Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explaining a ‘development miracle’: poverty reduction and human development in Malaysia since the 1970s

This paper provides a systematic assessment of the alleged exceptionality of Malaysia’s development progress and its likely explanations, in a comparative perspective. Using cross-country regressions and aggregate indices of education, health, poverty and gender equality outcomes, we offer three findings. First, we provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that Malaysia’s human development progress has been exceptional compared with that of countries with a similar level of economic development, primarily for the 1970s and 1980s, so showing that progress has early origins. Next, we show that such progress is explained by a combination of income-mediated and support-led mechanisms, including Malaysia’s early emphasis on education and health inputs and infrastructure development. Finally, we argue that an early advantage in state capacity, vis-a-vis other countries of similar income level, may be at the origin of Malaysia’s successful implementation of poverty-reduction and growth-enhancing policies.
The Joy of Inequality: The Libidinal Economy of Compassionate Consumerism

This paper develops a critique of cause-related marketing and other forms of ‘compassionate consumerism’, which draws attention to the mobilisation of jouissance – or enjoyment – within this ideological formation. I explore three cases of compassionate consumerism – Table for Two, Toilet Twinning, and Sir Richard’s Condoms. In each case, I show how an explicit ethical appeal to assist those less fortunate than ourselves is underwritten by an invitation to participate in a disavowed enjoyment of relations of inequality. This enjoyment is procured, not through the manipulation of ‘natural’ pleasures, but through the staging of specific fantasies, which make pleasure possible through their framing of the alien materiality of the bodily drives.
Evaluation of past and present implementation of Telemonitoring NI

Research team members James McElnay, Mike Clarke, Carmel Hughes, Ashley Agus, Evie Gardner, Dermot O’Reilly, Nigel Hart, Alan Ferrett, Judith Cole, Verity Faith, Sayer Al-Azzam, Jason Wilson 1 Clinical and Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast. 2 Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast. 3 Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit. 4 PPI representative, R&D Division of Public Health Agency.
Popularity of pet otters on YouTube: evidence of an emerging trade threat

In response to growing reports of otters in the pet trade, and suggestions that the popularity of pet otters on social media may be driving demand, we collated YouTube videos of pet otters to test for trends in the number of videos published, their exposure (number of views) and popularity. We used English-language search terms to provide a global overview, as well as local language search terms for four South East Asian countries identified as being of potential importance in the pet otter trade (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam), and Japan. We found that not only had the number of videos depicting pet otters increased in the last two to three years (2016–2018), but that their popularity and/or engagement had also increased. Notwithstanding some country-level differences in the details of effects observed, the greatest increases in both the number of videos produced and their popularity occurred in Indonesia and Japan. At a global-level, commercial “viral” video sites appeared to be influential in terms of posting highly popular pet otter videos. At a national level, potentially influential videos tended to be produced by four or five individual otter owners. The appearance of phrases such as “I want one” in the comments section of the English-language videos, although not necessarily a statement of actual intent, suggests that these videos may be driving demand amongst their viewers and followers; similar analyses of video comments in each local language are warranted. Our results show an increase in social media activity that may not only be driving the apparent increase in popularity, but also amplifying awareness of the availability of these animals as pets, as well as creating and perpetuating the (erroneous) perception of otters as a suitable companion animal. At a global level, there are welfare concerns associated with otters in the pet trade, and, in South East Asia specifically, there are serious conservation concerns. We recommend increased regulation of these activities on social media, increased public awareness of the negative impacts of the pet trade on otters, and increased international protection. Specifically, we suggest the need to uplist both small-clawed and smooth-coated otters (Aonyxcinereus and Lutrogaleperspicillata, respectively) to CITES Appendix 1.
Lending infrastructure and credit rationing of European SMEs

ABSTRACT We examine the influence of countries’ lending infrastructure on credit rationing for European SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises). This lending infrastructure, conceptualised by Berger and Udell [2006] is comprised of a country’s information, legal, judicial, bankruptcy, social and regulatory environment. Using a sample of 13,957 SMEs from eleven European countries, we find that SMEs in countries with more efficient judicial systems, less efficient bankruptcy systems and with greater levels of trust are less likely to be credit rationed. The results are robust for different forms of credit rationing and different measures of lending infrastructure. The paper also shows some variation in the results across different sub-samples, considering firm size, age and riskiness. We also exploit the variation between core and periphery European countries and the peculiarity of the sovereign debt crisis period.
A Spatial Reuse Aloha MAC Protocol for Multihop Wireless Mobile Networks

We define an Aloha type access control mechanism for large mobile, multihop, wireless networks. This mechanism is based on a new representation of the interferences and hence of the collisions adapted to the context of large networks with random mobility. The mechanism is designed for the multihop context, where it is important to find a compromise between the spatial density of communications and the range of each transmission. More precisely, it is possible to optimize the product of the number of simultaneously successful transmissions per unit of space (spatial reuse) by the average range of each transmission. The optimization is obtained via an averaging over all Poisson configurations for the location of interfering mobiles. The main mathematical tools stem from stochastic geometry and are spatial versions of the so called additive and max shot noise processes. The resulting MAC protocol can be implemented in a decentralized way provided some local geographic informations are available to the mobiles. Its transport capacity is proportional to the square root of the density of mobiles; under certain mobility and stability conditions discussed in the paper, the delay for transporting information from one mobile to any another is proportional to the distance between them and to the square root of the density of mobiles.
A Markov Random Field Framework for Modeling Malware Propagation in Complex Communications Networks

The proliferation of complex communication networks (CCNs) and their importance for maintaining social coherency nowadays have urgently elevated the need for protecting networking infrastructures from malicious software attacks. In this paper, we propose a Markov Random Field (MRF) based spatio-stochastic framework for modeling the macroscopic behavior of a CCN under random attack, where malicious threats propagate through direct interactions and follow the Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible infection paradigm. We exploit the MRF framework for analytically studying the propagation dynamics in various types of CCNs, i.e., lattice, random, scale-free, small-world and multihop graphs, in a holistic manner. By combining Gibbs sampling with simulated annealing, we study the behavior of the above systems for various topological and malware related parameters with respect to the general random attacks considered. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the MRF framework in capturing the evolution of SIS malware propagation and use it to assess the robustness of synthetic and real CCNs with respect to the involved parameters. It is found that random networks are more robust, followed by scale-free, regular and small-world, while multihop emerge as the most vulnerable of all.
The Behavioral Consequences of Service Quality

If service quality relates to retention of customers at the aggregate level, as other research has indicated, then evidence of its impact on customers’ behavioral responses should be detectable. The authors offer a conceptual model of the impact of service quality on particular behaviors that signal whether customers remain with or defect from a company. Results from a multicompany empirical study examining relationships from the model concerning customers’ behavioral intentions show strong evidence of their being influenced by service quality. The findings also reveal differences in the nature of the quality-intentions link across different dimensions of behavioral intentions. The authors’ discussion centers on ways the results and research approach of their study can be helpful to researchers and managers.
Surplus Free Cash Flow and Earnings Management: The Moderating Role of Auditor Size

This Study seeks to scrutinize whether surplus free cash flow is correlated with earnings management, if auditor size moderates this relationship. To do so, modified Jones discretionary accrual model (1995) and audit firm size are used as audit quality indicator to measure earnings management. The research hypotheses are built upon a sample of 103 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the years 2013 to 2017 and then tested using multiple regression model based on panel data techniques. The results reveal that earnings management is significantly associated with surplus free cash flow. Furthermore, the findings confirm that auditor size exerts no significant impact on the relationship between surplus free cash flow and corporate earnings management.
Life after trafficking : (re)integration processes of women that have been trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation in Europe

This thesis answers the question of what determines successful recovery and (re) integration of women trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and how influencing factors interplay, in the short and long run. The analysis is based on qualitative research conducted in South-eastern Europe (Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia) and Western Europe (Netherlands and Italy). One of the main findings of this research is that the ability of forming healthy relationships, personal in which the survivor can practice her autonomy, and relationships with service providers, built on trust, are the most significant factors that could contribute toward successful long-term (re) integration of trafficking victims. Additionally, the significance of the newly formed family on successful (re)integration is recognised. When looking at the dynamics of the prosecution of the trafficker, it was found that trials often last a long time, and may require the victim testifying numerous times, which often causes re-traumatisation. Finally, when looking at the approach to sex work in the context of anti-trafficking, this thesis finds ongoing stigmatisation, not only of sex workers, by both service providers and victims of trafficking, but also reports of stigmatisation of trafficking victims.
Big data or small data? A methodological review of sustainable tourism

Abstract Research in the field of sustainable tourism is increasingly important due to significant growth in tourism industries and the unsustainable impacts incurred. Innovation in sustainable tourism studies is required to meet a number of challenges including socio-ecological impacts; the critical turn in tourism research; and the growth of ICTs, mobile technologies and big data analytics. These shifts in particular are transforming the field and creating new research opportunities. This article seeks to identify potentially new methodological areas of application to sustainable tourism studies for both quantitative and qualitative methods. A range of methods are reviewed, focusing on big data (e.g. mobile device signaling, GPS, social media and search engine data) that elucidates wider patterns of tourist movement, as applied to forecasting travel demands and sustainable management of a destination. Three novel “small data” methods are also discussed, comprising visual methods, autoethnography and qualitative GIS, that provide deeper, contextual insights into the drivers, dynamics and impacts of sustainable tourism. We consider how expansive qualitative methodologies might yield potentially important insights concealed by existing methodologies. Furthermore, we argue that combined big data and small data approaches can address methodological imbalance and generate mutually reinforcing insights at a number of levels.
Competitive intelligence practice in liquor retailing: evidence from a longitudinal case analysis

Purpose Competitive intelligence (CI) is a vital tool for any company to survive and remain competitive in today’s hypercompetitive and uncertain business environment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of CI in liquor retailing in the USA. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory single longitudinal case study was performed through observation and semi-structured interviews plus examining documents from secondary sources in two phases. Content analysis was used for the data analysis. Findings Regardless of the small size of the company, the owner has an active attitude toward monitoring competition by using various sources of information and converting it into intelligence for making sound decisions for both short-term and long-term competitiveness. Also, the central role of the owner in the CI process has been verified. Originality/value This study responds to calls for more case studies in the field and is the first one to explore CI in the liquor retailing ecosystem by using a longitudinal case study. In general, studies of CI in retailing are limited. It has clear value to CI practices for retailers in the USA and in general.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF MULTIMEDIA RIGHTS AMONG DIVISION I FBS INSTITUTIONS

iii LIST OF TABLES vii CHAPTER I 1-7 Introduction 1 Statement of Purpose 4 Research Questions 5 Definition of Terms 5 Limitations 6 Delimitations 6 Assumptions 7 CHAPTER II 8-16 Introduction to Literature Review 8 Origin of Television Broadcast 8 Attendance 12 Television Ratings 13 Broadcast Rights Fees 15 Theoretical Framework 16 CHAPTER III 18-21 Instruments 18 Acquiring the Contracts 20
Cultural Elements that Affect Customer Acceptance towards Global Product Advertisement

Advertising has become a powerful driving force as an effective communication medium predominantly utilized to capture worldwide consumers. Conclusively, global advertising is the most visible firms’ activity in marketing mix elements which greatly influence by cultures which are known as one of the critical factors that affect economic development, demographic behavior, and general business policies around the world and directly affect how people decipher the message they receive. For this reason, better proficiency of potential customers behold of culture should be acknowledged and exercised by global advertising firm and global merchants. Objective: This paper aimed to examine the effects of the culture elements array in global product advertisements content towards customer acceptance of a global product. Results: Findings show that there is the existence of the significant effects of cultural elements such as religion, language, and cultural norms display in global product advertisement which influences customer attitude towards the global product. Conclusion: Considering the effect of culture blunders that will drive the global firm to hesitate in the targeted market, this research thus suggests global advertising companies and global marketer do the necessary action.
For Startups, Adaptability and Mentor Network Diversity can be Pivotal: Evidence from a Randomized Experiment on a MOOC Platform

To assess the impact of suggesting different approaches to the strategic process to early-stage entrepreneurs, we examine their before-and-after performance in a randomized field experiment. Contrary to the finding that entrepreneurs should be adaptive and open to changing their business model and strategic direction frequently, we find that instructing entrepreneurs to have a strong, persistent vision for their startup often results in better performance in the early stages. However, we find that having more diverse social ties can mitigate the disadvantage of the adaptive approach at the beginning of the venture. Further, we find that while the planning approach works in the very early stage, a two-year follow-up survey indicates the adaptive approach yields better outcomes in terms of revenues and fundraising. However, the adaptive approach with a diverse mentor tie continues to yield better outcomes in the follow-up survey, suggesting that the advantage of coupling adaptive approach with diverse social ties continues to persist. The results show that the formulation of a strategic approach benefits from consideration of the interaction with social network ties.
Storage pests of maize and their status in Bangladesh

Maize (zea mays) is the most important cereal crop after rice in Bangladesh. During storage, maize grains are severely destroyed by insect pests. Most of the farmers of Bangladesh do not know how to preserve corn seed properly due to insufficient knowledge of storage pest of maize. An experiment was conducted to assess the major pests associated with stored maize, the damage and losses they cause in Bangladesh during July to December 2017. Sixty (60) farmer’s farms from fifteen major maize growing districts of Bangladesh were assessed. Sixteen Arthropods, Fifteen Coleopterans, Five Lepidopterans and one Acarina were documented from the collected samples. Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) followed by maize grain moth (Sitotroga cereallela), rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) and Areca nut weevil (A. fasciculatus) were the major pests of stored maize in the study area. Among them, Maize weevil (S. zeamais) is the dominant, destructive and most important pest of maize in Bangladesh. This pest was found in abundance in all areas assessed damaging maize grain. Quantitative average grain damage of 75.85% and losses of 51 to 85% are common in the store within five to six months after storage. An integrated weevil management method should be implemented to prevent the high quantitative and qualitative grain losses incurred to contribute towards family food security in Bangladesh.
Income Tax of Portuguese Listed Companies in Financial and Corporate Social Responsibility Reports

Purpose – The purpose of the study was to evaluate reporting for income tax from a social responsibility perspective. Specifically, the research aims to ascertain the relationship between various aspects of income tax disclosure, namely its extent, effective tax rate and reporting for tax in corporate social responsibility reports, and various factors such as size, profitability, leverage and sector. Design/methodology/approach – Data collected from financial and corporate social responsibility reports covering the 2010-2014 period of entities included in the Portuguese Stock Index (PSI) 20 were used to build two indices. Using the logistic regression technique to assess the data gathered for two models, the indices were used as the dependent variables within the first model, and the effective tax rate was used in the second one. Size, profitability, leverage, sector and the effective tax rate were chosen as independent variables. Findings – The findings demonstrate the existence of a relationship between disclosure indices and size (positive), leverage (negative) and sector (negative). For the effective tax rate, only sector revealed a significant positive relationship. Originality/value – The study contributes to the relatively novel idea of viewing income taxes as a matter of corporate social responsibility, by focussing on reporting. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is unique in analysing the data collected from the corporate social responsibility perspective.
Strategies and measures directed towards overtourism: a perspective of European DMOs

Due to both the new quality and intensity overtourism discussions have received, it is time to examine the question concerning the consequences this development has on destination level and how destinations can adjust their strategies for future development. This is especially important to consider, since overtourism can be seen as a fundamental issue for tourism development. First measures taken within destinations show that reactions are taking place, e.g. through access restrictions of frequently visited places. The purpose of this paper is to identify future-oriented strategies and to derive concrete measures in order to deal with overtourism on a destination level. ,In total, 19 qualitative interviews with European destination managers were conducted and evaluated via the qualitative analysis method GABEK® with WinRelan® software. ,The results show that various stakeholders are involved in overtourism, with the destination management organization being the central actor to deal with issues. It is challenging to choose between different strategies and measures, which always have to be considered in relation to the specific conditions of a destination and the perception level of overtourism. In order to face current developments, the initiation of a stakeholder dialog can be seen as a promising factor, but also as a challenging task. ,Currently, a “wait-and-see-attitude” exists, where well-known destinations are cited as negative examples, but a serious examination related to one’s own destination has not yet been developed. This consideration should be seen as a prerequisite for future-oriented destination development, which takes the local population into account.
Toward performance portability of the Albany finite element analysis code using the Kokkos library

Performance portability on heterogeneous high-performance computing (HPC) systems is a major challenge faced today by code developers: parallel code needs to be executed correctly as well as with high performance on machines with different architectures, operating systems, and software libraries. The finite element method (FEM) is a popular and flexible method for discretizing partial differential equations arising in a wide variety of scientific, engineering, and industrial applications that require HPC. This article presents some preliminary results pertaining to our development of a performance portable implementation of the FEM-based Albany code. Performance portability is achieved using the Kokkos library. We present performance results for the Aeras global atmosphere dynamical core module in Albany. Numerical experiments show that our single code implementation gives reasonable performance across three multicore/many-core architectures: NVIDIA General Processing Units (GPU’s), Intel Xeon Phis, and multicore CPUs.