Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population biology of two helminth parasites of flatfishes from the Atlantic coast of Morocco

On the Atlantic Moroccan coast, two species of pleuronectiform fish coexist, wedge sole (Citharus linguatula) a temperate species, and spotted flounder (Dicohgoglossa cuneata) a tropical one. These two species are the definitive host for Bothriocephalus andresi and Acanthocephaloides propinquus, respectively. A negative binomial fits the dispersion of B. andresi in the population of C. linguatula. The fish become parasitized between their first and third year, while still immature, with the highest abundances in the third year. After the fish become ichthyopagous, the level of infection drops drastically. We postulate that copepods are the sole source of infection. The presence of B. andresi in both Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of C. linguatula shows that the parasite follows the host during its migration along the Mediterranean coasts. The prevalence of A. propinquus remains above 50% as a consequence of the large numbers of amphipods included in the diet of D. cuneata, regardless of the age of the fish or the season. The amphipods, Phtisica marina and Pariambus typicus are an important food and represent potential intermediate hosts for A. propinquus. The population dynamics of A. propinquus on the Atlantic Moroccan coasts are similar to those observed in parasite populations of Gobius niger in the Gulf of Lion (French Mediterranean). The observation of B. andresi and A. propinquus in both Moroccan Atlantic and Mediterranean fishes highlights the problem of the evolution of these parasite populations during the colonization of the Mediterranean by the hosts.
Perspectives on Palaearctic and Nearctic bird migration; comparisons and overview of life‐history and ecology of migrant passerines

In this paper we compare ecological attributes of tropical migrant passerines from the Nearctic and western Palaearctic, focusing particularly on habitat association patterns during both breeding and wintering seasons. Three regions were compared: Europe, western and eastern North America. Breeding bird census data from 32 studies (each including at least four stages of forest succession) were used to assess the association patterns of breeding habitats among tropical migrants. For each species we calculated an index of habitat diversity and habitat preference. Tropical migrants preferred earlier successional stages than other birds in Europe. The opposite was true in eastern North America. In eastern North America, tropical migrants tended to be associated with a smaller range of serai stages than other passerine species. In their winter quarters, Palaearctic migrants live primarily in open habitats, such as savannas, whereas eastern Nearctic migrants make more frequent use of evergreen forests. Migrants from western North America show the greatest match between breeding and wintering habitats. We relate the results to the taxonomy and probable history of contemporary avifaunas and vegetation formations of the Old and New World. Taxonomically, tropical migrants from different parts of the Holarctic are less closely related to each other than residents and short-distance migrants. Tropical and temperate avifaunas are more closely related to each other in the New World than in the Old World. Conservation implications of the between-continent differences are briefly discussed.
Influence of ammonium and extracellular pH on the amino and organic acid contents of suspension culture cells of Acer pseudoplatanus.

The effects of supplied ammonium and nitrate on the amino and organic acid contents and enzyme activities of cell suspension cultures of Acer pseudoplatanus L. were examined. Regardless of nitrogen source the pH of the culture medium strongly affected the malate and citrate contents of the cells; these organic acid pools declined at pH 5, but increased at pH 7 and 8. Over a period of two days, ammonium had little effect on the responses of the organic acid pool sizes to the pH of the medium. In contrast, ammonium had a strong influence on amino acid pool sizes, and this effect was dependent on the pH of the medium. At pH 5 there was no increase in cell ammonium or amino acid contents, but at higher pH values cellular ammonium content rose, accompanied by accumulation of glutamine, glutamate and asparagine. Over several days, supplied ammonium led to an increase in activity of glutamate dehydrogenase irrespective of any changes in internal ammonium and amino acid contents. If the pH of the medium was allowed to fall below pH 4 in the presence of ammonium, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase activity declined to a very low value over several days; at higher pH, the activity of this enzyme, and that of NAD malic enzyme and NAD malate dehydrogenase, remained substantial irrespective of whether the nitrogen source was NH+4 or NO-3.
Crime and (price) punishment in the Chilean real estate market: the case of Santiago

We investigate the relationship between crime and property prices in the Santiago (Chile) real estate market. The study considers two property types (single-family homes and apartments), and twelve different types of crimes. The study shows the importance of relying on a two-stage least square approach (2SLS) based on instrumental variables (IV) to address the endogeneity-of-crime problem. It also shows the benefits of incorporating factor analysis to explore the price-crime dynamics. We find that in general crime has a negative effect on property prices, but the size of this effect varies considerably depending on the type of crime. The study also finds that apartments respond almost immediately to changes in crime rates while single-family homes take longer to respond. Finally, ranking different crimes based on their (price/crime) elasticities yield almost identical sequences regardless of the type of property or time-lag employed.
Leading by Example in Public Goods Experiments: What Do We Know?

This review aims at exploring main results of leading-by-example in public goods experiments. Based on a systematic literature analysis, I examine whether leadership increases contributions to a public good. Moreover, I outline factors that foster or impede leadership success. To understand how leadership becomes effective, followers' reactions as well as leadership behavior are examined in more detail. Besides classical linear summation technology public goods games, I also consider weakest-link, threshold and summation technology public goods games with predicted interior equilibrium and field experiments. Finally, I briefly discuss the external validity in the context of global public goods.
A Macro Stress Test Model of Credit Risk for the Brazilian Banking Sector

This paper proposes a model to conduct macro stress test of credit risk for the banking system based on scenario analysis. We employ an original bank-level data set that splits bank credit portfolios in 21 granular categories, encompassing household and corporate loans. The results corroborate the presence of a strong procyclical behavior of credit quality, and show a robust negative relationship between (the logistic transformation of non-performing loans (NPLs) and GDP growth, with a lag response up to three quarters. The results also indicate that the procyclical behavior of loan quality varies across credit types. The latter result, which is novel in the literature, suggests that banks with larger exposures to highly procyclical credit types and economic sectors would tend to undergo sharper deterioration in the quality of their credit portfolios during the economic downturn. Lack of sufficient portfolio granularity in macro stress testing fails to capture these effects and thus introduces a source of bias that tends to underestimate the tail losses stemming from the riskier banks in a system.
The Epistemology of the Facebook News Feed as a News Source

How may configurations of content which are exposed to users as a result of an ‘algorithmic gut feeling’ on the Facebook News Feed challenge dominating epistemologies of news? The article suggests a genealogical-inspired framework to study news distinguishing between journalistic, user and algorithmic epistemologies. Due to the limited access to data the article applies the framework on a unique dataset from before the Application Programming Interface was closed, containing personal News Feeds of 1,000 Danes mirroring the national Facebook population. The study shows an overwhelming use of clickbait, and both user-produced content and shared links contain primarily entertainment, relational and opinionated news. The study also finds that national legacy news media accounted for a large part of the top lists, but along with international digital only sources that are designed to go viral. The amplification of clickbait across journalistic and non-journalistic sources challenge a distinctive journalistic profile.
The impact of insecticide resistance in the currant‐lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri, on pest management in lettuce

Abstract 1 This paper reports on experiments to determine how two different insecticide resistance phenotypes in the aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley), which is a major pest of lettuce, change its susceptibility to pyrethroid insecticides and the carbamate pirimicarb.
Firm Value and Unregulated Political Donations ---Evidence from an Exogenous Regulation Shock to Soft Money Contributions

The benefits and costs associated with corporate political spending are always in the interests of the general public and investors. Soft money is a special type of political donations, which do not have regulatory limits and are highly subject to agency conflicts. During the decade before it was banned, soft money donation was used to circumvent the restrictions on the fundraising of federal candidates and had increased by 420%. Despite of the controversy, we find that investors still view the benefits of soft money contributions outweigh the costs. Utilizing the surprising outcome of McConnell v. FEC Supreme Court decision as an exogenous and adverse shock to a firm’s ability to contribute soft money, we estimate that the equity market expects about $49 to $59 in return for every dollar of soft money capital.
New dm-type Dwarf Mutants Varying in Internode Elongation Patterns are Controlled by Different Mutant Genes at the Same Locus in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Four new dm-type dwarf mutants DMT-7, DMT-8, DMT-10-1 and DMT-11 were induced from the rice cultivar Taichung 65 (T65) by treatment with N- methyl-N-nitrosourea. These mutants were characterized by a remarkable reduction of the 2nd internode length. Experimental results on the morphological characterization showed that these mutants could be classified into two different groups, type 1 (DMT-7 and DMT-8) and type 2 (DMT-10-1 and DMT-11). Type 1 mutants developed not only dm-type but also dn-type culms in a plant whereas type 2 mutants showed mostly pseudo-d6-type and rarely dm-type culms in a plant. Gene analysis using F2 popurations from the crosses of these mutants with T65 demonstrated that the four mutants were controlled by single recessive genes. Allelism tests indicated that all the mutant genes were located at the same locus. Thus, different phenotypes between the two groups were controlled by different alleles at one locus. Moreover, the alleles of type 1 were dominant over those of type 2. However, no remarkable phenotypic differences were observed between the mutants within each group. Hence, gene symbols for DMT-7 (type 1) and DMT-11 (type 2) were designated as d61-1 and d61-2, respectively. The results of linkage analysis using three morphological markers revealed that d61 was linked to shr1 (shrunken endosperm 1) on chromosome 1 with a recombination value of 21.7% .
Tax Evasion in New Disguise? Examining Tax Havens’ International Bank Deposits

Recent efforts to reduce international tax evasion focus on information exchange with tax havens. Using bilateral bank data for 1,397 country pairs in a balanced quarterly panel from 2003:I – 2017:IV, we first show that information-on-request treaties with tax havens reduce bank deposits in tax havens by 27.5%. Second, also deposits from tax havens in high tax countries decline after such treaties are signed, giving authorities a second angle to detect tax evasion. Both reactions dissipate overt time and treaties signed after 2010 trigger no further reactions. These results cannot be explained by deposit shifting alone and we find no evidence of transitioning into legality. Third, recent policy initiatives based on the automatic exchange of bank information lead to very similar initial reactions as earlier treaties, consistent with adjustments on the part of tax evaders. This suggests that tax evaders adapt to established information exchange treaties by using new disguises to hide their true income, and react again to new measures. These results cast doubt on the effectiveness of current forms of information exchange to tackle international tax evasion.
In vitro rooting of Prunus rootstocks

In Prunus sp. micropropagation of rooting is considered a critical stage, since it determines the plant survival during the acclimatization. Among important factors associated with rooting, the genotype and the auxins are considered important in the induction and formation of roots. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of different IBA on the in vitro rooting of Prunus rootstocks Capdeboscq and GF677, and the selections VP411 and VP417. For the in vitro rooting stage, shoots of 2-3cm long were inoculated in Lepoivre's medium supplemented with IBA (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg.L-1). The results showed that the rootstock Capdeboscq presented the highest in vitro rooting rate as well as root number per shoot. The level of 1.0 mg.L-1 of IBA was associated with rooting rates of 100%, 64% and 64% for the rootstocks Capdeboscq, GF677 and VP411, respectively. The level of 2.0 mg.L-1 of IBA was associated with rooting rates of 64.0% for the selection VP417. For the rootstocks Capdeboscq and GF677, the highest root number per shoot was 9.6 and 5.2, respectively in response to the level 2.0 mg.L-1 of IBA. As for the selections VP411 and VP417 the highest root number (3.6 and 3.9; respectively) was observed in response to the level 1.0 mg.L-1 of IBA.
Estimating and Analyzing the Technical Efficiency of Banks in Ghana

This study examined the Technical Efficiency (TE) of commercial banks in Ghana and the determinants of TE in the banking sector. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Random-Effects Tobit regression and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were the statistical tools used on a sample of 21 banks operating between 2009 and 2013. The results showed that there were more technically inefficient banks in the country than there were technically efficient ones. Another revelation was that, on the average, TE varied directly in proportion to bank size within the two upper quartiles but large banks did not benefit from economy of scales as an edge over small banks. Finally, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, inflation, credit risk, size and operating cost negatively influenced efficiency while market concentration had a positive influence on efficiency. In our recommendations, we admonished Bank managers to minimize their operating cost and credit risk. Similarly, we recommended that government limit inflation. Finally, we upheld the continuation of the policy of higher capitalization that the Bank of Ghana had been pursuing.
Plant growth promoting properties of culturable phylloepiphytic pine bacteria

Plant-associated bacteria can affect plants in different ways, including plant growth promoting. Beneficial effects on plant growth can be conditioned directly, by providing plants with nutrients – nitrogen, iron or soluble phosphate or by producing plant hormones. Indirect plant growth promotion way is conditioned by the inhibition of growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The surface of plant leaf – phylloplane along to other epiphytic bacterial habitats, is a promising source of microorganisms with plant growth affecting abilities, including those with biotechnological potential. Ability to synthesize indole-3- acetic acid was frequently found among isolates (17 of 19 isolates tested). 13 of the isolates were able to produce siderophores, 10 – solubilize phosphates and 10 were diazotrophs. Isolates J41.1, J41.2 J4a3, J4a4 showed a beneficial effect on pine seedling. Keywords: Plant-associated bacteria, plant growth promotion, Pinus sylvestris
Bitcoin Liquidity

Bitcoin is emerging as a popular financial asset and means of transacting. However, little is known about its liquidity. We consider whether various dimensions evident in other asset class liquidity apply to bitcoin liquidity. We find there is both substantial variation in the level of liquidity across different exchanges and currency pairs and a strong systematic aspect to bitcoin liquidity. Moreover, changes in currency liquidity influence bitcoin liquidity. The pricing of bitcoin is relatively inefficient and liquidity plays an important role. Liquidity declines also contribute to bitcoin crash risk.
Three New Methylobacterium Species: M. rhodesianum sp. nov., M. zatmanii sp. nov., and M. fujisawaense sp. nov.

Three new Methylobacterium species (M. zatmanii, M. rhodesianum, and M. fujisawaense) are proposed on the basis of deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid homology. Strains are assigned to these and other species of Methylobacterium on the basis of both the homology data and previously published phenotypic data.
Epidermal Growth Factor and Hypoxia-induced Expression of CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 on Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Is Regulated by the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/PTEN/AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway and Activation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α*

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) expresses a particularly aggressive metastatic phenotype, and patients with this disease have a poor prognosis. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a cell surface receptor that has been shown to mediate the metastasis of many solid tumors including lung, breast, kidney, and prostate. In addition, overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is associated with the majority of NSCLC and has been implicated in the process of malignant transformation by promoting cell proliferation, cell survival, and motility. Here we show for the first time that activation of the EGFR by EGF increases CXCR4 expression and the migratory capacity of NSCLC cells. Furthermore, many solid tumors are associated with low oxygen tension, and when NSCLC cells were cultured with EGF under hypoxic conditions, CXCR4 expression was dramatically enhanced. A molecular analysis of these events indicated that augmented CXCR4 expression was regulated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/PTEN/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signal transduction pathway, activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) 1α, and ultimately HIF-1-dependent transcription of the CXCR4 gene. Thus, a combination of low oxygen tension and overexpression of EGFR within the primary tumor of NSCLC may provide the microenvironmental signals necessary to upregulate CXCR4 expression and promote metastasis.
A YELLOW PUPAL BODY, SEX-LINKED MUTANT IN THE TOBACCO BUDWORM, HELIOTHIS VIRESCENS (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)

Abstract A sex-linked mutant of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), has been isolated. The wild-type pupae are brown, and the mutant pupae are yellow-bodied. The mutant (yb) could aid in sexing large numbers of tobacco budworms since > 98% of the female pupae from ± ♀ × yb/yb ♂ are yellow but all male pupae are brown. Data on mating frequency, fertility, and F1 survival of six mating types between ± or yb females and yb/yb, ±/yb, or ±/± males indicate that selection favors the wild-type genotype. When heterozygous males were crossed with either female genotype, the effect on fertility was similar to that produced by homozygous mutant males. Also, when heterozygous males were crossed with mutant females the effect on mating was similar to that produced by homozygous males. However, when heterozygous males were crossed with wild-type females, mating frequency was intermediate between that of the homozygous mutant and that of the homozygous wild-type. Survival of larvae from mutant females was lower than survival of larvae from wild-type females.
COMPOSITE NANOPARTICLES BASED ON HYALURONIC ACID CHEMICALLY CROSS-LINKED WITH α,β-POLYASPARTYLHYDRAZIDE

In this paper, new composite nanoparticles based on hyaluronic acid (HA) chemically cross-linked with α,β-polyaspartylhydrazide (PAHy) were prepared by the use of a reversed-phase microemulsion technique. HA−PAHy nanoparticles were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, confirming the occurrence of the chemical cross-linking, dimensional analysis, and transmission electron micrography, showing a sub-micrometer size and spherical shape. Zeta potential measurements demonstrated the presence of HA on the nanoparticle surface. A remarkable affinity of the obtained nanoparticles toward aqueous media that simulate some biological fluids was found. Stability studies showed the absence of chemical degradation in various media, while in the presence of hyaluronidase, a partial degradation occurred. Cell compatibility was evaluated by performing in vitro assays on human chronic myelogenous leukaemia cells (K-562) chosen as a model cell line and a haemolytic test. HA−PAHy nanoparticles were also able to entrap 5-fluor.
Impacts of El Niño-Southern Oscillation and local sea surface temperature on moisture source in Asian-Australian monsoon region in boreal summer

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and local sea surface temperature (SST) have been regarded as the important factors influencing the precipitation, evaporation and circulation over the Asian-Australian monsoon (AAM) region. The moisture source is determined directly by precipitation and evaporation. This present paper studies the impacts of ENSO and local SST on moisture source in the AAM region during boreal summer. Relative roles of ENSO and local SST are also discussed by using the singular value decomposition (SVD) and conditional SVD (CSVD) methods. The authors identify one major coupled mode between the interannual variations of apparent moisture sink () and SST for the period 1979–2008. Spatial structure of the major mode exhibits two key regions of moisture source, one over the western-central southern Indian Ocean (SIO) where is negative, and the other over the northwest and north side of Australia, where is positive. In the corresponding map of SST, negative values are also seen in the former region, but are positive in the latter region. The interannual variation of moisture source in the AAM region has an outstanding positive correlation with the local SST. Furthermore, ENSO also has a remarkable correlation with the principle component (PC) of the first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode of . ENSO and local SST work cooperatively to determine the variations of moisture source in the AAM region.