Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE EUBACTERIA IN A THERMOPHILIC, POULTRY WASTE FED ANAEROBIC DIGESTER UN ESTUDIO PRELIMINAR DE LA CARACTERIZACIÓN MOLECULAR DE EUBACTERIAS EN UN DIGESTOR ANAEROBIO, TERMOFILICO ALIMENTADO CON DESECHOS DE UNA POLLERÍA

Biomethanation is a unique process which aids the recovery of carbon present in the wastes as methane, an energy rich product. The presence and activity of a variety of bacterial and archaeal microorganisms play a vital role in this process. An understanding of the microbial groups present in the anaerobic digester is important for augmenting the recovery of carbon and also will help in solving the digester related problems as the functioning of the digester depends on the microbial activity. Molecular characterization of the anaerobic bacteria present in a thermophilic (55oC) anaerobic digester fed with poultry waste was analyzed by DNA extraction followed by PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of the obtained clones. Results showed that more than 75 per cent of the clones represented uncultured bacteria and among the different genera recorded, Clostridium sp. was dominant. Results demonstrated the need for obtaining more number of clones and a combination of different methods for reliable molecular characterization of an anaerobic digester.
A method to calculate heterogeneous evapotranspiration using submeter thermal infrared imagery coupled to a stomatal resistance submodel

Thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing of vegetation temperature, combined with surface energy balance modeling, allows efficient estimation of spatially distributed evapotranspiration (ET). Many ET models are sensitive to the parameterization of stomatal control; yet, modelers often employ spatially uniform stomatal resistance values, even in distributed applications. Unfortunately, assuming uniform resistance across a canopy with large temperature variance is physically unrealistic and may produce artifacts in ET magnitude. To account for spatial variations in stomatal control that likely accompany temperature variations, we propose nesting a new submodel within some well‐established ET models. The submodel derives, for the canopy patch of interest, a concave‐downward relationship between stomatal conductance and temperature, as expected from plant biology. Using the submodel, each pixel's contribution to the total canopy patch ET is influenced both by its observed temperature and by its location‐specific estimated stomatal resistance. The submodel requires only one more parameter than the unmodified ET models, which can be obtained from the literature; it conserves energy between the pixel and image scales, unlike single‐valued resistance approaches; it produces realistic ET values at extreme temperature locations; and provides a remote sensing‐based way to estimate the in situ canopy stomatal conductance‐temperature relationship, which otherwise must be measured under controlled conditions. Since very high‐resolution TIR data provide one means to observe large temperature variance, the submodel was tested using data with cm‐scale pixels collected over 1.5 m2 patches of two vegetation types. The biophysical relationships derived by the submodel were successfully verified against laboratory data.
Evaluation of High-Throughput Genomic Assays for the Fc Gamma Receptor Locus

Cancer immunotherapy has been revolutionised by the use monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that function through their interaction with Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs). The low-affinity FcγR genes are highly homologous, map to a complex locus at 1p23 and harbour single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variation (CNV) that can impact on receptor function and response to therapeutic mAbs. This complexity can hinder accurate characterisation of the locus. We therefore evaluated and optimised a suite of assays for the genomic analysis of the FcγR locus amenable to peripheral blood mononuclear cells and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) material that can be employed in a high-throughput manner. Assessment of TaqMan genotyping for FCGR2A-131H/R, FCGR3A-158F/V and FCGR2B-232I/T SNPs demonstrated the need for additional methods to discriminate genotypes for the FCGR3A-158F/V and FCGR2B-232I/T SNPs due to sequence homology and CNV in the region. A multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay provided high quality SNP and CNV data in PBMC cases, but there was greater data variability in FFPE material in a manner that was predicted by the BIOMED-2 multiplex PCR protocol. In conclusion, we have evaluated a suite of assays for the genomic analysis of the FcγR locus that are scalable for application in large clinical trials of mAb therapy. These assays will ultimately help establish the importance of FcγR genetics in predicting response to antibody therapeutics.
Combustion Synthesis of Fe-Incorporated SnO2 Nanoparticles Using Organometallic Precursor Combination

Synthesis of nanomaterials within flames has been demonstrated as a highly scalable and versatile approach for obtaining a variety of nanoparticles with respect to their chemistry, composition, size, morphology, and dimensionality. Its applicability can be amplified by exploring new material systems and providing further control over the particle characteristics. This study focused on iron-incorporated SnO2 nanoparticles generated using an inverse coflow diffusion flame burner that supported a near-stoichiometric methane-air combustion. A liquid organometallic precursor solution of Sn(CH3)4 and Fe(CO)5 was used to produce 11–14 nm nanocrystalline particles. Synthesized particles were analyzed using TEM, XRD, and XEDS to characterize for size and composition. A flame temperature field was obtained to map particle evolution within the flame. A range of conditions and parameters were studied to specifically generate targeted particles. The study augments related research towards increasing the production potential of combustion synthesis.
Efficacy of Amylofeed® in growing rabbit diets.

The efficacy of Amylofeed® (an amylase, b-glucanase and b-xylanase enzyme complex) was evaluated on growing rabbit performance. Three isonutritive diets (medicated with bacitracine) were formulated corresponding to the levels of Amylofeed®: 0 (diet A), 400 (diet B) and 500 (diet C) ppm. Four hundred and fifty six and four hundred and eighty New Zealand White x Californian rabbits weaned at 35 days of age, weighing 910 and 960 g as average, respectively, were fed with the experimental diets for three weeks after weaning in two experiments. From 56 to 65 days of age animals were fed with a common non-medicated diet. In the first assay, the mortality during the experimental period was very low (2.6%) and treatments had no effect on any of the performance traits studied. In the second assay a higher incidence of diarrhoea and associated mortality occurred with respect to the first. In these circumstances, the supplementation of feed with 400 or 500 ppm of Amylofeed® significantly (P=0.03) reduced mortality from 27.0 to 19.7 and 14.8%, respectively. An improvement of feed efficiency (by 16%; P=0.03) was observed in animals fed with the two enzyme supplemented diets in the overall period (35 to 65 of age) with respect to the animals fed with the control diet. It is concluded that enzyme supplementation has beneficial effects on mortality, feed efficiency and growth of fattening rabbits when the incidence of intestinal disorders and mortality in the control group are of relevance.
The CCSM4 Ocean Component

AbstractThe ocean component of the Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) is described, and its solutions from the twentieth-century (20C) simulations are documented in comparison with observations and those of CCSM3. The improvements to the ocean model physical processes include new parameterizations to represent previously missing physics and modifications of existing parameterizations to incorporate recent new developments. In comparison with CCSM3, the new solutions show some significant improvements that can be attributed to these model changes. These include a better equatorial current structure, a sharper thermocline, and elimination of the cold bias of the equatorial cold tongue all in the Pacific Ocean; reduced sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity biases along the North Atlantic Current path; and much smaller potential temperature and salinity biases in the near-surface Pacific Ocean. Other improvements include a global-mean SST that is more consistent with the present-day observa.
Impact of solid fuel particle size upon the propagation of a surface fire through a homogeneous vegetation layer

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role played by the size (thickness) of solid fuel particles upon both the heat transfer and the propagation of a surface fire through a homogeneous vegetation layer. Because all the interactions (mass, momentum, and heat transfer) between the solid fuel layer and the gas phase occur at the interface between these two media, the surface area to volume (SA/V) ratio (inversely proportional to the thickness of the solid fuel particles), which appears in the expression of the specific surface separating these two phases, must affect, more or less significantly, the fire dynamics. This problem has been studied numerically, using a multiphase formulation. Various variables, such as the temperature of the solid fuel, the temperature of the gas, the fire residence time and the heat flux by radiation and convection have been analyzed, in order to understand the role played by the SA/V upon the behaviour of the fire.
The Relationship Between Economic Growth and Banking Sector Development

Given that the causal relationship between changes in a country’s financial sector development (FSD) and its rate of economic growth is expected to be sensitive to the country’s stage of economic development, two sets of country data are analyzed: Emerging/Developing countries and Advanced countries. While the results of the Granger causality and the Odedokun model yield mixed results, the production function multivariate approach appears to be more informative. The pooled models consistently indicate a strong supply-leading relationship between FSD and aggregate output. At the same time, the results of the single equation estimates appear to suggest that the impact of FSD is less pervasive today than in the earlier Odedokun study. Perhaps over time the level of FSD has become more uniform as the level of international trades has increased, promoting the globalization of the financial markets. Thus, this evidence of a reduced emphasis on a “supply-leading” relationship may reflect a changing role for FSD in the economic development process. Furthermore, as suggested by Granger causality tests, at some point in the economic growth cycle, the driving force turns into a “demand-following” relationships, as increased economic growth leads to higher income and education levels, which in turn generates greater demands for more sophisticated financial and risk management services. The study has important implications for financial policies which impact efficiency and the structure of the financial system.
INVESTIGATION OF NOVEL ANCHORING DEVICES FOR OPEN HOOP CFRP STRIPS BONDED ON R/C ELEMENTS UNDER MONOTONIC AND CYCLIC LOADING-UNLOADING CONDITIONS

Results obtained from research conducted in the framework of an initiative introduced by the Hellenic Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization aiming to support relevant provisions of the Greek Code for the repair and strengthening of R/C structures are presented and discussed. When trying to utilize fiber polymer sheets, as external reinforcement attached on R/C elements, their potential of high tensile strength is prevented by the FRP sheets’ debonding mode of failure thus limiting the exploitation of the material. In order to confront this limitation the effectiveness of two novel types of anchoring devices that can be incorporated together with such FRP strips was studied. For this purpose special unit beam concrete specimens were fabricated and were used to attach the open hoop carbon strips (CFRP). The novel loading arrangement developed at Laboratory of Strength of Materials and Structures was utilized to apply the necessary forces to these unit beam specimens together with instrumentation capable of capturing the behavior of these specimens up to failure. Studying in this way the transfer of forces from the open hoop FRP strips it could be demonstrated that when this type of retrofitting was accompanied with a properly designed anchoring device, a significant increase in the bearing capacity of the tested specimens was observed. The present investigation incorporates also the influence of number of cycles, in a loading-unloading way, on the overall behavior of the strengthening scheme, in terms of ultimate strength and observed mode of failure. Finally, this paper includes the most important findings of a supplementary numerical investigation, using the FEA software ABAQUS, aimed to study the behaviour of the novel anchoring device which is patented in Europe under the patent number WO2011073696.
Effect on the addition of Pleurotus sajor-caju (PSC) on physical and sensorial properties of beef patty

Mushrooms are well known to be healthy because they are low in calories, fat and cholesterol level but rich in vitamin and other essential nutrients. The grey oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju (PSC), is a common edible mushroom and is now grown commercially around the world for food and food products. The ability of PSC in changing physical characteristics and sensory properties of beef patty formulated with this fungus were investigated. Result shows beef patty added with 50% ground PSC recorded the highest concentration total dietary fibre (TDF) at 9.95 g/100g compared to beef patty containing 25% of PSC (7.00 g/100g) and control (3.90g/100g). Beef which was replaced with 25% of PSC, recorded the highest cooking yield (76.62%) and moisture retention (59.80%) respectively. On the other physical traits, beef patty containing 25% PSC recorded fat retention at 89.04% and was not significant (P<0.05) with control patty (88.59%). However, the fat retention was proportionally decreased with the increment of PSC content in patty formulations. There were no differences recorded in all sensory attributes of PSC-based patties perceived by panelists. The addition of PSC at 25% can be recommended for incorporation in beef patties and permit a reduction of the formulation cost without affecting sensory descriptors of the product to which the consumer is familiarized.
Managers and Market Capitalism

In a capitalist system based on free markets, do managers have responsibilities to the system itself? If they do, should these responsibilities shape their behavior when they are engaging in the political process in an attempt to structure the institutions of capitalism? The prevailing view-perhaps most eloquently argued by Milton Friedman-is that the first duty of managers is to maximize shareholder value, and thus that they should take every opportunity (within the bounds of the law) to structure market institutions so as to increase profitability. We maintain here that this shareholder-return view of political engagement applies in cases where the political process is sufficiently 'thick,' in that diverse views are well-represented and sufficiently detailed information about the issues is widely available. However, we draw on a series of detailed examples in the context of the determination of corporate accounting standards to argue that when the political process of determining institutions of capitalism is 'thin,' in that managers find themselves with specialized technical knowledge unavailable to outsiders and with little political resistance from the general interest, then managers have a responsibility to market institutions themselves, even if this entails acting at the expense of corporate profits. We make this argument on grounds that this behavior is both in managers' long-run self-interest and, expanding on Friedman's core contention, that it is managers' moral duty. We provide a framework for future research to explore and develop these arguments.
The Farr Windfarm: site investigation for an ecologically sensitive infrastructure project

The continuing growth of urban areas inevitably leads to additional pressures, to develop supporting infrastructure, in the rural landscapes which surround them. Quite often, these regions are areas of outstanding natural beauty, ecologically sensitive sites or sites of special scientific interest. This requires the careful design and implementation of site investigations. This is necessary to guarantee the future sustainability of these resources without irreparably damaging their character. A programme of geophysical and geotechnical ground investigation work was carried out for a 40 turbine wind farm in a remote, upland area of the Scottish Highlands, dominated by moorland vegetation, and peat. The ground investigations were designed to provide relevant data and to gain a conceptual understanding of the geology, the near-surface geotechnical characteristics, geohazards, hydrogeology and ground conditions at, and in the vicinity of, each turbine base, and associated infrastructure. It was a requirement of the investigation to cause minimum environmental impact on the ecologically sensitive moorland. The project comprised of a desk study, non-invasive geophysical surveys including: ground penetrating radar, 2D resistivity imaging and seismic refraction. This was verified by an invasive drilling and trial pitting programme, including sampling and laboratory testing. The primary objectives of the ground investigation were to determine the depth of surface peat cover, thickness of sub-peat glacial deposits, and thickness and competency of the underlying weathered and fresh metamorphic bedrock. One of the most significant issues in carrying out the project was the logistics of transporting the necessary equipment and field crews from the base camp to each individual survey site across a difficult landscape, dominated by peat and bogs, of over 25 square kilometres, with elevations over 750 m AOD whilst maintaining an efficient production rate. The objectives of this paper are to document and draw attention to this ground investigation, in an ecologically sensitive environment. This paper describes the various technical and logistical problems and how they were overcome to provide geophysical, geological and geotechnical information which provided the basis for underpinning the engineering design of the wind turbine bases.
Removal of Anionic Brown 14 and Cationic Blue 41 dyes via Fenton Process

Textile wastewater contains a number of dyes which are known to be toxic and carcinogenic. In this study the results show that the Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2) process is an efficient method for the removal of Acid Brown 14 (A.BR14) and Cationic Blue 41 (C.B41) dyes from textile wastewater. In this method, two reagents Fe2+and H2O2 are used and do not require any additional energy. Several experiments showed that the pH level was an important parameter for this method. Fe2+ concentration was also an important factor in the experiment. The UV- Visible spectrophotometer analysis was used for verifying the results. Some of the important parameters were as follows. Initial dye concentration range: 50-500 mg/L, initial volume range: 50-500mL, initial pH: 3-5, concentration of Fe2+ as a catalyst: 4-18 mg/L, dose of H2O2 as an oxidant: 1.13, 2.26, 3.39g/L, and limitation time: 3-18 minutes. An efficiency of greater than 99% was observed for both dyes.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN PROMOTING EQUITY AND OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY AMONGST YOUNG PEOPLE

This paper reviews current knowledge about the impact of vocational education and training on the labour market outcomes for young people in advanced market economies, and asks whether the results can be extrapolated to countries in the Western Balkans and the EU neighbourhood. It draws four main policy conclusions. First , in transition countries, specialised vocational education should not be replaced by streaming or tracking within comprehensive school systems or integrated into general education programmes. Abandoning effective vocational schooling may worsen the labour market outcomes for the less able and disadvantaged young people. Inadequate vocational school systems should be strengthened, while ensuring effective pathways to higher levels of education. Second , while apprenticeship systems enable lower ability students and minorities to access the labour market, they may lock women into traditional female occupations. Well-organised and resourced school-based vocational education may be preferred by women who feel they could benefit from them, and may furthermore reduce school drop-out rates. Third , occupational mobility can be improved by effective school-based vocational education. If returns to such education are sufficiently high, they can incentivise mobility. While for developed economies there is little difference in rates of return between general and vocational education, in transition economies, returns to vocational education are higher than returns to general education. Fourth , while occupational mobility is needed for countries undergoing structural change, it should be noted that too much mobility can also be harmful to the skill retention, especially for women. Special attention should therefore be given to providing complementary opportunities for retraining and for lifelong learning to all workers, but especially to women, to encourage and support the desired degree of mobility in the labour market.
Effect of regional versus general anaesthesia on postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture: a systematic review

Objective Older patients with hip fractures who are undergoing surgery are at high risk of significant mortality and morbidity including postoperative delirium. It is unclear whether different types of anaesthesia may reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium. This systematic review will investigate the impact of anaesthetic technique on postoperative delirium. Other outcomes included mortality, length of stay, complications and functional outcomes. Design Systematic review of randomised controlled trials and non-randomised controlled studies. Data sources Bibliographic databases were searched from inception to June 2018. Web of Science and ZETOC databases were searched for conference proceedings. Reference lists of relevant articles were checked, and clinical trial registers were searched to identify ongoing trials. Eligibility criteria Studies were eligible if general and regional anaesthesia were compared in patients (aged 60 and over) undergoing hip fracture surgery, reporting primary outcome of postoperative delirium and secondary outcomes of mortality, length of hospital stay, adverse events, functional outcomes, discharge location and quality of life. Exclusion criteria were anaesthetic technique or drug not considered current standard practice; patients undergoing hip fracture surgery alongside other surgery and uncontrolled studies. Results One hundred and four studies were included. There was no evidence to suggest that anaesthesia type influences postoperative delirium or mortality. Some studies suggested a small reduction in length of hospital stay with regional anaesthesia. There was some evidence to suggest that respiratory complications and intraoperative hypotension were more common with general anaesthesia. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. All findings were described narratively and data were presented where possible in forest plots for illustrative purposes. Conclusions While there was no evidence to suggest that anaesthesia types influence postoperative delirium, the evidence base is lacking. There is a need to ascertain the impact of type of anaesthesia on outcomes with an adequately powered, methodologically rigorous study. PROSPERO registration number CRD42015020166.