Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intangible Assets and Investments at the Sector Level – Empirical Evidence for Germany

This paper investigates the role intangible capital plays for economic growth in different sectors in Germany. It consists of two major parts. In the first part, we aim at measuring investment in intangibles at the sector level. We shed light on differences across sectors but also compare these figures with investment in physical capital and with investment in intangibles in the UK as European benchmark. The second part explores the role of intangible assets for stimulating growth at the sector level by performing growth accounting analyses. We find that German firms have boosted investments in intangible capital from 1995-2006 by 30%. Furthermore, results reveal differences in the investment patterns among the UK and Germany. In nearly all sectors investments in design and computerized information are larger in the UK. In contrast, German firms invest a higher proportion of gross output in R&D in all sectors, and advertising is also more common except for the sector trade & transport. Intangible assets have stimulated labour productivity growth in all sectors. The contribution varies between 0.17 (construction) and 0.59 (manufacturing) percentage points. In manufacturing, financial and business services innovative property capital is the most influential type of intangible capital for labour productivity, followed by economic competencies and computerized information. In all other sectors, economic competencies play the most prominent role for labour productivity growth.
WHEN COVID-19 MET SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM : A WE-GOVERNANCE PRACTICE IN CHINA

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is optimal that citizens voluntarily and simultaneously comply with and help spread the government’s initiative to isolate the virus, such as maintaining social distancing, staying at home, washing hands frequently, among others. Therefore, we-governance, characterized by citizens as government partners in group decision making and policy implementation via online social media, becomes much more important than that in normal days. Using a unique database of government account data from a large online social media platform in mainland China in 2019, we show that the level of we-governance negatively predicts the intensity of COVID-19 transmission in Chinese cities. Moreover, components of we-governance, such as the efforts of the government and the extent of coproduction from citizens, all play a significant role in blocking the COVID-19 transmission. Overall, in the face of the worldwide pandemic, the joint response of governments and the public, i.e. the we-governance, become the focus of fighting and controlling the COVID-19.
IFAD IMPACT ASSESSMENT - Project for Rural Income through Exports (PRICE): Rwanda

This report presents results of an ex-post impact assessment (IA) of select components of the PRICE project relating to coffee, horticulture and financial services. The IA was conducted between May 2017 and July 2018 and used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The current report mainly focuses on the quantitative results, while drawing on some of the insights from the qualitative survey. The quantitative results are based on secondary panel data of 85 coffee cooperatives observed over six years between 2012 and 2017 (510 observations) and two cross-sectional primary datasets collected using household surveys in 2018: (i) a sample of 2894 coffee farmers who are members of the coffee cooperatives observed over six years and (ii) 1584 horticulture farmers for the horticulture-finance component. We used a variety of quasi experimental and non-experimental design methods to estimate our results, namely difference-in-difference estimations for the cooperative-level panel data, inverse probability weight matching and entropy balancing approaches for the coffee household data, and regression discontinuity design for the horticulture-finance data.
Folate decorated delivery of self assembled betulinic acid nano fibers: a biocompatible anti-leukemic therapy

The objective of this study was to develop folate receptor mediated delivery of self assembled betulinic acid nano fibers (SA-BA) to human leukemic cells and to investigate their specific induction of apoptosis. The physicochemical properties of PEG conjugated SA-BA followed by conjugated with folic acid (FA–PEG–SA-BA) were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, thin layer chromatography and scanning electron microscopy. The stability of folic acid with PEG–SA-BA conjugate was higher at acidic pH, which helps to maintain the conjugate structure for internalization of folate receptor over expressing cells. FA–PEG–SA-BA showed good compatibility with normal cells. The internalization of FA–PEG–SA-BA was significantly observed in folate receptor over expressing K562 cells while showing comparatively lower impact on folate receptor lower expressing KG-1A cells. This intracellular localization of conjugate facilitated the generation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), followed by elevation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion. The effective contribution of ROS and TNF-α in FA–PEG–SA-BA mediated leukemic cell death was confirmed by pretreatment of cells with the ROS scavenger (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) and pentoxifylline, a potent TNF-α blocker. The mode of leukemic cell death was confirmed by flow-cytometric analysis. We also tested the possible involvement of caspase activation in TNF-α mediated leukemic cell death by immunoflouroscence staining of apoptotic marker proteins (caspase 8 and caspase 3).
The Minimum Wage and Corporate Tax Planning

This paper investigates the impact of the minimum wage (MW) on corporate tax planning. By exploiting heterogeneity in the MW level across cities and over time in China, we find that increases in the MW are associated with greater tax planning by firms. Our results are robust to the consideration of a sample of contiguous firms in two adjacent cities subject to different MWs, a change specification and a difference-in-differences research design that exploits the enactment of the Labor Contract Law in 2008 as an exogenous shock to the MW. In cross-sectional analyses, we find that the positive impact of MWs on tax planning is more pronounced for firms with higher labor intensity, greater financial constraints, less product market power, and in regions with laxer enforcement. Our paper suggests that public policy decisions such as MWs impose significant, albeit likely unintended, externalities on corporate decisions.
Working Paper: Hysteresis in Banking Industry

This research provides the theoretical foundations for introducing hysteresis, the historic memory or path dependency, into the banking and financial industry. This is done by generalising the popular Monti-Klein model of banking competition, to allow for both fixed entry and per-period cost/subsidy. However, the empirically relevant case of zero per-period fixed costs is considered as well. As will be shown, such a model implies multiple path dependent equilibria of banks’ activities or in other words Hysteresis. The implications of the theory of hysteresis developed herein are tested by applying a breakpoint unit root tests to the historical U.S. data on banking. These tests find evidence for hysteresis in commercial banking sector in most but not all U.S. states. (JEL G21; D20; L10)
Volatility Persistence and Asymmetric Effect in NSE Spot-Futures Markets in India: A Comparison

The present research article examined the asymmetric effect and volatility persistence between equity spot and futures markets in India. Daily closing equity spot and futures prices of 14 stocks (ACC Limited., Ambuja Cement Ltd., Asian Paint Ltd., Bank of Baroda, Larson and Turbo Ltd. (L&amp;T), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd., Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd., Punjab National Bank (PNB), Ranbaxy Laboratory Ltd, Reliance Industries Ltd., State Bank of India (SBI), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd., Tata Power Corporation Ltd. and Wipro Ltd.) from June 12, 2000 to 31 March, 2016 were used. Both volatility persistence as well as volatility feedback effect was examined by the use of Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and Exponential-GARCH (E-GARCH) models. Present investigation help to realize that volatility in NSE Spot and Futures are approximate same and some stocks (Ambuja, L&amp;T, Ranbaxy and Reliance) also shows unusual behaviour as it is more affected by positive news and some stocks (ACC, Asian Paint, Bank of Baroda, NTPC, ONGC, PNB, SBI and TCS) have highest leverage effect and asymmetric response. , which identifies the high volatility persistence in stocks. The Results highlights the characteristics of volatility linkages between NSE spot and NSE futures markets, and also establish relevant information for investors, policymakers, researchers and hedgers for future investments and further analysis. It contributes to the market efficiency and leverage effect literature for equity spot-futures markets.
Indigenous rangeland resource management in the mountainous areas of northern Nepal: a case study from the Rasuwa District

Rangelands perform numerous functions that have significant ecological and livelihood values for mountain societies in Nepal. There are no other systems more suitable than indigenous management systems, which have evolved over long periods of time and offer approaches to land use that are suitable to the varying climatic, biophysical conditions and ethnic diversity that characterise Nepal. However, traditional resource management practices have been ignored in the past, which has resulted in conflicts and resource degradation. In this context, a survey was conducted in the Rasuwa District of northern Nepal to identify existing indigenous rangeland management systems, examine the challenges facing the development of sustainable practices and suggest possible strategies for promoting their development. It was concluded from this study that local herders in the Rasuwa District of northern Nepal have developed effective indigenous rangeland management systems that include good grazing and conservation practices. Well organised local institutional arrangements and efficient traditional right and tenure systems have evolved that result in the sustainable use of rangeland resources. However, both internal and external factors are now challenging these traditional systems. Results indicated that to remain sustainable rangeland management systems in northern Nepal will require a clear recognition of indigenous knowledge of rangeland management as well as the integration of indigenous practices and strategies with modern technologies. More attention should be paid to the facilitation of rangeland legislation covering traditional rights and customary tenure, institutional cooperation and collaboration between government and civil society. Co-management and participatory research and development should be initiated on rangeland resources and the improvement of infrastructure and public service systems.
Energy Price Transmissions during Extreme Movements

This paper investigates price transmissions across European energy forward markets at distinct maturities during both normal times and extreme fluctuation periods. To this end, we rely on the traditional Granger causality test (in mean) and its multivariate extension in tail distribution developped by Candelon, Joëts, and Tokpavi (2012). Considering forward energy prices at 1, 10, 20, and 30 months, it turns out that no significant causality exists between markets at regular times whereas comovements are at play during extreme periods especially in bear markets. More precisely, energy prices comovements appear to be stronger at short horizons than at long horizons, testifying an eventual Samuelson mechanism in the maturity prices curve. Diversi…cation strategies tend to be more efficient as maturity increases.
MOLECULAR CYTOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF WHEAT-ALIEN HYBRIDS AND DERIVATIVES

New wheat × barley, wheat × Aegilops biuncialis and wheat × rye hybrids were produced with the aim of alien gene transfer from these species into wheat. Amphiploids were produced with the help of colchicine treatment from the last two combinations. The new wheat × barley hybrids were multiplied in tissue culture because of the high degree of sterility and then pollinated with wheat to obtain backcross progenies. Wheat-barley chromosome pairing was detected using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) in two combinations (Mv9 kr1 × Igri, Asakazekomugi × Manas). In vitro conditions caused an increase in chromosome arm association frequency in both combinations and in fertility in some regenerants. Five wheat-barley translocations were produced in a wheat background and characterized through the combination of cytogenetic and molecular genetic approaches (GISH, FISH and SSR markers). The following translocations were identified: 2DS.2DL-1HS, 3HS.3BL, 6BS.6BL-4HL, 4D-5HS and 7DL.7DS-5HS. Physical mapping of the.
Localized and Biased Technologies: Atrkinson and Stiglitz's New View, Induced Innovations, and Directed Technological Change

This paper revisits the important ideas proposed by Atkinson and Stiglitz's seminal 1969 paper on technological change. After linking these ideas to the induced innovation literature of the 1960s and the more recent directed technological change literature, it explains how these three complementary but different approaches are useful in the study of a range of current research areas though they may also yield different answers to important questions. It concludes by highlighting several important areas where these ideas can be fruitfully applied in future work.
Activity of moose and white-tailed deer at mineral springs

Activity of moose (Alces alces) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was studied at two natural mineral springs (licks) in Ontario during the springtime and summer of 1977 to 1980. Most adult moose appeared to use a lick during a single 1- to 5-day period in a year; some returned at intervals during the season; and all seemed drawn principally by the mineral-rich water. Some young moose remained in the lick vicinity for 3 weeks or more, and often wandered in and out of the licks, grazing herbage as well as drinking. This suggested a social as well as a nutritional attraction for young moose. Activity of both moose and deer increased after leaf flush. Adult male moose used licks most heavily in late May and early June, adult females in middle and late June. Use by young animals was more variable, but all moose activity declined in late June when aquatic feeding became common. Deer continued to use licks heavily until mid-July. Evidently the Na hunger that motivates lick use is related to spring p.
Analysing the relationship between land units and plant communities: The case of Socotra Island (Yemen)

The ecological land scape classification (ELC) allows the identification of homogeneous land units (LUs), which are fundamental for investigation and management purposes. ELC is particularly relevant in international cooperation programmes targeting areas characterized by very scarce and scattered thematic information. In this study, three techniques are compared to find the best classification of LUs of Socotra Island (Yemen): a Self-Organizing Map neural network, the Clustering LARge Applications method and a Two-Step clustering algorithm. In this way, three LU maps of Socotra Island were produced and the relationship between LUs and plant communities, as identified by a phytosociologiacl investigation, was analysed. Based on evaluation procedures, TS method emerged as the most suitable being able to better discriminate the plant communities so as to reach a trade-off between classification complexity and class homogeneity. Even though the identification of LUs depends on the selection of the classification method and criteria, the scale adopted and the specific management and planning purposes, this study represents a contribution towards a standardization of ecological classification systems thanks also to the worldwide availability of georeferenced environmental data.
Effects of temperature on life history variables in perch

Population structure, recruitment, mortality, life expectancy, age at maturity, gonad development, fecundity, net reproductive rate and energy storage were studied in a perch population exposed to thermal discharge. The experiment was conducted during 1978–1990 in an artificial enclosure at a nuclear power plant on the Baltic Sea coast. Abundance increased after the plant started operating, although the proportion of larger perch dropped to a low level. Recruitment improved, but adult mortality increased. This effect was accentuated as the fishes matured very early and at a very small size, reducing their ability to support a growing gonad in high winter temperatures. During the spawning period, condition dropped to very low levels accompanied by increased mortality. Surviving fish delayed the next spawning by one or more years and reduced their fecundity. Body condition thus improved in large perch at the end of the study period. Life-time fecundity was reduced, and reproductive performance shifted to youner ages.
A Pedagogical Note on Multi-tier Pricing Scheme

This note derives a new formula for determining a monopolist's optimal multi-tier pricing scheme for any given number of tiers. It further characterizes Gabor's (1955, Review of Economic Studies) two-tier pari passu marginal revenue function to the n-tier case. By introducing the individual tier's marginal revenue and the pari passu marginal revenue in a linear demand case, this note provides a perceptive graphical representation of the optimal pricing scheme, revealing that all tiers' outputs are equal, the last tier's price is always higher than the marginal cost, and an increase in the number of tiers increases social welfare. In a class of non-linear demand functions, it shows that starting from the first tier, the tiers' outputs are monotonically increasing (decreasing) if the demand function is strictly convex (concave). It also shows that the equal-tier-output property preserves in the linear demand case with the total output fixed as a constraint.
Barley treated with ethephon. II. Tillering pattern and its impact on yield

Ethephon [(2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid] used for lodging protection in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) often increases spikes m⁻². The degree to which such additional spikes contribute to yield has not been reported, and neither has the source of such spikes been determined. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of ethephon on tiller emergence and survival, as well as the contribution to yield of additional spikes appearing on ethephon treated barley plants. Ethephon was applied at Zadoks growth stage (GS) 35 and/or 45 at 240 g ha⁻¹ to ‘Argyle’ conventional height and ‘Samson’ semidwarf barley grown at 100 and 300 plants m⁻² at Winnipeg, MB. Ten plants per plot were observed at intervals through the growing seasons; tillers were tagged as they emerged and their contributions to spikes per plant and grain yield were determined at harvest. The two cultivars responded similarly to ethephon application. In all 3 yr and at both plant densities, ethephon application increased shoots per plant. Application at GS 45 increased shoots per plant more than at GS 35 in 1987 when moisture was adequate, but less in 1988 when some moisture stress may have affected barley at GS 45. Late appearing shoots contributed up to 32 and 15% of spikes per plant and grain yield per plant, respectively, for both plant densities in 1987 and for the low plant density in 1989. Increased spikes per plant due to ethephon application were attributable to late tiller production and survival rather than to prevention of senescence of early formed tillers. The increase of spikes per plant by ethephon should be a positive influence on grain yield, but total yield per plant was often decreased and was never increased by ethephon because ethephon also caused reductions in kernels per spike. Contribution no. 866 of the Dep. of Plant Science, Univ. of Manitoba.
Life Satisfaction among Middle School Students around the World Cross-Cultural Evidence from PISA 2018

Using rich data from roughly half a million 15-year-olds across 72 countries and economies participating in PISA 2018, this paper examines the predictors of adolescent subjective well-being (SWB) from a cross-cultural angle. Life satisfaction and affective well-being are found to be most strongly related to perceived meaning in life, self-efficacy, relationship quality, and peer SWB. Analyses by world region reveal several culture-specific explanations for interregional well-being gaps. In particular, low life satisfaction among academically high-performing students from Confucian East Asia is found to be associated with low meaning in life, low self-efficacy, low peer well-being, as well as with high emotional interdependence. In contrast, high life satisfaction among Latin American students can be explained by high peer well-being, high meaning in life, as well as low peer wealth. Limited evidence is also found for a negative relationship between academic performance and life satisfaction. Meanwhile, competition and cooperation among students does only affect life satisfaction of students in collectivistic societies.
From Uniform to Bespoke Prices: Hotel Pricing during EURO 2016

We investigate the pricing behaviour of firms facing date-specific demand shocks, by focussing on Parisian hotels during a big event, the 2016 European Football Cup. Using a unique dataset, we document an initial propensity to set the same price for rooms on different match dates, although matches involved teams with heterogeneous appeal in terms of the crowd they could attract. Price dispersion across different events, however, emerges as the start of the tournament approaches. We link this behaviour to the evolution of the uncertainty of demand which is substantial several months before the kick-off of the event but is progressively resolved over time. We examine and rule out the alternative explanations according to which uniform pricing early on could be due to managerial decision-making costs.
The Persistent Ownership Structure of Private Firms

We find that ownership changes much less over time in private firms than in public firms. The average largest shareholder in private (public) Norwegian firms keeps the same stake in 82% (14%) of two consecutive years. In private firms past ownership dominates ownership determinants proposed in the literature, and the estimated relationship depends heavily on whether the economic model and the econometric technique capture the strong ownership persistence. This evidence suggests that lower share liquidity increases ownership duration, and that feed-back from economic outcomes to ownership structure is a less severe problem for identification when the firm's shares are illiquid.
Electoral reforms and the representativeness of turnout

Abstract Voters tend to be richer, more conservative, and more educated than non-voters. While many electoral reforms promise to increase political participation, these policy instruments may have multidimensional and differential effects that can increase or decrease the representativeness of turnout. We develop an approach that allows us to estimate these effects and assess the impact of postal voting on representational inequality in Swiss referendums using individual-level ($N = 79,\; 000$) and aggregate-level data from 1981 to 2009. We find that postal voting mobilizes equally across a wide range of political and sociodemographic groups but more strongly activates high earners, those with medium education levels, and less politically interested individuals. Yet, those who vote are not less politically knowledgeable and the effects on the composition of turnout remain limited. Our results inform research on the consequences of electoral reforms meant to increase political participation in large electorates.