Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WHY DO POPULATIONS CYCLE? A SYNTHESIS OF STATISTICAL AND MECHANISTIC MODELING APPROACHES

Population cycles have long fascinated ecologists. Even in the most-studied populations, however, scientists continue to dispute the relative importance of various potential causes of the cycles. Over the past three decades, theoretical ecologists have cataloged a large number of mechanisms that are capable of generating cycles in population models. At the same time, statisticians have developed new techniques both for characterizing time series and for fitting population models to time-series data. Both disciplines are now sufficiently advanced that great gains in understanding can be made by synthesizing these complementary, and heretofore mostly independent, quantitative approaches. In this paper we demonstrate how to apply this synthesis to the problem of population cycles, using both long-term population time series and the often-rich observational and experimental data on the ecology of the species in question. We quantify hypotheses by writing mathematical models that embody the interactions and forces that might cause cycles. Some hypotheses can be rejected out of hand, as being unable to generate even qualitatively appropriate dynamics. We finish quantifying the remaining hypotheses by estimating parameters, both from independent experiments and from fitting the models to the time-series data using modern statistical techniques. Finally, we compare simulated time series generated by the models to the observed time series, using a variety of statistical descriptors, which we refer to collectively as “probes. ” The model most similar to the data, as measured by these probes, is considered to be the most likely candidate to represent the mechanism underlying the population cycles. We illustrate this approach by analyzing one of Nicholson’s blowfly populations, in which we know the “true” governing mechanism. Our analysis, which uses only a subset of the information available about the population, uncovers the correct answer, suggesting that this synthetic approach might be successfully applied to field populations as well.
Expressing forms as a sum of pfaffians

Let A= (a_{ij}) be a symmetric non-negative integer 2k x 2k matrix. A is homogeneous if a_{ij} + a_{kl}=a_{il} + a_{kj} for any choice of the four indexes. Let A be a homogeneous matrix and let F be a general form in C[x_1, \dots x_n] with 2deg(F) = trace(A). We look for the least integer, s(A), so that F= pfaff(M_1) + \cdots + pfaff(M_{s(A)}), where the M_i's are 2k x 2k skew-symmetric matrices of forms with degree matrix A. We consider this problem for n= 4 and we prove that s(A) < k+1 for all A.
Flow around a Complex Building: Comparisons between Experiments and a Reynolds-Averaged Navier¿Stokes Approach

Abstract An experiment investigating flow around a single complex building was performed in 2000. Sonic anemometers were placed around the building, and two-dimensional wind velocities were recorded. An energy-budget and wind-measuring station was located upstream to provide stability and inflow conditions. In general, the sonic anemometers were located in a horizontal plane around the building at a height of 2.6 m above the ground. However, at the upwind wind station, two levels of the wind were measured. The resulting database can be sampled to produce mean wind fields associated with specific wind directions such as 210°, 225°, and 240°. The data are available generally and should be useful for testing computational fluid dynamical models for flow around a building. An in-house Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach was used to compare with the mean wind fields for the predominant wind directions. The numerical model assumed neutral flow and included effects from a complex array of trees in the vicin.
Urinary Incontinence in Kuwait: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Men and Women

Urinary incontinence is a common condition and affects the social, physical and psychological aspects of many individuals worldwide. This study was conducted to determine prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in Kuwait, and determine the risk factors associated with UI. A cross-sectional design in which self-administered surveys were distributed to women and men in the metropolitan area of Kuwait that looked at factors associated with UI. 268 women and 152 men completed and returned the questionnaires. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 29 and 31 years and 25.7 kg/m2 and 27.4 kg/m2for the men and women, respectively. 54.5% of women and 22.4% of men reported having involuntary loss of urine. Age above 45 years (p<0.001), four or more children (p=0.006), vaginal delivery (p=0.015), BMI greater than 25kg/m2 (p=0.001), drinking more than one-cup of a caffeinated drink per day (p=0.041), and a history of diabetes mellitus (p=0.002) were related to UI in women. A history of diabetes mellitus (p=0.044), and BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 (p=0.041) were related to UI in men. Obesity was the most controllable risk factor for UI. Urinary Incontinence prevention and management programs are indicated in Kuwait.
Language Utilized in Rationalizing Conflict Decisions: Is There A Different Voice?.

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to examine the differences in language usage between males and females in the specific moral domain of conflict resolution and rationales for decisions. The subjects, 39 female and 21 male college students, were given an imaginary conflict scenario to resolve, asked how the conflict should be resolved, what the rationales were for their choices, and, assuming the roles of the two characters in the scenario, asked what were the central concerns of the two characters involved. It was hypothesized that two different languages would emerge in the rationales for the solutions to the problems in the scenario: women's choices would be defended in language referring to the relationships described in the scenario, while men's choices would be explained with a language indicative of a justice approach based on rights and rules. The data, coded and analyzed by chi square, revealed that there was no significant difference in response to the decision one character should have made or in the use of justice or interpersonal themes. However, a significant difference was found when subjects were asked to put themselves in the positions of both characters in the scenario and state the concerns of each character. Rather than attributing these differences to biological sex, the study ! ndicates that they may be related to positions of power or status. (DF)
Ecological Integrity of Boreal Streams Assessing Impacts on Community Structure and Function

Bergfur, J. 2007. Ecological Integrity of Boreal Streams – Assessing Impacts on Community Structure and Function. Doctor’s dissertation ISSN 1652-6880, ISBN 978-91-576-7349-7 Running waters provide a number of services for humans, such as drinking water and food resources and many freshwater animals are confined and specialised to this environment. However, this natural resource has become increasingly impacted by humans resulting in a substantial loss of biodiversity and services. To assess ecological integrity of streams a number of bioassessment schemes have been developed and most of these are based on community structure and composition. Although many of the biological metrics developed have been used successfully in bioassessment, it has been suggested that ecosystem functions, such as leaf-litter decomposition, should be incorporated in modern bioassessment schemes. In this thesis I compare a number of structural metrics with functional metrics along a nutrient gradient in nine boreal streams in south-central Sweden to assess the potential of ecosystem function as a biomonitoring tool. Leaf-litter breakdown (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) was studied during four seasons and stable isotope (δC and δN) and stoichiometric ratios (C:N) of phytobenthos, CPOM, FPOM, invertebrates and fish were also analysed. My results indicate that leaf-litter breakdown is a relatively insensitive tool to assess ecosystem impairment compared to invertebrate metrics. However, δN in organic matter has been suggested as a potential tool to assess ecological integrity of streams and my results support this conjecture. A strong response in δN in organic matter with nutrient enrichment was revealed, suggesting that δN could serve as a simple tool to assess nutrient enrichment effects in boreal streams. I also found that leaflitter associated fungi and invertebrates were positively correlated with leaf-litter breakdown rates and a nutrient gradient. Moreover, I found that certain dominating species, e.g. waterlouse (Asellus aquaticus (L.)), can have a strong influence on ecosystem processes. In this thesis I show that leaf-litter breakdown is not a simple low-cost biomonitoring tool as several field trips were necessary to assure adequate litter-bag recovery. Also natural factors, such as fluctuating water levels and heavy snow fall, resulted in substantial loss of litter bags thereby confounding data interpretation.
Multi-spectral and digital elevation model information fusion for automatic 3d change detection

Various 2D and 3D change detection techniques have been developed in the literature to monitor changes inside urban areas. Nevertheless, most of theses techniques require the interaction of the user either to input data, set parameters, or to train classifiers. Automatic unsupervised processes have been seldom tackled since they are very difficult to develop if high accuracies are necessary. This paper provides a fully automatic change detection procedure for urban areas monitoring. It exploits at best the information provided by multi-spectral images and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from two different epochs. A fusion both at feature and decision levels is thus proposed to detect automatically for each epoch the following land cover classes: buildings, shadows, water areas, ground, low and high vegetation. Applying such fusion on Ikonos stereo data acquired over an Asian urban area in spring 2006 and winter 2010 and their ensuing DEMs has proved both the efficiency and worth of the joint use of the multi-spectral and height information. A class-for-class comparison is carried out between the two obtained classification maps to detect the changes that have occurred between 2006 and 2010 over the studied area. A set of standard evaluation measures are finally computed to assess the quality of the proposed procedure.
Capybaras, size, shape, and time: A model kit

The capybaras (Hydrochoeridae) are outstanding rodents for their large size and euhypsodont and multilaminated cheek teeth. Although today they are represented by a single species, it was generally thought that their past diversity was much higher, especially during the late Miocene–early Pliocene. Such diversity is here analyzed taking into account the ontogenetic variation of the p4–m3 in different populations. Numerous isolated teeth of different size found in the upper levels of the Puerto Madryn Formation (late Miocene, Peninsula Valdes, Argentina) were interpreted as members of an ontogenetic series of a new species here described, Cardiatherium patagonicum. They provided clues to evaluate onto− genetic variation and a new framework to analyze the family diversity. In this context, it is proposed that multiple species described from the Ituzaingo Formation (late Miocene, Entre Rios, Argentina) based on lower teeth, may actually repre− sent specimens of different stages of the ontogenetic trajectory of a single species. Likewise, we found that several nomi− nal taxa from other localities were based on juvenile specimens. According to these results, the diversity of the Hydrochoeridae during the late Miocene and early Pliocene was drastically reduced. The validity of the subfamily Cardiatheriinae is debated. Finally, it is suggested that the whole family should be revised taking into account the ontogenetic variation.
The Effects of Corporate Governance and Institutional Environments on Export Behaviour: Evidence from Chinese Listed Firms

The impact of corporate governance on export decisions is an important yet under- explored research issue. This paper examines this issue with respect to Chinese listed firms. We adopt an analytical framework in which the effects of corporate governance on export decisions are associated with institutional environment. We test several hypotheses derived from this framework. The sample firm’s export propensity and export intensity are found to be positively impacted by CEO ownership share and independent director ratio, and negatively impacted by private/family control. The export-promoting effects of CEO ownership share and independent director ratio are found to be positively moderated by a well-established institutional environment.
The readiness of Malaysian companies in the compliance of shariah requirements: Implication from the revised screening methodology

This study attempts to examine whether the board facets could influence the Shariah-approved companies (ShACs)’ readiness in sustaining their Shariah status through the compliance of the Shariah requirements, following the Securities Commission (SC)’s revised screening methodology, and also to test whether there are significant differences in the Shariah compliance practices implication from the revised assessment. The data is gathered through a content analysis method which is taken from the corporate annual reports of the largest companies.On average, majority of the studied companies are competent to prevent themselves from being removed in the list of Shariah classification.Even though the minimum threshold of the SC’s revised screening assessments have been satisfied, however the companies’ Shariah compliance practices do not form any remarkable improvement especially after the revised takes place.The results seem to suggest that none the presence of majority Muslim directors, Muslim CEO and Muslim INEDs are able to exert significant influences on the readiness of ShACs in the compliance of Shariah through the quantitative assessments.However, the company size and industry type (control variables) have positive associations with the debt ratio benchmark.It is evident that different sector of industries has different inclination to adhere Shariah compliance through the SC’s debt ratio assessment.
Distribution Patterns of Grasshoppers and Their Kin in the Boreal Zone

The distribution patterns of Orthoptera are described for the boreal zone. The boreal fauna of Eurasia includes more than 81 species. Many of them are widely distributed. The monotypic genus Paracyphoderris Storozhenko and at least 13 species are endemics or subendemics. About 50 species are known from boreal North America. Four endemic species are distributed very locally. Relationships between the faunas of the Eurasian and North American parts of the boreal zone are relatively weak. The boreal assemblages are usually characterized by the low levels of species diversity and abundance. Grasshoppers and their relatives occupy almost exclusively open habitats, such as different types of meadows, mountain steppes and tundras, clearings, openings, bogs, and stony flood plains. The local endemics and subendemics are found only in some habitats of the eastern part of Eurasia and the north-western part of North America. Retrospective and prospective of the boreal fauna of Orthoptera are also discussed.
The Gendered Labor Market Impacts of Trade Liberalization

This paper investigates the impact of Brazil’s trade liberalization on gender differences in labor market outcomes, using difference-in-difference estimation that exploits variation in preliberalization industry composition across microregions. We find that trade liberalization reduced male and female labor force participation rates and tradable sector employment rates, particularly among the low-skilled population. As aggregate effects on men are significantly larger, liberalization reduced the percentage point gender gap in employment and participation rates. However, in proportionate terms, we find no evidence that women’s employment and participation increased relative to men’s, or that women benefitted from the procompetitive effects of free trade.
Probiotic and antioxidant properties of synbiotic yoghurt supplemented with Australian-grown 'Wonderful' pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice

Physicochemical properties of the Australian-grown 'Wonderful' pomegranate juice (WPJ) including total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) were determined and compared with four brands of imported pomegranate juices (IPJs). The TPC in WPJ was found to be 2,400 ± 200 mg/l GAE while in the IPJs ranged from 1,000 to 2,800 mg/l GAE. The AA in WPJ was 11.0 ± 1.0 mM/l TEAC and ranged from 5.5 to14.5 mM/l TEAC in IPJs. A synbiotic yoghurt supplemented with different levels of IPJ was developed. Maximum single strength PJ supplement ation level with no adverse effects on yoghurt attributes and probiotics viability was found to be 20% in heat-treated milk resulting in a TPC level of 731 ± 69 mg/l GAE in synbiotic yoghurt.
How do Filipino families use the OFW remittances

______________ 1 Based on UN International Fund for Agricultural Development estimates for 2006. he Philippines is now one of the world’s largest recipients of overseas workers’ remittances. In fact, the country is the largest recipient of remittances next to India, Mexico, and China.1 Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) show that from January to September 2007, international remittances from abroad coursed through formal channels have already reached US$10.477 billion. This is 15 percent higher than that of the estimate during the same period last year.
Job Polarization : Market Responses to Interindustry Wage Differentials

In spite of the rapid growth in job polarization literature, different aspects of job polarization across industries have not yet been studied extensively. In this paper, we show that (1) the degree of job polarization is not the same across different industries and that (2) this observation is related to interindustry wage differentials. In particular, we find that job polarization is more pronounced in industries which paid relatively higher wages than other industries since the early 1980s. We argue that this phenomenon can be explained as the dynamic responses of firms to interindustry wage differentials as shown by Borjas and Ramey (2000) : firms in industries with relatively higher industry wage premia respond by replacing workers with other production factors such as capital. As it is easiest for firms to replace 'middle occupation jobs' with certain types (Information, Communication, and Technology) of capital, labor demand declines disproportionately for firms with higher relative wages, which results in different aspects of job polarization across industries.
Recovering Incomplete Data using Tucker Model for Tensor with Low-n-rank

Tensor with missing or incomplete values is a ubiquitous problem in various fields such as biomedical signal processing, image processing, and social network analysis. In this paper, we considered how to reconstruct a dataset with missing values by using tensor form which is called tensor completion process. We applied Tucker factorization to solve tensor completion which was built base on optimization problem. We formulated the optimization objective function using components of Tucker model after decomposing. The weighted least square matric contained only known values of the tensor with low rank in its modes. A first order optimization method, namely Nonlinear Conjugated Gradient, was applied to solve the optimization problem. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method in EEG signals with about 70% missing entries compared to other algorithms. The relative error was proposed to compare the difference between original tensor and the process output.
The Economics of Annual Legume and Double Legume Cover Cropping in Southern Minnesota

Using historical data from crop producing farms in southern Manitoba, this study quantifies the economic savings that could be realized by using legumes to supply nitrogen in a cereal-oilseed based rotation. Stochastic budgets are developed for four alternative crop rotations and the returns associated with each are evaluated using the utility-based risk ranking methods of stochastic dominance and stochastic efficiency. It is found that including a legume cover crop in a cereal-oilseed based rotation can reduce the amount of nitrogen required by a subsequent crop and in turn increase the net returns associated with the complete crop rotation.
Tate motives and the fundamental group

Let k be a number field, and let S be a finite set of k-rational points of P^1. We relate the Deligne-Goncharov contruction of the motivic fundamental group of X:=P^1_k- S to the Tannaka group scheme of the category of mixed Tate motives over X.
Social Process and Hierarchy Formation in Small Groups: A Comparative Perspective

The author investigates the theory, methods, and findings of animal behaviorists and social scientists studying dominance hierarchies in small groups. In both disciplines: (1) the literature argues that the explanations of hierarchy structure are based upon differences in individual characteristics among group members; (2) although critical examination reveals that these explanations require stringent conditions to account for commonly occurring kinds of hierarchies in humans and animals, the available data indicate such conditions are not met; and (3) the hierarchy-formation process has not been adequately studied. In an attempt to alleviate the current problems in hierarchy research, I present the results of a particular animal study and develop a general explanation as to how hierarchy structures arise. This approach applies to both humans and animals and serves as a model of how the cumulative patterns of interactions among individuals produce group social structures.