Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Braincase-body size relations in European newts (Triturus spp., Salamandridae, Caudata): does size matter?

A significant positive correlation between braincase size (used as a proxy for brain size) and body size was found in six European newt species, with considerable variation among the species. The observed variation in braincase size, however, could not be solely explained by variation in body size. In spite of female-biased sexual dimorphism in body size, which was especially pronounced in Triturus alpestris, the sexes did not differ in braincase size. We also found that T. dobrogicus had a much smaller braincase than would be expected considering its body size. This in addition to its different morphology and ecology sets it apart from related species of the crested newt group.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Black Bear–Human Conflicts in Colorado, USA

Abstract Management and conservation of large carnivores increasingly includes conflicts with humans. Consequently, a greater understanding of spatiotemporal trends of conflicts is needed to efficiently allocate resources and apply targeted management. Therefore, we examined spatial and temporal distribution of American black bear (Ursus americanus; hereafter, bear)–human conflicts in Colorado, USA, related to 3 conflict types (agriculture operations, human development, and road kills). We used the Getis–Ord spatial clustering statistic to describe location and assess magnitude of bear–human conflicts in Colorado during 1986–2003 and investigated temporal trends of bear–human conflicts by type. Bear–human conflicts showed distinct spatial clustering by type, and areas of high clustering overlapped conflict types. Clustering for agriculture operations conflicts had the largest overall value and overlapped counties with high sheep production. Both human development and road-kill conflict clusters were high in areas of high-quality oak (Quercus spp.)–shrub habitat in the central and southern portions of Colorado's Front Range region and near the city of Durango in southwestern Colorado. Bear–human conflicts varied by year and type but overall increased during the 18 years. Summed across years, most conflicts were related to agriculture (32%), followed by road kills (27%) and human development (24%). The greatest proportion of agriculture operations–related conflicts (76%), human development–related conflicts (36%), and road kills (47%) occurred in 1988, 1999, and 2003, respectively. Considering that bear–human conflicts in Colorado increased over time and will likely continue to increase, we suggest wildlife managers improve data collection by obtaining detailed location data, categorizing conflict types uniformly, and applying conflict regulations consistently to strengthen inference of similar analyses. We also suggest that managers target efforts to mitigate damage by focusing on areas with high clustering of conflicts.
Price Formation in Electricity Markets

Two characteristics are a paramount to understand price behaviour in competitive electricity markets: mean reversion and volatility. We have focused our analysis to determine how these characteristics operated in the case of the Spanish wholesale electricity market. We could observe that CCGT play a key role in setting marginal prices as both gas prices and generation present significant price elasticities. In addition, we found that hydropower generation is an important technology to moderate the prices as it is possibly being use as a baseload technology. When analysing volatility aspects, we found that electricity prices exhibit a remarkable structure of time-variant conditional volatility and presented strong weekly seasonality.
Bright stars and an optically thick inactive disk in Sgr A * and other dormant galaxy centers

Cold inactive disks are believed to exist in Low Luminosity AGN (LLAGN). They may also exist in the nuclei of inactive galaxies and in the center of our own Galaxy. These disks would then be embedded in the observed dense nuclear stellar clusters. Making the simplest assumption of an optically thick disk, we explore several ways to detect the disk presence through its interaction with the cluster. The first of these is the eclipse of close bright stars by the disk. The second is the increase in the infrared flux of the disk due to illumination of its surface by such stars during close passages. Finally the surface brightness of the star cluster should show an anisotropy that depends on the inclination angle of the disk. We apply the first two of the methods to Sgr A, the super-massive black hole in our Galactic Center. Using the orbital parameters of the close star S2, we strongly rule out a disk optically thick in the near infrared unless it has a relatively large inner hole. For disks with no inner holes, we estimate that the data permit a disk with infrared optical depth no larger than about 0.01. Such a disk could also be responsible for the detected 3.8m excess in the spectrum of S2. The constraints on the disk that we obtain here can be reconciled with the disk parameters needed to explain the observed X-ray flares if dust particles in the disk have sizes greater than30m. The destruction of small dust particles by strong UV heating and shocks from star passages through the disk, and grain growth during "quiescent" times, are mentioned as possible mechanisms of creating the unusual grain size distribution. We estimate the emissivity of the thin layer photo-ionized by the star in Hydrogen Br line and in the continuum recombination in the 2.2m band, and find that it may be detectable in the future if the disk exists.
Effects of minimum wages on total employment where the legislative coverage is limited: Evidence from Cyprus time series data

Empirical labour market studies on the effects of minimum wages are typically confined to the sector or the worker group directly affected. Also, they often address the cases where the legislative coverage of the minimum wage is universal or almost universal. This study examines the relationship of the total employment with the minimum wage in the special case where only a number of occupations are covered by the relative legislation. A theoretical background is provided by a recently developed search and matching model and empirical evidence is provided by analysing time series data from Cyprus, one of the few countries in the world, and the only country in the European Union, where the minimum wage coverage is limited to only a small number of occupations. The analysis is done by carefully addressing the issues of stationarity, dynamic specification and endogeneity that most of the existing literature ignores. In order to ensure the estimated results are valid, the stability of the series is examined, using unit root tests under exogenous and endogenous structural breaks. Evidence is found of a significant and negative relationship between the minimum wage and total employment, despite the limited coverage of the minimum wage legislation. This suggests the existence of significant spillover effects to the occupations that are not covered by the minimum wage legislation.
Corruption, Economic Freedom and Political Freedom in South America: In Pursuit of the missing Link

Resumen: La corrupcion se puede definir como "el abuso de la autoridad o confianza publica con fines privados". Sin embargo, esta definicion sugiere que la corrupcion es una enfermedad de la sociedad y no un sintoma resultante de problemas estructurales como la inequidad o falta de democracia. Luego de analizar informacion proveniente de Freedom House y Transparency International, este estudio concluye que la liberalizacion economica y la democracia no estan directamente ni linealmente relacionadas con la corrupcion en Suramerica. Otros determinantes como la inequidad (politica y economica) son esenciales para un analisis integral de la corrupcion. Adicionalmente, la literatura actual adolece de una definicion holistica de corrupcion que permita identificar y entender sus "verdaderas" causas. Al examinar diez paises suramericanos durante el periodo 1995-2008, el analisis de cointegracion de panel de datos sugiere que la corrupcion, el crecimiento economico y la democracia no estan conjuntamente cointegradas ni estan relacionadas linealmente; hay un eslabon perdido. Abstract: Corruption is defined as "the abuse of public authority or trust for private benefit. " However, this paper argues that this definition frames corruption as a disease of society and not a symptom of structural problems such as inequality or lack of democracy. After analyzing data on corruption from Freedom House and Transparency International, this study concludes that corruption is not related to economic liberalization and democracy in a linear fashion. Other determinants such as inequality (political and economical) are lacking in the analysis of corruption. Additionally, the literature still lacks a comprehensive definition of corruption that may identify its "true" roots. A panel cointegration and panel data analysis suggests that corruption, economic growth and democracy are neither jointly cointegrated nor explained linearly; there is a missing link. Finally, this research is constrained to ten South American countries and the years 1995-2008.
Tourism and Local Character in South Carolina: A Stated Preference Based Demand Analysis

This study attempts to quantify tourists’ demand for regional character on vacations to the South Carolina (SC) coast. Preferences for authentic elements such as the destination’s local flair and the local ownership of restaurants were measured using stated-preference choice modeling. This technique forces individuals to make tradeoffs between hypothetical trips based on attributes such as number of activities, amount of locally owned restaurants, degree of local flair, and price. The results of the survey (n=240) indicate a statistically significant demand for local flair and local restaurant ownership, although the demand plateaus after reaching a moderate level.
Genomic prediction using high-density SNP markers in Nordic Holstein and Red

This study investigated genomic prediction using medium density and high density markers, based on data from Nordic Holstein and Red (RDC). The Holstein data comprised 4,539 progeny-tested bulls, and the RDC data 4,403 bulls. The data were divided into reference data and test data using 2001-10-01 as a cut-off date (birth date of the bulls). This resulted in about 25% genotyped bulls in Nordic Holstein test data, and 20% in RDC test data. For each breed, three datasets of markers were used for predicting breeding values: 1) 50k dataset with some missing markers, 2) 50k dataset where missing markers were imputed, and 3) imputed HD dataset which was created by imputing the 50k data to HD data based on 557 bulls genotyped using 770k chip in Holstein, and 706 bulls in RDC. Based on the three marker datasets, direct genomic breeding values (DGV) for protein, fertility and udder health were predicted using a GBLUP model and a Bayesian mixture model with two normal distributions. Reliability of DGV was measured as squared correlations between de-regressed proofs (DRP) and DGV and then corrected for reliability of DRP, and unbiasedness was assessed by regression of DRP on DGV, based on the bulls in the test datasets. Averaged over the three traits, reliability of DGV based on the HD markers was 0.5% higher than that based on the 50k data in Holstein, and 1.0% higher in RDC. In addition, the HD markers led to an improvement on unbiasedness of DGV. The Bayesian mixture model led to 0.5% higher reliability than the GBLUP model in Holstein, but not in RDC. Compared with the raw 50k data, the imputed 50k data improved genomic prediction for protein in RDC.
CONSERVATION MONITORING OF A HERITAGE CEILING BY PHOTOMETRIC STEREO

Photographic survey techniques were employed to monitor the condition of the paintwork on the ceiling of the Queen's Staircase at Hampton Court Palace. Illumination was provided by a flash, mounted on an 8 metre telescopic mast, raised to approximately 60 cm below the ceiling, with images were taken from a fixed camera position on the floor of the landing at a range of 6.5 m. The photometric stereo method was applied to images from ten lamp positions, to calculate surface normals and a depth map. Cross-sections at the estimated surface resolution of 7.7 pixels/mm, achieved a depth (Z axis) resolution of approximately 100 microns.
Dispersed motion metaphors of emotion in Slovene. A cognitive grammatical analysis of the prefix "raz-" in verbs of emotional experience

This article analyzes Slovene constructions with verbs of emotional experience formed by the prefix "raz-" (= in different directions, apart). The author argues that the prefix metaphorically extends its spatial (physical) meaning and denotes metaphorical motion resulting in the emergence of an emotional state (i.e., the first stage of the emotion scripts) and the occurrence of a physical reaction (i.e., the third stage). The author discusses not only metaphorical extensions of the prefix but also how its spatial meanings are mapped onto the course of an event of emotional change. The author also reflects on types of causation implied by the experiencer-object and experiencer-subject of emotions, and on verbs of physical reaction that are prefixed by "raz-".
THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT GEOMETRIES OF HUMAN VOCAL TRACT MODEL ON RESONANT FREQUENCIES

This paper presents the transfer function approach in order to determine the acoustic resonant frequencies of a human vocal tract model. The transfer function is introduced here as an acoustic pressure ratio between input amplitude at glottis position and output amplitude at mouth opening given by the solution of Helmholtz equation. This equation is numerically approximated by finite element method. The influence of different boundary conditions are studied and also different locations of excitation and microphone. Four different vocal tract geometries motivated by vocal tract geometry for vowel [u:] are investigated. Its acoustic resonance frequencies in range 100 − 2500 Hz are computed and compared with published results. Further, the transient acoustic computation with different acoustic analogies are performed. The frequency spectra of Lighthill analogy, acoustic wave equation and perturbed convective wave equation are compared, where the vocal tract model with best frequency agreement with published results was chosen. The dominant frequencies correspond with predicted frequencies of transfer function approach.
Greenhouse gas balance over thaw‐freeze cycles in discontinuous zone permafrost

Peat in the discontinuous permafrost zone contains a globally significant reservoir of carbon that has undergone multiple permafrost‐thaw cycles since the end of the mid‐Holocene (~3700 years before present). Periods of thaw increase C decomposition rates which leads to the release of CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere creating potential climate feedback. To determine the magnitude and direction of such feedback, we measured CO2 and CH4 emissions and modeled C accumulation rates and radiative fluxes from measurements of two radioactive tracers with differing lifetimes to describe the C balance of the peatland over multiple permafrost‐thaw cycles since the initiation of permafrost at the site. At thaw features, the balance between increased primary production and higher CH4 emission stimulated by warmer temperatures and wetter conditions favors C sequestration and enhanced peat accumulation. Flux measurements suggest that frozen plateaus may intermittently (order of years to decades) act as CO2 sources depending on temperature and net ecosystem respiration rates, but modeling results suggest that—despite brief periods of net C loss to the atmosphere at the initiation of thaw—integrated over millennia, these sites have acted as net C sinks via peat accumulation. In greenhouse gas terms, the transition from frozen permafrost to thawed wetland is accompanied by increasing CO2 uptake that is partially offset by increasing CH4 emissions. In the short‐term (decadal time scale) the net effect of this transition is likely enhanced warming via increased radiative C emissions, while in the long‐term (centuries) net C deposition provides a negative feedback to climate warming.
Mind Over Memory

A decline in recollection is a hallmark of even healthy aging and is associated with wider impairments in mental control. Older adults have difficulty internally directing thought and action in line with their goals, and often rely more on external cues. To assess the impact this has on memory, emerging brain-imaging and behavioral approaches investigate the operation and effectiveness of goal-directed control before information is retrieved. Current data point to effects of aging at more than one stage in this process, particularly in the face of competing goals. These effects may reflect wider changes in the proactive, self-initiated regulation of thought and action. Understanding them is essential for establishing whether internal “self-cuing” of memory can be improved, and whether—and when—it is best to use environmental support from external cues to maximize memory performance.
New adjustable, decimal, collapisible quadrat vs three old quadrats--an evaluation.

Highlight: This paper presents an evaluation of a new adjustable, decimal, collapsible quadrat (ADCQ) of meter square size in comparison with three other quadrats employed for range vegetation sampling in Pakistan since 1966. In addition to size of quadrats, the different modes of subdivisions built in as an aid for estimation of vegetation cover within the same sized quadrats affected very significantly the different attributes of quadrats as well as quality of data recorded. The new quadrat was faster than other meter square quadrats to a highly significant extent and was as fast as canopy coverage quadrat (CCQ) with only 0.15 m2 in size. The coefficient of variation for the new quadrat was significantly less than CCQ. The new quadrat was more precise in sampling major species than all other quadrats. Unlike the new quadrat, older meter square quadrats overestimated the cover values. Whereas CCQ was relatively better in estimating cover of minor species, the new quadrat was the best of all in estimating total vegetation cover, cover of major species and litter. It also was most efficient in sampling major species. Its efficiency computed over five vegetation criteria was significantly greater than older meter square quadrats. The constructional advantages of ADCQ over fractional quadrat (FQ) as well as the decimalized, collapsible, meter square quadrat (DCMSQ) are also of importance.
Development an Adaptive Incremental Fuzzy PI Controller for a HVAC System

This paper presents an adaptive incremental fuzzy PI controller (AIFPI) for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system capable of maintaining comfortable conditions under varying thermal loads. The HVAC system has two subsystems and is used to control indoor temperature and humidity in a thermal zone. As the system has strong-coupling and non-linear characteristics, fixed PI controllers have poor control performance and more energy consumption. Aiming to solve the problem, fuzzy control and PI control are combined together organically. In the proposed control scheme, the error of the system output and its derivative are taken as two parameters necessary to adapt the proportional (P) and integral (I) gains of the PI controller based on fuzzy reasoning according to practical control experiences. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed control methods in the HVAC system, it is compared with a fixed well-tuned PI controller. The results demonstrate that the AIFPI controller has more superior performance than the latter.
Organisational Culture and Dynamics

Every organisation has something unique about the way it operates. It is that uniqueness that every other organisation uses as a mark of distinction in describing that organisation. The ways an organisation operates, with special reference to its beliefs, values and assumptions is what I have conceptualized as organisational culture. The culture of an organisation, to a very large extent, determines the performance of the individuals that work in that organisation and by extension, the organisational performance. This paper takes an in-depth review of the relationships between some organisational culture parameters and individual performance, organisational performance and sustainability. From the extant literature, it still stands to reason that organisations should focus on those aspects of their cultures that are positive in outlook and yield the greatest positive result in terms of individuals and organisational outcomes. On the other hand, they should do away with those aspects of their culture, which are not adding any intrinsic or extrinsic value to their bottom-line. This study totally supports the evidence that managing your organisational culture effectively will lead to a higher organisational performance.
THE IMPACT OF NON-PRICING STRATEGIES ON THE FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY ROLE OF TURKISH BANKS

THE IMPACT OF NON-PRICING STRATEGIES ON THE FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY ROLE OF TURKISH BANKS Kara, Mahmut M.S., Department of Management Supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Süheyla Özyıldırım May 2010 This thesis aims to explore the effects of the availability of network branches on the intermediation performance of deposit banks in Turkey. Banks’ intermediation performance was measured by their ability to attract loans and deposits. The variations of non-pricing behavior among large scaled versus small scaled banks and public versus private banks were also analyzed. Panel generalized method of moment was used with quarterly panel data between the years 2003 and 2008. Empirical findings reveal that there exist a positive and significant relationship between all deposit banks’ intermediation performance and their branch network decisions. Results also confirmed that by having larger branch networks especially for large scaled, small scaled and private deposit banks significantly increase their deposits ans loans during the sample period. However, we couldn’t find any association between the financial intermediation performance and branch network size of the public banks. Overall, the findings suggest that branch network decisions play a
Characterisation of Growth Variability and Mycelial Compatibility of Botrytis Cinerea Isolates Originated from Apple and Strawberry in Lithuania

Abstract Botrytis cinerea Pers. :Fr. is a widespread necrotrophic pathogen causing grey mould on many economically important horticultural crops. The variability in various B. cinerea populations is known to be very high. Despite the economic importance, the variability of B. cinerea has not been investigated previously on fruit crops in Lithuania. The aim of the study was to characterise the variability of B. cinerea strains isolated from strawberry and apple in different growth conditions on various agar media and to assess mycelial compatibility among the isolates. Larger colony diameter after four days of incubation was observed for isolates from strawberry on potato dextrose and beer universal agars in 24 h dark or light regime, followed by pectin agar in 24 h light. Similarly, the maximum radial growth of the isolates from apple was on potato dextrose agar (dark), followed by beer universal agar (dark and light), after four days of incubation at 20 °C. In the mycelial compatibility tests, barrage formation was evident in mycelial contacts between several isolates, indicating their vegetative incompatibility. The tests revealed that 76% were compatible and 24% were incompatible among investigated strains.