Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Public-Private Partnerships: Formulae for Success, Incentives and Barriers

Public-private partnerships are undoubtedly an element of today’s national and international business processes. They comprise a certain approach to bonding state and business eff orts in solving strategic issues of great significance. Experience to date and the modest accumulation of theory moved a joint team of researchers from the International Economic Relations and Statistics Department of the University of the National and World Economy (Sofia, Bulgaria) to address the issue. The study integrates modern theoretical views and a large-scale survey of Bulgaria’s central and local government and the private sector. The drivers of PPP projects comprised a priority. The paper presents survey results and their theoretical context amid the latest studies by EU authors. A particular place is given to the state as a partner rather than merely an authorised principal and coordinator of public facility projects. Both empirical material and the answers sought by modern science reveal a new role for the state and mechanisms for its turning into an effective partner to business.
Multi-Product Firms and Product Variety

The goal of this paper is to study the role of multi-product firms in the market provision of product variety. The analysis is conducted using the spokes model of non-localized competition proposed by Chen and Riordan (2007). Firstly, we show that multi-product firms are at a competitive disadvantage vis-a-vis single-product firms and can only emerge if economies of scope are sufficiently strong. Secondly, under duopoly product variety may be higher or lower with respect to both the first best and the monopolistically competitive equilibrium. However, within a relevant range of parameter values duopolists drastically restrict their product range in order to relax price competition, and as a result product variety is far below the efficient level.
Ingestion and digestion index of catarina scallop Argopecten ventricosus-circularis, Sowerby II, 1842, veliger larvae with ten microalgae species

The initial ingestion age and size and the digestive index of Argopecten ventricosus-circularis Sowerby II, 1842 veliger larvae were investigated using epifluorescence microscopy. Ten microalgae were tested as feed during the first 7 days of life at this stage. Results of ingestion experiments showed there was a significant positive correlation between the smaller geometric dimension of the algae and the larval age and size of initial ingestion. Out of the 10 species offered, only Nannochloris oculata (NANO), Isochrysis galbana (TISO), Monochrysis lutheri (MONO), Chaetoceros muelleri (CM), Chaetoceros calcitrans (CC), Thalassiosira pseudonana clone 3H (3H), and Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PHT) were ingested. No ingestion was observed in Thalassiosira pseudonana clone s78 (S78), Tetraselmis suecica (TETRA) and Dunaliella tertiolecta (DUN) during the experiment. The digestion index of the larvae, defined as the degree of algal digestion at the third hour after ingestion, increased with larval age and size with TISO and MONO. With CC, 3H and CM, the digestion index was lower and no digestion was observed with NANO and PHT.
EVOLUTIONARY NETWORKS OF MATERNAL AND PATERNAL GENE LINEAGES IN VOLES (EOTHENOMYS) ENDEMIC TO JAPAN

Abstract Sequence variations in the mitochondrial cytochrome-b (Cytb) gene and the sex-determining gene of Y chromosome (Sry), which show maternal and paternal inheritance, respectively, were examined in 2 species of Japanese voles of the genus Eothenomys (Arvicolinae), E. andersoni and E. smithii, to elucidate phylogenies within and between species. Considerable intraspecific variation in Cytb was observed in both species, with clear geographic affinities, northeastern and central Honshu, Kii Peninsula of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu (Japan), suggesting fairly ancient colonization in geographic areas. Genealogy of Cytb, however, was complicated and clearly discordant with current taxonomy. For example, the Kii Peninsula population of E. andersoni and the Shikoku population of E. smithii had unique haplotypes that differed from those of the remaining populations of both species. Sry gene variation, in contrast, was species specific and was polymorphic in E. andersoni with substantial geographic distribution, but it was monomorphic in E. smithii, suggesting a recent geographic expansion of E. smithii eastward. We attribute the complicated population genetics to topographic complexity of the Japanese islands and suggest that rearrangement of species was associated with climatic changes during the Quaternary glaciation on the basis of an assumption of divergence time among several murine rodents.
Postnatal Growth and Development of Captive Franklin's Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus franklinii)

Growth and development of Franklin's ground squirrels (Spermophilus franklinii) were determined from 87 young raised by wild-caught females in the laboratory. Developmental stages appeared in the same sequence, but at a mean earlier age than in any other species of Spermophilus except S. undulatus. Lower incisors erupted on day 7, eyes and ears opened on day 20, and weaning occurred by day 28. Weight reached 25% of adult weight by day 34, 50% by day 44, 75% by day 54, and adult weight was reached by day 65. The instantaneous growth rate (IGR) was greatest in the 1st 10 days, with a maximum of 12.4% per day at day 3, decreasing to 1.2% by day 50. Hind foot length reached 75% of adult size by day 30, whereas total and tail lengths were less than 60% at the same age. Individual weight was negatively correlated with litter size, and there were indications of lower survival to weaning in numerically larger litters. Laboratory growth measurements cannot be directly extrapolated to field populations, since weaned laboratory young gained weight significantly more rapidly than field young. Data from similar studies on other hibernating sciurids suggest that birth dates and IGRs are related, and indicate a biological response to differing climates.
Cloning and characterization of pig muscle cDNAs by an expressed sequence tag approach

Abstract To provide additional unique marker sequences for genome mapping, we have cloned and partially sequenced 14 pig skeletal muscle cDNAS, representing 11 independent genes. Random selection from an adult skeletal muscle cDNA library, coupled with dot blot hybridization of the cDNA clones with complex probes representing muscle and non‐muscle gene expression, was used to identify putative muscle‐specific cDNAs. These cDNAs were then partially sequenced and the resulting primary structural information was used to screen the Genbank/European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Protein Information Resource (PIR) databases. Pig cDNAs with significant similarity to α‐actin, α7‐integrin, α‐actinin2, myosin binding protein H, and myosin light chain kinase were identified. Northern analysis of α‐actinin2 showed the expression pattern of this pig gene closely matched that reported for human α‐actinin2. Six cDNAs had no significant database match indicating that these genes have not been sequenced in other.
The Dynamic Linkages of Pakistani and Global Stock Markets: Evidence from Karachi Stock Exchange

The aim of the study is to explore the long run association among Pakistani equity market and some developed and emerging equity markets. Weekly data from the period of 2000 to 2010 was applied in this study. The result highlighted Pakistani equity market well correlated with the American equity market. The impulse response function result also illustrated that the American equity market created more instability as compare to other equity markets of the world. The portfolio managers of UK, India, Germany and China have a great opportunity to diversify their portfolio to take comparatively greater advantage from KSE.
Genetic screening of the Dazl‐interacting protein genes

Abstract Micro‐deletions at specific loci of the Y chromosome have been observed frequently in male infertility patients, suggesting that genes in these regions are involved in male germ cell development. DAZ is a representative male infertility gene at the AZFc locus of the Y chromosome. Since DAZ contains an RNA binding motif along with so‐called a DAZ domain, it was proposed to participate in RNA metabolism during spermatogenesis. A mouse gene homologous to the human DAZ gene has been cloned and named Dazl (DAZ‐like). Dazl is autosomal and expressed in the testis and also at a low level in the ovary. Male mice homozygous for the Dazl null allele have small testes with a few spermatogonia and almost complete absence of germ cells beyond the spermatogonial stage, suggesting the requirement of Dazl for entry or progression through meiosis. However, its exact cellular functions have not been understood yet. In order to investigate cellular functions of Dazl, we decided to isolate candidate interacting protein genes of the mouse Dazl, using yeast two‐hybrid screening. A number of candidate Dazl‐interacting proteins have been isolated, such as Bprp, Acf, Hgs, Murr1, Nbak3 and Ranbp9, but dynein light chain 1 (Dlc1) was most predominant. A strong interaction of Dazl with Dlc1 suggests that Dazl might function as an mRNA adaptor to the dynein motor complex.
A Jump-Diffusion Process for Asset Price with Non-Independent Jumps

A market recovery model, defined as a jump-diffusion model for the asset price where the jumps and the diffusion are not independent, is proposed. In this model a jump will be triggered when there is an unusually large downward movement over a certain time interval, and the jump size is correlated to this downward drop. We show that the market data supports such a model and parameter estimates based on market data is discussed. An explicit formula for the risk-neutral drift will be presented so that the option prices based on this model can be computed through Monte-Carlo simulation of the asset price. The characteristic function for the asset price is derived, through which the option prices can be computed by numerical integration. The volatility of asset classes in this model, defined by the variance swap (VIX) equation, is analyzed. A sensitivity study of the volatility with respect to jump parameters is performed. Results are compared to other well-known jump models. <br>
Factors Influencing Domestic Fresh Milk Production (SSDN)

Currently the supply of domestic fresh milk (SSDN) is still unable to fulfill the need of domestic fresh milk. The limited supply as well as limited production of fresh milk in the country is caused by forage finding difficulty, relatively expensive concentrate prices, limited farmers’ capital, fluctuating milk prices, and farmers’ inability to increase dairy cow population by cattle breeding; they depend on natural birth alone. The aim of this research is to identify the general description of dairy cattle business and analyze the influential factors of domestic fresh milk (SSDN) production. Quantitative approach is used in the research method. The data used are primary data and secondary data related to the research. The research located in Boyolali District, Central Java Province. Multiple Linear Regression method using the Cobb Douglas model is used to analyze the data. The results indicate that the number of dairy attle, forage feed, concentrates and land area have a significant effect on the amount of milk production for dairy cattle. While partially, only the number of dairy cattle have a significant effect on the amount of domestic fresh milk production (SSDN).
A Macro-Finance Model of the Term Structure, Monetary Policy and the Economy

This paper develops and estimates a macro-finance model that combines a canonical affine no-arbitrage finance specification of the term structure with standard macroeconomic aggregate relationships for output and inflation. From this new empirical formulation, we obtain several important results: (1) the latent term structure factors from finance no-arbitrage models appear to have important macroeconomic and monetary policy underpinnings, (2) there is no evidence of monetary policy inertia or a slow partial adjustment of the policy interest rate by the Federal Reserve, and (3) both forward-looking and backward-looking elements play important roles in macroeconomic dynamics.
Pest risk analysis (PRA) for the territories of the European Union (as PRA area) on Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and its vectors in the genus Monochamus.

An analysis of the risk to the countries of the European Union from a possible introduction of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and its vectors in the genus Monochamus is performed by assembling relevant biological, climatic and commercial information. The risks presented by different trade pathways are assessed and phytosanitary measures to reduce the risks are proposed. The conclusion of the PRA, based on EPPO PRA guideline no. 1, is that these pests present a serious risk to European coniferous forests.
Isomorphic Pressures of Cluster Institutions on ERP Adoption: A Study in SME Cluster of Indian Knitwear Industry

The demand for more productivity, cost efficiency and the competition has forced the knitwear garments cluster to adopt technologies such as ERP. The knitwear garment industry acts as a cluster and possesses unique characteristics. The industrial clusters experience an institutional isomorphic pressure that forces them to be homogeneous and adopt similar technologies. The study is proposed to answer the question that with the external pressure on them, how absorptive capacity does play a role in ERP adoption. A conceptual model was developed for the study and a survey was conducted among the knitwear garment firms. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling technique. To test the mediation effect, direct, indirect and total effects of the variables were calculated using the AMOS software. The results show that there is a direct influence of isomorphic pressure on ERP adoption and the absorptive capacity mediates in such a way that it complements the institutional forces in ERP adoption. The implication of the study is discussed and finally the paper concludes with the limitations of the study and the future direction for further research.
Clock Time Versus Event Time: Temporal Culture or Self-Regulation?

Cross-cultural research documented two types of temporal culture governing the way individuals schedule tasks over time: clock-time, where individuals let an external clock dictate when tasks begin/end; and event-time, where tasks are planned relative to other tasks and individuals transition between them when they internally sense that the former task is complete. In contrast with this prior literature – that credits culture as the reason for variation in temporal norms – we show in two experiments that individuals choose clock- versus event-time as a self-regulation strategy to achieve a regulatory goal (efficiency vs. effectiveness). A third experiment shows that this strategy enhances confidence and performance on a task. Participants solved significantly more math problems when their task scheduling (clock- vs. event-time) matched their regulatory state (promotion vs. prevention). Since clock-/event-time may both lead to superior performance, clock-time is not the single best way to organize productive activities in industrial societies – a result that counters a foundational principle of modern economics.
Relative Performance Evaluation, Sabotage and Collusion

We examine whether the potential for costly sabotage is a deterrent to firms' use of relative performance evaluation ("RPE") in CEO pay plans. We exploit illegal cartel membership as a source of variation in the potential for costly sabotage and document that firms are more likely to use RPE if they are currently cartel members. Moreover, firms frequently drop RPE from their CEOs' pay plans immediately after their cartels are detected. We further provide suggestive evidence that the potential for costly sabotage explains these patterns; cartel membership severs the empirical association between RPE and competitive aggression.
Two New Species of Heterocoma (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) and a Broadened Concept of the Genus

Abstract A new concept of the genus Heterocoma is presented based on morphological and anatomical evidence. The genus is characterized by the combination of foliose subinvolucral bracts, fimbrillate or paleaceous receptacles, glabrous cypselae, and a caducous biseriate pappus (at least the inner series). A putative synapomorphy of the genus is the presence of phytomelanin in the cypselae walls. The monotypic genera Bishopalea, Sipolisia, and Xerxes are synonymized under Heterocoma with the following new combinations: Heterocoma ekmaniana, Heterocoma erecta, and Heterocoma lanuginosa. Two new species, Heterocoma gracilis and Heterocoma robinsoniana, are described and illustrated. The genus is endemic to the campos rupestres of the Brazilian Central Plateau. A key to the six species recognized in Heterocoma is provided.
Defined Benefit Pension Schemes: A Welfare Analysis of Risk Sharing and Labour Market Distortions

This paper addresses two policy questions with respect to public defined benefit (DB) pension schemes: Firstly, does a funded DB pension scheme increase welfare? In other words: do the gains from intergenerational sharing of capital market risks outweigh the labour market distortions from pension schemes? Secondly, how large is the commitment problem of pension funds after an adverse capital market shock? The answer to the first question depends on the used welfare measure. If we use risk-neutral weights to aggregate the equivalent variations of different generations in different states of nature then a DB pension scheme is welfare increasing. If we use as weights the stochastic discount factors that corresponds to these states of nature, we conclude the opposite: a DB pension scheme reduces welfare. The probability that future households actually experience a welfare gain if the pension scheme is closed can be as large as 38 per cent. So, a pure DB pension scheme has a large commitment problem: continuity will become at risk in case participation in the pension scheme is not mandatory. These results are most sensitive for the values of the labour supply elasticity, the risk aversion parameter and the mean and the standard deviation of the excess return on equity.
Happy Analysts

This paper is the first to investigate the role of work-life balance in financial analysts’ performance and career advancement. Using a large sample of Glassdoor reviews by financial analysts, we find a significant non-linear relation between work-life balance and analyst performance and analyst career advancement. Specifically, when perceived work-life balance is relatively low, an increase in work-life balance is associated with better analyst performance and career advancement; however, when perceived work-life balance is already high, a further increase in work-life balance is associated with worse analyst performance and career advancement.
Wikipedia Matters

We document a causal impact of online user-generated information on real-world economic outcomes. In particular, we conduct a randomized field experiment to test whether additional content on Wikipedia pages about cities affects tourists' choices of overnight visits. Our treatment of adding information to Wikipedia increases overnight stays in treated cities compared to non-treated cities. The impact is largely driven by improvements to shorter and relatively incomplete pages on Wikipedia. Our findings highlight the value of content in digital public goods for informing individual choices.
Do You Plead Guilty? Exploring Entrepreneurs Sensemaking-Behavior Link Following Business Failure

Taking account of prior entrepreneurial experience, this study explores how the perceived cause of business failure influences an entrepreneur’s decision to start another business or to abandon entrepreneurship. Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis, we find that the attributional dimensions of locus of causality, controllability, and stability explain a large proportion of novice, serial, and portfolio entrepreneurs’ subsequent behavior in terms of abandoning entrepreneurial activity after business failure. Additionally, we found commonalities and differences between the different types of entrepreneurs. While across all entrepreneurs perceiving the cause of business failure to be permanent yet controllable leads them to decide against starting another venture, differences in the decision to seek a different career path are evident, and depend on whether the entrepreneurs assess the cause of business failure to be internal or external, controllable or uncontrollable, and permanent or temporary.
Boergesenia parvula sp. nov. (Siphonocladales, Chlorophyta) from the Tropical Western Atlantic

Abstract Boergesenia parvula sp. nov. is described from shallow water habitats in Puerto Rico and represents the smallest species of the genus, reaching only 20 mm in height. Recognition of the new entity is supported by molecular sequences of the 18S rRNA gene. Molecular divergence between B. forbesii and the newly described species is 3.4%. Résumé Boergesenia parvula sp. nov. est décrit. Cette espèce vit dans des habitats peu profonds de Puerto Rico et représente la plus petite espèce du genre ne dépassant guère 20 mm de haut. La reconnaissance de ce nouveau taxon est basée sur la séquence moléculaire du gène codant l'ARN 18S. La divergence moléculaire entre B. forbesii et la nouvelle espèce présentée ici est de 3,4 %.
Modelling Economic Structures from a Qualitative Input–Output Perspective: Greece in 2005 and 2010

Sectors in economic systems are interdependent because they trade goods that consuming sectors use as inputs; the relative values of those supply and demand links define economic structures. Industries play different roles depending on the relative number of connections they maintain with one another and on whether those links are preferably demands or supplies. On this regards, we extend a stochastic social structural model into the economic context. Further, we apply it to recent Greek data, analysing the role of different technological intensity sectors. We show that our results help to explain some structural features of this economy.