Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kernel Fisher Discriminants

In this thesis we consider statistical learning problems and machines. A statistical learning machine tries to infer rules from a given set of examples such that it is able to make correct predictions on unseen examples. These predictions can for example be a classification or a regression. We consider the class of kernel based learning techniques. The main contributions of this work can be summarized as follows. Building upon the theory of reproducing kernels we propose a number of new learning algorithms based on the maximization of a Rayleigh coefficient in a kernel feature space. We exemplify this for oriented (kernel) PCA, and especially for Fisher’s discriminant, yielding kernel Fisher discriminants (KFD). Furthermore, we show that KFD is intimately related to quadratic and linear optimization. Building upon this connection we propose several ways to deal with the optimization problems arising in kernel based methods and especially for KFD. This mathematical programming formulation is the starting point to derive several important and interesting variants of KFD, namely robust KFD, sparse KFD and linear KFD. Several algorithms to solve the resulting optimization problems are discussed. As a last consequence of the mathematical programming formulation we are able to relate KFD to other techniques like support vector machines, relevance vector machines and Arc-GV. Through a structural comparison of the underlying optimization problems we illustrate that many modern learning techniques, including KFD, are highly similar. In a separate chapter we present first results dealing with learning guarantees for eigenvalues and eigenvectors estimated from covariance matrices. We show that under some mild assumptions empirical eigenvalues are with high probability close to the expected eigenvalues when training on a specific, finite sample size. For eigenvectors we show that also with high probability an empirical eigenvector will be close to an eigenvector of the underlying distribution. In a large collection of experiments we demonstrate that KFD and its variants proposed here are capable of producing state of the art results. We compare KFD to techniques like AdaBoost and support vector machines, carefully discussing its advantages and also its difficulties.
Visual Finance: The Pervasive Effects of Red on Investor Behavior

The visual communication of financial information is commonplace and involves numerous facets, including the use of color. At the same time, perception of color influences behavior. Through eight experiments, we show that using red color to represent financial data impacts individuals’ risk preferences, expectations of future stock returns, and trading decisions. The effects are not present in colorblind individuals and are muted in China, where red represents prosperity. Other colors, including yellow and blue, do not generate the same effects. Overall, we demonstrate that simple perceptual processes influence complex investor behavior, which is important given society’s increasing reliance on visual communication.This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
Financial Development and the Effectiveness of Monetary Policy Channels in Nigeria: A DSGE Approach

ABSTRACT The study examines the effect of financial development on the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission channels in Nigeria by estimating a sticky-price DSGE model using Bayesian estimation approach. Four major transmission channels are considered due to the economic and financial conditions of Nigeria. The study employs quarterly data from 2004:1 to 2016:4 and data are sourced from World Development Indicator (online version). Results show that financial development in the period under study has positive effect on monetary policy transmission channel. While credit channel is the most active channel in stimulating output, expectation channel is the most active in stabilizing prices.
Effects of Service Quality, Corporate Image, and Customer Trust on the Corporate Reputation of Airlines

With the continuously increasing demand for air travel, competition among airlines has increased as well. The purpose of this study is to examine empirically the causal relationships among the perceived service quality, corporate image, customer trust, and corporate reputation of Asiana Airline in South Korea using SERVQUAL measures. An onsite survey of Korean passengers was conducted. The results of this study reveal that responsiveness and reliability of service quality significantly affect corporate image and customer trust, whereas tangibles, empathy, and assurance of service quality are not significant antecedents of corporate image and customer trust. It is also found that corporate image and customer trust significantly affect corporate reputation. Based on these findings, theoretical importance and practical implications are discussed in this paper.
Audit Data Analytics Research—An Application of Design Science Methodology

This introduction to Audit Data Analytics Research overviews the forum's five articles that showcase recent advances in audit data analytics technology and methodology. The articles are discussed through the prism of design science research that originates in engineering and computer science. In contrast with natural and social sciences that aim to develop and test theories about the world, the objective of design science is to create new artifacts that are useful for solving important practical problems. In audit research, design science methodology was originally used implicitly in early studies devoted to developing and evaluating audit analytical procedures and audit sampling techniques. The recent advances in information technology necessitate renewed attention to this research methodology especially given the profound changes in accounting, auditing, and business processes currently underway.
Effect of establishment methods in rainy season (kharif) and tillage practices in winter season (rabi) on yield and economics of rice (Oryza sativa)-maize (Zea mays) cropping system under coastal saline ecosystem

A field experiment was carried out during 3 consecutive rainy seasons (kharif) June-November and winter (rabi) December-May seasons of 2013–16 at Canning Town, West Bengal to evaluate 3 rice (Oryza sativa L.) establishment methods, viz. dry direct seeding (DSR), unpuddled transplanting (UNPT) and puddled transplanting (PT), followed by 3 tillage practices for sowing rabi maize (Zea mays L.), viz. zero tillage (ZT), conventional tillage (CT) and raised bed sowing (RBS). The DSR was done in the last week of May when the soil salinity was higher (12–15 dS/m); however, it reduced to 4–5 dS/m in the month of June due to leaching of salts by monsoon rain. The transplanting in the UNPT and PT plots was done during the first week of July using 40 days old seedlings. Submergence caused by the heavy rain, affected the transplanted rice (PT and UNPT) but not the DSR, as the plants with DSR were sufficiently above the standing water due to higher plant height. The mean grain yields in 3 establishment methods of rice (5, 117; 4, 477 and 4, 740 kg/ha in PT, UNPT and DSR respectively) were statistically at par. However, net returns ( 36, 000/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.2) were the highest in DSR owing to 24% reduction in cost of cultivation than PT rice. The positive effects of DSR also observed on the succeeding rabi maize crop in terms of 7.4 ha-cm less irrigation water requirement and 27% higher irrigation water productivity. Maize gave the highest yield (5, 600 kg/ha), net returns ( 37, 910/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (BCR) 1.86 with RBS tillage practices. The system rice-equivalent yield, net returns and BCR were 11, 659 kg/ha, 77, 470/ha and 2.05, respectively, for dry direct-seeded rice-raised bed sown maize with higher mean irrigation water productivity (79 kg/ha-cm) and energy productivity (461 kg/GJ) of rabi maize.
The Determinants of Chinese OFDI Flow to Africa: Dynamic Panel Data Modelling with LSDV

This study sought to investigate the determinants of Chinese OFDI flow to African countries. We conducted panel data analysis for 36 countries covering the period between 2003 and 2017. We began by running a static Fixed Effects (FE) model and ended up with a dynamic model that was estimated using Least Squares Dummy Variables. It was found that, the Chinese OFDI flow to Africa are mainly due to natural resources, market size, agglomeration economies, infrastructure and Chinese FDI received in the past year. Also, it was found out that, host country institutional quality (especially control of Corruption and rule of law), economic instability (inflation) and trade openness have no influence on Chinese OFDI flow to Africa. Finally we provided policy recommendations for African governments.
I did not say that the government should be plundering anybody’s savings

This paper examines how politicians employ metaphors to express starting points in British parliamentary debates. Because these metaphors are conceptual tools that may have presuppositions and entailments that are not in line with the ideas and values of all discussion parties, political opponents can resist them by advancing argumentative criticisms. This paper aims to explore how different types of metaphor can be used to express starting points, and how various types of responses can be instrumental to achieving diverging outcomes in the discussion stage at which starting points are commonly decided. To this end, we present a number of case studies of resistance to metaphorically expressed starting points found in British Public Bill Committee debates. Our analysis reveals that metaphors can be important strategies in parliamentary debates when starting points are established between parties, and that resisting them seems to be a pertinent skill.
Can We Be Partners?

Abstract Problem, research strategy, and findings: Sherry Arnstein castigated planners for their tokenistic participation processes. Since then, planning scholars and practitioners have attempted to improve these processes. We report on a Los Angeles (CA) case where Community Health Councils, Inc. (CHC) partnered with the city planners, public health officials, foundations, academics, and residents to pass a Health & Wellness Element in the General Plan Framework and integrate food issues into three community plans. We use a comparative multi-method approach interviewing officials and participants and documenting public meetings, strategy sessions, and other events. We find CHC did develop a successful partnership that represented an improvement over Arnstein’s lower ladders. CHC’s public comment letters had material impact on the language of the element’s provisions. CHC’s collaborative strategy resulted in inclusion of key food-related provisions in the updated West Adams Community Plan. The primary limitation is that our study ended prior to implementation, an area Arnstein accurately identified as a place where community power might be diminished. Takeaway for practice: Planners working collaboratively with community groups can achieve significant improvements in their plans. This process successfully integrated food systems and other health issues into the element and three community plans.
Device Motion via Head Tracking for Mobile Interaction

Linear changes in position are difficult to measure using only a mobile device’s onboard sensors. Prior research has relied on external sensors or known environmental references in order to develop mobile phone interaction techniques. The Amazon Fire Phone’s® unique head-tracking capabilities were leveraged and evaluated for navigating large application spaces using device motion gestures. Although touch interaction is shown to outperform the device-motion, this research demonstrates the feasibility of using effective device-motion gestures that rely on changes in the device’s position and orientation. Design guidance for future device motion interaction capabilities is provided.
Analysis of the Attitudes of Student-Atheletes Playing in the Universities Volleyball 2nd League in Turkey towards Sports,

The purpose of this research is to analyze the attitudes of student-athletes towards sports who played in Universities Volleyball Second League competitions held in Antalya on 16-27 December 2014. Target population of the study is composed of the student-athletes studying in universities in Turkey and playing in the volleyball teams of universities at the same time, and the sample group of the study is composed of 23 studentathletes from different universities who participated in Universities Volleyball Second League held in Antalya on 16-27 December 2014. With the purpose of determining the attitudes of student-athletes towards sports, the participants were applied a survey. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows 21.0 program was used in the analysis of data. Descriptive statistics, t-test for determining the difference between two groups, One-way Anova test for comparisons of more than two groups were used in analysis of data. It has been found that attitude scores of all participants towards sports are high and attitude scores of female students towards sports are higher than those of male students. In conclusion, it has been determined that the attitudes of students playing in the volleyball teams of universities towards sports are positive. It has also been demonstrated that the attitude towards sports by the sex variable is higher in favor of female students; however, such variables as family educational background, income, age and grade point average don't create difference for the attitude towards sports.
Developing Oral Interaction Skills with a Digital Information Gap Activity Game.

This study introduces the digital game Prêt à négocier, an information gap digital game, and investigates language learners’ perceptions of its use in a French as a Second Language (FSL) context. In the game, students negotiate orally and synchronously with a partner for items like cars, houses, and even pirate ships. Inspired by Larsen-Freeman and Long’s (1991) information gap activity, game players exchange information to solve a common problem (e.g. to buy a car within certain conditions imposed by the game). As a competitive game, the pairs must use their oral interaction skills in a comprehensible and persuasive manner to win (e.g. to obtain the best final price on a product). In addition to describing Prêt à négocier, this study examines 28 students’ perceptions of its pedagogical use in a standard FSL classroom via a triangulation of methods that include a survey, interviews with participants, and focus group discussions. Based on our findings, we conclude that students’ perceptions of the game are highly positive in most aspects of our analysis and that Prêt à négocier is well-positioned to help students improve oral interaction skills in a fun, comfortable, and interactive manner.
How Financial Literacy Impacts Retirement Savings: The Role of Present Bias and Exponential Growth Bias

Lack of saving for retirement is a major issue, especially in soon-to-be ageing societies. In this paper we examine the impact of financial literacy on retirement savings, as well as its effect on present bias and exponential growth bias, which have been identified as detrimental to savings in previous studies. We find that better financial literacy is related with a more accurate perception of exponential growth, which stimulates retirement savings. In addition, financially literate individuals are less affected by present bias when they save for their retirement.
Dollarization Dilemma: Price Stability at the Cost of External Competitiveness in Cambodia

Cambodia has recorded both rapid economic growth and macroeconomic stability in recent decades despite (or thanks to) high levels of dollarization. Previous studies on dollarization in Cambodia have largely focused on examining its causes and estimating seigniorage losses. As an attempt to further explore the effects of dollarization in Cambodia, this paper examines its impact on the competitiveness of the export sector. The main results, based on a vector autoregression estimation of quarterly data over 1994Q4-2016Q4, indicate that a positive US interest rate shock has a negative impact on Cambodia's trade balance with the European Union, its main trading partner, as it leads to appreciation of the US dollar. Furthermore, this shock also leads to a significant decrease in Cambodia's international reserve levels during the first two quarters following the shock. The surrendering of monetary and exchange rate independence seems to affect the competitiveness of the tradable sector negatively as well as exacerbate financial sector vulnerability to solvency and liquidity risks.
Trade Creation X Trade Diversion: Evidences from the GTAP Model in the Mercosur Integration Process

The paper examines the insights of an applied general equilibrium model of trade, the GTAP model, for the discussion about the “trade creation x trade diversion” problem in the Mercosur integration process. A simulation of the integration is performed, and the results analyzed. The evidence arising from model results favors the trade creation hypothesis. A strong pro-competitive effect that increases exports in the region is argued to occur, due to the fall in the price of intermediate inputs. This result is found to be consistent with several studies in the literature, both with those that agree with the trade creation hypothesis and those that have identified the fall in input prices as an important mechanism for economic growth in the period. Introduction The dissemination of Regional Trade Agreements (RTA) in the last decade is a central topic in the research agenda all over the world. As noted by YEATS (1997), the important question is whether RTA’s are a stimulus to growth and investment, or just diverts trade in other directions, damaging the multilateral trade system. Actually, the “trade creation versus trade diversion” problem is pervasive in the discussions about trade blocs creation. Objective The objective of the paper is to analyze the evidences about the “trade creation versus trade diversion” controversy arising in the Mercosur integration process, with the aid of an applied general equilibrium model of trade, the GTAP model (HERTEL, 1997). The literature will be first reviewed, and checked against model insights. The trade creation x trade diversion controversy in the Mercosur integration process The evidence about trade creation x trade diversion controversy in the Mercosur integration process is mixed. YEATS (1997), in an analysis for the 1988-1994 period, concluded that the Mercosur implementation distorted the trade patterns expected in the basis of efficiency and comparative advantages concepts. The author noted that, besides the growth in the commerce between the member countries, the share of manufactures in total exports has grown compared to the 1979-81 period, being Brazil a major player in the process. Although the same was observed for the food and feeding products, the manufacturing sector is found to be the dynamic sector in the process. In the conclusions, the author points out that the regional agreement affected strongly the trade pattern in a negative way, for the member countries as well as for the other countries, considering that the trade has grown in sectors where Mercosur was not competitive before. A divergent point of view can be found in OLARREAGA and SOLOAGA (1997). According to these authors, the rate of integration of Mercosur member 1 Professor in the Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, University of São Paulo, Depto. de Economia, Sociologia e Administração. CP 9. Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. CEP13418-900. Email: jbsferre@carpa.ciagri. usp.br
A Methodology to Empirically Assess National and Farm-Specific Damages from Contamination of Grain Supply by a Genetically Engineered Strain

Abstract On May 29, 2013, the U.S. government announced that contamination of non–genetically engineered wheat supplies occurred. We provide a methodology to empirically assess the impacts of this contamination event on national prices and on farm-specific prices and receipts for spring red hard wheat. Results suggest that U.S. spring red hard wheat farmers in the aggregate had lost receipts ranging from $32.77 million to $131.06 million and incurred a drop of 3.83% in wheat price equivalent to $0.27 per bushel. At the farm level, a hypothetical farmer received $0.31 less per bushel culminating in $4,807 in lost receipts.
The role of knowledge in valuation practice: expert valuers’ perceptions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role knowledge plays in expert commercial valuer practice to unpack the way theoretical and experiential knowledge operates in order to improve practice and education. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a cognitivist perspective and identifying meta-reasoning, using a grounded theory methodology, through the study of 11 chartered valuation surveyors practicing in Birmingham, United Kingdom, the distinctive theoretical and experiential knowledge they used was elicited through their in-depth reflection on a valuation task followed by analytical interviews exploring meaning and reasons of actions described. Findings The results confirmed that multi-sourced and rich valuation knowledge was a key attribute of a valuation expert. However, the experiential knowledge was not used to undertake the task but to select the methods and knowledge appropriate for the task and context. This meta-reasoning is a key to the speed, accuracy and justification of their practices. Thus, the experience gained from many years of valuation provides expert valuers with meta-reasoning involving knowledge of what, how and when to deal with problems in different circumstances such as the knowledge of markets and handling of clients. Practical implications Making meta-reasoning a key aspect of valuation will identify its characteristics more clearly, thus assisting the development of practitioners and providing a new focus for education to advance professional goals. Originality/value Meta-reasoning and meta-cognitive knowledge have not been identified as a key to successful valuation practice. This meta-reasoning allows a subtle balance of theory and experience in valuation practice that is appropriate to the situation.
Herding on Earnings News: The Role of Institutional Investors in Post-Earnings-Announcement Drift

We examine the role of institutional investors underlying post-earnings-announcement drift (PEAD). Our results show that while institutional investors generally herd on earnings news, such correlated trading among institutions does not eliminate or reduce market underreaction to earnings surprises. Instead, PEAD is significant only in the subsample of stocks where institutions herd in the same direction as earnings surprises. In fact, institutional herding is also positively related to next-quarter earnings announcement returns. We provide evidence that institutional herding on or against earnings news is largely driven by firm characteristics, particularly past firm performance and stock returns. In addition, we find that relative to non-transient institutions, transient institutions have a stronger tendency to herd on earnings information. Finally, based on long-run stock returns, we show that when institutions herd on earnings surprises, institutional trading represents a gradual process of incorporating information into stock prices. On the other hand, when institutions herd against earnings surprises, institutional trading slows down stock price discovery.