Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Financial constraints and carbon emissions: an empirical investigation

Purpose This study aims to empirically examine the influence of financial constraints on firm carbon emissions. In addition to the role of financial constraints in firm-level carbon emissions, this study also examines this influence in the presence of governance, environmental orientation and firm-level attributes. Design/methodology/approach Using pooled ordinary least square, this study examines the impact of financial constraints on firm-level carbon emissions using a panel of 1,536 US firm-year observations from 2008 to 2019. This study also used two-step generalized method of moment–based dynamic panel data and two-stage least square approaches to address potential endogeneity. The results are robust to endogeneity and collinearity issues. Findings The results suggest that financial constraints enhance the carbon emissions of the firms. The economic significance of financial constraints on carbon emissions is more pronounced for the firms that do not report environment-related expenditure investment and those that are highly leveraged. The authors further document that firms with a nondiverse gender board signify a statistically significant impact of financial constraints on carbon emissions. These results are also economically significant, as one standard deviation increase in financial constraints is associated with a 3.340% increase in carbon emissions at the firm level. Research limitations/implications Some implicit and explicit factors like corporate emissions policy and culture may condition the relationship of financial constraints with carbon emissions. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to consider these factors for future research. In addition, it is beneficial to identify the thresholds and/or quantiles at which financial constraints may significantly make a difference in enhancing carbon emissions. Practical implications The findings offer policy implications for investment in stakeholder engagement for capital acquisitions, thereby effectively enforcing environmental innovation and leading to a reduction in carbon emissions. Originality/value This study integrated governance and environment-oriented variables in the model to empirically examine the role of financial constraints on the carbon emissions of the firms in the USA over and above what has already been documented in the earlier literature.
The seismicity and deep structure of Island arcs

The hypocenters of approximately 1500 earthquakes in the Tonga-Fiji, Kermadec, Kuril-Kamchatka, and Caribbean regions were redetermined using a digital computer. Since these computations are more accurate than those used in most previous studies, the spatial distribution of the redetermined hypocenters can be used to resolve structural features with dimensions larger than about 20 km. In each of the regions investigated in this paper a zone of intense seismic activity was found beneath the inner (islandward) margin of the oceanic trench. Near its northern end the Tonga trench curves abruptly to the west; the belts of shallow and deep earthquakes and the chain of active volcanoes curve similarly. Thus the tectonic processes responsible for the earthquakes, the volcanoes, and the trench are intimately related for depths from 0 to 650 km. Theories that attempt to explain the curvature of the trench must account for a similar curvature in the belts of deep and shallow earthquakes. The distribution of earthquake hypocenters in the New Hebrides and Tonga-Fiji regions indicates that these arcs are part of a larger structural feature. Earthquake foci in the Tonga-Fiji region are confined to a zone about 50 to 100 km thick that dips under the arc. In at least some regions this focal surface can be regarded as a continuous zone of tectonic activity that extends from the surface to a depth of about 650 km. Within the accuracy of the computations the dip of this zone is independent of depth. Similar results were obtained for the Kermadec, Kuril-Kamchatka, and Lesser Antillean arcs. A discontinuity in seismicity between the Tonga and Kermadec arcs can be traced from the surface to a depth of about 650 km. Near the southern end of the Tonga arc the depth of maximum deep-focus activity decreases from about 625 km to about 475 km within a horizontal distance of about 500 km. It is unlikely that this pronounced peak in the deep-focus activity is associated either with a phase change or with a particular layer unless the physical or chemical properties of the mantle have large lateral variations.
Testing for Change in the Frequency of El Niño Events.

Abstract This note describes and applies a test for trend in the frequency of El Nino events over the period 1525–1987. Although there appears to have been a significant increase in frequency over this period, this result is consistent with an overall increase in the completeness of the historical record. When the analysis is repeated for the later part of the period and for strong events alone, no significant trends are found.
Inquiry-Based Experimental Design for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning of Chemistry Concepts

Chemistry concepts to be well learned by students, there might be a conducive learning environment and this is due to the approach employed by educators. This review then is about inquiry-based experiment design as an innovative teaching and learning tool that enhances chemistry instruction. By collecting all related kinds of literature, we used Google Scholar, ERIC, and Web of Science database. The conclusion of this literature review revealed that effective implementation of inquiry-based experiment design enhances the teaching and learning of chemistry concepts. It is also recommended that chemistry educators could be trained on the professional use of the approach for the good classroom implication and students’ understanding of the concepts learned. Further studies should focus on the use of inquiry-based experiment design in the teaching and learning chemistry concepts.
New substorm index derived from high-resolution geomagnetic field data at low latitude and its comparison with AE and ASY indices

1 Data Analysis Center for Geomagnetism and Space Magnetism, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Japan 2 Kakioka Magnetic Observatory, Japan Meteorological Agency, Japan 3 Instituto de Geofisica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico 4 Remote Sensing and Geomagnetism, Danish Meteorological Institute, Denmark 5 United States Geological Survey, United States 6 Geophysical Observatory, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Germany 7 Geomagnetism Laboratory, Kandilli Campus, Bogazici University, Turkey 8 Observatori de L'Ebre, CSIC Universitat Ramon Llull, Spain
Grid Interactive Charging of EVs in PV-Powered Parking Lots Considering Uncertainties

Electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy play a crucial role in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and energy security. However, the increasing adoption of EVs brings with it several challenges related to the charging load. This paper proposes a new stochastic approach for coordinated charging/discharging of EVs in a parking lot powered with photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. The main aim of the strategy is to schedule the charging/discharging of EVs to satisfy their energy needs while minimizing the operating cost of the parking lot. In this study, the coordinated grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operating modes are compared against the first-come/first-serve (FCFS) charging mode. To obtain practical results, different uncertainties associated with EVs and PV generation are considered using stochastic optimization. The uncertainties are considered using the sample average approximation method by applying the Monte Carlo Simulation. Hence, a mixed integer linear programming problem is formulated and is solved using CPLEX to minimize the expected day-ahead operating cost of the parking lot. Several Scenario studies are simulated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, which achieved up to 24% reduction in operating costs on weekdays.
One-dimensional run-and-tumble motions with generic boundary conditions

The motion of run-and-tumble particles in one-dimensional finite domains are analyzed in the presence of generic boundary conditions. These describe accumulation at walls, where particles can either be absorbed at a given rate, or tumble, with a rate that may be, in general, different from that in the bulk. This formulation allows us to treat in a unified way very different boundary conditions (fully and partially absorbing/reflecting, sticky, sticky-reactive and sticky-absorbing boundaries) which can be recovered as appropriate limits of the general case. We report the general expression of the mean exit time, valid for generic boundaries, discussing many case studies, from equal boundaries to more interesting cases of different boundary conditions at the two ends of the domain, resulting in nontrivial expressions of mean exit times.
Differences in the temporal variations of solar UV flux, 10.7-cm solar radio flux, sunspot number, and Ca-K plage data caused by solar rotation and active region evolution

Two types of temporal variations in the solar UV spectral irradiance, caused by solar rotation and active region evolution, are presented and discussed. These particular UV variations differ markedly from the concurrent variations in the 10.7-cm radio flux and sunspot number. The temporal variations of the modeled UV flux based on Ca-K plage data are similar to the observed UV flux. The first type of dissimilar temporal behavior occurs when concentrations of solar active regions evolve at solar longitudes nearly 180° apart. Both the UV observations and modeled UV fluxes based on Ca-K plage data then show strong 13-day periodicity, while the 10.7-cm solar radio flux and sunspot number exhibit quite dissimilar temporal variations. This type of dissimilarity is related to the modeled UV flux, having a dependence on the solar central meridian distance that is narrower than that for the 10.7-cm radio flux or for sunspot numbers. A second case of marked dissimilarity occurs when major new solar active regions arise and dominate the full-disk fluxes for several rotations. The strongest peaks in 10.7 cm and sunspot numbers tend to occur on their first rotation, for example, during major dips in the total solar irradiance, while the Ca-K plages and UV enhancements peak on the next rotation and then decay more slowly on subsequent rotations. This type of dissimilarity is related to major active regions having a more rapid growth, peak and decay of sunspots, their strong magnetic fields and related coronal radio emission at centimeter wavelengths than for the Ca-K plages and their related UV enhancements.
Bubbling With Confidence: A Study of Numerous Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Cases Using Anwar’s Big Bubble Technique

Purpose: This study aims to assess the postoperative results, variability, and complications of a hundred deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty cases. Study design and duration: This is an observational study. The study was conducted at Pak International Medical College (PIMC) for a duration of four years (January 2019-January 2023). Methodology: Our study collected information on a hundred cases of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) utilizing Anwar's big bubble technique, consisting of patients with keratoconus, superficial corneal scars, and macular dystrophy. Consenting patients had their pre and postoperative visual acuities and keratometry readings recorded. Overall success and complications were recorded and compared with the present literature. Results: Big bubble formation was achieved in 87% (n = 87) eyes and not achieved in 13% (n=13). There was a significant reduction in keratometry values after the procedures as well as improved vision in all patients, with 84% reporting significant improvement. Descemet membrane exposure was achieved in 91% (n=91). Complications included the failure of Anwar’s big bubble formation in 13% (n=13) patients and the failure to expose Descemet’s in nine patients (9%). Conclusion: DALK using the big bubble technique is a safe and effective procedure in patients with corneal diseases who have a healthy Descemet membrane and endothelium.
In vitro Antimollicute Properties of Rosmarinus officinalis Extract

Rosmarinus officinalis is a widely studied plant, although its activity against bacteria of the Mollicutes class is lacking. We evaluated the antibacterial potential R. officinalis extracts and fractions against different Mycoplasma species. The most active fractions were the hexane and dichloromethane ones, with MIC of 15.62 µg mL -1 against M. capricolum and the hexane fraction with MIC of 15.62 µg mL -1 against M. pneumoniae . Subfractions were obtained by silica column chromatography, with MIC of 31.25 µg mL -1 against M. capricolum and 62.5 µg mL -1 against M. pneumoniae . Purified subfractions or the isolated compound betulinic acid did not show better activity.
Stratigraphic and geographic distribution of steep‐sided domes on Venus: Preliminary results from regional geological mapping and implications for their origin

Analysis of the stratigraphic position of 44 steep-sided domes in a global band of C1-MIDRs at 30°N latitude shows that in a region representing over 11% of the surface of Venus, the vast majority of steep-sided domes are closely associated stratigraphically with shield plains (Psh), a unit characterized by a very high abundance of small shields of apparent basaltic extrusive origin. Previously reported heterogeneities in areal and altitude distribution are now more plausibly interpreted in terms of formation in association with this unit and burial by subsequent regional plains units. Measurement of abundances of steep-sided domes presently exposed in shield plains and extrapolation to areas below younger units suggest that over a thousand of these features may have formed originally. Interpretation of the mode of formation of the steep-sided domes in the context of these new data favors hypotheses for their origin which call on remelting of basaltic crust to produce more silica-rich magmas. Occurrences of some steep-sided domes in association with summits of large shields (e.g., Tepev Mons and Sapas Mons) indicate that other mechanisms of dome formation (e.g., evolution of magma reservoirs) have also operated at other times in the history of Venus.
Detection of Quinolone Resistance Genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infection attending Some Selected Hospitals in Irbid, Jordan

The incidence of resistant clinical bacteria associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) has been on the increase worldwide. Urinary tract is the most common site of infection for Klebsiella spp. Clinical isolates of fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriacea are emerging worldwide. The present study was designed to detect the presence of quinolone resistance genes: Chromosome and Plasmid mediated genes (PMQR) in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated in patients attending some selected hospitals in Irbid, Jordan. One hundred and twelve isolates (112) of K. pneumoniae were collected from patients diagnosed with UTI from cultures available at the Microbiology laboratory at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH), Princess Basma Hospital, Prince Rashed Hospital and King Hussein Medical center between January 2014-June 2014. The bacterial isolates were identified as K. Pneumoniae morphologically and biochemically. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility to the fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agents: Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Lomefloxacin, Levofloxacin, Enoxacin, Moxifloxacin and Gatifloxacin. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers to the fluoroquinolone genes was carried out to detect the presence of the genes: gyrA, parC, aac (6′)-Ib- cr and qepA. Sequencing of the positive strains for the quinolone resistance genes was carried out to determine the nucleotide sequence and compare it with the nucleotide sequence of the reference strains. Plasmid profile was conducted to relate the number and size of plasmids with antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolates. Antimicrobial resistance ranged from 23.2% for Levofloxacin and Enoxacin to 28.6% for Moxifloxacin. Out of the 38 resistant isolates 19(50 %) expressed the PMQR gene aac (6′)-Ib- cr, none of the isolates expressed the efflux pump PMQR gene qepA, 5(13 %) expressed gyrA and 6(16 %) expressed parC chromosome genes. Plasmid profile of PMQR positive and negative strains showed plasmids with the same size (23,130bp). Nucleotide sequence of genes of positive strains in our study showed high percentage of identity with sequence of the reference strains. The most effective fluoroquinolones against urinary tract K. pneumoniae the isolate is Enoxacin, Levofloxacin and Ofloxacin. Our study found high prevalence of the PMQR gene aac (6′)-Ib-cr in the urinary K. pneumoniae (50%), this is alarming as the genes are located on plasmid which could be easily transferred by conjugation.
An Algorithm of Forest Age Estimation Based on the Forest Disturbance and Recovery Detection

Forest age is a crucial parameter for evaluating the state and potential of carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems. However, the lack of a time-series forest age will lead to an inability to capture forest disturbance and restoration history, resulting in increased uncertainty in estimating forest carbon sinks. To address this issue, we aimed to propose an integrated algorithm of forest age estimation based on forest disturbance and recovery history, using Zhejiang Province forests as an example. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, we first used random forest (RF) to estimate the forest age in 2004, and then integrated the LandTrendr algorithm with RF to detect the forest loss and gain year during 2005–2019, and finally derived and mapped the time-series forest age distribution from 2004 to 2019. The results show that: 1) the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\ge }0.6$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) and the RMSE (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\le }5$ </tex-math></inline-formula> years) revealed that the constructed RF models could estimate forest age with high reliability; 2) the integrated algorithm of LandTrendr and RF effectively extracted the forest disturbance and recovery regions with overall accuracies (OAs) above 0.7, while the extracted forest area in Zhejiang Province has a net increase of 2206.86 km2 during 2005–2019; and 3) the forest age from 2004 to 2019 was still dominated by young- and middle-aged forests, with a shift in age dominance from 20–30 to 30–40 years old after 2013. This study provided an effective methodological idea for time-series forest age estimation and reliable basic data for estimating past and future forest carbon sinks.
Knowledge and Adoption of Good Management Practices Among Litchi Farmers in Muzaffarpur District of Bihar

Litchi is one of the nutritionally rich and economically significant fruit of Indian subcontinent. With the advent of Good Management Practices (GMPs), litchi farming technology has advanced drastically. The study was conducted in 2022 in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar to assess the level of knowledge and adoption of GMPs among litchi farmers and their relationship with the socio-economic profile of litchi growers. The primary data were personally collected through a well-structured interview schedule from 120 respondents. Knowledge and adoption were determined, practicewise on 19 different parameters of GMPs. The highest number of litchi growers (77.50%) had a medium level of knowledge while 71.67 per cent had a medium adoption level of the recommended GMPs in litchi production. Variables viz., the area under litchi, cosmopolitness, farming experience, risk preference, innovativeness, and attitude towards GMPs were positively and significantly related to knowledge as well as adoption. Primary work and education were positively and significantly related to adoption. Dissemination of information about modern agricultural practices is necessary for the adoption of GMPs in litchi production.
The relationship between dissolved organic carbon in stream water and soil organic carbon pools at different spatial scales

The relationship between stream water DOC concentrations and soil organic C pools was investigated at a range of spatial scales in subcatchments of the River Dee system in north-east Scotland. Catchment percentage peat cover and soil C pools, calculated using local, national and international soils databases, were related to mean DOC concentrations in streams draining small- ( 700 m) catchments, suggesting that disturbance and land use may have a small effect on DOC concentration. Our results therefore suggest that the relationship between stream water DOC concentration and catchment soil C pools exists at a range of spatial scales and this relationship appears to be sufficiently robust to be used to predict the effects of changes in catchment soil C storage on stream water DOC concentration. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stratégies de localisation des activités de R-D des firmes multinationales, modes d'organisation en réseaux et circulation transnationale des connaissances : un cadre d'analyse

In this paper we deal with the process of internationalisation of R&D activities. In particular we focus our study on the factors explaining the localisation of multinational corporation (MNC) foreign direct investment in R&D. We suggest an analytical framework built up onto two lines of reasoning never articulated until to-day. The first is given by the distinction set out first by Dunning (2000) between asset-augmenting and asset-exploiting activities. The second comes from the firm network organization in particular the taxonomy suggested by the De Meyer (1993 and 1998) papers. These two models enable us to lay out the different mechanisms relating to the Knowledge creation/absorption/diffusion and the motivations matching the localisation.