Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY COMPARED: EVIDENCE FROM SECTORAL DATA OF OECD, ASIAN AND LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES

In this paper, we investigate differences in and determinants of technical efficiency across three groups of OECD, Asian and Latin American countries. As technical efficiency determines the capacity with which countries absorb technology produced abroad, these differences are important to understand differences in growth and productivity across countries, especially for developing countries which depend to a large extend on foreign technology. Using a stochastic frontier framework and data for 22 manufacturing sectors for 1996-2005, we find notable differences in technical efficiency between the three country groups we examine. We then investigate the effect of human capital and domestic R&D, proxied by the stock of patents, on technical efficiency. We find that while human capital has always a strongly positive effect on efficiency, an increase in the stock of patents has positive effects on efficiency in high-tech sectors, but negative effects in low-tech sectors.
Latino Conceptualization of Depression

Considering discrepant prevalence rates of depression (Sclar, Robinson, & Skaer, 2008; Menelson et al., 2008; Roberts, 1981) and lack of cultural emphasis in assessment measures for depression for Latino individuals (Azocar et al., 2001; Crockett et al., 2005; Garcia & Marks, 1988; Radloff, 1977), how depression is assessed in the Latino population may be inadequate. The current study examined whether there are differences between the way self-generated conceptualizations of depression by Latino and Caucasian participants are aligned with factors of the Center for Epidemiological Studies for Depression (CES-D). Both Latino and Caucasian participants were administered a demographic questionnaire and administered the Depression Conceptualization Measure (DCM), created by the author in conjunction with his research group, which is a measure asking participants to generate six responses that would indicate to them if they or someone else was depressed. After the data were analyzed, no significant differences were found between the alignment of Latino and Caucasian participants’ definitions of depression with the somatic, depressive, and interpersonal factors of the CES-D (Radloff, 1977). The findings from this study expand what we know about the conceptualization of depression with Latino individuals. Degree Type Dissertation Rights Terms of use for work posted in CommonKnowledge. Comments Library Use: LIH This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/192 Copyright and terms of use If you have downloaded this document directly from the web or from CommonKnowledge, see the “Rights” section on the previous page for the terms of use. If you have received this document through an interlibrary loan/document delivery service, the following terms of use apply: Copyright in this work is held by the author(s). You may download or print any portion of this document for personal use only, or for any use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.). Except for personal or fair use, you or your borrowing library may not reproduce, remix, republish, post, transmit, or distribute this document, or any portion thereof, without the permission of the copyright owner. [Note: If this document is licensed under a Creative Commons license (see “Rights” on the previous page) which allows broader usage rights, your use is governed by the terms of that license. ] Inquiries regarding further use of these materials should be addressed to: CommonKnowledge Rights, Pacific University Library, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, (503) 352-7209. Email inquiries may be directed to:. copyright@pacificu.edu This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/192 LATINO CONCEPTUALIZATION OF DEPRESSION A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY PACIFIC UNIVERSITY HILLSBORO, OREGON BY JAMES MAXSON, M.S. IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY JUNE 28, 2011 APPROVED: _______________________________ JANE M. TRAM, PH.D. _______________________________ SUSAN TINSLEY LI, PH.D.
Heterosis and combining ability studies for yield and yield attributing traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

A study was conducted in brinjal to identify superior parental combination and to estimate the magnitude of heterosis for yield and its eleven yield components. 48 F1 hybrids generated following line x tester mating design comprising of 12 lines and 4 testers and were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications at Vegetable Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad (Uttar Pradesh). The analysis revealed that Sel-4 was the best general combiner among the lines and IC-90099 was the best general combiner among the testers. There was high heterosis response in most of the hybrids which supports the role of non-additive gene effects. Among the crosses, DBL-24 x PPC showed high sca effects for yield although the parents were poor general combiners. The maximum heterosis for total yield per plant over better parent was exhibited by the cross KS-314 x IC-90099 (94.72%) followed by KS-314 x PPC (85.10%). Indirect selection for traits such as plant height, long and medium styled flowers per clusters, fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and primary branches per plant could be done in order to achieve higher yield through heterosis breeding. The present study reveals good scope for isolation of pure lines from the progenies of heterotic F1s as well as commercial exploitation of heterosis in brinjal.
Resistance Evaluation of the Acerola (Malphigia emarginata D.C.) Seed to Compression

The objectives of this work were to verify the moisture content influence on the maximum compression force values, to determine the Proportional Modulus of Deformation, the Maximum Tangent and Secant for acerola seeds under compression on its natural repose position and for fixed deformations. Acerola seeds with moisture content varying from 0.12 to 0.46 (d.b.) compressed uniaxially between two parallel rigid plates. It can be concluded that the compression needed for deforming the acerola seeds decreases as its moisture content increases when the deformation values were within 19.2 and 548.8 N. The Proportional Modulus of Deformation increases with the reduction of the moisture content, where values found were within 5.2 to 72.1 × 10 7 Pa. The sigmoidal model represented resistance to the compression of the acerola seeds adequately for different moisture content.
The Impact of Brazilian Regional Development Funds on Regional Economic Growth: A spatial panel approach

In Brazil, the regional development policy is directed by the regional development funds for the Northeast (FNE), the North (FNO), and the Central-West (FCO), which invested more than ? 36 billion in lagging regions between 2004 and 2010. This policy seeks to facilitate the economic and social development of lagging regions by offering loans below market interest rates, primarily, to small-scale farmers and small industrial firms. This paper evaluates the economic impact of these Regional Funds using for the first time unique and recent data provided by the Brazilian Government. The study uses the different spatial scales of municipalities and micro-regions to analyse the impact of Regional funds on GDP per capita growth between 2004 and 2010. The results of the panel data estimations suggest that constitutional funds have some positive impact on GDP per capita growth mainly at municipality level, which is the smallest spatial scale. Nevertheless, the results estimated by fixed effect estimations neither control for spatial dependence nor provide evidence on the magnitude of the spatial spillover stemming from the Regional Constitutional Funds. Thus, to control for these caveats, this paper also applies the Spatial Econometrics estimator for panel data suggested by Elhorst (2010). The results indicate that different modalities of FCO, FNO and FNE affect regional growth differently and the spatial estimations did not indicate the existence of spatial spillovers stemming directly from the constitutional funds.
Credit Scoring for M-Shwari using Hidden Markov Model

The introduction of mobile based Micro-credit facility, M-Shwari, has heightened the need to develop a proper decision support system to classify the customers based on their credit scores. This arises due to lack of proper information on the poor and unbanked as they are locked out of the formal banking sector. A classification technique, the hidden Markov model, is used. The poor customers’ scanty deposits and withdrawal dynamics in the M-Shwari account estimate the credit risk factors that are used in training and learning the hidden Markov model. The data is generated through simulation and customers categorized in terms of their credit scores and credit quality levels. The model classifies over 80 percent of the customers as having average and good credit quality level. This approach offers a simple and novice method to cater for the unbanked and poor with minimal or no financial history thus increasing financial inclusion in Kenya.
Do Products Smile? When Fluency Confers Liking and Enhances Purchase Intent

The present research suggests that symbolic boundaries such as political borders act as psychological buffers. Participants in one study were less troubled by the threat of contamination from a hypothetical nuclear power plant if it was on the other side of a state border (holding constant distance), and consumers in another study were less likely to travel to a virtual store if they had to cross a town border in the process. Just as symbolic connection can convey the feeling of contamination (Morales and Fitzsimons, 2007; Rozin and Nemeroff, 2002), so too can symbolic disconnection serve as a psychological buffer.
IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ACTIVE FAULT LEVEL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTED GENERATION INTEGRATION

This paper describes the practical implementation of an active fault level monitoring system to facilitate the integration of distributed generation (DG) within 11kV distribution networks. The system is being tested in the UK by a consortium comprising Western Power Distribution, Parsons Brinckerhoff, S&C Electric Company and Outram Research Limited. Laboratory tests were conducted for a variety of system fault levels and network running arrangements. Results from the laboratory tests showed that the fault level was consistently predicted to be within 4.5% of measured three-phase faults applied to the system.
Sensitivity of decomposition rates of soil organic matter with respect to simultaneous changes in temperature and moisture

The sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition to global environmental change is a topic of prominent relevance for the global carbon cycle. Decomposition depends on multiple factors that are being altered simultaneously as a result of global environmental change; therefore, it is important to study the sensitivity of the rates of soil organic matter decomposition with respect to multiple and interacting drivers. In this manuscript, we present an analysis of the potential response of decomposition rates to simultaneous changes in temperature and moisture. To address this problem, we first present a theoretical framework to study the sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition when multiple driving factors change simultaneously. We then apply this framework to models and data at different levels of abstraction: (1) to a mechanistic model that addresses the limitation of enzyme activity by simultaneous effects of temperature and soil water content, the latter controlling substrate supply and oxygen concentration for microbial activity; (2) to different mathematical functions used to represent temperature and moisture effects on decomposition in biogeochemical models. To contrast model predictions at these two levels of organization, we compiled different data sets of observed responses in field and laboratory studies. Then we applied our conceptual framework to: (3) observations of heterotrophic respiration at the ecosystem level; (4) laboratory experiments looking at the response of heterotrophic respiration to independent changes in moisture and temperature; and (5) ecosystem‐level experiments manipulating soil temperature and water content simultaneously.
X-ray plateaus followed by sharp drops in GRBs 060413, 060522, 060607A and 080330: Further evidences for central engine afterglow from gamma-ray bursts

The X-ray afterglows of GRBs 060413, 060522, 060607A and 080330 are characterized by a plateau followed by a very sharp drop. The plateau could be explained within the framework of the external forward shock model but the sharp drop can not. We interpret the plateau as the afterglows of magnetized central engines, plausibly magnetars. In this model, the X-ray afterglows are powered by the internal magnetic energy dissipation and the sudden drop is caused by the collapse of the magnetar. Accordingly, the X-ray plateau photons should have a high linear polarization, which can be tested by future X-ray polarimetry.
IT integration, operations flexibility and performance: An empirical study

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between IT implementation and performance with manufacturing flexibility based on a sample drawn from a set of manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach: The relationships were analyzed using structural equations modeling (SEM) using EQS 6.2 software. Previously, an explanatory factor analysis confirmed one-dimensionality of the scales, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to evaluate its internal consistency and a confirmatory factor analysis was run to observe scales’ validity. Findings: This research proves a significant positive and direct effect of IT implementation on operations performance with 4 out of 6 flexibility dimensions (Machine, Labour, Material handling and Volume). Mix and Routing flexibility dimensions show no significant impact on firm performance. Research limitations/implications: It is necessary to be cautious when generalizing these findings, as service firms were not part of the sample even when statistical results prove robustness suggesting that the findings are quite reliable. Some flexibility dimensions show no significant impact in performance (Routing and Mix flexibility). This is consistent with the fact that these flexibility dimensions act as variability absorbers within the manufacturing process. Originality/value: This research proves a significant positive and direct effect of IT implementation on operations performance. Results show not only the links between IT implementation and operations performance, but also the magnitude of every impact. The model considers IT integration as the degree of alignment that existing technology resources in a firm have with the business strategy, in terms of importance and support for this strategy.
Investigation of Operations of Hawk Pedestrian Treatment

Investigation of Operations of Hawk Pedestrian Treatment. (May 2012) Siqi Li, B.E. , Southeast University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Yunlong Zhang High intensity Activated cross WalK (HAWK), as an innovative pedestrian-activated beacon, has become a hot topic and was introduced in 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). According to the 2009 MUTCD, HAWK should be installed at least 100 feet from a stop-controlled intersection. This thesis first evaluates the distance between HAWK and stop-controlled intersection recommended by 2009 MUTCD. On the basis of the knowledge of HAWK operation, this thesis applies the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to model the pedestrian delay at an HAWK location. The HAWK pedestrian delay model includes the major street arrival rate, minor street arrival rate, pedestrian arrival rate and the distance between HAWK and intersection. Four different functional forms are investigated in order to select an appropriate one that could more accurately model pedestrian delay. The minimum green time for vehicles, as an important variable in the HAWK pedestrian delay model and a peculiar element in HAWK operations, is also evaluated with VISSIM simulation based
Emotions and confidence within teaching in higher education

Teaching is connected with a variety of emotions, but research on this area is scarce in the field of higher education. The present study explores the role of emotions and confidence within six different teacher profiles. Furthermore, the study aims to analyse emotions that arise during participation in courses on university pedagogy. Altogether 97 university teachers were interviewed. The method of content analysis was used to identify descriptions related to emotions and confidence. The results implied that teachers with consonant learning-focused profiles had the most positively charged emotions regarding teaching. However, those with consonant content-focused profiles had neutral or negative feelings about teaching and about the development of teaching. Confusion characterised those who were in a developmental phase in their teaching. Furthermore, the results showed that the emotional aspect was evident in the pedagogical training of university teachers.
Acoustic Mediation of Vocalized Emotion Identification: Do Decoders Identify Emotions Idiographically or Nomothetically?

Acoustic Mediation of Vocalized Emotion Identification: Do Decoders Identify Emotions Idiographically or Nomothetically? Michael K. Lauritzen Department of Psychology Doctor of Philosophy Most research investigating vocal expressions of emotion has focused on one or more of three questions: whether there exist unique acoustic profiles of individual encoded emotions, whether the nature of emotion expression is universal across cultures, and how accurately decoders can identify expressed emotions. This dissertation begins to answer a fourth question, whether there exist unique patterns in the types of acoustic properties persons focus on to identify vocalized emotions. Three hypotheses were tested: first, whether acoustic patterns are interpreted idiographically or nomothetically as reflected in a comparison of individual vs. group lens model identification ratios; second, whether there exists a decoder by emotion interaction for scores of accuracy; and third, whether such an interaction is mediated by the acoustic properties of the vocalized emotions. Results from hypothesis one indicate there is no difference between individual and group identification ratios, demonstrating that vocalized emotions are decoded nomothetically. Results from hypothesis two indicate there is not a significant decoder by emotion interaction on scores of accuracy, demonstrating that decoders who are generally good (or bad) at identifying some vocalized emotions tend to be generally good (or bad) at identifying all vocalized emotions. There are, however, significant main effects for both emotion and decoder. Anger and happiness are more accurately decoded than fear and sadness. Perhaps most importantly, multivariate results from hypothesis three indicate strong and consistent differences across the four emotions in the way they are identified acoustically. Specifically, decoders identify anger by primarily focusing on spectral characteristics, fear by primarily focusing on frequency (F0), happiness by primarily focusing on rate, and sadness by focusing on both intensity and rate. These acoustic mediation differences across the emotions are also shown to be nomothetic, that is, they are surprisingly consistent across decoders.
Surface characterization of borated γ-alumina by using proton affinity distributions

Borated aluminas with different boria contents (2, 3, 5 and 8 wt.% B2O3) were prepared to be used as supports for hydrotreating CoMo catalysts. The borated aluminas were characterized by proton affinity distributions (PAD) to obtain information about changes caused by boron introduction in the surface hydroxyl groups. The later being the sites by means of Mo and Co are anchored to the support. Two new peaks, which cannot be attributed to alumina hydroxyl groups, were found in the PAD profiles of borated aluminas. These two new peaks increased with increasing boria loading, even, in the PAD profile of the alumina with 8 wt. % B2O3 almost no other peaks were present. By comparing PAD profiles with FT-IR spectra of both the OH stretching (3900-3400 cm-1) and the skeletal (under 2000 cm-1) regions, it was possible to assign these new peaks to hydroxyls linked to trigonal and tetrahedral borated species, respectively. Thus, it could be inferred that boria OH groupsprogressively replaced alumina ones with increasing boria content forming a cover layer. Trigonal borated species were always predominant, however the relative population of tetrahedral species increased with increasing boria content.
Discrete choice nonresponse

Missing values are endemic in the data sets available to econometricians. This paper suggests a unified likelihood-based approach to deal with several nonignorable missing data problems for discrete choice models. Our concern is when either the dependent variable is unobserved or situations when both dependent variable and covariates are missing for some sampling units. These cases are also considered when a supplementary random sample of observations on all covariates is available. A unified treatment of these various sampling structures is presented using a formulation of the nonresponse problems as a modification of choice-based sampling. Extensions appropriate for nonresponse are detailed of Imbens’ (1992) efficient generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator for choice-based samples. Simulation evidence reveals very promising results for the various GMM estimators proposed in this paper. JEL Classification: C25, C51.
Looking Back and Looking Forward: Exploring Distributed Leadership with Queensland Prep Teachers

THERE IS AN INCREASING EXPECTATION that early childhood teachers will be pedagogical leaders, particularly in a global context of curriculum reform. This paper reports on the distributed leadership experiences of early childhood teachers during the 2003 Preparatory year (Prep) trial in Queensland, Australia. In 2010, 13 of the first Prep teachers participated in interviews to discuss their definitions of leadership and reflect on the opportunities they had to lead curriculum development during and since the 2003 trial. Data were examined using a conceptual framework based on the work of Woods et al. (2004), with a focus on the structural and agential aspects of distributed leadership. Participants identified a range of contextual influences, challenges, skills and enabling strategies that illustrate the complexities in leading curriculum.
Assessing the operation rules of a reservoir system based on a detailed modelling chain

Abstract. According to available climate change scenarios for Belgium, drier summers and wetter winters are expected. In this study, we focus on two multi-purpose reservoirs located in the Vesdre catchment, which is part of the Meuse basin. The current operation rules of the reservoirs are first analysed. Next, the impacts of two climate change scenarios are assessed and enhanced operation rules are proposed to mitigate these impacts. For this purpose, an integrated model of the catchment was used. It includes a hydrological model, one-dimensional and two-dimensional hydraulic models of the river and its main tributaries, a model of the reservoir system and a flood damage model. Five performance indicators of the reservoir system have been defined, reflecting its ability to provide sufficient drinking water, to control floods, to produce hydropower and to reduce low-flow conditions. As shown by the results, enhanced operation rules may improve the drinking water potential and the low-flow augmentation while the existing operation rules are efficient for flood control and for hydropower production.