The Effect of Nonbank Diversification on Bank Holding Company Risk

Examines the effect of activity diversification on bank holding company (BHC) risk. Historical background of the BHC; Presentation of the research design and test results; Predictions of the modern portfolio theory; Implications of the study regarding the effect of nonbank diversification on BHC risk

Plasma modification of polymeric single end cords as an alternative to RFL treatment

Adhesion between reinforcing fibers and the matrix is crucial for a good performance of a wide variety of elastomeric products. RFL treatment is most commonly used to achieve rubber-fiber adhesion for decades; however, there are health concerns related to this method. Therefore, alternative methods to partly or completely replace the RFL treatment are currently developed. A new approach for adhesion enhancement is plasma treatment of the fiber/cord. This process allows to physically and chemically modify the cord surface and thus to increase compatibility with and reactivity towards the elastomeric matrix. In this study, an atmospheric plasma jet was used to coat polymeric cord surfaces with an adhesive layer in a pilot-scale continuously operating line. The precursors used for the chemical surface modification of the cords carried sulfuric moieties and/or unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds, to result in functional groups reactive towards the polymer after the plasma polymerization and deposition on the cord surface. The crucial components of the equipment, process parameters, and pre- as well as post-treatments were elaborated. The results in terms of cord properties as well as adhesion strength of different types of cords to an elastomeric compound will be discussed. Furthermore, an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the resulting cord/rubber interface in comparison to the industrial standard will be given

Hybridization in East African swarm-raiding army ants

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hybridization can have complex effects on evolutionary dynamics in ants because of the combination of haplodiploid sex-determination and eusociality. While hybrid non-reproductive workers have been found in a range of species, examples of gene-flow via hybrid queens and males are rare. We studied hybridization in East African army ants (<it>Dorylus </it>subgenus <it>Anomma</it>) using morphology, mitochondrial DNA sequences, and nuclear microsatellites.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>While the mitochondrial phylogeny had a strong geographic signal, different species were not recovered as monophyletic. At our main study site at Kakamega Forest, a mitochondrial haplotype was shared between a "<it>Dorylus molestus</it>-like" and a "<it>Dorylus wilverthi</it>-like" form. This pattern is best explained by introgression following hybridization between <it>D. molestus </it>and <it>D. wilverthi</it>. Microsatellite data from workers showed that the two morphological forms correspond to two distinct genetic clusters, with a significant proportion of individuals being classified as hybrids.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We conclude that hybridization and gene-flow between the two army ant species <it>D. molestus </it>and <it>D. wilverthi </it>has occurred, and that mating between the two forms continues to regularly produce hybrid workers. Hybridization is particularly surprising in army ants because workers have control over which males are allowed to mate with a young virgin queen inside the colony.</p