Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Sudden Changes on Volatility Spillover Effect in Japanese Financial Markets *

This study considers the impact of sudden changes on volatility spillover effect in Japanese financial markets, the Japanese Yen (JPY) and Nikkei 225 index. Specifically, we examine the degree of volatility transmission allowing for sudden changes in variance. An iterated cumulative sums of squares algorithm is used to identify the time points at which sudden changes in volatility occurred, and the results are incorporated into the bivariate GARCH-BEKK framework with and without sudden change variables. The degree of persistence of volatility was reduced by incorporating these sudden changes into the volatility model. In addition, our results indicate that ignoring sudden changes might overestimate the degree of information inflow and volatility transmission between Japanese financial markets. Consequently, accounting for sudden changes reduces volatility persistence and removes the volatility spillover effect in Japanese financial markets.
Indication of Quantitative Multiple Disease Resistance to Foliar Pathogens in Pinus radiata D.Don in New Zealand

Increasing resistance against foliar diseases is an important goal in the Pinus radiata D.Don breeding program in New Zealand, and screening for resistance has been in place for some time, since the late 1960s. The current study presents results of four progeny trials within the breeding program to investigate whether multiple disease resistance could be detected against three different needle diseases in P. radiata: Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) caused by Dothistroma septosporum, Cyclaneusma needle cast (CNC) caused by Cyclaneusma minus, and red needle cast (RNC) caused by Phytophthora pluvialis. Four progeny trials in the North Island of New Zealand were available to estimate heritabilities and between-trait genetic correlations. Two of the trials were assessed for DNB, involving 63 full-sib families. A third trial was assessed for CNC, involving 172 half-sib families, and a fourth trial was assessed for RNC, involving 170 half-sib families. Disease resistances had moderate estimates of heritability (0.28–0.48) in all trials. We investigated the potential for multiple disease resistance to the three foliar diseases by estimating genetic correlations between disease resistances using a spatial linear mixed model. The correlation between DNB and CNC resistance was favorable and strong (0.81), indicating that genotypes that are highly resistant to DNB also have a high resistance to CNC. These results suggest that selection based on resistance to DNB could allow for simultaneous indirect selection for resistance to CNC, usually only expressed at a later age. This would allow selections to be made earlier due to the earlier expression of DNB than CNC and reduce the number of expensive disease assessments being undertaken. Conversely, genetic correlation estimates for RNC with DNB and CNC were close to zero, and very imprecise. As such, later-age assessments for this disease would still be required.
The Organization in Balance

Two complementary processes that are important in learning within organizations, namely reflection and intuition, are analysed. This includes the introduction of a phase model for reflection. Intuition is examined using concepts borrowed from transpersonal psychology. Within this context, the work of Maslow is discussed and related to Wilber’s ideas about the higher stages of human consciousness. Our society places considerable emphasis on rationality and efficiency, which means that reflection often receives more attention than intuition. Both are important, however, and the author argues that in the end it is a question of integrating the reflective and intuitive processes. A concrete method useful for supporting that process is described.
From pollen dynamics to adaptive dynamics

On plants with many flowers, bumblebees tend to visit more flowers in sequence. This induces pollen transfer between flowers on the same plant (geitonogamy). Consequently, in self-compatible plants the selfing rate increases with the number of simultaneously open flowers on the plant, and pollen export to other plants in the population can be a decelerating function of the number of flowers. I argue that geitonogamy is important in relation to two phenomena. First, it may explain the low number of seeds per flower and the size-dependent sex allocation observed in some species. Applying sex allocation theory to the boraginaceous Cynoglossum officinale and Echium vulgare shows that hermaphroditism is stable in both species. The predicted evolutionarily stable values for seeds per flower are close to observed values in the field. The model generally predicts that seeds per flower increase with plant size. This prediction is fine for C. officinale but E. vulgare defies the theory. Second, geitonogamy is important in the evolution of dioecy, as already suggested by Darwin. With abiotic pollination the export of pollen to other plants is likely to be proportional to the number of flowers produced, while it decelerates in animal-pollinated plants. Dioecy can then evolve gradually in a species with abiotic pollination, provided that inbreeding depression exceeds 50%, geitonogamous selfing increases with the number of flowers and that genetic variation exists. With complete pollen discounting as in the models of geitonogamous pollination by animals, hermaphroditism is always stable. The model explains Darwin’s observation that dioecy is more common in wind-pollinated species and in species in which individuals are large, reproducing with many flowers.
Long-term growth responses to phosphatic fertilisers in a Pinus radiata plantation

Summary The effects of phosphatic fertiliser on growth and nutrients in trials at different stages of stand development have been studied in second-rotation Pinus radiata plantation sites of Lidsdale State Forest, New South Wales. The sites were on phosphorus-deficient clay soils. High, early growth responses to phosphatic fertiliser occurred when applied to individual trees at the time of planting compared with slower initial growth when fertiliser was broadcast applied. There were long-term responses to broadcast treatments of phosphorus or nitrogen/phosphorus at time of planting, but it took several growing seasons for the trees to access the applied phosphorus. Later-age applications of phosphorus also gave significant responses with and without nitrogen and the level of response was related to the prior nutritional status of the stand. There were additional responses to high levels of nitrogen when the initial phosphorus deficiency was overcome. Application of phosphorus or nitrogen/phosphorus after thinning resulted in significant increases in growth. Combining trial results and assuming treatments were additive, it was concluded that productivity could be increased from 8 m3 ha–1 y–1 to about 16 m3 ha–1 y–1 over 24 years. The trials show there could be a range of nutritional management strategies where fertilisers are applied at various times in the rotation process and the appropriate one would be selected in terms of management objective, the cost and outcomes.
Biodiversity of endophytic fungi associated with Ficus religiosa and F. benghalensis

Endophytic fungi were isolated from leaf and bark tissues of Ficus religiosa and F. benghalensis (Moraceae) in a tropical forest in southern India. Five hundred leaf and bark segments from each plant species were collected. Endophytic fungi were more numerous from leaf segments than bark. In this study, hyphomycetes were the most dominant group followed by coelomycetes, ascomycetes, zygomycetes, and sterile fungi. Leaf and bark tissues of F. religiosa had more endophytic fungi than F. benghalensis. Some endophytic fungi were common to both hosts, and few appeared to be host specifi c.
Residentsʼ attitudes and behavioural support for tourism in host communities

ABSTRACT In our study of the “perceptions–attitudes–behaviours” sequence, we explain how resident perceptions of tourism’s impacts on host communities influence not only their attitudes towards tourism, but also their attitudes towards tourists – i.e. a new variable that has recently been introduced in literature. Moreover, we introduce the behavioural support, a concept that denotes a higher level of involvement and engagement of residents with their communities in comparison with the traditional attitudinal support. Our results indicate: (1) the residents’ perception of the positive economic and cultural impacts of tourism are the main variables influencing their attitudes towards tourism and tourists; and (2) both types of attitudes influence on behavioural support for tourism in host communities.
Atherogenic Lipid Ratios Related to Myeloperoxidase and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Psychotic Disorders

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of premature death in patients with psychotic disorders, where dyslipidemia occurs frequently. In the pathogenesis of these serious mental disorders, a low-grade inflammation seems to be a possible contributor. Concurrently, systemic inflammation and its interplay with dyslipidemia is a central driver in the pathogenesis of CVD. We hypothesize that evaluation of atherogenic lipid ratios together with inflammatory markers reflecting different inflammatory pathways with relevance for atherogenesis, could give novel information on immune-related mechanisms involved in early CVD risk in patients with psychotic disorders. Methods As a measure for CVD risk we calculated atherogenic lipid ratios using established sex-specific cut-offs: Total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein; HDL-c (TC/HDL) and triglyceride/HDL-c (TG/HDL) were evaluated in 571 schizophrenia (SCZ) and 247 bipolar disorder (BD) patients, and in 99 healthy controls (HC). In addition, as a measure of low-grade inflammation, we measured fasting plasma levels of nine stable atherogenic inflammatory markers in patients (SCZ, BD) and in HC. The elevated inflammatory markers and CVD risk in patients, as reflected by TC/HDL and TG/HDL, were further assessed in multivariable analyses adjusting for comorbid cardio-metabolic risk factors. Results A markedly higher proportion (26%–31%) of patients had increased TC/HDL and TG/HDL ratios compared with HC. Plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were higher (p<0.05, p<0.001) in patients with psychotic disorders than in HC, and hs-CRP and MPO were independently associated with atherogenic lipid ratios in the multivariable analyses. Conclusions Our findings suggest that low-grade inflammation and abnormal neutrophil activation may cause increased CVD risk in patients with psychotic disorders. These mechanisms should be further examined to determine the potential for development of novel risk evaluation strategies.
Tannins in faba beans (Vicia Faba L.)- antinutritional properties in monogastric animals.

Condensed tannins are found in coloured-flowering varieties of faba beans ( Viciafaba L.). They are considered as antinutritional factors for nonruminant species. High-tannin hulls of faba beans and isolated tannins were shown to induce a rapid hypertrophy of the parotid glands in rats and increase the secretion of salivary proline-rich proteins with a high affinity for tannins. In this way rats are able to defend themselves against more harmful effects of tannins. The growth performance of chickens on diets containing 300 g/kg of either low-tannin or hightannin faba beans did not differ. In contrast, the apparent ileal and faecal digestibility in pigs of protein and amino acids differed significantly between both types of beans, in favour of the low-tannin beans. Inclusion of hulls of faba beans with either a low or a high tannin content in diets for piglets revealed that tannins in faba beans reduce in particular the apparent faecal digestibility of protein and amino acids and the N balance. No systemic/toxic effects of feeding high-tannin hulls to pigs were found. The activity of trypsin and, to a lesser extent, chymotrypsin was reduced in digesta collected from the small intestine of pigs. It was shown with the 15N isotope dilution technique that about half of the extra protein appearing in ileal digesta and faeces of pigs when feeding faba bean hulls with a high tannin content is of endogenous origin. The other half consists of dietary protein. Tannins from faba beans show some preference to interact with proteins with a high content of proline and histidine. A concept for the effects and mode of action of faba bean tannins in different monogastric animal species is discussed.
The diversity of zerconid mites (Acari, Zerconidae) in Giresun province, with a new record for the Turkish fauna

The zerconid mites collected from the Giresun province between December 2009 − April 2011 are evaluated and the following species are recorded: Prozercon buraki, P. demirsoyi, P. giresunensis, P. mersinensis, P. murati, P. satapliae, P. traegardhi, P. turcicus, Zercon adoxyphes, Z. agnostus, Z. berlesei, Z. bulancakensis, Z. bulgaricus, Z. colligans, Z. denizliensis, Z. imperfectsetosus, Z. karadaghiensis, Z. mirabilis and Z. ozkani. Of these, Z. karadaghiensis is recorded for the first time from Turkey. Description and drawings of the newly recorded species are given. On the basis of the collected specimens, measurements of nineteen species are given and their geographic distributions are discussed. Additionally, altitude and habitat preferences of the zerconid species are presented with 3 figures and 4 tables.
Early Adolescents' Perspectives on Motivation and Achievement in Academics

This study, conducted in four urban schools, utilized student voice to address the relationship between early adolescent developmental needs, classroom instructional practices, and academic motivation and achievement. Results indicated effective instructional design and delivery alone may not optimize junior high students' engagement and achievement in academics. Motivational instruction constructs that emerged included effective use of classroom time, challenge, group work, and use of student resources. Motivational support constructs included teacher empathy, respectful control, and parental push. The study supported several current theoretical frameworks and findings from similar studies of sixth and eighth graders.
LOCAL RECRUITMENT IN THE GREATER FLAMINGO: A NEW APPROACH USING CAPTURE-MARK-RECAPTURE DATA

Although the establishment of new individuals in the breeding component of a population is an essential feature of population regulation, only a few attempts have been made to test biological hypotheses about recruitment. Most previous studies rely on ad hoc calculations or are flawed with unwarranted assumptions about survival. We use a recently developed approach, based on capture-mark-recapture, in which analysis of local recruitment is similar to a time-reversed analysis of survival. The basic data set consists of capture histories viewed in reverse order, with initial capture at year of birth, and subsequent observations corresponding to years when the animal has bred. The model considers two essential components, the probability for any breeding individual to reproduce for the first time (a, the probability of first reproduction) and the probability of recapture (p), both conditional on survival. Contrary to previous attempts at modeling recruitment, the present approach does not assume an age at which breeding propensity stabilizes to a maximum value. The flexibility achieved allows the comparison of recruitment among groups within a population and also allows one to consider the effects of environmental variables, as well as interactions between such effects. Practically, the procedure starts from a global model, based upon the a priori knowledge of the biology of the species, and assesses its fit. Then more parsimonious models are selected using Akaike's Information Criterion and likelihood ratio tests. Finally, maximum likelihood estimates of model pa- rameters are obtained with estimates of precision. We used a modified version of program RELEASE for goodness-of-fit tests, and program SURGE for iterative model fitting and the computation of likelihood ratio tests. We illustrate the method with the study of local recruitment of Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus) in the Camargue (southern France) between 1984 and 1994. We found additive effects of age and year to affect recruitment. Breeding propensity increased with age. Recruitment was noticeably higher in the year following an increase in mortality rate due to a particularly severe winter. Long- lasting effects of this increased mortality on recruitment were observed in the three fol- lowing years. There was no evidence for an effect of sex or cohort (year of birth) on recruitment. However, sex, as well as time and age, affected recapture rates. We discuss the various advantages and limitations of the model for the study of local recruitment in long-lived species and mention some potential developments.
Dose rate determination for preclinical total body irradiation

The accuracy of delivered radiation dose and the reproducibility of employed radiotherapy methods are key factors for preclinical radiobiology applications and research studies. In this work, ionization chamber (IC) measurements and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were used to accurately determine the dose rate for total body irradiation (TBI), a classic radiobiologic and immunologic experimental method. Several phantom configurations, including large solid water slab, small water box and rodentomorphic mouse and rat phantoms were simulated and measured for TBI setup utilizing a preclinical irradiator XRad320. The irradiator calibration and the phantom measurements were performed using an ADCL calibrated IC N31010 following the AAPM TG-61 protocol. The MC simulations were carried out using Geant4/GATE to compute absorbed dose distributions for all phantom configurations. All simulated and measured geometries had favorable agreement. On average, the relative dose rate difference was 2.3%. However, the study indicated large dose rate deviations, if calibration conditions are assumed for a given experimental setup as commonly done for a quick determination of irradiation times utilizing lookup tables and hand calculations. In a TBI setting, the reference calibration geometry at an extended source-to-surface distance and a large reference field size is likely to overestimate true photon scatter. Consequently, the measured and hand calculated dose rates, for TBI geometries in this study, had large discrepancies: 16% for a large solid water slab, 27% for a small water box, and 31%, 36%, and 30% for mouse phantom, rat phantom, and mouse phantom in a pie cage, respectively. Small changes in TBI experimental setup could result in large dose rate variations. MC simulations and the corresponding measurements specific to a designed experimental setup are vital for accurate preclinical dosimetry and reproducibility of radiobiological findings. This study supports the well-recognized need for physics consultation for all radiobiological investigations.
Environmental and Physiological Factors Influence Antipredator Behavior in Scinax hiemalis (Anura: Hylidae)

Abstract Individual variation in antipredator behavior may be influenced by ecological factors, such as ambient temperature and predation pressure, and by intrinsic factors, such as physiological condition. We tested the hypothesis that both types of factors interact to induce a specific antipredator response in the treefrog, Scinax hiemalis. When disturbed by the threat of predation, individuals of this species exhibit either a passive response by feigning death or immobility, or an active escape response by jumping away. We examined the responses of 24 adult male S. hiemalis to simulated predation in the laboratory at 10, 15, and 20 C. In addition, responses from a single stimulus were compared with those from a series of stimuli. We determined physiological condition from measures of body length and mass, jumping performance, aerobic metabolism, and estimated energy reserves. Temperature had the most influence on antipredator behavior, with more frogs exhibiting passive responses at 10 C than at higher temperatures. If stimulated more than once, the proportion of active responses increased at all three temperatures. Larger individuals were more likely to exhibit an active response, but no mass-independent physiological variables were related to response type. These results suggest that frogs respond to both extrinsic and intrinsic factors that may affect their behavioral performance.
Effects of Microscale Habitat Physiognomy on the Focal Distribution of Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) Nymphs

Abstract The focal distribution of Ixodes scapularis Say and Amblyomma americanum (L.) was measured at 10-m intervals across the 1-ha study area placed within a mixed hardwood-pine forest with a sparse to dense shrub layer. At each of the resulting 100 locations, 1-m2 plots were established and, following characterization of vegetation and edaphic conditions, were periodically flagged throughout the nymphal tick season. I. scapularis and A. americanum nymphs appeared to be nonrandomly distributed within the forested study area. Although only a few I. scapularis nymphs were collected overall, several locations consistently yielded more A. americanum nymphs than the remaining sites. I. scapularis was found in plots with substantial shrub density, extensive leaf litter, and deep soil duff layers, all of which contribute to creating high-humidity conditions for questing ticks. Questing A. americanum were more frequently encountered in more open canopy situations with less dense shrub layers and significantly reduced litter and duff layers. A. americanum appears to be more tolerant of desiccating conditions and so is able to occupy microsites or microhabitats that are less favorable for sympatric I. scapularis. The implications of these findings on the ability to sample ticks and estimate disease transmission risk are discussed.