Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convergence across Kazakhstan regions

The issue of regional economic disparities is important for the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is going through a transition period from a planned socialist system to a market-based economy. This presents a large number of problems for a government seeking to balance development in order to avoid problems of inequality and political unrest and, at present, there is a shortage of the type of information that would be useful to formulate policy. The main aim of this thesis is to help make up some of this gap. It does so by examining various types of convergence process across the regions of Kazakhstan over the period of 1993-2009. Since different types of convergence reflect different aspects of the problem, we use a variety of concepts and empirical approaches in studying convergence across Kazakhstan's regions. First, we approach convergence directly by studying the dynamics of standard deviation and coefficient of variation of per capita GRP level across Kazakhstan's regions, which is called -convergence. Next, we study absolute and conditional -convergence using cross-section and panel approaches. Afterwards, we study the club-convergence proposing an approach that consists of two stages: clustering of regions and testing convergence within clusters. In studying TFP convergence, we use panel unit root tests. In addition, we apply the method of sector decomposition to reveal economic sectors, which promote either convergence or divergence across the Kazakhstan regions. The results of this thesis show that, in general, regions of Kazakhstan diverged over the period of 1993-2009 in the sense of -convergence and absolute -convergence. However, they demonstrated convergence in other recognised forms of convergence (conditional -convergence, TFP-convergence, club-convergence) over various time spans within the 1993-2009 period. For the government this means that convergence in Kazakhstan is not per se a process that accompanies economic development and that a strong regional policy is needed. In order to reduce economic disparities and preserve high rates of economic growth this policy should be complicated, club-specific, and directed to the equalization of production structure of regions and targeting the sectors promoting convergence.
PARASITIC PROTOZOANS (EIMERIA, GIARDIA, AND CRYPTOSPORIDIUM) IN LAMBS WITH DIARRHOEA IN THE VAN PROVINCE (TURKEY)

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of parasitic protozoan agents in lambs with diarrhoea in the Van province (Eastern Turkey). Faecal samples from 132 diarrhoeic lambs aged from one day to two months old were collected at 12 different herds from January 2005 to May 2005. The faecal samples were examined by using, native-Lugol, Fulleborn’s salty water technique, and a Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique for Cryptosporidium. The parasitological examination revealed that 98 (74.24%) of the lambs were infected with one or more of parasitic protozoan agents. Eimeria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium were detected in 80 (60.60%), 64 (48.48%), and 18 (13.63%) of the lambs, respectively. According to statistical analysis, Eimeria sp. oocysts were significantly higher (P<0.01) in lambs aged between 31 and 60 d (76.81%, 53 of 69) than in those of 16–30 d of age (50%, 21 of 42) and 1-15 d of age (28.57%, 6 of 21). There were significant differences in Giardia prevalance when lambs of 1–15 d of age were compared with those 16-30 d of age (P<0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were significantly higher (P<0.01) in lambs aged between 1 and 15 d (66.66%, 14 of 21) than in those of 16–30 d of age (4.76%, 2 of 42) and 31-60 d of age (2.89%, 2 of 69). Moreover, Giardia sp. and Eimeria sp. showed significant co-occurrence (34.84%). The results obtained confirmed the fact that protozoan infections are widespread in diarrhoeic lambs in this geographical region.
To Fix or to Float from Perspective of Output Volatility and Vulnerability to Crisis

The aim of this paper is to offer some less-explored theoretical insights into the exchange rate economics. The debate of whether to fix or to float is still lively, even in the context of output volatility under alternative exchange rate regimes; specifically, the effect of the exchange rate regime on output volatility remains unclear. The very scarce number of studies found divergent results: none of those are overwhelming and none give clear notion of how the regime affects output volatility. The latter might be due to the fact that the exchange-rate regime is not related to output volatility neither, but also due to the fact that the very limited number of studies on this issue do not comprehend it in a coherent and serious manner. Consequently, the issue remains and empirical problem and asks for further empirical investigation.
Assessment of genetic diversity of selected tartary and common buckwheat accessions

Genetic diversity of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture is a unique and irreplaceable source for further crop genetic improvement. The aim of this paper was the field evaluation of buckwheat genetic resources in the Czech Republic. In the case of the 77 common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) genotypes, most had reddishgreen stems (80%), cordate leaves (82%), white flowers (87%), and grey ovate achenes (44% and 57%, respectively). Vegetative growth duration ranged from 104 to 131 days. The 1000 seed weight (TSW) varied from 18.6 to 33.2 g. In the 15 tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) genotypes, there were no remarkable differences in morphological traits. Vegetative growth duration was 101 to 148 days, and the TSW varied from 8.10 to 20.0 g. Similarity/dissimilarity dendograms were calculated using the results of the field evaluation. Principal component analysis was also performed. The dendrograms showed high diversity in the morphological and phenological characteristics evaluated. Performance of the buckwheat varieties, particularly, their developmental stages, depended highly on the weather conditions of the year. Only days to flowering seemed to be affected by variety. Because the evaluation was made according to the IPGRI buckwheat descriptors the characteristics are compatible with data from
Leaf morphological and physiological responses of Quercus aquifolioides along an altitudinal gradient

Quercus aquifolioides Rehder & E.H. Wilson, an evergreen alpine and subalpine shrub species, occupies a wide range of habitats on the eastern slopes of the Himalaya in China. In this study, we measured leaf morphology, nitrogen content and carbon isotope composition (as an indicator of water use efficiency) of Q. aquifolioides along an altitudinal gradient. We found that these leaf morphological and physiological responses to altitudinal gradients were non-linear with increasing altitude. Specific leaf area, stomatal length and index increased with increasing altitude below 2800 m, but decreased with increasing altitude above 2800 m. In contrast, leaf nitrogen content per unit area and carbon isotope composition showed opposite change patterns. Specific leaf area seemed to be the most important parameter that determined the carbon isotope composition along the altitudinal gradient. Our results suggest that near 2800 m in altitude could be the optimum zone for growth and development of Q. aquifolioides, and highlight the importance of the influence of altitude in research on plant physiological ecology.
The Effect of Cycocel and Pot Size on Vegetative Growth and Flowering of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnia is a very attractive and beautiful ornamental plant due to the diversity of color and flowering period. The effect of cycocel and pot size was studied on growth and flowering of zinnia in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete design with two factors: cycocel at 3 levels (0, 1000 and 2000 ppm) and pot size at 4 levels (10, 12, 14 and 16 cm) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. The interaction results showed that cycocel and pot size had a significant effect on all studied traits, that 2000 ppm cycocel in 12 cm pots produced the minimum height and that 16 cm pots treated with 1000 ppm cycocel or without cycocel treatment produced the maximum plant height. Maximum flowering period was related to 14 cm pots × 1000 ppm cycocel that had no significant difference with plants in 16 cm pot size in all three concentrations of cycocel. Minimum flowering period was related to 10 cm pot size at all three concentrations of cycocel. Zinnias planted in 10 cm pot size without cycocel treatment exhibited the minimum fresh weight and in 14 cm pot size without cycocel treatment exhibited the maximum root fresh weight. Overall, flowers in 14 and 16 cm pot sizes treated with 1000 ppm cycocel were found to be the best treatments.
Spaceship Earth Observations of the Easter 2001 Solar Particle Event

The largest relativistic (~1 GeV) solar proton event of the current solar activity cycle occurred on Easter 2001 (April 15). This was the first such event to be observed by Spaceship Earth, an 11-station network of neutron monitors optimized for measuring the angular distribution of solar cosmic rays. We derive the particle density and anisotropy as functions of time and model these with numerical solutions of the Boltzmann equation. We conclude that transport in the interplanetary medium was diffusive in this event, with a radial mean free path of 0.17 AU. The high time resolution of the Spaceship Earth network and the fast particle speed permit accurate determination of particle injection timing at the solar source. We find that particle injection at the Sun began at 13:42 UT ±1 minute, about 14 minutes before the first arrival of particles at Earth, in close association with the onset of shock-related radio emissions and ~15 minutes after liftoff of a coronal mass ejection (CME). Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that solar particles were accelerated to GeV energies on Easter 2001 by a CME-driven shock wave.
Tropical Cyclone Genesis Factors in Simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum

AbstractLarge-scale environmental factors that favor tropical cyclogenesis are calculated and examined in simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) from the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project Phase 2 (PMIP2). Despite universally colder conditions at the LGM, values of tropical cyclone potential intensity, which both serves as an upper bound on thermodynamically achievable intensity and indicates regions supportive of the deep convection required, are broadly similar in magnitude to those in preindustrial era control simulation. Some regions, including large areas of the central and western North Pacific, feature higher potential intensities at the LGM than they do in the control runs, while other regions including much of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are lower. Changes in potential intensity are strongly correlated with the degree of surface cooling during the LGM. Additionally, two thermodynamic parameters—one that measures midtropospheric entropy deficits relevant for tropical cyclogen.
The Impact of Macroeconomic Variables on Stock Prices: A Case Study of Karachi Stock Exchange

Investment decisions are highly influenced by macroeconomic variables as changes in macroeconomic variables effect stock markets differently according to the country economic conditions and government policies. The study contributes by determining the effect of various macroeconomic variables on stock prices of Pakistan by analysing the monthly data from May 2000-August 2016. As all the variables are stationary at first difference thus ideal ARDL approach of bound testing is applied to check the short term and long term co-integration of the macroeconomic variables on stock prices. The findings suggest that stock prices of Karachi Stock Exchange in long term are significantly affected by money supply, exchange rate, and interest rate. In short term all the variables are insignificant except exchange rate which is negatively co-integrated with stock prices. The central bank shall be vigilant while changing the money supply in market because too much increase in money supply could affect investment as well as stock market. The regulator should keep interest rate relatively low to encourage economic activities, improve external economic environment through rule based exchange rate policy and avoid discretionary measures.
An Exploratory Comparison of Traditional Classroom Instruction and Anchored Instruction with Secondary School Students: Turkish Experience.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of anchored instruction on the students in secondary school math studies classrooms. This study adopted a quasiexperimental design. This research involved both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate the effects of anchored instruction on students’ academical achievement, permanence and perceptions about anchored instruction method. Tests used were; before performing the unit pre-test, after completing the unit post-test and to determine the permanence of the information that has been learned permanence-test. Overall, the findings suggest that the students in the experimental group were more successful than students who were taught traditional method in control group. In addition, content analysis results showed that this method was fun and effective for learning.
Effect of different applicable conditions of the insect growth regulator (Cyromazine) on the Southern cowpea weevils, Callosobruchus maculatus reared on peas.

This study investigates the effect of different concentrations of the growth regulator (Cyromazine), temperature and treatment methods on the reproductive rate, generation lifespan and weight loss of the Southern cowpea weevils Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Data showed that weevils failed to complete their life cycle on the host peas, Pisum sativum, pre-dipped in a 5% cyromazine at 30°C. Cyromazine-dipped peas seeds were protected from insect attack comparing to cyromazine-sprayed seed. Moreover, increasing the cyromazine concentration increased the average period of insects generation since the longest generation period recorded from cyromazine-sprayed insects at 25°C was 42.33 day post-treatment. Increasing cyromazine concentration reduced the percentages of pupation and adult emergence down to19.83 and 27.08%, respectively compared to control treatment which were 87.33 and 88%, respectively. The results showed little overlapping effect on the three factors on the sex ratios and the mean weight of male and female.
Rapid growth of HFC-227ea in the atmosphere

J. C. Laube, P. Martinerie, E. Witrant, T. Blunier, J. Schwander, C. A. M. Brenninkmeijer, T. J. Schuck, M. Bolder, T. Röckmann, C. van der Veen, H. Bönisch, A. Engel, G. P. Mills, M. J. Newland, D. E. Oram, C. E. Reeves, and W. T. Sturges School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l’Environnement (LGGE), CNRS, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble, Grenoble, France Grenoble Image Parole Signal Automatique (GIPSA-lab), Université Joseph Fourier/CNRS, Grenoble, France Centre for Ice and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark Physics Institute, University of Berne, Bern, Switzerland Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Air Chemistry Division, Mainz, Germany
Service Quality and Students Level of Satisfaction in Private Colleges in Vietnam

The study of service quality and students level of satisfaction in selected private colleges in Vietnam conducted during the period from April 2013 to December2015. The research result showed that there were 500 students (463 processed and 37 missed) who to be interviewed and answered nearly 24 questions. The researcher had analyzed KMO test, the result of KMO analysis used for multiple regression analysis. The student responses measured through an adapted questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale. Hard copy and interviewstudent by questionnaire distributed among students of the private colleges in Vietnam. The regression analysis results showed that there were five factors, which included of factors following: Tangibility; Guarantee; Reliability; Responses and Empathyactually affected students’ satisfaction with 5 % significance level. The main objectives of this study were following:- to find factors that affecting the students’ satisfactionof the private colleges in Vietnam. - to identify some factors that affected on the students’ satisfaction of the private colleges in Vietnam. - to analyze and to test some factors that affected the students’ satisfaction of the private colleges in Vietnam.
Enhancing Entrepreneurial Intention and Innovativeness of University Students: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Alertness

Entrepreneurship is a process of value creation consisting of committing time and effort, considering financial, social and other risks, resulting financial gain. The initial step of entrepreneurship is to recognize opportunities, which refers to a mechanism of intention. Empirical studies have provided evidence that entrepreneurial behavior is best predicted by intention. Intention, in turn, is associated with certain personality traits and attributes. This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of entrepreneurial alertness on the relationship between innovativeness and entrepreneurial intention of Turkish university students. The results of the study demonstrated that innovativeness has a positive effect on entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial alertness fully mediates the relationship between innovativeness and entrepreneurial alertness. The present paper suggests that higher education institutions should focus on modifying personal attitudes of college students through entrepreneurship education and business incubation programs in order to foster enterprise creation and thereby economic development.
Global Financial Crisis, Financial Contagion, and Emerging Markets

The recent global financial crisis was the first in recent history that was triggered by problems in the financial system of the mature economies. Existing work on financial crisis in emerging market countries, however, almost exclusively focus on the role of financial frictions in the domestic economy. In contrast, we propose a two-country DSGE model to investigate the transmission of a global financial crisis that originates from financial frictions in the rest of the world. We find that the scale of financial spillovers from the global to the domestic economy and trade openness are key determinants of the severity of the financial crisis for the domestic economy. Our results also suggest that the welfare ranking of alternative monetary policy regimes is determined by the degree of financial contagion, the degree of trade openness as well as the scale of foreign currency denominated debt in the domestic economy.
Time to Build and the Business Cycle

Investment is central for business cycles and a key characteristic of investment is time to build (TTB). I document that TTB is volatile and largest during recessions. To study these fluctuations, I develop a model. In the model, the longer TTB, the less frequently firms invest, and the less investment reflects productivity, which worsens the allocation of capital. In the calibrated model, one month longer TTB lowers GDP by 0.5%. Empirical evidence corroborates the quantitative results.
Distressed Sales and the FHFA House Price Index

Trends in residential house values can be expressed by changes in House Price Indexes (HPIs). HPIs are based on observed prices and help guide real estate activities. Since the recent housing crash, distressed sales have increased in numbers and have led to concerns about their effects on market valuations. This paper explores the extent to which distressed sales can be identified in transactions data and how they affect HPIs.
Dominance and Submission: Social Status Biases Economic Sanctions

Social hierarchy is persistent in all almost all societies. Social norms and their enforcement are part of sustaining hierarchical systems. This paper combines social status and norm enforcement, by introducing status in a dictator game with third party punishment. Status is conveyed by surname; half of the third parties face dictators with a noble name and half face dictators with a common name. Receivers all have common names. We find that social status has an impact on behavior. Our results indicate that low status men are punished to a greater extent than low status women, high status men, or high status women. Interestingly, discrimination occurs only in male to male interaction. For offers below half, or almost half of the allocated resource, male third parties punish male dictators with common names almost twice as much as their noble counterparts. We find no support for female discrimination. This result suggests that social status has important implications for men’s decisions to use economic punishment, and that this holds true in situations where reputation or strategic concerns have no importance.
A case study on livestock waste management: Juncosa de les Garrigues (Catalonia, Spain)

The objective of the present work was to characterise fue catt1e wastes produced by some 10,000 anima1s, in the municipa1ity of Juncosa de les Garrigues (Cata10nia, Spain); to stab1ish the mass balance between nutrient production and extraction by crops in the afea
Reactions to group devaluation and social inequality: A comparison of social identity and system justification predictions

Abstract System justification theory (SJT) proposes that support for social inequality should be stronger among members of devalued groups than among members of higher status groups; that embracing the system in this way soothes anger and leads to a withdrawal of support for social change; and that these effects should occur when group interest is weak. We compared these SJT predictions with identity management and hope for group advancement accounts that we deduced from social identity theory (SIT) which suggest that both system justification and support for social change will be significant when group interest is strong. Consistent with the SIT-based accounts, Study 1 (N = 116, Malaysia, Mage = 19.09 years) showed that strong identifiers were more concerned about their in-group’s reputation than weak identifiers, and that this concern increased system justification but only before an out-group audience to whom a need to present one’s group in good light is normally strong. Study 2 (N = 375, Australia, Mage = 23.59 years) conceptually replicated Study 1’s results and further revealed that strong identifiers justified the system due to the hope that their in-group status would improve in the future. Finally, Study 3 (N = 132, Germany, Mage = 20.34 years) revealed that system justification soothed anger and reduced support for social protest but only when group interest was strong (not weak). We did not find evidence in support of SJT predictions.
Determinants of FDI inflows to Pakistan (1970-2002)

This paper summarises the findings of causality and long-term relationship between Foreign Dirct Investment (FDI), economic growth and other socio-political determinants. Although a considerable literature gives the evidence of relationship between FDI and economic growth. There is a need for a detailed examination of socio-political determinants of FDI. This paper considers economic growth, exchange rate and level of interest rates, unemployment, and political stability as determinants of the level of FDI inflows for Pakistan over the period 1970-2002. Almost all variables are found to have the theoretically expected signs with two-way causality relationship. The present study also estimates an error correction model by ordinary least squares, based on cointegrating VAR (2).