Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
longitudinal evaluation of anthropometric and fitness characteristics in junior ugby league players considering playing position and selection level

Objectives: The current study provided a longitudinal evaluation of the anthropometric and fitness characteristics in junior rugby league players across three annual-age categories (i.e., under 13s, 14s and 15s) considering playing position and selection level. Design: Longitudinal design. Methods: Eighty-one junior rugby league players selected to a talent development programme were tracked over a two year period. Anthropometric (height, sitting height, body mass and sum of four skinfolds) and fitness (lower and upper body power, speed, change of direction speed and maximal aerobic power) characteristics were measured on three occasions (i.e., under 13s, 14s and 15s). Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA; controlling chronological and maturational age) analysed changes across annual-age categories in relation to playing position and selection level. Results: Findings identified significant improvements in anthropometric and fitness characteristics across annual-age categories (p < 0.001). MANOVA and MANCOVA analysis identified significant overall effects for playing position (p < 0.001) and selection level (p < 0.05) throughout the two year period. Interactions between playing position and time were identified for height, vertical jump and estimated V̇O2 max (p < 0.05). Selection level by time interactions were identified for 20 m, 30 m and 60 m sprint (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the improvement of anthropometric and fitness characteristics within junior representative rugby league players. Interactive effects for playing position and selection level by time highlight the variation in the development of characteristics that occur during adolescence. Tracking the progression of characteristics longitudinally during adolescence, instead of at one-off time points, may assist selection and/or performance assessments within rugby league and other youth sport contexts. © 2012 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Theory of Money and Financial Institutions: Volume 1

This is the second volume in a three-volume exposition of Martin Shubik's vision of "mathematical institutional economics"—a term he coined in 1959 to describe the theoretical underpinnings needed for the construction of an economic dynamics. The goal is to develop a process-oriented theory of money and financial institutions that reconciles micro- and macroeconomics, using as a prime tool the theory of games in strategic and extensive form. The approach involves a search for minimal financial institutions that appear as a logical, technological, and institutional necessity, as part of the "rules of the game. " Money and financial institutions are assumed to be the basic elements of the network that transmits the sociopolitical imperatives to the economy. Volume 1 deals with a one-period approach to economic exchange with money, debt, and bankruptcy. Volume 2 explores the new economic features that arise when we consider multi-period finite and infinite horizon economies. Volume 3 will consider the specific role of financial institutions and government, and formulate the economic financial control problem linking micro- and macroeconomics.
A 15-year Simulation of the Clear-Sky Greenhouse Effect Using the ECMWF Reanalyses: Fluxes and Comparisons with ERBE

Abstract Results are presented from the project Clear-sky Longwave from ERA (CLERA), in which simulations were performed of clear-sky longwave fluxes and heating rates for the period 1979–93, based on data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis project (ERA). This paper presents selected results from CLERA and compares the clear-sky outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) with data from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE). Over much of the globe, especially over the oceans, the clear-sky OLR from CLERA is within the expected uncertainty in the ERBE data of ±5 W m−2. Elsewhere, there are larger differences and to study these the ERA data are compared with independent sources of information: surface synoptic observations of screen-level temperatures and retrievals of the total column moisture and upper-tropospheric humidity from satellite data. Over land, the largest clear-sky OLR differences occur at high latitudes in winter and these can be explained by the fact that th.
Morphological variations of benthic foraminiferal tests in response to changes in ecological parameters: a review

Some of the relatively recent literature correlating morphological variation in benthic foraminifera with environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, carbonate solubility, depth, nutrition, substrate, dissolved oxygen, illumination, pollution, water motion, trace elements, and rapid environmental fluctuation is reviewed. It appears some variables (most notably depth) are recorded more frequently, which may affect some conclusions. Although each variable is treated separately, it appears that almost no variables act independently on test morphologies. In reviewing the literature, it becomes clear that there are many individual trends, especially with shell ornamentation, but few broad ones, and that it is almost impossible, with exception of some of the larger reef-dwelling, symbiont-bearing foraminifera, to predict how any species will react to various parameters. The broad trends concern thinning or thickening of carbonate tests with changing carbonate availability, temperature, and salinity. It appears that many observations of morphological changes within species may not be recorded in the literature, perhaps because authors did not recognize the importance of small details that would be of importance at a later time.
Why are people sceptical about climate change ?

Surveys of public opinion show that a significant minority of the population are sceptical about climate change, and many suggest that doubt is increasing. The internet, in particular the blogosphere, provides a vast and relatively untapped resource of data on the thinking of climate sceptics. This paper focuses on one particular example where over 150 climate sceptics provide information on their background, opinion on climate change and reasons for their scepticism. Although this data cannot be regarded as representative of the general public, it provides a useful insight into the reasoning of those who publicly question climate science on the web. Points of note include the high level of educational background, the significant numbers who appear to have been converted from a position of climate concern to one of scepticism, and the influence of blogs on both sides of the climate debate.
Determinating the Utilization Status and Management Scenarios of Bonito (Auxis Rochei ) Catching in Talaud Waters North Sulawesi

Bonito (Auxis rochei), needs to be managed well because even as a renewable natural resource, but can undergo depletion or extinction. One of the approach in the management of fish resources is by modeling. The analysis was performed aiming to get the best estimate for the surplus production model to determine the maximum sustainable yields (MSY), utilization level, and effort level of bonito. The data of catch and fishing effort bonito collected from the Marine and Fisheries Service of the Talaud Regency and the North Sulawesi Province. Best Surplus Production Model, which is used to assess the potential of bonito is Schaefer Model. Optimal effort (EMSY ) of 8,489 trips per year, with catches of optimal CMSY 2,453.77 tons per year. The effort level for 2012 is 193.99%, which shows the inefficiency of effort, the utilization level of 94.86%, showing indicate will occur overfishing.
Financial Sector Reforms and Monetary Policy: The Indian Experience

Since the initiation of reforms in the early 1990s, the Indian economy has achieved high growth in an environment of macroeconomic and financial stability. The period has been marked by broad based economic reform that has touched every segment of the economy. These reforms were designed essentially to promote greater efficiency in the economy through promotion of greater competition. The story of Indian reforms is by now well-documented (e.g., Ahluwalia, 2002); nevertheless, what is less appreciated is that India achieved this acceleration in growth while maintaining price and financial stability. As a result of the growing openness, India was not insulated from exogenous shocks since the second half of the 1990s. These shocks, global as well as domestic, included a series of financial crises in Asia, Brazil and Russia, 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, border tensions, sanctions imposed in the aftermath of nuclear tests, political uncertainties, changes in the Government, and the current oil shock. Nonetheless, stability could be maintained in financial markets. Indeed, inflation has been contained since the mid-1990s to an average of around five per cent, distinctly lower than that of around eight per cent per annum over the previous four decades. Simultaneously, the health of the financial sector has recorded very significant improvement.
Research on the Operational System of Drought Monitoring by Remote Sensing in China

VCIcomputed from NDVIis a recommendatory index usually used in drought monitoring by remote sensing, but it could be different criterion on scaling the drought severity in different region. It is more important to get an objective scaling method forVCIthanVCIitself. By analyzing the historic data (1981-1994) of NOAA AVHRR NDVI(resolution of 8 km) and soil humidity (-20cm) observed by 102 permanent agro-meteorological stations in the whole China, the statistical models have been made out between the vegetation condition index (VCI) and the soil moisture index (SHI). The scales of VCIin determining the drought severity can easily form the ones of SHIin describing the drought through the models, so drought monitoring in every ten days is practical. Based on that, the operational system of drought monitoring by remote sensing in China has been developed , which can be used to monitor the occurrence of the drought in China for every ten days from March to September. It would be beneficial to policy-maker for disaster reduction.
Bmc Medical Research Methodology Open Access Alternatives for Logistic Regression in Cross-sectional Studies: an Empirical Comparison of Models That Directly Estimate the Prevalence Ratio Cox Regressioncross-sectional Studieslogistic Regressionodds Ratiopoisson Regressionprevalence Ratiorobust Varia

Background: Cross-sectional studies with binary outcomes analyzed by logistic regression are frequent in the epidemiological literature. However, the odds ratio can importantly overestimate the prevalence ratio, the measure of choice in these studies. Also, controlling for confounding is not equivalent for the two measures. In this paper we explore alternatives for modeling data of such studies with techniques that directly estimate the prevalence ratio.
Equity Integration in Japan : An Application of A New Method *

This paper develops a simple new methodology to test for asset integration and applies it to the Japanese stock market. The technique is tightly based on a general intertemporal asset-pricing model, and relies on estimating and comparing expected risk-free rates across assets. Expected risk-free rates are allowed to vary freely over time, constrained only by the fact that they are equal across (risk-adjusted) assets. Assets are allowed to have general risk characteristics, and are constrained only by a factor model of covariances over short time periods. The technique is undemanding in terms of both data and estimation. I find that expected risk-free rates vary dramatically over time, unlike short interest rates. Further, the Tokyo stock market does not always seem to be well integrated in the sense that different portfolios of stocks are priced with different implicit risk-free rates. JEL Classification Numbers: G12, G15
Theropod dinosaurs from the Albian–Cenomanian Wayan Formation of eastern Idaho

Abstract The record of terrestrial vertebrates in the upper Albian to Cenomanian Wayan Formation of Idaho is sparse, with most fossils recovered belonging to the small orodromine neornithischian Oryctodromeus cubicularis and the maniraptoran ootaxon Macroelongatoolithus carlylei. Here we report on a diversity of theropod forms now recognised from various isolated teeth, vertebrae, eggs and eggshell. Theropods recognised from isolated teeth include a large possible tyrannosauroid, a small tyrannosauroid, dromaeosaurids, and indeterminate theropods. A possible neovenatorid and indeterminate theropods are recognised from isolated vertebrae. A giant oviraptorosaur is indicated by the presence of rare eggs and common eggshell accumulations referred to Macroelongatoolithus. While these remains are admittedly meager, their presence indicates that a substantial diversity of theropods existed in the Albian to Cenomanian environments of southeastern Idaho. The Wayan theropod assemblage is among the most diverse reported for this time period in North America, and represents a transitional assemblage resembling that of the later Late Cretaceous.
Estimating Population Size with Noninvasive Capture‐Mark‐Recapture Data

Abstract: Estimating population size of elusive and rare species is challenging. The difficulties in catching such species has triggered the use of samples collected noninvasively, such as feces or hair, from which genetic analysis yields data similar to capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) data. There are, however, two differences between classical CMR and noninvasive CMR. First, capture and recapture data are gathered over multiple sampling sessions in classical CMR, whereas in noninvasive CMR they can be obtained from a single sampling session. Second, because of genotyping errors and unlike classical CMR, there is no simple relationship between (genetic) marks and individuals in noninvasive CMR. We evaluated, through simulations, the reliability of population size estimates based on noninvasive CMR. For equal sampling efforts, we compared estimates of population size N obtained from accumulation curves, a maximum likelihood, and a Bayesian estimator. For a closed population and without sampling heterogeneity, estimates obtained from noninvasive CMR were as reliable as estimates from classical CMR. The sampling structure (single or multiple session) did not alter the results, the Bayesian estimator in the case of a single sampling session presented the best compromise between low mean squared error and a 95% confidence interval encompassing the parametric value of N in most simulations. Finally, when suitable field and lab protocols were used, genotyping errors did not substantially bias population size estimates (bias < 3.5% in all simulations). The ability to reliably estimate population size from noninvasive samples taken during a single session offers a new and useful technique for the management and conservation of elusive and rare species.
Case Study of Natural Population Collapse: Post-Hurricane Predation on Jamaican Staghorn Corals

Knowlton, Nancy, Judith C. Lang, and Brian D. Keller. Case Study of Natural Population Collapse: Post-Hurricane Predation on Jamaican Staghorn Corals. Smithsonian Contributions to the Marine Sciences, number 31, 25 pages, 18 figures, 4 tables, 1990. —The staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis, formerly a dominant reef builder at intermediate depths along the Jamaican north coast, was devastated in 1980 by Hurricane Allen and its short-term aftereffects. Between 1982 and 1987, populations of A. cervicornis generally continued to decline at three monitored areas, approaching local extinction at one site. Feeding by the snail Coralliophila and the polychaete Hermodice carunculata, and "gardening" behavior of the damselfish Stegastes planifrons played important roles in the collapse of staghorn populations. All three consumers remained abundant seven years after the hurricane. Growth of algae following die-off of the urchin Diadema antillarum in 1983 and perhaps disease also contributed to the failure of A. cervicornis to recover. Although the timing and relative importance of these factors differed among sites, collapse of all three populations and substantial predator-associated mortality were the most striking features of these results. Threshold models of predation suggest that the hurricane increased the relative importance of predators, causing coral populations to continue to decline rather than return to their previous high densities. The generally patchy distribution of A. cervicornis in space and time throughout its range may reflect an ability to persist at either low or high densities with predators, interacting with fluctuations in density caused by extrinsic perturbations (e.g., storms, epidemic disease). Preliminary surveys provide evidence of events elsewhere in the Caribbean that are comparable to those documented for Jamaica. Sensitive coupling of unusually severe disturbance with routine biological processes may have long-term effects that limit our ability to explain local patterns of distribution, abundance and diversity in areas where this species has the potential to dominate. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATA is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. SERIES COVER DESIGN: Seascape along the Atlantic coast of eastern North America. Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Knowlton, Nancy Case study of natural population collapse : post-hurricane predation on Jamaican Staghorn corals / Nancy Knowlton, Judith C. Lang, and Brian D. Keller (Smithsonian contributions to the marine sciences ; no. 31) Includes bibliographical references. Supt of Docs, no.: SI 1.41:31 1. Acropora cervicornis—Jamaica—Effects of storms on. 2. Predation (Biology). 3. Hurricanes—Environmental aspects—Jamaica. I. Lang, Judith C. II. Keller, Brian D. , 1948-. III. Title. IV. Series.
Newcastle University ePrints

Background: The Microsoft Kinect sensor (Kinect) is potentially a low-cost solution for clinical and homebasedassessmentofmovement symptomsinpeoplewithParkinson’sdisease (PD). Thepurposeof this study was to establish the accuracy of the Kinect in measuring clinically relevant movements in people with PD. Methods: Nine people with PD and 10 controls performed a series of movements which were measured concurrently with a Vicon three-dimensional motion analysis system (gold-standard) and the Kinect. The movements included quiet standing, multidirectional reaching and stepping and walking on the spot, and the following items from the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale: hand clasping, finger tapping, foot, leg agility, chair rising and hand pronation. Outcomes included mean timing and range of motion across movement repetitions. Results: The Kinect measured timing of movement repetitions very accurately (low bias, 95% limits of agreement <10% of the group mean, ICCs >0.9 and Pearson’s r > 0.9). However, the Kinect had varied success measuring spatial characteristics, ranging from excellent for gross movements such as sit-tostand (ICC = .989) to very poor for finemovement such as hand clasping (ICC = .012). Despite this, results from the Kinect related strongly to those obtained with the Vicon system (Pearson’s r > 0.8) for most movements. Conclusions: The Kinect can accurately measure timing and gross spatial characteristics of clinically relevant movements but not with the same spatial accuracy for smaller movements, such as hand clasping. ß 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. § This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License, which permits noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. * Corresponding author at: Institute for Ageing and Health, Clinical Ageing Research Unit, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, United Kingdom. Tel. : +44 0191 248 1250; fax: +44 0191 248 1251. E-mail address: lynn.rochester@ncl.ac. uk (L. Rochester).
Subduction-related Quartz Syenite Porphyries in the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane, Qinghai—Xizang Plateau:Constraints from geochemical analyses

It is chronically debated on the Permian tectonic evolution of the northern Qiangtang block, Qinghai—Xizang(Tibet) Plateau. Newly identification of the Late Permian quartz syenitic porphyries in the Tuotuo River area may provide some constraints on the Paleo-Tethyan tectonic evolution of the northern Qiangtang, even of the whole northern Qinghai—Xizang(Tibet) Plateau. The Later Permian porphyries, containing numerous basaltic and limestone xenoliths, intrude in the Early Permian andesites and limestones. They are calc-alkaline, characterized by enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE) with depleted high field strength elements (HFSE) and significantly negative Eu anomalies. Sr—Nd isotopic data of the porphyries exhibit \[n(87Sr)/n(86Sr)\]ⅰ=0.70065～0.70566 and eNd(t)= 2.1～4.1 with TDM(Ga) = 0.679～0.828, suggesting the magma might have resulted from partial melting of the mantle wedge induced by dehydration of a subducted slab, e.g., the Late Permian quartz syenitic porphyries are arc-like. The magma crystallized at shallow level under the surface with high crystallization temperature. During the ascending and intrusion, fractional crystallization and crustal contamination may have modified the rock's chemistry.Obviously, there must be a subduction of oceanic slab during the Late Permian along one margin of the northern Qiangtang block.
Anatomy Phylogenic Aspects of the Amphibian Dual Olfactory System

The phylogenic significance of the subdivision of dual olfactory system is reviewed mainly on the basis of our findings by electron microscopy and lectin histochemistry in the three amphibian species. The dual olfactory system is present in common in these species and consists of the projection from the olfactory epithelium (OE) to the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and that from the vomeronasal epithelium (VNE) to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). The phylogenic significance of subdivisions in the dual olfactory system in the amphibian must differently be interpreted. The subdivision of the MOB into its dorsal region (D-MOB) and ventral region (VMOB) in Xenopus laevis must be attributed to the primitive features in their olfactory receptors. The middle cavity epithelium lining the middle cavity of this frog possesses both ciliated sensory cells and microvillous sensory cells, reminding the OE in fish. The subdivision of the AOB into the rostral (R-AOB) and caudal part (C-AOB) in Bufo japonicus formosus must be regarded as an advanced characteristic. The lack of subdivisions in both MOB and AOB in Cynops pyrrhogaster may reflect their phylogenic primitiveness. Since our lectin histochemistry to detect glycoconjugates expressed in the olfactory pathway reveals the subdivisions in the dual olfactory system in the amphibian, the glycoconjugates may deeply participate in the organization and function of olfactory pathways in phylogeny.