Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trust, Trustworthiness, and Age: Experimental Evidence

Abstract Based on an incentivized non-anonymous trust game with 230 elementary school pupils aged between 6 and 11 years, we investigate the development of trust and trustworthiness across age groups. Trust increases with age, thereby increasing the profits of both the trustor and the trustee. The trustee keeps most of the profits. These results replicate the findings of Sutter and Kocher (2007) in that trust increases with age and trustworthiness exists in all age groups that are examined in our study; however, the amounts transferred between subjects in our experiment are substantially higher, a result which is likely to be driven by the non-anonymity in our setting.
Possible regulatory role of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in the production of anthocyanins in asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L)

The regulatory role of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in the light-induced accumulation of anthocyanins in the epidermis of asparagus spears has been analysed. A correlation between the stimulation of PAL activity and the rise in total anthocyanin content has been observed. Light radiation induced PAL activity, which in turn stimulated anthocyanin accumulation, a hypothesis which has been confirmed by treating asparagus spears with S-carvone, an inhibitor of PAL activity. A marked delay was observed in the rise in PAL activity and total anthocyanin content in asparagus spears treated with this compound during light irradiation. PAL activity and anthocyanin synthesis continued when the spears were stored in darkness for 5 days after being subjected to light, but the inhibitory effect of S-carvone remained during this storage. When the asparagus spears were immersed in water for 20 h, no PAL activity could be detected and scarcely any total anthocyanin content was measured. However, after 5 days of storage in darkness a sharp upsurge in PAL activity was found, which was not translated into a parallel increase in total anthocyanin content.
The biogeography of avian extinctions on oceanic islands revisited

A recent paper by Karels et al., ‘The biogeography of avian extinctions on oceanic islands’ (Journal of Biogeography, 2008, 35, 1106–1111), uses structural equation modelling to assess the causes of the number of island bird species driven extinct in the historical period. Here, we critically assess the conclusions of the paper and argue that it does not provide the new insights into the causes of extinction in island birds that its authors claim.
Influence of nitrogen deficiency on senescence and the amounts of RNA and proteins in wheat leaves

Senescence-associated coordination in amounts of enzymes localized in different cellular compartments were determined in attached leaves of young wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Arina) plants. Senescence was initiated at the time of full leaf elongation based on declines in total RNA and soluble protein. Removal of N from the growth medium just at the time of full leaf elongation enhanced the rate of senescence. Sustained declines in the amount of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39), and a marked decrease in the rbcS transcripts, just after full leaf elongation indicated that Rubisco synthesis/degradation was very sensitive to the onset of senescence. Rubisco activase amount also declined during senescence but the proportion of rca transcript relative to the total poly A RNA pool increased 3-fold during senescence. Thus, continued synthesis of activase may be required to maintain functional Rubisco throughout senescence. N stress led to declines in the amount of proteins located in the chloroplast, the peroxisome and the cytosol. Transcripts of the Clp protease subunits also declined in response to N stress, indicating that Clp is not a senescence-specific protease. In contrast to the other proteins, mitochondrial NADH-glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.2) was relatively stable during senescence and was not affected by N stress. During natural senescence with adequate plant nitrate supply the amount of nitrite reductase (EC 1.7.7.1) increased, and those of glutamine synthetase (EC 1.4.7.1) and glutamate synthase (EC 6.3.1.2) were stable. These results indicated that N assimilatory capacity can continue or even increase during senescence if the substrate supply is maintained. Differential stabilities of proteins, even within the same cellular compartment, indicate that proteolytic activity during senescence must be highly regulated.
Further study on dammarane-type saponins of roots, leaves, flower-buds, and fruits of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer

New saponins, named ginsenosides-Rh1 (11) and -M7cd (17) were isolated from roots and flower-buds of Ginseng, repectively. Structures of 11 and 17 were established as 6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside of 20 (S) -protopanaxatriol and 20-O-β-D-glucopyranoside of dammar-25-ene-3β, 6α, 12β, 20 (S), 24ξ-pentaol, respectively by means of carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as their preparations from the known saponins. Further isolation and identification of the following dammarane-type saponins from the aerial parts of Ginseng were also reported : ginsenosides-Rb1 (1), -Rb2 (2), -Rc (4) from the leaves ; 1, 2, 4, and ginsenoside-F3 (15) from the flower-buds, and 2, 4, ginsenosides-Rd (5), -Re (6), and -Rg1 (8) from the fruits. As shown in Table II, isolation of these biologically active saponins in relatively high yields indicated the significance of the aerial parts of Ginseng as the good medicinal sources.
A Bargaining Theory of Malevolence: The 2019 Pulwama War

Economic theorizations of malevolence as laid out in Bargaining Theory (Anderton and Carter 2009) have discussed how grievances over perceived injustices can alter the utility functions, settlement net resources, and therefore the propensity and calculus of war between two nations. To put this assertion to the test, this working paper examines the Pulwama War and the India-Pakistan standoff of 2019 from a malevolence perspective. It also contrasts this with political bias in bargaining theory (Chohan 2019) in the same case study. The findings of the working paper indicate that the Indian government’s expediency of war may resonate with a malevolence perspective, but the political bias of bargaining theory, as theorized in the game-theoretic economic literature, has greater explanatory power and relevance.
Crescimento e produção de tomate cereja em sistema hidropônico com rejeito de dessalinização

Resumo - A produtividade agricola sustentavel e o maior desafio nas regioes aridas e semiaridas por causa da escassez de agua para irrigacao, sendo comum o uso de agua salobra para irrigacao. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a resposta do tomate cereja (Lycopersicon esculentum L., cv. Samambaia) sob quatro niveis de salinidade da solucao nutritiva com adicao de rejeito salino em sistema de producao hidroponico. As plantas de tomate foram cultivadas em vasos com substrato de fibra de coco e irrigadas com solucoes nutritivas preparadas com agua de abastecimento e com aguas salinas preparadas diluindo-se agua de rejeito coletado em um dessalinizador a 75%; 50% e 25% e 0%, correspondendo a condutividades eletricas de 2,1; 3,55; 4,88, 6,02 e 6,96 dS m -1 , respectivamente. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos (niveis de salinidade da solucao nutritiva) e quatro repeticoes. A altura e a massa seca das plantas reduziram com o aumento da salinidade da agua de irrigacao. O consumo hidrico da cultura foi influenciada pela adicao de rejeito salino na solucao nutritiva e a salinidade limiar, considerando-se a produtividade da cultura, ficou em torno de 3,51 dS m -1 . A adicao de ate 25% de rejeito de dessalinizador (diluicao de 75%) a solucao nutritiva permite o cultivo do tomate cereja, cv. ‘Samambaia’, sem haver reducao na produtividade. Palavras-chave - Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Solucao nutritiva. Salinidade. Evapotranspiracao.
Effects of Row Covers Using Non-woven Fleece on the Yields, Rate of Bolting, and Quality of Heading Chinese Cabbage in Early Spring Cultivation

The aim of the research was to determine the impact of row covers on the growth, yield, and selected nutritional compounds contents in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. Pekinensis Group), cultivated in a field with or without non-woven fleece (17 g·m -2 ). Application of row covers accelerated the growth and development of the plants due to more favorable microclimatic conditions than in an open field. All tested biometrical parameters of the rosettes, determined after removing covers, were considerably higher than in the uncovered control. Therefore, direct covers could be successfully used for promote the growth of Chinese cabbage rosettes after transplanting. Total and marketable yields of covered plants were higher by 36% and 91%, respectively, than in the control. No external flower stalks were observed in either treatment, but about 50% of control heads had internal bolters. Row covering could be an effective prevention method against Chinese cabbage bolting in spring production in Central Europe. Laboratory analysis performed directly after removing covers showed higher contents of L-ascorbic acid, chlorophylls, and carotenoids in the plants in an open field. However, in the subsequent few weeks, such differences between treatments decreased and at harvest time, the level of these compounds was similar. Mature heads of control Chinese cabbage contained significantly more soluble sugars, crude fiber and thiocyanates than covered plants. The models were proposed to predict changes in fresh and dry weight as a function of time.
Corporate Acquisitions and Firm-Level Uncertainty: Domestic versus Cross-Border Deals

This paper studies the impact of corporate acquisitions on the uncertainty faced by acquiring firms. We use data for UK public companies from 2004 to 2017 and employ a matching estimator combined with difference-in-differences to control for the endogenous selection of firms into acquiring status. Acquisitions exert a large and persistent effect on the volatility of stock returns of acquirers and is characterized by a pecking order: domestic takeovers lead to a reduction in the uncertainty faced by the acquirer, while cross-border acquisitions|particularly those involving target firms in emerging markets|engender a positive response in acquirers' volatility.
Differential Regulation of Proline-rich Tyrosine Kinase 2/Cell Adhesion Kinase β (PYK2/CAKβ) and pp125FAK by Glutamate and Depolarization in Rat Hippocampus*

The mechanisms by which stimuli that raise cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations in neurons can increase protein tyrosine phosphorylation are not known. Using rat hippocampal slices and cortical synaptosomes, we have examined the regulation of two highly related cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, pp125 focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2/cell adhesion kinase β (PYK2/CAKβ). Membrane depolarization increased tyrosine phosphorylation of PYK2/CAKβ and pp125FAK. These effects were blocked by EGTA or by protein kinase C inhibitors (RO31-8220; GF109203X) and mimicked by ionomycin or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, in the case of pp125FAK, or their combination in the case of PYK2/CAKβ. Glutamate and specific agonists of ionotropic (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate and N-methyl-D-aspartate) or metabotropic (trans-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3,-dicarboxylate) glutamate receptors stimulated the phosphorylation of pp125FAK, but not of PYK2/CAKβ. Glutamate effects were prevented by GF109203X. Thus, in hippocampal slices, tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK and PYK2/CAKβ are regulated differentially by pathways involving Ca2+ and protein kinase C. pp125FAK and PYK2/CAKβ may provide specific links between neuronal activity, increases in cytosolic Ca2+ and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, which may be important for neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity.
When to Lock the Price? The Optimal Procurement Policy under Input Price Volatility

We study a two-stage supply chain, where the supplier procures a key component to manufacture a product and the retailer orders from the supplier to meet a price-sensitive demand. As the input price is volatile, the two parties enter into either a spot contract, where the retailer orders just before the supplier starts production, or a forward contract, where the retailer determines when to lock a wholesale price. Moreover, we consider three selling-price schemes: Market-Driven, Cost-Plus, and Profit-Max, corresponding to the retailer's minimal, moderate, and maximal pricing power, respectively. We assume that the input price follows a Geometric Brownian motion. To determine the optimal ordering time, we propose an optimization approach that can be viewed as an alternative method to the classic approach by Dixit et al. (1994) and Li and Kouvelis (1999). Our approach leads to deeper analytical results and more transparent ordering policy. Through a numerical experimentation, we compare profitability of the two parties involved under different contracts, pricing schemes, and market conditions. We find that the retailer's ordering policy is determined by a threshold policy based on the current time and input price and that the optimal threshold depends on not only the drift and volatility of the input price, but also their relative magnitude. Our results reveal that the forward contract is a Pareto improvement compared to the spot contract under the Cost-Plus or Profi t-Max pricing, while the supplier may prefer the spot contract over the forward contract under the Market-Driven pricing. Moreover, although having the maximal pricing power is the most favorable condition to the retailer, the supplier does not always benefit from this situation. Furthermore, as the retailer has less pricing power in the market, profitability of both parties is more heavily influenced by the input price volatility.
Further characterization of Δ8-sphingolipid desaturases from higher plants

A previously cloned cDNA from Helianthus annuus codes for a fusion protein composed of an N-terminal cytochrome b5, and a C-terminal desaturase domain. For a functional identification, this cDNA was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the structures of sphingolipid longchain bases were analysed. The expression of this sunflower enzyme resulted in the formation of new Δ8-trans/cis-phytosphingenine from C18- and C20-phytosphinganine present in wild-type yeast cells. To elucidate the substrate specificity, the recently cloned Δ8-sphingolipid desaturases from Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus were expressed in the yeast mutant sur2Δ that lacked the sphinganine C4-hydroxylase and was thus unable to form phytosphinganine. Long-chain base analysis of the transformed mutant cells did not show any conversion of C18- or C20-sphinganine into Δ8-sphingenine, whereas exogenously added C18-phytosphinganine was desaturated to Δ8-trans/cis-phytosphingenine. Furthermore, GLC-MS analysis did not reveal the presence of any Δ9-regioisomers as reported before. These results show that the sunflower gene codes for a Δ8-sphingolipid desaturase which accepts C18- and C20-phytosphinganine. The absence of Δ8-sphingenine as desaturation product in the transformed mutant suggests that C4-hydroxylation of sphinganine precedes Δ8-desaturation. Therefore, in yeast, the substrate for the plant Δ8-sphingolipid desaturase seems to be the phytosphinganine residue.
Public and Private Hospitals

In May 2009 the Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to examine three aspects of the health care system: • the relative performance of public and private hospitals, with particular regard to the cost of performing clinically-similar procedures and the rate of hospital-acquired infections • rates of informed financial consent and out-of-pocket expenses for privately-insured patients in public and private hospitals • the most appropriate factor for indexing the Medicare Levy Surcharge income thresholds. On releasing the Commission’s final report in December 2009, Commissioner David Kalisch said: ‘Comparing the relative performance of hospitals has been challenging. There are major differences within and between public and private hospital systems that make like-for-like comparisons difficult. There are also data limitations, which the Commission has sought to address by drawing on various data sources and incorporating adjustments to make the data more comparable. Future comparisons will be assisted by enhanced data collections for public hospitals already foreshadowed by governments and would be further improved by expanded reporting for private hospitals. ’ Based on available data, the Commission’s experimental cost estimates indicate that public and private hospitals have similar overall costs, but there are differences in their composition. Medical and diagnostics costs, and prostheses costs are higher in private hospitals; while general hospital costs and capital costs are higher in public hospitals. The limited available evidence suggests that private hospitals have lower infection rates than public hospitals, but private hospitals on average treat patients who have a lower risk of infection.
Comparisons of Calanus finmarchicus fifth copepodite abundance estimates from nets and an optical plankton counter

The response of an optical plankton counter (OPC) to concentrations of Calanus finmarchicus fifth copepodites (C5) ranging from 2 to 1621 copepods m -3 was examined during the summers of 1999-2001 over the continental shelf of the northwest Atlantic Ocean. Net tows from either a bongo net or a multiple opening/closing net and environmental sensing system (MOCNESS) were collocated with vertical OPC casts to provide comparable data. OPC-derived particle abundance in the 1.5-2.0 mm equivalent circular diameter range was strongly correlated with net-derived abundance of C. finmarchicus C5 (r2 = 0.655 and 0.726 for comparisons in two independent datasets). Particle abundance in this size range increased with increases in the descent speed of the vertically profiled OPC, which indicated avoidance of the small sampling aperture by C. finmarchicus C5. A regression model was developed to relate OPC particle abundance in the 1.5-2.0 mm size range to the abundance of C. finmarchicus C5 and the descent speed of the OPC. The data fitted the model well (r 2 = 0.684) and the inverted model was used as a calibration equation to predict C. finmarchicus C5 abundances from OPC measurements in an independent comparison to net abundances. In that case, the calibration equation underestimated net abundance by an average factor of 2. However, anomalously low OPC particle abundances for some casts suggest that spatial heterogeneity (patchiness) can confound such comparisons.
Are Credit Markets Tone Deaf? Evidence from Credit Default Swaps

We examine credit market responses to the linguistic tone of disclosures made in 10-Q/K fillings, controlling for the information content conveyed in the reports. Examining windows around quarterly filings, we find that uncertain tone levels are associated with changes in credit default swap (CDS) spreads and are incremental to price changes implied via equity market responses to the same information. We also observe that the magnitude of the relationship varies according to contract attributes specific to debt, with price responses monotonically increasing as CDS contracts approach maturity and as they approach default. Our results are robust to other sources of risk such as earnings surprises and management guidance, and to alternative proxies of uncertainty and other linguistic dimensions. Our finding is consistent with market participants linking uncertainty in disclosure language to firms' default risk, implying that the tone of accounting disclosures provides valuable incremental information to the CDS markets.
Seasonal distribution of nanoflagellates and bacterioplankton and relationship with environmental factors in a brazilian semi-arid reservoir

The semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte State, in northeast Brazil exhibits specific physical-climatic aspects: the climate is very hot, with mean annual rainfall of 550 mm, characterized by periodic drought and uneven distribution of rains. Due to these features, is important to study and preserve its water bodies. The purpose of this paper was to characterize and investigate bacterioplankton and heterotrophic nanoflagellates, and their seasonal variations in a reservoir located in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte State, in 2008. To this aim, four samplings were carried out in the rainy season and three in the dry season to determine the biotic and abiotic variables. Bacterial densities in the reservoirs ranged from 8.98 x 10 6 to 1.62 x 10 7 bac mL -1 , while total biomass varied between 207 and 262 μgCL -1 . The nanoflagellates showed a variation between 1,777 and 8,229 org mL -1 in density, and between 3.0 and 9.6 μgCL -1 in biomass. Statistical analyses presented non-standard results for both biological and physical- chemical variables throughout the study year, revealing the complexity of the reservoir with respect to the mechanisms controlling the microbial populations analyzed.
Predictability of Financial Markets in ASEAN Countries using Machine Learning Techniques

This paper develops several efficient machine learning models and compare their performance in forecasting the value and direction of stock prices and indices from the ASEAN countries. Although all models adequately forecast the stock indices ranging from 40% to 95% accuracy and outperform traditional regression models, ANN models outperform all other models. This study identifies several important variables as important predictors. Finally, this study concludes that the emerging economies of the ASEAN countries are indeed predictable with more than 95% accuracy.
Strategies of Delay Delivery and Controllable Lead Time in Supply Chain Consignment Inventory

This paper describes about two strategies in consignment inventory based supply chain with controllable lead time and delaying last delivery comprising a two level supply chain involving single vendor and multi buyers. This model would give minimum joint total expected cost of the strategies involving vendor and buyer, simultaneously to optimize quantitative decision variables. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the benefit of the proposed strategies and the effect of changes on the cost and parameters are studied.