Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The international political economy of the global land rush: A critical appraisal of trends, scale, geography and drivers

Over the past few years, agribusiness, investment funds and government agencies have been acquiring long-term rights over large areas of farmland in lower income countries. It is widely thought that private sector expectations of higher agricultural commodity prices and government concerns about longer-term food and energy security underpin much recent land acquisition for agricultural investments. These processes are expected to have lasting and far-reaching implications for world agriculture and for livelihoods and food security in recipient countries. This paper critically examines evidence of trends, scale, geography and drivers in the global land rush. While this analysis broadly corroborates some widespread assumptions, it also points to a more complex set of drivers that reflect fundamental shifts in economic and geopolitical relations linking sovereign states, global finance, and agribusiness through to local groups. Only a solid understanding of these fundamental drivers can help identify levers and pressure points for policy responses to address the challenges raised by large-scale land acquisitions.
Industry Effects of Monetary Policy: Evidence from India

The study exploits 2-digit level industry data for the period 1981-2004 to ascertain the interlinkage between a monetary policy shock and industry value added. Accordingly, we first estimate a Vector Auto Regression (VAR) model to ascertain the magnitude of a monetary policy shock on industrial output. Subsequently, we try to explain the observed heterogeneity in terms of industry characteristics. The findings indicate that (a) industries exhibit differential response to a monetary tightening and (b) both interest rate and financial accelerator variables tend to be important in explaining the differential response.
THE OBSERVER EFFECT IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

By pressuring governments to hold democratic elections and by becoming directly involved in the electoral process through technical assistance and funding or as election monitors, international actors now play a visible role in domestic elections and other democratic processes throughout the developing world. although scholars have documented several macrolevel relationships between international-level variables and movement toward democracy, there has been little attention paid to the microlevel effects of international involvement in the democratization process. this article examines the effects of international election observation as a prominent form of international involvement in domestic elections and exploits a natural experiment in order to test whether international observers reduce election fraud. using data from the 2003 presidential elections in armenia, the article demonstrates that although observers may not eliminate election fraud, they can reduce election-day fraud at the polling stations they visit. the unusual advantage of experiment-like conditions for this study offers unique causal evidence that international actors can have direct, measurable effects on the level of election-day fraud and, by extension, on the democratization process.
Predictors of physical and mental health in hospital nurses within the People's Republic of China.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE Prior research has suggested that nurses contend with a variety of workplace stressors and personal factors that can contribute either positively or negatively to their physical and mental health. However, limited research in this area has been conducted on nurses within China. AIM The study sought to determine in Chinese hospital nurses: (a) the most common workplace stressors, (b) the most frequently used ways of coping with stress, and (c) which combination of variables (workplace stressors, ways of coping, psychological hardiness and demographic characteristics) was the best predictor of both physical health and mental health. METHODS The subjects were 480 nurses working in a variety of clinical settings, within five hospitals, located in three major mainland Chinese cities. A survey design was implemented using five self-report instruments. RESULTS Workplace stressors most frequently identified were workload and dealing with death and dying. Ways of coping most often cited were positive reappraisal, self-control and planful problem solving. The best predictors of physical health were psychological hardiness, conflict with other nurses, uncertainty about patient treatment, seeking social support and confrontive coping. The best predictors of mental health were psychological hardiness, conflict with other nurses, workload, seeking social support, age, likelihood to leave nursing within the next 12 months and escape-avoidance coping. DISCUSSION These findings suggest areas of concern that need to be addressed, by both hospital and nursing administration, in order to establish a positive and productive work environment for Chinese nurses.
Stock Returns following Large One‐Day Declines: Evidence on Short‐Term Reversals and Longer‐Term Performance

The authors examine stock returns following large one-day price declines and find that the bid-ask bounce and the degree of market liquidity explain short-term price reversals. Further, they do not find evidence consistent with the overreaction hypothesis. The authors observe that securities with large one-day price declines perform poorly over an extended time horizon. Copyright 1994 by American Finance Association.
The Effects of Technology-as-Knowledge on the Economic Performance of Developing Countries: An Econometric Analysis using Annual Publications Data for Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, 1976-2004

Extant literature indicates that technology, and by implication its underlying knowledge base, determines long-run economic performance. Absent from the literature with respect to developing countries are quantitative assessments of the nexus between technology as knowledge and economic performance. This paper imposes a simple production function on annual pooled observations on Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa over the 1976-2004 period to estimate the marginal impacts of technology as knowledge on economic performance. It finds that capital (k), openness to trade (τ), and even the share of government expenditure of GDP (G) among other factors, influence economic performance. However, the economic performance of countries like Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa depends largely on technology, technological change, and the basic knowledge that forms the foundation for both. For instance, measured as a homogenous “manna from heaven”, technology is the strongest determinant of real per capita income of the three nations. The strength of technology as a determinant of performance depends on the knowledge underpinnings of technology measured as the number of publications (Q, q). Both Q and q are strongly correlated with the countries’ performance. This suggests that the “social capability” and “technological congruence” of these countries are improving, and that developing countries like Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa gain from increased investment in knowledge-building activities including publishing. Obviously there is room for strengthening results, but this analysis has succeeded in producing a testable hypothesis.
Understanding Meaning and Characteristics of Civic Development in Higher Education

Higher education is a central part of youth life, and its job is to prepare young people to engage in civil society. It is also important in constructing competencies and helping young people to develop a civic identity. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the meaning and characteristics of civic development among students in the higher education system. A qualitative study using a semi-structural interview is conducted to collect data from 12 international postgraduates of Universiti Putra Malaysia, and the data establishes that three distinct but connected themes-that is, civic knowledge, tendency, and engagement-are key aspects of civic development. The findings relating to these three themes underline the requirements for a civically engaged youth. The findings suggest that policy makers should redesign civic programs based on suitable methods by which to educate students in formal and informal manners.
How much are people willing to pay for silence? A contingent valuation study

Despite its major importance in the urban environment, the problem of noise has received little attention from environmental economists. In this paper the economic value of a noise reduction programme is evaluated. The chosen technique is contingent valuation using the recently proposed one and one-half bound question format. This new question format reduces the potential for response bias in multiple bound formats such as the double bound model while maintaining much of its efficiency. Through the estimations it is found that urban residents generally value noise negatively, that is, households are willing to pay for a noise reduction. In particular, it is found that households are willing to pay approximately four euros per decibel per year. A further finding is that interviewees show scope sensitivity; that is, households display a different willingness to pay for different degrees of noise reduction, most are willing to pay more for larger decreases in the level of disturbance from noise.
The Bullying Experiences and Classroom Discipline Techniques in an Urban National High School in the Philippines: A Basis for an Anti-Bullying Program

While bullying in schools has begun to receive great attention with the enactment of the Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act and the DepEd’s Child Policy, little is known about the link between and among classroom discipline techniques, parenting styles and bullying incidences. This descriptive study is aimed to provide insights how bullying behaviors could be integrated in the classroom discipline techniques employed by the teacher and be able to craft an anti-bullying program involving the stakeholders of Binakayan National High School, Kawit, Cavite.
Access to Finance by Ethnic Minority Businesses in the UK

This article presents findings from a large-scale study of access to finance and business support by ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) in the UK. The results show more variation between ethnic minority groups than between EMBs (as a group) and white-owned firms; with African/Caribbean owned businesses (ACBs) appearing the most disadvantaged. Analysis shows them to have been less successful in accessing bank loans than either white or other ethnic minority groups and to have a higher propensity to turn to non-bank formal sources of start-up finance (including various sources of `last resort' lending). Although some of these difficulties are associated with certain types of business activity in which ACBs are concentrated, sector is not a determining influence. The results suggest that ACBs, and/or sectors in which ACBs are concentrated, would appear to justify a targeting priority in any new finance initiatives that are taken.
Does institutional quality affect capital mobility? Evidence from developing countries

Abstract This paper uses an augmented Feldstein–Horioka savings–investment methodology to examine the impact of institutional quality on the degree of capital mobility in developing countries. A high correlation between domestic investment and domestic savings can arise from the presence of institutional rigidities restricting the movement of capital across borders. We find that including different aspects of institutional quality raises the coefficient of the savings rate, implying lower capital mobility. However, the improvement in institutional quality that strengthens the legal system, reduces investment risks, and ensures democratic accountability, increases capital mobility in developing countries. Inclusion of foreign aid also has a positive impact on the coefficient of the savings rate.
Institutions, entrepreneurship development and SME policies in South East Europe

In this paper we identify differences and similarities in the institutional framework and policy environment for small business development in South East Europe. We draw on the findings of recent comparative studies carried out by the OECD and the European Commission, and on recent research studies carried out by the authors in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Macedonia. The theoretical framework draws on ideas of productive and unproductive entrepreneurship pioneered by William Baumol, on the concept of path dependency introduced by Douglass North, and on notions of social capital introduced by Robert D. Putnam. In conclusion, we evaluate current approaches to entrepreneurship promotion and SME development and point out the critical directions for future policy development.
Farm Growth and Survival: Econometric Evidence for Individual Farms in Upper Austria

This article investigates survival and growth of more than 50,000 Upper Austrian farm households within a maximum likelihood sample selection framework. The results suggest that age, schooling and sex of the farm operator, size of the farm family, and off-farm employment status, as well as initial farm size, significantly influence farm growth and survival. The present study provides support for the notion of a “disappearing middle” in the size distribution. The process of polarization is closely related to the off-farm employment status of farms. Correcting for sample-attrition bias is important when analyzing the performance of part-time farms. Copyright 1999, Oxford University Press.
Making a drama out of transition: challenges and opportunities at times of change

This case study explored how teachers and children perceive challenges and opportunities at transition. Using Forum Theatre (FT), an interactive drama approach, children were able to show aspects of transitions they perceived as challenging and how these barriers may be overcome. FT offered a tangible reference point for children to discuss their experiences and perceptions of transition during follow-up focus groups. A semantic deductive thematic analysis led to a range of emotional, social and systemic challenges and opportunities being identified. The paper concludes with reflections on potential implications for practice and suggestions for future research.
Improved patency of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in humans: creation and revision with PTFE stent-grafts.

PURPOSE To determine whether polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) stent-grafts yield longer patency for creation or revision of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourteen PTFE-covered Wallstents were placed in 13 patients with TIPS: seven at shunt creation and seven during revision of TIPS with one to five prior thromboses at 1 day to 1 year after initial TIPS formation. In six cases, prior to stent-graft placement persistent biliary-TIPS fistulas were demonstrated despite repeated shunt revisions with additional metallic stents. RESULTS All but one graft-lined TIPS were widely patent at a mean duration of venographic follow-up of 19 months (median, 17 months; range, 5-32 months). The limiting percentage of stenosis within the grafted shunts was 0%-10%. One patient developed stent-graft thrombosis; the prior biliary-TIPS fistula was seen despite the graft. A second, parallel PTFE-lined transcaval shunt was created in this patient; it was widely patent at 11-month follow-up. In two asymptomatic patients, stenoses developed in the short, nongrafted portions of the outflow hepatic veins. CONCLUSION PTFE stent-grafts can markedly prolong TIPS patency, potentially reducing the need for shunt follow-up and revision and the risk of recurrent symptoms associated with shunt stenosis or occlusion.
Worldwide Educational Convergence Through International Organizations: Avenues for Research

cha@krhyucc1.bitnet Abstract: We argue for an examination of the role of the transnational organizational apparatus vis-a-vis nation-states in organizing national educational systems in accordance with world level educational ideologies, structures, and practices. We propose that more analytic attention be given international organizations as an institutionalizing force in examining educational convergence and change, and suggest four primary international organization activities as potentially fruitful avenues for research in this area: 1) the exchange of information, 2) charters and constitutions, 3) standard-setting instruments, and 4) technical and financial resources. Focusing on these activities, we present and discuss evidence of international organizations as world- level agencies influencing the incorporation and diffusion of educational ideologies and practices within and among nation-states.
Job Satisfaction and Job Commitment: A Study of Quantity Surveyors in Nigerian Public Service

While job satisfaction is a major concern in today’s organizations, there is little empirical research concerning Quantity Surveyors in public sector in Nigeria. Primary data were sourced through survey of Quantity Surveyors in various ministries and parastatals by adopting Job Satisfaction Questionnaire used by previous researchers to elicit information under the two headings for general satisfaction scale to indicate their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with research variables along a five-point scale. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics, this paper examined the the major variables affecting job satisfaction amongst Quantity surveyors working in Nigerian public sectors at federal level. The research revealed that Quantity Surveyors in public service are more satisfied with their when adequate recognition is given and opportunities for advancement are encouraged. The result of the correlation also showed that strong positive relationship existed between adequate recognition opportunities and feeling of accomplishment derived from the job with the r-value of 85%. The research recommended that advancement opportunity in career progression and professional development such as in-house training should be encouraged to improve quality service delivery and also practice of job development and job enrichment in the workplace which is vital tool to satisfy employees and make them happy should be given adequate attention.
Comparing young SMEs' growth determinants across regions

Purpose – The aim of this study is to advance the understanding of firm growth determinants by comparing the factors influencing young firms' growth in 13 countries corresponding to three contrasting regions.Design/methodology/approach – The authors propose an integrated model of venture growth where entrepreneurs' profile, firm resources and market characteristics are combined. This model is tested using three OLS regressions, one corresponding to each region.Findings – The results show that compared with the remainder two regions, the less favorable business conditions verified in Latin American countries emphasize the relevance of entrepreneurs' human capital endowments in determining business development and its further growth. On the contrary, market‐related issues and the availability of financial resources are more important in South‐East Asia and Mediterranean Europe. Team size and particularly its growth are positively associated with firm growth in all the studied regions.Practical implications .
Sequential Kidney Exchange

The traditional literature on kidney exchange assumes that all components of the exchange must occur simultaneously. Unfortunately, the number of operating rooms required for concurrent surgeries poses a significant constraint on the beneficial exchanges that may be attained. The basic insight of this paper is that incentive compatibility does not require simultaneous exchange; rather, it requires that organ donation occurs no later than the associated organ receipt. Using sequential exchanges may relax the operating-room constraint and thereby increase the number of beneficial exchanges. We show that most benefits of sequential exchange can be accomplished with only two concurrent operating rooms.
Clearinghouse Membership and Deposit Contraction during the Panic of 1907

Was clearinghouse membership a key factor mitigating withdrawls from intermediaries during the Panic of 1907? Analyzing balnace-sheet information on institutions in New York and Chicago, we find ecidence that clearinghouse memebers had institutions in New York and Chicago, we find evidence that clearinghouse members had smaller contractions in demand deposits than did nonmembers. New York City trusts, isolated from the clearinghouse, were subject to heightened perceptions of risk, and suffered large-scale withdrawals because they were outside of the clearinghouse and therefore much less prepared to withstand large-scale depositor runs. We suggest that this aspect of the Panic of 1907 helped to forge support for the creation of a U.S. central bank.
Three-dimensional head-mounted gaming task procedure maximizes effects of vestibular rehabilitation in unilateral vestibular hypofunction: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Considering the emerging advantages related to virtual reality implementation in clinical rehabilitation, the aim of the present study was to discover possible (i) improvements achievable in unilateral vestibular hypofunction patients using a self-assessed head-mounted device (HMD)-based gaming procedure when combined with a classical vestibular rehabilitation protocol (HMD group) as compared with a group undergoing only vestibular rehabilitation and (ii) HMD procedure-related side effects. Therefore, 24 vestibular rehabilitation and 23-matched HMD unilateral vestibular hypofunction individuals simultaneously underwent a 4-week rehabilitation protocol. Both otoneurological measures (vestibulo-ocular reflex gain and postural arrangement by studying both posturography parameters and spectral values of body oscillation) and performance and self-report measures (Italian Dizziness Handicap Inventory; Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale; Zung Instrument for Anxiety Disorders, Dynamic Gait Index; and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire) were analyzed by means of a between-group/within-subject analysis of variance model. A significant post-treatment between-effect was found, and the HMD group demonstrated an overall improvement in vestibulo-ocular reflex gain on the lesional side, in posturography parameters, in low-frequency spectral domain, as well as in Italian Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale scores. Meanwhile, Simulator Sickness Questionnaire scores demonstrated a significant reduction in symptoms related to experimental home-based gaming tasks during the HMD procedure. Our findings revealed the possible advantages of HMD implementation in vestibular rehabilitation, suggesting it as an innovative, self-assessed, low-cost, and compliant tool useful in maximizing vestibular rehabilitation outcomes.
A Survey of Fears Associated with Iraqi Aggression among Kuwaiti Children and Adolescents: A Factorial Study 5.7 Years after the Gulf War

A survey of the fear-eliciting stimuli associated with Iraqi aggression among Kuwaiti children and adolescents (1020 boys and 1063 girls, 13 to 17 years old) was carried out with a fear schedule of 30 items administered 5.7 years after the Iraqi aggression. The scale has high reliability and concurrent validity. Three significant factors were disclosed and named Iraqi Aggressor, War Machinery, and War Correlates and Effects. Girls attained significantly higher mean scores than boys on all 30 items and total score. It was concluded that the Iraqi aggression's adverse effects has persisted in spite of the passing of 5.7 years since this traumatic experience. The present scale might be used to assess fears of war in research on posttraumatic stress syndrome.