cochlear implant electrodes on insertional intra-cochlear pressure in a cochlear model. Materials and methods: Cochlear implant electrode insertions were performed in an artificial cochlear model and intra-cochlear pressure changes were recorded in parallel with a micro-pressure sensor positioned in the apical region of the cochlear model to follow the maximum values, temporal changes, maximum amplitude, and frequency of changes in intra-cochlear pressure. Insertions were performed with four different electrodes (Advanced Bionics 1j, Helix, HFMS, and LW23). Results: This study found statistically significant differences in the occurrence of initial maximum pressure values correlating with the electrode tip size. The different electrodes and the technique of insertion significantly affected the occurrence of maximum value, amplitude, and frequency of intra-cochlear pressure occurrence.
Facilitating the wider use of agroforestry for development in southern Africa

Southern Africa is experiencing severe degradation of the natural resource base caused by population growth and poverty. Agroforestry technologies that are now available have great potential to improve the livelihoods of many households. The paper describes some of the outcomes of technology development and how this has evolved into a more client-driven process. Regional development trends are assessed and six agroforestry options are presented that offer better livelihood options to smallholder farming families. The article goes on to discuss problems and successes experienced in facilitating the wider use of agroforestry, and highlights lessons concerning partnerships, the timeframe of impact, using farmers as change agents, and addressing the special needs of women. The emphasis is on using agroforestry as a learning tool in building local capacity for developing innovations.
Long-Term Effects of a Financial Crisis: Evidence from Cash Holdings of East Asian Firms

Abstract We investigate the long-term effect of the Asian financial crisis on corporate cash holdings in 8 East Asian countries. The Asian firms build up cash holdings by decreasing investment activities after the crisis. We find that the increase in cash holdings is not explained by changes in firm characteristics but by changes in the firms’ demand function for cash, which indicates that the crisis has systematically changed the firms’ cash-holding policies. Specifically, the firms’ increased sensitivity to cash flow volatility is one of the main factors explaining the higher level of their cash holdings in the postcrisis period.
Human niche, human behaviour, human nature

The concept of a ‘human nature’ or ‘human natures’ retains a central role in theorizing about the human experience. In Homo sapiens it is clear that we have a suite of capacities generated via our evolutionary past, and present, and a flexible capacity to create and sustain particular kinds of cultures and to be shaped by them. Regardless of whether we label these capacities ‘human natures’ or not, humans occupy a distinctive niche and an evolutionary approach to examining it is critical. At present we are faced with a few different narratives as to exactly what such an evolutionary approach entails. There is a need for a robust and dynamic theoretical toolkit in order to develop a richer, and more nuanced, understanding of the cognitively sophisticated genus Homo and the diverse sorts of niches humans constructed and occupied across the Pleistocene, Holocene, and into the Anthropocene. Here I review current evolutionary approaches to ‘human nature’, arguing that we benefit from re-framing our investigations via the concept of the human niche and in the context of the extended evolutionary synthesis (EES). While not a replacement of standard evolutionary approaches, this is an expansion and enhancement of our toolkit. I offer brief examples from human evolution in support of these assertions.
Appraising the ANT: Psychometric and theoretical considerations of the Attention Network Test.

OBJECTIVE The Attention Network Test (ANT) is a tool used to assess the efficiency of the 3 attention networks-alerting, orienting, and executive control. The ANT has become popular in the neuropsychological literature since its first description in 2002, with some form of the task currently appearing in no less than 65 original research papers. Although several general reviews of the ANT exist, none provide an analysis of its psychometric properties. METHOD Data from 15 unique studies were collected, resulting in a large sample (N = 1,129) of healthy individuals. Split-half reliability, variance structure, distribution shape, and independence of measurement of the 3 attention network scores were analyzed, considering both reaction time and accuracy as dependent variables. RESULTS Split-half reliabilities of reaction time based attention network scores were low for alerting (rweighted = .20, CI 95%weighted [.14, .27], Spearman-Brown r = .38) and orienting (rweighted = .32, CI 95%weighted [.26, .38], Spearman-Brown r = .55), and moderate high for executive control (rweighted = .65, CI 95%weighted [.61, .71], Spearman-Brown r = .81). Analysis of the variance structure of the ANT indicated that power to find significant effects was variable across networks and dependent on the statistical analysis being used. Both analysis of variance (significant interaction observed in 100% of 15 studies) and correlational analyses (multiple-significant inter-network correlations observed) suggest that the networks measured by the ANT are not independent. CONCLUSIONS In the collection, analysis and interpretation of any test data, psychometric properties, such as those reported here for the ANT, must be carefully considered.
A New Formulation of Coupled Propagation Equations in Periodic Nanophotonic Waveguides for the Treatment of Kerr-Induced Nonlinearities

Nonlinear phenomena could be used to implement important signal processing functionalities in future nanophotonic integrated optical devices. In this paper, a semi-analytical model incorporating the influence of Kerr-induced nonlinearity in the propagation of an optical signal inside a periodic nanophotonic waveguide is derived. The approach consists of a system of nonlinear coupled mode propagation equations and is applicable to both single and multimode waveguides. The influence of the mode group velocity on the value of the self-phase modulation coefficient gamma is analyzed and the impact of higher order nonlinear terms is also investigated both at the middle and edge of the guided band. The model is also applied to estimate the nonlinear coupling coefficients of a photonic crystal waveguide coupler and provides an efficient method to analyze the influence of nonlinear phenomena in periodic nanophotonic waveguide devices.
A model of takeovers of foreign banks

Abstract. This paper investigates the determinants of the takeover of a foreign bank by a domestic bank whereby the former becomes a branch of the latter. Each bank is initially supervised by a national agency that cares about closure costs and deposit insurance payouts, and may decide the early closure of the bank on the basis of supervisory information. Under the principle of home country control, the takeover moves responsibility for both the supervision of the foreign bank and the insurance of the foreign deposits to the domestic agency. It is shown that the takeover is more likely to happen if the foreign bank is small (relative to the foreign banking market) and its investments are risky (relative to those of the domestic bank). Moreover, the takeover is in general welfare improving for both countries.
Attention, Asymmetry, and Government Popularity in Britain

t has been an accepted axiom for a number of years that economics plays an important part in the fortunes of British political parties. Nevertheless, the systematic study of how different macroeconomic indicators affect political variables began fairly recently. Since the early work on the effects of inflation and unemployment on party popularity, conducted by Goodhart and Bhansali in 1970, a large body of evidence has emerged linking economic fluctuations with government popularity and electoral success (Frey and Schneider 1981; Whiteley 1984a, 1984b; Hibbs et al. 1982; Richardson and Moon 1984; Alt 1985; Mishler et al. 1986; Headrick 1987; and Norpoth 1987a, 1987b). While there have been some dissenting voices (Frey and Garbers 1971; Miller and Mackie 1974; and Chrystal and Alt 1981), most scholars now accept the importance of the politico-economic linkage. A few studies have added political (or noneconomic) variables to their models of British government and party popularity. These studies have generally focused on relatively short periods of time, and on specific events. They indicate that these events can have substantial effects on short-term fluctuations in popularity. The addition of political variables to models of popularity however, does not erase the effects of economic variables. Among the political events considered by research-