Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Income Convergence between Sub-Saharan Africa and High-Income Economies: Role of the Components of Trade

The issue of income convergence among regional blocs has been considered, mostly ignoring international trade. This work set to find out whether sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are converging with High Income Economies with international trade as a source of convergence. Secondly, the study investigated the causal relationship between convergence and trade. That is whether trade causes convergence or convergence causes trade. Lastly, the study investigated the various components of trade such as merchandise export to high-income economies, merchandise import from high-income economies, merchandise export to developing economies in sub-Sahara Africa, merchandise import to developing economies in sub-Sahara Africa, import of service and export of service. The study used Arellano-Bond and Arellano-Bover and also included both difference and system GMM. Because the data was unbalanced panel, the study also included one-way error component unbalanced model estimation and the results were compared. The results found that trade causes convergence but convergence does not cause trade. The study also revealed that all import components of trade have negative effects on growth and export component of trade has positive effects. This means that SSA should increase the export components of trade especially, services to ensure that gains from trading with high income economies are maximized. Because the trade agreements seek to increase trade between SSA and High Income economies, SSA can fully benefit when they concentrate on export of services. Keywords : Convergence, International Trade, Trade Agreement
RESPONSE OF TOMATO PLANTS EXPOSED TO TREATMENT WITH NANOPARTICLES

In this work the response of Tomato plants cv. Micro-Tom to nanoparticles (NPs) treatment was investigated. Tomato seedlings were grown in hydroponic condition and NPs treatments were carried out by adding Fe 3 O 4 or TiO 2 NPs to nutrient solution. At the end of treatments, NPs root uptake and tissue deposition were investigated using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope, equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy for chemical identification. At morphological level, one week after the beginning of NP treatment, seedlings grown with high concentration of TiO 2 NPs showed an abnormal proliferation of root hairs, as compared to the control seedlings and to the seedlings exposed to Fe 3 O 4 NPs, Shoot morphology did not differ in tomato seedlings grown under different conditions and no symptoms of toxicity were observed in NP-treated plants. In order to analyse genetic effects of NPs treatments, RNA transcription was studied in roots of NP-exposed and control plants by Illumina RNA sequencing, evidencing the induction of transposable elements.
On the degree of convergence of piecewise polynomial approximation on optimal meshes

The degree of convergence of best approximation by piecewise polynomial and spline functions of fixed degree is analyzed via certain F-spaces Ng-' (introduced for this purpose in [2]). We obtain two o-results and use pairs of inequalities of Bernsteinand Jackson-type to prove several direct and converse theorems. For f in Ng-' we define a derivative D1 ? f in La, a = (n + p1)-1, which agrees with D f for smoothf, and prove scveral properties of D"?
In-vitro bioavailability of selected minerals in dry and green shelled beans

Mineral deficiency especially that of iron and zinc has continuously emerged as a public health issue in developing countries, probably due to the over dependence on plant food sources, which contain more than enough minerals to meet the daily requirement but have a low bioavailability for physiological purposes. Experiments on in-vitro bioavailability were carried out on dry and green shelled beans. In-vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc in bean samples was determined by HCl-pepsin (HCl-P) and pepsin-pancreatin (P-P) method. The amount of the proxy bioavailable minerals were obtained by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In both minerals there was a small but significant (P=0.009) and (P=0.0003) increase in in-vitro bioavailability after cooking. The average increase for all the varieties was 3.2 to 3.4% for iron and 1.3 to 1.6% for zinc. The two minerals were more available in cooked green shelled beans compared to dry ones. The highest difference for iron bioavailability was observed in Maharagi soja (12.9%) while lowest was in TY 3396-12 (1.4%). The highest observed for zinc was 3% in G59/1-2. Vulnerable groups who suffer from iron and zinc deficiency should be encouraged to consume green shelled beans more often in comparison to dry beans to improve their mineral uptake. Key words: In-vitro bioavailability, green, shelled, dry beans, minerals.
Property Taxation as a Determinant of School District Efficiency

Recent theoretical contributions have emphasized the favorable incentive effects of property taxation. The object of this paper is to confront these theories with Norwegian data on student performance. The institutional setting in Norway is well suited to analyzing the effects of property taxation because we can compare school districts with and without property taxation. In addition, we focus on an alternative incentive mechanism - competition between school districts. The empirical results indicate that students in school districts that levy residential property taxes perform better at the national examination than students in comparable school districts. Strategic interaction in school quality is present, but the magnitude of the interaction effect is modest.
Multiscale Characterization of Human Cortical Bone

Mechanical properties of cortical human bone have been investigated for more than four decades. Numerous experimental investigations on bone char- acterization were performed ; mechanical, vibrational, acoustical testing and mor- phological, physico-chemical investigations. Due to the techniques, different lev- els of investigation were performed and subsequently quantitative parameters are concerning different level of structure of bone (organ, tissue,. . . ). According to our knowledge, few investigations were performed simultaneously on mechani- cal, morphological and physico-chemical properties of bone. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the influence of multiscale structural characteris- tics of the bone tissue on its mechanical behavior and to provide some estimations from micro-macro numerical modelling based on our experimental data.
Technological Trajectories and FDI: Top Bananas and Underdogs

Previous empirical evidence searching for externalities from Foreign Direct investment in Portugal showed mixed results. Using a new database containing 5,045 Portuguese manufacturing firms grouped by technological trajectories, we investigate the occurrence and magnitude of externalities from FDI in 1995-2007. We find both positive and negative externalities in scale-intensive and supplier-dominated industries. The magnitude of externalities is higher in the current period than in lagged periods. Because positive externalities outweigh the negative externalities, on the whole a 1% increase in foreign presence (measured by turnover) increases the Total Factor Productivity of domestic firms by 0.42 percentage points. Thus, the Investment Promoting Agency should capture foreign projects in those technological groups.
The β Cephei variable in the eclipsing binary HD 92024 . I. Determination of the orbit

HD 92024 is a member of the open cluster NGC 3293; it is the only eclipsing binary system with a β Cephei com- ponent known in the southern hemisphere. This paper presents the first spectroscopic analysis of the single-lined binary and provides an orbital analysis based on recent high-resolution spectroscopy and photometry. A procedure to derive orbital el- ements with minimal influence of the pulsational line-profile variations on the radial velocities is applied, and we find the stellar masses to be 15.0 +3.0 −4.0 Mand 3.0 ± 0.5 Mrespectively, and radii of 8.4 ± 0.8 R� ,2 . 1 ± 0.4 R� . The temperatures are 25 500 ± 500 K and 12 500 ± 1000 K. The surface gravity values of log g = 3.77 ± 0.08 and 4.27 ± 0.18 indicate that the binary consists of an evolved early B-type primary and a late-B main sequence companion. The resulting distance 2.8 ± 0.3 kpc and systemic velocity −16 km s −1 confirm cluster membership. Theoretical stellar models indicate an age of 10−13 Myr, somewhat higher than the literature value for the brightest members of NGC 3293.
Graphical small cancellation groups with the Haagerup property

We prove the Haagerup property (= Gromov's a-T-menability) for finitely generated groups defined by infinite presentations satisfying the graphical C'(lambda)-small cancellation condition with respect to graphs endowed with a compatible wall structure. We deduce that these groups are coarsely embeddable into a Hilbert space and that the strong Baum-Connes conjecture and, hence, the Baum-Connes conjecture with arbitrary coefficients hold for them. As the main step we show that C'(lambda)-complexes satisfy the linear separation property. Our result provides many new examples and a general technique to show the Haagerup property for graphical small cancellation groups.
Influence of motivational processes on enjoyment, boredom and intention to persist in young sportspersons

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of motivational processes on enjoyment, boredom and intention to persist in the sport context. A total of 985 sportspersons ranging in age from 10 to 16 years (14.34±2.52), and from 24 different sport modalities participated in the research. A structural equation model was constructed using the robust maximum likelihood estimation. The model showed that the perception of ‘support and satisfaction’ of the basic psychological needs for competence predicted autonomous motivation. Both of these variables also emerged as positive predictors of ‘enjoyment’ and ‘intention to persist’. Moreover, a greater satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for relatedness negatively predicted ‘amotivation’ and, therefore, ‘boredom’. Thus, social factors related to the coach and ‘self-determined motivation’ emerged as positive predictors of ‘enjoyment’ and the ‘intention to persist’ in the sport.
What One Might Expect: A Scoping Review of the Canadian Policing Research Literature

Using the medium of a scoping review, the author provides an analysis of the Canadian policing research literature published over the past ten years (2006-2015). What this analysis reveals is both expected and unexpected. In line with public views expressed by a number of sources (academics, policy-makers and police), the overall volume of literature produced during this period was low (some 188 (n=188) papers were identified). However, in contrast to the belief expressed by some that the Canadian policing literature is overly theoretical and largely qualitative, the bulk of studies examined (n=123) were quantitative, and eighteen (n=18) were experimental or quasiexperimental in design. Of more critical import, however, is the issue of overall production and lack of coverage of key policing topics. Gaps in topic coverage are explored here, with some key recommendations offered for improving Canadian output.
Molecular outflow and feedback in the obscured quasar XID2028 revealed by ALMA

We imaged, with ALMA and ARGOS/LUCI, the molecular gas and dust and stellar continuum in XID2028, which is an obscured quasi-stellar object (QSO) at z = 1.593, where the presence of a massive outflow in the ionised gas component traced by the [OIII]5007 emission has been resolved up to 10 kpc. This target represents a unique test case to study QSO feedback in action at the peak epoch of AGN-galaxy co-evolution. The QSO was detected in the CO(5 − 4) transition and in the 1.3 mm continuum at ~30 and ~20σ significance, respectively; both emissions are confined in the central (<2 kpc) radius area. Our analysis suggests the presence of a fast rotating molecular disc (v ~ 400 km s^(−1)) on very compact scales well inside the galaxy extent seen in the rest-frame optical light (~10 kpc, as inferred from the LUCI data). Adding available measurements in additional two CO transitions, CO(2 − 1) and CO(3 − 2), we could derive a total gas mass of ~10^(10) M⊙, thanks to a critical assessment of CO excitation and the comparison with the Rayleigh–Jeans continuum estimate. This translates into a very low gas fraction (<5%) and depletion timescales of 40–75 Myr, reinforcing the result of atypical gas consumption conditions in XID2028, possibly because of feedback effects on the host galaxy. Finally, we also detect the presence of high velocity CO gas at ~5σ, which we interpret as a signature of galaxy-scale molecular outflow that is spatially coincident with the ionised gas outflow. XID2028 therefore represents a unique case in which the measurement of total outflowing mass, of ~500–800 M⊙ yr^(−1) including the molecular and atomic components in both the ionised and neutral phases, was attempted for a high-z QSO.
Stable Gradient Descent

The goal of many machine learning tasks is to learn a model that has small population risk. While mini-batch stochastic gradient descent (SGD) and variants are popular approaches for achieving this goal, it is hard to prescribe a clear stopping criterion and to establish high probability convergence bounds to the population risk. In this paper, we introduce Stable Gradient Descent which validates stochastic gradient computations by splitting data into training and validation sets and reuses samples using a differential private mechanism. StGD comes with a natural upper bound on the number of iterations and has high-probability convergence to the population risk. Experimental results illustrate that StGD is empirically competitive and often better than SGD and GD.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Fibers and their Application in Wood Composites

Carbon fibers were synthesized using a low-cost, economical method. Fresh rubber wood fibers (Hevea brasiliensis) were burned using a furnace in an inert condition at 350 to 450 oC for 2-4 hours, and after that the fibers were ground at 18000 rpm for 20 to 40 seconds. The effect of carbon fibers as a reinforcement agent on mechanical, physical, and morphological properties was investigated. In the composite preparation, carbon fiber dosages (0, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 wt.%) were used as variable factors, along with a urea formaldehyde content of 10%. The morphology of the specimens was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The mechanical tests indicated that when carbon fibers were added, the modulus of rupture (MOR) and internal bonding strength (IB) improved significantly. From the TGA graph it was observed that the thermal stability of the composites based on carbon fiber was higher than composites without it. The thermocouple readings showed that at a higher loading of carbon, the core temperature of the board increased faster than for the control board.
STUDIES ON THE VARIABILITY AND PATHOGENICITY OF RIGIDOPORUS LIGNOSUS

White Root Disease in Hevea, caused by the fungus Rigidoporus lignosus (Fomes lignosus) occurs widely in Sri Lanka. In recent years, the severity of the disease has increased alarmingly. One of the factors that could be attributed to the increased incidence of the disease is the virulence of the pathogen. This paper reports the results of laboratory experiments on the effects ofpH, temperature, light and dark, and rela­ tive humidity on a number of isolates, obtained from sites located in different rubber growing areas.
Transport measurements in twisted bilayer graphene: Electron-phonon coupling and Landau level crossing

Author(s): Chung, Ting-Fung; Xu, Yang; Chen, Yong P | Abstract: We investigate electronic transport in twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) under variable temperatures ($T$), carrier densities ($n$), and transverse magnetic fields, focusing on samples with small-twist-angles ($\theta$). These samples show prominent signatures associated with the van Hove singularities (VHSs) and superlattice-induced mini-gaps (SMGs). Temperature-dependent field effect measurement shows that the difference between temperature-dependent resistivity and residual resistivity, $\rho_{xx}(n,T) - \rho_{0}(n)$, follows $~T^\beta$ for $n$ between the main Dirac point (DP) and SMG. The evolution of the temperature exponent $\beta$ with $n$ exhibits a W-shaped dependence, with minima of $\beta$ ~0.9 near the VHSs and maxima of $\beta$ ~1.7 toward the SMGs. This W-shaped behavior can be qualitatively understood with a theoretical picture that considers both the Fermi surface smearing near the VHSs and flexural-acoustic phonon scattering. In the quantum Hall regime, we observe only Landau level crossings in the massless Dirac spectrum originating from the main DP but not in the parabolic band near the SMG. Such crossings enable the measurement of an enhanced interlayer dielectric constant, attributed to a reduced Fermi velocity. Moreover, we measure the Fermi velocity, interlayer coupling strength, VHS energy relative to the DP, and gap size of SMG, four important parameters used to describe the peculiar band structure of the small-$\theta$ tBLG.
When Do Associate Analysts Matter?

Although extant literature investigates the role of sell-side equity analysts in capital markets, most studies do not consider that sell-side equity analysts often work in hierarchical teams. Lead analysts manage a team of associate and junior analysts who participate in the team’s tasks. Building on the delegation theory in the management literature, we hypothesize and find a division of labor between lead and associate analysts, where lead analysts are more likely to delegate tasks (1) that are less significant, (2) that are simpler, (3) when the workload of the lead analyst increases, and (4) when the associate analyst is more competent. Our results further suggest that associate analysts play a significant role in forecasting. By contrast, lead analysts are the main contributors to the qualitative aspects of analyst reports and are more likely to participate in earnings conference calls. Overall, our study documents the significant role of associate analysts in forecasting and the division of labor between lead and associate analysts. This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.
Physiological performance of sunflower genotypes under combined salt and drought stress environment

Abstract The physiological performance of some sunflower genotypes (S.28111, SF0049, Hysun-33, Hysun-39) under salt, drought stress separately and in combination was examined. Salt, drought and a combination of these stresses were applied to plants by gradual increments. The plants were exposed to stress for two weeks. Relative water content, osmotic potential, stomatal conductance, performance index, dark adapted quantum yield and chlorophyll contents were reduced upon salinity and drought stresses. However, when plants were subjected to a combination of these stresses, a greater reduction in all tested attributes was observed. Proline and carotenoid contents in drought stress were elevated compared to salt stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed the highest activity in individual salt and drought stress with less accumulation of H2O2. Combined stress reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes which ultimately decreased the physiological performance of sunflower plants. However, among the tested genotypes, S.28111 and SF0049 were found to be more tolerant to drought, salt and combined stress than both Hysun genotypes. The physiological performance of genotypes against salinity and drought individually and in combination is discussed in detail.
The Probability that the Number of Points on an Elliptic Curve over a Finite Field is Prime

The paper gives a formula for the probability that a randomly chosen elliptic curve over a finite field has a prime number of points. Two heuristic arguments in support of the formula are given as well as experimental evidence. The paper also gives a formula for the probability that a randomly chosen elliptic curve over a finite field has kq points where k is a small number and q is a prime.
The relationship between business ownership and unemployment in Spain: a matter of quantity or quality?

This paper examines the interrelations between self-employment and unemployment rates for Spain in the period 1972-2004, comparing them with the general pattern observed for OECD countries. We apply the model as proposed by Audretsch, Carree, van Stel and Thurik (2005) to Spain. The divergence between predicted and actual unemployment levels in Spain are explained by country-specifi c shocks in the period under study, which are outside the scope of the model. This indicates that the general mechanism of employment generation by the self-employed may also be applicable to Spain, at least in the long run. The Spanish industrial structure is characterized by a relatively high and fl uctuating unemployment level and a relatively high and stable business ownership rate, suggesting that the quantity of business ownership in Spain does not have a particularly large contribution to bringing down unemployment. In recent years we see that the unemployment rate decreases and stabilizes. We argue that, in addition to several labor market reforms, an increase in the quality of business ownership in Spain may also have contributed to the recent decrease in the unemployment rate.
Academic achievement trajectories and risk factors during early childhood

This study aims to: i) model the mathematical abilities trajectories of Canadian children from 7 to 15 years and ii) identify risk factors during early childhood for low math skills trajectories. Using a group-based trajectory approach, we identify three groups of children with distinct mathematical abilities trajectories: average abilities (47.6%), high abilities (30.1%), and low abilities (22.3%). The differences between the groups are increasing over time, especially in early adolescence. Multivariate logistic regressions indicate that the children at risk are those who have a mother with a low level of education, low cognitive score at age 4-5, and have parents with poor parenting skills.
Let their knowledge flow : the effect of Yugoslavian returning refugees on export productivity ∗

During the early 1990s Germany received over half a million Yugoslavians fleeing war. By 2000, many of these refugees, who were under temporary protection, had been repatriated. We exploit this historical episode to provide causal evidence on the role that migrants play in explaining productivity shifts (as measured by export performance) in their home countries after their return. We find that the elasticity of exports to return migration is between 0.1 to 0.24 in industries where migrants were employed during their stay in Germany. In order to deal with endogeneity we use historic exogenous rules of allocation of asylum seekers across different German states to construct an instrumental variable for the treatment. The results appear to be mostly driven by workers in occupations intensive in analytical and managerial skills.