Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing seasonality in rural destinations: a case study of South Gippsland – Australia

ABSTRACT Seasonality, a distinctive feature of the tourism and hospitality industry, refers to the temporal imbalance in tourism demand at a destination. In order to address this issue, the tourism literature often suggests that tourism operators cooperate with each other to create marketing synergies, and that destinations should develop a variety of products and services to cater for different market segments. However, there are limited studies that examine the practicality of these suggestions in the context of small and medium businesses in rural areas. This study addresses this gap via an investigation of the phenomenon of seasonality and its implications for rural tourism destinations. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 local tourism operators and stakeholders in South Gippsland (Victoria, Australia). A key finding revealed in this study is that tourism operators’ views towards seasonality and their own mitigation efforts are not necessarily synonymous; hence, this paper speaks to the challenges rural tourism destinations encounter when attempting to take a collective and collaborative approach to seasonality. The paper concludes with recommendations for rural tourism organisations to assist small and medium operators to manage and mitigate the impacts of seasonality.
Differentiation of Salmonella serovar infantis isolates from human and animal sources by fingerprinting IS200 and 16S rrn loci

We genotyped Salmonella serovar infantis (referred to as S. infantis), which is the most widespread serovar among animals and the third most common cause of human salmonellosis in Finland. Molecular fingerprinting of the 16S rrn locus and the Salmonella-specific insertion sequence IS200 was used to type the 131 isolates originating from the main sources of S. infantis infection. The number of IS200 elements in S. infantis varied from zero to seven; three or more copies were present in 97% of the isolates, and 71% had four copies. There were four conserved chromosomal positions of IS200, which allowed us to group the isolates into three major clonal groups. We defined 11 unique IS200 profiles and five different ribotypes which, in combination, generated 15 genotypes highly restricted to the infection sources: 8 genotypes were typical of isolates from broiler chickens and cattle and seven genotypes were typical of isolates from humans. The eight genotypes of isolates from chickens represented two clonal groups which were differentially associated with chicken-producing companies. The typing scheme allows efficient discrimination between isolates from various infection sources and within sources and, therefore, provides a unique molecular tool for use in the study of the epidemiology of S. infantis infection.
The Experience of Chinese Bereaved Persons: A Preliminary Study of Meaning Making and Continuing Bonds

ABSTRACT This study explores the bereavement process of Chinese persons in Hong Kong, with the focus on how they make meaning of the death as well as how they maintain a bond with the deceased. A review of video- and audiotapes of 52 bereaved persons in bereavement counseling pointed to how these concepts are reflected in key themes that appeared throughout these interviews. The way this bereaved population found meaning in the death was reflected in how they understood the cause of death, their observations at the death moment, their understanding of the life of the deceased after the death, the life of the bereaved after the death, and the burial and mourning rituals that were followed. The continuing bond the bereaved felt with the deceased was experienced by the bereaved as either initiated by the deceased, for example by the deceased appearing in dreams or initiated by the bereaved themselves in their talking with the deceased. These 2 aspects of the bereavement process seem to be similar to those found in other societies, but the ways in which they were manifested were unique to the Chinese culture. Based on these findings, the authors conclude with implications for intervention with this bereaved population.
Efficient multi-unit procurement mechanism with supply disruption risk

Abstract In this paper, we study the multi-attribute multi-unit procurement mechanism design problem facing a set of potential suppliers who suffer from disruption risks. Each supplier's production cost depends on its disruption probability, and both are private information. We propose a Vickery-Clark-Groves auction with disruption risk (VCG-DR) for this problem and show that the mechanism is incentive-compatible, individual-rational and social efficient. Moreover, we compare the performance of the proposed mechanism and the popular single-attribute multi-unit forward auction (SA-MFV) with reserved attribute by numerical experiments. The results show that VCG-DR outperforms SA-MFV in both social efficiency and optimality.
EFFECT OF ACETIC ACID ON CO2 CORROSION OF CARBON STEEL IN VAPOR-WATER TWO-PHASE HORIZONTAL FLOW

The effect of acetic acid on the corrosion behavior of X 65 and C 1018 carbon steel in vapor-water two-phase stratified flow (Vsg: 2 m/s; Vsl: 0.1 m/s) at 2 bars total pressure, 1.54 bars CO2 partial pressure, pH 5.5, and 80°C was studied in a low pressure-high temperature multiphase flow horizontal loop using electrochemical and mass loss techniques. The liquid phase is composed of 1% NaCl aqueous solution containing different concentrations of acetic acid (500 to 5000 ppm total acetic acid), and the gas phase is composed of CO2-acetic acid-water vapor mixture. The corrosion rates, on both the top and bottom of the line, increase with increase in acetic acid concentration, which was attributed to the contribution of hydrogen ions by the free acetic acid to the cathodic reaction. Partial coverage of the metal surface by FeCO3 on both the top and bottom of the line is reported to be responsible for the observed localized corrosion. Surface analysis investigated with SEM and XRD is reported. A vapor-liquid equilibrium model was developed for the system studied.
Which Internal Factors Drive Companies to Social Reporting? An Empirical Study from A Developing Country Perspective

Research Aim: This study examines the influence of firms’ internal factors and the impact of a statutory regulatory order on the extent of corporate social reporting by banking firms in Bangladesh in the period from 2011 to 2015. Design/Methodology/Approach: Besides using content analysis to construct a social disclosure index, multivariate regression analysis was performed to test a number of hypotheses related to the key variables of the study. Research Findings: The descriptive statistics of the social reporting disclosure index do not show a notable impact of the statutory regulatory order on the extent of firms’ social reporting. The study found that board meetings and board expertise have a significant positive impact on firms’ social reporting, while firm size is negatively associated with firms’ social reporting; thus, meaning that comparatively smaller firms perform better in terms of social reporting. However, no significant impact is found for board size and firm network on firms’ social reporting. Theoretical contribution/Originality: The study has contributed theoretical aspects about firms’ different internal factors and, particularly, how legal arrangements like SRO can be applied by the government to motivate a firm to undertake corporate social activities and disclosures. The application of resource dependence theory to CSR has been further fortified with this investigative study. Practitioner/Policy Implication: The empirical result implies that as CSR is practiced voluntarily in Bangladesh, such policies of government like tax exemption on CSR expenditure has not had much of an impact. Research Limitation: This study can be investigated with multi-industry data to further explore industry variations, but, due to poor and inconsistent CSR reporting of other industries in Bangladesh, only listed firms in the banking industry have been included to obtain appropriate results and findings. Type of Manuscript: Research Paper. Keywords: Corporate Social Reporting, Internal Factors, Regulatory Impact, Banking Industry. JEL Classification: M14
Label Free Bio Sensing Method using Radio Frequencies Spectroscopy for Cell Detection and Discrimination

This paper presents an original label free bio sensing method allowing the study of electrical properties of human cells and so potentially cell identification and discrimination. The proposed bio sensor is based on a planar resonator operating at microwave frequencies, fabricated using a standard microelectronic process. As the result its microscopic sensitive areas allow an improved detection at the cell scale which represents a significant step in the study of many biological phenomenon. Thanks to a specific experimental protocol, we present in this paper a simple method allowing electrical parameters measurement on a small number of cells with a good accuracy.
The Relationship between Industrial Environment and Financial Performance (Evidences Small and Medium Enterprises in East Java Region, Indonesia

This study examines the efect of industrial environment towards the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The object of research is SMEs of handmade batik in east java region, Indonesia. Handmade batik as a fabric product with original Indonesian creations, pure making process using hand drawing on cloth. SMEs of handmade batik in east java region-Indonesia can not be removed with industrial environment. Industrial environment as a business factor outside the company that can cause opportunities or threats that affect the company's competitive advantage. Industrial environment as an independent variable with variable dimension consisting of power of new competitors, bargaining power of supplier, bargaining power of buyer and intensity of competition. Financial performance is a form of performance achieved by companies that are determined from financial information as a fundamental factor. Data collection method was done through questionnaire, consisting of 84 respondents. Hypothesis test is done by multiple regression processed. Research findings, industrial environment have a positive and significant influence on financial performance. Dynamics of the industrial environment as an external factor of the company, will make business activities have a better prospect.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Property of TiO2 Columnar Nanostructure Films

The rutile TiO2 films with columnar nanostructure were prepared by combining the glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique in magnetron sputtering system with the subsequent two-step annealing treatment. Experimental results showed that all the TiO2 films kept discrete columnar structures as the Ti films deposited by GLAD and accomplished the phase transition from Ti to rutile TiO2. Such TiO2 films performed photocatalytic activity effectively and reusably towards methyl orange under UV light irradiation, which demonstrates the potential applications in wastewater treatment. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MAW201104]
Motivations and future practice plans of orthodontic residents in Saudi Arabia

Aims: This study aims to explore the criteria used by graduate students while selecting a career as orthodontists and their future aspirations. Materials and Methods: A list of Saudi Board of Orthodontics (SB-Ortho) residents was obtained from the Central and Western regions of the Kingdom and all orthodontic residents (excluding the 1st year residents) were invited to participate in this survey. Permission to contact the orthodontic residents was obtained from the respective program directors. The final study sample composed of 36 orthodontic residents. Results: About 39% of residents chose orthodontic specialty after graduation, nearly 33% selected the career during the undergraduate education while the rest chose the specialty at other stages. Approximately, 67% of the residents chose orthodontic specialty because it is intellectual challenging. Around 25% of residents choose orthodontic to improve their earning and 39% join orthodontic for job prestige. Around 50% of orthodontic Saudi residents planned to use self-ligating brackets; 63.9% planned to use invisalign; 86.1% plan to use temporary anchorage devices. About 72% of residents plan to use a cone-beam computerized tomography; 89% plan to use a digital imaging program; 39% plan to use indirect bonding; and 28% plan to use lingual orthodontics. More than half of the residents showed interest to participate in the research and about a quarter of them were willing to work in small cities. Conclusions: Most of the orthodontic residents in Saudi Arabia take up this specialty as they felt that it was intellectually challenging. The SB-Ortho program adequately prepares the residents in all the modern aspects of the specialty.
Autonomic Reactivity With Altered Thyroid Status

The study was carried out to test the effect of altered thyroid status on the autonomic reactivity in 60 subjects (age group 20-50 years). The para meters recorded and the tests used were pulse rate, blood pressure, orthostasis, cold pressor test, mental arithmetic and QTc interval for assessment of sympathetic activity and valsalva ratio, heart rate response, expiratory-inspiratory ratio (E.I. ratio), heart rate variability, standing-lying ratio (S.L. ratio) and 30: 15 ratio for assessment of parasympathetic activity. Our findings show that the changes in thyroid hormone levels - in both hypothyroids and hyperthyroids are associated with altered sympathetic reactivity, with no significant difference in the parasympathetic activity - in either hypothyroids or hyperthyroids- as compared to euthyroid controls.
Cloning and characterization of the gene for immunogenic protein MPB64 of Mycobacterium bovis BCG

The gene for immunogenic protein MPB64 found in culture filtrates of only Mycobacterium tuberculosis and some strains of Mycobacterium bovis BCG was cloned by using a single-probe method and was sequenced. The gene analysis revealed that the structural gene for MPB64 consisted of 618 base pairs, and its deduced molecular weight was 22,400. Twenty-two amino acids for a putative signal peptide and 205 amino acids for the MPB64 protein were observed. In the coding region, the third letter of the codon showed a biased codon and a high G+C content (78.5%). The gene was expressed in Escherichia coli by using an E. coli expression vector. The product showed migration similar to that of the authentic MPB64 protein by electrophoresis and reacted with the polyclonal and the monoclonal antibodies raised against the MPB64 protein. The strict specificity of MPB64 could be applied to immunodiagnosis of tuberculosis.
Identification of Antimony- and Arsenic-Oxidizing Bacteria Associated with Antimony Mine Tailing

Antimony (Sb) is a naturally occurring toxic element commonly associated with arsenic (As) in the environment and both elements have similar chemistry and toxicity. Increasing numbers of studies have focused on microbial As transformations, while microbial Sb interactions are still not well understood. To gain insight into microbial roles in the geochemical cycling of Sb and As, soils from Sb mine tailing were examined for the presence of Sb- and As-oxidizing bacteria. After aerobic enrichment culturing with AsIII (10 mM) or SbIII (100 μM), pure cultures of Pseudomonas- and Stenotrophomonas-related isolates with SbIII oxidation activities and a Sinorhizobium-related isolate capable of AsIII oxidation were obtained. The AsIII-oxidizing Sinorhizobium isolate possessed the aerobic arsenite oxidase gene (aioA), the expression of which was induced in the presence of AsIII or SbIII. However, no SbIII oxidation activity was detected from the Sinorhizobium-related isolate, suggesting the involvement of different mechanisms for Sb and As oxidation. These results demonstrate that indigenous microorganisms associated with Sb mine soils are capable of Sb and As oxidation, and potentially contribute to the speciation and mobility of Sb and As in situ.
Mannosylated thiolated polyethylenimine nanoparticles for the enhanced efficacy of antimonial drug against Leishmaniasis.

AIM Our aim was to inhibit trypanothione reductase (TR) and P-gp efflux pump of Leishmania by the use of thiolated polymers. Thus, increasing the intracellular accumulation and therapeutic effectiveness of antimonial compounds. METHODS Mannosylated thiolated chitosan and mannosylated thiolated chitosan-polyethyleneimine graft were synthesized and characterized. Meglumine antimoniate-loaded nanoparticles were prepared and evaluated for TR and P-gp efflux pump inhibition, biocompatibility, macrophage uptake and antileishmanial potential. RESULTS Thiomers inhibited TR with Ki 2.021. The macrophage uptake was 33.7- and 18.9-fold higher with mannosylated thiolated chitosan-polyethyleneimine graft and mannosylated thiolated chitosan nanoparticles, respectively, as compared with the glucantime. Moreover, the in vitro antileishmanial activity showed 14.41- and 7.4-fold improved IC50 for M-TCS-g-PEI and M-TCS, respectively as compared with glucantime. CONCLUSION These results encouraged the concept that TR and P-gp inhibition by the use of thiomers improves the therapeutic efficacy of antimonial drugs.
PREVALANCE OF VARIOUS SKIN DISORDERS AND PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF ANTIHISTAMINES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL , PUNE

Objectives: Dermatological conditions account for up to 2% of consultations in general practice worldwide. Skin diseases in developing countries have a serious impact on quality of life. The objective of the present study is to assess the prevalence of various skin diseases and to assess the drug utilization pattern of antihistamines in Dermatology Outpatient Department. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in Dermatology department of Bharati Hospital and Research Centre, Pune. The data collection form was prepared which includes patient and medication related information. The prescriptions were analyzed for common skin conditions and prescription patterns. Results: During the study period 320 prescriptions were analyzed including males 158 (49.37%) and females 162 (50.62%). The maximum number of patients (38.75%) were in the age group of adults (20 to 30years) and minimum were children (<10 yrs) is 6.25%. Most of them were having Acne problems (31.25%), followed by Eczema (8.75). Antibiotics (31.91%) were mostly prescribed class of drugs, followed by steroids (20.33%) and antihistamines (17.73%). Among antihistamines, Levocetirizine is mostly prescribed (66.66%). Antihistamines were mostly prescribed in skin problems like Urticaria (20.0%), followed by Dermatitis (18.66%). Ranitidine is prescribed along with other antihistamines to treat Urticaria( hives). Conclusion: Most of the patients were having Acne problems. Antihistamines were mostly prescribed in allergic conditions and rashes. Majority of drugs were prescribed in brand names. Periodic evaluation of prescribing pattern is necessary to improve prescribing standards.
Mechanism of lobar alveolar pressure decline during forced deflation in canine regional emphysema.

A canine model of unilobar papain-induced emphysema was used to examine the extent to which differences in alveolar pressures (PA) would develop between an emphysematous right lower lobe (RLL) and normal left lower lobe (LLL) during forced vital capacity (FVC) deflation. RLL and LLL PA (PARLL and PALLL, respectively) were measured by the alveolar capsule technique. During forced deflation, PA and lobar flows were determined between 95 and 20% FVC. A choke point common to both lower lobes was observed at > 40% FVC. The results showed that deflation compliance (C) was altered for the RLL such that <90% lobar vital capacity, CRLL > CLLL, whereas >90% lobar vital capacity, CRLL < CLLL. At 95 and 90% FVC, the initial RLL PA decline was greater than that for the LLL (P < 0.05). However, large differences in PA were prevented because of the effect of interdependence of regional expiratory flow (IREF). IREF caused a relative decrease in RLL flows and increase in LLL flows that limited PA differences. Between 80 and 50% FVC, as CRLL became greater than CLLL, and because of the initial effect of IREF, PARLL was approximately PALLL. At < and = 40% FVC, without IREF, lobar differences in PA widened. These findings indicate that IREF may affect the dynamics of flow limitation in regional lung disease.
Chapter 10 Organizing Festivals, Events and Activities for Destination Marketing

Abstract Community-run festivals are an emerging giant in the tourism industry. Nowadays many local festivals have emerged with the specific objectives of celebrating local culinary traditions, establishing business and trade of local products and developing sustainable destinations. Local events can influence the destination image, enabling the growth of tourist flows and stimulate destination marketing organizations to differentiate their own destination products from those of competitors. Two main aspects are analyzed: the main characteristics of local events and the influence of local festival on destination image. Moreover, the economic impact of festivals on the community and the main tourism management strategies adopted by managers are investigated. Finally, theoretical and managerial implications deriving from the chapter are discussed.
A 0.27e-rms Read Noise 220-μV/e-Conversion Gain Reset-Gate-Less CMOS Image Sensor With 0.11-μm CIS Process

A low temporal read noise and high conversion gain reset-gate-less CMOS image sensor (CIS) has been developed and demonstrated for the first time at photoelectron-counting-level imaging. To achieve a high pixel conversion gain without fine or special processes, the proposed pixel has two unique structures: 1) coupling capacitance between the transfer gate and floating diffusion (FD) and 2) coupling capacitance between the reset gate and FD, for removing parasitic capacitances around the FD node. As a result, a CIS with the proposed pixels is able to achieve a high pixel conversion gain of 220 μV/e- and a low read noise of 0.27erms- using correlated multiple-sampling-based readout circuitry.
Business model innovation for sustainability: a food start-up case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate and present the way in which a food start-up can develop business model innovations, taking into account the importance of social and environmental issues. Design/methodology/approach The authors studied an Italian pizzeria, implementing the illustrative single-case study methodology, to answer the research question: “how can food start-ups develop a sustainable business model innovation? ” Findings The study highlights sustainable elements for each component of the business model configuration provided by Osterwalder to provide a deeper view of the sustainable business model concept. Originality/value The study contributes to the extant research introducing the concept of sustainable innovation within the business model literature. It concludes that, within the food industry, especially for start-ups, the development of sustainable business model innovation is particularly important because the industry is itself linked with nature and human respect. Moreover, it suggests a methodological analysis of the business model configuration, which will help to develop clearer and more accurate and influential research.