Second order statistics estimates in the form of sample eigenvalues and sample eigenvectors give a sub optimal description of the population density. So far only attempts have been made to reduce the bias in the sample eigenvalues. However, because the sample eigenvectors differ from the population eigenvectors as well, the population eigenvalues are biased estimates of the variances along the ...

In this article we analyze the determinants of the functional distribution of government expenditure using for this purpose the models of the median voter's demand common in public choice literature. First of all, we review the economic literature on the factors affecting each component of government expenditure. Then, secondly, we develop a demand model of expenditure structure and we estimate...

Rice stripe virus (RSV), its vector insect (small brown planthopper, SBPH) and climatic conditions in Jiangsu, China were monitored between 2002 and 2012 to determine key biotic and abiotic factors driving epidemics of the disease. Average disease severity, disease incidence and viruliferous rate of SBPH peaked in 2004 and then gradually decreased. Disease severity of RSV was positively correla...

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. tamari, A. bombycis and A. nomius species. Relative humidity (RH) is one of the most important parameters influencing the development of aflatoxins in pistachio orchards by Aspergillus species. The type of irrigation system affects density and frequency of the Aspergillus species in the soil. In the current ...

Crystal size distribution (CSD) in metamorphic rocks provide fundamental information about crystal nucleation and growth rate, growth time and the degree of overstepping. CSD data for garnet, staurolite, kyanite and andalusite crystals from the aureole demonstrate that the earliest formed of these minerals, garnet, has the highest population density and the shortest growth time. The last formed...

The evolution of population dynamics in a stochastic environment is analysed under a general form of density-dependence with genetic variation in r and K, the intrinsic rate of increase and carrying capacity in the average environment, and in sigma(e)(2), the environmental variance of population growth rate. The continuous-time model assumes a large population size and a stationary distribution...