Malaysia, institutions and the middle-income trap : challenges in human capital development and income inequality in the manufacturing sector

Malaysia's growth performance in recent years has been lacklustre. This research attempts to identify what institutional issues may have contributed to this performance. The research examines the impact of institutional quality on economic performance generally. The study proceeds at two levels: at the cross-country level and at the sectoral level. The research uses econometric and case study analysis to explain the effects of institutions on economic performance and identify the fundamental causes of less satisfactory economic outcomes. Recommendations for institutional reform then follow. At the cross-country level, a stochastic frontier model was used to analyse the relationship between institutions and economic efficiency, to rank the economic efficiency of Malaysia in relation to other countries over time, and to explain what the reasons are for changes in economic performance. Economic efficiency is defined here by measuring numerically a best practice frontier and evaluating the performance of countries included in the study (or other economic units) relative to that best practice frontier. The results suggest that overall, and at the middle income level, institutions related to 'Government Effectiveness' have the strongest impact on economic efficiency. Institutions related to 'Control of Corruption' and 'Rule of Law' are important to economic efficiency at the middle income level while institutions related to the 'Rule of Law' matter the most to economic efficiency at the high income level. Using a case study approach, the thesis investigates the links between human capital development and manufacturing sector output and the determinants of wage inequality in the manufacturing sector. A stochastic frontier model is again used, here to investigate the contribution of the different skills level to manufacturing sector output. The results demonstrate that unskilled labour contributes most significantly manufacturing sector output. Using the 'supply-demand-institutions' framework and implementing it within a modified industry wage equation framework, the determinants of the wage gap at the industry level in the manufacturing sector were identified. Difference in skill levels are found to have the biggest impact on increasing the wage gap in Malaysia's manufacturing sector. The analysis suggests three key reasons for the weak human capital development in Malaysia's manufacturing sector. First, Malaysia's education and training institutions have failed to produce skilled labour in sufficient numbers and quality. Second, skills development through training, retraining and up-skilling in the manufacturing sector has not produced the required human capital with the appropriate skills. Private sector linkages as well as the public-private sector partnerships that are necessary for effective training and development are at much lower and unsatisfactory levels in Malaysia's manufacturing sector compared to the successful East Asian economies. Third, labour policies in the manufacturing sector provide incentives for firms to rely on unskilled or semi-skilled labour rather than use high skilled labour. The unlimited supply of unskilled labour and weak human capital formation in the manufacturing sector (that Malaysian policy and institutional settings allow) in turn leads to increasing wage inequality. The government's response to human capital development and income inequality is primarily race-based, and has failed to resolve these issues. This approach is unlikely to be successful in addressing the middle-income trap. A move away from race-based institutions will be necessary to break through the middle income trap

Active inference and robot control: a case study.

Active inference is a general framework for perception and action that is gaining prominence in computational and systems neuroscience but is less known outside these fields. Here, we discuss a proof-of-principle implementation of the active inference scheme for the control or the 7-DoF arm of a (simulated) PR2 robot. By manipulating visual and proprioceptive noise levels, we show under which conditions robot control under the active inference scheme is accurate. Besides accurate control, our analysis of the internal system dynamics (e.g. the dynamics of the hidden states that are inferred during the inference) sheds light on key aspects of the framework such as the quintessentially multimodal nature of control and the differential roles of proprioception and vision. In the discussion, we consider the potential importance of being able to implement active inference in robots. In particular, we briefly review the opportunities for modelling psychophysiological phenomena such as sensory attenuation and related failures of gain control, of the sort seen in Parkinson's disease. We also consider the fundamental difference between active inference and optimal control formulations, showing that in the former the heavy lifting shifts from solving a dynamical inverse problem to creating deep forward or generative models with dynamics, whose attracting sets prescribe desired behaviours

Active Inference, epistemic value, and vicarious trial and error

Balancing habitual and deliberate forms of choice entails a comparison of their respective merits—the former being faster but inflexible, and the latter slower but more versatile. Here, we show that arbitration between these two forms of control can be derived from first principles within an Active Inference scheme. We illustrate our arguments with simulations that reproduce rodent spatial decisions in T-mazes. In this context, deliberation has been associated with vicarious trial and error (VTE) behavior (i.e., the fact that rodents sometimes stop at decision points as if deliberating between choice alternatives), whose neurophysiological correlates are “forward sweeps” of hippocampal place cells in the arms of the maze under consideration. Crucially, forward sweeps arise early in learning and disappear shortly after, marking a transition from deliberative to habitual choice. Our simulations show that this transition emerges as the optimal solution to the trade-off between policies that maximize reward or extrinsic value (habitual policies) and those that also consider the epistemic value of exploratory behavior (deliberative or epistemic policies)—the latter requiring VTE and the retrieval of episodic information via forward sweeps. We thus offer a novel perspective on the optimality principles that engender forward sweeps and VTE, and on their role on deliberate choice

Osteogenic effects of simvastatin-loaded mesoporous titania thin films

The use of statins in the field of bone regeneration is under current investigation due to the existing demand for non-toxic anabolic agents capable of enhancing bone formation in cases of substantial loss. Simvastatin, a coenzyme currently prescribed in clinics to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis, has been proven to promote osteogenic differentiation by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting osteoclasts activity. We present the loading of simvastatin in mesoporous TiO2 thin films toward combining the pro-osteogenic properties of this molecule with the demonstrated bioactivity of titania. TiO2 thin films processing and characterization were carried out, as well as evaluation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts viability when directly incubated with different concentrations of simvastatin, followed by the analysis of osteogenic activity promoted by simvastatin upon loading in the thin films. The accessible porosity of 36% quantified on the 95 ± 5 nm thick mesoporous thin films, together with pore diameters of 5.5 nm, necks between pores of 2.8 nm and interpore distances of 12 ± 2 nm allow the loading of the simvastatin molecule, as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Simvastatin was found to promote MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts viability at concentrations ≤0.01 g l−1, with a cytotoxicity threshold of 0.05 g l−1. We additionally found that film loadings with 0.001 g l−1 simvastatin promotes statistically higher MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast proliferation whereas a higher concentration of 0.01 g l−1 leads to statistically higher osteogenic activity (ALP synthesis), after 21 days of incubation, as compared to unloaded films. These results demonstrate the potential of simvastatin local administration based on bioactive mesoporous thin films to promote pro-osteogenic properties. By focusing this strategy on the coating of metallic prostheses, the supply of simvastatin to the target tissue can be favored and risks of systemic side effects will be reduced while enhancing the osteointegration of the implants.Fil: Lopez Alvarez, Miriam. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: López Puente, Vanesa. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: Rodriguez Valencia, Cosme. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: Angelome, Paula Cecilia. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Liz Marzan, Luis M. Ikerbasque; EspañaFil: Serra, Julia. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: Pastoriza Santos, Isabel. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: Gonzalez, Pio. Universidad de Vigo; Españ

Propuesta de mejora de la rentabilidad de la empresa RESEP S.R.L. basado en la implementación de una línea de producción de espárragos (Asparagus officinalis) para exportación

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo principal desarrollar propuestas de mejora orientadas a la organización e incremento de la rentabilidad en el campo de cultivo de la empresa RESEP S.R.L., ubicado en Macabí Alto, La Libertad. Se analizó la situación actual tanto externa e interna de la unidad de negocio de la empresa y mediante el uso del Diagrama de Ishikawa y Pareto se identificó las causas raíz. En consecuencia, se determinaron como soluciones implementar una línea de producción post cosecha, reorganizar el almacén de insumos y materia prima basado en la demanda y condiciones de almacenamiento, e implementar un almacén de refrigeración. Mediante el desarrollo de la disposición de planta, se calculó un área total de 901,95 m2, que incluye la zona de producción, almacenes, área administrativa, comedor, instalación sanitaria, área de carga y descarga, y estacionamiento. La inversión total para la implementación de las soluciones es de S/. 401 364. El 70% de este monto se recaudará a través de un financiamiento bancario con una tasa anual de 13,86%. Finalmente, se obtuvo un VAN financiero de S/ 390 665, un TIR de 58%, y un periodo de recupero de 2,73 años, es decir el proyecto resulta viable para la empresa.The main objective of this research is to develop improvement proposals for the organization and increase profitability in the cultivation field of the company RESEP S.R.L., located in Macabí Alto, La Libertad. The current situation both external and internal of the business unit of the company were analyzed and through the Ishikawa and Pareto Diagram identified the root causes. Consequently, the solutions were determined to implement a post-harvest production line, reorganize the supply and raw material warehouse based on demand and storage conditions, and implement a refrigeration warehouse. Through the development of the plant layout, a total area of 901,95 m2 was calculated, which includes the production area, warehouses, administrative area, dining room, sanitary facility, loading and unloading area, and parking. The total investment for the implementation of the solutions is S /. 401 364. 70% of this amount will be collected through bank financing with an annual rate of 13,86%. Finally, a financial NPV of S / 390 665, an IRR of 58%, and a payback period of 2,73 years, that is, the project is viable for the company

Complement activation mediates cetuximab inhibition of non-small cell lung cancer tumor growth in vivo

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cetuximab, an antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), increases survival in patients with advanced EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer when administrated in combination with chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the role of complement activation in the antitumor mechanism of this therapeutic drug.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>EGFR-expressing lung cancer cell lines were able to bind cetuximab and initiate complement activation by the classical pathway, irrespective of the mutational status of EGFR. This activation led to deposition of complement components and increase in complement-mediated cell death. The influence of complement activation on the activity of cetuximab <it>in vivo </it>was evaluated in xenografts of A549 lung cancer cells on nude mice. A549 cells express wild-type EGFR and have a KRAS mutation. Cetuximab activity against A549 xenografts was highly dependent on complement activation, since complement depletion completely abrogated the antitumor efficacy of cetuximab. Moreover, cetuximab activity was significantly higher on A549 cells in which a complement inhibitor, factor H, was genetically downregulated.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We demonstrate for the first time that the <it>in vivo </it>antitumor activity of cetuximab can be associated with a complement-mediated immune response. These results may have important implications for the development of new cetuximab-based therapeutic strategies and for the identification of markers that predict clinical response.</p

Recaudación de impuestos municipales en la Municipalidad Provincial de Chupaca 2018-2019

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la recaudación de impuestos municipales en la Municipalidad Provincial de Chupaca en el periodo 2018-2019. El marco metodológico, responde a una investigación con un diseño no experimental, de tipo descriptiva, cuantitativa. La población estuvo constituida por los registros de recaudación de impuestos municipales, correspondientes al periodo 2018-2019, el tipo del muestreo fue no probabilístico. Los resultados del estudio establecieron que la recaudación de impuestos municipales se basa principalmente en: Impuesto predial con un 75%, impuesto de alcabala con un 15% y el impuesto vehicular 5%. La Municipalidad Provincial de Chupaca está constituido por 7 distritos presentando aspectos negativos en la recaudación pues el total de distritos no sobrepasan los 290 mil soles de impuestos municipales lo que ha generado que no se cuente con los ingresos necesarios para brindar los servicios que la población requiere, sobre todo por la morosidad por parte de los contribuyentes y la falta de capacidad recaudadora de la entidad. El estudio del análisis cuantitativo realizado concluyó: Se evidencia que existe una deficiente recaudación de impuestos, lo cual lleva a proponer medidas y estrategias para reforzar e incrementar el monto recaudado con lo cual sea posible realizar mayor cantidad de obra a favor de la provincia de Chupaca.LIMAEscuela Profesional de ContabilidadTRIBUTO

Diseño de un modelo estratégico para prevenir los riesgos psicosociales de Cymacosta S.A.S a través del sistema de salud ocupacional con énfasis en la gestión del conocimiento

El presente trabajo fue realizado como requisito par a obtener el título de administradores de empresas, basados en lo solicitado en el curso del diplomado de profundización en Gerencia del Talento Humano. La investigación realizada fue de tipo descriptiva, con corte Cualitativa con interpretación cuantitativa y su desarrollo se describe en cinco capítulos: Inicia con un primer capítulo se planteó el problema relacionado con la salud ocupacional para el empresa Cymacosta S.A.S, el segundo capítulo contiene las teorías relacionadas con la temática, literatura que sirvió de base para la argumentación y descripción del trabajo, en el capítulo tres, se establecieron los procedimientos utilizados para la indagación de los datos necesarios para el estudio, en consecuencia en el capítulo cuarto se presentan los resultados obtenidos mediante el instrumento utilizado en la recolección de la información y finaliza con el capítulo cinco en el que se realizan las recomendaciones del caso frente a los hallazgos encontrados, luego se plantea la propuesta basada en el Modelo de Nonaka y Takeuchi y por último se entregan las conclusiones a que se llegó producto del desarrollo de estudio y para el área indicadaThe present work was carried out as a requirement to obtain the title of business administrators, based on what was requested in the course of the Diploma of Deepening in Human Talent Management. The research carried out was of the descriptive type, with a qualitative cut with quantitative interpretation and its development is described in five chapters: It begins with a first chapter the problem related to Occupational Health was raised for the company CYMACOSTA SAA, the second chapter contains the theories related to the topic, literature that served as the basis for the argumentation and description of the work, in chapter three, established the procedures used for the investigation of the data necessary for the study, consequently in the fourth chapter the results obtained through the instrument used in the collection of information are presented and ends with chapter five in which the recommendations of the case in front of the found findings, then the proposal based on the Nonaka and Takeuchi Model is presented and finally the conclusions reached are the product of the study development and for the indicated are

A Multicenter, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Saroglitazar in Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Introduction: Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) without biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) are at increased risk of liver-related mortality. Saroglitazar is a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist with dual PPAR agonistic properties (α/γ). There is a strong mechanistic rationale for studying saroglitazar in PBC because PPARα is a molecular target of fibrates that showed improvements in liver tests in patients with PBC. Methods: In this 16-week, open-label, phase 3 study, 37 patients were screened across 3 clinical centers to enroll 7 patients. All patients received daily dose of saroglitazar 4 mg for 16 weeks in addition to their ongoing treatment with UDCA. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level at week 16 as compared to baseline. Results: Mean age of the study population was 51.1 ± 10.0 years, all patients were female of Mexican descent, and mean body mass index was 25.5± = 4.8 kg/m2. Six (85.7%) patients reported taking ursodiol at baseline and continued throughout the study with a mean daily dosage of 417 mg. Among these, the daily dosage of UDCA 500 mg in 4 and 250 mg in 2 subjects, respectively. The mean baseline ALP level was 230 ± 103 U/L. The primary efficacy endpoint, mean change (reduction) from baseline in ALP concentration at week 16 based on the modified intent-to-treat population was -94 ± 53 U/L (P = 0.003), corresponding to a reduction of 48 ± 23%. Treatment with saroglitazar 4 mg resulted in a rapid and sustained decrease of ALP levels at week 4 (-84 ± 47 U/L, P = 0.003). Six patients who completed the study achieved mean ALP reduction of at least 40% at week 4 and all subsequent visits. Discussion: Although the study was terminated because of lack of enrollment, saroglitazar daily for 16 weeks resulted in rapid and sustained improvements in ALP with an acceptable safety profile in patients with PBC

Development of a novel splice array platform and its application in the identification of alternative splice variants in lung cancer

Abstract Background Microarrays strategies, which allow for the characterization of thousands of alternative splice forms in a single test, can be applied to identify differential alternative splicing events. In this study, a novel splice array approach was developed, including the design of a high-density oligonucleotide array, a labeling procedure, and an algorithm to identify splice events. Results The array consisted of exon probes and thermodynamically balanced junction probes. Suboptimal probes were tagged and considered in the final analysis. An unbiased labeling protocol was developed using random primers. The algorithm used to distinguish changes in expression from changes in splicing was calibrated using internal non-spliced control sequences. The performance of this splice array was validated with artificial constructs for CDC6, VEGF, and PCBP4 isoforms. The platform was then applied to the analysis of differential splice forms in lung cancer samples compared to matched normal lung tissue. Overexpression of splice isoforms was identified for genes encoding CEACAM1, FHL-1, MLPH, and SUSD2. None of these splicing isoforms had been previously associated with lung cancer. Conclusions This methodology enables the detection of alternative splicing events in complex biological samples, providing a powerful tool to identify novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancer and other pathologies