Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Near decomposability and the speed of evolution

This paper proposes an explanation for a fundamental property that appears to be shared by all multicelled organisms. Such organisms consist of a hierarchy of components, such that, at any level of the hierarchy, the rates of interaction within components at that level are much higher than the rates of interaction between different components. Systems with this property are called nearly completely decomposable, or more briefly, nearly decomposable (ND). The explanation for the ubiquity of the ND property is that, under the usual conditions of mutation and-or crossover and natural selection, ND systems will increase in fitness, and therefore reproduce, at a much faster rate than systems that do not possess the ND property. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.
REAL OPTIONS VALUATION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO BAYESIAN DECISION-MAKING METHODS

ABSTRACT It is well accepted that conventional NPV criterion fails to capture investment flexibility, and the market approach using riskless-arbitrage-pricing is ideally suited to price real options. However, when valuing complex real options, it is difficult to satisfy the restrictive assumptions required for risk-free arbitrage pricing. Using two-action linear payoff analysis, we show that when it is possible to delay and obtain additional information, an irreversible capital investment decision should be valued as an option taking into considering the value of flexibility. This option value is not based on risk-less arbitrage, but on a more fundamental concept in decision theory - the opportunity loss criterion. Our approach relates to the Quasi-Option concept of Arrow and Fisher (1974) and Henry (1974) that considers the value of gaining more information before making irreversible environment decisions. Lund (1991) provides an excellent analysis of the relationship between the Arrow and Fisher's [1] Quasi-Option Value and Black and Schole's Market based Model [4], and suggests using both ideas for valuing real options. Conrad (1980), Fisher and Hanemann (1987) and Hanemann (1989) discuss the relationship between Quasi-Option Value and Expected Value of Perfect Information (EVPI) with respect to environmental decisions. We extend the opportunity loss concept to value real options and analyze its relationship to EVPL We show that the value of a quasi-real option is equal to value of information. In the special case where a lognormal terminal distribution is assumed, we show that the EVPI is equivalent to the Black and Scholes model. We demonstrate how EVPI can be used to make investment decisions under uncertainty within an options framework. The suggested approach allows revision of option values sequentially using Bayesian methods at each decision point within the well-known decision theory framework. Financial economists have not considered the intersection between Bayesian decision framework and value of investment flexibility, that allow for a less restrictive set of assumptions.
The temporal dynamics of new international borders

Borders are perhaps the most significant institutions in international relations. A massive literature demonstrates that border disputes fundamentally affect the character of relations between disputants, often escalating to violent and persistent conflict. However, the literature has barely begun to explore and identify the exact mechanisms that produce disputes and whereby these disputes escalate. Recent research demonstrates that how borders are drawn affects the probability of subsequent conflict and suggests that borders will be peaceful when they effectively and efficiently coordinate the actors on either side, thereby creating stable and predictable patterns of interactions. This research, however, ignores the obvious temporal component implied by theory. We develop the temporal component of an institutional theory of borders, starting from the argument that whether new international borders become more stable over time depends upon whether actors on both sides learn to coordinate on new jurisdictional international borders. We build on this idea to argue that the effect of time is significantly influenced by the manner in which the new border is drawn. We find that new borders that follow previous administrative frontiers become stable institutions much faster than than those drawn otherwise. In other words, stable and peaceful coordination on new borders occurs much faster when those new borders follow previous administrative frontiers.
Globalization, Domestic Politics and the Introduction of New Public Management in the Commonwealth Caribbean

The purpose of this article is to examine the extent to which the adoption of New Public Management (npm) in the public services of four islands of the Commonwealth Caribbean was influenced by the forces of globalization. It evaluates the extent to which the features of npm have been successfully introduced in these countries and proposes that the countries under review may be classified along a continuum. For instance, while many of the features of npm have been introduced in Barbados, npm has not been introduced in Guyana. Both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, however, have had partial success in introducing some features of npm. The article suggests, therefore, that while the primary catalyst for reforming public management systems may be similar, yet the success in adopting them is largely dependent on a number of factors operating within the domestic political system such as the governmental structures, the ethnic composition of the society, the way in which the governmental systems operate and the state of the economy in the various territories.1
Activity Patterns and Speeds of Large Cruise Ships in Southeast Alaska

We characterized activity patterns of large cruise ships in Southeast Alaska, where there is considerable overlap with aggregations of endangered humpback whales and where lethal ship–whale collisions have been reported. Using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from 451 voyages representing 26 cruise ships ( = 270 m), we summarized traffic intensity, speed, and timing (day vs. night) for the 2012 summer cruise season in Southeast Alaska. Traffic intensity was found to exceed 700 transits in some areas, which constituted up to 10 ships transiting these areas per day during peak season. Throughout most of the study area (68% of 5 × 5 km cells) average ship speed was >16 knots, and often >18 knots. About half (47%) of the time spent cruising occurred at night when detection and avoidance of whales by ships is likely low. Although whales in Southeast Alaska were subject to low levels of shipping traffic relative to other major shipping routes, cruise ships transited throughout the majority of our study area at speeds where the probability for lethality, should a collision occur, is high, potentially offsetting the relatively low traffic levels. Our results help identify areas of greatest relative risk to whales and locations where whale conservation measures may be most effective.
Economic Growth in South Africa

ABSTRACT This paper provides an overview of South African economic growth and employs modern growth theory to structure the historical record. The recent literature on growth is large and investigates the impact of a great many variables on economic growth. Constraints of space and information confine this analysis to the following core issues: the relative contributions of employment, capital stock and technological change on growth; the determinants of investment and hence of the trajectory of capital accumulation; the contribution of the financial sector and foreign capital flows; the contribution of human capital; the impact of monetary and fiscal policy; growth consequences of governance and institutions; and the functioning of the labour market and its impact on growth.
Service innovation and performance in SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between exploration and exploitation innovation, and business performance in small and medium enterprise (SME) service firms. Furthermore, the paper also examines the interaction between the two innovation orientations in predicting business performance, and the influence of size in the effectiveness of each of them in enhancing business performance.Design/methodology/approach – Using empirical data drawn from 180 managers in Australian service organisations, this study also compares the effect of ambidextrous innovation on business performance within these SMEs.Findings – The findings show that, controlled for size, neither of the innovation orientations show significant, direct relationships with firms' performance. However, ambidextrous innovation was positively associated with business performance, indicating a synergy between exploration and exploitation. Further examination indicates the relationship between exploration/exploitation .
Does experience matter? innovations and the productivity of information and communication technologies in German services

In this paper, it is argued that investments in information and communication technologies (ICT) are closely linked to complementary innovations and are most productive in firms with experience from earlier innovations. In the empirical analysis based on firm-level panel data covering the period 1994–1999, system GMM estimates for an extended production function framework reveal significant productivity effects of ICT in the German service sector. Moreover, there is strong support for the hypothesis that experience gained from past process innovations makes ICT capital more productive but does not affect the productivity of other capital goods.
Three-day CSF drainage barely reduces ventricular size in normal pressure hydrocephalus

Objective: External lumbar drainage (ELD) of CSF is a test to determine the suitability of a shunt for patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), but its effect on ventricular volume is not known. This study investigates the effect of 3-day ELD of 500 mL on ventricular size and clinical features in patients with idiopathic NPH. Methods: Fifteen patients were investigated in a 1.5-T MRI scanner before and after ELD. Ventricular volume was measured manually. Clinical features involved motor and cognitive functions, testing primarily gait and attention. Reduction in ventricular volume was correlated to total drain volume and clinical parameters. Statistical tests were nonparametric, and p < 0.05 was required for significance. Results: Drain volume was 415 mL (median 470 mL, range 160–510 mL). Ventricular size was reduced in all patients, averaging 3.7 mL (SD 2.2 mL, p < 0.001), which corresponded to a 4.2% contraction. The ratio of volume contraction to drain volume was only 0.9%. Seven patients improved in gait and 6 in attention. Ventricular reduction and total drain volume correlated neither with improvement nor with each other. The 7 patients with the largest drain volumes (close to 500 mL), had ventricular changes varying from 1.3 to 7.5 mL. Conclusions: Clinical improvement occurs in patients with NPH after ELD despite unaltered ventricles, suggesting that ventricular size is of little relevance for postshunt improvement or determining shunt function. The clinical effect provided by ELD, mimicking shunting, is probably related to the recurring CSF extractions rather than to the cumulative effect of the drainage on ventricular volume.
Striving and Thriving in a Foreign Culture: A Mixed Method Approach on Adult International Students' Experience in U.S.A.

In this mixed method study, we examined the experience of a sample of international students in four American universities to identify the factors that might enhance their ability in surviving and thriving in a foreign country within the context of university internationalization. The research explored the concepts of cultural values, behaviors, perceptions, and strategies related to international students’ cultural adaption. The findings of this study indicate that while benefiting from the oversea study experience, international students faced a number of challenges associated with their unique and unfamiliar surroundings. Moreover, this research suggests that while personal and psychological factors are important in the process of being successful in American universities, the availability of supportive resources on campus and community are also critical. The recommendations for university faculty and staff were discussed.
Effect of Plant Materials on Developmental Periods of Two Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Low concentration of raw flower juice of Calotropis porcera (Asclepiadecae) and seed dust of Nerium oleander (Apocynacae) significantly delayed the egg to adult development of two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, for three successive generations under laboratory trial. The flower juice of C. porcera was found more effective than the seed dust of N. oleander in delaying the developmental period of TSSM. Key words: C. porcera , N. oleander , T. urticae , TSSM, developmental period. DOI:10.3329/jbs.v16i0. 3753 J. bio-sci. 16: 121-124, 2008
Economic Downturn and Efficient Market Hypothesis: Lessons so Far for Ghana

Like all good theories, market efficiency has major limitations, even though it continues to be the source of important and enduring insights. This is a conceptual framework on global financial crisis and Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH). Despite the theory’s undoubted limitations, the claim that it is responsible for the current worldwide crisis seems wildly exaggerated. This paper discusses many of those claims. It was identified that many of these claims were without merit and what developing economies need to consider and worry about is how they can strategize well to insulate themselves from the effects of global financial crisis whenever they arise and even capitalize on it to reap maximum benefits from the situation. Since African stock markets are seen to be providing investors in the developed economies the benefits of portfolio diversification, Ghana should be thinking of what they can benefit from the crisis which we refer to as an opportunity in this paper. Leaders in emerging economies should not sit aloof and believe that the adverse impact is certainly going to affect their economy but they should rather focus on minimizing the effects and taking advantage of the distortions in the developed economies.
Access to the Beach

In the United States, an objective of coastal states is providing sufficient access to coastal resources. To better utilize public resources for such projects, decision makers would benefit from possessing reliable estimates of economic values coastal residents and tourists place on public beach access. This study’s purpose is to estimate the economic values coastal residents and tourists assign to public beach access, and provide options for financing such projects. Estimates of these values were calculated using the doubled-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation technique. Results indicated that coastal residents were willing to pay $2.46 for additional public beach access, while coastal tourists’ mean willingness to pay was $6.33. Findings suggest additional public beach access locations are desirable to both coastal residents and tourists. Supplying coastal resource managers with these values can assist in justifying the use of public resources on beach access projects, as well as in the development of long-term policies.
Exploring the experiences of beginning registered nurses entering the acute care setting

Abstract This study begins to explore some of the social and political issues surrounding the practices of the graduate nurse. Utilising an ethnographic methodology with a critical intent, 4 graduate nurses describe their experiences of clinical practice. The major themes raised or issues that were embedded within the nurses’ stories revolved around power and control enmeshed within nursing practice. The themes discussed relate to the graduates’ perception of their own competence, and the concepts of the ideal nurse, the socialisation of graduates into the ward culture, being an insider or outsider and a good or bad nurse. The resulting discussion utilises the theoretical framework of Foucault’s governmentality to suggest ways in which nurses and graduates might make sense of these issues.
How Do Earnings Numbers Relate to Stock Returns? A Review of Classic Accounting Research with Updated Evidence

An extensive body of academic research in accounting develops theory and empirical evidence on the relation between earnings information and stock returns. This literature provides important insights for understanding the relevance of financial reporting. In this article, we summarize the theory and evidence on how accounting earnings information relates to firms' stock returns, particularly for the benefit of students, practitioners, and others who may not yet have been exposed to this literature. In addition, we present new empirical evidence on the relation between earnings and returns by replicating and extending three classic studies using data from 1988 through 2002. Specifically, we first demonstrate the relation between earnings changes and stock returns, replicating Ball and Brown (1968), and we compare that relation to the relation between changes in cash flows from operations and stock returns. Second, we demonstrate the impact of earnings persistence on stock returns, extending findings from s.
ATP hydrolysis by a CFTR domain: pharmacology and effects of G551D mutation.

Residues 417-830 of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) were expressed as a glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein. This fusion protein, NBD1/R/GST, contains the regulatory and first nucleotide binding domains of CFTR. NBD1/R/GST hydrolyzed ATP with a K(M) (60 microM) and V(max) (330 nmol/min/mg) that differed from those reported for CFTR and for a peptide containing CFTR residues 433-589. The ATPase inhibitor profile of NBD1/R/GST indicates that CFTR resembles P-glycoprotein with respect to the NBD1 ATPase catalytic mechanism. ATP hydrolysis by NBD1/R/GST was unaffected by genistein, glybenclamide, and other agents known to affect CFTR's chloride channel function, suggesting that these agents do not act by directly influencing the ATPase function of NBD1. The disease-causing mutation, G551D, reduced ATP hydrolysis by NBD1/R/GST by increasing the K(M) for ATP fourfold. This suggests that when G551D occurs in patients with cystic fibrosis, it affects CFTR function by reducing the affinity of NBD1 for ATP.
Control of the Nitric Oxide‐Cytochrome c Oxidase Signaling Pathway under Pathological and Physiological Conditions

Prominent among the mechanisms of interaction of nitric oxide (NO) with intracellular targets are the reactions with heme proteins. For example, the mechanism through which NO induces synthesis of the second messenger cyclic GMP involves the binding of NO to the heme in soluble guanylate cyclase. It has only recently been appreciated that NO binding to the binuclear oxygen binding site in cytochrome c oxidase may also serve as a signal transduction pathway. We postulate that NO is uniquely positioned to control mitochondrial respiration and in doing so regulates oxygen gradients within the cell. In this short overview the mechanisms of NO‐dependent regulation of mitochondrial function will be discussed in the context of some of the biological and physiological consequences. IUBMB Life, 55: 585‐590, 2003
Financial liberalization, financial development and economic growth in LDCs

The objective of this paper is to survey what is actually known about the finance-growth relationship based on theory and empirical work. We point out that traditional theoretical models linking financial development and economic growth do not pay sufficient attention to insights emerging from modern information economics. Markets with asymmetric information are not in general constrained Pareto efficient; and increased banking sector competition, following financial liberalization, will not necessarily induce efficient financial intermediation. Increased competition is likely to erode franchise values, which may, in turn, generate an unstable banking environment where gambling behaviour on the part of the banks is prevalent. Increased competition can also discourage relationship-banking, and it disturbs what may actually be a constrained efficient mode of contracting in a dynamic setting characterized by asymmetric information. We argue that these problems are further aggravated by the massive task of building an appropriate institutional and regulatory framework designed to effectively curb imprudent bank behaviour. Turning to the empirical evidence, it is shown that the alledged first-order effect whereby financial development causes growth is not adequately supported by econometric work. The empirical evidence on the finance-growth nexus does not yield any clear-cut picture. By way of conclusion, we question whether financial development, in the sense of increased formal financial sector intermediation in a deregulated environment can be expected to act as 'engine of growth' in the development process; and we argue in favour of a more cautious approach to financial sector reform. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Analysis of the New 9-Year Basic Education Mathematics Curriculum in Nigeria.

The intention of this paper is to describe and reflect on the changes in the new 9-year basic education mathematics curriculum in Nigeria. The paper is divided into four major themes: history of curriculum development in mathematics education at the basic education level in Nigeria, the motivations for the revision of the primary and junior secondary education mathematics curricula, the development process of the new 9-year basic education mathematics curriculum, and the distinctions between the old mathematics curricula and the new 9-year basic education mathematics curriculum.
Trade in Intermediate Goods in a Model with Monopolistic Competition

A model of trade in intermediate and final goods is developed incorporating the features of increasing returns and monopolistic competition. It is shown that the endowment basis (comparative advantage) for trade becomes crucial in determining trade across stages of production, with the capital-rich country a net exporter of specialized intermediate inputs and an importer of the final good. The capital-rich country is shown to be immune to distributional conflicts, whereas for the labour-rich country the distributional conflict crucially hinges upon the elasticity of substitution between intermediate inputs. Thus, free trade has inherently asymmetric effects on the functional distribution of income for countries differing in labour-capital ratios.
When does the turning point in China's CO2 emissions occur? Results based on the Green Solow model

Abstract In recent years, the surge in China's CO2 emissions has caused increasing international concern. In this paper, we investigate whether and when the turning point in China's CO2 emissions would occur. A simple yet powerful neoclassical Green Solow model (GSM) is utilized herein as the main forecasting tool. To verify the capability of this framework to address China's economy, a key prediction of the GSM – the convergence in per capita CO2 emissions across Chinese provinces – is empirically verified. By assigning reasonable values to the GSM's key parameters, the trajectories of total CO2 emissions are projected for the three regions of China and the whole country. The forecast results show that, under the benchmark scenario, China's total CO2 emissions would peak around the year 2047. According to the sensitivity analysis, carbon efficiency is the most important determining factor for whether a turning point in total CO2 emissions may occur.