Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comment

Conducting valid inference in a time series setting often requires the use of a heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation (HAC) robust variance estimator. Under mild dependence structures, the theory and practice of such estimators is well developed. However, under more severe forms of dependence, the conventional distributional approximation usually employed to describe the finite-sample properties of test statistics based on these estimators tends to be poor. Professor Müller is to be congratulated for this excellent article addressing the important issue of conducting valid inference using HAC estimators in the presence of strong autocorrelation. The class of tests introduced in the article should prove useful both to applied practitioners and as a foundation for future theoretical work. This comment is comprised of two sections. First, we compare the main contribution of Müller (2014) (hereafter, the “Sq test”) to a theoretically valid approach based on the usual t-test. More specifically, to gain further insight into the properties of the Sq test, we compare its finite-sample properties to those of a t-test with limiting distribution obtained under the local-tounity parameterization and fixed-b asymptotics. We use critical values obtained from a Bonferroni-based procedure to control size in the presence of the nuisance parameter governing the degree of dependence. Second, we employ the new test in an empirical application by revisiting the question of long-horizon predictability in asset returns. We find that the Sq test provides evidence of predictability of equity returns by the dividend yield at shorter horizons when the sample is restricted to end in 1990. The Sq test, when applied to bond returns, produces little evidence of predictability in our application. In both applications the conclusions drawn from the Sq test can be sensitive to the choice of q, suggesting that further work will be necessary to guide the use of the Sq test in empirical applications.
The Larval Stages of Nassarius reticulatus and Nassarius incrassatus

The two species of Nassarius (usually known as Nassa), N. reticulatus and N. incrassatus, are both common at Plymouth. N. reticulatus, the larger species, occurs from low water usually to a depth of a few fathoms, more rarely from the waters outside the Breakwater, N. incrassatus occurring between tide-marks and extending into deeper water, even to 46 fathoms.
Learning With Kernels: Support Vector Machines, Regularization, Optimization, and Beyond

From the Publisher: In the 1990s, a new type of learning algorithm was developed, based on results from statistical learning theory: the Support Vector Machine (SVM). This gave rise to a new class of theoretically elegant learning machines that use a central concept of SVMs-kernels--for a number of learning tasks. Kernel machines provide a modular framework that can be adapted to different tasks and domains by the choice of the kernel function and the base algorithm. They are replacing neural networks in a variety of fields, including engineering, information retrieval, and bioinformatics. Learning with Kernels provides an introduction to SVMs and related kernel methods. Although the book begins with the basics, it also includes the latest research. It provides all of the concepts necessary to enable a reader equipped with some basic mathematical knowledge to enter the world of machine learning using theoretically well-founded yet easy-to-use kernel algorithms and to understand and apply the powerful algorithms that have been developed over the last few years.
Computed and observed currents, elevations, and salinity in a branching estuary

A one-dimensional, hydrodynamical model of the Tamar Estuary shows good agreement with measured tidal elevations and currents. Computed currents are used to drive a one-dimensional moving-element model of the salt balance. The moving-element model overcomes the numerical difficulties associated with strong tidal advection. Axial distributions of salinity at high water, computed using the moving-element model, compare well with measurements. The modelled and observed high water salinity distributions in this macrotidal estuary show little dependence on tidal range. The major variability in salinity is due to runoff. This strong and rapid dependence on runoff is a consequence of short residence (or flushing) times. Typically, residence times are less than one day throughout the year in the upper 10 km of estuary. The residence times maximize in summer, reaching 14 d for the whole estuary. During high runoff winter periods residence times are less than 5 d. Mixing coefficients for the moving-element salinity model are deduced from salinity measurements. Dispersion coefficients at fixed locations along the estuary are deduced from solutions of the salinity model. The spatially-averaged coefficients at mean spring and neap tides are 180 and 240 m2 s−1, respectively, for average runoff. Therefore, spring-neap variations in dispersion are fairly small and show a negative correlation with tidal range. The spatially-averaged dispersion coefficients at mean tides vary from 150 to 300 m2 s−1 for typical summer and winter runoff, respectively. The increase in dispersion with runoff and the decrease with tidal range implies that buoyancy-driven currents generate an important component of the shear dispersion in this estuary.
Circadian and Ultradian Time Patterns in Human Behavior: Part 2: Social Synchronisation During the Development of the Infant's Diurnal Activity-Rest Pattern

Individually developing patterns of activity-rest rhythms in infants and the influence of environmental factors in the tuning and synchronisation of parent-infant pairs have important implications for the health of both infant and parents. After discharge from the hospital newborn infants are exposed to patterned influences of maternal and environmental regularities of a family's daily life resulting in varying degrees of social synchronisation. Actigraphic monitoring was used in this longitudinal study to examine how activity patterns of the entire family agree or disagree with each other, and how the infant entrains to the environment. Activity data of 12 families (father, mother and infant) were continuously recorded using non-invasive Actiwatch units. Recordings of parental activity started at the beginning of the 37th week of gestation, and were continued in parallel with the infants' recordings in three series of 21 days each until four months after birth: 1st to 3rd week, 7th to 9th week and 13th to 15th week of life. Fast Fourier transformation and cross correlation techniques were used to determine frequencies of each family member and to quantify the synchronisation of activity between parents and infants. To elucidate differences in social synchronisation between human cultures, synchronisation of a Melanesian family was additionally compared. Results showed the existence of corresponding ultradian frequencies in the activity patterns of mother-infant pairs at 1, 2 and 4 months. Increases in the synchronisation of parental activity were found from prenatal to postnatal and for mother-infant pairs from the first to the second month. Synchronisation between mother and infant always exceeded that of father and infant. Transient mono-, bi- or polyphasic activity patterns emerged in the infants immediately after birth. Good correspondence of mother-infant activity patterns during the early postnatal period was correlated with a rapid development of an entrained daily pattern in the infant.
Clinal variation in the specific activity of lactate dehydrogenase-B

LDH-B4 specific activity was determined from Fundulus heteroclitus collected in the field and from laboratory-acclimated fish from four latitudinally distinct populations. The differences in the enzyme activity between populations for both field-caught and laboratory-acclimated fish are significant, with the northern populations having the highest LDH-B4 enzyme activity. This clinal variation in enzyme activity is consistent with an evolutionary mechanism that compensates for lower environmental temperatures in colder northern latitudes.
A comparison of growth, carcass, and meat characteristics of Jersey‐ and Friesian‐cross heifers in a once‐bred heifer system of beef production

Abstract This two‐year study compared growth, carcass, and meat quality characteristics of 57 Hereford × Friesian (H × F) and 45 Hereford × Jersey (H × J) heifers in a Once‐Bred Heifer (OBH) beef production system. Liveweights for the H × J group at mating, pre‐calving, weaning, and final weighing were 26.5 kg, 22 kg, 35 kg, and 37 kg lighter, respectively, than the H × F group. Birth weights of calves from H × J heifer dams were significantly lighter than for H × F dams. Hereford × Jersey heifers had significantly lighter carcass weights, but similar weight‐adjusted dressing‐out percentages. At a common carcass weight, H × J carcasses had significantly heavier kidney and pelvic fat, greater fat depths over the eye muscle between ribs 12 and 13, and lower carcass weight‐adjusted femur bone weights. At the same carcass weight, the weights of three major hindquarter cuts were heavier for the H × F group, but the ratio of the combined weight of these cuts to femur bone weight was significantly lower for that.
Preferential Transmission in Bread Wheat of a Chromosome Segment Derived from Thinopyrum distichum (Thunb.) Löve

A Thinopyrum distichum chromosome segment translocated on chromosome arm 7DL. of the line ‘Indis’, was shown to be preferentially transmitted in crosses with other bread wheats. The translocated segment carries a gene for leaf rust resistance and produces a null condition for the endopeptidase product, EP-Dla. These characters were used to follow the transmission of the translocated chromosome in segregating and testcross progenies derived by crossing ‘Indis’ to four bread wheat cultivars. The severity of the gametocidal response in the heterozygotes ranged from a virtually exclusive transfer of the translocation to an almost normal transmission of the homologues. In some genetic backgrounds an intermediate level of transmission occurred. In the F1 with a gametocidal response, the transmission of the normal chromosome 7D was reduced in both sexes, but the reduction may be more severe in the male germline.
The ovarian cycle in the natterjack toad, Bufo calamita, and its relation to breeding behaviour

The ovarian cycle in natterjack toads Bufo calamita from an island population with unpredictable breeding conditions was studied in an archipelago off the Swedish west coast. About 80% of the female population bred during spring and early summer, and the rest later in summer and early autumn. Time of breeding and female size (age) were not correlated. It was found that first growth phase (FGP) oocytes were recruited from oogonia mainly during early spring and late autumn, but that recruitment could occur at any time of the year. The FGP oocytes grew rapidly immediately after recruitment, and when transferred into second growth phase (SGP) oocytes. In between these two periods the FGP oocytes seemed to be in a resting stage. Females showed an asynchrony in ovarian developed. We found females with fully developed SGP oocytes, ready for ovulation, as well as females with ovaries in only an early vitellogenic growth phase at all times of the year. Females did not neccessarily ovulate as soon as the vitellogenic oocytes had reached full size. There were strong indications that some females only ovulated and laid a fraction of the egg mass in their first batch, and that they laid a second batch later in the season. This second batch was thought to originate from the same recruitment of oocytes as the first batch. There was a tendency for SGP oocytes to grow faster during summer than during spring. It was also concluded that SGP oocytes coulde be recruited all year around. Bimodal size frequency distribution patterns were found both among the FGP and the SGP oocytes; they were most pronounced among the latter, where they were found throughout the year.
Large-scale variation in the temporal patterns of the frass fall of defoliating caterpillars in oak woodlands in Britain: implications for nesting woodland birds

Capsule Frass fall was later and of longer duration in woods to the north and west of Britain compared with those in the southeast. Aims Defoliating caterpillars are a major food resource for woodland breeding birds and our aims were to quantify large-scale patterns in the timing and duration of the spring peak in abundance of these caterpillars in oak woodlands in Britain. Methods We deployed traps to collect caterpillar frass at regular intervals through spring in 19 oak woods distributed through England, Wales and Scotland. Models of the temporal patterns of the rate of frass fall were used to explore relationships with geographic variables and average local temperature. Results The date of peak frass fall in 2010 ranged from 20 May to 18 June and was significantly related to altitude, latitude and local April–May temperature. The duration of the peak ranged from 20 to 53 days and was correlated with the date of the peak and April–May temperature. Limited data from 2008 and 2009 indicated considerable between-year variation in the date of the peak, which was consistent with the relationship with local temperature found in 2010. Conclusions The date of peak frass fall was later and the duration of the peak longer in the north and west of Britain compared with the southeast which will have considerable implications for nesting woodland birds such as Pied Flycatchers. The date of the peak was well modelled by local April–May temperature offering the prospect of good predictive models. However, the duration of the peak was less well modelled by local temperature and may be determined by other factors.
The effects of investigator disturbance on procellariiform seabirds: A review

Abstract Despite long‐held concerns about the effects of researchers on breeding birds, few studies have focused on the impact of investigators on Procellariiformes. In this review, we summarise published investigations concerning the effects of investigators on physiology, behaviour, reproductive success, offspring quality, and population trends of procellariiform seabirds. Many of the smaller procel‐lariid taxa, such as storm‐petrels (Hydrobatidae, and some shearwater Puffinus species) are particularly sensitive to handling during the incubation period, resulting in lowered reproductive success, burrow shifts, and increased divorce between pairs. However, repeated handling of chicks does not seem to have a discernible effect on chick quality. In larger procellariiforms, the presence of researchers within the breeding colony is associated with significant increases in heart rates. Therefore, researchers seeking unbiased estimates of demographic and ecological parameters of birds should be encouraged to measure their own impact and report the findings in the literature, even if they detect no adverse effects of investigator disturbance. Techniques should be developed that ensure the accurate recording of birds’ natural behaviour while minimising the impact of investigator disturbance. If investigators are willing to study disturbance problem s, it should be possible to reduce biases caused by their activities.
Valor energético do óleo ácido de soja para aves

A escassez de valores confiaveis de energia metabolizavel tem limitado o uso do oleo acido de soja como fonte de energia, nas racoes de aves. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito da idade da ave e do metodo de determinacao nos valores de energia metabolizavel do oleo acido de soja comercial. No primeiro e segundo ensaios, foi utilizado o metodo da coleta total de excretas, com pintos de 12 a 20 dias de idade e com galos adultos, respectivamente. No terceiro ensaio, foi utilizado o metodo Sibbald com galos adultos. Em todos os ensaios, utilizou-se uma racao-referencia e uma racao-teste, composta por 10% de oleo acido de soja e 90% da racao de referencia. No metodo da coleta total de excretas, a energia metabolizavel aparente corrigida determinada foi de 7.488 e de 8.610 kcal kg-1 de materia seca para pintos e galos, respectivamente. A energia metabolizavel verdadeira corrigida, determinada pelo metodo Sibbald, com galos, foi de 8.195 kcal kg-1 de materia seca. Os valores de energia metabolizavel, determinados com galos, foram superiores aos determinados com pintos. Portanto, na formulacao de racoes para aves, deve-se considerar as diferencas nos valores energeticos do oleo acido de soja, para aves jovens e adultas.
Area‐sensitivity by forest songbirds: theoretical and practical implications of scale‐dependency

Songbird presence is often associated with the area of suitable habitat in the surrounding landscape. However, the size of landscape for which this association is maximized is generally unknown, likely to vary among species, and may affect our ability to incorporate songbirds in landscape management. We measured the occurrence and the persistence of forest songbirds in relation to the amount of habitat measured at several scales: local (100, 200 m radius), neighborhood (400, 800 m), landscape (1.6, 3.2, 6.4 km) and regional (12–24 km), based on data from Ontario's Forest Bird Monitoring Program (1987–2005). Songbird occurrence was obtained from point count sites distributed across southern Ontario and each revisited in multiple years (mean=5.8 yr). Presence of each species at a site was associated with forest habitat area measures that account for differences in preferred forest cover types among species. Area of coniferous, deciduous and mixed forest was derived from Landsat TM imagery. Thirty-two of the 35 species studied were area-sensitive, and area-sensitivity was apparent for 13–25 species at each spatial scale. For 24 species, the strength of area-sensitivity varied with scale, suggesting the importance of local, neighborhood, landscape and regional habitat for 3, 5, 5, and 11 species respectively. As a result, the list of the five most area-sensitive species varied depending on the scale at which habitat was described. We conclude that area-sensitivity can occur at a broader set of scales than generally assumed, and is most pronounced at the regional scale. We suggest that a broad set of scales should be examined before taking conservation decisions based on avian area-sensitivity.
Changes in ATP content, enzyme activity and inorganic nitrogen species during composting of organic wastes

Changes in several biochemical parameters, exchangeable and were evaluated during the composting of sewage sludge and city refuse. Except for casein-protease activity, all enzyme activities were higher in sewage sludge than in city refuse, at all times, denoting larger microbial populations; this was also confirmed by a high initial ATP level. In addition to differences in microbial biomass, the lower enzyme activity in city refuse might also depend on inhibition by a high content of heavy metals. Absolute urease and phosphatase activities decreased during composting, showing a minimum at 91 and 65 d, respectively; thereafter they increased slightly. ATP also decreased markedly during the first month, then it stabilized to a low level. The correlation found between urease-phosphatase-ATP and the lack of correlation between proteases, and between both proteases and ATP-urease-phosphatase, confirmed the different synthesis and behaviour of these enzymes. Proteases might partially exist outside living cells,.
CURRENT TRENDS AND RESEARCH DIRECTIONS IN THE DICTIONARY-BASED APPROACH FOR SENTIMENT LEXICON GENERATION: A SURVEY

Modern sentiment analysis models rely on a sentiment lexicon, which is the most essential feature that drives their performance. This resource is indispensable for, and greatly contributes to, sentiment analysis tasks. This is evident in the emergence of a large volume of research devoted to the development of automated sentiment lexicon generation models. The task of tagging sentiment-bearing words with a positive or negative connotation, and sometimes with a strength, comprises of two core approaches: the dictionary-based approach and the corpus-based approach. The former involves making use of a digital dictionary to tag words, while the latter relies on co-occurrence statistics or syntactic patterns embedded in text corpora. The end result is a linguistic resource comprising a priori information about words, across the semantic dimension of sentiment. This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing a survey on the most prominent research works that have employed lexical resources, dictionaries and thesauri for sentiment lexicon generation. We also conduct a comparative analysis on the performance of state-of-the-art models proposed for this task, and shed light on the current progress and challenges in this area.
Gay rights, the devil and the end times: public religion and the enchantment of the homosexuality debate in Zambia

This article contributes to the understanding of the role of religion in the public and political controversies about homosexuality in Africa. As a case study it investigates the heated public debate in Zambia following a February 2012 visit by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who emphasised the need for the country to recognise the human rights of homosexuals. The focus is on a particular Christian discourse in this debate, in which the international pressure to recognise gay rights is considered a sign of the end times, and Ban Ki-moon, the UN and other international organisations are associated with the Antichrist and the Devil. Here, the debate about homosexuality becomes eschatologically enchanted through millennialist thought. Building on discussions about public religion and religion and politics in Africa, this article avoids popular explanations in terms of fundamentalist religion and African homophobia, but rather highlights the political significance of this discourse in a postcolonial African context.
Path analysis of rice yield and yield components as affected by seeding rate

Understanding relationships among rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield and yield components (panicle density, filled grain per panicle, unfilled grain per panicle, and grain weight) is critical to utilizing these relationships effectively. Interrelationships among rice yield and yield components for direct-seeded rice cultural systems using path-coefficient analysis that describes a priori cause-and-effect relationships have not been shown. Our objective was to study direct-seeded rice yield and yield component relationships as affected by seeding rates using path-coefficient analysis. «Lemont», a semidwarf rice, was seeded at 43, 85, 128, 170, and 213 kg ha −1 in four environments between 1986 and 1988 (.)