Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
P-T evolution of metapelites from the Guarguaraz Complex, Argentina: evidence for Devonian crustal thickening close to the western Gondwana margin

In the Guarguaraz Complex of the Argentine Frontal Cordillera (latitude 33.3°S) serpentinite lenses, metabasites, and garnet-bearing metasedimentary rocks occur. The corresponding Devonian metamorphic event was assigned to the formation of an accretionary wedge by previous authors. We have tested this hypothesis by investigating the metamorphic evolution of a pelite from this complex. Garnet in this rock shows a well evolved prograde zoning. Potassic white mica with Si contents between 3.38 (core) and 3.12 (rim) per formula unit, biotite, quartz and plagioclase, which have formed late blasts at the expense of amphibole, coexist with this phase. On the basis of P-T pseudosections and water-absent equilibria, we have estimated the subsequent P-T path for the studied metapelite. The garnet core formed at about 8 kbar and 470-500°C. After nearly isothermal burial to 45 km (13.5 kbar) where Si-rich phengites grew, temperatures increased followed by exhumation and an overprint stage at 8 kbar and 565°C. This P-T path is not compatible with the idea of an accretionary wedge complex. It is more likely that the high-pressure conditions were attained by thickening of continental crust when the hypothetical Chilenia terrane collided with the continental margin of western Gondwana in Devonian times.
Hopitalisation rates and costs by socioeconomic status, New South Wales, 1996-97 and 2000-01

The study found that the poor used public hospitals more than the rich, however for private hospitals this pattern was reversed - with patients in the poorest socioeconomic group having a 19 per cent lower hospitalisation rate than patients in the richest such group. Other findings were that, despite little change in the utilisation of public hospitals over the period, public hospital expenditures increased - in current prices - more rapidly (22%) than expenditures in private hospitals (17%). In this paper Agnes Walker, Linc Thurecht, Jim Pearse and Ann Harding examine trends between 1996-97 and 2000-01 in the patterns of hospitalisation of the NSW population. The study found that the poor used public hospitals more than the rich, however for private hospitals this pattern was reversed - with patients in the poorest socioeconomic group having a 19 per cent lower hospitalisation rate than patients in the richest such group. Other findings were that, despite little change in the utilisation of public hospitals over the period, public hospital expenditures increased - in current prices - morerapidly (22%) than expenditures in private hospitals (17%).
Work motivation as a determinant of organisational and professional commitment in temporary organisations: theoretical lenses and propositions

The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework to investigate the relationship between work motivation, organisational commitment and professional commitment in temporary organisations. Through a review of theory, we contend that work motivation has two major patterns — internal motivation (which includes intrinsic, need-based and self-deterministic theories), and external motivation (which includes cognitive or process-based theories of motivation) through which it has been investigated. We also hold the nature of employee commitment to be of three types — affective, continuance and normative. This commitment may be towards either the organisation or the profession. A literature review revealed that the characteristics of the temporary organisation — specifically tenure and task — regulate the relationship between work motivation, organisational commitment and professional commitment. Testable propositions are presented
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Spark Ignition of Linearly Arranged Non-Premixed Swirling Burners

ABSTRACT The ignition characteristics of a non-premixed multiple-burner linear combustion chamber was investigated experimentally and numerically, focusing on the determination of the mechanisms driving flame propagation from burner to burner. For different inter-burner spacings, overall equivalence ratios and bulk velocities, measurements of the velocity field and the mixture fraction distribution have been performed, respectively, with laser doppler anemometry and planar laser-induced fluorescence of acetone in the un-ignited flow. It was shown that in every individual burner, gas mixes with air within a central recirculation zone (CRZ) where the mixture is flammable except in the axial central rich gas jet and the annular air jet. Flammable mixture from the CRZ is extracted by the annular jet and this results in the existence of bridges of positive flammability factor in the inter-burner region. These bridges allow flame fragments to travel from the CRZ of the ignited burner to the CRZ of the adjacent unignited one, leading to burner-to-burner flame propagation. The ignition probability that sparking within a burner results in ignition of the adjacent one was obtained by performing many separate ignition trials with a laser spark. Ignition probability contours were also computed using a previously developed stochastic low-order ignition model and a large eddy simulation (LES) time-averaged solution of the cold flow. The quantification of the probability a flame kernel leads to burner ignition explained the differences existing between experimental results and the model. The results presented in this article extend our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the global ignition behavior of non-premixed annular combustion chambers.
Synthesis and functionalization of zeolites for NH 3-SCR applications

In the strive towards decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from the growing transport sector, the interest for more fuel-efficient combustion engines operating under lean (oxygen excess) conditions has increased. The combustion products, however, formed in such engines contribute considerably to air pollution. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) are the major toxic components together with carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) that need to be regulated. Selective catalytic reduction with ammonia (NH3-SCR) is an efficient method to reduce NOx under lean conditions. Metalexchanged zeolites are proven to be active catalysts for this process. One of the major requirements for the practical application of zeolites for NOx reduction, which is not yet sufficient, is their durability under hydrothermal conditions. Another problem of SCR systems for vehicles is the relatively low catalytic activity at low temperatures leading to that most of the emitted NOx origins from cold low-load start-up, and short travelling distances. Therefore, further development of the currently used NH3-SCR catalysts is of high practical as well as scientific interest. In the present work, different strategies to improve ion-exchanged zeolites as NH3-SCR catalysts are investigated. Special attention is paid to modifying the zeolite synthesis conditions, choice of metal for ion-exchange with and effect of method for zeolite functionalization. In particular, zeolites with MFI, CHA and *BEA framework structures have been ion-exchanged with iron and copper by aqueous ionexchange (AIE), wet impregnation (WI), solid state ion-exchange in air (SSIE) and solid state ionexchange facilitated by NH3 and NO ([NH3+NO]-SSIE). The catalytic properties of the prepared samples were tested for various reactions relevant to NH3-SCR conditions, namely NH3-SCR, NH3 oxidation, and NO oxidation. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, N2-sorption, ICP-AES, XRF, UV-Vis, NH3-TPD, SSNMR and DRIFTS. The synthesis conditions as well as choice of the metal and method of functionalization were all shown to be important for the structural and catalytic properties of the functionalized zeolites. Among the methods for functionalization, [NH3+NO]-SSIE generally leads to the most active catalysts. Moreover, the zeolite functionalization with transition metal ions was shown to significantly enhance the NH3-SCR activity. Cu-exchanged zeolites show high NH3-SCR activity over a broad temperature range, especially at low temperatures, while Fe-exchanged zeolites are more active for NH3-SCR at high temperatures. Additionally, sequential ion-exchange with both iron and copper leads to catalysts with high activity over broad temperature range. Furthermore, it was found that Fe species rather than Fe species, and similar, Cu species rather than Cu species are beneficial for NOx reduction in NH3-SCR.
Reference-Dependent Preferences and the Transmission of Monetary Policy

This paper proposes a novel explanation of the vast empirical evidence showing that output and prices react asymmetrically to monetary policy innovations over contractions and expansions in the business cycle. We use VAR techniques to show that monetary policy exerts stronger effects on the U.S. GDP during contractionary phases, as compared to expansionary ones. As to prices, their response is not statistically different across different cyclical stages. We show that these facts are consistent with a New Neoclassical Synthesis model based on the assumption that households. utility partly depends on deviations of their consumption from a reference level below which aversion to loss is displayed. In line with the theory developed by Kahneman and Tversky (1979), losses in consumption utility loom larger than gains. This implies state-dependent degrees of real rigidity and elasticity of intertemporal substitution in consumption that generate competing effects on the responses of output and inflation following a monetary innovation. The key predictions of the model are in line with the data. We then explore the state-dependent trade-o¤ between inflation and output stabilization that naturally arises in this context. Greater elasticity of inflation to real activity during expansionary stages of the cycle promotes a stronger degree of policy activism in the response to the expected rate of inflation under discretion, compared to what is otherwise prescribed during contractions.
Comparison between conventional PCR and PCR-ELISA for detection of Brucella melitensis original article

Molecular detection techniques are believed to be key tools for both prevention and treatment follow up of brucellosis within live stock and human beings. Consequently rapid, reliable, easy to perform and automated systems for Brucella detection are urgently needed to allow early diagnosis and adequate antibiotic therapy in time. Brucellosis is a worldwide re-emerging zoonosis causing high economic losses and severe human disease. In attempt to improve current molecular detection of Brucella melitensis, we compared a conventional PCR with PCRELISA, to detect brucella genome within standard strains and clinical isolates. Primer sets based on “omp-31” sequence of B. melitensis 16M were designed. The primer specificity was checked with appropriate online bioinformatics softwares. The primer specificity was also confirmed by testing the reaction with non-Brucella strains. A biotinylated probe complementary to an internal sequence of the PCR products was designed. The labeled non-specific fragments bound to streptavidin-coated wells, saturating the solid phase streptavidin by biotin-streptavidin interaction. Compared with conventional PCR, the PCRELISA proved to have more sensitivity for Brucella genome after appropriate optimization. Few human serum, whole blood and also different affected tissue samples from slaughtered livestock with brucellosis were used for protocol evaluation. Further samples should be tested before final conclusion about the results.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF TREATING CANCEROUS CELLS OF LUNG (QU-DB) BY HYPERTHERMIA USING DIODE LASER AND GOLD COATED FE3O4/SIO2 NANO-SHELLS: AN IN-VITRO ASSAY

Introduction In this study, we describe the results of controlled synthesis and application of gold coated Fe3O4/SiO2 nano-shells combined with the optical property of gold for enhancement of selective photothermal interaction with cancerous cells based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) Phenomena. Materials and Methods Magnetite Nano-Particles (MNPs) were prepared by means of co-precipitation. MNPs were modified with a thin layer of Silica using the Stober method. The amino-modified Fe3O4/SiO2 nano-shells were covered with gold colloids as a self-assembeled process. In-vitro assays were performed to determine the effect of apoptosis of the cells based on the cells morphological changes. Results The biologically inert nano-shells (85 nm) with a Magnetite/Silica core and a gold shell were optically activated. A successful laser-hyperthermia based on the thermal effect of surface plasmon resonance was performed using different gold concentrations. The thermal profile effects of laser power are presented as ideal cases of nanoshell-assisted photo-thermal therapy. The thermally-induced cell death has been shown to be dependent on NPs concentration and laser power density. The power densities of 157 and 184 W/cm2 caused complete cell death at the focal point of the laser beam.Cell damage was reduced by decreasing the power density of laser. Also, a larger area of damage on cell culture plates was observed at longer intervals of laser irradiation. Conclusion An optimized laser-(SPR) hyperthermia was obtained using a concentration of gold coated Fe3O4/SiO2 nano-shells concentration=0.1 mg/ml at intensity=157 W/cm2 at 60s.
A relationship between the PCR-RFLP polymorphism in porcine MYOG , MYOD 1 and MYF 5 genes and microstructural characteristics of m . longissimus lumborum in Pietrain × ( Polish Large White × Polish Landrace ) crosses

Muscle fibre formation takes place during embryonic development and is regulated by the MyoD gene family, which consists of four genes, MYOD1, myogenin, MYF5 and MRF4. A relationship was studied between MYOD1, myogenin and MYF5 genotypes and microstructural characteristics of the m. longissimus lumborum in pigs – crosses: Pietrain × (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace). The data included 115 unrelated animals slaughtered at about 105 kg live body weight. Within 45 min a�er exsanguination, samples were taken from the m. longissimus lumborum, frozen in liquid nitrogen and later analysed for the diameter of slow-twitch oxidative, fast-twitch oxidative and fast-twitch low-oxidative fibres, their proportion in a bundle, the proportion of pathological changes and number of fibres per unit area. The RYR1 and MyoD genotypes were determined using the PCR-RFLP technique. A significant or highly significant relation was observed between the diameter of all types of muscle fibres and genotype RYR1 – the highest values were recorded for homozygotes TT (genetically stress-sensitive). A relation between MyoD genotypes and microstructural characteristics of the m. longissimus lumborum was analysed on a group of 93 animals of the genotype CC or CT at locus RYR1. Sex appeared to have no significant effect on the muscle microstructural traits in this group of animals. The content of fast-twitch oxidative fibres (FTO) was significantly related to the MYF5 genotype, whereas that of fast-twitch low-oxidative fibres (FT) was affected by the MYOD1 and MYF5/DdeI genotypes. The proportion of angular fibres in a bundle was related to MYF5/HinfI genotype. The results showed that MyoD genes could be considered as candidate genes for some microstructural characteristics of m. longissimus lumborum in pigs.
An analysis of HST UV spectra of Cyg OB2 stars

As a first step of a vigorous program to investigate the Wind Momentum - Luminosity Relationship (WLR) of Galactic O-stars by analyzing stars belonging to the same cluster we present UV HST observations of six supergiants and one giant in the Cyg OB2 association. Terminal and turbulent wind velocities, velocity laws and metal ion column densities are derived and mean ionization fractions are estimated. Turbulent velocities are mostly in the range 10-14% of $v_\infty$. The terminal velocities agree well with the average $v_\infty$ vs. spectral class relationship compiled by Kudritzki & Puls ([CITE]). We compare the observed $v_\infty$ vs. escape velocity (depending on the diagnostics of the stellar mass) correlation with the predictions of the radiatively driven wind theory and find better agreement with the spectroscopic masses rather than with the evolutionary ones. The β velocity field exponents are in the range 0.7-0.8, without any trend towards larger values. We show that for a single luminosity class there is a tight relationship between T eff and $ $ (the mean density at the point in the stellar wind, where half the wind terminal velocity is reached). In consequence, the ionization fractions show the same trend with both, T eff and $ $: we find that Nv increases with T eff , Siiv decreases and Civ does not clearly correlate. As a byproduct, we also derive interestellar Hi column densities towards Cyg OB2, which turn out to be quite large. For one object (Cyg OB2$\#$2) we find inconsistencies making the association membership questionable.
Analytical Approach for Predicting Effects of Vitiated Air on the Mass Loss Rate of Large Pool Fire in Confined Compartments

The aim of this study is to determine the vaporization rate of an under-ventilated pool fire in a closed environment. A theoretical model that allows the burning rate of fuels to be determined for compartment fires under vitiated conditions is presented. The radiative and convective components of the heat flux from the flame to the pool surface are both evaluated and related to the ambient oxygen mass fraction. The model was first compared with the empirical correlation determined by Peatross and Beyler [1] before being applied to pool fires using heptane and PMMA as fuels in a small-scale apparatus. The global model presented here was then implemented in the CFD code ISIS and was validated against experiments involving a hydrogenated tetra-propylene pool fire test in a confined and mechanically ventilated compartment. It is shown that the model is able to correctly predict the fuel mass loss rate and provides a reasonable assessment of the heat flux from the flame to the pool surface.
Usefulness and perceived usefulness of Decision Support Systems (DSSs) in participatory forest planning: the final users’ point of view

Abstract: In recent decades, the focus of forestry Decision Support Systems (DSSs) has expanded to consider the social dimension of forestry and to support participatory decision-making. A large number of models and tools have become available to solve forest management planning problems. The Usefulness of a DSS depends on the range of tools that it incorporates, and many researches have been developed to evaluate DSSs using Usefulness as parameter. The assessment of Usefulness concerns the effectiveness of a DSS. Furthermore, most assessments take into account the degree of Perceived Usefulness, which is considered an indicator of the impact a system has on job performance. The present study focuses on the analysis of final users’ point of view on the Usefulness and Perceived Usefulness of DSSs in participatory forest planning. The research investigates how forest users’ characteristics and context influence their views on the potentialities of DSSs to enhance both the various phases of the participatory planning process (Usefulness) and job performance (Perceived Usefulness). The study is based on quantitative data collected through two questionnaires e-mailed to a sample of 150 DSSs end users. The questionnaires focused on Usefulness and on Perceived Usefulness topics, respectively. Results indicate that special attention must be given to motivating respondents with a clear explanation of the survey objectives when e-mailing questionnaires. Moreover, results show that, in general, respondents consider DSSs useful at each step of the participatory process, despite differences emerge among steps. The research also shows that respondents’ Perceived Usefulness of DSSs was higher before actually engaging with DSSs. Furthermore, the results highlight differences in Perceived Usefulness to improve job performance, suggesting that the use of DSSs may actually improve job performance more than expected. Specifically, results indicate that improving the technical descriptions of methodologies incorporated in a DSS may contribute to increasing the Perceived Usefulness. The information provided within this research contributes to the advancement of knowledge regarding the Usefulness of DSSs as perceived by forest stakeholders, which in turn supports the improvement of DSS architectures and the development of participatory processes in forest management planning.
Experimental infection in Notodiaptomus sp . ( Crustacea : Calanoida ) with larvae of Camallanus sp . ( Nematoda : Camallanidae )

This trial registered the experimental infection viability with nematode larvae Camallanus sp. in Notodiaptomus sp. , a crustacean, which can be an intermediate host. Adult females of nematode were dissected from the intestines of Xiphophorus maculatus (Osteichthyes: Poeciliidae), at a fish farm in the State of São Paulo. Females were slightly compressed for larvae release, collected with Pasteur pipette and separated on Petri dishes with 9ml filtered water at 28.1oC, from zooplankton culture. Treatments consisted of Petri dishes with 60 and 105 copepods, in which 120, 150 and 210 larvae of nematode were added in four replications. Twenty-four and 36h after exposition to the larvae, the copepods were fixed in 70% alcohol to record the amount of fixed larvae. Twenty four hours after exposition, 60 copepods group with 120 larvae showed significantly higher prevalence (46.5%) when compared to 105 copepods and 120 larvae (33.2%). Thus, these answers suggested that 120 larvae were enough for a successful infectivity. Experimental infection was available and so, it was used as a pattern to life cycle studies of camallanid nematodes and hosts susceptibility tests.