Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Bilateral Investment Treaties Increase Foreign Direct Investment to Developing Countries?

Foreign investors are often skeptical toward the quality of the domestic institutions and the enforceability of the law in developing countries. Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) guarantee certain standards of treatment that can be enforced via binding investor-to- state dispute settlement outside the domestic juridical system. Developing countries accept restrictions on their sovereignty in the hope that the protection from political and other risks leads to an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI), which is also the stated purpose of BITs. We provide the first rigorous quantitative evidence that a higher number of BITs raises the FDI that flows to a developing country. This result is very robust to changes in model specification, estimation technique and sample size. There is also some limited evidence that BITs might function as substitutes for good domestic institutional quality, but this result is not robust to different specifications of institutional quality.
'Hot Hands' in Bond Funds

We investigate persistence in the relative performance of 3549 bond mutual funds from 1990 to 2003. We show that bond funds that display strong (weak) performance over a past period continue to do so in future periods. The out-of-sample difference in risk-adjusted return between the top and bottom decile of funds ranked on past alpha exceeds 3.5 percent per year. We demonstrate that a strategy based on past fund returns earns an economically and statistically significant abnormal return, suggesting that bond fund investors can exploit the observed persistence. Our results are robust to a wide range of model specifications and bootstrapped test statistics.
Infrared excess around nearby red giant branch stars and Reimers law

Context. Mass loss is one of the fundamental properties of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, but for stars with initial masses below ∼1 M� , the mass loss on the first red giant branch (RGB) actually dominates mass loss on the AGB. Nevertheless, mass loss on the RGB is still often parameterised by a simple Reimers law in stellar evolution models. Aims. We study the infrared excess and mass loss of a sample of nearby RGB stars with reliably measured Hipparcos parallaxes and compare the mass loss to that derived for luminous stars in clusters. Methods. The spectral energy distributions of a well-defined sample of 54 RGB stars are constructed, and fitted with the dust radiative transfer model DUSTY. The central stars are modelled by MARCS model atmospheres. In a first step, the best-fit MARCS model is derived, basically determining the effective temperature. In a second step, models with a finite dust optical depth are fitted and it is determined whether the reduction in χ 2 in such models with one additional free parameter is statistically significant. Results. Among the 54 stars, 23 stars are found to have a significant infrared excess, which is interpreted as mass loss. The most
Investigation of ship-plume chemistry using a newly-developed photochemical ship-plume model

Investigation of ship-plume chemistry using a newly-developed photochemical ship-plume model H. S. Kim, R. S. Park, and C. H. Song Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea Received: 14 April 2009 – Accepted: 2 May 2009 – Published: 12 May 2009 Correspondence to: C. H. Song (chsong@gist.ac.kr) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
Information reduction during skill acquisition: The influence of task instruction

H. Haider and P. A. Frensch's (1996) information reduction hypothesis holds that with practice, people leam to distinguish task-relevant from task-redundant information and to ignore task-irrelevant information. In 2 experiments, the authors examined whether degree of information reduction can be directly affected by task instruction. Participants verified alphabetic arithmetic tasks containing task-relevant and task-irrelevant information. Participants were asked to optimize their accuracy or their speed of performance throughout the entire experiment or to optimize accuracy for half of the experiment and speed for the other half of the experiment or vice versa (first speed, then accuracy). In addition, time duration of stimulus presentation under speed instruction was systematically reduced over practice in Experiment 2. Results showed that amount of information reduction was affected by instructions, suggesting that the process of information reduction is at least partially under voluntary control. Think of two people, one an experienced user of computer software and the other an inexperienced user, both trying to install some new computer software. During the installation process, a number of messages are displayed on the screen, some of which need to be attended to and some of which may be safely ignored. Whereas the inexperienced user is likely to thoroughly read through all messages displayed on the screen, the skilled user very likely pays attention
Prediction of Indian rainfall during the summer monsoon season on the basis of links with equatorial Pacific and Indian Ocean climate indices

Interannual variation of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) is linked to El Niño-Southern oscillation (ENSO) as well as the Equatorial Indian Ocean oscillation (EQUINOO) with the link with the seasonal value of the ENSO index being stronger than that with the EQUINOO index. We show that the variation of a composite index determined through bivariate analysis, explains 54% of ISMR variance, suggesting a strong dependence of the skill of monsoon prediction on the skill of prediction of ENSO and EQUINOO. We explored the possibility of prediction of the Indian rainfall during the summer monsoon season on the basis of prior values of the indices. We find that such predictions are possible for July–September rainfall on the basis of June indices and for August–September rainfall based on the July indices. This will be a useful input for second and later stage forecasts made after the commencement of the monsoon season.
Firm-level bargaining and contingent pay: New evidence from Italy

This paper examines two important institutional aspects closely related: (i) the extent to which collective bargaining has been decentralised at company level; (ii) the extent to which, at this level of bargaining, variable pay systems have been used. It is performed on the basis of a nationally representative sample of manufacturing and non manufacturing firms, obtained by merging information from two different sources: balance-sheet data from the Bureau Van Dijk AIDA archive and firm-level information on performance-related pay and other workplace practices from the ISFOL Employer and Employee Surveys (RIL) for 2005 and 2007. This paper points out that the nature of the industrial relations system and their cooperative characteristics provide the flexibility needed to respond to employment volatility and skills specific accumulation. In particular we find that firm level agreements and performance related pay (PRP) contracts are positively related to the importance of training, to the presence of unions, whose attitude to sign company level agreements mitigates risk aversion towards employment uncertainty and favours the adoption of contingent pays. We show that risk bearing, implicit in the employment relationship and training investment, is less beyond workers’ control under union governance. In this context, unions play a positive role in finding negotiating responses to changes in economic conditions, and positively influence the diffusion of PRP. A common trait of whole economy, however, is that male workers benefit more from company PRP agreements and from their employers’ ability-to-pay, with respect to women, less covered by the second level of bargaining and by PRP agreements.
Testing Individual Differences in Negative Affect Related to Smoking: The Role of Emotional Clarity

Negative affect plays a critical role in nicotine dependence. Smokers report feeling that negative affect is a primary motivation to keep smoking. This study examined the relationship between individual differences in emotional experience, in particular emotional clarity and differentiation (individuals’ ability to understand, describe, and differentiate between emotions), and smoking motivation. We hypothesized that emotional clarity would be related to affect, craving, and smoking satisfaction. A second goal was to test the ability of an emotional-labeling intervention to reduce negative affect and smoking motivation resulting from a negative emotion induction. We also tested whether emotional clarity moderated the effect of the negative affect manipulation upon smoking-related variables. We hypothesized that emotional clarity would moderate the effect of the emotional-labeling manipulation upon affect, craving, and smoking satisfaction. A correlational and two-group between-subjects design was used. Participants (170 participants; 86 males) first completed baseline measures, then received a mood induction (via video). They then were randomized to one of two conditions (emotion labeling and writing control). Results indicate that emotional clarity was related to affect, craving, and smoking satisfaction ratings, such as those higher on emotional clarity reported more positive affect, less cravings, and having experienced aversive effects after smoking. We found no effect of the emotional labeling task. Although we replicated findings from previous studies showing a relationship between emotional clarity and mood, this study is the first to establish such a relationship with craving for a cigarette and aspects of smoking satisfaction.
Modeling the Relationship between Perceived Corporate Citizenship and Organizational Commitment Considering Organizational Trust as a Moderator

This study proposes a research model based on social identity theory, which examines the moderating role of organizational trust on the relationship between corporate citizenship and organizational commitment. In the model, organizational commitment is positively influenced by organizational trust and four dimensions of perceived corporate citizenship, including economic, legal, ethical and discretionary citizenship. The model paths are hypothesized to be moderated by organizational trust. Empirical testing using a survey of personnel from 12 large firms confirms most of our hypothesized effects. Theoretical and managerial implications of our findings are discussed.
The fate of the pre-main sequence-rich clusters Collinder 197 and vdB 92: dissolution?

Context. Since most of the star clusters do not survive the embedded phase, their early dissolution appears to be a major source of field stars. However, catching a cluster in the act of dissolving is somewhat elusive. Aims. We investigate the nature and possible evolution of the young Galactic star clusters Collinder197 (Cr197) and vdB92. Methods. Photometric and structural properties were derived with near-infrared photometry and field-star decontamination. Kinematical properties were inferred from proper motions of the main sequence (MS) and pre-MS (PMS) member stars. Results. The colour‐magnitude diagrams (CMDs) are basically characterised by a poorly-populated MS and a dominant fraction (>75%) of PMS stars, and the combined MS and PMS CMD morphology in both clusters consistently constrains the age to within 5 ± 4 Myr, with a ∼10 Myr spread in the star formation process. The MS+PMS stellar masses are ≈660 +102 −59 M� (Cr197) and ≈750 +101 −51 M� (vdB92). Both Cr197 and vdB92 appear to be abnormally large when compared to clusters within the same age range. They have irregular stellar radial density distributions (RDPs) with a marked excess in the innermost region, a feature that, at less than 10 Myr, is more likely related to the star formation and/or molecular cloud fragmentation than to age-dependent dynamical effects. The velocity dispersion of both clusters, derived from proper motions, is in the range ∼15−22kms −1 . Conclusions. Both clusters appear to be in a super-virial state, withvelocity dispersions higher than those expected of nearly-virialised clusters of similar mass and size. A possible interpretation is that Cr197 and vdB92 deviate critically from dynamical equilibrium, and may dissolve into the field. We also conclude that early cluster dissolution leaves detectable imprints on RDPs of clusters as massive as several 10 2 M� . Cr197 and vdB92 may be the link between embedded clusters and young stellar associations.
A study of patients with acute poison: a single center experience

Background: Periodic experimental and epidemiological studies are essential to understand the pattern of poisoning in society. These studies are useful for planning of providing better and fast health care facilities to decrease poisoning connected mortality. This study was intended to assess the pattern & consequence of acute poisoning cases. Methods: This study was conducted with 100 patients admitted at a Geetanjali Medical college and hospital from June 2015 to December 2017 were studied. We retrospectively analyzed the gender, age, causes of poisoning, types of poisons, poisoning route, emergency diagnoses, outcomes, and prognoses of these patients. Results: Most of the patients were from the age group of 21 30 years (49 %) followed by 31-40 years (33%). Males (59%) prevailed females (41%). Out of all subjects, 53% belonged to middle socioeconomic class, whereas only 19% were from high socioeconomic class. Out of all patients, 62% were from illiterate class and 38% were literate. Suicide (77%) was the most communal nature of poisoning. Phenyl (19%) was the most commonly used poison. Mortality was found to be 4% and was mainly related to organophosphate compounds. Conclusions: Poisoning is further common in young males so they should be emotionally maintained in stressful conditions. Mortality was found significantly to organophosphate poisoning. Easy availability of this compound should be checked. Early care in tertiary care center may assistance to reduce mortality in India.
Effect of soil redistribution on soil organic carbon

The effect of soil redistribution on soil organic carbon: an experimental study H. Van Hemelryck, P. Fiener, K. Van Oost, and G. Govers Physical and Regional Geography Research Group, Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium Geographisches Institut der Univ. zu Köln, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln, Germany Département de Géologie et de Géographie, Université Catholique de Louvain, place L. Pasteur 3, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Aspirant, Fund For Scientific Research Flanders, Belgium Received: 3 April 2009 – Accepted: 17 April 2009 – Published: 14 May 2009 Correspondence to: H. Van Hemelryck (hendrik.vanhemelryck@ees.kuleuven.be) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
Determining the Lorentz Factor and Viewing Angle of GRB 170817A

The weak short gamma-ray burst (GRB) 170817A was accompanied by the GW170817 gravitational-wave event and is believed to have been produced by an off-beam relativistic jet. Here, we use the and relations to determine its Lorentz factor Γ and the viewing angle from the edge of the jet of GRB 170817A. Our results indicate that and , corresponding to an on-axis and erg. Therefore, the GRB was an intrinsically weak short GRB. We also find that the afterglow emission was in good agreement with the follow-up multiband observations and that the radio emissions at around 20 days may have come from the off-axis jet. Interestingly, the Doppler factor and luminosity follow a universal relation for GRBs and blazars, thus suggesting that they may share a similar radiation mechanism.
Growing Urbanization and the Impact on Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Dynamics

Changes in urban air quality and its relationship with growing urbanization provide an important insight into urban development strategies. Thus, we collected remotely sensed PM2.5 concentrations, as well as urban population datasets, and analyzed the scaling relationship between changes in urban population and concentrations of PM2.5. The majority of large cities in North America and Europe had PM2.5 concentrations which decreased significantly. Only 2.0% of large cities in the U.S. were found to have significant positive trends. PM2.5 concentration trends of less than 0.5 μg/m3·year were found in all large cities of Africa and Latin America. However, PM2.5 concentration trends of more than 1.0 μg/m3·year were found in 56.7% of the large cities in Asia, where only 2.3% of the cities in China were found with significant negative trends, and no cities in India were found with significant negative trends. Large cities in Asia were found with contributions of 4.12 ± 4.27 μg/m3·year per million people, particularly large cities in China (5.40 ± 4.80 μg/m3·year per million people) and India (4.07 ± 3.07 μg/m3·year per million people). Significant negative or positive relationships were obtained between PM2.5 trends and population change rates in large cities of North America (R2 = 0.9195, p < 0.05) or Europe (R2 = 0.9161, p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant inverse “U-type” relationship (R2 = 0.8065, p < 0.05) was found between PM2.5 trends and population change rates in large cities of Asia. In addition, the positive or negative relationships between the trends in population and PM2.5 were obtained in typical low- and mid-income countries (e.g., China and India) or high-income countries (e.g., USA), respectively.
Effect of hydro and Osmo priming on quality of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Seeds

Laboratory and lath-house experiment were carried out at National Seed Quality Control Laboratory Center, and at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center lath-house, Ethiopia, respectively with the objectives to determine the effectiveness of seed priming and variety on seed quality and stand establishment. Experimental factors were three priming media [H2O, 0.5% KH2PO4, unprimed)] and six Chickpea varieties (DZ-10-4, Arerti, Habru, DZ-10-11, Akaki and Natoli) arranged in CRD with four replications. The laboratory results revealed significant differences (p<0.01) for all parameters except vigor index II, which was significant at (p<0.05) among different priming treatments and variety in seed germination, all seed vigor tests. The interactions of the main effect were significant (p<0.01) for all quality parameters excluding vigor index II, seedling shoot and root length and seedling dry weight. Significant correlations were also observed between emergence index and most of the vigor parameters. Moreover, water priming enhanced the germination and vigor index I of all varieties except DZ-10-4 and Habru; speed of germination of Arerti and electrical conductivity of all varieties tested. Hydropriming decreased electrical conductivity of seeds by 20% as compared to osmopriming. Therefore, it can be concluded that hydro priming can step-up economical benefit of chickpea growing farmers.
Ultraviolet protection properties of nettle fabric dyed with natural dyes

This paper reports study on the UV protection properties of nettle fabric dyed with natural dyes cutch ( Acacia catechu) and madder ( Rubia cardifolia) . Dyeing with cutch and madder dyes provides excellent UV protection to the woven nettle fabric even without mordanting. FeSO 4 and myrobalan mordant concentrations have no significant effect on UPF of the nettle fabric.
Beyond Attendance: Key Determinants to Improve Students’ Course Performance at a Small Liberal Arts College

The improvement of college students’ course performance is an important topic for instructors. Many researchers have found an inverse relationship between number of absences and course performance, suggesting that attendance matters for students’ course performance. The author considers that attendance alone is not the only determinant of students’ course performance. This paper investigates key determinants other than attendance to improve students’ course performance. Three factors—being an economics major, prerequisite economics course performance, and office visits to the instructor—were considered to help students to improve their course performance. In this research, data from students who attended intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics courses over the past five years at a small liberal arts college were analyzed, using a pooled ordinary least square regression method, to examine these hypotheses. A main finding includes that two of these hypotheses, concerning prerequisite economics course performance and office visits to the instructor, were supported. This paper also found some other factors that had a significant effect on improvement of students’ course performance while it was observed that attendance was not always the key determinant.
THE 1996 CONTROLLED FLOOD IN GRAND CANYON: FLOW, SEDIMENT TRANSPORT, AND GEOMORPHIC CHANGE

The 1996 controlled flood released from Glen Canyon Dam into the Colorado River was a small magnitude, short duration event compared to pre-dam floods. The controlled flood was of lesser magnitude than a 1.25-yr recurrence, and only 10% of the pre-dam spring snowmelt floods during the period 1922–1962 were of lower magnitude. The flood occurred unusually early: 36–38 d prior to any previous annual flood since 1922. The stage difference between the flood's peak and the recessional baseflow was smaller than in those pre-dam years of similar magnitude or annual volume. However, the controlled flood was large from the perspective of the post-dam flood regime. The flood had a recurrence of 5.1 yr for the period between 1963 and 1999 and a similar magnitude flood had not occurred in 10 yr. The sediment flux of the flood was small in relation to pre-dam floods, and the suspended sand concentration was within the historical variance for flows of similar magnitude. This flood reworked fine-grained deposits that are primarily composed of sand, but the flood caused much less reworking of coarser grained deposits. Scour primarily occurred in the offshore parts of eddies, in many eddy return-current channels, and in some parts of the main channel. Return-current channels constitute important nursery habitats for the native fishery when baseflows are low, because these channels become areas of stagnant and warmer water. The number and area of these backwaters increased greatly after the flood. Fluvial marshes were extensively scoured because these habitats occur in the low elevation centers of eddies where velocities during the flood were large. Riparian shrubs that were inundated along the banks were not scoured, however, because these shrubs occur where flood velocities were very low and where deposition of suspended sediment occurred. Some physical changes persisted for several years, but other changes, such as the area of newly formed backwaters decreased quickly. Thus, the lasting effect of this flood varied among different small-scale fluvial environments.