The Relationship between Government Size, Economic Volatility, and Institutional Quality: Empirical Evidence from Open Economies

Hira MUJAHID,Hafsah ZAUR,Syed Khalil AHMAD,Sharique AYUBI,Nishwa IQBAL 한국유통과학회 2022 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.9 No.5

The size of the government is one of the most fundamental debates of open economies. In any economy, government plays an important role, but a pertinent level of economic prosperity has never been obtained in history without government. Therefore, the objective of this paper investigates the association of government size, economic volatility, and institutional quality for 182 economies from the time period 1996-2016 is collected from the World Bank database. GE is defined as the General government’s final consumption expenditure. Health expenditure is represented by HE. Government expenditure on education is denoted by EDUEXP. The economic volatility is measured by the rolling standard deviation of GDP per capita growth rate, Population growth, Trade openness, GINI represented Gini index which measures the degree to which the income distributed or consumption expenses among citizens deviates from a perfectly equal distribution. The results proposed that economic volatility has a significant effect on government size and institutional qualities. Moreover, the paper extends the investigation by finding the link between economic volatility with government health and education expenditure separately. The policy implication drawn from this analysis is that controlling economic volatility may reduce the size of government and also significantly affect health and education expenditures.

A Consideration of Mechanical Kansei: Latent Representation of Topology-Optimized Structures in Variational Autoencoder

HIRA Toshio,IIDA Kenichi 제어로봇시스템학회 2022 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2022 No.11

It is illustrated in general that the design process at the conceptual stage is highly dependent on individual skills and aesthetic sense. However, even in a subjective phase, objective aspects such as mechanical rationality are implicitly considered, and these two perspectives are inseparable. A concept of Mechanical Kansei defined as “the capability to evaluate and judge impressions in terms of unconscious, intuitive, and integrative information in mechanics,” has been proposed as a clue for interpreting the relationship between such impressions of objects and structural rationality in civil engineering and architecture fields. In this paper, we considered the Mechanical Kansei as the ability to intuitively recall shapes and forms that reflect the flow of forces from the given design domain and boundary conditions. The topology-optimized shape was taken as the structure that visualizes the flow. A Variational Autoencoder (VAE) was used to learn a set of shapes topology-optimized to the randomly located supports of a simple beam. The result shows that a two-dimensional latent variable space can derive the rational structures through the decoder without the mechanical model. This latent representation of topology-optimized shapes can be a clue to understanding the Mechanical Kansei.

Fabrication of PdAg nanoparticle infused metal-organic framework for electrochemical and solution-chemical reduction and detection of toxic 4-nitrophenol

Hira, Shamim Ahmed,Nallal, Muthuchamy,Park, Kang Hyun Elsevier 2019 Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Vol.298 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study, we utilized functionalized metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as a host matrix to embed silver and palladium (AgPd) bimetallic nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of the as-synthesized materials were characterized Via UV, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, BET and TGA analysis. The as-synthesized materials presented excellent activities toward the electrochemical detection of 4-nitrophenol and its reduction by NaBH<SUB>4</SUB> under ambient conditions. The constructed sensor displayed selective and sensitive determination of 4-NP in the linear concentration range 100–370 μM with a limit of detection of Σ32 nM. Moreover, because of its high specific surface area, high conductivity, and fast charge transfer ability, the sensor displayed good electrocatalytic activity. Moreover, it exhibited excellent selectivity toward 4-NP in the presence of common interfering species. The synthesized catalyst exhibited good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP. It was reusable for five consecutive cycles without a significant loss in its catalytic activity. The applicability of the constructed sensor was explored via the detection of 4-NP in tap water samples at a recovery of ∼100.97%.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Fabrication of PdAg NPs infused metal organic framework (AgPd@UiO-66-NH<SUB>2</SUB>). </LI> <LI> The material exhibits low detection limit and high sensitivity in 4-NP detection. </LI> <LI> It provides good catalytic activity in 4-NP reduction with good recyclability. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Magnetic nanoparticles for bioseparation

Hira Fatima,김교선 한국화학공학회 2017 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.34 No.3

Magnetic bioseparation has been an essential process for decades in all areas of biosciences. A variety of separation processes are being developed. Recently, much attention is being paid to applying magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic bioseparation. The purpose of this review paper is to show the importance of magnetic bioseparation by magnetic nanoparticles. Several synthesis and modification methods of magnetic nanoparticles are documented along with interactions involved in binding of the biomolecules with magnetic nanoparticles. Some practical examples of magnetic bioseparation processes are also discussed to show the efficiency of magnetic bioseparation technique.

CT-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy of Intrathoracic Lesions

Hira Lal,Zafar Neyaz,Alok Nath,Samudra Borah 대한영상의학회 2012 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.13 No.2

Percutaneous CT-guided needle biopsy of mediastinal and pulmonary lesions is a minimally invasive approach for obtaining tissue for histopathological examination. Although it is a widely accepted procedure with relatively few complications, precise planning and detailed knowledge of various aspects of the biopsy procedure is mandatory to avert complications. In this pictorial review, we reviewed important anatomical approaches, technical aspects of the procedure, and its associated complications.

Critical Evaluation of Frontal Image-Based Gender Classification Techniques

Hira Khalid Khan,Abdul Salam Shah,Muhammad Asim Khan 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Signal Processing, Image Vol.9 No.10

The face describes the personality of humans and has adequate importance in the identification and verification process. The human face provides, information as age, gender, face expression and ethnicity. Research has been carried out in the area of face detection, identification, verification, and gender classification to correctly identify humans. The focus of this paper is on gender classification, for which various methods have been formulated based on the measurements of face features. An efficient technique of gender classification helps in accurate identification of a person as male or female and also enhances the performance of other applications like Computer-User Interface, Investigation, Monitoring, Business Profiling and Human Computer Interaction (HCI). In this paper, the most prominent gender classification techniques have been evaluated in terms of their strengths and limitations.

<i>In vivo</i> optogenetic tracing of functional corticocortical connections between motor forelimb areas

Hira, Riichiro,Ohkubo, Fuki,Tanaka, Yasuhiro R.,Masamizu, Yoshito,Augustine, George J.,Kasai, Haruo,Matsuzaki, Masanori Frontiers Media S.A. 2013 Frontiers in neural circuits Vol.7 No.-

<P>Interactions between distinct motor cortical areas are essential for coordinated motor behaviors. In rodents, the motor cortical forelimb areas are divided into at least two distinct areas: the rostral forelimb area (RFA) and the caudal forelimb area (CFA). The RFA is thought to be an equivalent of the premotor cortex (PM) in primates, whereas the CFA is believed to be an equivalent of the primary motor cortex. Although reciprocal connections between the RFA and the CFA have been anatomically identified in rats, it is unknown whether there are functional connections between these areas that can induce postsynaptic spikes. In this study, we used an <I>in vivo</I> Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) photostimulation method to trace the functional connections between the mouse RFA and CFA. Simultaneous electrical recordings were utilized to detect spiking activities induced by synaptic inputs originating from photostimulated areas. This method, in combination with anatomical tracing, demonstrated that the RFA receives strong functional projections from layer 2/3 and/or layer 5a, but not from layer 5b (L5b), of the CFA. Further, the CFA receives strong projections from L5b neurons of the RFA. The onset latency of electrical responses evoked in remote areas upon photostimulation of the other areas was approximately 10 ms, which is consistent with the synaptic connectivity between these areas. Our results suggest that neuronal activities in the RFA and the CFA during movements are formed through asymmetric reciprocal connections.</P>

Assessment of Resistance Induction in Mungbean against Alternaria alternata through RNA Interference

Hira Abbas,Nazia Nahid,Muhammad Shah Nawaz ul Rehman,Tayyaba Shaheen,Sadia Liaquat 한국식물병리학회 2024 Plant Pathology Journal Vol.40 No.1

A comprehensive survey of mungbean-growing areas was conducted to observe leaf spot disease caused by <i>Alternaria alternata</i>. <i>Alternaria</i> leaf spot symptoms were observed on the leaves. Diversity of 50 genotypes of mungbean was assessed against <i>A. alternata</i> and data on pathological traits was subjected to cluster analysis. The results showed that genotypes of mungbean were grouped into four clusters based on resistance parameters under the influence of disease. The principal component biplot demonstrated that all the disease-related parameters (% disease incidence, % disease intensity, lesion area, and % of infection) were strongly correlated with each other. Alt a 1 gene that is precisely found in <i>Alternaria</i> species and is responsible for virulence and pathogenicity. Alt a 1 gene was amplified using gene specific primers. The isolated pathogen produced similar symptoms when inoculated on mungbean and tobacco. The sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, a 600 bp fragment amplified using specific primers, ITS1 and ITS2 showed 100% identity with <i>A. alternata</i>. Potato virus X (PVX) -based silencing vector expressing Alt a 1 gene was constructed to control this pathogen through RNA interference in tobacco. Out of 50 inoculated plants, 9 showed delayed onset of disease. Furthermore, to confirm our findings at molecular level semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used. Both phenotypic and molecular investigation indicated that RNAi induced through the VIGS vector was efficacious in resisting the pathogen in the model host, Tobacco (<i>Nicotiana tabacum</i>). To the best of our knowledge, this study has been reported for the first time.

Rice Hoppers and Associated Virus Diseases in Nepal

Hira Kaji Manandhar,Prem Nidhi Sharma 한국응용곤충학회 2012 한국응용곤충학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2012 No.10

Nepal is endowed with rich diversity in land races of rice and also some wild rice species. Some of them are known for their resistance to insect and diseases, including rice hoppers and viruses. Nepal has so far released 68 improved rice varieties for different domains. With the introduction of improved varieties incidences of insect and diseases increased. Leafhoppers and planthoppers are among the rice insects of economic importance in Nepal. Till a decade ago, rice gundhi bug used to be the most important insect of rice. Now, hoppers have become more important. Of leafhoppers, green leafhopper (Nephotettix nigropictus), white leafhoppers (Cofena spectra) and zig zag leafhopper (Resilia dorsalis) are the common ones. Of them, N. nigropictus was found to transmit rice dwarf phytoreovirus, and N. virescens to transmit rice tungro bacilliform badna virus and rice tungro spherical waikavirus in Nepal. Of planthoppers, brown planthopper (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens) and white-backed planthopper (WbPH) (Sogatella furcifera) are the major ones. Isolated outbreaks of BPH have been recorded from 1977 to recent past years and of WbPH in 1982. However, no virus diseases associated with BPH and WBPH have been recorded in Nepal though some yellow syndrome in large areas has been reported from BPH occurring area (Chitwan) for the last couple of years. It is worth to note that IPM-FFS (farmers’ field school) approach was adopted in 1997 in rice after the outbreak of BPH in Chitwan district. Farmers are practicing wetting and drying of rice fields for the management of BPH. Other management practices recommended include use of biopesticides, predators, light traps, chemicals and resistant varieties. With the objective of monitoring rice planthoppers and associated rice viruses Nepal in 2011 joined “Collaboration network for the management of migratory rice planthoppers and associated virus diseases of rice in Asia” - a regional project of Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiatives (AFACI), Korea.

An Empirical Study on Emotional Intensity and the Influence of Product Involvement in the Context of the Integrative Framework

Pradip Hira Sadarangani,Sanjaya S. Gaur 한국마케팅과학회 2003 마케팅과학연구 Vol.12 No.-

A model is proposed for the role of emotional intensity of a web site, and the moderating influence of product involvement, in the Integrative Framework of persuasion (Meyers-Levy and Malvaiya 1999). The model also appropriately operationalizes the constructs emotional intensity of a web site and product involvement. The three routes to persuasion, Central, Peripheral, and Experiential correspond to high, moderate, and low involvement (Meyers-Levy and Malaviya 1999). The involvement construct is measured from message recipients using the Personal Product Inventory (PII), which was developed to capture the concept of product involvement (Zaichkowsky 1985). the conceptualization of the Personal Product Inventory is a contextfree measure that also has robust psychometric properties when applied to advertisements (Zaichkowsky 1994). The propositions highlight the expected importance of emotional intensity of a web site. the moderating influence of product involvement is also proposed. Specifically, what this work proposes is that the emotional intensity of a product site has a larger impact on attitude change under low product involvement, as opposed to moderate product inolvement. support for this reasoning can be found in the persuasion literature (Petty et al 1986). The Petty et al (1986) frame work is a dual process descriptive and predictive frame work in the area of attitude formation and change. Recently, Myers Levy and Malaviya (1999) have proposed a tri-process framework. This is in turn based on the dual process model of Petty et al. (1986). The study outlined in this paper aims to deepen the Meyers Levy and Malaviya (1999) and frame work. The propositions outlined in the model are empirically tested using a repeated measures experimental design. The emotional intensity is measured using a scale that is based on experts judgments. Using a paired comparison t-test two sites are determined to be of high and low emotional intensity. the model is tested using a repeated measures experimental design. The first independent variable Emotional Intensity of the site is manipulated. The Second independent variable, Personal Product Inventory is measured. While, the dependent variable, product attitude change will also be measured. Utilizing Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) the data is analyze using SPSS. The results suggest that besides the rational content of messages their emotional content can also influence attitude change. Specifically, it is proposed that the manipulation of emotional intensity of a product Web site has a greater impact on product attitudes under high and low product involvement conditions, rather than moderate product involvement. However, the results for product involvement as a continuous variable has a p value of 0.09. Further, the results for three levels of product involvement were far from significant. For two levels of product involvement also, the results were insignificant, the p value approached 0.20. This evidence indicates that it is premature to conclude that there are three routes to persuasion. A caveat, however, must be added, in that the manipulations may not have been strong enough to test the proposed hypotheses. Further, undoubtedly, there is unequivocal evidence the emotional intensity of a product Web site, as measured here, has a direct impact on product attitudes.