Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrasting extreme long-distance migration patterns in bar-tailed godwits Limosa lapponica

Migrating birds make the longest non-stop endurance flights in the animal kingdom. Satellite technology is now providing direct evidence on the lengths and durations of these flights and associated staging episodes for individual birds. Using this technology, we compared the migration performance of two subspecies of bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica travelling between non-breeding grounds in New Zealand (subspecies baueri) and northwest Australia (subspecies menzbieri) and breeding grounds in Alaska and eastern Russia, respectively. Individuals of both subspecies made long, usually non-stop, flights from non-breeding grounds to coastal staging grounds in the Yellow Sea region of East Asia (average 10 060 +/- SD 290 km for baueri and 5860 +/- 240 km for menzbieri). After an average stay of 41.2 +/- 4.8 d, baueri flew over the North Pacific Ocean before heading northeast to the Alaskan breeding grounds (6770 +/- 800 km). Menzbieri staged for 38.4 +/- 2.5 d, and flew over land and sea northeast to high arctic Russia (4170 +/- 370 km). The post-breeding journey for baueri involved several weeks of staging in southwest Alaska followed by non-stop flights across the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand (11 690 km in a complete track) or stopovers on islands in the southwestern Pacific en route to New Zealand and eastern Australia. By contrast, menzbieri returned to Australia via stopovers in the New Siberian Islands, Russia, and back at the Yellow Sea; birds travelled on average 4510 +/- 360 km from Russia to the Yellow Sea, staged there for 40.8 +/- 5.6 d, and then flew another 56807180 km to Australia (10 820 +/- 300 km in total). Overall, the entire migration of the single baueri godwit with a fully completed return track totalled 29 280 km and involved 20 d of major migratory flight over a round-trip journey of 174 d. The entire migrations of menzbieri averaged 21 940 +/- 570 km, including 14 d of major migratory flights out of 154 d total. Godwits of both populations exhibit extreme flight performance, and baueri makes the longest (southbound) and second-longest (northbound) non-stop migratory flights documented for any bird. Both subspecies essentially make single stops when moving between non-breeding and breeding sites in opposite hemispheres. This reinforces the critical importance of the intertidal habitats used by fuelling godwits in Australasia, the Yellow Sea, and Alaska.
Jets, arcs, and shocks: NGC 5195 at radio wavelengths

We studied the nearby, interacting galaxy NGC 5195 (M 51b) in the radio, optical and X-ray bands. We mapped the extended, low-surface-brightness features of its radio-continuum emission; determined the energy content of its complex structure of shock-ionized gas; constrained the current activity level of its supermassive nuclear black hole. In particular, we combined data from the European Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (∼1-pc scale), from our new e-MERLIN observations (∼10-pc scale), and from the Very Large Array (∼100–1000-pc scale), to obtain a global picture of energy injection in this galaxy. We put an upper limit to the luminosity of the (undetected) flat-spectrum radio core. We find steep-spectrum, extended emission within 10 pc of the nuclear position, consistent with optically thin synchrotron emission from nuclear star formation or from an outflow powered by an active galactic nucleus (AGN). A linear spur of radio emission juts out of the nuclear source towards the kpc-scale arcs (detected in radio, Hα and X-ray bands). From the size, shock velocity, and Balmer line luminosity of the kpc-scale bubble, we estimate that it was inflated by a long-term-average mechanical power ∼3–6 × 10^(41) erg s^(−1) over the last 3–6 Myr. This is an order of magnitude more power than can be provided by the current level of star formation, and by the current accretion power of the supermassive black hole. We argue that a jet-inflated bubble scenario associated with previous episodes of AGN activity is the most likely explanation for the kpc-scale structures.
Fiscal Politics in Time: Pathways to Fiscal Consolidation, 1980-2012

The comparative study of debt and fiscal consolidation has acquired a new focus in the wake of the global financial crisis. This leads us to re-evaluate the literature on fiscal consolidation that flourished during the 1980s and 1990s. The conventional approach segments episodes of fiscal change into discrete observations. We argue that this misses the dynamic features of government strategy, especially in the choices made between expenditure-based and revenue-based fiscal consolidation strategies. We propose a focus on pathways rather than episodes of adjustment, to recapture what Pierson terms ‘politics in time’. A case-study approach facilitates analysis of complex causality that includes the structures of interest intermediation, the role of ideas in shaping the set of feasible policy choices, and the situation of national economies in the international political economy. We support our argument with qualitative data based on two case studies, Ireland and Greece, and with additional paired comparisons of Ireland with Britain, and Greece with Spain.
EVIDENCE FROM THE GERMAN CAPITAL MARKET REGARDING THE VALUE RELEVANCE OF CONSOLIDATED VERSUS PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial statements’ main objective is to give information on the financial position, performance and changes in financial position of the reporting entity, which is useful to investors and other users in making economic decisions. In order to be useful, financial information needs to be relevant to the decision-making process of users in general, and investors in particular. Hence, the following question arises logically – which of the two sets best serves the information needs of investors (and other categories of users), respectively which of the two sets is more relevant for investors? Of course, the possibility of both sets at the same time best serving the information needs should not be ruled out. In our scientific endeavor we conducted an empirical association study on the problem of market value relevance of consolidated financial statements and of individual financial statements of the parent company, searching for an answer to the above question. In this sense, we analyze the absolute and relative market value relevance of consolidated accounting information of listed companies on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (one of the largest three stock markets in the European Union) between 2003 and 2008. Through this empirical study we intend to contribute to the relatively limited literature on this topic with a comparative time analysis of the absolute and incremental relevance of financial information supplied by the two categories of financial statements (group and individual). The results obtained indicate a statistically significant superiority of the relevance of consolidated statements (in detriment of individual ones). However, we could not statistically prove a superior value relevance of information provided together by consolidated and parent company financial statements as opposed to consolidated information. On the one hand, these results prove the importance (usefulness) of consolidated financial statements especially for investors on the capital market, and on the other hand, they question the necessity of publishing parent company financial statements.
Photospheric magnetic evolution of super active regions

Context. Solar flares are one of the most interesting phenomena of solar activity. Although many authors agree that their energy release is related to magnetic reconnection, the phases preceding the magnetic reconnection process are still unclear in several respects. Aims. We studied the magnetic flux evolution in 26 super active regions observed on the solar disc from Jan. 1, 2000 to Dec. 31, 2006, in order to determine a physical relationship between flares and some properties of the photospheric magnetic fields. Methods. This analysis is based on full disc line of sight MDI magnetograms. We measured the total magnetic flux, the magnetic flux imbalance, the horizontal magnetic gradient and the number of magnetic features characterized by a collection of pixels lying in the same bins of absolute strength. We also elaborated an algorithm for the identification and the length measurement of the magnetic inversion lines. Results. We found a correlation between the evolution of the analyzed parameters and the flare occurrence. The most intense phases of activity are associated with phases of emergence of a magnetic field in 15 super active regions and with phases of flux cancellation in 5 super active regions. Conclusions. Super active regions may be characterized by a different behavior depending on their morphology. Some of them show a continuous flare activity, while others present an alternation of active and quiet phases. The deviations from magnetic polarity balance and the length of the inversion lines characterized by a horizontal magnetic gradient greater than 0.3 G km -1 seem to have a major role in producing a magnetic field topology able to trigger flares.
Identifying Dependence Structure among Equities in Indian Markets using Copulas

In this study we have examined that assets returns in Indian markets do not follow an elliptical dependence structure; asymmetric tail dependence can be observed among asset returns particularly when the assets exhibit downside returns in a bearish market. We have used Elliptical, Archimedean and Canonical Vine copulas to model such dependence structure in large portfolios. Using certain goodness-of-fit tests we find that Archimedean copulas are insufficient to model the dependence among assets in a large portfolio. We have also compared copula models using an out-of-sample Value-at-Risk (VaR) calculation and comparing results to the historical data. It is observed that the Canonical Vine copulas consistently capture the variation in weekly and daily VaR values.
On the Welfare Cost of Inflation: The Case of Pakistan

In this paper, we quantify welfare costs of inflation for Pakistan for the period 1960-2007 using semi-log and double-log money demand functions. We find that the welfare gain of moving from positive inflation to zero inflation is approximately the same under both money demand specifications but the behaviour of the two models is fairly different towards low interest rates. Moving from zero inflation to zero nominal interest rate has a substantial gain under double-log form compared to the semi-log function. The compensating variation approach for the semi-log model gives higher welfare loss figures compared to Bailey’s approach. However, the two approaches yield approximately the same welfare cost of inflation for the double-log specification.
Generation of Tax Revenues and Economic Development: A Panel-Analysis for Emerging Economies in Asia

Abstract Particularly in an emerging or developing economy context, generating sufficient tax revenues is essential for the provision and upkeep of well-needed public infrastructure/public capital that supports the development process. However, tax policy can also cause distortionary and negative effects to economic activity and growth, especially if excessive taxation is imposed. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of tax revenues and estimate its overall net impact on economic growth in emerging economies in Asia. The dataset covers emerging economies from South, Southeast, and East Asia during 1998-2015. The results show that tax revenues have an overall positive net impact on the growth rate of real GDP per capita, suggesting the positive effects associated with taxation outweigh the negative and distortionary effects of taxation. Thus, evidence is found that the collection of adequate amounts of tax revenues (with which public investments were financed) contributed significantly to economic development.
Optimising the management of Pinus nigra Arn. stands under endogenous risk of fire in Catalonia

El presente estudio, presenta como optimizar la gestion selvicola de masas regulares de Pinus nigra Arn. en Cataluna cuando se incluye el riesgo endogeno de incendios. Para ello, se utilizo el sistema de simulacion-optimizacion RODAL con el fin de determinar la gestion optima del rodal, considerando como objetivo de gestion el valor esperado del suelo. El sistema RODAL actualmente incluye modelos para predecir la probabilidad de ocurrencia de un incendio en una masa determinada y la probabilidad de supervivencia de los arboles afectados en caso de producirse el incendio en dicha masa. Estos modelos fueron desarrollados para ser utilizados en la planificacion forestal, por lo tanto utilizan variables independientes regularmente utilizadas y obtenidas en el proceso decisorio de la planificacion de la gestion forestal. Con el fin de encontrar el plan de gestion optimo a nivel de masa se utilizo un proceso de optimizacion estocastica no linear. El plan de gestion optimo queda definido por la combinacion optima del turno de corta y el momento e intensidad de las claras. La inclusion del riesgo de incendios tiene un claro efecto sobre la gestion optima del rodal; las claras tienden a ser mas tempranas para reducir el riesgo de incendios y el turno de corta tambien tiende a acortarse para reducir las perdidas esperadas.
Innovation: Technological and Cultural Construct Model

The existing research and consequent literature on innovation are quite extensive. There is a vast variety of models that explain the many different dimensions and scopes of innovation, up to a greater degree. However, some dimensions and scopes of innovation are still to be discussed and researched, such as the cultural dimension and the creation process scope. Further, the relation between innovation and value creation is not yet discussed down to the needed deepness that can provide a clear understanding, for scholars and professionals, of the existing inter-connections between both. This paper introduces a new discussion about innovation in the business arena, based on a dual approach, covering technological and cultural transformation or evolution. Despite many attempts to understand those two sides of innovation that mainly impact products (goods or services), we haven’t yet reached a full understanding of how they interconnect and play together, and how they impact, individually or in conjunction, the value dimension of products. The paper intends to bring a new theoretical base, inspired on existing literature and empirical observation, that encompasses the two most well identified sides of our lives, tangible and intangible, in an attempt to create a new basis of understanding for scholars, policy makers, professionals and business decision makers that can facilitate political and business decisions and increase the potential impact of these on the economy and society. The paper also aims at opening a larger area for future research and better understanding of ways to manage business and products and to influence the economy and society in the fields of technological innovation and cultural innovation.
Validity of pleural lactate dehydrogenase measurements in assessment of pleural effusions

Background Pleural effusions are classified into transudates and exudates based on Light’s criteria, but the main disadvantage of Light’s criteria is the misclassification of transudates as exudates in about 20% of cases. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of various biochemical parameters to differentiate pleural exudates and transudates. Methods An observational study to evaluate diagnostics tests was conducted at the emergency department of Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta, from September 2010 until December 2011. In total, 119 patients with pleural effusion were evaluated. Simultaneous pleural effusion and blood samples were examined for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, cholesterol and albumin, with the clinical diagnosis as the gold standard. Results There were 104 exudative and 15 transudative pleural effusions. Light’s criteria achieved a higher overall accuracy (sensitivity 97%, specificity 80%, accuracy 95%). The optimum cut off values were pleural fluid to serum ratio of LDH 0.4 (sensitivity 95%, specificity 87%, accuracy 94%) and pleural fluid LDH of 178 IU/L (sensitivity 92%, specificity 87%, accuracy 92%). Pleural fluid cholesterol was 50 mg/dL (sensitivity 89%, specificity 53%, accuracy 85%), pleural fluid to serum cholesterol ratio 0.41 (sensitivity 75%, specificity 53%, accuracy 72%) and serum-effusion albumin gradient 1.3 g/dL (sensitivity 91%, specificity 73%, accuracy 89%). Combination of biochemical tests did not improve sensitivity or accuracy. Conclusions Light’s criteria remain superior to other biochemical tests, but the new cut off values of LDH pleural fluid to serum ratio of 0.4 and pleural fluid LDH of 178 IU/L appears to yield a slight improvement in diagnostic accuracy.
An individual measure of relative survival

Summary. Relative survival techniques are used to compare survival experience in a study cohort with that expected if background population rates apply. The techniques are especially useful when cause‐specific death information is not accurate or not available as they provide a measure of excess mortality in a group of patients with a certain disease. Whereas these methods are based on group comparisons, we present here a transformation approach which instead gives for each individual an outcome measure relative to the appropriate background population. The new outcome measure is easily interpreted and can be analysed by using standard survival analysis techniques. It provides additional information on relative survival and gives new options in regression analysis. For example, one can estimate the proportion of patients who survived longer than a given percentile of the respective general population or compare survival experience of individuals while accounting for the population differences. The regression models for the new outcome measure are different from existing models, thus providing new possibilities in analysing relative survival data. One distinctive feature of our approach is that we adjust for expected survival before modelling. The paper is motivated by a study into the survival of patients after acute myocardial infarction.
Inverses of semigroup generators: a survey and remarks

Let X be a Banach space, and let (e)t≥0 be a bounded C0-semigroup on X, with generator A. Suppose that A−1 exists as a (closed) densely defined operator. In 1988 deLaubenfels asked whether A−1 also generates a C0-semigroup. The problem is still open in the setting of Hilbert spaces. In this survey we will discuss partial advances obtained so far and mention also related results.
John Searle: From speech acts to social reality

It was in the Oxford of Austin, Ryle, and Strawson that John Searle was shaped as a philosopher. It was in Oxford, not least through Austin's influence and example, that the seeds of the book Speech Acts , Searle's inaugural magnum opus, were planted. And it was in Oxford that Searle acquired many of the characteristic traits that have marked his thinking ever since. These are traits shared by many analytic philosophers of his generation: the idea of the centrality of language to philosophy; the adoption of a philosophical method centred on (in Searle's case, a mainly informal type of) logical analysis; the respect for common sense and for the results of modern science as constraints on philosophical theorizing; and the reverence for Frege, and for the sort of stylistic clarity that marked Frege's writings. In subsequent decades, however, Searle has distinguished himself in a number of important ways from other, more typical analytic philosophers. While still conceiving language as central to philosophical concerns, he has come to see language itself against the background of those neurobiological and psychological capacities of human beings that underpin our competencies as language-using organisms. He has embraced a radically negative stand as concerns the role of epistemology in contemporary philosophy. And he has braved territory not otherwise explored by analytic philosophers in engaging in the attempt to build what can only be referred to as a Grand Philosophical Theory.
The Level and Persistence of Growth Rates

Expected long-term earnings growth rates are crucial inputs to valuation models and for cost of capital estimates. We analyze historical long-term growth rates across a broad cross-section of stocks using several operating performance indicators. We test whether growth persists, and whether it is forecastable. Cases of very high growth have occurred, but are relatively rare. There is scant persistence in growth beyond chance, and limited ability to identify firms with high future long-term growth. IBES forecasts are too optimistic, and have low predictive power for long-term growth. Regressions using a variety of predictors confirm the low predictability in growth. Valuations that assume persistently high growth over prolonged periods rest on shaky foundations.
The Effects of Procrastination and Self-Awareness on Emotional Responses

ential role in the daily lives of people and the situations in which they engage. In recent years, much attention has been devoted to what specific roles procrastination and self-awareness have in emotional responses. Procrastination is commonly experienced in both personal and professional arenas and can lead to many negative emotions. For example, Pychyl, Lee, Thibodeau, and Blunt (2000) reported that significantly higher levels of guilt and lower levels of motivation were experienced by students when they reported that they were procrastinating. Further, Scheier and Carver (1977) found that self-focused attention, by use of a mirror, heightened a person’s awareness of and responsivity to both positive and negative affects, therefore possibly amplifying the positive or negative emotion experienced. A better understanding of how procrastination and self-awareness interact to influence the kind and intensity of emotions may help individuals better self-regulate and manage their daily lives. Procrastination is a problem that is becoming more prevalent amongst college students. It is estimated that up to 70% of college students procrastinate on academic tasks (Schouwenburg, Lay, Pychyl, & Ferrari, 2004). Generally speaking, to procrastinate means to put off something that must be done. Solomon and Rothblum (1984) defined procrastination as “the act of needlessly delaying tasks to the point of experiencing subjective discomfort” (p. 503). There are many possible reasons for the occurrence of procrastination in college students. Solomon and Rothblum (1984) concluded that there are two distinct reasons for procrastination by college students. First was fear of failure, which incorporates concerns about meeting other people’s expectations, about meeting perfectionist standards, and about lack of self-confidence. Szalavitz (2003) suggested that procrastinators would rather be seen as lacking in effort than as turning in a performance that is not good enough. People who have perfectionist tendencies routinely put things off, which is an activity that is a core-identifying element of procrastination in students, and it can be indicative of the self-handicapping strategy. Ferrari (1991) found that procrastinators had significantly higher levels of public self-consciousness, self-handicapping, and social anxiety, along with lower levels of self-esteem. If people view them-