Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Malaysia’s Investment Malaise: What Happened and Can It Be Fixed?

Private investment in Malaysia has never fully recovered from the impact of the Asian financial crisis (AFC). Both domestic and foreign investment have remained lackluster post-AFC; while foreigners continue to shun Malaysia, it seems even domestic investors are fleeing as well, with Malaysia having become a net exporter of capital since 2005. The crucial questions are: what happened and can it be fixed? We argue that the investment malaise can be attributed to two interrelated factors: (i) distortions introduced by the New Economic Policy (NEP) and its reincarnates, and (ii) the widespread presence and overbearing influence of government-linked corporations (GLCs) that deter new investment. While the impacts of both factors may have been masked during the heady days leading up to the AFC, this is no longer the case in the current competitive environment where residency options for both capital and skilled labor are much greater. Fixing the problem requires addressing the distortions of the NEP and curtailing the influence of the GLCs. Although there have been a few recent moves to dilute the NEP, some of these measures have already been reversed. Similarly, while there has been an active program of divestment from GLCs, there have also been GLC acquisitions in new sectors, making it more of a diversification than a divestment program. Malaysia’s investment malaise can be fixed, but not in this way.
Long-Term Changes in the Sediment Chemistry of a Large Shallow Subtropical Lake

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content and selected physico-chemical properties of Lake Okeechobee sediments were measured in 1988 and 1998. Based on these measurements, sediments were classified as mud, littoral, peat, sand or rock. Although some minor redistribution has occurred over the previous decade, mud sediments of Lake Okeechobee essentially occupy the same total area. Total surface sediment N and P showed little overall change in the ten-year period. However, lake-wide spatial patterns indicate some localized decreases of total P content in the littoral and northern regions of the lake. Porewater dissolved reactive P showed significant increases at most sites, suggesting that the surface sediments are losing their ability to absorb soluble P. Nutrient management practices in the drainage basin did not lead to decreased levels of N and P in the sediments of the lake.
Portfolio Choice: Familiarity, Hedging, and Industry Bias

Abstract Investors may underdiversify their portfolios by overweighting securities in which they perceive an informational advantage or by underweighting securities to hedge risks outside the portfolio. We investigate underdiversification in institutional portfolio construction by examining the under/overweighting of industries in U.S. property–liability (PL) insurers’ equity portfolios. We find that PL insurers underweight both their own industry and highly correlated industries in their portfolios. This underweighting is larger for PL insurers exposed to higher underwriting risk. Although PL insurers have an informational advantage in investing in their peers, their underwriting risk drives them to underweight stocks in their industry.
Peak-Bust Rental Spreads

Abstract Landlords appear to use stale information when setting rents. Among over 43,000 California rental houses in 2018–2019, those last purchased during 2005–2007 (the peak) rent for 2–3% more than those purchased during 2008-2010 (bust). Neither house nor landlord characteristics explain this “peak-bust rental spread. ” To clarify the mechanism, we test cross-sectional predictions from a simple theory of rent-setting. We find empirical support for both reference dependence and distorted beliefs. In the first, monthly payments establish (recurring) reference points, against which gains or losses are measured. In the second, past sales prices distort landlords’ current estimates of house values/rents.
When Prudent Behavior Immobilizes: Asymptotic Stability in Matching Problems With Externalities

In one-to-one matching problems with externalities, it is natural that agents take into account the possible reactions of other individuals before deviating from a matching. In this context, agents become more prudent as they consider more scenarios when evaluating a deviation. Assuming that externalities are arbitrary and preferences are randomly determined, the asymptotic effect of prudent behavior on pairwise stability is analyzed. It is shown that prudent behavior paralyzes: if agents’ degrees of prudence do not vanish fast enough, the probability of a matching being stable will converge to one as the population grows.
A Case of Cooperative Polyandry in the Common Tern

Abstract The first case of cooperative polyandry in the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) is reported. During the breeding season of 2000 two males, originating from the same brood, bred together with a female, who was paired in the previous season with one of the males. Both males copulated with the female. All three terns incubated the eggs, brooded and fed the chicks, but in different proportions. Despite poor food supply and bad weather conditions during the breeding season 2000, this polyandrous trio reared two fledglings, one of which has returned to the native colony in 2002. In another case, a two-year old, unrelated male incubated a clutch belonging to a pair of terns for a few days. Possible reasons for this deviation from the common monogamous mating system are discussed.
Insect pests of pearl millet in West Africa: A review

Abstract Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum), a major food crop in the sahelian and savanna regions of West Africa, is attacked by about 100 species of insects. Of these, the only regular pests are stem borers (Acigona ignefusalis Hmps. and Sesamia spp.) and earhead caterpillars (Masalia spp., Raghuva spp.). Sporadic pests such as hairy caterpillars (Amsacta moloneyi Druce), armyworms (Spodoptera spp. and Mythimna spp.) and grasshoppers (Acrididae) may cause severe losses to crops during prolonged droughts early in the season. A grain midge (Geromyia penniseti (Felt)) attacks late millets and causes a considerable loss in yield. Information is presented on the biology, distribution, hosts and natural enemies of these pests, and some methods of control are discussed.
What Determines State Capture in Poland?

In this paper we examine the determinants of ex-ante state capture analyzing all the legal acts that have been passed in the period 1990-2011 in Poland. We find that during this the majority of legal acts were passed with the aim to satisfy the interest of particular groups. Furthermore, the regression analysis shows that the likelihood of state capture increases during the period of economic growth and local elections. The likelihood of state capture, however, declines during presidential elections. The results we attribute to different interests of political parties in the period of local and presidential election. Finally, we find that the state capture increased over the years in Poland. Additionally, we show that the EU accession did not prevent state capture in Poland. In contrast, the financial crisis of 2007 resulted in a wake-up effect and the likelihood of state capture declined in Poland.
Annual Ryegrass Stored as Balage, Haylage, or Hay for Lactating Dairy Cows

Frequent rainfall in south Louisiana often limits the successful harvest of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) as high quality hay. A 2-yr study was conducted to determine the effect of conserving ryegrass as balage on ensiling efficiency, storage losses, and feeding value. Ryegrass conservation treatments were balage (BLG), haylage (HLG, positive control), and hay (HAY, negative control). Ryegrass was cut at the boot stage and, following a 48-h wilt, was baled and wrapped with stretch film (BLG) or was chopped and stored in a bag silo (HLG), HAY (bloom stage) was harvested approximately 3 wk later when weather permitted and was stored indoors. At the conclusion of the 6-mo storage period, the nutritional value of stored forages was assessed with lactating Holstein cows (n = 21). Ryegrass pH values were lower, and lactate concentrations were slightly higher for HLG than BLG. Storage losses averaged 8.9% of dry matter (DM) for BLG compared with 3.7% for barn-stored HAY. Forage nutritive value was similar between ensiled forages; however, HAY was lower in protein and energy than other treatments. Cows fed HLG consumed 17.3% more forage DM and tended to produce more fat-corrected milk (FCM) than cows fed BLG. Feed efficiency (Ib FCM/Ib dry matter intake [DMI]) was higher for the BLG treatment than HAY. No treatment differences were observed for milk composition or cow weight/condition changes, Balage is an acceptable means of storing high quality ryegrass forage.
Collaborative Search

Collaborative search, i.e., the process in which organizational members jointly contribute content to solve a non-trivial problem, is a common phenomenon in new product development organizations. In examining organizational problem solving, research has however neglected collaborative search processes, and has instead focused on coordination -- making separately contributed partial solution mutually compatible. This paper contributes towards a theory of collaborative search. We identify the organizational contingencies for which collaboration is beneficial, provide guidance on when collaboration does not improve performance, and identify methods for making collaboration effective.
Commercial and recreational harvest of fish from two Australian coastal rivers

Commercial and recreational harvests of fish from two eastern Australian coastal rivers, the Richmond and the Clarence, have been compared for the period from March 1988 to May 1989, using commercial fisheries statistics and a roving creel census of daytime recreational anglers. For both rivers, sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) made up about 70% of the commercial catch by weight but was not caught in significant numbers by anglers. Fish species harvested in large numbers by both sectors were yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis), dusky flathead (Platycephalus fiscus), luderick (Girella tricuspidata), sand whiting (Sillago ciliata), mulloway (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) and tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix). For the Richmond River, yellowfin bream, dusky flathead and tailor were harvested principally by recreational anglers; sand whiting were equally shared between fishing sectors, and harvests of luderick and mulloway were dominated by commercial fishers. For the Clarence River, which supports one of the largest estuarine-based commercial fisheries in Australia, tailor were harvested principally by recreational anglers; yellowfin bream, dusky flathead and mulloway were equally shared between fishing sectors, and sand whiting and luderick were taken predominantly by commercial fishers. Although data on recreational fishing throughout Australia are limited, anglers now appear to be the dominant harvesters of several estuarine fish species. As in other parts of the world, the numbers of recreational anglers in Australian waters appear to be increasing, and this situation is likely to lead to both heightened conflict between the user groups and increased exploitation of a limited resource. The need for sustained and cost-effective monitoring of recreational angler effort and harvests is emphasized.
Protein phosphorylation is essential for formation of male pronucleus in bovine oocytes

This study examined the association between the morphological and protein phosphorylation events following sperm penetration of in vitro matured and in vitro fertilized bovine oocytes. Oocytes were labeled with [32P]‐orthophosphate at 3 hr intervals from 3 to 18 hr of following insemination. The phosphorylation of protein complexes of 23 kDa and 18 kDa specifically increased with the formation of male and female pronuclei. In addition, oocytes were treated with 6‐Dimethylaminopurine (6‐DMAP) or Okadaic acid (OA) at 0, 3, 6, and 9 hr respectively following insemination. Although the formation of female pronucleus was not affected by 6‐DMAP, the male pronuclear formation was completely inhibited by the presence of 6‐DMAP at 0 and 3 hr of post insemination. The formation of both pronuclei was inhibited by the presence of OA at any time following insemination. These results suggest that the male pronuclear formation is associated with protein phosphorylation and that the formation of the male and the female pronuclei may involve different factors in bovine zygotes since they respond differently to the kinase modulations. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 52:43–49, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Light and Water Supply on Morphological and Physiological Leaf Traits of Red Beet.

Published in Agron. J. 106:459–468 (2014) doi:10.2134/agronj2013.0293 Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ABstRAct Water and light are two important resources for red beet (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva Alef.) survival, growth and yield. Changes in leaf traits can be regarded as indicators for detection of crop responses to environmental stress, and could be utilized to select genotypes suitable for stressed environments. e objectives of the current study were to explore the adaptive changes of morphological and physiological leaf traits of red beet to water and light stress, and identify traits as potential suitable selection indicators in breeding programs. Red beet was treated with RED (red/far red ratio (R/FR): 1.29; transmitted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR): 66.9%), GREEN (R/FR: 0.43; PAR: 25.8%) photo-selective lms, and with two water conditions i.e., 50% of water holding capacity (WHC) (W50) and 30% of WHC (W30). Plants subjected to GREEN had higher speci c leaf area (SLA) (248.6 cm2 g−1) and leaf area ratio (LAR) (232.2 cm2 g−1) and lower soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) and water index (WI) (1.076) values. Water stress reduced leaf area index (LAI) by 39 and 59% (W50 and W30, respectively), normalized di erence vegetation index (NDVI), green normalized di erence vegetation index (GNDVI), and leaf zinc accumulation. Conversely, water shortage enhanced SLA, leaf mass ratio (LMR) (0.786 and 0.761 g g−1 for W50 and W30, respectively) and chlorophyll concentration. Red beet showed a strong plasticity under unfavorable growth conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that suitable selection indicators of early adaptive changes were LMR, WI for drought and SLA, LAR for modi cation of PAR transmittance.
Critical Thresholds in Species' Responses to Landscape Structure

Critical thresholds are transition ranges across which small changes in spatial pattern produce abrupt shifts in ecological responses. Habitat fragmentation provides a familiar example of a critical threshold. As the landscape becomes dissected into smaller parcels of habitat. landscape connectivity-the functional linkage among habitat patches - may suddenly become disrupted, which may have important consequences for the distribution and persistence of populations. Landscape connectivity depends not only on the abundance and spatial patterning of habitat. but also on the habitat specificity and dispersal abilities of species. Habitat specialists with limited dispersal capabilities presumably have a much lower threshold to habitat fragmentation than highly vagile species, which may perceive the landscape as functionally connected across a greater range of fragmentation severity. To determine where threshold effects in species, responses to landscape structure are likely to occur, a simulation model modified from percolation theory was developed. Our simulations predicted the distributional patterns of populations in different landscape mosaics, which we tested empirically using two grasshopper species (Orthoptera: Acrididae) that occur in the shortgrass prairie of north-central Colorado. The distribution of these two species in this grassland mosaic matched the predictions from our simulations. By providing quantitative predictions of threshold effects, this modellingmore » approach may prove useful in the formulation of conservation strategies and assessment of land-use changes on species` distributional patterns and persistence. « less
Variabilidade espacial do pH, Ca, Mg e V% do solo em diferentes formas do relevo sob cultivo de cana-de-açúcar

In a natural landscape soils present a wide variation of the chemical attributes at vertical and horizontal directions, which is result of the interaction among several soil formation factors. This work was developed in Guariba-SP with the objective of evaluating the spatial variability of pH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and base saturation (%BS) in an oxisol under sugarcane cultivation, being used statistical classic methods, geostatistics analyses and interpolation techniques. After detailed analysis of the variation of the gradient of slope, at the lowest third of the hillside, two compartments (I and II) were distinguished under which the soils were collected at the crossing points of a regular grid with intervals of 50m, total of 206 points, in the depths of 0.0-0.2m and 0.6-0.8m. The largest ranges found for the spatial variability models were observed in the depth of 0.0-0.2m for all the studied attributes, except for the calcium that presented an inverse behavior, reflecting the effects of the largest weathering degree and of the handling in the natural variability of the soils. Based on the results we derive that small variations in the forms of the landscape can define different spatial variabilities found for the chemical attributes studied.
Shareholder Rights and Capital Structure: Evidence from Derivative Lawsuits

We examine how changes in shareholder rights influence firms’ capital structure. We exploit the staggered passage of Universal Demand (UD) laws in 23 US states over a twenty-year period as an exogenous decrease in shareholder rights. UD laws introduced a significant hurdle for shareholders to file a derivative lawsuit on behalf of the firm. Since litigation by shareholders is a major avenue for enforcing shareholder rights, the passage of UD laws reduces investor protection. Using a difference-in-differences design, we find a higher financial leverage for firms incorporated in states which passed a UD law compared to firms incorporated in states that have no UD law. We also find a lower likelihood of equity financing and a higher likelihood of debt financing following the passage of UD laws. For debt financing, we find that firms tend to use loans, instead of bonds, following the passage of a UD law. Examining the underlying mechanism, we find that the shift from equity to debt financing is attributable to a lower stock market liquidity, caused by more severe agency conflicts between shareholders and managers, which arise due to restrictions in shareholder rights.
Rail, Rivers, Road or Air: Which Infrastructure Promotes Growth in China?

We examine the relationship between growth in transportation and economic output across Chinese provinces from 2005-2014. Panel GMM methods evaluate the impact of changes in air, conventional rail, HSR, roads, and waterways turnover volume on provincial output growth. GMM estimates demonstrate that rail and roads significantly affect economic growth; rail’s impact is particularly significant and robust across econometric specifications, different regions in China and the coefficients are economically large for agriculture and manufacturing output. Out-of-sample GMM forecasts show that road and rail substantially reduce forecast error of provincial GDP growth. In contrast, air, HSR, and water usage do not contribute to economic growth. Impulse response and variance decompositions indicate that rail and roads considerably affect GDP growth across China, and there is bi-causality between transportation and economic growth. Cost-benefit analysis highlights that the benefit of roads, and particularly rail, outweigh the costs of infrastructure spending.
Corporate Governance and Financial Performance of Listed Consumer Goods Firms in Nigeria

The study examined the effect of corporate governance surrogates on financial performance of quoted consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The population is made up of all listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria, from which 16 companies were randomly selected. The study used data gathered from financial statements of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. (2008-2017). Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed in analyzing the data gathered. Hausman test was also conducted to make a choice between random and fixed effect models of panel least square regression; which favoured random effect model. The study found that board composition and ownership concentration positively influenced profitability while size of the board and the status of Chief Executive Officer exerted negative but significant influence on profitability.
How Equal are Educational Opportunities? Family Background and Student Achievement in Europe and the Us

This paper estimates the effects of family-background characteristics on student performance in the US and 17 Western European school systems. Family background has strong effects both in Europe and the United States, remarkably similar in size. France and Flemish Belgium achieve the most equitable performance for students from different family backgrounds, and Britain and Germany the least. Equality of opportunities is unrelated to countries' mean performance. Quantile regressions show little variation in family-background effects across the ability distribution in most countries.
COMPARISON OF SEVERAL EGGSHELL CHARACTERISTICS WITH IMPACT RESISTANCE

Precise measurements of eggshell resistance to impact fracture were compared with 11 other measurements used to predict shell quality. Shell weight per unit area provided the best prediction, whereas Beta backscatter readings and egg weight were not useful indices of shell strength. Shell deformation and egg specific gravity appeared to be useful non-destructive prediction techniques. However, none of the characteristics, singly or in combination, provided a precise prediction of resistance to impact. It was concluded that only direct determination of the force to break the shell had the potential to precisely measure shell resistance to damage. The force required to fracture eggs under impact was higher than under quasistatic compression. This confirmed that the shell material is strain–rate sensitive.