Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Southern Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Incognita) Affects Common Cocklebur (Xanthium Strumarium) Interference with Cotton

Abstract Southern root-knot nematode and common cocklebur interfere with cotton growth and yield. A greater understanding of the interaction of these pests with cotton growth and yield is needed for effective integrated pest management (IPM). An additive design was used in outdoor microplots with five common cocklebur densities (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 plants per plot) growing in competition with cotton, with and without the presence of southern root-knot nematode. Differences in cotton height could not be detected among common cocklebur densities or nematode presence at 3 wk after transplanting (WAT); however, differences in crop height were observed at 5 WAT between nematode treatments. In the absence of nematodes, the relationship between cotton yield loss and common cocklebur density was described by a rectangular hyperbolic regression model (P < 0.0001). Maximum yield loss from common cocklebur in the absence of nematodes exceeded 80%. In the presence of nematodes, there was a linear relationship between cotton yield loss and common cocklebur density (P = 0.0506). The presence of nematodes at each common cocklebur density increased cotton yield loss 15 to 35%. Common cocklebur plant biomass was 25% greater in nematode treatments, likely because of the reduced competitiveness of the cotton plants in these plots. This study demonstrates that multiple pests can interact to cause an additive reduction in crop yield. Nomenclature: Common cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium L. XANST cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Kofoid & White (chitwood), host race 3.
A comparison between parameter regionalization and model calibration with flow duration curves for prediction in ungauged catchments

Abstract. Streamflow prediction in ungauged catchments is essential for hydrological applications because most catchments in the world are ungauged. The flow duration curve (FDC) has received increasing attention as a criterion for calibration of runoff models in ungauged catchments; however, performance of the FDC-based model calibration was barely evaluated in comparison with parameter regionalization. In this study, we conducted a comparative assessment between the conventional proximity-based parameter regionalization and the model calibration with regional FDCs. Leave-one-out evaluations of the two methods showed that the proximity-based parameter regionalization outperformed the model calibration with regionalized FDCs in hydrograph prediction. No information of flow timing in FDCs seems to cause high uncertainty in flow predictions. The relative merits of the model calibration with regional FDCs were low bias in predicted flows and high reproducibility of the baseflow index. From the evaluation of flow signature reproducibility, it was indicated that the rising limb density is likely to be orthogonal to the FDCs, and thus additional conditioning with the rising limb density is expected to improve the model calibration with regional FDCs.
Sex allocation in a species with paternal genome elimination: the roles of crowding and female age in the mealybug Planococcus citri

Background: In species with paternal genome elimination, both sexes are diploid. However, in males the chromosomes inherited from the father are deactivated during early development and eliminated from the germ line. Sex allocation theory predicts that, all else being equal, females should bias their offspring sex ratio towards the sex that competes least with relatives. Organism: The mealybug Planococcus citri, a cosmopolitan pest on a wide range of agricultural and ornamental plant species. Hypothesis: In mealybugs, females compete locally for resources. To avoid competition among daughters, females should therefore produce a male-biased sex ratio when alone, but a more equal sex ratio when together with other unrelated females. This will result in a rise of the number of female offspring with density. However, competition associated with population density might have different fitness effects for male and female offspring respectively, because females need more resources and have less opportunity to migrate compared with males, selecting for the opposite pattern of sex allocation. Methods: Measuring sex ratios in an experiment to manipulate the density a female experiences during two life stages. Results: Females that experienced high density as adults produced more male-biased sex ratios. In addition, the sex ratio females produced was strongly dependent on their age. Conclusion: Female mealybugs facultatively adjust their sex ratio, but in the direction opposite to that predicted by local resource competition, suggesting that sex-specific fitness consequences of density determine sex allocation in mealybugs.
Improvement in rice crop productivity and soil fertility in field trial with magnetized fly ash soil conditioner

Field trial experiments were carried out on rice crop in 2010 using magnetized fly ash ( Biosil ) as soil conditioner along with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), keeping RDF and vermicompost (VC) as controls. Encouraging results on rice plant growth and productivity and soil fertility at very low concentrations (150 to 900 kg/ha) indicated the improved intrinsic soil conditioning power of fly ash. Biosil 900 kg/ha was observed to be the optimum dose for growth and yield parameters of rice. The maximum grain and straw yield of 47.7 and 77.4 q/ha were recorded under RDF+ Biosil @ 900 kg/ha as compared to RDF alone (40.2 q/ha). The percentage improvements of soil parameters over initial status by Biosil optimum doses were 2.82% in pH, 2.69% in K, 5.50% in S, 20.83% in Zn, 6.45% in EC, 6.25% in OC, 0.80% in N, - 4.11% in BD and 3.73% in P. The general trend of improvement for growth of rice crop was Biosil +RDF > VC > RDF and for soil parameters was Biosil +RDF > RDF > VC. Thus it is suggested that integrated treatment would be the best for getting maximum benefits from Biosil .
Rtadf: Testing for Bubbles with EViews

This paper presents Rtadf (right-tail augmented Dickey-Fuller), an EViews add-in that facilitates the performance of time series based tests that help detect and date-stamp asset price bubbles. The detection strategy is based on a right-tail variation of the standard augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test where the alternative hypothesis is of a mildly explosive process. Rejection of the null in each of these tests may serve as empirical evidence for an asset price bubble. The add-in implements four types of tests: standard ADF, rolling window ADF, supremum ADF (SADF; Phillips, Wu, and Yu 2011) and generalized SADF (GSADF; Phillips, Shi, and Yu 2015). It calculates the test statistics for each of the above four tests, simulates the corresponding exact finite sample critical values and p values via Monte Carlo methods, under the assumption of Gaussian innovations, and produces a graphical display of the date stamping procedure.
Influence of abundance of small-mammal burrows and conspecifics on the density and distribution of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) in terrestrial habitats

Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) distributions were studied within eighteen 272-m2 field enclosures in upland deciduous forest adjacent to two breeding ponds. The enclosures were subsequently used in experiments involving (i) removal of small-mammal burrows to determine if burrow abundance influenced salamander density and (ii) manipulation of salamander densities to determine if increased density was associated with decreased growth, fecundity, or probability of re-emerging to breed. Mean density of salamanders wintering in enclosures <65 m from the breeding ponds was 1.0/100 m2 (SD = 1.1/100 m2, n = 17, range = 04.0/100 m2). Density declined as distance to the nearest breeding pond increased, and the sex ratio was skewed sharply toward males (8:1) wintering close (<65 m) to the pond but not farther from the pond (1:1). Males residing within the enclosures weighed more than males wintering farther from the breeding ponds. Migrating salamanders were over 3 times more likely to leave burrow-remova.
Social Decision Theory: Choosing within and between Groups

We study the behavioural foundation of interdependent preferences, where the outcomes of others affect the welfare of the decision maker. These preferences are taken as given, not derived from more primitive ones. Our aim is to establish an axiomatic foundation providing the link between observation of choices and a functional representation which is convenient, free of inconsistencies and can provide the basis for measurement. The dependence among preferences may take place in two conceptually different ways, expressing two different views of the nature of interdependent preferences. The first is Festinger's view that the evaluation of peers' outcomes is useful to improve individual choices by learning from the comparison. The second is Veblen's view that interdependent preferences keep track of social status derived from a social value attributed to the goods one consumes. Corresponding to these two different views, we have two different formulations. In the first, the decision maker values his outcomes and those of others on the basis of his own utility. In the second, he ranks outcomes according to a social value function. We give different axiomatic foundations to these two different, but complementary, views of the nature of the interdependence. On the basis of this axiomatic foundation, we build a behavioural theory of comparative statics within subjects and across subjects. We characterize preferences according to the relative importance assigned to gains and losses in social domain, that is pride and envy. This parallels the standard analysis of private gains and losses (as well as that of regret and relief). We give an axiomatic foundation of interpersonal comparison of preferences, ordering individuals according to their sensitivity to social ranking. These characterizations provide the behavioural foundation for applied analysis of market and game equilibria with interdependent preferences. Copyright , Oxford University Press.
THE FORMATION OF OPPORTUNITY FEASIBILITY BELIEFS IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A CONFIGURATIONAL ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL CONDITIONS

This paper deals with the impact of local institutional conditions on the formation of opportunity feasibility beliefs in social entrepreneurship. Embedded in the recent literature on entrepreneurial cognitions, institutions and social entrepreneurship, this study provides a systematic analysis of 776 social entrepreneurs in the UK to identify combinations of causal institutional conditions that collectively explain how early-stage social entrepreneurs form beliefs of feasibility regarding the venture opportunity under pursuit. We contribute to entrepreneurship literature by providing new theoretical and empirical insight into how different combinations of formally and informally organized local institutional features shape the social entrepreneurs’ opportunity perceptions.
Give and Take: Political Competition, Participation and Public Finance in 20th Century Latin America

Rational choice models predict that political competition and political participation have opposite effects on the size of government. We investigate these theories using data from a panel of 18 Latin American countries during the 20th century. Our research builds evidence for the prediction that reforms enhancing political competition tend to limit the size of government, while reforms increasing political participation tend to increase the size of government. Furthermore, we find that reforms which remove literacy requirements from franchise laws are associated with governmental expansion, while changes in women.s su¤rage laws have no impact on the size of government. Our findings demonstrate the empirical relevance of the distinction between political competition and participation.
Pull the Trigger, it Fires: The Critical Role of Insulin-Stimulated Caveolin-1 Tyrosine 14 Phosphorylation in Regulation of Insulin Trans-Endothelial Transport

In order for insulin to exert its biological actions on target cells in peripheral tissues like muscle and adipose tissues, Insulin must pass through the endothelial barrier into the interstitium.Insulin’s transendothelial transport (TET), particularly in muscle where capillaries are lined by a continuous endothelium, determines tissue insulin levels, and thereby critically determines insulin’s metabolic effects [1-6]. This process is significantly impaired in insulin resistance states such as obesity and type 2 diabetes [2,7-9]. Current evidence obtained by us and others indicate that insulin TET is transcellular process and mediated by transporting caveolae that contain or associate with multiple structural and signaling molecules including the insulin receptor (IR), IGF-1receptor, caveolin-1, dynamin-2, actin filaments and eNOS [10-18]. Among these components, caveolae and its key structural protein caveolin-1 have been shown to serve as the center to organize the molecular transcytotic machinery mediating insulin TET [13]. We have demonstrated that insulin, through its signaling pathways in the endothelium, facilitates its own movement across the endothelial cells [15]. Very recently, we reported that eNOS and its activity play a critical role in regulation of insulin uptake and TET as inhibition of eNOS activity completely eliminates endothelial insulin uptake and TET [16]. Next critical question we would ask is how insulin intracellular signaling stimulates and coordinates the assembling of the molecular machinery for insulin trans-endothelial transport? A study just published by us has provided a clue to this puzzle, i.e. insulin stimulated caveolin-1 tyrosine 14 phosphorylation severs a trigger to possibly initiate insulin TET [19].
Factors Affecting the Consumption of Away-from-Home Foods in Hawai`i Residents

Higher frequencies of consuming away-from-home foods has been associated with greater Body Mass Index (BMI), weight gain, and obesity, affecting people of different genders, ethnicities, and socio- economic status (SES) groups differently. The purpose of this study was to determine how SES, ethnicity, gender, and the frequency of away-from-home food consumption at fast food and sit-down restaurants affected BMI levels and dieting practices for Hawaii residents. Data were from a cross-sectional random- digit dial telephone survey of the state of Hawaii in the spring of 2006. Data were analyzed using a one- way ANOVA, Pearson's bivariate correlation analysis, a linear regression model, and direct logistic regression. Native Hawaiians reported eating at fast food restaurants most often (58.5%), while Japanese participants reported eating at sit-down restaurants most often (48.6%). Native Hawaiians had the highest rates of overweight and obesity (69.1%), but they were most likely to report being on a diet (50.1%), followed by Chinese participants (49.5%). A higher frequency of eating at fast food restaurants was related to higher BMI, male gender and less education (p .05). Future research should investigate what types of food are available at fast food, sit-down restaurants, or other away-from-home food sources and which types of foods at these locations consumers are more likely to select based on their SES, BMI, or dieting practices.
Incentivising the Social Discounting Task: A Laboratory Experiment

Altruism is one of the single most important social preferences driving human behaviour. In Psychology experiments, the Social Discounting Task is employed as a measure of altruism. A conventional laboratory experiment was conducted with 117 undergraduate students, with students randomly assigned to complete an incentivized and un-incentivized Social Discounting Task. In accordance with the 1/d law of giving, the results exhibit the expected inverse relationship between social distance and altruism. There is weak evidence that incentivizing the Social Discounting Task impacts the measurement of altruism in a student population. More specifically, subjects are more altruistic when incentivized, possibly due to enforced reciprocity. At the same time, making payments real influence the identity of the target recipients: paying makes subjects more likely to choose people who are physically and psychologically close at high ranks, and more likely to report greater physical and psychological distance to subjects at lower ranks. Further research is required to verify the robustness of this result. The study also shows that among students family members are more altruistic toward each other as are those exhibiting greater intergenerational solidarity. Preferences for altruism in this student population is no different from WEIRD subject populations.
The effect of restraints type on the generated stresses in gantry crane beam

This paper includes an analysis of the mechanical phenomena in the gantry crane beam, because the gantries are currently one of the most common devices for the transporting loads. The design of modern mechanical constructions is a complex task that requires use of appropriate tools. Such a modern tool is numerical simulation which uses the various numerical methods. One of the best known methods is the finite element method, also used here. The numerical simulations are limited to strength analysis of the gantry crane beam which was load by the motion of the crane trolley along its length. Analysis was made to the gantry crane beam which cross-section was an I-beam and ends were fixed in different ways. As a result of the computations carried out, the stresses and displacements of the structure of gantry were obtained. The influence of changing the loading force position and the restraints type on generate the equivalent stress in the gantry crane beam was evaluated. It sought to that the maximum value of Huber-Mises stress induced in the gantry crane beam was less than the strength of material, because then the design is safe
Does it Pay to Be Socially Responsible? Evidence from Spain's Retail Banking Sector

This paper presents a theoretical and empirical analysis of strategic competition in retail banking when some of the financial firms are non-profit organisations that invest in social activities. Banking literature about competition is fairly large, but the strategic interaction between profit maximizing and non profit maximizers has not been extensively analysed except for Purroy and Salas (1999). In this paper, a completely different approach is taken. An adaptation of Hotelling’s two stage model of spatial competition is developed to take into account consumer perceptions respect to the two different types of financial institutions. The empirical analysis confirms that consumers take into account other features different from the price, such as social contribution or closer service to make a deposit or mortgage decision. These conclusions are of interest in the debate about a firm’s social or ethical activities. It is shown that if consumers value social activities, firms can improve their results by behaving socially responsible.
Workgroup Gender Diversityand Charismatic Leadership: Asymmetric Effects Among Men and Women

A laboratory study was conducted to examine how gender team diversity influences men and womenÂ´s charismatic relationships with an elected group leader. We examined individualsÂ´ charismatic relationships with their leaders when working in groups varying in gender composition. Results supported the argument that gender diversity provides a context that facilitates the emergence of charismatic leadership. Furthermore, the effect of gender diversity on charismatic relationships is asymmetric, being more marked in the case of men than that of women. Our results question the similarity-attraction hypothesis and contribute to the incipient follower-centric approach to leadership.
Equity Valuation Using Price Multiples: A Comparative Study for BRICKS

In this paper, we evaluate the efficacy of three value drivers namely, earnings per share, book value and sales for developing stock price forecasts using two performance evaluation criteria: 1) Root Mean Squared Error and 2) Thail Inequality Coefficient. We employ data for BRICKS economies excluding Russia from 1993-2007. We conduct our analysis in three phases. In phase one we find that price to book value is the best standalone price multiple for the Asian economies (India, China and South Korea) while price to earnings does a better job for equity valuation in case of Brazil and South Africa. In the next phase we show that combination of value drivers do not significantly improve price forecast vis-a-vis standalone multiples. Our findings are in contrast with those for developed markets as shown by Penman (1996). We also find that in Indian context market regression is a better tool for price forecasting compared to sector regression as larger number of observations result in better estimator for our forecast equation. Our findings are extremely relevant for equity analysts and portfolio managers who are continuously involved in equity evaluation and developing global asset allocation strategies. Keywords: Price Earnings Ratio, Price to Book Value ratio, Relative Valuation, Price Multiples, Discounted Cash flows JEL Classifications : C51, C52, G11, G15
Prosecutors and the Disposition of Criminal Cases: An Analysis of Plea Bargaining Rates

Increasing crime rates generate considerable public concern over the performance of the criminal justice system. Many citizens would be shocked to learn that the system operates on the basis of mutual cooperation and consultation, rather than the media image of the strident prosecutor battling a committed defense attorney. The actual operation of the American system of criminal justice is vastly different from the ideal adversary system. The reality is bureaucratic bargaining.1 Approximately ninety percent of all criminal cases are resolved through the process of pre-trial negotiation or plea bargaining.2 Plea bargaining results from an agreement between the prosecutor, defense attorney, and ocrasionally the defendant. The prosecutor offers the defendant a quid pro quo (charge reduction or sentence recommendation) for pleading guilty. Plea bargaining is a low visability process, one which occurs in a private and informal setting. Decisions are made over lunch or in the hallway of the criminal court building. Moreover, the participants wield such discretion that in most cases they serve as the final arbiters in the sentencing decision. The practice of plea bargaining has created considerable controversy. Various study groups such as the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and the American Bar Association have endorsed the practice, although recommending certain reforms.3 However, other groups, specifically the Nixon Administration's National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, have argued for the abolition of plea bargaining.4 Given the prevalence of the practice, as well as the widespread disagreement over its use, plea bargaining merits further study and research. " This study examines the effect of a prosecutor's values and social background on his rate of plea bargaining. The findings presented here are based on a mail survey of prosecuting attorneys and their assistants in the state of Illinois.6 The survey instrument contained both open-ended and closed questions focusing primarily on the prosecutor's plea bargaining practices and his view of these procedures. Respondents were also asked to supply biographical data.