Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liveweight gains, and carcass and meat characteristicsof entire, surgically spayed or immunologically spayed beef heifers

Summary. Growth, carcass and meat characteristics, market suitability and economic return were compared in surgically spayed (SS), immunologically spayed (IS) and entire (E) heifers. Spaying had no effect on daily weight gains of heifers up to 8 weeks following spaying. Between spaying at 15 months of age, and slaughter at 30 months of age, growth was greater for E heifers (0.36 kg/day) than for SS heifers (0.32 kg/day) (P 0.05). Other carcass attributes (meat and fat colour, texture and marbling) were similar for the 3 treatments. Subcutaneous rump fat depth (P8 site) was similar for the 3 groups (E, 20 mm; SS, 21 mm; IS, 19 mm) and the percentages of carcasses that had rump fat depths between 6 and 22 mm were: E, 72%; SS, 66%; IS, 83% (P>0.05). All other carcasses had fat depths greater than 22 mm. Warner-Bratzler initial yield and peak force values of striploin (Longissimus dorsi) samples were lower (P 0.05) from E and SS heifers. Direct costs of the spaying treatments (SS, $2.50 per head; IS, 4 vaccinations at $5.50 each) increased the difference relative to E heifers to $29.50 (SS) and $41 (IS) per head.
Olfactory responses of Drosophila suzukii females to host plant volatiles

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, an endemic pest in southeast Asia, has invaded Europe and the U.S.A. Unlike most of its closely related sibling species, the serrated ovipositor of D. suzukii permits ovipositing in undamaged fresh fruits. In the present study, volatiles are identified from host plants that are potentially involved in D. suzukii host recognition and oviposition behaviour. It is shown that mated females are attracted to volatiles emitted from intact fruits. The antennally‐active suite of compounds released from the fresh fruits is identified by gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection, as well as gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. In olfactometer bioassays, mated females are significantly attracted to an electroantennographically active volatile, isoamyl acetate, when tested at 10 µg of synthetic compound in a rubber septa, which has a release rate comparable to that of fresh fruits. In addition, a genomic survey shows that D. suzukii not only possesses the full repertoire of genes encoding odorant receptors activated by isoamyl acetate in D. melanogaster, but also that one of the genes, OR67a, is represented by five duplicated copies. These results indicate that D. suzukii uses olfactory cues to select oviposition sites. The identification of volatiles emitted by host fruits that attract D. suzukii may aid in the development of a selective and efficient synthetic lure for monitoring this pest. As a close relative of Drosophila melanogaster, D. suzukii provides a unique opportunity for understanding the physiological mechanisms involved in the shift of this species from use of rotten to ripe fruits for oviposition.
The effects of recent Spanish pension reforms on sustainability and pension adequacy

ABSTRACT The Spanish pension system has been recently reformed as a response to the demographic challenge and with the objective of ensuring the sustainability of the pension system in the long-term. The overall reforms include changes in the majority of the system parameters, a new indexation rule and a sustainability factor that links life expectancy and the first pension amount. The aim of this work is to analyse how these reforms affect two important features of a pension system: fiscal sustainability and adequacy. For this purpose, the real internal rate of return (IRR) of the lifetime contributions and benefits and the prospective gross theoretical replacement rate (TRR), both before and after the reforms, have been computed. The calculations are case-study based, for a few hypothetical workers who are sufficiently representative of the earnings and retirement patterns in Spain. The results show that the real IRR is 0.7 p.p. lower and the prospective gross TRR is 18 p.p. lower after the reform process for the base case of a man with an uninterrupted career of 40 years with average earnings and a retirement age of 65. In addition, pension reform process in Spain has different effects among the individuals depending on the gender, level of earnings, retirement age and career length.
Banking environment and loan syndicate structure: a cross-country analysis

What is the influence of the banking environment on bank syndicate structure? We provide empirical evidence on this issue by examining the influence of several banking environment characteristics, including the structure of the banking market, financial development, banking regulation and supervision and legal risk, on the structure of bank syndicates. The results of a cross-country analysis performed on a sample of 15 586 syndicated loan facilities for borrowers from 24 countries confirm that syndicate structure is influenced by banking environment in a way consistent with minimizing agency costs and efficient re-contracting objectives.
Echantillonnage et modélisation de la dynamique des peuplements forestiers. Application au cas de l'inventaire forestier national

Les inventaires forestiers de production ont pour but de repondre, a differentes echelles, a trois types de questions : l'estimation de la ressource actuelle, de ses variations passees et la prediction de l'evolution future des peuplements. Deux familles de methodes sont employees pour y parvenir : l'echantillonnage et la modelisation. On explicite, dans ce travail, certaines des relations que ces methodes entretiennent, lorsqu'on s'interesse a l'evolution dynamique des peuplements forestiers. La premiere partie est organisee autour de l'idee d'interaction entre les objectifs de l'utilisateur, les structures de la population, la nature des donnees et les methodes de traitement
Intraday characteristics of stock price crashes

This article presents the first detailed analysis of the intraday characteristics of idiosyncratic stock price crashes. The analysis focuses on the impact of large crashes in single stocks on their intraday returns and liquidity in the US market. Furthermore, optimal intradaily behaviour during crashes is studied. Crashes are found to happen rather quickly, usually during a time interval of a few hours. In general, a strong increase in trading activity is observed during a crash, indicating that investors are able to sell their stocks even in distressed markets. The level of liquidity change is linked to the size of the crash. However, there is little evidence that the large sales volume during a crash drives down stock prices. After a stock price crash a significant momentum effect is found for several hours. Stock price crashes appear to reduce information asymmetries.
Some thoughts about the future of food and agriculture

The fact is simple: 842 million people are currently hungry. These people are some of about 2 billion who lack, at least at times, essential nutrients even if they consume enough calories. A century ago, more than half of humankind was severely malnourished in terms of calories and proteins; today this number is only 1 in 8 - much lower than in the past, but still unacceptably high. In the last two decades, more people than ever before - 1 billion - have been lifted out of poverty and hunger. About 75% of this spectacular global reduction occurred in China. Making similar progress in the next decades means tackling Africa and India.
Housing prices and macroeconomic factors in Greece: prospects within the EMU

This study analyses the dynamic effects of specific macroeconomic variables, i.e. housing loan rates, inflation, employment, and money supply, on the price of new houses sold in Greece. An error correction vector autoregressive (ECVAR) model is used in modelling the impact of the above macroeconomic variables on housing price. The results obtained through impulse response functions suggest that housing prices respond to all macroeconomic variables under consideration. Variance decompositions show that the housing loan rate is the variable with the highest explanatory power over the variation of housing price, followed by inflation and employment, while money supply does not seem to show any substantial impact.
Habitat associations of British breeding farmland birds

Capsule Territory distribution for ten species was most strongly positively influenced by the presence of hedges and woodland edge. Aims To describe and rank the importance of different habitat predictors on the distribution of bird territories. Methods We derived territory maps for ten bird species across 25 sites on English lowland farmland in 2002. We related habitat predictors to the distribution of these species using information theoretic methods. Results Habitat predictors were ranked as follows (numbers in parentheses indicate the number of species with a strong effect): hedge presence (8), boundary height (7), woodland edge (6), tree presence in boundary (4), brassica (mainly oil seed rape) (3), within‐field vegetation height (3), boundary strip (3), boundary width (3), tilled fields (3), winter set‐aside (2), ditch (1), winter stubble fields (1). Conclusions Non‐cropped habitats had the most consistent positive effects across all ten species, with crop types and their margins exerting smaller effects.
An Ultrastructural Study of the Bone-titanium Interface Using Pure Titanium-coated Plastic and Pure Titanium Rod Implants

The present study was designed to examine the bone-titanium interface of the titanium-coated or titanium rod implants inserted for 28 days in the tibiae of 6-week-old rats. Basically, there were hardly differences in the interfaces between the titanium-coated and titanium rod implants. Light microscopically, titanium layer appeared to make direct contact with the mature bone or poorly mineralized layer, and one or a few layers of slender cells were localized contacting the titanium. Ultrastructurally, titanium came in direct contact with either the bone, the poorly mineralized layer consisting of delicate fibril-like structures or the slender cell layer through a thin amorphous zone (20-40nm). This amorphous zone was positive for ruthenium red which has a high affinity for proteoglycans. Part of the interfacial slender cells had abundant rough-ER and glycogen granules as osteoblasts, while some slender cells had well-developed rough-ER but no glycogen, and often endocytosed the titanium fragments, as shown in the fibroblasts.These findings suggest that an amorphous zone consisting of proteoglycans is thus essential for attachment between the slender cell layer, poorly mineralized layer or mature bone and titanium. Furthermore, slender cells close to the implant may also be considered to function as either osteoblasts for bone production adjacent to the implant or as scavengers for the removal of interfacial debris at the bone-titanium interface.
Bias and efficiency of single versus double bound models for contingent valuation studies: a Monte Carlo analysis

The dichotomous choice contingent valuation method can be used either in the single or double bound formulation. The former is easier to implement, while the latter is known to be more efficient. We analyse the bias of the ML estimates produced by either model, and the gain in efficiency associated to the double bound model, in different experimental settings. We find that there are no relevant differences in point estimates given by the two models, even for small sample size. The greater efficiency of the double bound is confirmed, although differences tend to reduce by increasing the sample size. Provided that a reliable pretest is conducted, and the sample size is large, use of the single rather than the double bound model is warranted.
IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION ON WELFARE SYSTEMS POLITICAL ECONOMY OF THE WELFARE STATES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

A recent report by the UN shows that international migration flows is at the highest, with more people than ever before living abroad, reported figures suggest that 232 million, or 3.2 per cent of the world’s population are migrants in 2013, defined as persons living outside their country of birth. In comparison to figures of 2000; 175 million and 1990; 154 million, there has been significant increase in mobility. International migration is a global occurrence that is constantly evolving in its capacity, complexity and impact; it is not just a social symptom, but also a process with a complex causality system that permeates almost every aspect of our everyday lives. Migration is both a source and consequence of wider development processes and a fundamental aspect of our increasingly globalizing world. Increased mobility, the complexity of migratory patterns, its impact on migrants, families, communities and countries have ensured that international migration become and remain a priority for most nations. Observations have shown that migration occurs in well-defined streams, migrants generally progress along a specific route towards specified destinations; mainly due to established transportation routes and partly due to highly localized opportunities (Lee, 1966). This paper will argue that this is true for both humanitarian and labour migrants, it hypothesizes that both sets of migrants are somewhat informed of their destination country prior to making the decision to migrate for work or asylum.
Low temperature effects on photosynthesis and growth of grapevine

Growth and photosynthesis of grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.) planted on two sloping cool climate vineyards were measured during the early growth season. At both vineyards, a small difference in mean minimum air temperature (1‐ 3 ∞ C) between two microsites accumulated over time, producing differences in shoot growth rate. The growth rates of the warmer (upper) microsite were 34‐63% higher than the cooler (lower) site. Photosynthesis measurements of both east and west canopy sides revealed that the difference in carbon gain between the warmer and cooler microsites was due to low temperatures restricting the photosynthetic contribution of east-facing leaves. East-facing leaves at the warmer microsite experienced less time at suboptimal temperature while being exposed to high irradiance, contributing to an average 10% greater net carbon gain compared to the east-facing leaves at the cooler microsite. This chilling-induced reduction in photosynthesis was not due to net photo-inhibition. Further analysis revealed that CO 2 - and light-saturated photosynthesis of grapevines was restricted by stomatal closure from 15 to 25 ∞ C and by a limitation of RuBP regeneration and/or end-product limitation from 5 to 15 ∞ C. Changes in photosynthetic carboxylation efficiency implied that Rubisco activity may also play a regulatory role at all temperatures. This restriction of total photosynthetic carbon gain is proposed to be a major contributor to the temperature dependence of growth rate at both vineyards during the early season growth period.
An empirical analysis of dynamic dependences in the European corporate credit markets: bonds versus credit derivatives

This article provides new evidence on the dynamic dependences of European corporate credit spread in three markets: bond, Credit Default Swap (CDS) and Asset Swap (ASP). Using daily data from 2005 to 2011, we find that credit spread returns are primarily driven by innovations. The intra-market dependence decreases for bond and ASP innovations during the 2007–2009 subprime crisis but increases for CDS due to the increase of counterparty risk. After the summer of 2009, we find a convergence to the precrisis levels. ASP and bond innovations are closely related suggesting that the cash component (bond) dominates the ASP innovations’ behaviour. On the other hand, CDS’s innovations are unrelated to the bonds’ and ASP’s innovations.
Effects of Repeated Electroshocking on Condition, Growth, and Movement of Selected Warmwater Stream Fishes

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of repeated monthly use of pulsed-DC electrofishing on condition factor (K), instantaneous growth rate (G), and movement of stream-dwelling creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus, white suckers Catostomus commersonii, and green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus. Fish that were captured five or more times by approximately monthly electrofishing were compared with control groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) models indicated that repeated electroshocking had such a minute impact (≤0.2% reduction in error sum of squares) on K that this effect was unlikely to be biologically meaningful, especially given that it was positive for white suckers. Similar models for G showed small but statistically significant decreases in white sucker and creek chub G-values from repeated monthly electroshocking; there was no effect for green sunfish. An additional model analyzing the impact of repeated electroshocking of white suckers at bimonthly intervals showed no significant.
Avian Communities of the Altamaha River Estuary in Georgia, USA

Abstract We surveyed male breeding birds in five habitats (bottomland forest, maritime oak [Quercus spp.], pine [Pinus spp.] forest, maritime shrub, saltmarsh) of coastal Georgia, USA using distance-sampling methods to estimate population densities. We examined species-habitat relationships using indicator species analysis (ISA). Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) in bottomland forest, Northern Parula (Parula americana) in maritime oak, Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) in pine forest, Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris) in saltmarsh, and White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) in shrub habitat ranked highest for Partners in Flight (PIF) priority species by densities. The ISA indicated fewer PIF priority species were associated with saltmarsh, but more species (6) were unique to saltmarsh than any other habitat. Indicator species occurred more often in maritime oak than bottomland forest (8 vs. 6), but both habitats had similar numbers of PIF priority species (4). Shrub habitat covered the smallest area (∼0.2%) and had three PIF priority species, including Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris), the only PIF species with extremely high priority in this study.
THWAYS OF MALAYSIAN ELITE YOUTH BADMINTON PLAYERS

This study examine the developmental factors of Malaysian elite youth badminton players. The participants were badminton players from the national back state players (n = 20) from three states in Malaysia, chosen base previous Malaysian Games. Retrospective analysis of the participants’ type and amount of badminton related practice activities throughout their career showed that although the national players achieved some badminton performance m examination into their accumulated hours in structured and unstructured badminton practice activities showed almost similar patterns in their engagement in those activities with more emphasis on structured practice from the beginning of their career. national youth and state badminton players conform to the early
The genus Dryopteris in the Canary Islands and Azores and the description of two new tetraploid species

From studies in the field, botanic garden and herbarium we concluded that the following four species of Dryopteris grow on the Canary Islands: D. aemula (n= 41) so far found only on Gomera; D. pseudomas (n= 82, apogamous) similarly recorded only for Gomera; D. oligodonta (n= 41) the most common representative of the genus in the Islands is possibly an old Canary endemic related to some African species; D. guanchica a new tetraploid species (n= 82) hitherto confused with D. austriaca (D. dilatata). On four islands of the Azores the following were found: D. aemula (n= 41); D. azorica (n= 41); D. pseudomas (n= 82, apogamous); and D. crispifolia a new tetraploid species (n= 82) which is very distinct when living but in the dried pressed state is difficult to differentiate from D. austriaca and D. guanchica.
Occurrence of the puerulus stage of the rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii at the New Plymouth Power Station, New Zealand

Abstract More than 4000 specimens of the puerulus stage of the rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, were collected in the sea water intake of the New Plymouth Power Station during 1977–84. Most specimens were caught between July and September. Sizes of pueruli were similar within years, but there were significant differences in size and number of pueruli between years. Puerulus occurrence was correlated with the late winter and spring increase in frequency of onshore winds, but the seasonality in settlement was probably not caused by this factor alone. Most pueruli at the power station were 9–13 months old, and occurred at any part of the lunar cycle. Oceanic flow patterns in the region suggested that most specimens originated from hatchings along the west coast of New Zealand, north of Hokitika. As the high numbers of pueruli at the power station were inconsistent with the zero catch of pueruli on adjacent collectors, and with the relatively low numbers of juveniles and adults nearby, the power station may att.
Effectiveness of prebiotic as an alternative to the antimicrobial growth promoter on growth performance, blood constituents, intestinal healthiness and immunity of broilers.

This study was designed to compare the effect of the prebiotic and antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP) on the growth performance, blood constituent, intestinal bacteriology and histomorphometric parameters as well as humeral immunity of broiler chicks. A total of 90 unsexed commercial Cobb chicks were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments (control, AGP and prebiotic groups), each group contain 30 chicks. Each group subdivided into 3 replicates, 10 chicks each, and was reared for 42 days. The prebiotic supplemented group showed a significant improvement in growth performance parameters than the control and AGP-supplemented groups. Total leukcocytic count, lymphocyte percent, total protein, total globulin and gamma globulin were significantly increased in the broilers fed on prebiotics. Moreover, prebiotics supplementation significantly reduced heterophil percent, heterophil/ lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), albumin/globulin ratio, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), uric acid and creatinine compared to the AGP-supplemented group and control group. The AGP-supplemented group exhibited a significant reduction in the total aerobic count than the control and prebiotic-supplemented groups. However, the prebiotic supplemented group showed a significant reduction in the coliform count than the control and antibiotic supplemented groups. The prebiotic supplemented group induced a significant increase in the villus height (VH) all over the small intestine. In addition, it induced a significant increase in villus height: crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum than the control and antibiotic supplemented groups. However, there were no significant differences among the different groups regard to the crypt depth (CD) in the duodenum and jejunum. Prebiotics could be considered as safe and effective antimicrobial alternatives for broiler chicks’ growth performance, immunity and intestinal bacteriology and morphology.