Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agglomeration Economies in Classical Music

This study investigates agglomeration effects for classical music production in a wide range of cities for a global sample of composers born between 1750 and 1899. Theory suggests a trade-off between agglomeration economies (peer effects) and diseconomies (peer crowding). I test this hypothesis using historical data on composers and employ a unique instrumental variable – a measure of birth centrality, calculated as the average distance between a composer’s birthplace and the birthplace of his peers. I find a strong causal impact of peer group size on the number of important compositions written in a given year. Consistent with theory, the productivity gain eventually decreases and is characterized by an inverted U-shaped relationship. These results are robust to a large series of tests, including checks for quality of peers, city characteristics, various measures of composers’ productivity, and across different estimations in which also time-varying birth centrality measures are used as instrumental variables.
Ammonoid septal formation and suture asymmetry explored with a geographic information systems approach

Given the centrality of suture patterns to ammonoid systematics, it is remarkable how little we understand about the formation of septa. Various models for septal formation have been proposed, but given the spatial complexity of suture patterns, the means to test and constrain them have been lacking. Here we use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to test models for septal formation by analyzing spatial constraints and asymmetries in several ammonoid species, including Cretaceous ammonites (the Middle Turonian acanthoceratacean Coilopoceras and the Early Cenomanian hoplitacean Neogastroplites) and Carboniferous goniatites (the dimorphoceratacean Metadimorphoceras and the goniatacean Somoholites). These analyses show that suture lines are not more strongly constrained at lobe tips than at saddles, nor are lobe tips more strongly inflected than saddles. Rather, the entire suture line is similarly constrained and shaped at both lobes and saddles, suggesting that the process controlling septal folding acts along the entire margin of the septal membrane rather than at a few specified tie points. Right and left opposing sutures from the same specimens do not match precisely. More generally, right and left suture patterns show asymmetries both in lengths and degrees of variability. These asymmetries are consistent across individuals sampled from different localities, implying that they are species-level traits, rather than pathologies or taphonomic deformations. The directed asymmetry of suture patterns may reflect soft part asymmetry in ammonoids. These results can be used to place constraints on alternative models for septal growth and function; the GIS-based method will permit further testing of such models.
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND MICROHABITAT PREFERENCE OF PSECAS CHAPODA (PECKHAM & PECKHAM) (ARANEAE, SALTICIDAE)

Abstract Although spiders generally do not have a strong association with the plants on which they live, the jumping spider Psecas chapoda inhabits and breeds on Bromelia balansae (Bromeliaceae). To understand the relationship between Psecas chapoda and Bromelia balansae, we investigated whether the type of habitat (forest or grassland), the size of the bromeliad and the inflorescence of the host plants affected the preference and/or density of P. chapoda. We also examined how spiders of different ages and their eggsacs were distributed on the leaf layers of the rosette of host plants and whether P. chapoda used other plants in addition to B. balanasae. Psecas chapoda occurred with higher frequency on bromeliads in grasslands to those in forest. In grassland, larger bromeliads had more spiders, but this was not true of bromeliads in the forest. This spider avoided bromeliads with inflorescence. Most of the spiderlings (70%) occurred in the central layer of the rosette leaves, and their distribution pattern suggested that they sought shelter to protect themselves from desiccation or cannibalism, both of which are commonly observed in this species. Older spiders, as well as females without eggsacs, occurred in the external layers whereas 90% of the females with eggsacs occurred close to the central layers. Deposition of the eggsacs near the center of the rosette can allow the spiderlings to reach their shelter rapidly and to be less exposed to desiccation and cannibalism. The non-detection of P. chapoda on non-bromeliad plants, and the stereotyped behaviors on the host-plant suggest that this jumping spider was strongly associated with B. balansae.
The Effects of Eight Weeks Swimming Training on Interleukin- 17, Interleukin- 18 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Inflammation is a feature of the diabetes disease. The aim this study was to determine the effects of eight weeks swimming training on Interleukin17 (IL-17), Interleukin18 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 diabetic rats were accidentally divided into two equal groups of 15: swimming training and control. The rats in the swimming training group swam for eight weeks, three sessions per week; in the first two weeks for 10 minutes and six weeks later for 30 minutes. The control group rats had no sports activity. 24 hours after the last training session, the rats were sacrificed to measure the parameters in the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 and paired sample ttest (p≤0.05). Results: eight weeks of swimming training had no significant effect on reduction of IL-17 (p = 0.30), IL-18 (p = 0.41) and TNF-α (p = 0.81) in diabetic rats. Conclusion: it can be concluded that the present training has no significant effect on inflammatory factors in diabetic rats.
Gastrointestinal helminths of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in western Poland (Lubuskie province) - with particular regard to Baylisascaris procyonis

Abstract The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in raccoons with particular regard to zoonotic parasites. Fifty-five raccoons, hunted or found dead on roads, were examined. The small and large intestines were collected from all raccoons and, additionally, the stomach was collected from 43 animals. The samples were examined with the use of sedimentation and counting technique. The intestines and stomach were examined separately. Samples of raccoon faeces were collected from their environment localised in Słubice district, Lubuskie province (Poland). The samples were collected once a month in 2012. In total, 154 faecal samples were obtained and examined with the use of McMaster flotation technique. The following parasites were detected in the intestinal and stomach contents: tapeworms Mesocestoides sp. (67.3%), Echinostomatidae flukes (34.5%), and nematodes Capillaria sp. (25.5%). Moreover, Acanthocephala were found in the intestines of three raccoons. The highest intensity of infection were observed in case of Mesocestoides sp. Mesocestoides sp. and Echinostomatidae were found statistically more often in the intestines than in the stomach. In the case of these two parasites, there was positive correlation between the intensity of infection in the intestines and the presence of the same parasites in the stomach. Moreover, significantly higher prevalence and intensity of Mesocestoides sp. in males than in females were also observed. Faecal samples contained Baylisascaris procyonis eggs (mean 60 epg). These eggs were found in three samples collected in November and December. Furthermore, in some faecal samples eggs of flukes, Capillaria sp. , Mesocystoides sp. , and coccidian oocysts were found. It is one of rare reports concerning Baylisascaris procyonis in Poland confirming the presence of this dangerous parasite in Polish raccoon population.
The tachocline and differential rotation in the Sun

In this paper, we present a model for the effects of the tachocline on the differential rotation in the solar convection zone. The mathematical technique relies on the assumption that entropy is nearly constant (‘well mixed’) in isorotation surfaces both outside and within the tachocline. The resulting solutions exhibit non-trivial features that strikingly resemble the true tachocline isorotation contours in unexpected detail. This strengthens the mathematical premises of the theory. The observed rotation pattern in the tachocline shows strong quadupolar structure, an important feature that is explicitly used in constructing our solutions. The tachocline is treated locally as an interior boundary layer of small but finite thickness, and an explicit global solution is then constructed. A dynamical link can thus be established between the internal jump in the angular velocity at the tachocline and the spread of angular velocities observed near the solar surface. In general, our results suggest that the bulk of the solar convection zone is in thermal wind balance, and that simple quadrupolar stresses, local in radius, mediate the tachocline transition from differential rotation to uniform rotation in the radiative interior.
Establishing Correlations and Scale-Up Factor for Estimating the Petroleum Biodegradation Rate in Soil

ABSTRACT The proper design of a bioremediation strategy for petroleum-contaminated sites requires a reasonable estimate of the biodegradation rate constant, which is not easy due to spatial heterogeneity. Accordingly, predictive models were developed by completing a bioventing study at the meso-scale. Reactors holding 4 kg of disturbed soil were tested using five different types of soils. Using statistical analysis, a two-stage process was observed, with a fast rate of hydrocarbon degradation in the first 8 days and a slower rate in the remaining 22 days. Review of the correlations showed that the initial population of petroleum-degrading bacteria and increasing silt content had a positive effect on the degradation. A negative impact on the degradation rate was seen by increasing the fraction of organic matter and clay content. Comparison of previously completed micro-scale and meso-scale degradation rates gave a scale-up factor (SF) of 1.8 ± 0.5. Soils with an increased sand fraction had slightly higher SF values, whereas soils high in organic matter content had lower SF values. The measured SF values and developed correlations will help practitioners with site closure decisions, indicating the need for additional SF work to allow better transfer of meso-scale data to the field.
THE EFFECT OF DIGITAL STORIES ON ENHANCING IRANIAN PRE-INTERMEDIATE EFL LEARNERS' LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Learning a foreign language is a challenging process in which learners need motivation and encouragement through the use of modern techniques. The present paper investigates the effects digital stories may have on Iranian pre-intermediate EFL learners’ listening comprehension. To this end, the researchers carried out a quasi-experimental research in a language institution in Tabriz (Iran). In total, forty, 11-14-year-old female students participated in this research. Twenty students were in the experimental group and twenty in the control group. The Preliminary English Test (PET) was administered at the beginning of the study to check whether all participants were homogeneous in terms of English language proficiency. A pre-test of listening comprehension was designed to gather initial data on the learners' listening skill prior to the treatment. The experimental group was presented with digital stories in a technology-equipped classroom. After the treatment, a post-test was administered to both groups to test the learners' progression in listening comprehension. Then, using an ANCOVA test, the performance of two groups was compared.The findings indicated that the experimental group outperformed the control group in the final test. The results raise interesting issues related to the use of technology in the context of foreign language learning, substantiating the link between technology rich environment and improved language learning.
The Long-Run Dynamics between Direct and Securitized Real Estate

This study presents evidence of cointegration between securitized (NAREIT) and direct (NCREIF) real estate total return indices. Since the two real estate indices are cointegrated with one another but not with the stock market, REITs and direct real estate are likely to have similar long-term diversification benefits in a stock portfolio. Only direct real estate is found to currently adjust towards the cointegrating relation, with NAREIT returns leading NCREIF returns. However, the results show evidence of the predictability of NAREIT returns during the 1980s. Additionally, a large and long-lasting deviation from the long-run relation between NAREIT and NCREIF is identified at the beginning of the â€œnew REIT eraâ€ .
EFFECTS OF PRE-GERMINATION TREATMENTS AND STORAGE ON GERMINATION OF Astronium fraxinifolium SCHOTT (ANACARDIACEAE) DIASPORES EFEITOS DE TRATAMENTOS PRÉ-GERMINATIVOS E DO ARMAZENAMENTO NA GERMINAÇÃO DE DIÁSPOROS DE Astronium fraxinifolium SCHOTT (ANACARDIACEAE)

The goal of this study was to evaluate the germination and the storage capacity of Astronium fraxinifolium diaspores. Six pre-germination treatments were used in the experiment: control treatment (intact diaspores); diaspores immersed in water at room temperature (25o C) for 5 min; diaspores immersed in water at 70° C for 5 min; diaspores immersed in water at 100° C for 5 min; diaspores immersed in sodium hypochlorite solution (1:1000) for 2 min; and diaspores mechanically scarified with sandpaper #80. To evaluate storage conditions, we tested two different types of packaging (permeable paper bag and transparent glass jar) and two environmental conditions (cold chamber and room conditions), resulting in four treatments. The germination tests were performed for zero (control) and 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days after storage. The effects of different treatments on germination and storage of diaspores were evaluated by ANOVA, followed by Tukey test. Regarding to pre-germination treatments, high germination rates were observed in the hypochlorite (98.0 ± 4.22%), control (97.0 ± 4.83%), water at room temperature (96.0 ± 6.99%) and water at 70o C (83.0 ± 29.08%) treatments. Thus, Astronium fraxinifolium diaspores do not present dormancy. During storage, the diaspores remained viable throughout the study period with high germination rates, except for the treatment in paper bags placed in the cold chamber, in which the diaspores lost their viability in the eighth month of storage. Therefore, this is not a
Business Process Modelling for Measuring Quality

Business process modelling languages facilitate presentation, communication and analysis of business processes with different stakeholders. This paper proposes an approach that drives specification and measurement of quality requirements and in doing so relies on business process models as representations of business processes. The approach is presented in the form of a conceptual model and its application is demonstrated for a simplified version of a business process. However, communication becomes a challenge in crossorganizational business processes where multiple business process modelling languages are being practiced which calls for an abstraction as an integration of concepts of these business process modelling languages. In this paper, a business process integrating meta-model is presented as an abstraction of concepts of seven mainstream business process modelling languages. Attaining such level of understanding and specifying business processes fosters specification and measurement of quality requirements.
Meta-analysis is a powerful tool to summarize variety mixture effects - exemplified by grain yield and weed suppression of spring barley

In a new project, we aim to increase the general understanding of the power of meta-analysis to combine existing experimental results on variety mixtures. In this way, explanatory power can be increased compared to separate analyses and overall measures and relationships may be revealed. We will thus pursue to uncover a number of critical issues, including the relative importance of various traits and trait combinations on mixing success. To demonstrate the methods of meta-analysis applicable for variety mixture data, we considered a data set consisting of grain yield and weed ground cover assessments in 16 field trials of six 3-component variety mixtures and their components (part of the Danish BAR-OF field trials). The effects of mixing were analysed separately for each field trial and the results used in a meta-analysis in combination with their standard errors. We also analysed the mixing effects of each mixture by fitting a linear model to the entire data set. Both methods showed an overall positive mixing effect on grain yield and a trend for less weed to be found in variety mixtures. Finally, strengths and shortcomings of the methods are highlighted.
UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS ASSESSMENT OF CO 2-ORIENTED VEHICLE TAX REFORMS : A CASE STUDY FOR GREECE

Vehicle taxation based on a car’s CO2 emission levels is increasingly adopted in countries around the world. This paper describes a model of oligopolistic competition in markets with differentiated products, simulating automobile demand and supply under alternative tax regimes. The objective is to perform simulations in order to evaluate policies that could shift consumer purchases towards low-CO2 cars and thus lead to the reduction of fuel use and CO2 emissions. Focusing on an analysis of the car market of Greece, we assess the environmental and economic implications of alternative carbon-based tax schemes. Our findings, which are relevant for other European countries as well, illustrate that careful policy design, supported by an appropriate model, can bring about substantial environmental benefits without losing control of economic parameters such as public finances or firm profits. In some cases vehicle taxation can have adverse (though unintended) environmental consequences.
Liver weight changes in wistar rats treated with crude aqueous extracts of Mangifera indica stem bark.

This study was designed to determine the weight changes in the liver of wistar rats treated with crude aqueous extracts of Mangifera indica stem bark. Twenty Wistar rats (170-185g) were used for this study. They were subdivided into four groups: A, B, C & D (n=5 each). Group A served as control, while B, C, and D served as tests. For 14 days, group A received normal feed mash and water only, while groups B, C and D received oral doses of 0.25ml (25mg), 0.5ml (50mg) and 1ml (100mg) of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica stem bark respectively. At the end of the experiment, the animals were weighed and sacrificed to harvest the liver for organ weight determination. Results showed no significant increase (p>0.05) in the body weight of the control rats compared to test group; but a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the weight of the liver in group D (p< 0.05) when compared with the control. It suggests that 100mg of Mangifera indica is above the safe dose level for rats and that crude AE of M. indica has no significant effect on somatic growth but caused a significant decrease in liver weight at higher doses. KeyWords: Aqueous extract, Liver, Mangifera indica, Weight changes,
Firm Cash Holdings and CEO Inside Debt

We examine the effect of CEO pensions and deferred compensation (inside debt) on firm cash holdings and the value of cash. We document a positive relation between CEO inside debt and firm cash holdings. This positive effect is magnified by firm leverage and mitigated by the presence of financial constraints. We further find that the marginal value of cash to shareholders declines as CEO inside debt increases. Our evidence supports the view that inside debt tilts managerial incentives toward bondholders and helps balance the competing interests of stockholders and bondholders. The evidence also suggests, however, that inside debt can harm shareholder value by encouraging excess cash holdings.
Do CEO skills have an impact on CEO compensation and firm performance

This thesis aims to link CEO skills to CEO compensation and firm performance. In order to do so, I divide CEO skills into general and firm-specific skills based on educational and career experience of the CEOs. The main objective is to investigate which CEO skills attract higher compensation in the market and whether those skills lead to a better firm performance. Insights about the drivers of the CEO compensation are essential in determining the right pay for the CEOs and therefore, an important topic to examine. The sample consists of 189 randomly selected CEOs from publicly quoted S&P 500 companies in years between 2013 and 2015. The results indicate significant positive relation between general CEO skills and total annual CEO compensation, however, show no significant relation between CEO skills and firm performance. The findings of this study provide evidence that general CEO skills are of bigger value to the companies when setting CEO compensation packages, although, they do not bring corresponding performance.
Photosynthesis is not a universal feature of the phylum Cyanobacteria

Molecular surveys of aphotic habitats have indicated the presence of major uncultured lineages phylogenetically classified as members of the Cyanobacteria. One of these lineages has recently been proposed as a non-photosynthetic sister phylum to the Cyanobacteria, the Melainabacteria, based on recovery of standard draft population genomes from human gut and groundwater samples. Here, we expand the phylogenomic representation of the Melainabacteria through sequencing of six diverse population genomes from gut and bioreactor samples supporting the inference that this lineage is nonphotosynthetic, but not the assertion that they are strictly fermentative. We propose that the Melainabacteria is a class within the phylogenetically defined Cyanobacteria based on robust monophyly and shared ancestral traits with photosynthetic representatives. Our findings are consistent with theories that photosynthesis occurred late in the Cyanobacteria and involved extensive lateral gene transfer, and refutes the long held belief that oxygenic photosynthesis is a universal feature of this phylum.
The Greek house and the ideology of citizenship

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between the egalitarian ideology of the Greek polis and the development of the complex, self-contained courtyard house. The polis was a ‘corporate’ state in which power was shared among a body of nominally equal citizens, rather than being centralized in the hands of an individual or small group. Elevating the citizen male to the status of head of an independent household, free from outside interference or ties of patronage, was one of the ways in which this equality was fostered; the enclosed form of the courtyard house advertised its owner's autonomy and adherence to shared moral codes, and thus his eligibility for access to power. The preference for new housing to be arranged in regular grid-plans also suggests a desire to avoid kin-based patterns of residence, replacing them with a new kind of solidarity based on membership of the citizen group.