Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The optimal material threshold: Toward an economics of sufficiency

This paper begins by reviewing the empirical studies that have examined the correlation between income and self-reported happiness. The evidence suggests that once people have their basic material needs adequately met, the correlation between income and happiness quickly begins to fade. The analysis proceeds to consider the various explanations for this so- called 'income-happiness paradox,' and it also considers the radical implications this paradox has for people and nations that are arguably overconsuming. The paper concludes by outlining what will be called an 'economics of sufficiency,' drawing on degrowth and steady-state economics. Increasing material wealth has been, and remains, one of the dominant goals of humankind - perhaps the dominant goal, even if for most people historically it was a goal that would never be realised. Given the extremely low material standards of living endured by most people throughout history, and indeed, by great multitudes around the world even today, the desire for more wealth is hardly surprising. When people are hungry, they understandably desire more food; when people are cold, warmer clothing and adequate housing are critically important; when people are ill, they naturally want access to basic medical supplies; etc. In conditions of material destitution, the pursuit of more material wealth seems wholly justifiable. But what about those of us in the highly developed regions of the world who generally have our basic material needs for food, shelter, clothing, etc., adequately met, and who even have some discretionary income to purchase things like alcohol, microwaves, non-essential clothing, takeout food, movie tickets, books, and even the occasional holiday? In these relatively comfortable material circumstances, is more material wealth a goal for which we should still be striving? Or should we now be dedicating more of our time and energy to other, less materialistic pursuits? In other words, when it comes to material wealth - money, possessions, assets, etc. - how much is actually needed to live a meaningful, free, and happy life? These questions are of the highest importance, today more than ever before. At a time when Earth's ecosystems are already trembling under the weight of overconsumption (MEA, 2005), increasing the consumption levels of those who are already materially well off seems to be a highly questionable objective, despite it being an objective whose legitimacy is widely taken for granted. Furthermore, the extent of global poverty strongly suggests that the wealthier sectors of the global population (say, the richest one billion people) should restrain their
Effects of beta-adrenergic blockade on ventilation and gas exchange during exercise in humans.

The effects of beta-adrenergic blockade induced by intravenous propranolol hydrochloride (0.2 mg/kg) on ventilatory and gas exchange responses to exercise were studied during tests in which the work rate was either increased progressively or maintained at a constant load in six healthy young male subjects. Heart rate during exercise decreased by about 20% and cardiac output, as estimated by a modification of the method of Kim et al. (J. Appl. Physiol. 21: 1338-1344, 1966), by about 15%. The relation between work rate and O2 uptake (VO2) was unaffected by propranolol, whereas maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) decreased by 5% and the anaerobic threshold, estimated noninvasively, was lowered by 23%. The relations between CO2 output (VCO2) and end-tidal CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) and between VCO2 and minute ventilation (VE) were both unaffected. The time constants for changes of VO2, VCO2, and VE during on-transients from unloaded pedaling to either a moderate (ca. 50% VO2max) or a heavy (ca. 67% VO2max) work rate in the control studies were in agreement with previously reported values, i.e., 42, 60, and 69 s, respectively. beta-Blockade was associated with a significantly increased time constant for VO2 of 61 s but with less consistent and insignificant changes for VCO2 and VE. There was a small but significant increase of the time constant for heart rate from 40 to 45 s. It is concluded that propranolol exerts its primary influence during exercise on the cardiovascular system without any discernible effect on ventilatory control.
Efficiency of the Sharia Rural Bank in Indonesia Lead to Modified Camel

The magnitude of potential micro-banking market makes many banks and other financial institutions to make profits in the segment of small and micro banking as a market for rural banks (BPR), especially Sharia rural banks (BPRS). Thus, the efficient BPRS is required to survive amid the competition. This study used parametric stochastic frontier approach (SFA) with the asset approach to analyze the efficiency levels of 59 BPRS in the period of 2nd Quarter June 2011 - 4th Quarter December 2012. The level of Bank efficiency could be integrated with the performance of banks which is adopted from Central Bank (BI) criteria, namely CAMEL (Capital, Asset Quality, Management, Earnings and liquidity). The results of this study indicated that there are significant differences between the efficiency level measured by SFA and the performance of CAMEL measured by ratio, which means that existing of CAMEL method do not show the level of efficiency of BPRS concerned. In addition, this study also showed that the BPRS is less efficient than Sharia Banks (BUS).
A Content Analysis of Retail Web-Sites

Abstract A content analysis is presented of Web-sites maintained by the top 100 U.S. retailers. The prevalence of Web-based retailing, sales, merchandise presentation, sales promotion, corporate communication and customer service are examined. Results indicate that while 64 of the top 100 retailers have established Websites, few are using the electronic retail sites for sales, corporate communication or customer service. This study establishes a foundation for theory building and empirical examinations of Web-based retailing. Future directions for research in this area are suggested.
How employee perceptions of HR policy and practice influence discretionary work effort and co-worker assistance: evidence from two organizations

Drawing on social identity theory and organizational justice research, we model the impact of employee perceptions of human resource (HR) policies and practices on two important outcome variables – discretionary work effort (DWE) and co-worker assistance (CWA). Results based on 618 full-time employees in two organizations show that HR practices are positively related to procedural and distributive justice and that organizational identification mediates the relationship between procedural and distributive justice and DWE and CWA, respectively. Distributive justice is also shown to have direct effects on the two outcome variables suggesting the relevance of a social exchange perspective as a complement to social identity explanations. Implications for research and practice are briefly discussed.
Integrator Contracts with Many Agents and Bankruptcy

This article analyzes optimal livestock production contracts between an integrator company and many independent growers in three similar industries: broiler, turkey, and swine. The analysis provides an explanation for the simultaneous existence of distinct incentive schemes in these industries by examining the effects of bankruptcy. The key factors are shown to be the output price volatility and the firm size. With large companies dominating the broiler industry, a small price volatility facilitates the use of two-part piece rate tournaments. By contrast, given the prevalence of smaller companies in the swine industry, a larger price volatility generates a bankruptcy risk which renders the use of tournaments infeasible. Given the combination of medium-size companies in the turkey industry, an intermediate price volatility produces a mixed result where tournaments and fixed performance standards exist simultaneously. Copyright 1999, Oxford University Press.
Digital Divide in Tourism

Tourism is an important wealth creator at both global and local levels. An appropriate diffusion of the information and communication technologies (ICTs) in this sector can improve the social and economic impacts, from which many citizens and organizations in developed and developing countries can benefit.This article analyzes digital divide and proposes an integrated theoretical framework to explore the relevant factors that lead to unequal access and use of ICTs for tourists and destinations. It integrates the technical, social, and motivational aspects derived from different approaches to digital divide to demonstrate how these factors affect the capacity of markets and destinations to meet and interact effectively in a global tourism environment.
Description of Blankaartia shatrovi n. sp. (Acari: Trombiculidae) From Brazil

Abstract The chigger mite genus Blankaartia includes 28 known species, of which 10 are distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. These species preferentially parasitize birds, but occasionally they can also be found on rodents, bats, and reptiles, showing low host selectivity. In the present study, we report the presence of this genus in Brazil for the first time, including the first report of Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Floch and Fauran) and the description of a new species of Blankaartia collected from birds (Order Passeriformes).
Public perceptions of international development and support for aid in the UK: results of a qualitative enquiry

Summary Aid budgets face immense pressure – despite overseas aid being critical for poverty alleviation in developing countries and the explicit commitments of the world's industrialised countries to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Public support for international development and aid will play a key role. Will the public become unsure about the UK's aid budget when they begin to feel cuts in government expenditure at home? How well equipped are we to ‘sell’ the UK's aid programme to a sceptical public in times of economic austerity? This working paper presents the results of a qualitative enquiry into public perceptions of international development and aid in the UK. Using data from the Mass Observation Project (MOP) at the University of Sussex, the authors investigate the views of 185 members of the general public. The study finds that, while people can conjure up ideas of why poverty exists, they know very little about the confluence of factors that actually drive poverty and/or the daily lives of the poor. Thus, poverty is seen as caused primarily by bad governments and natural disasters, almost as a stereotype. People have major doubts about the effectiveness of aid, perhaps reflecting the fact that they tend to be much better at picturing aid ‘failure’ than aid ‘success’. Nonetheless, there is support for aid in principle; people think that the UK has a responsibility to help the poor in developing countries, primarily on ethical grounds. This research has clear implications for the way in which the UK communicates with the British public about aid and development and the authors suggest a more considered approach that recognises the complexities of aid and is honest about what works and what doesn't. The paper concludes with a call for further research to fill the knowledge gaps that still exist about the drivers of public support for development and how those drivers can be influenced.
Pengaruh Hari Perdagangan terhadap Return Saham di Bursa Efek Jakarta

The objectives of this study are: (1) to test the effect of trading days on stock return, (2) to determine whether there is any differences of daily stock returns, and (3) to test daily abnormal return of some Indonesians common stocks. The results indicate that there is an effect of trading days on stock return. The study also shows that there is the difference in daily stock returns. Finally, the result of the study indicates that Tuesday and Wednesday have an abnormal return.
Rural Elementary Students' Understanding of Science and Agricultural Education Benchmarks Related to Meat and Livestock.

Agricultural educators and agricultural industry leaders have called for a basic level of agricultural literacy for Americans of all ages. Benchmarks have been developed by science and agricultural educators for students at all levels regarding an understanding of meat and livestock concepts. This qualitative study sought to ascertain rural fifth grade students’ cognitive structures about these concepts. Through interviews and concept mapping, student understandings were unearthed. This study found that students were aware that food products come from animals, but they were not as aware of other products that animals produce for human use. The students did not understand the size and scope of modern agriculture, but most had a very basic understanding of the process that meat travels from farm to consumer. The language these students used to describe the benchmarks was not the language experts deemed necessary. Although the students could describe the steps of the process, their discourse did not include “scientifically” acceptable terminology educators prescribed in national benchmarks for science and agricultural education.
Learning From the Experts: An Analysis of Résumé Writers' Self-Presentation on LinkedIn

Research problem: In light of the growing popularity of LinkedIn as a self-promotional tool for the job search process, this paper examines the rhetorical structure of LinkedIn Summaries. Research questions: (1) Which rhetorical moves are found in the Summary sections of LinkedIn profiles? (2) Do the Summary sections display similar patterns of textual organization? (3) What strategies do the writers of the Summary sections deploy to achieve these rhetorical moves? Literature review: This paper has a genre analytic theoretical orientation of approach, whose underlying assumption is that genres sharing the same purposes and context of use are likely to have similar organizational patterns and to deploy similar strategies to achieve these purposes. Previous research on LinkedIn has focused on characteristics of the service and its impact on interactions, but not as a medium used in the classroom. A much deeper literature exists on job application letters, which concludes that a job application uses similar rhetorical moves, or discoursal units that perform distinct communicative functions, to a sales promotion letter. The moves include: introducing candidature, establishing credentials, essential detailing of candidature, indicating value of candidature, offering incentives, enclosing documents, using pressure tactics, soliciting response, and ending politely. Methodology: It is a study that analyzed the rhetorical structure of LinkedIn Summaries of 50 professional résumé writers in the US from a genre analytic perspective. Results and conclusions: The LinkedIn Summary shares many moves in common with the job application letter. Moves that were found in all or nearly all of the texts were establishing credentials, identifying target market and detailing service; an additional move, not seen in job application letters, was also identified-that of personal branding. However, a rigid organizational structure was not seen. The results and the methodology used to obtain them will be of use to students and others wishing to use LinkedIn to promote themselves to potential employers. The study is limited to one particular professional group in one region, but there is ample scope for further research looking at LinkedIn profiles in other professions and other parts of the world.
The mapping of maximum annual energy yield azimuth and tilt angles for photovoltaic installations at all locations in South Africa

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is fast emerging as a viable energy supply option in mitigation against environmental degradation through the burning of traditional fossil fuels. The cost of the technology, however, still poses a major challenge, as the efficiencies are generally still quite modest. Current research efforts to improve efficiency are mainly focused on component physics and manufacturing technologies. Little attention seems to be paid to improved system design at field level. Traditionally it is assumed that a panel installed at a tilt angle that is equal to the latitude at a location should achieve maximum annual energy yield for a non-tracking installation. However, in practice, due to a number of factors such as wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, global and diffuse irradiation and other climatic factors, the optimum azimuth and tilt get more convoluted. In this paper the optimum angles (azimuth and tilt) to maximise annual energy yield for fixed angle PV installations at all locations in South Africa have been tabulated. Climate data software together with solar design software were used in determining the angles. The availability of these tables will offer an additional support tool to the country in promoting the growth of PV as a viable alternative energy generation technology for both urban as well as the most secluded rural areas that are not grid connected.
The Nature of Aid and Trade Relationships

Researchers have analysed the relationship between aid and trade flows from donors to recipients to address one of two questions: (a) do donors use aid to increase their trade with recipients (aid leads to trade)? (b) Is trade a determinant of aid allocation decisions of donors (trade leads to aid)? As the ‘aid and trade’ relationship is bilateral, it may differ between donor and recipient pairs. For some pairs (a) may apply, for others (b), for others both and for others neither. This paper argues that appropriate testing for the nature of the aid and trade relationship must allow and test for these alternatives. Rather than pooling all observations into a sample to test for (a) or (b), which is shown to give misleading results, one should test if the underlying relationship differs in sub-samples. Using appropriate pooled samples, we find no evidence that tied aid increases trade, although donors providing a higher share of aid tend to trade more with the recipient. In terms of aid allocation, donors appear to be concerned with relative aid and trade shares rather than absolute volumes.Plusieurs chercheurs analysent la relation entre l'aide au développement et les flux commerciaux des donateurs aux bénéficiaires pour se poser une des deux questions suivantes: (a) les donateurs utilisent-ils l'aide pour augmenter leurs échanges commerciaux avec les bénéficiaires (l'aide mène au commerce) ? (b) Le commerce détermine-t-il les décisions des donateurs concernant l'aide (le commerce mène à l'aide) ? La relation entre « aide et commerce » étant bilatérale, elle peut varier entre les différents « couples » donateurs-bénéficiaires. Pour certains, (a) peut être valable, pour d'autres, ce sera (b), pour d'autres encore, les deux ou aucun des deux cas. Cet article soutient qu'un examen adequat de la nature de la relation aide-commerce doit inclure chacune de ces alternatives. Plutôt que de réunir toutes les observations en un échantillon à analyser en tenant compte des alternatives (a) et (b), ce qui tend à donner des résultats faussés, il faut étudier les variations de la relation sus-mentionnée en tenant compte des sous-catégories. En utilisant des échantillons adequats, on constate qu'il n'y a aucun lien entre aide « liee » et accroissement des échanges commerciaux, bien que les donateurs qui sont à l'origine d'un taux d'aide plus élevé entretiennent tendanciellement plus d'échanges commerciaux avec les bénéficiaires. En termes d'octroi d'aide, les donateurs paraissent davantage intéressés par les niveaux relatifs de l'aide et les parts de marché que par le volume absolu.
Policy Responses to Changing Perceptions of the Role of Agriculture in Development

Traditionally, development economists had a dim view of the contribution that farmers made to modern economic growth, compared with manufacturers. Hence agricultural exports and manufacturing imports were often taxed. This view changed over time though, as first economists and then policy makers came to understand the high cost of an anti-agricultural, import-substituting industrialization strategy. This paper outlines how this change came about and the resulting economic policy reforms that occurred in developing countries from the 1980s. It then considers the kinds of distortions that remain within agricultural markets, their cost to the global economy, and alternatives to these price-distorting measures.
Global emissions of refrigerants HCFC-22 and HFC-134a: Unforeseen seasonal contributions

Significance HCFC-22 (CHClF2) and HFC-134a (CH2FCF3) are two major gases currently used worldwide in domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. HCFC-22 contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion, and both species are potent greenhouse gases. We find pronounced seasonal variations of global emissions for these two major refrigerants, with summer emissions two to three times higher than in winter. Thus results suggest that global emissions of these potent greenhouse gases might be mitigated by improved design and engineering of refrigeration systems and/or by reinforcing system service regulations. HCFC-22 (CHClF2) and HFC-134a (CH2FCF3) are two major gases currently used worldwide in domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. HCFC-22 contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion, and both species are potent greenhouse gases. In this work, we study in situ observations of HCFC-22 and HFC-134a taken from research aircraft over the Pacific Ocean in a 3-y span [HIaper-Pole-to-Pole Observations (HIPPO) 2009–2011] and combine these data with long-term ground observations from global surface sites [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) networks]. We find the global annual emissions of HCFC-22 and HFC-134a have increased substantially over the past two decades. Emissions of HFC-134a are consistently higher compared with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) inventory since 2000, by 60% more in recent years (2009–2012). Apart from these decadal emission constraints, we also quantify recent seasonal emission patterns showing that summertime emissions of HCFC-22 and HFC-134a are two to three times higher than wintertime emissions. This unforeseen large seasonal variation indicates that unaccounted mechanisms controlling refrigerant gas emissions are missing in the existing inventory estimates. Possible mechanisms enhancing refrigerant losses in summer are (i) higher vapor pressure in the sealed compartment of the system at summer high temperatures and (ii) more frequent use and service of refrigerators and air conditioners in summer months. Our results suggest that engineering (e.g., better temperature/vibration-resistant system sealing and new system design of more compact/efficient components) and regulatory (e.g., reinforcing system service regulations) steps to improve containment of these gases from working devices could effectively reduce their release to the atmosphere.
The Effects of Financial Innovation on Financial Savings: Evidence From an Economy in Transition

The general objective of this research is to establish the effects of financial innovations on financial savings in Ghana for the period 1963 to 2006. Both the perceptual index and M2/M1 that were used as proxies for financial innovation exhibited a positive long-run relationship but a negative short-run relationship. The crux of the study was that financial innovations led to a reduction in financial savings in the short run for one main reason—the prevailing innovative products in Ghana encouraged withdrawals rather than savings. Financial institutions, especially banks, are therefore encouraged to develop savings-related innovative instruments.