Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the agronomic interest characteristics for the management of Conyza blakei, Conyza bonariensis, Conyza sumatrensis, and Conyza lorentzii

Conyza genus includes herbs of ruderal habit, also referred to weeds in pastures, perennial crops, and no tillage crops. The insuitable use of herbicides, the incorrect identification of species, and the lack of monitoring, among others, explain the fact that Conyza species have become a growing problem in production systems under no tillage. Therefore, the knowledge of biology and the adaptive response to diverse cultural practices is paramount. Two of the most important characteristics to establish management guidelines are the height and growth stages of these species,since their herbicides sensitivity have been associated with these characteristics. The objective of this work was to analyze the results that affect the reproductive success (germination%, fecundity), and the most effective weed control time (height and determination of the phenological stages) of Conyza blakei, C. bonariensis, C. lorentzii and C. sumatrensis. Trials were conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station of Balcarce, INTA, Argentina. We analyzed 35 individuals of each species. The germination % presented significant differences, being C. sumatrensis, the specie with the highest number of emerged seedlings. The phenological stages also showed differences, being C. bonariensis the species that began to elongate the stem earliest, the first in flowering, and the greatest fecundity. The senescence of the 4 species occurred within the first year of growth. The species with greater reproductive success would be C. bonariensis and C. sumatrensis, requiring the first earlier practices of controls.
“Maximum Preservation Radical Prostatectomy”: Oncological, functional and other contemporary aspects of Retzius Sparing Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

The surgical treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) had as its initial milestone the irst prostatectomy, performed by H.H. Young at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, in 1904 [1], however, the procedure only reached a fundamental role after 1982, based on a better understanding and description of the male pelvic anatomy, by Walsh [2-6] and other [7-11]. Subsequently, minimally invasive approaches emerged: laparoscopic prostatectomy (1992) [12] and robotassisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) (2000) [13], which modi ied and optimized the execution of key surgical steps of this procedure, such as bladder neck preservation, nerve-sparing dissection, and prostate apex management [14]. Nevertheless, there is a continuous debate about the bene its offered by minimally invasive approaches and their superiority over the conventional open surgery, in order to justify additional costs and the spread of those [15]. Some superior results have already been demonstrated in terms of recovery time, return to normal activities and shorter hospitalization, as well as, less bleeding and postoperative pain; however, with equivalent oncologic outcomes [16].
Extracellular matrix and (re)myelination

During the course of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), myelin – the membrane layer that insulates axons – is attacked by the immune system, the damage causing an interruption of nerve signal transmission. In this process, axons and oligodendrocytes, the cells that produce myelin, are also damaged. Partial myelin repair may occur. Total repair, however, requires the presence of oligodendrocytes (OLGs), intact axons, and presumably molecular signals within the ECM, an elaborate structure between cells that contains signaling molecules. An important ECM constituent is laminin-2 (merosin), which is present on axons during normal physiological brain development. However, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, as occurs during MS, facilitates the deposition of serum fibronectin, another major ECM constituent, in MS lesions, raising the issue to what extent this and other matrix proteins may interfere with remyelination events. To investigate potential ECM modulation of myelination, primary oligodendrocytes (OLG) and the OLG-derived cell line OLN93 are grown on various ECM substrates in order to mimic the ECM environment of the cells at control and MS-lesion conditions. Myelin assembly is monitored by examining the intracellular flow of a model protein, the G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSVG), which is specifically transported by vesicular trafficking to the myelin sheet. Our preliminary data reveal, that biosynthetic traffic to plasma membrane is significantly decreased when the cells were grown on a fibronectin substrate as compared to a laminin-2 or poly-l-lysine substrate. This work will assist in clarifying the role of integrins, the major cell membrane receptor family for ECM-cell and cell-cell contact, in regulating myelination by modulating intracellular trafficking pathways involved in myelin biogenesis.
The Education and Employment Effects of DACA, In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants

Many undocumented immigrants come to the U.S. as children. Undocumented immigrant children have a legal right to attend free public primary and secondary schools. However, in most states undocumented immigrants are treated as out-of-state students in public colleges and universities, and are therefore required to pay substantially higher tuition than other state residents. Since 2001, 21 of 50 U.S. states have implemented policies that allow undocumented immigrants to qualify for in-state resident tuition (ISRT) at public colleges and universities. In 12 of these states undocumented immigrants are also eligible for financial aid. In this study we present strong evidence that both ISRT policies and access to financial aid significantly increase the college enrollment and graduation rates of undocumented immigrants but have no impact on the college enrollment or graduation rates of U.S.-born youth. Another important change in immigration policy that affects many undocumented immigrant children is the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA allows undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children to obtain legal employment. The potential of being able to work legally in the United States could represent a significant increase in earnings as well as a substantial increase in the perceived benefits of higher education. Our findings present evidence that DACA led to an increase in youth employment and a decrease in college enrollment rates. Further, we find no evidence that the introduction of DACA reduced or increased the positive impact of ISRT and financial aid policies.
Hard-X-ray spectra of active galactic nuclei in the INTEGRAL complete sample

In this paper, we present the hard X-ray spectral analysis of a complete sample of AGN de- tected by INTEGRAL/IBIS. In conjunction with IBIS spectra, we make use of Swift/BAT data, with the aim of cross-calibrating the two instruments, studying source variability and con- straining some important spectral parameters. We find that flux variability is present in at least 14% of the sample, while spectral variability is found only in one object. There is general good agreement between BAT and IBIS spectra, despite a systematic mismatch of about 22% in normalisation. When fitted with a simple power-law model, type 1 and type 2 sources appear to have very similar average photon indices, suggesting that they are powered by the same mechanism. As expected, we also find that a simple power-law does not always describe the data sufficiently well, thus indicating a certain degree of spectral complexity, which can be ascribed to features like a high energy cut-off and/or a reflection component. Fixing the reflection to be 0, 1 or 2, we find that our sample covers quite a large range in photon indices as well as cut-off energies; however, the spread is due only to a small number of objects, while the majority of the AGN lie within well defined boundaries of photon index (1<{\Gamma}<2) and cut-off energy (30
ANTIBODIES TO FOUR GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WHICH SHARE SEQUENCES WITH THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SUSCEPTIBILITY MOTIF

The association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and HLA-DR haplotypes DR1 DRBl*0101, DR4 [subtypes DRB 1*0404 (Dwl4), DRB 1*0405 (Dwl5)] and DR6 subtype DRB1*14O2 (Dwl6) present in Yakima Indians, has been reported [1]. A particular region of the DR/? 1 chain, from position 70 to 74 (QRRAA), has been identified as the molecular sequence responsible for susceptibility to RA [2]. This sequence closely resembles one found in DRB 1*0401 (DR4/Dw4) (QKRAA) where there is a conservative substitution. Glutamic acid (E) occupying position 69 is common to all DR/J1 molecules. We have identified an amino acid sequence homology between the RA susceptibility sequence EQRRAA and a biochemical/ charge similarity sequence ESRRAL, spanning residues 32-37 of the surface membrane haemolysin of Proteus mirabilis (Hpm B polypeptide). The same hexamer sequence was found in the membrane haemolysin of Serratia marcescens (Shi B polypeptide) [3, 4]. Furthermore, homologous sequences were also found in Escherichia coli (QKRAA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DQRRAA). Previous studies by our group and others have reported that active RA patients have raised antibodies to P. mirabilis [5-7]. This study was undertaken to investigate whether RA patients with active disease also have antibodies to these other microorganisms.
The Value and Performance of U.S. Corporations

THE VALUE OF A CORPORATION is known from hour to hour in the stock market. The performance of a corporation, from the shareholders' perspective, is measured by the corporation's ability to pay dividends, now and in the indefinite future. Our research investigates the relation between value and performance. We use modern finance theory as a benchmark for valuation. Finance theory holds that, on average, the current value of a share is the discounted value of the future dividends the share earns. The theory is explicit about the discount rate. If, on average, over firms and over time, shares sell for less than the discounted value of the dividends the shares ultimately pay, it means that the stock market undervalues those shares; investors require a higher rate of return than theory suggests they should. Our motivation for this research is the persistent criticism that American capitalism, with its focus on stock prices determined by myopic investors, diverts managers from efficient, long-term investments toward the style of management most pleasing to the stock market. We ask if certain managerial decisions or firm characteristics result in stock prices that are higher or lower than the benchmark provided by finance theory. Is the market systematically shortsighted with respect to all activities, placing too little value on deferred payoffs? Did this problem worsen
THERMAL DEGRADATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF FOUR WOOD SPECIES USED IN LUMBER INDUSTRY

The aim of this work was characterize four wood waste samples from lumber industry in order to obtain previous information about structure and properties of wood before use it as a biofuel or as reinforcement in composite formulations. The influence of wood components on the thermal degradation stability of different wood species has been investigated using thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Four wood species, Eucalyptus grandis (EUG), Pinus elliottii (PIE), Dipteryx odorata (DIP) and Mezilaurus itauba (ITA), were used in this study. The results showed that higher extractives contents may form a thin film on the wood fiber surface which can accelerate the degradation process and reduce the wood thermal stability
Universal Scaling Limits for Generalized Gamma Polytopes.

Fix a space dimension $d\ge 2$, parameters $\alpha > -1$ and $\beta \ge 1$, and let $\gamma_{d,\alpha, \beta}$ be the probability measure of an isotropic random vector in $\mathbb{R}^d$ with density proportional to \begin{align*} ||x||^\alpha\, \exp\left(-\frac{\|x\|^\beta}{\beta}\right), \qquad x\in \mathbb{R}^d. \end{align*} By $K_\lambda$, we denote the Generalized Gamma Polytope arising as the random convex hull of a Poisson point process in $\mathbb{R}^d$ with intensity measure $\lambda\gamma_{d,\alpha,\beta}$, $\lambda>0$. We establish that the scaling limit of the boundary of $K_\lambda$, as $\lambda \rightarrow \infty$, is given by a universal `festoon' of piecewise parabolic surfaces, independent of $\alpha$ and $\beta$. Moreover, we state a list of other large scale asymptotic results, including expectation and variance asymptotics, central limit theorems, concentration inequalities, Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund-type strong laws of large numbers, as well as moderate deviation principles for the intrinsic volumes and face numbers of $K_\lambda$.
Working Paper WP / 15 / 026 Trust and Quality of Growth : A Note

The transition from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has substantially shifted the policy debate from growth to inclusive growth. In this short note, we revisit the trust-growth nexus by exploiting a dataset on quality of growth (QG), recently made available to the scientific community. The empirical evidence is based on interactive contemporary and non-contemporary quantile regressions. Inequality and human development modifying variables are used as additional controls. The findings broadly support the positive role of trust in QG. In addition, relatively high thresholds of inequality are needed to change this positive trust-QG nexus in some distributions. JEL Classification: A13; I30; O40; Z13
Acceleration of radiation belts electrons by oblique chorus waves

[1] The redistribution of energy during the recovery phase of geomagnetic storms related to the acceleration of electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt by cyclotron-resonant chorus waves is an important and challenging topic of magnetospheric plasma physics. An approximate analytical formulation of energy diffusion coefficients is derived in this paper, on the basis of a quasi-linear formalism valid for large enough bandwidths or for successive random scatter by uncorrelated waves of different frequencies and moderate average amplitudes. We make use of chorus wave parameterizations derived from CLUSTER measurements to show that oblique whistler waves can significantly increase the energy diffusion rate of small pitch angle electrons on the dayside. On the other hand, the energization rate of the more numerous high pitch angle electrons is typically reduced by a factor of 2 on the dayside, while it remains nearly unchanged on the nightside where high-intensity waves are less oblique. Besides, lifetimes are strongly reduced on the dayside, which could also impact the long-term time-integrated acceleration rates of injected electrons. Comparison between the analytical formulas and full numerical results demonstrates a good agreement and provides new scaling laws as a function of whistler mean frequency, plasma density and particle energy. It is also suggested that the enhancement of energy diffusion of low energy electrons (<100 keV) at small pitch angles with oblique waves could result in an intensification of wave growth at latitudes higher than 15°. This might contribute to explain high chorus intensities measured by CLUSTER on the dayside at high latitudes.
To assess the knowledge, attitude and behaviour on dog bites and its management in the prevention of rabies among general population in an urban area in Tamil Nadu

Rabies is a major health issue in the urban areas where there are many free roaming dogs. The absence of knowledge among people regarding the management of dog bites results in increased death due to rabies. Myths and indigenous methods have a greater influence on people than the available vaccines with proven efficacy. Rabies is a 100% fatal disease that can be prevented by timely intervention. Knowledge, attitude and practice among the people play an important role in reducing death due to rabies.So this study aims to assess and evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behaviour on dog bites and its management in the prevention of rabies among general population. A Pretested questionnaire regarding the knowledge, attitude and behaviour on dog bites and it management, containing 34 questions, was used. A cross sectional descriptive study was performed on 205 residents of an urban area (Thirumazhisai) in Tamil Nadu. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS10. A total of 205 subjects were studied. 52 subjects had heard of rabies and knew that it could be spread by animal bite. Regarding the animals that could spread rabies, 52 subjects reported dogs to be the most common source, the second commonest response being cats (24 subjects). Knowledge, attitude and behaviour study suggests that there is need to create awareness amongst the masses regarding epidemiology of the disease and merits of prompt and appropriate post exposure treatment.
The Interaction amongst Trade, Investment and Competition Policies

The report focuses on the complementarities between trade, investment and competition policies and analyses how policy coherence can be promoted in these three important areas that shape incentives for firms and individuals to be more productive and for markets to be more competitive. It also deals with the potential inconsistencies or tensions that may arise between trade, investment and competition reforms and how to ease them. It shows that specific policy goals can be achieved while maintaining an open and procompetitive environment. Overall, the analysis highlights the role of governments in providing the right incentives to facilitate the adjustment to the internationalisation of production and the important synergies between policies that can be exploited to promote growth. It is not only the case in contestable markets but also in the context of market failures where pro-competitive policies can address specific distortions and mitigate the adverse effects of reforms. The report includes the results of a survey collecting the experience of policymakers on complementarities between trade, investment and competition policies.
An evaluation of the desirable characteristics of a supervisor

In this paper we propose a model of postgraduate supervision which broadens the traditional focus on “expertise” to include support for the student and the capacity to balance creativity with criticism in supervision. Based on this model, we report results of a survey of postgraduate students in the Faculty of Agriculture at UWA investigating the desirable characteristics of a supervisor. We find that students clearly rank nonexpertise-related characteristics of supervision which provide support and which balance creativity with criticism as more important overall than expertise-related characteristics. We use these results to argue for staff development opportunities to be enhanced to enable academics to receive training in these areas of supervision competence which are ostensibly unrelated to expertise.
Team Potency and Its Impact on Performance via Self-efficacy and Adaptability

In sales, working together as a team for achieving individual performance is a relevant element. In this paper, we suggest a theoretical framework that analyzes the impact of team potency on subjective performance, according to two mechanisms: self-efficacy and adaptability. The hypotheses suggest that (a) team potency has a positive relationship with self-efficacy and adaptability; self-efficacy and adaptability impact performance (b) directly and (c) indirectly, through a mediating role; and (d) interpersonal climate quality moderates these associations. We did a national survey with 290 salespeople organized in 101 teams from a water purification company. We used multilevel analyses and results suggested that sales team potency has a main effect on self-efficacy and adaptability. Second, results showed that self-efficacy and adaptability explain subjective performance. Third, self-efficacy and adaptability mediate the association between team potency and individual performance. Fourth, we did not find support for a moderating role of interpersonal climate quality on team potency. Final remarks and future research are discussed in the paper.
The Direct and Indirect Effects of Personality on Data Breach in Education Through the Task-Related Compulsive Technology use: M-Learning Perspective

Literature is lack of understanding the negative outcome of compulsive technology use (CTU) and security/data breach in virtual learning environment. This research employs task-related CTU with consideration of university students’ use of mobile devices in m-learning environment and investigates the impact of personality diversity on task-related CTU. It is also tested whether task-related CTU increases the likelihood of data breach. Medium of access (mobile devices) is tested as moderating variable. Agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and external locus of control significantly influences task-related CTU, while agreeableness and conscientiousness also impact the likelihood of data breach. Task-related CTU significantly leads to likelihood of data breach and medium of access moderates this relationship. This research is one of the few studies addressing data breach in education and role of excessive technology use on risky cyber-security behavior of students, which can guide m-learning system designers to take safety measures against data and privacy theft.
Climate change leads to decreasing bird migration distances

Global climate change has led to warmer winters in NW Europe, shortening the distance between suitable overwintering areas and the breeding areas of many bird species. Here we show that winter recovery distances have decreased over the past seven decades, for birds ringed during the breeding season in the Netherlands between 1932 and 2004. Of the 24 species included in the analysis, we found in 12 a significant decrease of the distance to the wintering site. Species from dry, open areas shortened their distance the most, species from wet, open areas the least, while woodland species fall in between the other two habitats. The decline in migration distance is likely due to climate change, as migration distances are negatively correlated with the Dutch temperatures in the winter of recovery. With a shorter migration distance, species should be better able to predict the onset of spring at their breeding sites and this could explain the stronger advancement of arrival date found in several short distance species relative to long‐distance migrants.
Tree-Based Ecosystem Approaches (TBEAs) as Multi-Functional Land Management Strategies—Evidence from Rwanda

Densely populated rural areas in the East African Highlands have faced significant intensification challenges under extreme population pressure on their land and ecosystems. Sustainable agricultural intensification, in the context of increasing cropping intensities, is a prerequisite for deliberate land management strategies that deliver multiple ecosystem goods (food, energy, income sources, etc.) and services (especially improving soil conditions) on the same land, as well as system resilience, if adopted at scale. Tree based ecosystem approaches (TBEAs) are among such multi-functional land management strategies. Knowledge on the multi-functionality of TBEAs and on their scaling up, however, remains severely limited due to several methodological challenges. This study aims at offering an analytical perspective to view multi-functional TBEAs as an integral part of sustainable agricultural intensification. The study proposes a conceptual framework to guide the analysis of socio-economic data and applies it to cross-site analysis of TBEAs in extremely densely populated Rwanda. Heterogeneous TBEAs were identified across Rwanda’s different agro-ecological zones to meet locally-specific smallholders’ needs for a set of ecosystem goods and services on the same land. The sustained adoption of TBEAs would be guaranteed if farmers subjectively recognize their compatibility and synergy with sustainable intensification of existing farming systems, supported by favorable institutional conditions.