Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure and dynamics of a high-latitude scleractinian coral community in Amakusa, southwestern Japan

This study examined structure and dynamics of a high-latitude scleractinian coral com- munity in Amakusa, southwestern Japan (32° N). All visible colonies (>~5 mm in diameter) in an area of 100 m 2 were monitored for 2 yr (2001 to 2003). A total of 54 species belonging to 30 genera in 13 families were identified from 2471 colonies that covered 28.3% of the area in 2001. The majority of these were spawners with only 4 brooding species being identified or inferred. Faviidae was the most specious family (21 spp.), being dominant in terms of both colony number (49.8%) and cover (55.4%). In spawning genera, frequency distributions of colony sizes were characterized by a larger median size, wide size range and a tendency toward negative skewness, whereas in brooding genera, high- est frequencies were in small size classes with a tendency toward positive skewness. Annual recruit- ment, dominated by Acropora and 3 brooding genera, was relatively constant (122 to 132 recruits) but always lower than annual mortality (death/dislodgement, 187 to 288 colonies), resulting in a rapid reduction in colony number (9%) in the 2 yr study period. Acropora and brooding genera accounted for 79% of the community turnover (mortality and recruitment) while many genera showed little or no change. Pocillopora showed the largest increase (+36 colonies) and Acropora the largest decrease (-127 colonies). During the study period, 57 colonies of middle to large size were lost (i.e. no skeleton remained) due to severe wave action caused by rough weather or typhoons, while colonies that died from other causes (418 colonies) were mostly of small sizes. Consequently, though deaths accounted for 88% of colony losses, lost colonies (i.e. those not counted as 'dead') accounted for 75% of coral cover reduction. This occasional loss of large colonies by severe wave action is likely to be a signifi- cant factor inhibiting the development of scleractinian communities and reef accretion, especially at high latitudes where these processes are considered to be slow.
Alarm behaviour in Eciton army ants

The effective communication of alarm can be critical for social animals so that they are able to deal with threats posed by predators and competitors. In the case of many of the most ecologically dominant, large‐colony ant species, these alarm responses are aggressive and coordinated by alarm pheromones, produced generally from the mandibular glands. In the present study, the alarm behaviour of two Neotropical army ant species is examined, the swarm raiding Eciton burchellii (Westwood) and the column raiding Eciton hamatum (Fabricius). Both species exhibit aggressive alarm responses in response to crushed heads, suggesting that the alarm pheromone is indeed produced by the mandibular glands in these ants. The most abundant component of the mandibular gland secretion, 4‐methyl‐3‐heptanone (10 µL on a rubber septum), stimulates a substantial alarm response, although this is less than the response to a single crushed head. This suggests that 4‐methyl‐3‐heptanone may be an alarm‐stimulating compound in Eciton. The alarm response of E. burchellii involves more workers than that of E. hamatum, although major workers play a much greater role in the response of the latter species. The differences in the alarm response of the two closely‐related species may relate to their foraging strategies, with E. burchellii relying more on quantity rather than the caste of ants responding and possibly using alarm pheromones for offensive as well as defensive functions.
Bank Lending Shocks and the Euro Area Business Cycle

I estimate the impact of different types of bank lending shocks on the euro area economy. I first show that the dynamic effects depend on the type of shock. Whereas surges in lending caused by shocks at the supply side of the banking market have a significant positive impact on economic activity and inflation, exactly the opposite is the case for exogenous lending demand shocks. Second, the macroeconomic relevance of bank lending shocks is considerable. Overall, they account for more than half of output variation since the launch of the euro and up to 75 percent of long-run consumer prices variability. The majority of the fluctuations are caused by innovations to lending supply which are orthogonal to monetary policy. A more detailed inspection suggests that these innovations are mainly the result of shocks in the risk-taking appetite of banks triggered by shifts in long-term interest rates or the term spread. Specifically, when long-term government bond yields decline, banks reduce the volume of government loans and securities on their balance sheets whilst increasing the supply of loans to the private sector, which in turn boosts economic activity, inflation and short-run interest rates. Hence, in contrast to conventional wisdom, a falling term spread could predict rising economic activity, which has been the case for some periods within the sample.
Effect of Cooperative Learning on Students’ Attitude and Performance towards Probability Distributions in Statistics

The study was designed to determine the effect of cooperative learning on students’ attitude and performance towards probability distributions in statistics. The design for the study was quasi-experimental control group pre-test and post-test design. Sample for the study consisted of 60 second year students at Mukuba University who were not repeating statistics. Data for the study was collected through two researcher developed instruments: Probability Distributions Performance Test (PDPT) and Probability Distribution Attitude Questionnaire (PDAQ). The 60 students were divided into two classes of 30 students each and were assigned to experimental group and control group respectively. The experimental group was taught using cooperative learning approach while the control group was taught using conventional learning approach. Data for the study was analysed using mean, standard deviation and independent t-test statistics. The null hypothesis was tested at 5% significance level. The findings of the study revealed that cooperative learning improved students’ academic performance in Probability Distributions in Statistics. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed that cooperative learning approach increased student’s positive attitude towards statistics in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Therefore, incorporating cooperative learning approach in teaching statistics was found to have a positive effect on enhancing students’ performance and attitude towards statistics. Keywords: Cooperative Learning Approach, Conventional Learning Approach, Attitude, Performance
Capital structure in emerging markets: Evidence from Nigeria

This paper examines the impact of firm specific factors as determinants of capital structure choice of Nigerian firms based on the data of 115 non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian stock exchange, for the period 1998-2016.The study employed two-step system generalized method of moment in a dynamic panel framework. The findings of the study reveal positive relationship between profitability, firm risk, firm dividend and leverage. Asset tangibility, growth opportunities, size and age are found to be negatively related to leverage. The study therefore concludes that variables identified in the agency cost theory that provide explanations for capital structure of firms in the developed and some emerging countries, are relevant but not fully applicable in the Nigerian context. This study shows that managers tend to use more debt as they prefer higher free cashflow because it facilitates the consumptions of perks. The use of long-term debt may reduce the opportunistic behaviour of managers. Managers may strive to ensure debt repayment promptly to avoid bankruptcy which can be very costly for the firm, and managers may lose their job and reputation. Managers would prefer the use of less debt in firms where there are high growth opportunities. Managers of firms may prefer to employ less debt when they see that debt can restrict them to explore future opportunities because of the commitment and covenants associated with debt.
EFFECT OF NPK FERTILIZATION AND MICRONUTRIENTS ON DELONIX REGIA SEEDLINGS GROWN IN SANDY SOIL

A pot experiment was carried out to study the effect of different NPK fertilization rates and various Mn and Zn treatments on sandy soil-grown Delonix regia seedlings at the Nursery of Fac. of agric. , Minia Univ. during 2016 and 2017 seasons. The obtained results showed that following: all studied vegetative growth characters, i.e. plant height, stem thickness, crown diameter and leaves, stem and roots dry weights, as well as, the three photosynthetic pigments and leaves % of N, P and K were gradually increased upward parallel to the increase in the applied rate of NPK fertilizers. Similarly, the prementioned vegetative growth and chemical parameters were augmented due to the use of Mn + Zn micronutrient treatments with the effective one being Mn 75 ppm + Zn 75 ppm. It was found that supplying the seedlings with either the medium or high NPK rate combined with Mn at 75 ppm + Zn at 75 ppm was capable of producing the best growth of Delonix regia seedlings grown in sandy soil.
Positive solutions to P-Laplacian multi-point BVPs on time scales

Abstract. In this paper, we are concerned with the p-Laplacian multi-point boundary value problem with the first-order derivative of the nonlinear term on time scales. Some new sufficient conditions are presented for the existence of at least twin or arbitrary even positive solutions to the multi-point boundary value problem of the p-Laplacian dynamic equation on time scales. In particular, our results are even new for some special cases of differential and difference equations in the general time scale setting. As an application, an example is illustrated at the end of the article.
On fractional higher-order Dirichlet boundary value problems: Between the Laplacian and the bilaplacian

The solutions of boundary value problems for the Laplacian and the bilaplacian exhibit very different qualitative behaviors. Particularly, the failure of general maximum principles for the bilaplacian implies that solutions of higher-order problems are less rigid and more complex. One way to better understand this transition is to study the intermediate Dirichlet problem in terms of fractional Laplacians. This survey aims to be an introduction to this type of problems; in particular, the different pointwise notions for these operators is introduced considering a suitable natural extension of the Dirichlet boundary conditions for the fractional setting. Solutions are obtained variationally and, in the case of the ball, via explicit kernels. The validity of maximum principles for these intermediate problems is also discussed as well as the limiting behavior of solutions when approaching the Laplacian or the bilaplacian case.
Asymmetric Information and Learning in the Automobile Insurance Market

This paper tests the predictions of adverse selection models, using data from the automobile insurance market. Consistent with the presence of adverse selection, I find that low-deductible choices are correlated with more accidents, higher losses from accidents, and different distributions of the number of accidents and the damage in the event of an accident. Consistent with the presence of learning by policyholders, I find that this correlation between low deductibles and more accidents exists only for drivers who have three or more years of driving experience. Consistent with the presence of learning by insurers, I find that the magnitude of the identified correlation is smaller for repeat customers; that customers who stay with their insurer are disproportionately ones with a good claim history with the insurer; and that insurers make greater profits on repeat customers than on new customers.
Extent and structure of genetic diversity in a collection of the tropical multipurpose shrub legume Cratylia argentea (Desv.) O. Kuntze as revealed by RAPD markers

The tropical multipurpose shrub legume Cratylia argentea is well adapted to acid soils of low to medium fertility and has excellent drought-tolerance. Due to its high nutritive value it is particularly suited as forage for dry-season supplementation. A collection of 47 C. argentea accessions in a collection, derived from seed replicating of original accessions with differing geographic origin and morphological and agronomic characteristics was investigated using molecular markers (RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA)). Genetic diversity ( H T = 0.145) in the collection was low, with 30% of differentiation among groups and high genetic similarity among accessions ( GS = 0.805). Within-accession variability was high. One taxonomic mismatch and five possible duplicate accessions were identified. Our results suggest that the genetic diversity in the C. argentea accessions studied is relatively homogeneously distributed, indicating the likelihood of extensive outcrossing. The genetic diversity of original accessions should be assessed to determine if outcrossing has occurred during or before ex situ storage. This might also support any decision on whether accessions should be bulked rather than maintaining them individually.
Biological and geological characterization of modern biofilms and microbial mats and comparison with similar lithified structures in Colombian Cretaceous formations

Microorganisms may play an important role in the aggregation of sediments and the formation of sedimentary structures. Biofilms are microbial aggregates that, in a mature stage, can develop into microbial mats, fibrillar networks that irreversibly bind filaments of cyanobacteria and sediments, inside which it has been identified a stratification with functional groups of microorganisms that coexist, generate symbiotic relationships and potentially modify the characteristics of sediments and sedimentary rocks, particularly in extreme environments. In this work, filamentous cyanobacteria from biofilms of a lacustrine environment with intervals of flooding/desiccation and a saline environment, and a microbial mat from the Agua Caliente Thermal, El Rosal, Cundinamarca, are identified. In the biofilms, most cyanobacteria were found to belong to the Orden Oscillatoriales, while in the microbial mat cyanobacteria of the order Orden Nostocales were also recognized. Two rock samples isolated from the thermal which genesis was possibly influenced by the activity of cyanobacteria are described and classified. One of them, named R-1, is a calcareous rock inside which it was possible to differentiate biolaminations and an apparent dominance of biomineralization processes. This sample was both classified as a travertine and a microbial framestone with stromatolitic and thrombolytic texture. The second one, called R-2, is a siliciclastic rock classified as a mudstone and a microbial boundstone. Finally, a comparison between the sedimentary structures identified in those rocks with similar structures in the formations La Luna, Paja and Tetuán and the microbially-induced sedimentary structures (MISS) described in the literature is performed. Based on morphological resemblance, fibrillar networks identified locally in those formations are interpreted as possible biolaminations originated from the activity of cyanobacteria.
The relationship between aggregate accounting earnings, capital markets, and GDP

Recent studies show that macroeconomic research has evolved independent of accounting research with a focus on economic indices, without incorporating accounting aggregates. The write up seeks to investigate the informativeness of aggregate accounting earnings obtainable from the capital markets on GDP growth. This desk research potentially identifies the support base and framework for inclusion of accounting earnings aggregate into GDP compilations.The research has implications for current practice in GDP computations as well as widening accounting research to macroeconomic level, as against individual firm-level.
Labrador Inuit Subsistence in the Context of Environmental Change: An Initial Landscape History Perspective

In this article, I examine the subsistence economy of the contact-period Labrador Inuit (17th to 19th century) to investigate the relationships of elements of specific cultural changes to environmental change, the effects of cultural interactions, and internal social processes. I apply paleoclimate and sea-ice records and zooarchaeological studies of life history and seasonality of ecologically sensitive species to reconstruct histories of change in particular elements of the physical landscape and of their use. I associate the use of communal houses by the Labrador Inuit and their modification of settlement patterns during the 18th century to a limited phase of environmental moderation and stability during the Little Ice Age and suggest that these changes reflect, in part, economic strategies oriented toward surplus production.
agement of Melon fruit fly (Myopardalis Pardalina Bigot) In Badghis, Afghanistan

Field studies were carried out on the management of Melon fly (Myiopardalis Pardalina Bigot) in Badghis, Afghanistan during 2014. This study comprises of three different experiments. In the first experiment five different insecticides were tested for their efficacy. In the 2nd experiment the effect of pupae removal and bagging were compared for effectiveness against the melon fly. In the 3rd experiment, Cue lure, Methyl Eugenol, Protein Hydorlysate (GF120) and PPr product were evaluated in the baited traps against the fly. Results showed a reduction of 61.38% and 76.84% in the fly population in comparison with the control in experiment 1st and 2nd respectively. While result of the 3rd experiment was not prominent where no Melon fly was recorded in any of the baited trap. All the used attractants are failed against the Afghan Melon fly and I propose that there will be a difference in the race of M. Pardalina of Baluchistan and Afghanistan, so it may need further studies to confirm the prevalence of any difference exist.
The Sources of the Total Factor Productivity Growth in Lithuanian Family Farms: A Färe-Primont Index Approach

The Lithuanian agricultural sector still features the processes of land reform, farm structure development, and modernisation. Accordingly, there is a need to utilise the benchmarking techniques in order to fathom the underlying trends and sources of efficiency and productivity. This paper therefore aims at analysing the productive efficiency and the total factor productivity in the Lithuanian family farms. The research is based on the Farm Accountancy Network Data covering the period of 2004-2009. The Fare-Primont Indices were employed to estimate and decompose the total factor productivity changes. Furthermore, the stochastic kernels were applied to analyse the distributions of the efficiency scores along with the econometric analysis which aimed at revealing the relationships of the environmental variables and the efficiency scores. The results do indicate that the technical efficiency was a decisive factor causing decrease in TFP efficiency for crop and mixed farms. Meanwhile, the scale efficiency constituted a serious problem for mixed farms. Indeed, these farms were the smallest ones if compared to the remaining farming types. Finally, the mix efficiency was low for all farming types indicating the need for implementation of certain farming practices allowing for optimisation of the input-mix.
Thermal Properties and Moisture Absorption of LDPE/Banana Starch Biocomposite Films

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of starch and compatibilizer contents on the thermal properties and moisture absorption of new polymeric-based biocomposite films from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and banana starch. The compatibilizer used in this work was ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). Banana starch was extracted from green banana using 0.05N sodium hydroxide solution. Banana starch content was varied from 5 to 20% by weight of LDPE, whereas EVA content was 0, 5, 10, and 20wt% based upon banana starch content. The average size of extracted starch granules was 21-24 µm, whereas the density of the starch was 1.74 g/cm 3 . Addition of banana starch had no effect on the melting temperature of LDPE/banana starch films. Similarly, EVA had no influence on the melting temperature, but did affect the degree of crystallinity of the biocomposite films. For thermal stability, it was found that the LDPE/banana starch with 20% EVA had the highest thermal stability. As expected, moisture absorption of the films increased as the amount of banana starch was increased. The films containing 20% banana starch absorbed moisture up to 4.5%. However, the absorption decreased with increasing EVA content.
Molecular Insights into Evolution of Phenotypes

Success and efficiency of Darwinian evolution is based on the dichotomy of genotype and phenotype: The former is the object under variation whereas the latter constitutes the target of selection. Genotype-phenotype relations are highly complex and hence variation and selection appear uncorrelated. Population genetics visualizes evolutionary dynamics as a process among genotypes. Phenotypes are represented only through empirical parameters. The quasispecies concept introduces the molecular mechanism of mutation. Optimization is seen as a process in genotype space. Populations optimize through adaptive walks. Selective neutrality leads to random drift. Understanding evolution will be always incomplete unless phenotypes are considered explicitly. At the current state of the art, almost all genotype-phenotype mappings are too complex to be analyzed and modeled. Only the most simple case of an evolutionary process, the optimization of RNA molecules in vitro, where genotypes and phenotypes are RNA sequences and structures, respectively, can be treated successfully. We derive a model based on a stochastic process which includes unfolding of genotypes to form phenotypes as well as their evaluation. Relations between genotypes and phenotypes are handled as mappings from sequence space onto the space of molecular structures. Generic properties of this map are analyzed for RNA secondary structures. Optimization of molecular properties in populations in modeled in silico through replication and mutation in a flow reactor. The approach towards a predefined structure is monitored and reconstructed in terms of an uninterrupted series of phenotypes from initial structure to target, called relay series. We give a novel definition of continuity in evolution which identifies discontinuities as major changes in molecular phenotypes.