Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative effects of sulfur and nitrogen fertilization and post-harvest processing parameters on the glucotropaeolin content of Tropaeolum majus L.

Under natural conditions, the content of the bioactive compound glucotropaeolin in the vegetative tissue of Tropaeolum majus is too low to be used directly for the preparation of a mono-drug. In the present study the influence of sulfur and nitrogen fertilization and the post-harvest drying procedure on the glucotropaeolin content was evaluated in order to minimize losses of the active glucosinolate. In 2001, field experiments with three levels of nitrogen and sulfur fertilization were conducted on two different sites. Nitrogen fertilization had no consistent influence on the glucotropaeolin content while sulfur fertilization with 100 kg S ha−1 enhanced the glucotropaeolin content in leaves and seeds significantly by factors of 1.4–2.1 and 1.6–1.8, respectively. The results of the post-harvest treatment showed that a gentle drying procedure at 40°C in a ventilated oven induced an increase in the glucotropaeolin content in leaves of 1.4–3.2-fold (from 10.7–25.5 to 30.9–44.6 µmol g−1 dry weight) compared to sampling in liquid nitrogen followed by freeze-drying of the samples. This paper delivers new insights into glucosinolate metabolism that will contribute significantly not only to warrant a high content of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants, but also to promote glucosinolate concentrations in various crops by appropriate post-harvest treatments. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Land‐use impacts and water quality targets in the intensive dairying catchment of the Toenepi Stream, New Zealand

Abstract Water quality monitoring in Toenepi Stream, New Zealand, started in 1995 in a study of dairy farming influences on lowland stream quality and has continued since then with brief interruptions. Surveys have provided information about changes in farm and soil management practices as they relate to environmental sustainability. Although average water quality in Toenepi Stream has changed little during 1995–2004, there have been some notable improvements. Water clarity measured by black disc has improved from 0.6m to 1.5m, and median ammonia‐N and nitrate‐N concentrations have declined by 70% and 57%, respectively. The frequency and magnitude of extreme concentrations have declined—most notably for nitrogen (N) forms, which also had decreased mean values. Specific yields for suspended solids (SS) and phosphorus (P) forms in 2002–04 were 47–67% of 1995–97 values, mainly because of lower water yields. Reduced specific yields for N forms in 2002–04 (34–37% of 1995–97 yields) were also attributable to lower mean concentrations in stream water. Faecal bacteria concentrations have not abated and are on average 2–3 times recommended guideline values for contact recreation. Fewer dairy farms and an increased proportion irrigating dairyshed effluent to land, rather than discharging it to the stream via two‐pond systems, were likely causes of improvement in water quality. Water quality targets were developed for Toenepi Stream to achieve contact recreation criteria for the Piako River (downstream) and for intrinsic habitat values for Toenepi Stream. A range of mitigation measures has been formulated to meet these targets, but substantial uptake of sustainable farming practices is needed to improve water quality in Toenepi Stream.
15N MEASUREMENTS OF AMMONIUM AND NITRATE UPTAKE BY ULVA FENESTRATA (CHLOROPHYTA) AND GRACILARIA PACIFICA (RHODOPHYTA): COMPARISON OF NET NUTRIENT DISAPPEARANCE, RELEASE OF AMMONIUM AND NITRATE, AND 15N ACCUMULATION IN ALGAL TISSUE



 1

Ammonium and nitrate uptake rates in the macroalgae Ulva fenestrata (Postels and Ruprecht) (Chlorophyta) and Gracilaria pacifica (Abbott) (Rhodophyta) were determined by 15N accumulation in algal tissue and by disappearance of nutrient from the medium in long‐term (4–13 days) incubations. Nitrogen‐rich algae (total nitrogen> 4% dry weight [dw]) were used to detect isotope dilution by release of inorganic unlabeled N from algal thalli. Uptake of NH4+ was similar for the two macroalgae, and the highest rates were observed on the first day of incubation (45 μmol N·g dw−1·h−1 in U. fenestrata and 32 μmol N·g dw−1·h−1 in G. pacifica). A significant isotope dilution (from 10 to 7.9 atom % enrichment) occurred in U. fenestrata cultures during the first day, corresponding to a NH4+ release rate of 11 μmol N·g dw−1·h−1. Little isotope dilution occurred in the other algal cultures. Concurrently to net NH4+ uptake, we observed a transient free amino acid (FAA) release on the first day in both macroalgal cultures. The uptake rates estimated by NH4+ disappearance and 15N incorporation in algal tissue compare well (82% agreement, defined as the percentage ratio of the lower to the higher rate) at high NH4+ concentrations, provided that isotope dilution is taken into account. On average, 96% of added 15NH4+ was recovered from the medium and algal tissue at the end of the incubation. Negligible uptake of NO3− was observed during the first 2–3 days in both macroalgae. The lag of uptake may have resulted from the need for either some N deprivation (use of NO3− pools) or physiological/metabolic changes required before the uptake of NO3−. During the subsequent days, NO3− uptake rates were similar for the two macroalgae but much lower than NH4+ uptake rates (1.97–3.19 μmol N·g dw−1·h−1). Very little isotope dilution and FAA release were observed. The agreement between rates calculated with the two different methods averaged 91% in U. fenestrata and 95% in G. pacifica. Recovery of added 15NO3− was virtually complete (99%). These tracer incubations show that isotope dilution can be significant in NH4+ uptake experiments conducted with N‐rich macroalgae and that determination of 15N atom % enrichment of the dissolved NH4+ is recommended to avoid poor isotope recovery and underestimation of uptake rates.
Anatomia foliar de Tillandsia L. (Bromeliaceae) dos Campos Gerais, Paraná, Brasil

The leaf anatomy of Tillandsia crocata (E. Morren) Baker, T. gardneri Lindl. , T. geminiflora Brongn. , T. linearis Vell. , T. lorentziana Griseb. , T. mallemontii Glaziou ex Mez, T. recurvata L. , T. streptocarpa Baker, T. stricta Soland ex Sims, T. tenuifolia L. , T. usneoides L. , and Tillandsia sp. were studied. They occur in the "Campos Gerais", State of Parana, southern Brazil. In surface view epidermis presents cells with linear to sinuous anticlinal walls, silica bodies and scales covering anomocytic stomata. Epidermis and first hypodermal layer are lignified. Transversal view reveals below surface stomata, aquiferous parenchyma, longitudinal air canals and collateral vascular bundles with double sheath. These anatomical features are xeromorphic and usually considered as an adaptation to the epiphytic habit of the atmospheric Tillandsia. Moreover, they could be also used for diagnostic purposes. Leaf shape in cross section, cuticle ornamentation, epidermal scale structures, thickening of the epidermal wall cells, stomata distribution, structure and distribution of the aquiferous parenchyma cells, presence of air canals, and size of vascular bundle could help the taxonomic delimitation of the species within the genus.
The feeding ecology of a selective browser, the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)

A herbivore can manipulate certain factors of its feeding behaviour in order to achieve the metabolic requirements for reproduction. These factors include the choice of habitat in which to feed, the selection criteria for choosing food items, and the time allocated to feeding or devoted to other energy-consuming activities. The manipulation of these behavioural factors by giraffe in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania is analysed in relation to the seasonal changes in the quantity and quality of the food resource. The pattern of habitat choice demonstrates seasonal movements by giraffe across the drainage catena in response to differences in the rates of browse production between woodland types. Giraffe show a positive inter-specific selection for the minor food items with a low available biomass, and utilize the dominant species in approximate proportion to their availability. Plant part selection is shown for the flushing shoots with very high protein contents. Selection criteria include a significant selection for phosphorus, and in the dry season a selection for high energy material by breeding females. With the high nutritional qualities of the diets, negative criteria such as secondary chemical compounds are important. Patterns of browse selection are correlated with inter-specific seasonal changes in plant phenology. Giraffe devote more time to foraging as the biomass and quality of the food declines in the dry season. Energy is conserved by minimizing energy-consuming activities at the most demanding times of day.
Operational Risk Measurement: Loss Distributions Approaches (Operasyonel Risk Ölçümü: Kayıp Dağılımları Modellemesi)

<b>Turkish Abstract:</b> Operasyonel risk, kredi ve piyasa riski gibi ölçümü ve yönetimi gerçekleştirilen diğer risklerden oldukça farklı özelliklere sahiptir. Bu nedenle operasyonel riskin ölçümü, halen finansal risklerin ölçümünde kullanılan yöntemlerden farklı ve daha karmaşık yöntemlerin kullanılmasını gerektirmektedir. Çalışmanın temel amacı, operasyonel risklerin stokastik yöntemler kullanılarak ölçümü kapsamında aktüeryal matematik modellerine dayanan Kayıp Dağılımları Yaklaşımının (KDY) metodolojik çerçevesinin geliştirilerek operasyonel risklerin ölçümünde, yönetiminde ve gerekli sermayenin tahsis edilmesinde kullanımına uygun hale getirilmesidir. Çalışmada, öncelikle KDY konusundaki yazın aktarılmış, KDY’nin teorik çerçevesi çizilmiş, çalışmanın yöntem ve kapsamı belirlenerek veri modeli oluşturulmuştur. Oluşturulan ölçüm modelinde operasyonel risk “büyüklük” ve “sıklık” olmak üzere iki farklı stokastik süreçte ele alınmıştır. Ayrı ayrı modellenen büyüklük ve sıklık süreçleri bir araya getirilerek “Toplam Kayıp Modeli” oluşturulmuş, bu model kullanılarak operasyonel riske maruz değer (RMD) hesaplanmıştır. Model, doğru ve güvenilir tahminler yapabilme kabiliyetinin belirlenebilmesi amacıyla geriye dönük teste tabi tutulmuştur. <b>English Abstract:</b> Operational risk has unique features in comparison to other measurable and manageable risks. For this reason, measurement of operational risk requires considerably different and more sophisticated quantitative methods and techniques than the ones currently used in the measurement of financial risks. Within the context of measuring operational risk through stochastic models, in this research, it has been attempted to develop a methodological framework of Loss Distribution Approach (LDA), which originated from actuarial mathematical models. During the research, the LDA is developed and turned out to be suitable for the measurement and management of operational risk and capital allocation. In this research, after a comprehensive literature review and a discussion of the theoretical background of the LDA, the extent and methodology of the research have been given and data issues have been handled. In order to represent the unique features of operational risks, measurement model has been constructed by two stochastic processes namely “severity” and “frequency” of loss events. These two processes have been modeled separately and then brought together to form an aggregate loss model. Using this model, operational VaR has been estimated. Then, operational VaR estimates have been back tested in order to determine the accuracy and reliability of the aggregate loss models.
High-Status Affiliations and the Success of Entrants: New Bands and the Market for Live Music Performances, 2000-2012

Newcomers often have trouble being taken seriously, or even noticed in the first place. This challenge, often referred to as the “liability of newness” (Freeman et al. 1983, Stinchcombe 1965), underscores the idea that to survive and thrive, new entrants must be recognized as legitimate by their audiences — employees, investors, customers, analysts, or simply followers. One way for new entrants to gain legitimacy is by leveraging affiliations. Such connections can increase the likelihood that the new entrant will be recognized as legitimate because they can affect whether audiences notice the new entrant, thereby allowing for its evaluation, such that affiliations act as market signals (Kim and Jensen 2013, Spence 1974). In this regard, a sizeable literature has looked at whether and how affiliations can enhance a new entrant’s visibility, with a particular focus on prominent affiliates (Chen et al. 2008, Jensen 2003, Pollock et al. 2010). A recurring line of argument in this area draws from the literature on social capital (Adler and Kwon 2002, Coleman 1988) to suggest how affiliations are assumed to provide distinct advantages to new entrants by acting as attention filters (Benjamin and Podolny 1999), providing them with access to information or resources (Ingram and Baum 1997, Podolny 2001), and shielding them from failure (Fischer and Pollock 2004, Miner et al. 1990). Furthermore, prominent affiliates often have signaling value, functioning as endorsements to actors who need legitimacy such as newlyestablished organizations like startups (e.g. Stuart et al. 1999). In other words, an affiliation “between two market actors is an informational cue on which others rely to make inferences about the underlying quality of one or both of the market actors” (Podolny 2001: 34).
Business Cycle Risk in Equities, Fixed Income and Credit Markets

I extend the application of Bandi and Tamoni (2014)'s time series decomposition to other asset classes, such as fixed income, credit and credit derivatives, and other models, such as the Fama and French three factor model. I document a significant increase in R squared from using the decomposition across all the asset classes and models. I also exploit the time-domain properties of the decomposition to compute time-varying betas and analyse the determinants of risk across time.
The Effects of IMF Conditional Programs on the Unemployment Rate

Investigating how lending conditional programs of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) affect the unemployment rate. We apply four different empirical approaches accounting for the selection bias issue using a panel of 96 countries for the period of 1971-2015. We find that IMF loan programs have detrimental effects on the unemployment rate. Our results remain robust across alternative specifications and using alternative measures of IMF arrangements. There is evidence that significant short-run effects hold robust in the long-run. Lastly, our results indicate that the conditions – policy reforms included within the program increases the unemployment rate.
Price Fixing Overcharges: Revised 2nd Edition

This paper surveys almost 600 published economic studies and judicial decisions that contain 1,517 quantitative estimates of overcharges of hard-core cartels, of which 8% are zero. The primary finding is that the median long-run overcharge for all types of cartels over all time periods is 23.3%. The median overcharge for international cartels (30.0%) is significantly higher than for domestic cartels (17.2%). Cartel overcharges are negatively skewed, pushing the mean overcharge for all successful cartels to 50.4%. Convicted cartels are on average slightly more effective at raising prices as unpunished cartels, whereas bid-rigging conduct displays lower mark-ups than price-fixing cartels. Because some jurisdictions fine illegal cartels on the presumption of a 10% overcharge, these averages suggest that penalty guidelines aimed at optimally deterring cartels ought to be increased.
Career Choice Among Finance Students: The Kingdom of Bahrain

The present study has been done on career choice among finance students in the Kingdom of Bahrain by taking following objectives namely (i) to know the interest level of the individual perception on finance courses, (ii) to know the reasons to opt for finance course and finally (iii) to find which elements are encouraging them to study finance courses. In this regard, the present study has been conducted on 110 respondents (only selected universities in Kingdom of Bahrain) and the analysis of the findings show that the Business colleges need to update their study plan and course descriptions in accordance with the requirements of the industry. The study plan and course descriptions must be constructed effectively so as to encourage students to go for higher education in their respective domains.
A Simple Method for Estimation of Neutral Detergent-Soluble Fibre

A method was developed to estimate the neutral detergent-soluble fibre (NDSF) content of feeds. Citrus pulp, sugar beet pulp, soybean hulls, separated leaves and stems from mature and immature alfalfa, red clover, reed canarygrass and timothy were analysed. Half-gram samples were stirred at room temperature for 4 h with 100 ml of 90:10 (v/v) ethanol/water to extract low molecular weight substances, crude protein (CP) and ash to produce ethanol-insoluble residues (EIR). Samples were refluxed for 1 h with neutral detergent solution and heat stable α-amylase to extract low molecular weight substances, NDSF, starch, CP and ash to produce neutral detergent residues (NDF). The EIR and NDF were analysed for organic matter (OM; EIROM; NDFOM) and CP (EIRCP; NDFCP), and EIR was analysed for starch. Values were expressed as proportions of the original sample dry matter. The NDSF was calculated as the difference in OM mass between EIR and NDF after correction for CP and starch by the equation: EIROM-NDFOM-EIRCP+NDFCP-EIR starch. Extractions with 90:10 (v/v) ethanol/water gave a higher yield of EIR and NDSF than did 80: 20 (v/v) ethanol/water. The method gave good precision and is convenient for assessing NDSF content of feeds. © 1997 SCI.
Active ETF Liquidity

Active ETFs are less liquid than their underlying portfolios. This finding, which contrasts with that for passive ETFs, is attributed to uncertainty of future holdings of active ETFs. In addition, while diversification generally reduces firm-specific information asymmetry and improves portfolio liquidity, the liquidity of active ETFs is adversely affected by diversification, consistent with the substitution effect between diversification and liquidity documented in the literature. Furthermore, we show the gap between active ETF and underlying liquidity varies cross-sectionally and over time and can be explained by differences in size and volume between ETFs and their underlying portfolio, ETF age, and ETF pricing errors.
Anatomy, phylogeny and palaeobiology of early archosaurs and their kin

Archosaurs, an important reptile group that includes today’s crocodiles and birds, arose during the Triassic in the aftermath of the greatest mass extinction of all time. In the last 20 years, our understanding of the early evolution of the group has improved substantially with the discovery of new fossils and species of early archosaurs and their closest relatives, a better understanding of the relationships of these animals, and new insights into their palaeobiology. In order to synthesize these new data, researchers of early archosaurs from around the world met at the first symposium of early archosaur evolution at the IV Congreso Latinoamericano de Paleontologia de Vertebrados (September 2011) in San Juan, Argentina. This symposium facilitated collaboration and strove to paint a better understanding of these extraordinary animals. The resultant body of work is a state-of-the-art examination of early archosaur groups and their close relatives including historical, anatomical, biogeographical, evolutionary and palaeobiological data. This contribution furthers our knowledge of the anatomy, relationships, and palaeobiology of species-level taxa as well as more global patterns of archosaur evolution during the Triassic.
Consumption Structure Repercussions

Since household consumption depends among others on income, it will be of interest to examine the change of household consumption structure due to income changes. This will be useful to supply chain management as well as policy makers. Our sample refers to Western Europe, USA and Japan during the period 1996-2015. The panel data regression is made feasible through the Eviews software package.
The Effects of Fiber Source on Organ Weight, Digesta pH, Specific Activities of Digestive Enzymes and Bacterial Activity in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Piglets

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of fiber sources on gut development and bacterial activity in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets. Eighteen crossbred (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) barrows were fed a basal diet based on corn plus soybean meal or similar diets in which a portion of the corn and soybean was replaced by 5% wheat bran or 5% sugar beet pulp. The results indicate that pigs fed diets containing 5% wheat bran or 5% sugar beet pulp had lower liver weights than control pigs (p<0.01). The relative weight of the pancreas in pigs fed diets containing 5% sugar beet pulp was greater than that of control pigs or pigs fed diets containing 5% wheat bran (p<0.05). The pH of the ileal digesta of pigs fed the diet containing 5% wheat bran was higher than that of control pigs or pigs fed the diet containing 5% sugar beet pulp (p<0.05). The lipase activity in the distal jejunum, proximal, and distal ileum of pigs fed the control diet was higher than that of pigs fed the diets containing 5% wheat bran or 5% sugar beet pulp (p<0.05). The concentration of volatile fatty acids anterior to the caecum was greater for the pigs fed the diet containing 5% sugar beet pulp, while the concentration of volatile fatty acids posterior to the ileum was greater for the pigs fed the diet containing 5% wheat bran. This means that sugar beet pulp increased the bacterial fermentation pre- caecum, while wheat bran increased the bacterial fermentation post-ileum. The concentration of bacterial nitrogen and bacterial protein/total protein in ileal digesta of pigs fed the control diet was higher (p<0.05) than that of pigs fed the diets contained either fiber source. Bacterial protein/total protein in the feces of pigs fed the diet containing 5% sugar beet pulp was higher than that of pigs fed the control diet. This means that inclusion of 5% wheat bran or sugar beet pulp in diets influenced the development of the digestive tract of piglet. The mechanism by which dietary fiber reduced specific activity of lipase needs further consideration. Dietary fiber influenced the bacterial activity in the digestive tract of piglets, sugar beet pulp increased the fermentation in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and while wheat bran increased the fermentation in the lower gastrointestinal tract. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 10 : 1482-1488)
The Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure: A Useful Tool for Predicting Sovereign Crises?

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure (MIP). It explores the relationship between sovereign bond yields spreads and the variables contained in the MIP scoreboard using quantile regressions. Results suggest that MIP indicators can explain the behavior of sovereign spreads two, three and four quarters in advance. The scoreboard can’t capture strong non-variant country effects that affect the evolution of spreads as well as the different impact that each indicator has on different countries. The introduction of employment indicators has reduced the aggregate effect that country effects have on sovereign spreads.
Access to Credit by Firms and Sovereign Credit Rating Stability

This paper studies the impact of the number of sovereign credit rating and outlook changes on the access to credit by firms. The data sample consists of 127,000 firms from 139 countries surveyed by World Bank over the period, 2006 to 2016. An ordered logit model is used as a primary tool for empirical analysis. It finds a significant negative relation between the instability of sovereign rating and outlooks; and the access to credit by firms. A collection of sub-sample analyses across rating agencies and country groups validate the results.