Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Payment Choice in International Trade: Theory and Evidence from Cross‐Country Firm‐Level Data

When trading across borders, firms choose between different payment contracts. Theoretically, this should allow firms to trade-off differences in financing costs and enforcement across countries. This paper provides evidence for this hypothesis employing firm-level data from a large number of developing countries. As predicted, international transactions are more likely paid after delivery when financing costs in the source country are high and when contract enforcement is low. We extend the theory and also show empirically that the more complex an industry is, the more important is contract enforcement and the less important are financing costs for the contract choice.
REGIONAL EVENT IDENTIFICATION RESEARCH IN ASIA

Recent event identification efforts at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have focused on mining event ground-truth data collection in central Asia and testing far-local to near-regional discriminants using earthquakes, mining explosions, and single-charge chemical explosions. Our mining event efforts have identified over 20 mines and more than 1,000 mining explosions from around the former Soviet nuclear test site (KTS) in eastern Kazakhstan. Using the Kazakh National Data Centre (KNDC) bulletin from 2002 to 2007 and waveforms recorded at station KURK and array MKAR, we combined time-of-day seismic-event analysis, waveform cross correlations, seismic-event location methods, and image analysis to identify active mines. From our previous, but more limited studies, we had assumed mining explosions in eastern Kazakhstan occur only between about 8 AM and 8 PM local time. However, our latest study, using several thousand events, reveals that some mines shoot near midnight local time. Thus, we concluded that only during the hours of 21, 22, and 23 GMT (3, 4, and 5 AM local time) can we assume that the small events from this region are probable earthquakes. Using this assumption, we selected 8 events within about 250 km of station KURK as earthquakes, and we selected about 250 mining explosions from three mines for discrimination analyses. In addition, we gathered all available depth-of-burial (DOB), hole-closing, and tunnel-closing single-charge chemical explosions that occurred at KTS from 1997 to 2000 and were recorded at KURK. The single-charge chemical events occurred within about 125 km of KURK. From published reports, we have flagged three of these events as fully contained. For the mining events, we do not know the shooting practices, such as delayed-firing along rows of shotholes. Using the events described above, we tested spectral-ratio and phase-ratio body-wave amplitude discriminants. We find that contained, and even most partially contained single-charge explosions can be separated from earthquakes using a high-frequency (F>4 Hz) Pg/Lg ratio. For some mines, events do separate from the earthquakes at F>4, but for other mines, Pg/Lg ratios must be formed at F>7 before separation from earthquakes occurs. We also processed the mining events to detect spectral banding related to delay-fired shooting practices. Our cepstral analysis indicates that events from some mines have more pronounced spectral modulations than events from other mines.
The effect of learning by hiring on productivity

This work studies the phenomenon of inter- rm labor mobility as potential channel of knowledge transfer. Using data from the Danish employer-employee register, covering the period 1995-2005, it investigates how the knowledge embed- ded into recruited workers, coming from other rms, contributes to the process of knowledge di usion and boosts rms productivity. Speci cally, estimating both parametric (Cobb-Douglas) and semi-parametric production functions (Olley and Pakes, 1996; Levinsohn and Petrin, 2003), the impact of recruited technicians and highly educated workers on total factor productivity at the rm level is found to be signi cantly positive. A matching analysis, which allows for contin- uous treatment e ect evaluation (Hirano and Imbens, 2004), corroborates this nding.
Attractors for a Double Time-Delayed 2D-Navier-Stokes Model

In this paper, a double time-delayed 2D-Navier-Stokes model is considered. It includes delays in the convective and the forcing terms. Existence and uniqueness results and suitable dynamical systems are established. We also analyze the existence of pullback attractors for the model in several phase-spaces and the relationship among them.
ICLOCS2: Try this Optimal Control Problem Solver Before you Try the Rest

We present a comprehensive toolbox for solving nonlinear optimal control problems (OCPs) in Matlab and Simulink. The software provides a wide selection of underlying solution methods, as well as automated tools to assist in the design and implementation process. The aim is to provide a first port of call to solve OCPs of different natures, with minimum requirements on the experience of the user. Other OCP solvers might be faster on some problems, but ICLOCS2 might work where others fail.
The impact of interest rate and exchange rate volatility on bank ’ s returns and volatility : Evidence from Tunisian

This study specially investigates the effect of the market index, interest rate and foreign exchange rate risk on Tunisian banks stock returns using the OLS and GARCH estimation models. These results suggest that exchange rate and market index have an impact and an important role in determining the dynamics on the conditional bank stock return. However, interest rates do not appear to be significant factors in the Tunisian bank return. The results further indicate that long-return interest rate and exchange rate volatility are the major determinants of the conditional bank stock return volatility.
Can an early warning system help minimize the impacts of coastal storms? A case study of the 2012 Halloween storm, Northern Italy

Abstract. The Emilia-Romagna early-warning system (ER-EWS) is a state-of-the-art coastal forecasting system that comprises a series of numerical models (COSMO, ROMS, SWAN and XBeach) to obtain a daily 3-day forecast of coastal storm hazard at eight key sites along the Emilia-Romagna coastline (northern Italy). On the night of 31 October 2012, a major storm event occurred that resulted in elevated water levels (equivalent to a 1-in-20- to 1-in-50-year event) and widespread erosion and flooding. Since this storm happened just 1 month prior to the roll-out of the ER-EWS, the forecast performance related to this event is unknown. The aim of this study was to therefore reanalyse the ER-EWS as if it had been operating a day before the event and determine to what extent the forecasts may have helped reduce storm impacts. Three different reanalysis modes were undertaken: (1) a default forecast (DF) mode based on 3-day wave and water-level forecasts and default XBeach parameters; (2) a measured offshore (MO) forecast mode using wave and water-level measurements and default XBeach parameters; and (3) a calibrated XBeach (CX) mode using measured boundary conditions and an optimized parameter set obtained through an extensive calibration process. The results indicate that, while a "code-red" alert would have been issued for the DF mode, an underprediction of the extreme water levels of this event limited high-hazard forecasts to only two of the eight ER-EWS sites. Forecasts based on measured offshore conditions (the MO mode) more-accurately indicate high-hazard conditions for all eight sites. Further considerable improvements are observed using an optimized XBeach parameter set (the CX mode) compared to default parameters. A series of what-if scenarios at one of the sites show that artificial dunes, which are a common management strategy along this coastline, could have hypothetically been constructed as an emergency procedure to potentially reduce storm impacts.
ATTITUDE TOWARDS E-LEARNING: THE CASE OF MAURITIAN STUDENTS IN PUBLIC TEIS

Universities in Mauritius are looking forward to introduce e-learning systems to satisfy the needs of the growing number of students. Today, it is relatively common for our students to use modern technologies in their day-to-day activities and hence it has resulted into discussing whether there is a need to incorporate these modern technologies in our learning process. This paper tries to bridge the gap by investigating students’ attitudes and patterns of use of a typical e-learning system. The study focuses on the Mauritian university students as the consumer in the e-learning process. A survey was conducted using structured questionnaire to target university students from public HEIs in Mauritius. Out of a sample of 200 respondents only 156 questionnaires were received back where only 150 were found reliable for testing. Data collected was statistically examined using SPSS and the research hypotheses were tested using regression analysis. The results reveal that students are adopting technologies in their studies and wish to use it in a more progressive way.
Effect of Hletab , Kelpak and Paisein on Vegetative Growth and Yield of Fig Trees ( Ficus carica L . )

Article history: Received 13 January 2016 Accepted 31 January 2016 Available online 19 June 2016 An experiment was conducted on private orchard at AlAbbasyia/Nijaf on fig trees cv. Aswad Diala to investigate the effects of spraying with Hletab, kelpak at 1% and 2% each other and Paisein at concentration of 300 mg/L at 15/3 and 15/5/2014 on leaf area, total chlorophyll, GA3, IAA in leaves, shoot length, number of shoots, total carbohydrates percentage in shoots, percentage fruit drop, percentage fruit cracking, total yield of tree, total soluble solids, vitamin C, anthocyanine pigment in fruit peel and fruit firmness. Results indicated that trees treated with Hletab, Kelpak and Paisein in single way or combination were a significantly increased the leaf area, total chlorophyll, GA3, IAA in leaves, shoot length, number of shoots, total carbohydrates percentage in shoots, total yield of tree and firmness of fruits and reducing percentage fruit drop, percentage fruit cracking, total soluble solids, vitamin C and anthocyanine pigment in fruit peel compared with control treatment. There were a significant effect between treatments. The treatment (Hletab 2% + Kelpak 2% + Paisein 300 mg/L) gave a significant effect and the best results for the season of experiment.
Unveiling a surprising diversity in the lichen genus Micarea (Pilocarpaceae) in Réunion (Mascarenes archipelago, Indian Ocean)

Abstract Detailed anatomical and chemical studies conducted on recent collections made in almost all suitable habitats on Réunion, a small remote tropical island in the Indian Ocean, yielded a surprising diversity in the widespread lichen genus Micarea (Pilocarpaceae, Lecanorales). Twenty-one species are recognized, including 13 described here as new to science. They are: Micarea alectorialica, M. bebourensis, M. borbonica, M. boryana, M. cilaoensis, M. hyalinoxanthonica, M. isidiosa, M. melanoprasina, M. pseudocoppinsii, M. pseudolignaria, M. sublithinella, M. takamakae and M. tenuispora. Notes on local ecology and important biogeographical features are also given and a key to the species is provided. Isidiiform areolae are reported for the first time in the genus (M. isidiosa and M. tenuispora), as well as the production of protolichesterinic and confluentic acids (M. sublithinella and M. takamakae, respectively). Two groups within the genus are species-rich on the island: the M. peliocarpa group with possibly 5 species, including 3 new to science, and the M. prasina group with 4 species, including 2 new to science. Micarea levicula is reported here for the first time since its description, and the status of the material that can be referred to M. micrococca s. lat. needs further study.
Potential effects of predicted climate change on the endemic South African Dwarf Chameleons, Bradypodion

Abstract The niche concept implies that a relationship exists between a species and its environment, while macro‐ecological theory suggests that an important attribute of a species’ environment is climate. Thus, changes in climate could affect individual species, but also communities. Here, we analysed the potential impacts of climate change on dwarf chameleons. A niche‐based modelling technique was used to predict current suitable climatic habitat for most Bradypodion species and for their phylogenetic clades. Additionally, the models were projected into the future (2080) using the IPCC climate change scenarios. All models for Bradypodion species and clades showed responses to predicted climate change, however, the degree and extent of these responses were individualistic. Most species responded with a contraction in predicated climatic suitability, but some registered an expansion or a shift. These results have important implications in understanding the vulnerability of biodiversity to climate change, and for the importance of considering the effects of predicted climatic shifts on the protection of biodiversity.
The dual role of external corporate venturing in technological exploration

Firms tend toward local search when they continue to build on own technological knowledge. Therefore, technological exploration has usually been associated with some form of boundary spanning activities. In line with previous research this study focuses on organizational or external boundary-spanning exploration, but in contrast to previous studies, it distinguishes between explorative learning from partners and from non-partners. Partners are considered as organizations with whom a focal firm has some kind of external venturing relations, i.e. technological alliances, corporate venturing capital, or M&As. Central in the study is the dual role of these external corporate venturing relations and their effect on the two types of exploration. In explorative learning from partners, the external venturing relationships function as pipes to exchange information between the partners. In explorative learning from non-partners, partners may play a role as prisms. That is, they inform the focal firm about technological opportunities beyond its current network. The results of the empirical analysis confirm the dual role of the partners in advancing the two types of explorative learning. The results furthermore indicate that intermediate levels of technological distance between a focal firm and its partners foster explorative learning from partners, while low levels of technological distance enhances explorative learning from non-partners.
Advances in pharmacogenomic studies of docetaxel-a review

Docetaxel is currently utilized in the treatment of breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate, and a variety of other cancers. However, there exists a significant difference in individual drug sensitivity and toxicity. In this paper, we review the genetic variation of drug metabolism related genes, correlations between the genetic polymorphisms of CYP450, ABC, SLCO1B3, and GSTs, as well as the clinical efficacy and adverse drug reactions of docetaxel, in order to provide a theoretical basis for an individualized approach to medical management.
Bioluminescent bioassays based on luminous bacteria

Bioluminescent analysis is one of the most promising express methods for biologically monitoring the environment because the luminescent system is highly sensitive to even micro quantities of pollutants. Bioassays based on luminous bacteria give an integral estimation of toxicity and frequently surpass other known bioassays in speed, accuracy, sensitivity and simplicity. The enzymes of bacterial luminescent system are also used in developing highly sensitive analytical methods for practical purposes. This paper considers questions about the influence of different chemical substances on bacterial luminescence, development and using of bioluminescent bioassays. Luminous bacteria strains from the Culture Collection of Institute of Biophysics SB RAS (CCIBSO 836) are successfully used to produce new or improved microbiosensors based on lyophilized bacteria bearing the marker lux gene. Such biosensors are suitable for biotesting of water, air, soil, and the chemical substances used in everyday life. The "know-how" of kits for bioluminescent analysis and bioassays based on lyophilized natural luminous bacteria P.phosphoreum and recombinant Е. соli strain with cloned lux genes is developed. The bioluminescent assay has certificate and is recommended as an additional method of ecological monitoring in parallel with the other bioassays. The sensitivity of the biosensors developed in the IBP SB RAS is comparable to that of the foreign analogues Microtox ©TM , ToxAlert ©TM , etc.
An evaluation of two GCMs: simulation of North American teleconnection indices and synoptic phenomena

We evaluate the ability of two coupled atmospheric–oceanic GCMs—the Hadley Center's third generation coupled climate model (HadCM3) and the Canadian Center for Climate Modeling and Analysis second‐generation coupled model (CGCM2)—to simulate the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Pacific North American teleconnection pattern (PNA), and map patterns in the Midwest region of the United States, relative to NCEP/NCAR reanalysis (NNR) data. The observed (NNR‐derived) and GCM‐derived probability distributions and temporal behavior of the daily teleconnection indices exhibit agreement over the 1990–2001 reference period, and both GCMs successfully reproduce the range of 500‐hPa map patterns over the study region. During the reference period, observed and modeled map patterns are similar in terms of frequency, coherence, persistence, and progression, although the most common map pattern occurs too often in HadCM3 relative to NNR and CGCM2‐derived map patterns generally exhibit closer agreement with those derived from NNR data. Despite the relatively high degree of correspondence between the observed and simulated teleconnection indices and map patterns in the study area, differences between the GCM and NNR‐derived map‐pattern frequencies in the reference period are greater than either (1) recent historical changes in map‐pattern frequencies or (2) changes in the map‐pattern frequencies as derived from twenty‐first century GCM simulations, indicating that changes in these phenomena over recent and approaching decades are of insufficient magnitude relative to model uncertainty to be definitively identified. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Quantum Entanglement and Special Relativity: A Possible Solution to the Paradox?

Demonstrations of quantum entanglement which confirm the violation of Bell's inequality indicate that under certain conditions action at a distance is possible. This consequence seems to contradict the relativistic principle of causality, which asserts that an effect never precedes its cause, in any reference frame. By analyzing a numerical example of Bell's experiment with entangled pairs of photons, we show how observers in two inertial reference frames can disagree about the causality relation between two events. One observer claims that event 1 is the cause of event 2, while the other claims that event 1 is the result of event 2. The solution we suggest to the paradox is that in entangled systems, one can find pairs of "entangled events" which have symmetrical causality relations. Each of the events can serve as a cause or as an effect, depending on the frame of reference in which they are observed.
Comparative larval development in two species of the burrowing ghost shrimp genus Lepidophthalmus (Decapoda : Callianassidae)

ABSTRACT The early life history is described and compared in the estuarine callianassid shrimp species Lepidophthalmus sinuensis from the Caribbean coast of Colombia and L. louisianensis from the northern Gulf of Mexico, on the basis of laboratory larval cultures and wild plankton collections. Both species have an abbreviated larval development of 2 zoeal stages usually transcended within 3-4 days, with that of L. sinuensis being the shorter and exhibiting greater advancement in the zoeal stages. Development in both species is markedly shorter and morphologically more advanced than in comparable callianassid species for which stages have been described, including most of those known to have only 2 zoeal stages. Larval duration in Lepidophthalmus is nearest that of the ecologically comparable Callianassa s.l. kraussi from southern Africa and suggests possible convergence in early developmental strategies. On the basis of presently known larval histories, genera allied to Lepidophthalmus within the Callichirinae appear to either have long larval histories of 5 zoeal stages, or, if of 2 stages, to bear a morphological resemblance as zoeae to comparable stages in some of the non-Callichirinae. The decapodid (first postlarval) stage is imaginal in form and exhibits burrowing behavior, though appendage development is far short of adult form. Successive early postlarval development and behavior beyond this stage remains unknown. Detailed illustrations of zoeal and decapodid stages are provided to support comparative discussions and for use in larval identifications.
Macroeconomic announcements, communication and order flow on the Hungarian foreign exchange market

We investigate the relation between the EUR/HUF exchange rate on the one hand and news announcements and order flow on the other hand using intraday data. We extend the existing literature on foreign exchange market microstructure by considering a small open transition economy. We find that the intraday exchange rate – independent from whether we focus on the mean or the volatility – depends on both news announcements and order flow. We conclude that news on the EUR/HUF market are transmitted directly via immediate reactions to news announcements as well as indirectly via order flow. We decompose the news’ total effect on exchange rate and find that order flow accounts for approximately three quarters, compared to one quarter for direct news impact. Although the HUF has been pegged to the EUR, the exchange rate reacts qualitatively very similarly to exchange rates of major currencies as reported in the literature, but quantitatively we observe a remarkable difference: the share of the indirect channel is higher on the EUR/HUF market. Furthermore we extend the commonly used news by communication of central bankers and significantly improve the explanatory power of the regressions. Our results imply that macroeconomic and microstructure variables together can explain a non-negligible part of high frequency exchange rate movements and central bank communication is an important determinant of the EUR/HUF rate.
Self Help Group-Banking-Poverty Reduction Nexus: A Case Study of Uttarakhand State, India

In order to fight back poverty, the Central as well as States Governments in India have attempted a number of programs leading to income generation. Like in any developing country, poor governance with lack of proper focus in implementing the programs are the main sources contributing to low human capital development and thereby to rising number of people living below the poverty line in India. The poverty alleviation programs target the people living below poverty line or just above poverty line through self help group units. The empirical analysis presented in this study, which is based on the primary survey data, clearly indicates that the self help group movement in Uttarakhand State in North India is poorly targeted at the poor, though it is a general programme of raising income in the rural areas. Lack of initiatives by the concerned authorities of the self help group movement and the state government in encouraging the poor to work in groups for a common cause of reducing poverty is the basic problem identified in the state. Another critical factor is the limited availability of traditional economic activities to leverage the skill with more efficient methods and affordable credit. The policy conclusion of this study is that there is an urgent need to improve the self help group system by implementing an approach, which should aim at the ultimate goal of poverty alleviation rather than just providing one time employment generation.