Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Basin‐wide particulate carbon flux in the Atlantic Ocean: Regional export patterns and potential for atmospheric CO2 sequestration

Particle flux data from 27 sites in the Atlantic Ocean have been compiled in order to determine regional variations in the strength and efficiency of the biological pump and to quantify carbon fluxes over the ocean basin, thus estimating the potential oceanic sequestration of atmospheric CO2. An algorithm is derived relating annual particulate organic carbon (POC) flux to primary production and depth that yields variations in the export ratio (ER = POC flux/primary production) at 125 m of between 0.08 and 0.38 over the range of production from 50 to 400 g C m−2 yr−1. Significant regional differences in changes of the export ratio with depth are related to the temporal stability of flux. Sites with more pulsed export have higher export ratios at 125 m but show more rapid decreases of POC flux with depth, resulting in little geographic variation in fluxes below ∼3000 m. The opposing effects of organic carbon production and calcification on ΔpCO2 of surface seawater are considered to calculate an “effective carbon flux” at the depth of the euphotic zone and at the base of the winter mixed layer. POC flux at the base of the euphotic zone integrated over the Atlantic Ocean between 65°N and 65°S amounts to 3.14 Gt C yr−1. Of this, 5.7% is remineralized above the winter mixed layer and thus does not contribute to CO2 sequestration on climatically relevant timescales. The effective carbon flux, termed Jeff, amounts to 2.47 Gt C yr−1 and is a measure of the potential sequestration of atmospheric CO2 for the area considered. A shift in the composition of sedimenting particles (seen in a decrease of the opal:carbonate ratio) is seen across the entire North Atlantic, indicating a basin‐wide phenomenon that may be related to large‐scale changes in climatic forcing.
Improving the Validity of Letters of Recommendation: An Investigation of Three Standardized Reference Forms

Although letters of recommendation are (LORs) widely used, little research has examined how accurately they predict job performance. The few existing studies have yielded mixed results, and meta-analytic estimates of validity range from . 14 to . 27 (Hunter & Hunter, 1984; Reilly & Chao, 1982). This investigation was designed to improve predictive validity by developing a standardized reference form and evaluating 3 different rating formats: Multi-Item scales, Relative Percentile Method (RPM) scales, and Global Trait Rankings. A total of 520 individuals applied to the Canadian military, and 544 LORs were obtained. Complete predictor and criterion data were available for 57 participants. Regression analyses indicated that the validity of the RPM rating format (R2(adj) = . 18; R(adj) = . 42) was substantially higher than previous estimates of LOR validity. The 2 remaining methods produced nonsignificant results. Limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and implications for the field are discussed.
Modelling the growth of Tapes philippinarum in Northern Adriatic lagoons

The paper describes a bioenergetic individual-based model of the growth of Tapes philippinarum, a bivalve mollusc reared in the lagoons of the Northern Adriatic Sea. The model, which simulates the evolution of the size of an average individual, has been calibrated using different sets of experimental data collected in the lagoons of Venice and Goro, and has been validated against a 3 yr long, independent series of field measurements of the average size of a cohort. The formulations here proposed for describing the dependence of the gain and loss terms on water temperature and food ration have not been employed in relation to this species before, and allow one to apply the model also in eutrophic conditions. Possible applications of the model as a tool for site selection and management implementations are illustrated.
Solar tracking for a parabolic dish used in a solar thermal Brayton cycle

Abstract Solar thermal Brayton cycles utilise concentrated sun rays and can be used to power micro-turbine generators. For this study a 4.8 m diameter parabolic dish reflector with rim angle of 45° is required for an experimental setup to reflect sun rays onto a receiver which heats the working fluid. Twoaxis tracking is required to align the parabolic dish with the sun. In this paper the method of tracking for the experimental setup is discussed. A pole and slider mechanism is used with an electronic sensor which allows the parabolic dish to follow the sun throughout a typical day. Proposed experimental results from the solar tracker show the power usage of the tracking motors throughout the day and the tracking error. The effect of the tracking error on the available solar heat rate for absorption by the receiver is investigated further with the use of SolTrace. Results from SolTrace show the maximum heat flux on the receiver as a function of tracking error. A conclusion is made on whether the tracking error for the pole and slider mechanism used in the experimental setup is acceptable or not, and on whether tube burnout can result from the tracking error.
Immigration and Firm Growth: evidence from Spanish cities

This article analyses the effect of immigration flows on the growth and efficiency of manufacturing firms in Spanish cities. To date, most studies have tended to focus on the effect immigrants have on labour markets at an aggregate level. Here, however, we undertake an exhaustive analysis at the firm level and report conclusive empirical findings. Ten years ago, Spain began to register massive immigration flows, concentrated above all on its most dynamic and advanced regions. Here, therefore, rather than focusing on the impact this has had on Spain�s labour market (changes to the skill structure of the workforce, increase in labour supply, the displacement of native workers, etc.), we examine the arrival of immigrants in terms of the changes this has meant to the structure of the country�s cities and their amenities. Thus, we argue that the impact of immigration on firm performance should not only be considered in terms of the labour market, but also in terms of how a city�s amenities can affect the performance of firms. Employing a panel data methodology, we show that the increasing pressure brought to bear by immigrants has a positive effect on the evolution of labour productivity and wages and a negative effect on the job evolution of these manufacturing firms. In addition, both small and new firms are more sensitive to the pressures of such immigrant inflows, while foreign market oriented firms report higher productivity levels and a less marked impact of immigration than their counterparts. In this paper, we also present a set of instruments to correct the endogeneity bias, which confirms the effect of local immigration flows on the performance of manufacturing firms.
The relative weight of statistical and prosodic cues in speech segmentation: a matter of language-(In)dependency and of signal quality

In an artificial language setting, we investigated the relative weight of statistical cues (transitional probabilities, TPs) in comparison to two prosodic cues, Intonational Phrases (IPs, a language-independent cue) and lexical stress (a language-dependent cue). The signal quality was also manipulated through white-noise superimposition. Both IPs and TPs were highly resilient to physical degradation of the signal. An overall performance gain was found when these cues were congruent, but when they were incongruent IPs prevailed over TPs (Experiment 1). After ensuring that duration is treated by Portuguese listeners as a correlate of lexical stress (Experiment 2A), the role of lexical stress and TPs in segmentation was evaluated in Experiment 2B. Lexical stress effects only emerged with physically degraded signal, constraining the extraction of TP-words to the ones supported by both TPs and IPs. Speech segmentation does not seem to be the product of one preponderant cue acting as a filter of the outputs of another, lower-weighted cue. Instead, it mainly depends on the listening conditions, and the weighting of the cues according to their role in a particular language.
Acute Toxicity of Heavy Metals to Onchidium struma under Different Salinities

This study evaluated the acute toxicity of three heavy metals Cu, Hg and Cr(VI) to Onchidium struma juvenile. The results showed that 24 to 96 h median lethal concentration (LC50) values for Cu, Hg and Cr (VI) at 15 practical salinity units (psu) were 138.33-160.32, 6.88-9.41 and 144.47-218.97 mg/L, respectively. It demonstrated that O. struma was sensitive to three heavy metals: Hg > Cu > Cr (VI). Moreover, toxicity tests were conducted under different salinities (5, 15 and 25 psu) due to the seasonal salinity changes in habitat. For Cu, 96 h cumulative mortalities at 5, 15 and 25 psu salinity groups were 40, 70 and 85%, respectively. The 96 h LC50 values for Cu at 5 psu were much higher than those at 15 and 25 psu. For Hg, 96 h LC50 values were not statistically different along with salinity. For Cr (VI), 96 h LC50 values were significantly higher at 25 psu salinity group. These suggested that O. struma became more sensitive to Cu at higher salinity, and sensitive to Cr (VI) at lower salinity. The sensitivity of O. struma to heavy metals studied was related with the salinity. Safe concentrations for Cu, Hg and Cr (VI) were 13.78 mg/L, 0.69 mg/L and 12.69 mg/L, respectively. This study provides useful information to detect environmental pollution under different salinities with this biomonitor O. struma. © 2019 Friends Science Publishers
Thematic Roles as Verb-specific Concepts

Thematic roles are typically viewed as slot and filler m echanisms in which the slots are devoid of content, or the content is limited to a few syntactically relevant features. This traditional view excludes important knowledge that people possess about who tends to do what to whom in specific situations. Thus it was extended here by treating thematic roles as verb-specific, feature-based concepts. In Experiment 1, subjects produced features for agent and patient roles such as "someone who is frightened". Role/filler typicality ratings, in which subjects provided judgements for questions such as "How common is it for a monster to frighten som eone? " (i.e. monster as an agent of frighten), were collected in Experiment 2A. In Experiment 2B, different subjects were presented with the role features from Experiment 1 and the typical agents and patients from Experiment 2A. They were asked to rate how central each of the role features was to the nominal concepts, and role/filler featural similarity was calculate.
Views on pediatric migraine of classification and traditional Chinese medicine treatment

In 2004, the International Headache Society (IHS) published the 2nd edition of International Classification of Headache Disorders, which is of significant meaning for the diagnosis of migraine in children, including 1.3 childhood periodic syndromes that are commonly precursors of migraine". Based on 43 years from Professor Chen Bao-tian who invented the national renowned headache pills “Zhengtian Pill”, he realized that there are three types of among the pediatric migraine cases in our country: I complete type, the “childhood periodic syndromes that are commonly precursors of migraine” listed in ICHD-II. Since there is completely no symptom of headache, it is called the complete type, which could be further subdivided into several derivative types including vomiting type, abdominal pain type, vertigo type etc; II incomplete type, which is between the complete type and adult type, manifested as prodromal syndromes associated with episodic headache; III adult type, which is called the adult type since its manifestation is identical with the migraine in adult cases. Based years practices and experiences, Chen found that the classification and traditional Chinese medicine of pediatric migraine should be completely consistent with the adult migraine. Several representative examples were listed in the article in order to arouse people pay attention to the pediatric migraine.
An exploration into the development of motivation to exercise in a group of male UK regular gym users

A key concern when developing health promotion programmes is how to facilitate adherence to regular exercise. This study explored the values, beliefs and experiences, both past and present, that motivated adult participation in regular recreational exercise. Twenty-eight male gym users who met the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations on Quantity and Quality of Exercise completed the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and the Perceived Competence Scale. Five participants who scored highly on both the scales took part in semi-structured interviews to explore the factors that led to their regular exercise behaviour. Interview data were subjected to thematic analysis. The development of motivation to exercise regularly was associated with social-environmental factors during childhood that provided encouragement and a variety of opportunities to engage in exercise. This progressed to a stage when the focus was on exercise competence achieved by encouragement, guidance and positive affirmation from teachers, coaches and peers. The final stage shows how the participants' adherence to exercise has become a vital element in the creation of their sense of their identities and their physical and psychological health. The findings of this study suggest that motivation to exercise regularly is developed along a continuum from childhood to adulthood and although the meaning derived from these experiences was different for each participant, a common thread emerged of the importance of choice, support and social-environmental opportunities in creating each participant's exercise role identity.
Post Cesarean Section Surgical Site Infection; Incidence and Risk Factors

The rate of births delivered by cesarean section (CS) has gone up substantially all over the world. Post-cesarean surgical site infection (SSI) is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality that results in prolonged period of hospitalization with increased cost and direct health implications, especially in low socioeconomic population, resourcerestricted settings, and warrelated conditions with internal forced movement. This study was aimed to find incidence of post cesarean section surgical site infection withthe accompanying risk factors.Pregnant ladies admitted to department of obstetrics and gynecology at Medical City Hospital in Baghdad who had undergone CSs were followed up prospectively from first of January 2017 till end of June 2017. Full medical evaluation was done to assess all clinical, laboratory, and sociodemographic characteristics ofboth; patients and controls. Statistical comparison was measured to appraise the important risk factors.A total of 3036 pregnant ladies were recruited, 191 patients had SSI with and an incidence rate of 6.3%. The abovementioned 191 patients constituted of 93 (48.7%) internally moved patients due to the war, while they were 97 patients (25.4%) out of 382 controlgroup. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, emergency CS, vertical incision, interrupted suturing, and rupture of membranes before CS, were significant risk factors of post CS SSI. Rate and several risk factors of post CS SSI were studied to increase the public attention, and to take full steps to decrease it prophylactically.
A Study on the Trend in Semen Parameters of Males from Ahmedabad City (Gujarat), Over a Two-Decade Period

Abstract Current available literature shows that there is a definite declining trend in sperm counts in several countries across the globe leading to an increase in infertility in several regions. Even in several areas which economically belong to the third world of developing countries, there are reports of an increase in the number of infertility cases. In particular, most reports indicate a decline in sperm count and/or a decrease in semen quality. The present study was therefore carried out to determine the trend in sperm density and motility, which could result in a possible fertility decline among males in the areas in and around Ahmedabad city, Gujarat State. Data were obtained by evaluating semen parameters from samples collected from males of proven fertility, from a cross section of the normal population over a period of 20 years. The analysis was carried out as part of various research studies related to assessment of infertility and includes evaluation of physical characteristics of semen, sperm count, motility, viability and morphology of semen samples of donors of proven fertility, included as the Control/Normal group. The data obtained in recent years (2000-2005) from our laboratory was compared to semen parameters obtained every five-seven years, over the last two decades (1983-2005). There appears to be no significant decline (p<0.2) in semen parameters of normal individuals, as observed in other parts of world.
Wellness tourism: Market analysis of a special health tourism segment and implications for the hotel industry

The term ‘wellness’ is widely used in European tourism. The principal observations regarding the wellness industry concern an expanding supply of and an insufficiently researched demand for wellness programmes. The quality dimension of wellness services is increasingly becoming the decisive competitive factor. For this reason quality management plays an important role. Market research shows that average three- to five-star hotels provide fairly comprehensive wellness facilities. Wellness hotels should therefore specialise in health information, individual care and a wide range of cultural and relaxation programmes. Although the same hotel can host cure and wellness guests at the same time, these two segments have to be considered separately when deciding on the marketing strategy. It is therefore assumed that wellness is pursued solely by ‘healthy’ people, the prime aim being prevention. ‘Normal cure’ guests aim to heal their illness.
Comparison of RANS and LES Turbulence Models against Constant Volume Diesel Experiments

Under modern direct injection diesel engine conditions, the spray and combustion processes are known to be mixing controlled. Large eddy simulations (LES) can potentially improve the predictive capability by better capturing the large scale mixing of ambient air with the fuel vapor. In the present study, a Smagorinsky based LES model is implemented in the commercial code called CONVERGE. The LES model is compared against a standard Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes (RANS) based RNG k-ε model which is routinely used for engine simulations. Validations are performed against experimental data from Sandia National Laboratories in a constant volume combustion chamber using diesel surrogates i.e., n-heptane and n-dodecane under both non-reacting and reacting conditions. Using adaptive grid resolution, minimum grid sizes of 250 μm and 125 μm were obtained for the RANS and LES cases respectively. Under non-reacting conditions, global spray characteristics are well predicted by both the turbulence models. However, the LES model clearly improves qualitatively the instantaneous fuel vapor distribution. Under reacting conditions, the Smagorinsky based LES model better predicts the ignition delay characteristics compared to the RANS model. Flame stabilization phenomenon is also qualitatively accurately predicted with the LES model. However, these improved predictions come at an increased in computational cost. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to the LES model constants. * Corresponding author: ssom@anl.gov
Social sustainability: a catchword between political pragmatism and social theory

The sustainability concepts of the 'Brundtland-Report' and the 'Rio documents' call for a combination of ecological, economic, social and institutional aspects of social development. This paper describes briefly, several models of sustainability and discusses social sustainability as conceptualised in selected sustainability indicators. In an attempt to remedy the lack of sociological theory, the paper proposes a sustainability concept, which is based on the concepts of needs and work, as an activity to fulfil these needs and as the principal exchange process between society and nature. Moreover, this paper argues in favour of recognition of social sustainability as both a normative and analytical concept.
hich dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma benefit most from hemotherapy after surgery ? Results from an individual patient data eta-analysis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin that produces osteoid. Given that the prognosis can vary considerably between dogs, we aimed to explore whether treatment could be tailored towards patient subgroups, characterized by their predicted risk of mortality. For the current study, a subset of five nonrandomized studies (400 subjects of whom 88 were dead at 5 months follow-up) was used from a previously published 20 study individual patient data meta-analysis. Missing data was dependent on observed variables and was imputed to correct for this dependency. Based on a previously published multivariable prognostic model, the 5-month mortality risk was predicted. Subsequently, in surgically treated dogs, using a logistic regression model with a random intercept for a study indicator, we explored whether chemotherapy effectiveness depended on predicted 5-month mortality risk. After adjustment for potential confounders the main effect of any chemotherapy was 0.48 (odds ratio) (95%CI 0.30; 0.78). Testing for chemotherapy by predicted 5-month mortality risk interaction revealed that the effects of any chemotherapy decreased with increasing predicted risk; interaction OR 3.41 (1.07; 10.84). Results from individually comparing carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin and doxorubicin combination therapy to no chemotherapy, were similar in magnitude and direction. These results indicate that the main treatment effects of chemotherapy do not necessarily apply to all patients. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Dependence of noise in magnetic tunnel junction sensors on annealing field and temperature

The minimum detectable field of magnetoresistive sensors is limited by their intrinsic noise. Magnetization fluctuations are one of the crucial noise sources and are related to the magnetization alignment at the antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic interface. In this study, we investigated the low frequency noise of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) annealed in the temperature range from 265to305°C and magnetic fields up to 7T, either in helium or hydrogen environments. Our results indicate that the magnetic fluctuators in these MTJs changed their frequency based on annealing field and temperature. The noise of the MTJs at low frequency can be reduced by annealing in high magnetic field (7T) and further improved by annealing in a hydrogen environment.
Extreme points of the distance function on convex surfaces

We first see that, in the sense of Baire categories, many convex surfaces have quite large cut loci and infinitely many relative maxima of the distance function from a point. Then we find that, on any convex surface, all these extreme points lie on a single subtree of the cut locus, with at most three endpoints. Finally, we confirm (both in the sense of measure and in the sense of Baire categories) Steinhaus’ conjecture that “almost all” points admit a single farthest point on the surface.