Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Streptomycin-resistant bacteria associated with fire blight infections

Streptomycin-resistant strains of Erwinia amylovora were not detected from samples of 357 fire blight-infected apple and pear tissues collected from 38 orchards in New York State. Streptomycin-resistant strains of other species were detected in the fire blight-infected tissues from four apple (cv. Crispin) orchards. These included strains of oxidase-positive and oxidase-negative Pseudomonas spp. and strains of Pantoea agglomerans (.)
An improved Terra/Aqua MODIS snow-cover and RGI6.0 glacier combined product (MOYDGL06*) for the High Mountain Asia between 2002 and 2018

Snow is a significant component of the ecosystem and water resources in the High Mountain Asia (HMA). Therefore, an accurate, continuous and long-term snow monitoring is indispensable for the water resources management and economic development. The present study improves Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard Terra 10 and Aqua 8-day composite snow–cover Collection 6 (C6) named as MOD10A2.006 and MYD10A2.006, respectively for HMA by a multi-step approach. The primary purpose of this study was to reduce uncertainty in the Terra/Aqua MODIS snow cover and generate a combined snow cover product. For reducing underestimation mainly caused by cloud cover, we used seasonal, temporal, and spatial filters. For reducing overestimation caused by MODIS sensor, we combined MODIS Terra and Aqua snow-cover products considering snow only if a pixel is a snow in both the products otherwise no snow, unlike some 15 previous studies considering snow if any of the Terra or Aqua product is snow. Our methodology generates a new product which removes a significant amount of uncertainty in Terra and Aqua MODIS 8-day composite C6 products comprising 46% overestimation and 3.66% underestimation, mainly caused by sensor limitations and cloud cover, respectively. The results were validated using Landsat 8 data as ground truth, both for winter and summer at twenty well-distributed sites in the study area. Our validated adopted methodology improved accuracy on average by 10%, mainly reducing the snow overestimation. 20 The final product covers the period from 2002 to 2018, as a combination of snow and glaciers created by merging Randolph Glacier Inventory Version 6.0 (RGI6.0) glacier boundaries separately debris-covered and debris-free to the final snow product namely MOYDGL06*. We have processed approximately seven hundred and forty-six images of each Terra and Aqua MODIS snow containing approximately one hundred thousand satellite individual images. Furthermore, this product can be served as a valuable input dataset for hydrological/glaciological modelling to assess the melt contribution of snow-covered area. The 25 data is available for end-users which can be used in various climatological and water-related studies. The data is available at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.901821 (Muhammad and Thapa, 2019).
Brazilian logistics practitioners' perceptions on sustainability: an exploratory study

PurposeConfronting globalization, logistics systems need to achieve greater efficiency in processes to be competitive. Competitiveness is not related only to economic aspects; companies need to perform their activities aligned to the triple bottom line concept. In this context, the main objective of this research is to analyze how Brazilian professionals think about sustainable logistics through an exploratory study.Design/methodology/approachA set of 33 indicators, compiled from a literature review, was used to develop a research instrument applied in a survey of 50 professionals working with logistics processes in Brazilian companies. First, the Cronbach's alpha was run to verify the questionnaire reliability. Respondents were grouped through cluster hierarchical analysis, and their answers were analyzed through TOPSIS technique.FindingsThe results from the sample analysis showed that Brazilian professionals think in the three dimensions of TBL when considering sustainable logistics systems; however, social aspects are relegated to a second level of importance when compared with environmental and economic indicators. In addition, it is possible to highlight that most important environmental aspects are directly related to economic objectives.Originality/valueThere are few studies examining sustainable logistics system in Brazilian companies that consider the purpose mentioned by evidencing originality in the same way as this current study. The results presented here can contribute to amplifying debates in the theme.
FISCAL EQUALIZATION TRANSFERS AND PROVINCIAL INCOME DISPARITIES IN CANADA: AN ECONOMETRIC REASSESSMENT

This paper uses the panel data method and data from 1982 to 2006 to examine the effect of federal equalization transfers on provincial income disparities in Canadian. Estimation problems of weak instruments and endogenous regressors are addressed by the use of a system generalized method of moment estimator. The results from the empirical analysis indicate that the current rate of convergence of personal income in Canada is 4.48 percent per year. This rate is considerably higher than the range of 1.80 and 2.41 percent per year that previous studies using least square estimators have reported. The findings from the policy analysis show that the fiscal transfers, which are part of the federal equalization program, have reduced provincial income disparities by accelerating the speed of convergence for Canadian provinces. JEL Classification Numbers: O18; O38; O41; O51
House Banks in Out-of-court Reorganization: Evidence from Austria

The main purpose of this article is to study the role of house banks in out-of-court reorganization. Banks are traditionally one of the most important financial resources for firms. Especially in financially difficult times like those we now face due to the coronavirus, it can make a difference whether a bank supports its clients and accompanies firms through a crisis or not. With the help of relationship lending theory, we review the existing literature on this topic. Next, based on empirical findings from Austrian banks, we derive implications for corporate practice. The empirical study covers a sample of 658 firm reorganizations in Austria. The data were collected anonymously by different banks processing the cases in their workout departments between January 2011 and December 2013. Correlation analysis and logistic regression were applied to analyze the data. The findings indicate that house banks, despite their relationship of trust, must be critical in their assessment of reorganization projects due to the danger of zombie lending. The four most important prerequisites for completing an out-of-court reorganization were a new loan, an open and proactive communication policy on the part of the distressed company, management changes, and a financial contribution from existing shareholders. The findings show that bank-supported out-of-court reorganization has a high probability of success. A recommendation to entrepreneurs is to respond rapidly to financial distress and maintain open communication with stakeholders, in particular banks. The findings indicate that the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/1023 on preventive restructuring frameworks in the European Union is crucial to enable bank-led reorganizations.
Estimating Risk Premia in DSGE Models with Stochastic Volatility

Estimating risk premia in DSGE models with stochastic volatility presents keen computational challenges. To overcome these challenges, we develop a Bayesian algorithm that, together with an affine solution method based on log-normality, provides a computationally efficient framework for estimating risk premia in DSGE models with stochastic volatility. We use our algorithm to estimate a DSGE model with recursive preferences and volatility, time-preference, technology, and investment shocks. Timepreference and technology shocks are primarily responsible for the sizable equity risk premium in the estimated DSGE model. The estimated historical stochastic volatility and equity risk premium series display pronounced countercyclical fluctuations. JEL classifications: C11, C58, E32, E44, G12
Land Use Change and Livelihoods in the Plantation Nouvelle de Ngambe Tikar (Pnnt) Community Forest, Center Region of Cameroon

This study aims at identifying changes in land use composition, structure and distribution in PNNT Community Forest in the Center Region of Cameroon, from 2001 to 2020 and to investigate the impact of the search for livelihoods on the change. Obtained results revealed that there are four major land uses in the PNNT community forest; Moist evergreen forest, degraded forest, savanna and bare soils. Land use change analysis indicated that, the surface area covered by moist evergreen forest reduced by 5% while that of savanna reduced by 15.4% from 2001 to 2020. The findings indicated that 255,87 hectares of moist evergreen forest was lost between 2001 and 2020; an average of 13.47 hectares per year. The surface area of savanna reduced significantly from 1919.28 hectares in 2001, 1658.39 hectares in 2011 and to 1124,91 hectares in 2020. Results further revealed a substantial increase in the surface area of bare soil by 17% and degraded forest by 3.4% over 19 years. The total surface area of degraded forest increased by 174.4 hectares from 2001 to 2020. The land use with the most significant positive change was bare soils which increased from 396.61 hectares in 2001 to 1272.45 in 2020; a global increase of 875.84 hectares. Agricultural expansion, increased logging and harvesting of non-timber forest were identified as drivers of land use change in the community forest.
Equity Issues and Debt Restructuring: Evidence from an Emerging Market

This paper examines whether new equities in an emerging economy are issued more to finance new investment opportunities or to recapitalize existing assets in place. Using a sample of 3,184 follow-on primary common stock issues offered by Korean publicly-traded firms between 2000 and 2013, we find that more than a third of the total proceeds are issued to creditors in direct exchange for debt. We also find that equity issuers are in severe financial distress prior to the issue, and more likely to experience a subsequent change in control. The proceeds are used more to replace existing debt than to increase R&D. These findings suggest that one important function of new equities in emerging markets may be to recapitalize existing assets through debt restructuring or control transfers than to finance growth options. JEL classification: G32 Keyword: Equity issue, Debt Restructuring, Emerging market, Debt-equity swap, Control transfer
Staphylococcal Pore-forming Leukotoxins: Opening of Ca2+-activated K+ Channels and Specificity of Membrane Pores in Human Neutrophils

Pore-forming toxins are key virulence determinants produced by human bacterial pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, inducing two independent cellular events in neutrophils. Upon a specific binding to membrane receptors, both Panton and Valentin Leukocidin and γ-hemolysin induced an increase of Na+ and K+ fluxes, likely associated to the activation of preexisting ionic channels or to the membrane pores formation. This was investigated by using, spectrofluorometry techniques and, specific molecular probes in human neutrophils. Interestingly, we found that, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, leukotoxins did form membrane pores, which were large enough to allow a massive entry of ethidium into neutrophils. Simultaneously, sustained Na+ influx and K+ efflux were observed. Another set of experiments carried out in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ did show that, the percentage of pores formed by leukotoxins was significantly, reduced due to the Ca2+ effect to eventually protect cells from lysis. The simultaneous recording of Na+ and K+ movements showed a significant increase of the K+ efflux although, the Na+ influx was reduced. By using potassium channels blockers, we found that, the potassium efflux enhanced by the presence of extracellular Ca2+, was markedly, inhibited in apamin-, charybdotoxin-, tetrodotoxin-, and quinine-pretreatment neutrophils. We also found that, the increase of the K+ efflux was reduced by either, thapsigargin or TMB8, potent blockers of the internal Ca2+ stores depletion. Consequently, we proposed that, the activation of another potassium pathway by leukotoxins, known as Ca2+-activated K+ channels following the Ca2+ stores depletion. Furthermore, potassium channels blockers did not affect ethidium, Na+ and K+ movements, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Moreover, in this condition, no monovalent ions movement was recorded, when the pores formation was altered by tetra-ethyl-ammonium. In the present study, we further highlighted the specificity of membrane pores to Na+ and K+ ions when, the pores formation was completely blocked by divalent ions blockers (Ca2+ and Zn2+). Under these conditions, no monovalent ions movement, was recorded although, a significant influx of Ca2+ and Zn2+ was observed after the leukotoxins application. In conclusion, our data provided an evidence that, staphylococcal leukotoxins induced in human neutrophils: 1) the opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels, only in the presence of 1 mM extracellular Ca2+; 2) the formation of membrane pores, which exhibited a high specificity to monovalent cations and, 3) an influx of sodium, through a tetrodotoxin not-sensitive pathway ruling out the hypothesis that, Na+ channels could be activated by leukotoxins.
Noise reduction mechanisms of an open-cell metal-foam trailing edge

Open-cell porous materials have been reported as a promising concept for mitigating turbulent boundary-layer trailing-edge noise. This manuscript examines the aeroacoustics of a porous trailing edge to study its noise reduction mechanisms. Numerical investigations have been carried out for a NACA 0018 aerofoil with three different types of trailing edge: a baseline solid trailing edge, a fully porous trailing edge and a blocked-porous variant in which a solid core is added at the symmetry plane. The latter prevents flow interaction between the two sides of the aerofoil. Flow-field solutions are obtained by solving the explicit, transient and compressible lattice-Boltzmann equation, while the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings acoustic analogy has been used to compute far-field noise. The porous material is modelled using an equivalent fluid region governed by Darcy’s law, in which the properties of a Ni-Cr-Al open-cell metal foam are applied. The simulation results are validated against reference data from experiments. The regular porous trailing edge reduces noise substantially, particularly at low frequency, whereas the blocked variant retains similar noise characteristics as the solid one. By employing a beamforming technique, the dominant source is found at the trailing edge for the solid and blocked trailing edges, while for the fully porous one, the dominant source is located near the solid–porous junction. The analysis of the scattered sound suggests that the permeability of the porous trailing edge allows for acoustic scattering along the porous medium surface that promotes destructive interference, and in turn, attenuates far-field noise intensity. The spectra and spanwise coherence of surface pressure fluctuations at the trailing edge are hardly affected by the presence of the porous material, which are found to be insufficient to justify the noise reduction. The flow field inside the porous medium is also examined to explain the differences between the fully porous and blocked-porous trailing edges. While the mean velocity components are similar for both, substantial difference is found for the velocity fluctuations. The impedance of the porous medium is computed as the ratio of velocity and pressure fluctuations. Unlike the blocked variant, the impedance in the fully porous trailing edge gradually decreases along the downstream direction, which leads to the distributed noise scattering along the porous medium surface. Additionally, the scattering efficiency at the actual trailing edge location is reduced due to the smaller impedance discontinuity.
Efeitos da BR-070 na Província Serrana de Cáceres, Mato Grosso, sobre a comunidade de vertebrados silvestres

Nas ultimas decadas varios estudos tem demonstrado os diferentes impactos das rodovias (auto-estradas) sobre a comunidade de vertebrados, desde a perda e fragmentacao de seus habitats a sua morte por atropelamentos. Neste estudo, buscou-se estimar o numero de atropelamentos durante o periodo de um no na BR-070, levando em consideracao dois tipos de paisagens, pastos implantados e vegetacao original. Um total de 211 individuos e 41 especies de vertebrados foram registrados durante o periodo de estudo em um trecho de 63 Km. Dentre os grupos analisados, os mamiferos foram os mais atropelados, tanto em numero de individuos quanto em numero de especies, seguidos pelas aves, repteis e anfibios. Dentre os mamiferos, tres especies foram encontradas mortas em maior quantidade, Cerdocyon thous, Euphractus sexcinctus e Tamandua tetradactyla,sendo a primeira mais encontrada em areas de borda do que de pastagens. O baixo numero de anfibios pode ser reflexo do ambiente seco da area amostrada com presenca de poucos corpos d’agua. O periodo com maiores taxas de atropelamentos foi durante a seca, provavelmente por influencia do aumento das areas territoriais em funcao da escassex de recursos, queimadas, etc, embora estes resultados nao tenham sido significativos. Do total de vertebrados atropelados nas diferentes areas naturais e de pastagens, apenas as aves se mostraram significativamente mais vitimizadas nas areas de borda quando comparadas as areas de pastagem. Sinais de transito, reducao da velocidade nos pontos mais perigosos, como pontes e tuneis, provavelmente diminuiriam estes impactos.
Robot-assisted spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy (RA-SPDP): a single center experience

Aim : To define the outcome of robot-assisted spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy (RA-SPDP) in a high-volume center. Methods : A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify RA-SPDP performed at our Center between April 2008 to October 2017. Results : During the study period, RA-SPDP was attempted in 54 patients. The spleen was preserved, always along with the splenic vessels (Kimura procedure), in 52 patients (96.3%). There were no conversions to open or laparoscopic surgery. Mean operative time was 260 min (231.3-360.0). Grade B post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurred in 19 patients (35.2%). There were no grade C POPF. Two patients required repeat surgery because of postoperative bleeding and splenic infarction, respectively. There were no post-operative deaths at 90 days. Excluding one patient with known diagnosis of metastasis from renal cell carcinoma, malignancy was eventually identified in 7 of 53 patients (13.2%). Conclusion : In the hands of dedicated pancreatic surgeons, robotic assistance results in a high rate of spleen preservation with good clinical outcomes. Despite careful preoperative selection, several patients can be found to
Chlorophyll Fluorescence as a Probe of the Photosynthetic Competence of Leaves in the Field: A Review of Current Instrumentation

Chlorophyll fluorescence has been widely used in laboratory studies in understanding both the mechanism of photosynthesis itself and the mechanisms by which a range of environmental factors alter photosynthetic capacity. The measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence is both non-destructive and non-invasive, and thus has considerable potential for use in the field situation. Applications range simply from a means of rapidly identifying injury to leaves in the absence of visible symptoms to a detailed analysis of causes of change in photosynthetic capacity. This paper introduces the topic of chlorophyll fluorescence, its interpretation and its application in field studies, giving particular attention to interpretation and measurement of fluorescence induction kinetics and to the application of recently developed modulated light fluorimeters. Three commercial fluorimeters designed for field applications were compared: (1) Plant Stress Meter, BioMonitor AB, Sweden; (2) MFMS, Hansatech Ltd, UK; (3) PAM 101, H. Walz, Federal Republic of Germany. The structure and potential of each are briefly reviewed. It was beyond the scope of this comparison to examine the full potential of each instrument but measurements of the widely used parameter Fv/Fmax were made with each on: (1) Triticum aestivum L. leaves treated with the herbicide Atrazine; and (2) Picea abies (L.) Karst. samples collected from sites which were known to receive different levels of ambient air pollution. In both experiments, the results obtained from the three fluorimeters showed good agreement. The relative merits of each instrument to field applications are discussed. Key-words: Chlorophyll fluorescence, stress detection, fluorimeters, Atrazine treatment, photosynthesis, air pollutants, photosystem II
Real convergence between ENP and southern European countries: a cluster analysis

This paper analyses the convergence pattern of GDP per capita, productivity, inequality and unemployment in both ENP and southern European (SE) countries. It follows the methodology proposed by Phillips and Sul (2007, 2009) in which different convergence paths can be distinguished among heterogeneous economies involved in a convergence process. This heterogeneity is modelled through a nonlinear time varying factor model, which provides flexibility in studying idiosyncratic behaviours over time and across section. The main results from the convergence analysis show that whereas there is convergence in unemployment, GDP per capita and productivity between EU and ENP countries, no convergence is found for inequality. Among the challenges of an evolving neighbourhood, inclusive economic development should be included in the new ENP approach.
EFFECTS OF INITIAL STATIC SHEAR ON CYCLIC RESISTANCE AND PORE WATER GENERATION OF DENSE TOYOURA SAND IN LARGE-STRAIN TORSIONAL SHEAR TESTS

In this paper, the influence of initial static shear on the deformation characteristics of dense Toyoura sand (Dr ~ 71%) during undrained cyclic shearing is presented. Air pluviated hollow cylindrical specimens were isotopically consolidated and subsequently sheared by using a modified torsional shear device. By using two different combinations of cyclic and static shear stresses, two types of cyclic behavior (i.e. cyclic mobility and residual deformation accumulation) were attained. It was observed that the presence of static shear influenced the effective stress path, shear strain development, and pore water pressure development. Under stress reversal loading conditions, the static shear effects are detrimental leading to the reduction of the cyclic resistance. Whereas, for intermediate stress reversal loading conditions, the effect of initial static shear on cyclic resistance is beneficial.
Multidimensional deprivation of persons with disabilities and Community-based rehabilitation: a multilevel impact evaluation

According to the literature persons with disabiliti es have a higher likelihood of experiencing multidimensional poverty in developing countries be cause of the institutional, environmental and attitudinal discrimination encountered. Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs are c onsidered an effective approach to reducing multidimensional poverty and promoting the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities. The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of C BR programs on the well-being of deprived persons with disabilities from a multidimensional p erspective using a multilevel analysis. This approach takes explicitly into account the potentia l bi s due to the fact that persons with disabilities live and interact in different local c ontexts (villages). Data are obtained from a large scale survey in two districts of Karnakata State (I ndia). The impact of CBR is positive and significant on de prived persons with disabilities. Its magnitude varies across different dimensions of wel l-b ing.