Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Mortality Factors and Host Resistance on the Population Dynamics of Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Urban Forests

ABSTRACT The success of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) in North America is hypothesized to be due to both the lack of significant natural enemies permitting easy establishment and a population of trees that lack the ability to defend themselves, which allows populations to grow unchecked. Since its discovery in 2002, a number of studies have examined mortality factors of the insect in forests, but none have examined the role of natural enemies and other mortality agents in the urban forest. This is significant because it is in the urban forest where the emerald ash borer has had the most significant economic impacts. We studied populations in urban forests in three municipalities in Ontario, Canada, between 2010 and 2012 using life tables and stage-specific survivorship to analyze data from a split-rearing manipulative experiment. We found that there was little overall mortality caused by natural enemies; most mortality we did observe was caused by disease. Stage-specific survivorship was lowest in small and large larvae, supporting previous observations of high mortality in these two stages. We also used our data to test the hypothesis that mortality and density in emerald ash borer are linked. Our results support the prediction of a negative relationship between mortality and density. However, the relationship varies between insects developing in the crown and those in the trunk of the tree. This relationship was significant because when incorporated with previous findings, it suggests a mechanism and hypothesis to explain the outbreak dynamics of the emerald ash borer.
Decreased Spermatogenesis, Fertility, and Altered Slc2A Expression in Akt1−/− and Akt2−/− Testes and Sperm

Akt is serine/threonine protein kinase associated with various cellular processes and 3 different isoforms exist. This work describes the reproductive phenotype of Akt1−/− and Akt2−/− in male mice. The seminiferous tubule diameter in Akt1−/− testes was less than wild-type or Akt2−/− testes. The expression of phospho-phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (p-PTEN) and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) was elevated in Akt1−/− testes. Alterations in expression and localization to the plasma membrane of several facilitative glucose transporters (Slc2a8, 9a and 9b) were detected in these knockout compared to wild-type mice. Apoptotic sperm were more prevalent in both null mice compared to wild-type mice, whereas sperm concentration and motility were significantly lower in the null sperm. Finally, Akt2−/− sperm had a markedly decreased fertilization rate by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and resulting embryos displayed increased fragmentation and poor growth. These results suggest that altered SLC2A expression and increased PTEN and GSK3β activity may be responsible for the decreased spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and fertilization in the Akt1−/− and Akt2−/− male mice.
More on corporate diversification, firm size and value creation

This paper examines the impact of corporate diversification and firm size on the value creation over the 1997-2005 period for twenty-five non-banking firms listed on Tunis Stock Exchange. Our results confirm previous studies in that shares of diversified firms sell at a discount. Moreover, value creation is found to be positively associated with larger firms.
Matrix GLA protein and BMP‐2 regulate osteoinduction in calcifying vascular cells

Expression of matrix GLA protein (MGP), an alleged calcification inhibitor, is increased in calcified arteries. We used calcifying vascular cells (CVC) that form calcified nodules in vitro to clarify the importance of MGP in vascular cell calcification and differentiation. Unexpectedly, MGP dose‐dependently increased calcification in CVC. It also increased expression of the osteogenic marker Cbfal, while decreasing expression of the smooth muscle marker α‐actin as assessed by immunoblotting. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), a known osteoinductive factor also increased calcification and osteogenic differentiation in CVC. We hypothesized that the effect of MGP was linked to that of BMP‐2 since previous studies show that MGP modulates BMP‐2 activity. Therefore, we compared the effect of MGP at different levels of exogenous BMP‐2. Results showed that high BMP‐2 levels significantly increased the stimulatory effect of low levels of MGP. A relative inhibition of calcification was observed at intermediate levels of MGP and a trend towards renewed stimulation at high levels of MGP. Thus, addition of MGP either promoted or inhibited calcification, depending on the relative amounts of BMP‐2 and MGP. This was confirmed in human CVC with different relative expression of BMP‐2 and MGP. Calcification in CVC with high relative expression of BMP‐2 was inhibited by MGP, while calcification in CVC with low relative expression of BMP‐2 was stimulated by MGP. MGP and BMP‐2 both accelerated nodule formation, but had opposite effects on nodule size; MGP decreased while BMP‐2 increased nodule size. The effect of BMP‐2 may partly be explained by a BMP‐2 induced decrease in MGP expression. Together, our results suggest that the effect of MGP on calcification and osteogenic differentiation is determined by availability of BMP‐2. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flexible and Creative Chinese Poetry Generation Using Neural Memory

It has been shown that Chinese poems can be successfully generated by sequence-to-sequence neural models, particularly with the attention mechanism. A potential problem of this approach, however, is that neural models can only learn abstract rules, while poem generation is a highly creative process that involves not only rules but also innovations for which pure statistical models are not appropriate in principle. This work proposes a memory augmented neural model for Chinese poem generation, where the neural model and the augmented memory work together to balance the requirements of linguistic accordance and aesthetic innovation, leading to innovative generations that are still rule-compliant. In addition, it is found that the memory mechanism provides interesting flexibility that can be used to generate poems with different styles.
Self and Peer Assessment in Software Engineering Projects

Team software engineering projects can enhance student learning and commitment, but it is challenging to determine a method of assessment that assesses the intended learning outcomes; particularly when assessing teamwork and an individual's contribution to the team's work. The students themselves are often the best source of meaningful data, and self and peer assessment is a valuable part of the whole assessment scheme. To ensure the integrity of the final grade it is necessary to use a variety of tools and to check the correlation between data from different sources. To increase the learning opportunities it is useful to repeat some assessment tasks during the course. However, this can be time-consuming for the lecturer to collate and analyse, and providing timely feedback to the students is difficult. Web-based peer assessment offers an opportunity to provide quality, timely feedback in a way that is manageable by the lecturer.
Intertemporal profitability and the stability of technical analysis: evidences from the Hong Kong stock exchange

This study investigates the impact of market integration on the profitability of two simple and popular technical trading rules, the Simple Moving Average (SMA) and the Trading Range Break (TRB) in Hong Kong. Using data from 1972 to 2006, we find that the SMA (1, 50) consistently outperforms the market before the integration of stock exchanges in 1986. Under the (1, 50) rule, a variable length moving average performs better than the fixed length moving average rule by 2.5 to 5% (annual) before transaction costs because it includes the information of the first 9 days into investors’ decision. The results are robust to the out of sample tests for the validity of the profitability of the trading rules. The returns of the trading range break rules are insignificant over the 35-year span. Our results support the conjecture that stock market integration may lead to better information efficiency. The findings of significant pre-1986 profits and insignificant post-1986 profits, contradict previous findings that returns are predictable in Hong Kong, suggesting that the Hong Kong stock market may be weak-form efficient after 1986. Overall, our results suggest that technical analysis matters for asset pricing.
Characterizing patellar tendon loading during the landing phases of a stop‐jump task

Excessive extensor mechanism loading from repeated landing has been associated with overuse knee injuries, especially patellar tendinopathy. In order to reduce these loads, it is important to establish which landing task places the highest load on the patellar tendon. It was hypothesized that the horizontal landing would create higher patellar tendon force (FPT) compared with the vertical landing. Sixteen male athletes with healthy patellar tendons performed five successful trials of a stop‐jump task, which involved a symmetrical two‐foot landing after a horizontal approach (horizontal landing) followed by another symmetrical two‐foot landing after a vertical jump (vertical landing). For both lower limbs during each trial, the participants' ground reaction forces were recorded, three‐dimensional kinematics measured and FPT calculated by dividing the net knee joint moment by the patellar tendon moment arm. Compared with the vertical landing, significantly higher FPT, posterior ground reaction forces and FPT loading rates were generated during the horizontal landing, despite lower vertical ground reaction forces (FV), highlighting the notion that FV should not be used to reflect FPT. Understanding that a horizontal landing task places the highest load on the patellar tendon, provides an appropriate framework for future research to investigate lower limb landing strategies in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.
The Components of Mutual Fund Fees

Several research studies have found that mutual fund expense ratios decline as funds get larger. This paper decomposes the annual expense ratios of actively managed domestic equity funds into their component fees. Most of the observed decline in total expense ratios comes from the small fees paid to outside service providers and the large majority of this decline occurs for the smallest one third of funds. The largest component of the expense ratio, advisory fees, is essentially constant for larger funds. The second largest component, marketing fees, increases as fund assets grow.
Current status of production and consumption of tilapia in selected Asian countries

Abstract An assessment of the status of production and consumption of tilapia in five Asian countries was made to provide a baseline for the analysis of the potential benefits of the introduction of a new, improved strain of Nile tilapia. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the profile of tilapia fanners and their farming systems, costs, returns and productivity of tilapia production, and fish consumption patterns in Bangladesh, China, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, using data from household surveys conducted by ICLARM and its partners in 1995–96. Farmers grow tilapia in varied farming environments depending on the nature of their farmland and on their investment capacity. Tilapia is cultured mainly in semi‐intensive systems on small and medium farms. The average farm size (pond area) of the surveyed pond operators varies from 0.60 ha (0.05 ha) in Bangladesh to 4.91 ha (1.56 ha) in the Philippines. In Asia, tilapia farming is very profitable. The productivity, costs of production and profitability of tilapia farms vary considerably among countries and production environments. Tilapia fanning is becoming increasingly commercial with a large proportion of production is marketed. Tilapia is consumed mainly by poor consumers because of its relatively low price compared to other fish species.
Tutoring Programs for Academically Underprepared College Students: A Review of the Literature.

Orchestrating the success of underprepared college students is a major area of focus for many post-secondary learning institutions. One-to-one tutoring is the support service most often provided to these students. However, the effectiveness of tutoring as an intervention is controversial. Some see tutoring as supportive of student learning. Others see tutoring as ineffective, inefficient, and even harmful. Still others report that tutoring works under certain conditions but not under other conditions or with specific populations of students. This literature review was designed to critically review the research on college tutoring practices and clarify the efficacy issue and outcomes related to college tutoring programs.
Cost-benefit analysis in correspondence related to building the Rideau Canal

The relationship between government and the military is examined through the use of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) statements included in correspondence related to building the Rideau Canal. Discourse analysis is used to identify and evaluate CBA statements. CBA statements are used for rhetorical, technical and reporting purposes. Rhetorical uses of CBA predominate in the period leading up to the construction of the Rideau Canal. CBA as a tool for decision-making of a technical nature is common during the construction of the canal. CBA serves both rhetorical and technical purposes in progress reports. Patterns in the use of CBA in correspondence between government and military are also analysed and reveal a number of communication channels where communication using CBA statements between government and the military is either common or is lacking.
Resources reduction and welfare changes: tensions between social workers and organisations. The Italian case in child protection services

Within the field of studies on professionalism, this paper explores the changes in roles of social workers and the new tensions emerging in the relationship with their organisational contexts, due to the reduction of resources and the introduction of neoliberal and managerial policies in the welfare system. The paper is based on qualitative research carried out through 32 in-depth interviews with frontline social workers engaged in child and family services in Italy. The paper investigates how spending cuts have affected the relationship with the organisation arguing that the ways the cuts are implemented, as well as the room for professional recognition set by the organisation, are relevant. A four-character social worker typology is outlined, drawn from the intersection of two meaningful dimensions: sense of belonging and critical thinking. It is argued that a ‘critically engaged’ type points to a new form of professionalism that may emerge from the current crisis of the relationship between the organisation and social workers.
Submicrometer Ultralow-Power TFT With 1.8 nm NAOS $ \hbox{SiO}_{2}/\hbox{20} \ \hbox{nm}$ CVD $\hbox{SiO}_{2}$  Gate Stack Structure

We have fabricated submicrometer ultralow-power thin-film transistors (TFTs) with stack gate dielectric structure formed by the nitric acid oxidation of Si (NAOS) method. A 1.8 nm NAOS SiO2 layer effectively blocks the leakage current, and consequently, the thickness of a gate oxide layer deposited on the NAOS SiO2 layer can be made as thin as 20 nm. Because of the thin gate oxide layer, submicrometer TFTs with gate length in the range of 0.6-0.9 μm can be fabricated. The operation voltage of the TFTs can be set as low as 1.5 V because of the low threshold voltages (i.e., -0.6 V for P-ch TFT and 0.6 V for N-ch TFT). The drain current versus source-drain voltage curves possess an ideal feature with sufficiently high saturation currents even at 1.5 V operation voltage. The drain current versus gate voltage curves show a sharp current increase, and the subthreshold swing value is ~80 mV/dec for both P-ch and N-ch TFTs. The on/off ratio is ~109 for both P-ch and N-ch TFTs, and the channel mobility is ~100 cm2/V·s for P-ch TFT and ~200 cm2/V·s for N-ch TFT.
Regional Technology Initiatives: Some Insights from the English Regions

The paper presents findings from recent research on the policy role and experience of a number of Regional Technology Initiatives (RTIs) aimed at supporting innovation and technology transfer, particularly in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the English regions. The findings are discussed in relation to recent theoretical debates around innovation processes within SMEs, regional innovation systems and learning/actor networks. A primary concern is to understand the factors shaping the evolution of such initiatives and the lessons to be learnt from the experience to date. In this respect discussion focuses on four key issues: the funding driven nature of most of the initiatives; the move away from simply making new technology more accessible to a more client-need centred approach; the structural and cultural obstacles to improved links between academia and SMEs and how some of these can be ameliorated; and the issue of strategic integration between business support agencies within a region to support longer term economic development agendas. The paper concludes that the long-term viability of the RTIs will be dependent on their continuing capacity to anticipate and respond to an evolving, and to some extent uncertain, regional policy context.
Trends in the Transitory Variance of Earnings: Evidence from Sweden 1960-1990 and a Comparison with the United States

I decompose the cross-sectional variance of male annual earnings in Sweden between 1960 and 1990 into permanent and transitory components. The transitory variance increased until the early 1970s, declined during the remainder of the decade and then rose again during the second half of the 1980s. The permanent variance declined over the whole sample period but its decrease was much more rapid up until the early 1980s than afterwards. Comparing the results for the transitory variance with evidence from the U.S. reveals sharp differences. Most notably, the transitory variance of U.S. earnings rose sharply from the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s. An important explanation for these dissimilarities appears to be labor market institutions. In particular, it is likely that centralized solidarity bargaining in Sweden imposed constraints on earnings instability during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Working Paper

The servitization of the manufacturing sector refers to the evolution of manufacturers' capabilities to offer services as a complement to or a substitute for the goods that they produce. A vast literature has described these strategies and has shown that this phenomenon is widespread and growing in most developed economies. However, very little systematic evidence of the extent or consequences of servitization based on a comprehensive dataset of firms exists. In this paper, we provide such evidence using exhaustive data for French manufacturing firms between 1997 and 2007. We find that the vast majority of French manufacturers sell services in addition to producing goods. The shift toward services is growing steadily but at a slow pace. We also provide evidence of a causal impact of servitization on firm performance. Controlling for various sources of endogeneity bias, we find that firms that start selling services experience an increase in their profitability between 3.7% and 5.3%, increase their employment by 30%, increase their total sales by 3.7%, and increase their sales of goods by 3.6%. The results hold for most industries, although some heterogeneity exists.
The Effects of Monetary Policy on Inflation in Ghana

This study looks at the effects of monetary policy on inflation in Ghana. Annual data from 1985-2009 were used to estimate the model. The study limited itself to these variables, interest rate, exchange rate and money supply on inflation. In Ghana the bank of Ghana is responsible for controlling money supply. The results showed a long-run positive relationship between money supply and inflation, negative relationship between interest rate and inflation however a positive relationship between exchange rate and inflation. The study recommends that monetary policy alone should not be used to control inflation but fiscal and other non monetary measures must be employed. Key words: Monetary Policy, Inflation, Money supply Interest rate, Exchange rate
Ethnic background and the transition from vocational education to work: a multi‐level analysis of the differences in labour market outcomes

This article focuses on the impact of ethnic background on employment and earnings among people with a vocational education in Norway. I differentiate between three different groups: majority, first‐generation non‐Westerners and second‐generation non‐Westerners. Panel data from several public register databases of the entire population of graduates from Norwegian vocational schools from 1997 to 2001 (N = 54,453) are used. The aim of this article is to uncover ethnic inequality in the labour market among vocational graduates and try to understand these differences. By using multi‐level linear and logistic regression analysis methods it is shown that the majority have significantly higher earnings than the first‐ and second‐generation non‐western ethnic minorities; however, the earning gap is closing with time since graduation. The analyses also show that the ethnic differences in earnings are minor when we compare individuals who are fully employed. Results for employment show that the first‐generation non‐western minorities have a lower probability for full employment as compared to the majority, but the second‐generation minorities experience only a minor disadvantage. Finally, I found that the disparity in annual earnings between the first‐generation non‐western minorities and the majority increases with increasing non‐western ethnic concentration and unemployment rate in local labour markets.
PENGARUH CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO, NON PERFORMING LOAN DAN DANA PIHAK KETIGA PADA PROFITABILITAS

Bank important it’s the institutiones acts as of financialy intermedediary betweened havee a fundss which required funding. Regional Development Bank (BPD) Bali is a special area banks running the local economy by offering savings and loans to customers. My reaserched examiness so it’s effecct capital adequacy ratio, non-performing loans and deposits on profitability in BPD Bali. The data used include the financial statements and annual reports BPD Bali during the period 2005 - 2012. The sampling technique using saturated sample, so that the population used all customers of BPD Bali. Based on the analysis of the results obtained capital adequacy ratio (CAR) has positive effect on profitability BPD Bali, non-performing loan (NPL) and the negative impact of third party funds have negative effect on the profitability of BPD Bali. Keyword : ratio, BPD Bali, profitability
The Impact of Spatial Imbalance and Socioeconomic Characteristics on Average Distance Commuted in the Sydney Metropolitan Area

There is no consensus on the relationship between urban form and commuting behaviour in the international literature. However, there has been limited Australian research on commuting patterns. In this paper, an integrated spatial econometric model which utilises a number of proxies for urban form is employed to analyse the determinants of average commuting distance by occupation across Statistical Local Areas in the Sydney metropolitan area of New South Wales. It is found that, in contrast to a number of US studies, the jobs to residents ratio is an inadequate proxy for urban form and that both the minimum commute and measures of job proximity have superior explanatory power in concert with a range of socioeconomic variables, including occupational prestige, educational attainment and weekly hours of work.