Population dynamics of the Sycamore Lace Bug (Corythucha Ciliata, Say, Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Hungary

Based on the observation of more than 10 000 leaves of plane trees, four populations of Corythucha ciliata (Say, 1832) (Heteroptera: Tingidae) are investigated. After having introduced some parameters derived from the data, we draw spatial-temporal patterns and describe the seasonal population dynamics of Corythucha ciliata. Amongst others, the temporal change of the density of population, the state plane of larvae–adults, the inclination to accumulate, and the intraspecific competition are examined. Population and biomass dynamics is characterized for populations with and without limited nutrient source in case of different weather circumstances and effects

Noncommutative optimal control and quantum networks

Optimal control is formulated based on a noncommutative calculus of operator derivatives. The use of optimal control methods in the design of quantum systems relies on the differentiation of an operator-valued function with respect to the relevant operator. Noncommutativity between the operator and its derivative leads to a generalization of the conventional method of control for classical systems. This formulation is applied to quantum networks of both spin and bosonic particles for the purpose of quantum state control via quantum random walks

Bank seasoned equity offers: do voluntary and involuntary offers differ?

Recent research has shown that for industrial and utilities’ seasoned equity offers (SEOs) the offer price discount is informative and has significant price effects. We examine whether the offer price discount for SEOs made by undercapitalized banks is different from those made by banks that were already overcapitalized prior to issue announcement. The former are labeled "involuntary" issues, and the latter "voluntary." Voluntary issues are likely made by opportunistic managers at times when their stock is overvalued. Prior research has argued and provided evidence suggesting that for involuntary issues, such timing discretion may be limited. However, we find no significant differences in the issue-date discount, and in issue-date abnormal returns between the two types of issues. We find that trading volume increases dramatically at the offer date, stays at abnormally high levels over a 60-day post–issue period, and is accompanied by a positive abnormal return in the post-offer period for both types of issues.Bank stocks

A part, not apart from nature: The IUBS ethics commission - An overview of a journey from 2000-2012

This paper explores the development of the way in which humans interact and have interacted with their natural environment. In particular, it places this within the context of the International Union of Biological Science's Ethics Commission, a body established in 2007 to develop ethical norms for bioethics and environmental ethics. The Ethics Commission grew out of what was the IUBS Bioethics Committee - the name change being dictated by confusion about the meaning of the term bioethics - which had recently been captured by the medical profession and was increasingly applied to medical practice alone. The new IUBS Ethics Commission (ICE) had a public presence as the International Centre for Environmental and Bioethics (ICEB), the web page of which was a vehicle to facilitate the provision and dissemination of ideas, news, concerns and case studies about the ethical management of the biosphere. In July 2012, the commission ceased to exist as a stand-alone entity. The reasons for this closure were varied; ranging from a lack of interest, to a belief that the commission was no longer required, to an inability or a lack of willingness to be personally involved in environmental ethics. The ICE is nonetheless still an important part of IUBS - currently as a subcommittee within the Biological Education Commission. The paper finishes with a review of the achievements of the commission over the last few years, and assesses where the critical ethical issues in biological sciences are likely to arise in the next decade: continued environmental degradation, increased intellectual theft and scientific obfuscation

Offer-price discount of bank seasoned equity offers: do voluntary and involuntary offers convey different information?

Seasoned equity offers made by undercapitalized banks (labeled involuntary offers) could be different from other seasoned equity offers because the issuer is presumably under regulatory duress to make up the shortfall in required capital. For this reason, involuntary offers may exhibit limited managerial opportunism. When a firm issues seasoned equity, investment bankers gather information about the issuer in the period between the registration of the offer and its issue date. The information gathered during the book-building process gets reflected in the offer price discount on the issue date. We find that the offer price discount appears to convey more information to investors on the issue date for the voluntary issuers. However, we find that both types of issues show signs of market timing, and that investors react negatively to both types of issuance announcements. Our results are robust to several checks.Bank stocks