Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
‘Freedom from Poverty is Not for Free’: Rural Development and the Microfinance Crisis in Andhra Pradesh, India

Within neoliberal development discourse, the poor are represented as entrepreneurial subjects for whom integration into formalized financial systems can facilitate their escape from poverty. This paper examines how the 2010 microfinance crisis in Andhra Pradesh reveals significant fault lines that underlie this narrative. It argues that the crisis of microfinance in Andhra Pradesh needs to be placed within the context of severe agrarian dislocations stemming from the impact of trade liberalization, drought cycles and a transformation of rural social relations. The contradictions are most strikingly represented in increasing rural differentiation and a generalized crisis of social reproduction among land-poor farmers and landless labourers. A massive influx of microfinance – driven by both state-operated programmes and private-sector institutions leveraged with cross-border financial flows – found a ready clientele among various agrarian classes seeking to bolster consumption and roll over debt in conditions of significant uncertainty and distress. Yet in banking on this vulnerability, microfinance institutions socialized the contradictions of rural Andhra Pradesh and have ultimately been thrown into limbo through the unleashing of political and social forces unforeseen in neoliberal narratives of agrarian change.
IEEE VTS Motor Vehicles Challenge 2017 - Energy Management of a Fuel Cell/Battery Vehicle

This paper proposes a challenge focused on the energy management of a Fuel Cell/Battery Vehicle. Both Academic and Professional teams are welcomed to participate in this challenge. The aim of this challenge is to develop a robust Energy Management Strategy to increase the energy sources'' lifetime and to minimize the hydrogen consumption. In this way, the simulation model and control presented in this paper will be provided to the challenge participants (downloadable Matlab Simulink file). The top scoring participants will be distinguished and invited to present their results in a special session at the 2017 IEEE VPPC.
Performance of Private to Public Mbos: The Role of Venture Capital

Abstract: Using a unique dataset, we examine financial performance, and venture capital involvement in 167 MBOs exiting through IPOs (MBO-IPOs) on the London Stock Exchange, during the period 1964 -1997. VC backed MBOs seem to be more underpriced than MBOs without venture capital backing, based on average value-weighted returns. MBOs backed by highly reputable VCs tend to be older companies, and exit earlier than MBOs backed by less reputable VCs. The results contradict 'certification' and 'grandstanding' hypotheses supported by US data ( Megginson and Weiss, 1991 ; and Gompers, 1996 , respectively). We found no evidence of either significant underperformance, or that VC backed MBOs perform better than their non-VC backed counterparts in the long run. However, MBOs backed by highly reputable venture capital firms seem to be better long-term investments as compared to those backed by less prestigious venture capitalist firms. The results remain robust after using different methods to measure performance, and after controlling for sample selectivity bias. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 2005.
Macro-Prudential Policy Issues: a Latin American Perspective

This paper reviews macro-prudential policy, i.e., the dynamic dimension of systemic oversight, as it applies to LAC. The paper concludes that there is a particularly strong case for establishing or consolidating the region‘s macro-prudential policy rationale and capacity. This is not just because the region‘s financial cycles have been more frequent and pronounced and have ended badly more often than in other regions, but also because the region has been recently facing a potentially perilous and volatile mix of external pressures (capital inflow surge, commodity price boom, renewed risks of financial turbulence). In addition to clearly setting the rationale for, and goals of, macro-prudential instruments, other key design issues include the proper mix of rules and discretion, the choice between more specific or broader-based instruments, and the choice between price-based versus quantity-based regulations. Basic lines of action will include putting in place a proper institutional framework and a consistent policy mix. Achieving consistent complementarity between monetary, fiscal, exchange rate, and macro-prudential policies is a tall order, however.
Supply Shocks, Demand Shocks, and Labor Market Fluctuations

We use structural vector autoregressions to analyze the responses of worker flows, job flows, vacancies, and hours to shocks. We identify demand and supply shocks by restricting the short-run responses of output and the price level. On the demand side we disentangle a monetary and non-monetary shock by restricting the response of the interest rate. The responses of labor market variables are similar across shocks: expansionary shocks increase job creation, the hiring rate, vacancies, and hours. They decrease job destruction and the separation rate. Supply shocks have more persistent effects than demand shocks. Demand and supply shocks are equally important in driving business cycle fluctuations of labor market variables. Our findings for demand shocks are robust to alternative identification schemes involving the response of labor productivity at different horizons and an alternative specification of the VAR. However, supply shocks identified by restricting productivity generate a higher fraction of responses inconsistent with standard search and matching models.
The quest for affordable urban housing: A study of approaches and results in Harare, Zimbabwe

Approaches aimed at achieving housing affordability have long emphasised the housing unit. Conventional wisdom prescribes that affordability will be enhanced if the unit cost of a house is reduced. Classic solutions include the reduction of standards, use of indigenous technologies and materials, adopting self-help modes of delivery and addressing market imperfections. This study shows that while it is not unwise to reduce the cost of housing, there is a limit to this approach. Unit costs cannot be reduced indefinitely and non-cost-reducing strategies are therefore called for. The approaches hinge on improving the economic status of low-income groups by implementing measures that reduce household expenditure and/or boost their incomes.
A Pilot Study of the Primary Culture of the Oral Mucosa Keratinocytes by the Direct Explant Technique

Introduction: A reliable source of cultured keratinocytes is essential as a component of oral mucosa substitutes to treat burns and wounds of the oral and maxillofacial region. Primary monolayer cell cultures have been also extremely helpful in the study of the basic biology and responses to stimuli, of both oral and skin keratinocytes, and many studies have used them. There are two techniques in primary culture, the enzymatic and direct explant techniques. The direct explant technique has been used for 30 years in the culture of human gingival and buccal tissues and has appeared to be a successful technique in culturing human oral keratinocytes. In addition, it has been suggested that the direct explant technique obtains the first keratinocytes yield faster than the enzymatic technique. Aim: The aim of this pilot study is to present our experience in ex vivo production of oral mucosa keratinocytes by using the explant technique. Methods: The explant technique was used to cultivate oral mucosa keratinocytes. Results: The total success rate of primary culture of the oral epithelial cells by direct explant technique was 88.9%. No contamination of microorganisms in primary cell cultures was obtained. Conclusion: Within the limited numbers of samples used in the current pilot study, it can be concluded that the explant technique piloted in this study appears to be a simple and successful technique in the primary culture of oral mucosa keratinocytes. A larger study is required to confirm this finding.
The ecology of Anopheles mosquitoes under climate change: case studies from the effects of deforestation in East African highlands

Climate change is expected to lead to latitudinal and altitudinal temperature increases. High‐elevation regions such as the highlands of Africa and those that have temperate climate are most likely to be affected. The highlands of Africa generally exhibit low ambient temperatures. This restricts the distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes, the vectors of malaria, filariasis, and O'nyong'nyong fever. The development and survival of larval and adult mosquitoes are temperature dependent, as are mosquito biting frequency and pathogen development rate. Given that various Anopheles species are adapted to different climatic conditions, changes in climate could lead to changes in species composition in an area that may change the dynamics of mosquito‐borne disease transmission. It is important to consider the effect of climate change on rainfall, which is critical to the formation and persistence of mosquito breeding sites. In addition, environmental changes such as deforestation could increase local temperatures in the highlands; this could enhance the vectorial capacity of the Anopheles. These experimental data will be invaluable in facilitating the understanding of the impact of climate change on Anopheles.
Dollar-Cost Averaging and Prospect Theory Investors: An Explanation for a Popular Investment Strategy

Dollar-cost averaging requires investing equal amounts of an investment sum step-by-step in regular time intervals. Previous studies that assume expected utility investors were unable to explain the popularity of dollar-cost averaging. Statman [1995] argues that dollar-cost averaging is consistent with the positive framework of behavioral finance. We assume a prospect theory investor who implements a strategic asset allocation plan and has the choice to shift the portfolio immediately (comparable to a lump sum) or on a step-by-step basis (dollar-cost averaging). Our simulation results support Statman's [1995] notion that dollar-cost averaging may not be rational but a perfectly normal behavior.
How do I trust thee? The employee‐organization relationship, supervisory support, and middle manager trust in the organization

Given the assumption that most employers would like to gain the trust of their employees, what would initiate this trust? This study explores the joint role of the employee-organization relationship (EOR) and supervisory support in initiating trust among middle managers. The results from a study of 545 middle managers in China show that both EOR and supervisory support are important in creating trust, with supervisory support having a stronger influence than EOR. Further, supervisors play a synergistic role by accentuating the positive influence of the mutual investment EOR approach and attenuating the negative influence of the quasi-spot contract EOR with the managers. Results reinforce the importance of both formal structure and social processes in cultivating employee trust in the organization. We discuss implications of these findings for future research and human resource management practices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influencing Citizen Coproduction by Sending Encouragement and Advice: A Field Experiment

ABSTRACT The outcomes of public services, such as education, health care, and safety, are improved considerably when citizens coproduce—that is, contribute to public service provision. Governments are therefore seeking different ways to enhance citizen coproduction. Yet, empirical studies examining the effect of different government strategies to enhance citizen coproduction remain scarce and face problems of endogeneity. In this study, we examine the effect on citizen coproduction of a simple government initiative sending information material containing encouragement and advice to citizens—an often-applied strategy to enhance citizen participation. We use a field experiment on educational services (n > 1,400) to handle endogeneity problems and at the same time examine the effect in an actual public administration setting. This unique design enables us to interpret the results as reflecting causal effects of a government initiative. Using different outcome measures, we find limited effects on citizen coproduction.
Normal neonatal values of ophthalmic and central retinal artery blood flow velocities.

PURPOSE To define standard values of blood flow velocities and indices in the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries in the neonatal period. METHODS Forty-two healthy full-term neonates comprised the study population. A color Doppler with mechanical sector probe was used for measuring blood flow velocity in the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries. Systolic, end diastolic, and mean-enveloped velocities were measured, and the resistance index and pulsatility index were calculated. RESULTS Ophthalmic artery Doppler velocities were similar on the first and third days of life, but increased significantly on the fifth and seventh days of life; resistance index significantly increased during the first week of life, whereas pulsatility index did not change significantly. Doppler velocities of the central retinal artery were similar on the first and third days; they show a delayed increase compared to the ophthalmic artery. Central retinal artery blood flow velocities increased significantly from the third to seventh postnatal day. Resistance index also increased between the first two days and on the fifth and seventh postnatal days, while pulsatility index did not change. CONCLUSION These data constitute a starting point for studying the possible relationship between eye circulation and pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity.
Bit rate maximization loading algorithm with mean BER-constraint for linear precoded OFDM

The bit loading algorithms are proposed for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and linear precoded OFDM under power spectral density and mean bit error rate (BER) constraints. These algorithms maximize the bit rate of the system while respecting a mean BER. The advantages of both linear procoded OFDM and classical OFDM are analyzed under different scenarios. It is shown that the proposed allocations perform better than the allocations under peak error rate constraint, while respecting a power spectral density constraint. The performance of the proposed algorithms is also better than the previously proposed algorithm under mean BER constraint. Moreover, it is observed that the algorithms for linear precoded OFDM under mean BER constraint have significantly lower computational complexity.
General Mental Ability, Job Performance, and Red Herrings: Responses to Osterman, Hauser, and Schmitt

Executive Overview We respond to the three comments on our recent article in the August issue of Academy of Management Perspectives (Le, Oh, Shaffer, & Schmidt, 2007), which highlights the importance of methodological advances in human resource research. By concentrating on tangential aspects of our article, these comments miss its central points. Further, the comments (by Paul Osterman, Neal Schmitt, and Robert M. Hauser) either involve quibbles and misinterpretations of research evidence or are downright erroneous. We clarify the misunderstandings by providing evidence that is well-established through decades of research in the area of industrial/organizational psychology. By doing so, we re-emphasize that (a) the utility and validity of general mental ability are among the most robust findings in psychological research, (b) such findings were realized by the development of the meta-analysis method, and most important, (c) organizations can benefit greatly by utilizing findings obtained from meta-analysis.
Knowledge Diversity, Turnover, and Organizational‐Unit Productivity: An Empirical Analysis in a Knowledge‐Intensive Context

We examine the role of knowledge diversity among unit members on an organizational unit's productivity. Utilizing a proprietary data set of corrective maintenance tasks from a large software‐services firm, we investigate the impact of two key within‐unit diversity metrics: interpersonal diversity and intrapersonal diversity. We analyze the independent influence of interpersonal diversity and the interactive influence of interpersonal diversity and intrapersonal diversity on organizational unit's productivity. Finally, we examine how diversity moderates productivity of an organizational unit when employee turnover occurs. Our analysis reveals the following key insights: (a) interpersonal diversity has an inverted U‐shaped effect on organizational unit's productivity; (b) intrapersonal diversity moderates the influence of interpersonal diversity on organizational‐unit productivity; (c) at higher levels of interpersonal diversity, rate of decrease in productivity of the organizational unit due to turnover is higher. We discuss the resulting theoretical and managerial insights associated with these findings.
Processing of the adenovirus terminal protein

The termini of nascent adenovirus DNA molecules synthesized in vivo are covalently bound to a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 80,000. This protein represents a precursor to the 55,000-dalton protein known to be bound to the 5' termini of mature adenovirus genomes. Processing of the 80-kilodalton precursor to the 55-kilodalton terminal protein is not required for continued adenovirus DNA replication and is probably accomplished during a late stage of virion maturation.
Developing entrepreneurship and enterprise in Europe's peripheral rural areas: Some issues facing policy-makers

Abstract This paper is concerned with the various policies which encourage rural entrepreneurship and support for rural enterprise in the 10 case study areas covered by the FERP (The Future of Europe's Rural Peripheries) project. After introducing a typology of existing policies, the paper addresses some lessons drawn from the experiences of existing policies before discussing the kinds of policies needed to stimulate potential sources of entrepreneurship and overcome the barriers to enterprise development. The paper concludes by arguing for a more strategic and coordinated approach towards building the entrepreneurial capacity of peripheral rural areas, based on a clearer vision of the role that enterprise can play in future rural development.
Letter: depression and the use of anti‐depressants in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplantation – authors’ reply

1. Mullish BH, Kabir MS, Thursz MR, Dhar A. Review article: depression and the use of antidepressants in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplantation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 40: 880–92. 2. Sager JE, Lutz JD, Foti RS, Davis C, Kunze KL, Isoherranen N. Fluoxetineand norfluoxetine-mediated complex drug-drug interactions: in vitro to in vivo correlation of effects on CYP2D6, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2014; 95: 653–62. 3. DeVane CL, Donovan JL, Liston HL, et al. Comparative CYP3A4 inhibitory effects of venlafaxine, fluoxetine, sertraline, and nefazodone in healthy volunteers. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2004; 24: 4–10. 4. European Medicines Agency (EMA). ProzacArticle 6 (12) referral Annex I, II, III (first published: 05/09/2006). http:// www.ema. europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/ Referrals_document/Prozac_6_12/WC500013227.pdf (accessed 02 February 2015). 5. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Paroxetine Article 31 referral Annex I, II, III, IV (first published: 21/11/2005). http:// www.ema. europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/ Referrals_document/Paroxetine_31/WC500012852.pdf (accessed 02 February 2015). 6. Drug Information System: AiDKlinik Release 1.9. 16 Revision 23502 2015 Dosing GmbH Heidelberg. 7. The evidence-based Drug Information System: MICROMEDEX SOLUTIONS Truven Health Analytics Inc. 2015.
Globalization, governance, and Administrative Culture

ABSTRACT Globalization forces are colliding with international and national systems of governance, giving rise to a limited sovereignty of the nation-state. Globalization has also negatively affected poor countries and, in its wake, contributed to violence, hunger, and deprivation despite its powerful technological innovations and new economic, cultural, administrative, and political initiatives. This study conceives globalization, good governance, and the culture of governing as inextricably connected. After reviewing positions by proponents and opponents, the authors conclude that the dysfunctions of globalization are threatening the very foundation of developing nations’ systems of effective governance. Based on a review of developments in countries of the Middle East and South Asia, the authors believe that to serve the transformative process, leading to good governance and democratic development, globalization has to take account of important indigenous value systems.
Optimistic, but Selling Riskier Stocks – An Arbitrage Experiment in Crisis Market

The field-based experimental approach was utilized to collect zero-investment portfolios from more than 100 competent investors at the peak of the financial crisis. The average annual return on 117 arbitrage portfolios was 5.2% with 55% profitability rate, but prior self-confidence strongly correlates with eventual performance with yearly returns reaching 26% for the highest confidence quartile. The stocks selected for short-sale were riskier than the stocks selected for purchase and time-series estimations show that the unbalanced positions diminished profitability while markets recuperated. As most participants anticipated the recovery at the time of decision, the selling of riskier stocks suggests that “misperception of financial risk” (Shefrin, 1999) impaired performance.
Capital Structure Under Costly Enforcement

We consider financial structure and repayment behavior in a setting where cash flows are private information to the entrepreneur and the cost of enforcing repayment differs across security holders. If enforcement costs are lower for shareholders than for creditors, a mixed capital structure with debt and equity can obtain in equilibrium. Under a mixed capital structure, creditors intervene in low cash-flow states while shareholders intervene in high cash-flow states. Moreover, strategic defaults, costly bankruptcy, shareholder intervention, and violation of absolute priority occur with positive probability on the equilibrium path. Several of the predictions from our framework are consistent with evidence not readily explainable by existing theories.