Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Foreign Direct Investment and Firm Level Productivity in Kenyan Manufacturing: A Panel Data Analysis

This paper uses panel data to examine the effects of foreign presence on firm level productivity in the Kenyan manufacturing industry employing “traditional” and “recent” methodologies using the production function framework. The results show that foreign firms dominated in virtually all the economic activities, including productivity performance. The analysis of productivity determinants using a technologically profound approach produced a statistically significant role played by foreign presence on firm level productivity, thus supporting the occurrence of spillovers. The paper argues that the use of productivity based methodologies largely masks the nature, actual processes and mechanisms through which spillovers occur. The paper, therefore, advocates a “paradigm shift” in the spillover analysis techniques and recommends a broader approach with particular emphasis on technological innovations which takes into consideration learning, capability building and innovation.
Focusing on Doctoral Students' Experiences of Engagement in Thesis Work.

While doctoral students’ reasons for attrition and negative experiences have been explored for a long time, little is known about their engagement in their doctoral process. This study aimed at filling the gap in the doctoral education literature by exploring the nature of students’ engagement in doctoral work. Altogether, 21 behavioural sciences doctoral students from one top-level research community were interviewed. The interview data were qualitatively content analysed. The students described their engagement in terms of experiences of dedication, efficiency and sometimes absorption. The sources of their engagement were typically increased sense of competence and relatedness. They less often reported strengthened sense of autonomy and contribution as the sources. In addition, three qualitatively different experiences of engagement in doctoral work, adaptive engagement, agentic engagement and work-life inspired engagement were identified from the students’ descriptions. Further, there was a variation among the students in terms of what experiences of engagement they emphasized in different phases of their doctoral studies. Our results suggest that rather than being a singular entity doctoral student engagement in the doctoral work varies.
Improving human-robot object exchange by online force classification

Robots are sometimes tasked with handing an object over to a human, which can be a challenging task for a robot to perform, especially when the human partner has no experience in interacting with robots. This paper presents our work to enable a robot to learn how to achieve this task with wrist force/torque sensing. Firstly, we present a device to record the data, then we discuss techniques used for teaching. We focused on the classification problem as defined in our paper to enable the robot to find the finger-opening movement. The main challenge is that the classification should be run online at a comparable rate to the controller. To achieve a computationally efficient classifier, we used the Wavelet Packet Transformation for feature extraction, and then we used the Fisher criterion to reduce the dimension of features. A Relevance Vector Machine is used for continuous classification procedure mainly for its sparsity. Some recorded data and results from dimension reduction are shown. We then discuss the accuracy and sparsity of classification by the Relevance Vector Machine in this application. The software of continuous classification on forces is then tested on the robot for interactive object exchange between human and robot, which gives promising results.
THE THERMODYNAMICS OF QUANTUM YANG-MILLS THEORY: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS

Theory of Topologically Nontrivial Field Configurations Thermal Ground State as Emergent Phenomena Non-Perturbative Loop Expansion Dynamically Cascading Gauge-Symmetry Breakings Anomalies at Large Angles in the Cosmic Microwave Background Dark Energy and a Planck-Scale Error Fermions as Center-Vortex Loops Cosmological Constant.
Proceedings of the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, 11.571 Genetic aspects of milk β-hydroxybutyrate in Italian Holstein cows

The aim of this study was to estimate heritability of milk β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and its genetic relationships with milk production and composition traits in early lactation (5 to 100 days in milk) of Italian Holstein cows. The dataset consisted of 67,131 test-day milk analyses from 21,223 cows of different parity. Estimate of heritability for milk BHB was 0.08 ± 0.01. The strongest genetic correlation was observed between BHB and fat-to-protein ratio (0.33 ± 0.07), whereas genetic relationships between milk BHB and other milk traits were weak, ranging from -0.07 ± 0.07 with urea to 0.21 ± 0.06 with fat percentage. Although milk BHB routinely determined in milk samples during early lactation is a lowly heritable trait, genetic improvement can be made through appropriate breeding strategies to reduce the susceptibility of cows to ketosis in Italian Holstein population.
Electron-doping evolution of the low-energy spin excitations in the iron arsenide superconductor BaFe2-xNixAs2

BaFe1.9Ni0. 1As2 Tc =2 0 K and overdoped BaFe1.85Ni0. 15As2 Tc =1 4 K superconductors, the static AF longrange order is completely suppressed and the spin excitation spectra are dominated by a resonance and spin gap at lower energies. We determine the electron-doping dependence of the neutron spin resonance and spin gap energies and demonstrate that the three-dimensional nature of the resonance survives into the overdoped regime. If spin excitations are important for superconductivity, these results would suggest that the threedimensional characters of the electronic superconducting gaps are prevalent throughout the phase diagram and may be critical for superconductivity in these materials.
MICROSTRUCTURES IN ACCRETED SEDIMENTS OF THE CASCADIA MARGIN 1

Deformed sediments collected from drilling at the Cascadia forearc were examined using optical and electron microscopy. A wide range of microstructures was encountered in a sample suite consisting mainly of fine-grained sediments. Most of the samples were recovered from the Oregon sector of the accretionary wedge, at Site 891, located at the deformation front, and Site 892, located on the second thrust ridge. For purposes of comparison, we also examined a small number of samples from the undeformed Cascadia Basin (Site 888) and from behind the second thrust ridge at the Vancouver Margin (Sites 889 and 890). Within each site, there is a strong compositional control on the style of deformation. Diatomaceous silts tend to show a more brittle style of deformation than either clay-rich silts or sands. Arrays of subparallel shear zones and incipiently scaly textures are developed in clay-rich sediments. At Site 891, intense deformation is largely confined to the vicinity of fault zones, where thick (tens of meters) intervals of incipiently scaly fabric and thin (tens of centimeters) zones of fault gouge are developed. Chaotic, small-scale folding is present at several horizons, and, in some cases, is overprinted by shear zones. Deformation at Site 892 is much more pervasive, with widespread fracturing producing a mosaic-like microstructure of angular blocky fragments. We interpret the blocky fractured texture as evidence for previous high pore fluid pressures and natural hydraulic fracturing within the Cascadia accretionary prism. Intervals of intense fracturing are transitional into a "pillowin-matrix" structure consisting of subrounded blocks of intact sediment within a sheared, clay-rich matrix. Darkened zones of gouge and broken formation, several meters thick, are interpreted as the main fault zones that have previously conducted fluids from depth, so that the fault rocks were chemically altered and mineralized.
Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics of Sediment from Nwaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Sediments are complex environments, with varying physicochemical characteristics, such as composition and type of organic matter, particle size distribution, and pH. Contaminated sediment is a significant environmental problem affecting many marine, estuarine and freshwater environments throughout the world. Most assessments of water quality have historically focused on water-soluble compounds, with relatively little attention paid to sediment. The aim of this research is to assess the physical and chemical parameters of sediments from Nwaja Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Monitoring of this sediment quality is an important part of preserving and restoring the biological integrity of water bodies as well as protecting aquatic life, wild life and human health. Sediment samples from Nwaja Creek were sampled from seven sampling stations along the creek for over three months May to July, 2015, rainfall peak period, for assessment of their physical and chemical characteristics, such as grain size, organic carbon, pH, conductivity, nitrate and phosphate. These parameters are known to influence the interactions and dynamics of pollutants within sediment matrix. Sediment particle size distribution indicates that they have higher proportion of clay (clay > silt > sand), the mean percentage composition of clay, silt and sand ranged between 64.28% ± 22.04% - 72.36% ± 14.00%, 18.71% ± 12.03% - 27.32% ± 22.17% and 8.40% ± 6.28% - 9.76% ± 4.59% respectively. TOC in the study area is generally above 1% across all stations during the study period with a range between 0.98% and 4.58%. Minimal monthly and spatial variations are observed in particle distribution, pH (3.9 - 8.5) and phosphate (5.5 - 15.5 kg/mg) while significant variations are observed in conductivity (23.0 - 567.0 uS/cm), total organic carbon (0.98% - 4.58%) and nitrate (0.45 - 11.9 mg/kg) concentration. It is concluded that physicochemical characteristics of the sediments from Nwaja Creek are influenced by anthropogenic sources rather than natural as shown by the elevated phosphate and nitrate levels because the Niger Delta geology is not essentially rich in nitrate and its excess in surface or groundwater is considered as pollutant.
Close relationships 1 CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS Close Relationships in Adolescents With and Without a History of Specific Language Impairment

Purpose: Engagement in close friendships and romantic relationships becomes particularly salient in adolescence. This study examined the influence of language, behavioral, and social variables on the level of emotional engagement experienced by adolescents with and without a history of specific language impairment (SLI). Method: Ninety adolescents with SLI and 91 adolescents with typical language abilities (TD) completed two assessment sessions between the ages of 16 and 17. Results: The group with SLI had significantly lower emotional engagement scores than the group with TD. Some 24% of adolescents with a history of SLI were judged to have poor emotional engagement in close relationships, compared to only 2% of the adolescents with typical language abilities. A regression analysis found language ability, prosocial behavior, and shyness were concurrently predictive of level of emotional engagement in close relationships. Conclusions: Some adolescents with SLI may be less emotionally engaged in their close relationships than their typically developing peers.
Power Network of Penghulu Adat in The Concurrent Regional Election in West Sumatera

This article describes the power network of Minangkabau’s penghulu adat in West Sumatera. As known in West Sumatera, the penghulu has a strategic position in the Minangkabau community. Its position in traditional institutions is of utmost importance, especially in bridging the interests of the community in the political and governance processes in the nagari . This is deemed feasible as penghulu adat is capable of optimizing their power network and utilizing traditional institutions that they congregate in. In explaining the power network of penghulu , this study used a descriptive type of qualitative approach. Furthermore, this research found various types of formation in penghulu’ s power network which serves as the basis for their involvement in the political process of the village. Firstly, the establishment of penghulu power networking through personal capabilities recognized by the community in the village. Secondly, the establishment of penghulu power networking through traditional authority. Thirdly, the establishment of penghulu power networking which originates from the additional legitimacy of local governments, particularly for penghulu considered to represent the local government’s interests in the village. Fourthly, the establishment of penghulu power networking based on the recognition of their peers by bestowing the title of sangsako in the tribe.
Ecological relationships between small mammals and age of coppice in an oak-mixed forest in central Italy

La composition du peuplement micromammalien a ete etudiee dans le centre de l'Italie dans un taillis sous futaie mixte de chenes. Apodemus sylvaticus est de loin l'espece la plus commune, suivi de Clethrionomys glareolus et d'Apodemus flavicollis. Cette derniere espece se montre exclusivement dans les parcelles matures et âgees (> 12 ans) et sa distribution ecologique apparait complementaire de celle d'A. sylvaticus, qui s'avere etre un competiteur potentiel. Les musaraignes ont essentiellement ete trouvees dans les jeunes parcelles (< 6 ans). Des variations d'abondance saisonnieres significatives ont ete observees chez les diverses especes de petits mammiferes etudiees. L'abondance des diverses especes et l'âge du boisement montraient une correlation positive (A. flavicollis, C. glareolus, Rattus rattus) ou inverse (A. sylvaticus et Crocidura sp.). Des analyses multivariees separent bien les parcelles d'âge different en fonction de l'occurrence des especes micromammaliennes. A. flavicollis est l'espece qui fournit la plus forte contribution relative a la discrimination. Les implications de ces resultats en matiere de conservation et de gestion des divers types de forets dans la peninsule italienne sont evoquees.
A continuum of violence: A gendered analysis of post conflict transformation

This study is a critical exploration of the discursive links between gender and security in war and peace. It takes the idea that the post conflict political context provides an opportunity to transform gender relations, and seeks to identify whether this occurs in practice. Considering the emerging norms on gender and security, and that there exists a sophisticated body of feminist literature that addresses the gender bias inherent in traditional approaches to security, this study argues that one would expect peace building approaches and post conflict reconstruction activities to address gender as a central constituent of all policies. Using the DRC as an example, this study finds that Security Sector Reform as a peace building tool falls far short of achieving a transformation of gender relations. Indeed, though security sector reform promises the opportunity to be reflexive of security paradigms that take a militarised and state centric view, it has not proffered any radically different ways of theorising about, or practising security. Therefore, it has left unquestioned the gender ideology embedded in security institutions. This has led to the continuation of a construct of security that not only belies the experiences of women, but gives rise to the gender myths and unequal power relationships that cause GBV. Ultimately, we find that when adding gender to this security framework, as in the case of the DRC, post conflict reconstruction activities that claim to transform gender will always fall short of its transformative potential.
Devonian/Lower Carboniferous stratigraphy, facies patterns and palaeogeography of Iran. Part I. Southeastern Iran

The mountains N of Kerman in southeastern Iran are a key region for Devonian/Lower Carboniferous stratigraphy of a still poorly known segment on the northern margin of Gondwana and display a great diversity of neritic depositional environments. The hitherto applied subdivision into lithostratigraphic formations has been calibrated by means of conodonts and brachiopods allowing good correlations of 36 sections, the majority of them ranging from the top of the Cambrian or the Silurian into the Lower Permian. Upper Cambrian sandstones or Silurian carbonates are unconformably overlain by red siliciclastics of uncertain Early to early Middle Devonian age (Padeha Formation) which in turn pass into skeletal limestones (upper Middle Devonian to Tournaisian Bahram and Sardar Formations). The latter are erosionally capped by Permian platform carbonates (Jamal Formation). Facies patterns during 5 intervals from the Silurian into the Tournaisian show evolution from a carbonate platform and a siliciclastic shelf during the Silurian and the Early Devonian into shallow open marine embayments during the late Middle and Late Devonian, and a carbonate platform during the Early Carboniferous. Sharp boundaries between Upper Devonian facies belts appear controlled by synsedimentary epeirogenic movements which may have been active since the Early Palaeozoic.
Wages, Rent, Unemployment and Amenities

The intent of this applied research project is to build on the Roback-Blanchflower-Oswald model linking rent, wages and unemployment to amenities. Using non-metropolitan county level US data and detailed measures of natural and built amenities I estimate a struc-tural model testing for trade-offs between rent, wages, unemployment and amenities. Results do not strictly confirm the Roback-Blanchflower-Oswald (RBO) model but there is sufficient evidence to suggest that amenities plays an important role in explaining observed levels rent, wages and unemployment.
Physical and Chemical Parameters of Lower Ogun River Akomoje, Ogun State, Nigeria

The aims of carrying out this experiment were to determine the water quality and to investigate if the various human and ecological activities around the river have any effect on the physico-chemical parameters of the river’s resources with a view to effectively utilizing these resources. Water samples were collected from two stations on the surface water of Lower Ogun River Akomoje biweekly for a period of 5 months (Jan-May, 2011). Results showed that temperature ranged between 24.0-30.7oC, transparency (0.53-1.00 m), depth (1.0-3.88 m), alkalinity (4.5-14.5 mg/l), nitrates (0.235-5.445 mg/l), electrical conductivity (140-190 μS/cm), dissolved oxygen (4.12-5.32 mg/l), phosphates (0.02 mg/l-0.75 mg/l) and total dissolved solids (70-95). The parameters at the deep end (station A) accounted for the bulk of the highest values; there was however no significant differences between the stations at P<0.05 with the exception of transparency, depth, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity. The phosphate value was relatively low which accounted for the low productivity and high transparency. The results obtained from the physico-chemical parameters agreed with the limits set by both national and international bodies for drinking and fish growth. It was however observed that during the period of data collection, catches was low and this could be attributed to low level of primary productivity due to the quality of physico-chemical parameters of the water. It was recommended that the agencies involved in the management of the river should put the right policies in place that will effectively enhance proper exploitation of the water resources. More research should also be carried out on the physico-chemical parameters since this work only studied the water for five months.
Structure and dynamics of a winter colony of bats

Studies were made during two consecutive winter seasons, 1975-1977, of the structure and dynamics of a bat colony in the old fortifications in the Lubuskie Lake District (western Poland). Over 10,000 bats belonging to 11 species were found to hibernate. Numbers, dominance, constancy of occurrence, species diversity, capacity and density of individuals in the colony were determined.
Scandinavian exchange rate expectations

This paper extends the analyses of Frankel and Froot (1987b), Cavaglia et al. (1993a), and others, to a new data set of exchange rate expectations on Scandinavian exchange rates. It corroborates the earlier finding that exchange rate forecasts are not rational, and that agents do not use all available information in an efficient manner. The evidence suggests that Scandinavian exchange rate expectations were stabilizing and that an unexpected depreciation was typically followed by an expected appreciation of smaller magnitude.
Similarities and Differences between Simultaneous and Successive Bilingual Children: Acquisition of Japanese Morphology

This paper compares the acquisition of Japanese morphology of two bilingual children who had different types of exposure to Japanese language in Australia: a simultaneous bilingual child who had exposure to both Japanese and English from birth, and a successive bilingual child who did not have regular exposure to Japanese until he was six years and three months old. The comparison is carried out using Processability Theory (PT) (Pienemann 1998, 2005) as a common framework, and the corpus for this study consists of the naturally spoken production of these two Australian children. The results show that both children went through the same developmental path in their acquisition of the Japanese morphological structures, indicating that the same processing mechanisms are at work for both types of language acquisition. However, the results indicate that there are some differences between the two children, including the rate of acquisition, and the kinds of verbal morphemes acquired. The results of this study add further insight to an ongoing debate in the field of bilingual language acquisition: whether simultaneous bilingual children develop their language like a first language or like a second language.
Does foreign aid reduce tax revenue? Further evidence

A common criticism of foreign aid is that it reduces domestic tax effort. Empirical research on the issue has been hampered by the failure to tackle endogeneity issues effectively. We use measures of geographical and cultural distance to donor countries as instrumental variables to uncover the causal effect of aid on tax revenue in a panel of 93 countries. The tax to GDP ratio is found to decrease following aid inflows. This reduction in tax effort is statistically and economically significant; a one SD increase in aid causes a 0.52 percentage point drop in the tax-to-GDP ratio. The results indicate that the effect is driven by unconditional grants, whereas aid given as loans induces recipient governments to improve their tax effort. Our results are robust to changes in the sample and the use of a nearest neighbour matching technique to account for nonrandom assignment of aid. Our identification strategy is sharpened by the use of a difference-in-difference estimation strategy that leverages a natural experiment in which aid flows exogenously increased for some countries following the Iranian Revolution in 1979.