Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of the tropical annual grass Sorghum intrans in relation to local patchiness in its abundance

Communities of Sorghum intrans, a tropical annual grass of north-west Australia, contain sparse patches several metres in diameter within otherwise dense swards. These patches are persistent for at least ca. 4 years, despite the fact that these species are annuals which lack a persistent seed-bank. Three possible causes of the sparse patches were investigated at a site near Darwin: loss of viable seeds through granivory or death; high plant mortality; or poor fecundity. This was done by augmenting the seed-banks of S. intrans in the sparse patches, and thinning stands of seedlings in the surrounding, naturally dense areas, and comparing the results of these perturbations with controls. Granivory did not appear to be a cause of the sparse patches. Furthermore, the seeds in the sparse patches did not become inviable over the dry season. Compared with the plants of S. intrans in the naturally high-density areas, survival of the plants in the augmented patches was not reduced, but vigour and seed production were. Conversely, plants in the thinned stands had a higher survival rate and very much greater vigour and seed production than plants in either the undisturbed patches or the undisturbed surrounding areas. Biotic constraints to plant growth such as grazing and disease appeared to be unimportant. These sparse patches result from poor site potential for S. intrans which limits its growth and reproductive output.
A new test for optimum currency area with an application to the Central and Eastern European countries

ABSTRACT This research introduces a new test for optimum currency area that is based on synchronization of monetary policy recommendations. The main advantage over the more traditional synchronization of business cycles is that it takes into account two known determinants of monetary policy: inflation and the output gap. As an application, the test is applied to the EU economies with a particular focus on the Central and Eastern European Countries. Some of these countries have recently joined the euro area, some are the members of ERM II, and the rest are debating whether to fulfill the convergence criteria of adopting the euro. The main findings are that within the last few years the current non-euro area members (with the exception of Bulgaria and Romania) fit the euro area as well as the core euro area countries.
The Forgotten Agriculture-Nutrition Link: Estimating the Energy Requirements of Different Farming Technologies in Rural Zambia With Time-Use Data

In the quest to reduce global under- and malnutrition, which is particularly high among smallholder farmers, agriculture-nutrition linkages have received a lot of attention in recent years. Researchers have analysed the link between the quantity of food that farmers produce and nutritional outcomes and the link between farm diversity and consumption diversity. A third agriculture-nutrition link has been largely neglected in recent years: the impact of how food is produced on human energy requirements, and, consequently, nutritional outcomes. This neglect persists despite the fact that the majority of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa rely on hand tools for farming, which implies heavy physical work and, thus, high energy requirements. To address this research gap, the present study compares the energy requirements of farm households in rural Zambia that are characterized by three different levels of mechanization: hand tools, animal draught power and tractors. Detailed time-use as well as food and nutrition data was collected from male and female adults and from children during different seasons: land preparation, weeding and harvesting/processing. Subjects recorded time-use themselves using an innovative picture-based smartphone app called “Timetracker”. The time-use data served to calculate daily energy requirements using “Ainsworth’s Compendium of Physical Activities”. To analyse the link between mechanization and energy use as well as nutritional outcomes, linear mixed models and multiple linear regressions were used. The results show that during land preparation, individuals in non-mechanized households are, on the average, not able to meet their dietary energy requirements. In subsequent farming periods, results are more mixed. Gender differences are noteworthy throughout, with men mostly having higher physical activity levels and energy requirements compared to women The findings suggest that farm technologies affect nutritional outcomes substantially and that this neglected agriculture-nutrition linkage deserves more scientific and political attention in order to reduce the prevalence of both under- and malnutrition among smallholder farmers, while safeguarding against emerging double burden of nutrition.
Ultrastructural study of spermatogenesis in Oscarella lobularis (Porifera, Demospongiae)

Summary The various phases of spermatogenesis in the demosponge Oscarella lobularis were studied by electron microscopy. Spermatogenesis occurs within spermatic cysts, which are presumed to derive from choanocyte chambers by transformation of choanocytes into spermatogonia. Germ cells develop asynchronously within spermatocysts, and cytoplasmic bridges, indicating incomplete cells division, connect several germ cells. Attached spermatogonia suggest gonial generations. Spermatocytes I typically show the presence of synaptonemal complexes indicating meiotic divisions. Spermatocytes II have a small size probably because of the meiotic divisions of spermatocytes I. Spermatids are characterized by an acrosome, a big mitochondrion and a peripheral sheath of condensed chromatin surrounding a clearer central area in the nucleus. The mature spermatozoon shows a lateral flagellum and a flattened acrosome capping the nucleus. The phylogenetic implications of some features of the spermatozoon are suggested.
Dissatisfaction with Democracy: Inequality or Jobs?

Satisfaction with democracy varies widely across countries within the European Union (EU) and satisfaction in nearly half of EU countries is lower than it was a decade ago. I use data from a number of sources to study the relationship between satisfaction with democracy and country-level conditions. Perceptions of the government's ability to act in good faith (control of corruption) is the strongest institutional predictor of satisfaction with democracy. Satisfaction with democracy is also associated with better economic conditions, measured by average income and the unemployment rate. Together these institutional and economic factors explain roughly 4/5ths of the variation in satisfaction with democracy. However, despite widespread public attention, inequality, measured by the gini coefficient, does not explain dissatisfaction with democracy, which suggests that distributional concerns are not paramount. In contrast, spending on active labor market programs can increase satisfaction with democracy by 10-15 percentage points. This result is not explained by spending on income-based labor market programs, total spending on labor market programs or total spending on social programs. In fact, spending on programs designed only to replace labor income tends to reduce satisfaction with democracy. Active labor market programs may promote connection to the polity and society at large via attachment to the workforce.
Trees, people, food and soil: A case study of participatory development in Malawi

In rural Malawi, rapid population growth has contributed to deforestation, land and other chronic resource scarcities. In 1995, a team of Canadian graduate students and Malawian extension workers investigated and attempted to find solutions to specific local resource scarcities. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was used to assess total resource supply, evaluate food security and gender issues, facilitate village fuelwood action plan and inquire into the non-adoption of a tree nursery scheme. This article relates the team's experiences and insights against reviews of the history of forestry in Malawi, recent initiatives in forestry extension, and the current condition of Malawi's indigenous woodlands. It is concluded that villagers are willing to plant trees provided their costs are minimized and maize production is not compromised. Key words: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), participatory development, refugee affected areas, deforestation; indigenous trees, fuelwood
Finding Consistent Trends with Strong Momentum - RSI for Trend-Following and Momentum Strategies

Investors and traders typically use the Relative Strength Index (RSI) to find signals that help identify turning points in security prices. This strategy, however, discounts the true nature of the indicator and limits its potential. A breakdown of the RSI formula reveals that its power lies in its ability to identify consistent uptrends with strong momentum. Some practitioners use RSI ranges to identify existing trends and RSI extremes to signal momentum shifts. However, these approaches do not quantify how long RSI should hold its range, how regularly RSI should reach a momentum milestone and, most importantly, if RSI range and momentum indications have predictive value. <br><br>The goal of this paper is to systematically test RSI range and momentum signals using stocks in the S&amp;P 500. Moreover, this paper will show that the RSI range alone is inadequate because it does not always capture upside momentum. The RSI range measures trend consistency well, but a momentum component is needed to uncover the strongest uptrends. After quantifying and testing, this paper will provide evidence that signals combining an RSI bull range with RSI momentum can foreshadow sizable advances with good success rates. As such, these signals can be part of a successful investing strategy that combines trend-following and momentum.
Variability of invertebrate herbivory on the submerged macrophyte Potamogeton perfoliatus

SUMMARY 1. Invertebrate herbivory was studied in twenty-eight populations of the submerged macrophyte Potamogeton perfoliatus in Danish streams and lakes in mid-June. All populations but one experienced invertebrate herbivory and loss ranged from 0 to 11.9% of leaf area among populations. Loss generally increased with leaf age towards the base of the plants, and young apical leaves were rarely damaged. 2. Herbivory loss was significantly higher in streams (mean 5.0%) than in lakes (mean 2.2%), but varied greatly among populations within the same stream or lake and was not correlated to physico-chemical site characteristics, size or density of plant population, or leaf N and P content. High levels of invertebrate herbivory were therefore not associated with certain types of streams or lakes. 3. High herbivore biomass relative to abundance of plants was conducive to high loss. In streams, the biomass of the trichopteran Anabolia nervosa accounted for 50% of the variability in loss. No single species appeared to be equally important in lakes, although loss was correlated to the biomass of the chrysomelid beetle Macroplea appendiculata. Obligate herbivores, such as lepidopteran larvae, apparently exerted little damage on P. perfoliatus, and leaf mining and channelization from specialist feeders were negligible. It is concluded that shredders acting as facultative herbivores were the most important invertebrate herbivores on P. perfoliatus in Danish freshwaters.
Digging Deeper: Exploring the Relationship of the Rooney Rule and Coaching Diversity in the NFL

This paper analyzes the relationship between the Rooney Rule and coaching diversity in the National Football League (NFL). The Rooney Rule is a policy implemented in 2003 by the NFL to address long-standing concerns over minority representation among coaches. The Rooney Rule stipulates that for every head-coaching vacancy, at least one minority candidate must be interviewed for the position. In this paper, I provide input to the research question: To what extent has the Rooney Rule improved minority representation among high-level NFL coaches? The NFL claims the Rooney Rule to be a policy success. However, existing research on the impact of the Rooney Rule suggests mixed findings. Some publications claim that performance, not race, is the primary driver for selecting coaching candidates for high-level positions. Other publications attribute all-time highs in minority Head Coaching hires almost directly to the Rooney Rule. To better understand the Rooney Rule’s effectiveness, I conducted comparisons of minority hiring rates across two different time periods for the following three topics: the comparability of diversity improvements to the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Major League Baseball (MLB), the disparities of racial coaching distribution by team, and the difference of hiring rates of Coordinators among white and minority Head Coaches. Informed by my research findings and discussions in existing literature, my ultimate policy recommendation for increasing diversity within the coaching ranks is to mandate expansion of the Rooney Rule to include Coordinator-level coaching positions, such that minorities are better positioned to become future Head Coaches. <br>
How to Avoid an Economic Global Crash? The Case of Economocracy (Representative)

Abstract of a global growth model: This work is an extended form of the Economocracy (and Representative Economocracy). A reformed economic system required for the transformation of global grown debt to sustainable levels. The challenge to avoid economic worldwide deadlock yields the emerging need for economocracy as a premium democracy, serving with that way the social stability.
The Unknown Extent of Ancient Bird Introductions

Summary. The introduction of great-tailed grackles Quiscalus mexicanus by Aztecs in pre-Columbian times reported by Haemig (Ardeola, 58: 387–397) probably constitutes the most detailed information on an ancient exotic bird introduction. There is however sparse evidence, compiled here, showing that several domesticated and non-domesticated bird species were translocated even thousands of years ago by different civilizations, often ending on exotic introductions which last until current times. Given that different ancient cultures showed a great fascination for exotic birds and intensively traded them, we should expect a number of still unraveled old-time introductions worldwide. The combination of information from old-written documents, archeological and fossil findings, stable isotope analyses, art museums, and the most advanced molecular techniques should add exotic introduction surprises in the coming years.
Are Short Sellers Positive Feedback Traders? Evidence from the Global Financial Crisis

Short sellers are routinely blamed for destabilizing stock markets by exacerbating deviations from fundamental values. In response, regulators periodically impose short sale constraints aimed at preventing excessive stock market declines. One explanation is that policy makers regard short sellers as behaving like positive feedback traders. Relying on the theoretical model put forward by Sentana and Wadhwani (1992), which stresses the conditional nature of returns' persistence, bans on selected financial stocks in six countries during the 2008/2009 global financial crisis are examined. These provide us with a setting to analyze the impact of short sale restrictions on feedback trading. Our findings suggests that, in the majority of markets examined, restrictions of this kind amplify positive feedback trading during periods of high volatility and, hence, contribute to stock market downturns. On balance then, short selling bans do not contribute to enhancing financial stability.
Nonpolar lipids of Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. 2. Unsaturated esters and free fatty acids, sterols, and triterpenols

An earlier paper on the nonpolar lipids of Amaranthus palmeri described the compositions of the saturated fatty alcohol and wax ester components of the leaves and flowering parts. In this paper, the compositions of esters containing unsaturated acyl moieties (triglycerides, steryl esters, and terpenol esters), as determined by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis, are presented. In addition, the free fatty acid, sterol, and triterpenol components were characterized. The triglycerides constituted the major class of esters. The major hydroxylated constituents were palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids and the sterol chondrillasterol. The sterols campesterol, stigmasterol, ergost-7-en-3β-ol, chondrillast-7-enol, and 24-ethylidenecholest-7-en-3β-ol and the triterpenols β-and α-amyrin, lupeol, cycloartenol, and 24-methylenecycloartenol were present in lesser quantities. Keywords: Lipid; Amaranthus palmeri; fatty acid; sterol; triterpenol; column chromatography; thin-layer chromatograph.
Estimating Labour Market Performance in Twenty-Four OECD Countries, 1980-2009

The purpose of this study is to estimate the relationship between various macroeconomic variables such as output and labour for the 1980-2009 period. In order to indicate the main components of economic growth, I firstly use an alternative growth accounting method, where physical capital accumulation, technological changes and several (un)employment rates are also taken into account. Thus, analysing time series panel data of the USA, the EU-15 and some OECD countries with the rolling regression method, this paper concludes that the link between labour and output has obviously and temporarily changed after the mid-1990s. Hence, results suggested that an increase in output gaps caused a lesser changes in (un)employment rates, which could determine the increasing role of other economic factors i.e. technology, the labour market and political institutions etc.
Alternative Estimators of Cointegrating Parameters in Models With Non-Stationary Data: An Application to US Export Demand

This paper presents Monte Carlo simulations which compare the empirical performance of two alternative single equation estimators of the equilibrium parameters in a dynamic relationship. The estimators considered are Stock and Watson’s dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) estimator and Bewley’s transformation of the general autoregressive distributed lag model. The results indicate that the Bewley transformation produces a lower mean-square error as well as superior serial correlation properties even with lower truncation lags for the lagged variables included in the estimation equation. An application is then provided which examines the nature of the equilibrium relationship between aggregate US exports, world trade and the US real exchange rate. This confirms that estimation of the equilibrium parameters of this relationship by the Bewley transformation produces results which are superior to estimation by DOLS.
CYTOGENETIC STUDIES IN THE TRIBE TRITICEAE

Two cases of natural interspecific hybridization in Japanese Agropyron were observed in Misima. One is a pentaploid hybrid between Ag. ciliare and Ag. tsukushiense, and the other is a hexaploid hybrid between Ag. humidum and Ag. tsukushiense.The pentaploid hybrid was highly sterile and no seed setting was observed. It is assumed that in this hybrid combination introgressive hybridization would not occur in natural conditions.As to the hexaploid natural hybrid, two cases were observed; i.e., one allopatric and the other sympatric. In the allopatric case Ag. humidum and the common type of Ag. tsukushiense were involved, while in the sympatric case Ag. humidum and the early ecotype of Ag. tsukushiense were the parental species. In both cases low seed setting was found from the examination of a considerable number of hybrid clones in natural conditions. From progeny tests of backcrossed plants obtained from the sympatric natural hybrids between Ag. humidum and the early ecotype of Ag. tsukushiense, the following conclusions are drawn: It is quite possible that introgression of characters, such as waxiness, from one species to the other was taking place in the natural populations through backcrossing to the parental species of the F1 hybrids followed by segregation of the characters concerned. Rather quick restoration of fertility in the hybrid progenies made possible the establishment of hybrid swarms in a state of nature having intermingled characteristics of the parental species. However, so far no introgressants have been found yet in the natural sympatric populations of these two species. High sterility of F1 hybrids might be a major cause of restricted introgression.
Caracterización De La Cadena De Valor Del Tomate Rojo Fresco En México (Characterization of the of Red Fresh Tomato Value Chain in Mexico)

<b>Spanish Abstract:</b> La agricultura es una actividad económica muy importante a nivel global por su contribución a la producción de alimentos para consumo humano y pecuario. Razón suficiente para procurar la calidad en cada una de las etapas del proceso, desde la producción hasta la comercialización, de tal forma que se proporcionen productos saludables y a un precio acorde con la calidad. Por esto es importante el estudio de las Cadenas de Valor y es a partir de la globalización cuando su estudio adquiere mayor relevancia por su impacto en la economía local, considerando los diferentes participantes en los eslabones de la cadena. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar la caracterización de la Cadena de Valor del tomate fresco en México propuesto por el Consejo Nacional de Productores de Tomate A.C. mediante un análisis documental que consideró el análisis del sector de este producto, así como la identificación y caracterización de los eslabones que intervienen en el proceso productivo y de comercialización. Después del análisis de las Cadenas de Valor de tomate se identificaron las actividades primarias, así como las de soporte y apoyo. En el eslabón de comercialización se observó una alta dependencia del intermediario para hacer llegar el producto al consumidor final, siendo este el que tiene el poder de negociación, por esto se pueden clasificar en cadenas agroalimentarias, orientadas al comprador (buyer driven) y Cadenas de Valor relacionales. Para potencializar la operación equilibrada, eficiente y eficaz de la cadena es de importancia la intervención del Estado a través de la política pública que incentive la conformación de Cadenas de Valor para contribuir al desarrollo sustentable de las comunidades en donde tienen presencia. <b>English Abstract:</b> Agriculture is an important activity globally for its contribution to food production for human and livestock consumption. It is important to ensure quality at every stage of the process, from production to marketing, so that healthy products are provided and priced according to quality. Value Chain study becomes more important for its impact on the local economy. Therefore, it is important to study value chains considering the different participants in the chain links. The aim of this study was to perform the characterization of the Value Chain of fresh tomato in Mexico proposed by the National Council of Producers of Tomato NPO (Consejo Nacional de Productores de Tomate A.C.in Spanish). This was done through a documentary analysis that considers this product sector, as well as the identification and characterization of links involved in the production process and marketing. When the analysis of tomato Value Chains was completed, primary activities were identified, as well as support. In the link marketing a high dependence of intermediaries is required to get the product to the consumer.