Liability taxes, risk, and the cost of banking crises

This study investigates the effects on risk and financial stability of the taxes on bank liabilities introduced across European countries after the global financial crisis. Using a difference -in-differences setup, we show that banks responded to the implementation of liability taxes by reducing their interbank exposure, and by increasing both equity, at least in the short term, and the risk weight of their assets. When we consider these adjustments in a microsimulation model for bank portfolio losses, we find that liability taxes reduce risk in the banking sector and could therefore decrease the cost of crises

Silicon uptake by a pasture grass experiencing simulated grazing is greatest under elevated precipitation

Background Grasses are hyper-accumulators of silicon (Si) and often up-regulate Si following herbivory. Positive correlations exist between Si and plant water content, yet the extent to which Si uptake responses can be mediated by changes in soil water availability has rarely been studied and never, to our knowledge, under field conditions. We used field-based rain-exclusion shelters to investigate how simulated grazing (shoot clipping) and altered rainfall patterns (drought and elevated precipitation, representing 50% and 150% of ambient precipitation levels, respectively) affected initial patterns of root- and shoot-Si uptake in a native Australian grass (Microlaena stipoides) in Si-supplemented and untreated soils. Results Si supplementation increased soil water retention under ambient and elevated precipitation but not under drought, although this had little effect on Si uptake and growth (tiller numbers or root biomass) of M. stipoides. Changes in rainfall patterns and clipping had strong individual effects on plant growth and Si uptake and storage, whereby clipping increased Si uptake by M. stipoides under all rainfall treatments but to the greatest extent under elevated precipitation. Moreover, above-ground–below-ground Si distribution only changed following elevated precipitation by decreasing the ratio of root:shoot Si concentrations. Conclusions Results highlight the importance of soil water availability for Si uptake and suggest a role for both active and passive Si transport mechanisms. Such manipulative field studies may provide a more realistic insight into how grasses initially respond to herbivory in terms of Si-based defence under different environmental conditions

COVID-19 and the Global Impact on Colorectal Practice and Surgery

Background: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus that emerged in December 2019 causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the sudden national reorganization of health care systems and changes in the delivery of health care globally. The purpose of our study was to use a survey to assess the global effects of COVID-19 on colorectal practice and surgery. Materials and Methods: A panel of International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ISUCRS) selected 22 questions, which were included in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to ISUCRS fellows and other surgeons included in the ISUCRS database and was advertised on social media sites. The questionnaire remained open from April 16 to 28, 2020. Results: A total of 287 surgeons completed the survey. Of the 287 respondents, 90% were colorectal specialists or general surgeons with an interest in colorectal disease. COVID-19 had affected the practice of 96% of the surgeons, and 52% were now using telemedicine. Also, 66% reported that elective colorectal cancer surgery could proceed but with perioperative precautions. Of the 287 respondents, 19.5% reported that the use of personal protective equipment was the most important perioperative precaution. However, personal protective equipment was only provided by 9.1% of hospitals. In addition, 64% of surgeons were offering minimally invasive surgery. However, 44% reported that enough information was not available regarding the safety of the loss of intra-abdominal carbon dioxide gas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, 61% of the surgeons were prepared to defer elective colorectal cancer surgery, with 29% willing to defer for ≤ 8 weeks. Conclusion: The results from our survey have demonstrated that, globally, COVID-19 has affected the ability of colorectal surgeons to offer care to their patients. We have also discussed suggestions for various practical adaptation strategies for use during the recovery period. We have presented the results of a survey used to assess the global impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the delivery of colorectal surgery. Despite accessible guidance information, our results have demonstrated that COVID-19 has significantly affected the ability of colorectal surgeons to offer care to patients. We have also discussed practical adaptation strategies for use during the recovery phase

Paviršinio sukietinto sluoksnio gylio įtaka metalų mechaninėms savybėms

Problem of metallic material near surface layer plastic yield properties during deformation (monotonic loading, fatigue, creep, wear etc., etc.) has significant theoretical and practical importance. At this time it is determined, that the change of characteristics of plasticity and fracture highly depends on the state of near surface layers, their behaviour and of environment effect. There is also an opinion that any strengthening and fracture theory of metallic material must take into account surface effects. The task of our research was to study the effect of work hardening both on a change of mechanical properties and on the form of monotonous tension diagrams of BCC lattice metals, as well as to define the reasons of these changes

Mažaanglio plieno dislokacinės struktūros tyrimas statinio apkrovimo metu

Dislocation structure changes of low carbon steel in both surface and internal metal layers at static loading were investigated in this article. The analysis carried out by us using layer-by-layer electron microscopy has shown, that at all stages of deformation the character of an arrangement and density of dislocations essentially varies at moving away from the surface in to depth of the metal. At small degrees of deformation plastic flow of the metal is limited by surface layer. At higher degrees of deformation the internal layers of the metal are involved in to plastic flow. Especially big difference between dislocation structures of surface and internal layers of a material is observed in the field of the upper yield limit

Paviršinio sukietinto sluoksnio gylio įtaka metalų mechaninėms savybėms

Problem of metallic material near surface layer plastic yield properties during deformation (monotonic loading, fatigue, creep, wear etc., etc.) has significant theoretical and practical importance. At this time it is determined, that the change of characteristics of plasticity and fracture highly depends on the state of near surface layers, their behaviour and of environment effect. There is also an opinion that any strengthening and fracture theory of metallic material must take into account surface effects. The task of our research was to study the effect of work hardening both on a change of mechanical properties and on the form of monotonous tension diagrams of BCC lattice metals, as well as to define the reasons of these changes