Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Essays in theory of the firm and indivisual decision making experiments

Esta tesis se compone de dos partes separadas y sin relacion entre ellas. El primer capitulo, coautorado con el Profesor Greg Barron, es un experimento en toma de decisiones individuales. Este capitulo se construye a partir de una literatura creciente, que enfatiza el siguiente punto: cuando aprendemos las probabilidades y los resultados de una loteria a traves de la experiencia en vez de la descripcion visual del problema -un prospecto- entonces tomamos decisiones como si estuvieramos devaluando eventos poco probables. Esto contrasta con el fenomeno bien conocido de que las probabilidades pequenas suelen sobrevaluarse cuando se toman decisiones a partir de prospectos. Nuestro trabajo contribuye a la literatura dando fuerza al punto mencionado frente a algunas criticas. En particular, nosotros encontramos que la devaluacion sobrevive la eliminacion de un problema de muestreo que afectaba trabajos anteriores y esta correcto en el nuestro. Encontramos tambi´en que hay devaluacion de probabilidades pequenas vii en toma de decisiones al mismo tiempo que sobrevaluacion en juicio sobre las mismas probabilidades. Este utimo resultado no puede ser explicado. El segundo capitulo introduce una nueva teoria de integracion vertical a partir del hecho de que aumentar el poder contractual de una empresa es citado muy a menudo como una razon para integrarse verticalmente con los proveedores. En mi modelo las empresas se integran para ganar poder contractual hacia proveedores no integrados en la cadena productiva. El coste de la integracion es una perdida de flexibilidad a la hora de escoger los proveedores mas apropiados para un particular producto final. Muestro como las empresas que tienen inversiones mas especificas en el proceso productivo tienen un ayor incentivo a integrarse. La teoria presentada permite explicar numerosos hechos estilizados como el efecto del desarrollo financiero sobre la estructura vertical de las empresas, la evolucion que se observa de inversion extranjera directa a outsourcing en el comercio internacional, la conexi´on entre ciclo de vida del producto y la estructura vertical, etc.
Events That Matter: Specific Incidents, Media Coverage, and Agenda-Setting in a Ghanaian Context

Abstract: Traditional agenda-setting research has convincingly demonstrated that the media's agenda influences the public's agenda in a somewhat linear fashion. Following from that, agenda-setting researchers are now investigating the attributes of culturally specific agendas. Their studies provide insight into what appears to be a complex process that may be affected by factors beyond those already documented. This paper similarly examines the intricate connections between media, specific events, and agenda-setting in Ghana. In this context it considers two specific events with significant sociocultural implications - events that were framed by the media to produce agenda-setting effects. The paper argues that the media's framing of those events provided their audience with certain ready-made patterns of cognition, thereby enhancing the possibility of agenda-setting. Resume : La recherche traditionnelle sur la fonction d'agenda (« agenda setting ») a demontre de maniere convaincante que les priorites des medias ont une influence sur les priorites du public de maniere quelque peu lineaire. Devel-oppant leur approche, les chercheurs sur la fonction d'agenda sont en train d'etudier celle-ci par rapport a son impact culturel. Leurs etudes revelent ce qui parait etre un processus complexe que peuvent influencer des facteurs peu documentes a ce jour. A l'instar de cette approche culturelle, cet article examine les rapports complexes entre la fonction d'agenda, les medias et des evenements particuliers au Ghana. Dans ce contexte, il considere deux evenements specifiques dont les consequences socioculturelles ont ete significatives - des evenements presentes par les medias de maniere a produire des effets de type « fonction d'agenda ». Cet article soutient que la maniere de presenter ces evenements, etant congruente avec les manieres de percevoir du public, augmente la possibilite que la fonction d'agenda produise un effet dans ces cas-ci.
The role of arsine in the self-assembled growth of InAs∕GaAs quantum dots by metal organic chemical vapor deposition

The influence of various growth parameters such as coverage, the AsH3 flow (V∕III ratio), and growth interrupts on the self-assembled growth of InAs∕GaAs quantum dots (QDs) by metal organic chemical vapor deposition is reported. Of the various growth parameters, the AsH3 flow has a particularly strong influence. Higher AsH3 flows during deposition led to a faster nucleation process and larger islands, while the presence of AsH3 after nucleation led to continued island ripening. We suggest that this is the result of increased indium redistribution from the highly strained wetting layer to the islands, and possibly between the islands, at higher AsH3 flows. A large defect density was observed by plan-view transmission electron microscopy, whenever the growth parameters led to larger islands. Using our optimized growth conditions we are able to avoid such defect generation and still achieve a high QD density (3×1010cm−2).
Non Cardiac Chest Pain (NCCP)

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a common clinical problem however the pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Until the pathophysiology is more clearly understood, certain patients with NCCP continue to experience chest pain and seek frequent medical attention. This mini-review will discuss the underlying pathophysiology of NCCP including gastro-oesophageal reflux, oesophageal dysmotility and visceral hypersensitivity. Furthermore, it aims to highlight the current treatment options based on the current literature.
Competitive ability of cultivated rice against weedy rice biotypes – a review

Weedy rice has been identified as a threat to rice production worldwide. Its phenotypic and genotypic diversity and its potential to compete against rice in all development stages from germination to maturity have resulted in a loss of rice yield and grain quality, which is remarkably high in direct- seeded rice cultivation. Weedy rice dormancy varies, it has a higher germination rate, and tolerates deeper germination depth compared to rice cultivars. Interactions of weedy rice with cultivars often reflect early vigor, more tillering, nutrient utilization ability for shoot development with respect to rice cultivars even though the latter also show an improvement in shoot development under competition. An exponential relationship has been reported between cultivated rice loss and weedy rice density: this is true for all rice cultivars. The degree of loss is dependent on the competitive ability of the rice cultivar being studied, and each weedy rice biotype also interacts differently. Hence, the need for a comprehensive study of the biology of various weedy rice variants. Difficulties arise in the management of weedy rice due to its physiological, anatomical, and morphological similarities to cultivated rice. The manipulation of the environment to improve cultivated rice production and suppress the emergence of weedy rice variants is important in the management of weedy rice, as well as other cultural practices and use of pesticides. The development of herbicide-resistant rice cultivars is necessary to totally eliminate the weedy rice variants. This review provides information on the competitive ability of weedy rice against rice cultivars; this information is essential to create management options to control weedy rice.
Global existence of solutions for a free boundary problem modeling the growth of necrotic tumors

In this paper we study a free boundary problem for a reaction-diffusion equation modeling the growth of necrotic tumors. We first reduce this problem into an equivalent initial boundary value problem for a nonlinear parabolic equation on a fixed domain. This parabolic equation is strongly singular in the sense that not only it contains a discontinuous nonlinear function of the unknown function, but also all its coefficients are discontinuous nonlinear functionals of the unknown function. We use the approximation method and the Schauder fixed point theorem combined with L p estimates to prove the existence of a global solution.
Using Morphological Charachters and ISJ Markers for Assessment of Genetic Diversity among Some Rice Genotypes

the two rice growing seasons of 2014 and 2015 at the experimental farm of Rice Research and Training Center.There were significant differences among the genotypes for all traits, indicating high genetic divergence among ricegermplasm. The 24 studied genotypes were divided to 11 clusters. Cluster III included the highest number of genotypes,followed by cluster X which included four genotypes. According to the rank for desirable traits among all clusters meanvalues, hybridization of IR 68011-15-1-1, KATY of cluster VI with promising genotypes of cluster VII (moroberekan),cluster IX (IR 67954-46-1-3-2) and cluster XI (IR 68167-28-3-2-2, IR 69432-54-1-1-2-2 (NPT)) may be recommended asstarted materials for breeding program, in order to isolating transgressive segregants lines. Twelve primers of intron-exonsplice junction (ISJ) were utilized in this study, out of 89 bands were detected and 44 bands showed polymorphic. Thegenetic similarity between genotypes ranged from 0.794 to 0.955 with an average similarity index of 0.873. Clusteranalysis based on Dice's similarity coefficient using UPGMA procedure divided the studied rice genotypes into six majorclusters. Furthermore, some genotypes located in one cluster alone based on either morphological or moleculardendrograms, such as genotypes number 6 (Moroberekan) and 7 (Katy).
Evaluation of the Propeller Hull Vortex Using a RANS Solver

The appearance of the propeller hull vortex (PHV) has been investigated using the FINFLO RANS solver. This specific phenomenon occurs when solid surfaces placed in the neighbourhood of the propeller prevent the natural flow contraction resulting from the local flow acceleration. As the propeller blades near the solid surfaces may not obtain enough mass flow from the inlet – i.e., the propeller is starved of water the flow may reverse locally so that water is sucked from the outlet. The small tip clearance combined with the low advance number as well as the geometry of the solid surfaces may affect the inception of the PHV. Time-dependent computations were carried out at seven advance numbers. During the analysis of the results, several quantities were examined to detect the inception of the PHV. Streamlines were found to be the best technique to trace the vortices from an extremely complex flow field. The flow patterns on the flat plate were compared to published experimental observations using the limiting streamlines along the plate. Flow patterns similar to those discovered in the experiments were also obtained by RANS simulations, so the RANS method is able to predict the occurrence of the PHV at least on a qualitative level.
Prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in milk sold in Accra

Antimicrobial resistance is said to currently be the greatest challenge to the effective treatment of infections globally. This study evaluated the risks of antimicrobial resistant microbes associated with 8 types of branded and unbranded milk sold in Accra, Ghana. The study revealed that 6 categories of milk sampled were all contaminated whiles 2 categories were not. Common isolates identified were E.coli, Klebsiella spp , Enterobacter spp, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella tyhpi, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococccus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated that all (100%) isolates were multi-resistant to Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Gentamycin, Cotrimoxazole, Ceturoxime and cefotaxime. Ceftriaxime was the most effective antimicrobial but even then, 90.57% of isolates were resistant to it. Antimicrobial resistant isolates were found in all types of milk sampled. Unpasteurized locally produced cow milk accounted for the highest (26.42%) of resistant microbes and imported skimmed milk the least (3.77%). The others were locally-produced pasteurized cow milk ( 20.75% ), imported whole milk ( 11.32% ), soya milk ( 22.64% ) and powdered milk (15.09%). Even though the risk level varied from different types of milk, it cut across almost all types of milk. The study demonstrated that milk sold in Accra is a potential hazard of pathogenic food borne bacteria as well as antimicrobial resistant bacteria that may have public health implications. There is the need for some additional food safety measures to be applied before the consumption of milk.
Chemical Pretreatment Methods for the Production of Cellulosic Ethanol: Technologies and Innovations

Pretreatment of lignocellulose has received considerable research globally due to its influence on the technical, economic and environmental sustainability of cellulosic ethanol production. Some of the most promising pretreatment methods require the application of chemicals such as acids, alkali, salts, oxidants, and solvents. Thus, advances in research have enabled the development and integration of chemical-based pretreatment into proprietary ethanol production technologies in several pilot and demonstration plants globally, with potential to scale-up to commercial levels. This paper reviews known and emerging chemical pretreatment methods, highlighting recent findings and process innovations developed to offset inherent challenges via a range of interventions, notably, the combination of chemical pretreatment with other methods to improve carbohydrate preservation, reduce formation of degradation products, achieve high sugar yields at mild reaction conditions, reduce solvent loads and enzyme dose, reduce waste generation, and improve recovery of biomass components in pure forms. The use of chemicals such as ionic liquids, NMMO, and sulphite are promising once challenges in solvent recovery are overcome. For developing countries, alkali-based methods are relatively easy to deploy in decentralized, low-tech systems owing to advantages such as the requirement of simple reactors and the ease of operation.
Does Location Really Matter? The Influence of the FDI Location on Enterprise Competitiveness: The Evidence from Polish Enterprises

A company’s competitiveness depends on the linkages between its resources and capabilities and location-specific factors where the company runs its activities. Companies combine the advantages of particular geographic locations with their resources and capabilities to enhance existing and develop new competitive advantages. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of international operations in the form of foreign direct investments on the competitiveness of the investing companies as well as to identify areas of greatest benefits derived from international involvement based on the location of their foreign affiliates. The paper presents results of a field survey carried out in 2012 through direct interviews among Polish companies – foreign direct investors. The research results revealed that the foreign activities of Polish enterprises have a positive influence on their competitiveness; however, the FDI impact is not so clear as it was expected. The empirical findings also proved that the location of their foreign affiliates did not influence significantly the scale and nature of benefits from international activities in terms of the Chi-square analysis applied. However, we observe some tendencies, based on the impact index, indicating some dependencies between the location of foreign affiliates and the fields of the FDI impact identified in the competitive potential of investing companies.
Assessment of Post-Harvest Loss of Milk and Milk Products and Traditional Mitigation Systems in Mekelle Milk Shed, Northern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in purposively selected dairy potential districts located in and around Mekelle milk shed areas to assess traditional production, handling and processing, milk post-harvest loss and its mitigation system in small-scale dairying. Multi stage stratified random sampling method was employed to select locations within districts and households. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 79 milk producers. The data was analyzed using Statistical Procedures for Social Sciences (SPSS) version20. Milking is mostly done by men (75.9%) where as milk handling (79.5%), processing (88.6%) and marketing (57%) were primarily handled by wives. The majority of respondents (89%) used plastic bucket for milking while clay pot was used for milk fermentation (22.1%). Producers mainly used Acacia etbaica and Olea africana to fumigate milk and milk product containers for improving flavor while others to increase shelf life. The main possible reason for milk spoilage problem was poor milk handling practices in the area (78.7%). The major milk production constraints were feed shortage (57%), unavailability of improved breeds (60.8%), poor veterinary service (38%), poor quality of feeds (57%) and associated low milk yield (38%). Therefore, it is vital to strengthening linkage with extension services in the study areas to enhance input provision, milk production, handling, processing, marketing and consumption. High yielding improved breeds through improving the current AI delivery system will have paramount importance to boost the current milk production in the area. Enhancing the veterinary services, availability of improved forage, infrastructure and training of different value chain actors on different aspects of milk production is also necessary. Keywords: post harvest, handling, milk, production
Lightning characteristics over the eastern coast of the Mediterranean during different synoptic systems

Abstract. Thunderstorm activity takes place in the eastern Mediterranean mainly through the boreal fall and winter seasons during synoptic systems of Red Sea Trough (RST), Red Sea Trough that closed a low over the sea (RST-CL), and Cyprus Low (during fall – FCL and winter – WCL). In this work we used the Israeli Lightning Location System ground strokes data set, between October 2004 and December 2010, for studying the properties of lightning strokes and their link to the thermodynamic conditions in each synoptic system. It is shown that lightning activity dominates over sea during WCL and FCL systems (with maximum values of 1.5 in WCL, and 2.2 km−2 day−1 in FCL) and have a dominant component over land during the RST and RST-CL days. The stronger instability (high Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) values of 762 ± 457 J kg−1) during RST-CL days together with the higher altitude of the clouds' mixed-phase region (3.6 ± 0.3 km), result in a slightly higher density of ground strokes during this system but a lower fraction of positive ground strokes (3 ± 0.5 %). In general the fraction of positive strokes was found to be inversely correlated with the sea surface temperature: it increases from 1.2 % in early fall to 17.7 % in late winter, during FCL and WCL days. This change could be linked to the variation in the charge center's vertical location during those months. The diurnal cycle in the lightning activity was examined for each synoptic system. During WCL conditions, no preferred times were found through the day, as it relates to the random passage timing of the frontal systems over the study region. During the fall systems (FCL and RST-CL) there is a peak in lightning activity during the morning hours, probably related to the enhanced convection driven by the convergence between the eastern land breeze and the western synoptic winds. The distributions of peak currents in FCL and WCL systems also change from fall to winter and include more strong negative and positive strokes toward the end of the winter.
Digitalizing the Municipality and Factors Affecting the Acceptance of E-municipality: An Empirical Analysis

Over the years, rapid developments in information and communications technologies have brought about an increase in the amount of time users spend online. Users who consistently interact online also resort to receiving goods and services that are supplied via these networks. This type of user behavior has also expedited the supply of services delivered by municipalities. In this regard, the purpose of the current study is to determine the factors affecting the adaptation of e-municipality services and their extent, by exclusively observing the leading e-municipality service provider. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, field research was conducted among 302 participants in the city of Yalova using the convenience-sampling technique. The findings indicate that competence in the use of technology, perceived ease of use, perceived awareness and information quality positively influence the acceptance of e-municipality services whereas factors such as perceived trust and usability of resources have no significant impact.
Goodness-of-fit tests for ARMA models with uncorrelated errors ⁄

We consider tests for lack of fit in ARMA models with non independent innovations. In this framework, the standard Box-Pierce and Ljung-Box portmanteau tests can perform poorly. Specifically, the usual text book formulas for asymptotic distributions are based on strong assumptions and should not be applied without careful consideration. In this paper, we derive the asymptotic covariance matrix Σρm of a vector of autocorrelations for residuals of ARMA models under weak assumptions on the noise. The asymptotic distribution of the portmanteau statistics follows. A consistent estimator of Σρm , and a modification of the portmanteau tests are proposed. This allows to construct valid asymptotic significance limits for the residual autocorrelations, and (asymptotically) valid goodness-of-fit tests, when the underlying noise process is assumed to be non correlated rather than independent or a martingale difference. A set of Monte-Carlo experiments, and an application to the Standard & Poor’s 500 returns, illustrate the practical relevance of our theoretical results.
Incidence of Meares-Irlen/visual stress syndrome in reading and learning disorders: does fluorescent lighting in classrooms affect literacy and numeracy?

In recent years there has been mounting discussion in educational psychology journals concerning the incidence of school students in developed nations with inadequate literacy and numeracy skills. There has also been evolving debate as to whether these vital skills have only been declining in Western countries. Adding to the current discourse surrounding educational issues, the media has seemingly had little difficulty obtaining anecdotal reports from employers and tertiary educators suggesting that a decline in literacy and numeracy skills first became noticeable in school leavers during the 1990s. This theoretical critique examines the literature pertaining to both recent and long term trends in literacy and numeracy in OECD countries. The degree to which changes to the classroom environment in recent decades may have adversely impacted upon certain reading and learning disorders is also scrutinised. In particular, this report evaluates the role that a specific visual perception deficit (Meares-Irlen/visual stress syndrome) may play in overall literacy and numeracy statistics, and explores the added possibility that the trend towards increased fluorescent lighting and bright visual media in classrooms have enhanced that contribution. Thus, the scientific literature presented in the following pages encompasses diverse areas of research.