Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Liquidation Risk Adjustment for Value at Risk and Expected Shortfall

This paper proposes an intuitive and flexible framework to quantify liquidation risk for financial institutions. We develop a model where the “fundamental” dynamics of assets is modified by price impacts from fund liquidations. We characterize mathematically the liquidation schedule of financial institutions and study in detail the fire sales resulting endogenously from margin constraints when a financial institution trades through an exchange. Our study enables to obtain tractable formulas for the value at risk and expected shortfall of a financial institution in the presence of fund liquidation. In particular, we find an additive decomposition for liquidation-adjusted risk measures. We show that such a measure can be expressed as a “fundamental” risk measure plus a liquidation risk adjustment that is proportional to the size of fund positions as a fraction of asset market depths. Our results can be used by risk managers in financial institutions to tackle liquidity events arising from fund liquidations better and adjust their portfolio allocations to liquidation risk more accurately.
The Effect of Salinity upon Photosynthesis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.): Gas Exchange by Individual Leaves in relation to their Salt Content

The effect of salinity upon net photosynthesis and transpiration by individual leaves of rice has been investigated by gas exchange measurements in seedlings at the five to six leaf stage. Salinity did not, initially, reduce net photosynthesis in the whole plant but only in the older leaves in which sodium accumulated. Analysis of the course of events in leaf four following salinization of the medium showed that net photosynthesis was inversely correlated with the sodium concentration in the leaf tissue. There was no evidence of a threshold effect; net photosynthesis declined linearly with increasing leaf sodium concentration and was reduced by 50% at only 05 mmol sodium per gram dry weight. The relationship between transpiration rate and leaf sodium concentration closely paralleled that for photosynthesis; there was no effect of leaf sodium concentration on the carbon dioxide concentration in the intercellular spaces, showing that sodium accumulation in the leaf affected stomatal aperture and carbon dioxide fixation simultaneously. Photosynthesis was reduced by half at a sodium concentration in the leaf which did not reduce the concentration of chlorophyll. The nature of the effect of salinity upon leaf gas exchange is discussed.
Olive scab: a review1

Olive scab or leaf spot, caused by the fungus Spilocaea oleagina, is widespread in the Mediterranean region. Losses arise mostly from defoliation of severely infected trees, with consequently reduced yield. Symptoms are mainly confined to leaves and appear as dark brown, circular, zonate spots surrounded by yellow haloes (‘peacocks eye’). S. oleagina shows a typical subcuticular growth, forming flat colonies within the cutinized layer of the thick epidermal cell wall. This habit has been associated with a defence reaction of the host involving mobilization and breakdown of the phenolic glucoside oleuropin and inhibition of pectolytic enzymes produced by the pathogen. The disease is particularly severe in densely planted groves of susceptible olive cultivars and in nurseries. Infections may occur throughout the year, except during hot and dry summers, when favourable temperatures (opt. 16–21°C) and rains occur. Conidia, formed at the apex of short ampulliform conidiophores, are usually carried by rain droplets, but recent data show that humid air currents and insects also contribute to limited aerial dissemination. Usually, the incubation period is about 2 weeks; however, if infection is followed by a hot season, it may last several weeks. Spots already formed in spring may stop growing in summer and resume their growth and sporulation in autumn. Chemical control schedules include fungicide (especially copper) treatments during the main infection seasons (spring and autumn).
Seasonal yield changes in white clover varieties and ecotypes in Nova Scotia

Summary Two ecotypes and three varieties of white clover (Trifolium repens) of contrasting morphology were established in monoculture field plots in Truro, Nova Scotia (45° N) in July 1985. Destructive measurements were taken at monthly intervals from August to November 1985 and April to August 1986. The seasonal distribution of number of active stolons/m2, number of leaves, number of leaves per stolon, and lamina weight together with dry weights of leaves-I-petioles, stolons and flowers + peduncles were recorded. Number of leaves was inversely proportional to leaf weight, smaller-leaved varieties and ecotypes having higher leaf densities than large-leaved white clovers. Leaf and petiole dry-matter yields were related to leaf and number of active stolons in 1985 and to leaf weight increments in 1986. The two naturalized ecotypes exhibited considerably less leaf loss than the three varieties in a winter where mean minimum air temperatures drop to as low as – 13°C. There were considerable differences between ecotypes and between varieties in the seasonal distribution of leaves and petioles, stolon and flower dry weights over the limited time period of this study.
Long-term patterns in egg mortality during incubation and chick mortality during rearing in three species of tits in an English woodland

Capsule Mortality from egg-laying to fledging is species-dependent with Great Tits exhibiting greater losses of chicks, Coal Tits greater losses of eggs and Blue Tits exhibiting comparable rates of mortality of eggs and chicks. Aims To determine whether reproductive losses during incubation and chick-rearing were different and to ascertain whether there were different effects in three closely related songbirds. Methods Breeding success of Great Tits Parus major, Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus and Coal Tits Periparus ater at Treswell Wood, Nottinghamshire, England was examined, selecting only those nests which fledged at least one chick. Mortality during incubation (i.e. loss of eggs) or rearing (i.e. loss of chicks) was recorded per nest and annual means were calculated and used in the analysis, which examined relationships between year, first-egg date and species. Key factor analysis was used to investigate the relative effects of egg or chick losses on the total breeding mortality. Results Timing of reproduction showed a long-term trend to earlier nesting, but there was considerable variation from year to year in first-egg date. In this location there has been a long-term decline in clutch size in all three species. Previously unseen differences between these three species of tit are shown for mortality at different stages of the reproductive process. Coal Tits suffer the greatest losses through unhatched eggs, whereas Great Tit failures are greater during chick-rearing. Blue Tits exhibited problems in achieving success in both incubation and rearing. Conclusion Closely related tit species living in close proximity exhibit different patterns of reproductive mortality during breeding.
Impact of delayed acceleration feedback on the classical car-following model

Delayed feedback plays a vital role in determining the qualitative dynamical properties of a platoon of vehicles driving on a straight road. Motivated by the positive impact of Delayed Acceleration Feedback (DAF) in various scenarios, in this paper, we incorporate DAF into the Classical Car-Following Model (CCFM). We begin by deriving the Classical Car-Following Model with Delayed Acceleration Feedback (CCFM-DAF). We then derive the necessary and sufficient condition for local stability of the CCFM-DAF. Next, we show that the CCFM-DAF transits from the locally stable to the unstable regime via a Hopf bifurcation; thus leading to the emergence of limit cycles in system dynamics. We then propose a suitable linear transformation that enables us to analyze the local bifurcation properties of the CCFM-DAF by studying the analogous properties of the CCFM. We also study the impact of DAF on three important dynamical properties of the CCFM; namely, non-oscillatory convergence, string stability and robust stability. Our analyses are complemented with a stability chart and a bifurcation diagram. Our work reveals the following detrimental effects of DAF on the CCFM: (i) reduction in the locally stable region, (ii) increase in the frequency of the emergent limit cycles, (iii) decrease in the amplitude of the emergent limit cycles, (iv) destruction of the non-oscillatory property, (vi) increased risk of string instability, and (vii) reduced resilience towards parametric uncertainty. Thus, we report a practically-relevant application wherein DAF degrades the performance in several metrics of interest.
Preliminary study into the long term effects of a hypoglycaemic polyherbal formula (Yem-Kem) on some biochemical parameters in normal rabbits

The blood glucose lowering capacity of the polyherbal formula (Yem-Kem) was investigated in this study in an in vivo clinical trial using normal Sprague-Dawley rabbits orally administered with the formula over a 60 day period. The results showed that continuous exposure to the extract resulted in an overall lowered blood glucose level, lowered body weight and serum triglycerides, an increased alkaline phosphatase level, and fairly stable bilirubin levels. The formula is efficient as a hypoglycemic formulation, but its toxicity or otherwise cannot be established by this study.
Division of labor increases with colony size in the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus

Size has profound consequences for the structure and function of biological systems, across levels of organization from cells to social groups. As tightly integrated units that vary greatly in size, eusocial insect colonies, in particular, are expected to exhibit social scaling relations. To address the question of how social organization scales with colony size, we quantified task performance in variably sized colonies of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus. We found a positive scaling relationship between colony size and division of labor in 2 different contexts. First, individual workers were more specialized in older, larger colonies. Second, division of labor increased with colony size, independently of colony age. Moreover, the proportional allocation of workers to tasks shifted during colony ontogeny--older, larger colonies performed relatively less brood care--but did not vary with colony size among same-aged colonies. There were no colony-size effects on per capita activity or the distribution of activity across workers. Size-related changes in task performance were correlated with changes in the rate of encounter between nest mates. These results highlight the importance of colony size for the organization of work in insect societies and raise broader questions about the role of size in sociobiology. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Bemisia tabaci: The current situation in the UK and the prospect of developing strategies for eradication using entomopathogens

Abstract The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) remains a serious threat to crops worldwide. The damaging B‐biotype is of specific economic concern because it is an effective vector of over 111 viruses from several families, particularly geminiviruses. Bemisia tabaci is regularly intercepted on plants coming into the UK where it is subjected to a policy of eradication. The UK maintains Protective Zone status against this pest. A main pathway of entry of B. tabaci into the Protected Zone involves propagating material, especially Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). With increased insecticide resistance continuously being recorded, B. tabaci is becoming more difficult to control/eradicate. Recent research involving both entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi is showing much potential for the development of control programs for this pest. Both the nematode Steinernema feltiae and the fungus Lecanicillium muscarium have been shown to be most effective against second instar B. tabaci. Fine‐tuning of the environmental conditions required has also increased their efficacy. The entomopathogens have also shown a high level of compatibility with chemical insecticides, all increasing their potential to be incorporated into control strategies against B. tabaci.
The effect of sowing date and photoperiod on panicle morphology in naked oats (Avena nuda)

SUMMARY Variations in panicle morphology in different environments were investigated for eight cultivars of naked oats (Avena nuda) and two cultivars of husked oats (A. sattva) in two experiments. The first experiment involved successional sowings in the glasshouse at monthly intervals from February to June. In the second experiment, the plants were grown continuously under constant photoperiods of 9, 11, 13 and 15 h. All the cultivars were found to be photoperiod sensitive, with Victory showing the greatest reduction in time to panicle emergence with increasing photoperiod. The proportion of multiflorous spikelets in all the cultivars of A. nuda except Nuprime and Laurel was greatest at constant photoperiods below 15 h. With successional sowings the proportion of multiflorous spikelets increased until mid April and thereafter decreased. The proportion of husked grains in the A. nuda cultivars was not markedly affected by variation of sowing date or photoperiod except for an increase in the variety Balkanischer following early sowing and subjection to a 15 h photoperiod. Under certain photoperiod treatments, some A. nuda varieties had a very low proportion of multiflorous spikelets but produced completely naked grain. The implication of these results in studies of the A. nuda genotype is discussed.
Effects of dietary inclusion of clinoptilolite in colostrum and milk on certain haematological parameters of calves

The administration of a natural zeolite, clinoptilolite, in newborn calves via colostrum and milk has been proven to be beneficial in enhancing the intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins and in reducing the incidence and the severity of diarrhoea syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 2-month-long supplementation at 2 levels (1 g/kg body weight (BW) and 2 g/kg BW) of clinoptilolite in the colostrum and milk of dairy calves had any effect on their haematological parameters. A total of 84 clinically healthy Holstein calves were assigned to 1 of 3 groups immediately after calving. Group A (n = 28) received clinoptilolite at the rate of 1 g/kg BW per day, initially via colostrum and later via milk. Group B (n = 28) received clinoptilolite at the rate of 2 g/kg BW per day via colostrum and milk, and group C (n = 28), which served as the control, received colostrum and milk without clinoptilolite supplementation. The experiment started at the day of parturition and lasted up to the 60th day after calving. Blood samples were collected from each calf at birth; 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after calving; and at the age of 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. All samples were tested for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and the number of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets (PLTs). The results showed that the addition of both levels of clinoptilolite to the colostrum and milk significantly increased PCV, RBCs, and the concentration of Hb, but did not have a significant effect on WBC and PLT counts. Overall, clinoptilolite administration via colostrum and milk appeared to enhance the haemopoiesis in newborn calves without having any adverse effect on WBC and PLT values.
The relative importance of sexual and clonal reproduction for population growth in the long‐lived alpine plant Geum reptans

1 Demographic studies in natural habitats are important for understanding the life history and mechanisms of population persistence of particular species. For plants living in high‐alpine habitats, it is of significant importance to what extent sexual or clonal reproduction contribute to population growth, but respective data are scarce. 2 We studied the demography of Geum reptans, an alpine plant which reproduces by seeds and by vegetative rosettes formed at the ends of above‐ground stolons. In three consecutive years, growth, survival, and reproduction were measured in two populations with 579 and 301 individuals, respectively. The two resulting transition matrices per population were used to calculate population growth rates (λ) and elasticities, and to perform stochastic simulations to assess the relative importance of sexual vs. clonal reproduction for population growth. 3 Population growth rates (λ) varied from 0.999 to 1.074 among years and populations. The frequency of seed and stolon production was relatively constant over the years. However, there was interannual variation in seed germination (0.7–2.4%) and in establishment of clonal offspring (53–74%). 4 Elasticity analysis showed that changes in the survival of adults had the largest effect on λ, confirming the importance of longevity and persistence in the life history of G. reptans. 5 Stochastic simulations showed that in G. reptans, independently of location and year, both sexual and clonal reproduction did not significantly differ in their contribution to the population growth rate λ. Establishment from seeds contributes to population growth particularly in favourable years, while the more regularly occurring reproduction by clonal offspring may ensure population growth in less favourable years. 6 Sexual reproduction in clonal plants is frequently explained by the short‐ and long‐term benefits of genetic variation and the need for dispersal and colonization, for which seeds are better suited than vegetative organs. Our results, however, show the importance of sexual reproduction in a clonal plant for local dynamics as well, and prove the power of matrix models to evaluate the relative contributions of the two reproductive modes.
Nutrient reserves of Salicornia europaea seeds

Seeds of Salicornia europaea L. were analyzed for their nutrient reserves. The content of potassium and sodium was 216 and 39 mmol (kg dry seeds)-1, respectively. Calcium and magnesium accounted for 30 and 138 mmol (kg dry seeds)-1, respectively. Whereas most of the alkali metals were water soluble, the alkaline earth metals were mostly acid soluble. The acid-soluble calcium plus magnesium corresponded well with the acid-soluble phosphate. Chloride was accumulated to a level equivalent to that of sodium. Carbonate was present at a concentration of 9 mmol (kg dry seeds)-1. Carbohydrates accounted for 93 g (kg dry seeds)-1, nearly half of which was derived from sucrose. Fructose and glucose were present only in traces. Total nitrogen was determined to be 55 g (kg dry seeds)-1, 16% of which was diethylether soluble. The remaining nitrogen was separated into 39 g (kg dry seeds)-1 ethanol-insoluble and 8 g (kg dry seeds)-1 ethanol-soluble nitrogen. About 10% of the ethanol-soluble nitrogen were derived from amino acids. Total lipid content was about 280 g (kg dry seeds)-1. The alcoholic component of the storage lipids was glycerol and the glycerides were calculated from gas chromatography to be 66% of the total lipids. About 90% of the fatty acids consisted of unsaturated acids, linoleic and oleic acid, the majority (77%) of which was linoleic acid.
No Effects of Huddling on Core Body Temperature in Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis

Huddling is a behavioural energy conservation mechanism that is widely used by many small endotherms at low ambient temperatures. Huddling has many benefits, including decreasing the metabolic cost of maintaining body temperature (Tb), reducing the amount of heat lost to the environment, and increasing the local temperature of the nest. To test the effects of huddling on Tb, 10 rockhyrax, Procavia capensis, were housed in outside cages in four groups, varying from one to four individuals. iButtons® were surgically implanted into each rock hyrax to record their Tb every 15 min from August to November. Despite considerable variations in ambient temperatures, the rock hyrax were found to display some degree of heterothermy by varying their mean Tb from 36.70 to 37.72°C (n = 10) but not allowing it to drop below 33.60°C or rise above 39.67°C. Contrary to what was predicted, rock hyrax did not display any significant effects of huddling on Tb, irrespective of group size.
The Case for Regime-based Water Quality Standards

Abstract Conventional water quality standards have been successful in reducing the concentration of toxic substances in US waters. However, conventional standards are based on simple thresholds and are therefore poorly structured to address human-caused imbalances in dynamic, natural water quality parameters, such as nutrients, sediment, and temperature. A more applicable type of water quality standard—a “regime standard”—would describe desirable distributions of conditions over space and time within a stream network. By mandating the protection and restoration of the aquatic ecosystem dynamics that are required to support beneficial uses in streams, well-designed regime standards would facilitate more effective strategies for management of natural water quality parameters.
Invasive Plants in Wildlife Refuges: Coordinated Research with Undergraduate Ecology Courses

Answering large-scale questions in ecology can involve time-consuming data compilation. We show how networks of undergraduate classes can make these projects more manageable and provide an authentic research experience for students. With this approach, we examined the factors associated with plant species richness in US national wildlife refuges. We found that the richness of harmful invasive plants and the richness of native plants were positively correlated in mainland refuges but negatively correlated in island refuges. Nonnative richness and invasive richness were also positively correlated with colonization pressure as indicated by nonnative richness around each refuge. Associations between refuge characteristics and invasive plants varied substantially among regions, with refuge area and habitat diversity important predictors of invasion in some regions but not in others. Our results serve to identify the refuges that are most susceptible to plant invasion and demonstrate the potential value of a new model for education and research integration.