Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ignorant seed predators and factors affecting the seed survival of a tropical palm

In addition to acting as seed predators, some terrestrial mammals bury seeds via scatter hoarding. This study system used two permanent plots in examining the interaction between small rodents and the seeds of the palm Astrocaryum mexicanum. We tested how experimental burial, and fruiting status of the parent, distance to the parent, seed size, and microsite characteristics affect the survival of these seeds. Up to 34% of the buried seeds that were exposed only to ignorant rodent foragers (individuals not responsible for burial) survived. In comparison, less than 1% of seeds buried by scatter hoarding rodents survived in previous studies, a percentage that is comparable to the low survival of unburied seeds in this study (<2%). Although unburied seeds had very low survival, increasing distance and/or seed density positively affected survival of unburied seeds. Distance to parent had no effect on buried seed survival. Buried seed survival was most strongly and significantly determined by the fruiting status of the trees under which they occurred. Seeds experienced significantly greater predation if buried under “parent” trees that fruited during the experiment. Buried seed survival was also negatively affected by germination, as germination may signal the presence of a seed to foraging rodents. There was some indication of a positive effect of tree density on seed survival between the two plots, whereas differences in rodent abundance appear to have no effect on seed survival. Seed size and microsite characteristics had no significant effect on buried seed survival, likely due to the greater proportional effects of other factors and the longevity of A. mexicanum seeds. The results of this study were used to generate a hypothetical causal network showing how comparatively low recovery of buried seeds by ignorant foragers – combined with processes determining the removal of scatter hoarding foragers from their scattered seed caches – may affect seedling recruitment in A. mexicanum.
Working Paper Series 456 ( ISSN 1211-3298 ) Firm Efficiency : Domestic Owners , Coalitions , and FDI

In this paper we analyze the evolution of firm efficiency in the Czech Republic. Using a large panel of more than 190,000 Czech firm/years we study whether firms fully utilize their resources, how firm efficiency evolves over time, and how firm efficiency is determined by ownership structure. We employ a panel version of a stochastic production frontier model for the period 1996–2007 with time-varying efficiency. We differentiate among various degrees of ownership concentration and domestic or foreign origin. In a two-stage set-up we estimate the degree of firm inefficiency and then we estimate the effect of ownership structure on the distance from the efficiency frontier. Our results support the hypothesis that concentration and foreign ownership are positively related to efficiency and that FDI has beneficial effects at the microeconomic level. However, we show that a simple majority is not necessarily the best structure to improve efficiency. We further analyze the effects of ownership coalitions, and shed light on many other subtleties of how ownership and the specific industry affect firm efficiency.
Some Predictors of Students’ Achievements in Senior Secondary School English Comprehension in Nigeria

The study examined the relative and combined contributions of the some determinants of students’ achievement of Senior Secondary school English Comprehension in South western States. One thousand students were sampled. The Self Factor Scale (SFS), Home Factor Scale (HFS) and Teacher Factor Scale (TFS) were used to collect data, which was analyzed with stepwise multiple regression t-test statistical tool. The finding implied that the achievement of students in English language Comprehension could be predicted by the combination of students’ Self, home and teacher factors. It was recommended that students should be allowed to think on their own and be left alone to work and teachers should perform their supervisory roles.
Beyond GDP - Measuring the Wealth of Nations

This work devotes analysis to the consistency of the idea to measure the Wealth of Nations beyond GDP. Looking at the desirability, utility and feasibility of the concept, the main objective is to outline whether a socially and environmentally adjusted GDP would be able to have a real policy effect in the direction of sustainability. Section I discusses the desirability of the issue and suggests that our current paradigm of progress needs serious rethinking, as it rests on teleological presuppositions prevalent in the 17th and 18th century - an antiquated mechanical world view, developed by Descartes and Newton. In this context, the historical ascendency of GDP is discussed, outlining its rise and demise. Section II then discusses the utility of an adjusted GDP. Departing from an analysis of the growth elasticities of poverty (health and literacy), which gives empirical evidence on the insufficient correlation of GDP per capita and living standards, conventional GDP will then be weight against the alternative measures. An environmental adjustment will thereby be found justified on the ground of efficiency gain effects occurring along the allocation of resources and health expenditure among others, suggesting that the conventional GDP is inefficient and an economically irrational model to guide progress. Concerns will however be raised about the possible inflationary effect of a social adjustment, which is politically unfeasible under the current paradigm of progress and requires further research in terms of measurement techniques. Section III then suggests that the feasibility is a political question. Taking the Case study of the failed Green GDP attempt in China, lessons learnt will be formalised on which I conclude with suggestions under which circumstances an adjusted GDP would be able to have a real policy effect in the direction of sustainability.
Leveraged Buyouts: A Survey of the Literature

This paper provides an exhaustive literature review of the motives for public-to-private LBO transactions. First, the paper develops the theoretical framework for the potential sources of value creation from going private: a distinction is made between the reduction in agency costs, stakeholder wealth transfers, tax benefits, transaction costs savings, takeover defense strategies, and corporate undervaluation. The paper then reviews and summarizes whether and how these theories have been empirically verified in the four different strands of literature in LBO research. These strands of literature are categorized by phase in the LBO transaction: Intent (of a buyout), Impact (of the LBO on the various stakeholders), Process (of restructuring after the leveraged buyout) and Duration (of retaining the private status). Then, the paper shows that in the first half of the 2000s, a public-to-private LBO wave re-emerged in the US, UK and Continental Europe, whose value vastly exceeded that of the 1980s US LBO wave. Finally, the paper provides suggestions for further research.
ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE FROM CRAB HAEMOLYPMH OF OCYPODA MACROCERA (Milne Edwards 1852) WITH REFERENCE TO ANTIOXIDANT: A CASE STUDY

Objective: To evaluate the Antimicrobial Peptide from Ocypoda macrocera crab haemolymph with reference to antioxidant activity. Methods: the crude and fractionated haemolymph protein was estimated, conformed by TLC, FT-IR, and tested for antimicrobial activity. In-vitro antioxidant activity were determined by total antioxidant activity, DPPH, reducing power, nitrous oxide scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and ferrous ion chelating from active fraction of haemolymph. Results: A protein was estimated from the O. macrocera crab haemolymph (precipitated by ammonium sulphate) which shows 15.43 to 60.34KDa. The estimated haemolymph protein was purified and detected by using thin layer chromatography and antibacterial activity of purified fraction obtained maximum zone of inhibition in the haemolymph 6th fraction (14mm). The active 6th fraction exhibit the antioxidant activity in the terms of total antioxidant activity (176 μg/ml) , dpph assay (96.11%), total reducing power (34 μg/ml), nitrous oxide scavenging (64.5%), hydrogen peroxide scavenging (91.68%) and ferrous ion chelating assay (78.54% ) which has tentatively identified as amide I, II and III by FTIR spectroscopy. Conclusion: Hence, the present study revealed that peptides from crab haemolymph have been used as an accessible source of natural antioxidants with consequent health benefits.
An analysis of the influence of discount sales promotion in consumer buying intent and the moderating effects of attractiveness

El objetivo en este trabajo es analizar la influencia de la promocion de ventas con descuento en la intencion de compra y los efectos moderadores de la atractividad en la relacion entre la intencion de comprar un producto con descuento y la impulsividad, la percepcion hedonica y del riesgo financiero. Para ello, se llevo a cabo un experimento con 613 estudiantes. Las hipotesis predecian que un producto con promocion de descuento podria relacionarse positivamente con la impulsividad, asi como con una percepcion hedonica sobre el bien ofrecido, y negativamente con la percepcion de riesgo financiero asociado al producto que se ofrece con descuento. Se esperaba encontrar una moderacion positiva de la atractividad percibida de la promocion de descuento anunciada sobre las intenciones de los comportamientos. Los resultados comprobaron las hipotesis, lo que indica efectos positivos de la impulsividad y la percepcion hedonica con relacion a la compra del producto con descuento, ademas de la relacion negativa entre la intencion de comprar el producto con descuento y la percepcion de riesgo financiero. No se confirmaron los efectos moderadores. Consideraciones finales concluyen el trabajo.
A capacity factor as an alternative to soil test phosphorus in phosphorus risk assessment

Abstract Soil test phosphorus (P) concentrations (STP) are often used as measures of environmental P risk. However, a low STP is not valid justification for further P application because P sorption capacity may be low and P added could be lost to surface waters. The degree of P saturation (DPS) normalises extractable P using extractable Al and Fe as a surrogate for P sorption capacity, but like STP, fails to convey a magnitude of capacity. We propose the use of a DPS‐based prediction of the remaining soil P storage capacity (SPSC) that would capture risks arising from previous loading as well as inherently low P sorption capacity. The SPSC is a direct estimate of the amount of P a soil can sorb before exceeding a threshold soil equilibrium concentration. In this paper, we demonstrate the applicability of the SPSC for a variety of sandy soils impacted by dairy and poultry manure additions. The SPSC provides a means to assess the capacity of a soil to retain additional P and hence is a more useful indicator of P‐related environmental risk than STP or DPS measures alone.
When and Why Worry About Real Exchange Rate Appreciation? The Missing Link Between Dutch Disease and Growth

We review the literature on Dutch disease, and document that shocks that trigger foreign exchange inflows (such as natural resource booms, surges in foreign aid, remittances, or capital inflows) appreciate the real exchange rate, generate factor reallocation, and reduce manufacturing output and net exports. We also observe that real exchange rate misalignment due to overvaluation and higher volatility of the real exchange rate lower growth. Regarding the effect of undervaluation of the exchange rate on economic growth, the evidence is mixed and inconclusive. However, there is no evidence in the literature that Dutch disease reduces overall economic growth. Policy responses should aim at adequately managing the boom and the risks associated with it.
SUBJECT–ORIENTED APPROACH IN PSYCHOPHYSICS

Traditional psychophysical study implies quantitative analysis of sensory measurements results in dependence of external factors. An additional approach was suggested which included this analysis into a context of qualitative research of observer’s individual activity in the course of measurements. Components of the activity were revealed experimentally which were significant for sensory measurements results: a task as it was accepted by an observer, his (her) cognitive styles and confidence feeling, performance strategies used. Effects of these components were found on psychophysical indices obtained in visual discrimination of spatial (line lengths and tilts) and temporal (durations) stimuli. Brief contents of the author’s book: “Problems of subject-oriented psychophysics” is presented.
Perceived childhood exposure to domestic violence : The risk for adult

The prevalence of domestic violence is described as pervasive with a majority of victims being females and perpetrators being males. Often females who experienced domestic violence had been previously exposed to family violence during childhood. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the perceived childhood exposure to domestic violence as a predisposing factor for revictimisation in adulthood. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional correlation design. The sample consisted of 77 female participants from shelters across Cape Town, Western Cape. The study employed an adapted version of the Child Exposure to Domestic Violence (CEDV) Scale. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, namely demographic details, types of exposure to domestic violence the adult may have experienced as a child, and current adult experiences of domestic violence. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V21 (SPSS). Results suggest that there is a significant positive relationship between past perceived experiences of domestic violence and present perceived experiences of domestic violence. Limitations and recommendations are stipulated for proposed intervention strategies and further study expansion on this topic.
On the Solvability of Maxwell's Equations

Complementing a study which was published in this journal in 2005 we present explicit calculations of fields predicted by Maxwell's equations both in Lorenz and in Coulomb gauge. Analytic expressions are obtainable, when the source of the fields is an oscillat- ing electric dipole. As before it is found that the fields calculated by different methods are at variance. In addition, the reason for the dis- crepancies is revealed: The retarded integrals turn out not to satisfy the inhomogeneous wave equations which they are supposed to solve.
Global 3‐D ionospheric electron density reanalysis based on multisource data assimilation

[1] We report preliminary results of a global 3-D ionospheric electron density reanalysis demonstration study during 2002–2011 based on multisource data assimilation. The monthly global ionospheric electron density reanalysis has been done by assimilating the quiet days ionospheric data into a data assimilation model constructed using the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) 2007 model and a Kalman filter technique. These data include global navigation satellite system (GNSS) observations of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) from ground-based stations, ionospheric radio occultations by CHAMP, GRACE, COSMIC, SAC-C, Metop-A, and the TerraSAR-X satellites, and Jason-1 and 2 altimeter TEC measurements. The output of the reanalysis are 3-D gridded ionospheric electron densities with temporal and spatial resolutions of 1 h in universal time, 5 in latitude, 10 in longitude, and 30 km in altitude. The climatological features of the reanalysis results, such as solar activity dependence, seasonal variations, and the global morphology of the ionosphere, agree well with those in the empirical models and observations. The global electron content derived from the international GNSS service global ionospheric maps, the observed electron density profiles from the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar during 2007–2010, and foF2 observed by the global ionosonde network during 2002–2011 are used to validate the reanalysis method. All comparisons show that the reanalysis have smaller deviations and biases than the IRI-2007 predictions. Especially after April 2006 when the six COSMIC satellites were launched, the reanalysis shows significant improvement over the IRI predictions. The obvious overestimation of the low-latitude ionospheric F region densities by the IRI model during the 23/24 solar minimum is corrected well by the reanalysis. The potential application and improvements of the reanalysis are also discussed.
Follicle and gonadotropin relationships during the beginning of the anovulatory season in mares

The initial portion of the anovulatory season of mares consists of a follicle-receding phase followed by a mid-anovulatory phase (follicles ≤ 20 mm). Follicle dynamics were studied in a control group (n = 6) and a follicle-ablation group (n = 8), using the last ovulatory period of the season and three 20-day anovulatory periods (Days 11–30, 31–50, and 61–80; last ovulation of the season = Day 0). In the ablation group, all follicles ≥ 6 mm were ablated 10 days after the second last ovulation of the year and on Days 10, 30, and 60. The diversity in follicle dynamics within each group was considerable, including a follicle-receding phase that terminated in a mid-anovulatory phase (10 mares), a major anovulatory wave (dominant follicle ≥ 30 mm) during Days 11-30 (eight mares), multiple major anovulatory waves (two mares), and a short anovulatory season (< 80 days; two mares). Four additional mares were excluded from the study, owing to continuous ovulatory intervals throughout the 80 days. In each of 11 control and follicle-ablated mares that did not have a short anovulatory season or multiple major anovulatory waves, the diameter of the largest follicle was greater during Days 11–30 than during Days 31–50. Growth rate of the largest follicle for 2–10 days after ablation was greater (P < 0.05) during the last ovulatory period (2.3 ± 0.2 mm/day) or during Days 11–30 (1.9 ± 0.2 mm/day) than during Days 31–50 (0.6 ± 0.2 mm/day) or 61–80 (0.8 ± 0.2 mm/day). Concentrations of FSH and LH increased (P <0.05) following ablation before the ovulatory period and on Day 10. The LH concentrations further increased during the ovulatory period a few days before ovulation, but decreased during a corresponding time of the first anovulatory period (Days 11–30). Concentrations of gonadotropins did not increase following ablation on Days 30 or 60. The number of periods with a post-ablation statistically identified FSH surge was different (P < 0.02) among the ovulatory period (five of five), Days 11–30 (eight of eight), Days 31–50 (three of eight) and Days 61–80 (three of seven). Results indicated: 1) diversity in follicle dynamics among mares was considerable during the first 80 days of the anovulatory season in association with diversity in FSH and LH concentrations and 2) an increase in mean diameter of the largest follicle occurred following of the largest follicle occurred following ablation on Days 30 and 60, despite the absence of a detected FSH increase. The hypothesis that concentrations of LH during the follicle-receding phase are greater in mares with major anovulatory waves than with minor waves was supported.
Mass of Higgs Boson and Branching Ratios

Within the Scale-Symmetric Theory we described mass spectrum of the composite Higgs boson with a mass of 125.00 GeV. Due to the quadrupole symmetry characteristic for the weak interactions and due to the interactions of the Higgs-boson pairs with the dominant gluon balls 3.30 GeV, there appear two masses 126.65 ± 0.73 GeV and 123.35 ± 0.73 GeV. Due to the confinement characteristic for the weak interactions, there arise the pairs of Higgs bosons. In their decays appear groups of photons composed of two photon pairs, i.e. composed of four photons, or quadrupoles of leptons. The decays of the Higgs boson pairs into 4 photons lead to the mean central mass of Higgs boson equal to 126.65 GeV whereas the decays into the quadrupoles of leptons lead to the mean central mass 123.35 GeV or 125.00 GeV. The reformulated Theory of Branching Ratios leads to conclusion that the relative signal strength of the decays into two photons to the decays into two Z bosons should be in approximation 1.87 times higher than predicted within the Standard Model. Since there is the pairing of the Higgs bosons then for the decays into two photons, the relative signal strength in relation to the Standard Model is 1.732 whereas for ZZ channel is 0.926.
Assessment of physicochemical characteristics and some heavy metals of Ossiomo River, Ologbo – a tributary of Benin River, Southern Nigeria

Assessment of the physicochemical characteristics and some heavy metals of Ossiomo River, Ologbo- a tributary of Benin River, Southern Nigeria was carried out from April 2012 to December 2012. Three stations were studied from upstream to downstream with a distance of about 2 kilometres between each station. A total of twenty-two (22) physicochemical parameters and some heavy metals were studied. Air temperature ranged from the mean 27.01 to 29.57°C, water temperature 25.87 to 27.56°C, depth 1.32 to 1.705m, flow velocity 0.08 to 0.13m/s, transparency 1.01 to 1.30m, pH 5.76 to 6.01, electrical conductivity 62.03 to 70.11μS/cm, turbidity 3.97 to 4.39 NTU, total suspended solid 5.01 to 5.80mg/l, total solid 38.82 to 42.11mg/l, total dissolve solid 29.60 to 33.84mg/l, DO 7.12 to 7.54mg/l, BOD5 1.51 to 2.60mg/l, alkalinity 48.63 to 53.28mg/l, the cations (sodium 1.35 to 1.43mg/l, potassium 0.25 to 0.26mg/l, calcium 0.92 to 1.00mg/l, magnesium 0.44 to 0.52mg/l), chloride 26.44 to 36.39mg/l, and the nutrient components (phosphorus 0.25 to 0.33mg/l, nitrate 0.16 to 0.20 mg/l, sulphate 0.88 to 0.94mg/l). Heavy metals level were generally low ranging from 0.05 to 2.61mg/l (cadmium 0.05 to 0.51mg/l, lead 0.06 to 0.09mg/l, zinc 0.11 to 0.12mg/l, copper 0.39 to 0.41mg/l, iron 2.00 to 2.61mg/l. Mean across stations were compared using Analysis of Variance and only three characteristics namely, air temperature, water temperature and flow velocity were significant. In station 1 (upstream), air temperature and water temperature were significantly higher than other 2 stations (downstream) while the flow velocity was significantly faster in station 3 than both upstream and midstream stations. A marked seasonal significant faster flow velocity was recorded in the wet than in the dry season. Furthermore, a significant (P < 0.05) pattern of seasonal variation was observed in seven (7) characteristics, total solids, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, nitrate and sulphate. Anthropogenic activities had negatively impacted on station 2 of the river, although the recorded values were still within acceptable limits. Keywords: Physicochemical, Characteristics, Ossiomo River, Assessment, Heavy metals, Ologbo