Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal trends of Amazonian rainforest phenology, net primary productivity, and carbon allocation

The seasonality of solar irradiance and precipitation may regulate seasonal variations in tropical forests carbon cycling. Controversy remains over their importance as drivers of seasonal dynamics of net primary productivity in tropical forests. We use ground data from nine lowland Amazonian forest plots collected over 3 years to quantify the monthly primary productivity (NPP) of leaves, reproductive material, woody material, and fine roots over an annual cycle. We distinguish between forests that do not experience substantial seasonal moisture stress (“humid sites”) and forests that experience a stronger dry season (“dry sites”). We find that forests from both precipitation regimes maximize leaf NPP over the drier season, with a peak in production in August at both humid (mean 0.39 ± 0.03 Mg C ha−1 month−1 in July, n = 4) and dry sites (mean 0.49 ± 0.03 Mg C ha−1 month−1 in September, n = 8). We identify two distinct seasonal carbon allocation patterns (the allocation of NPP to a specific organ such as wood leaves or fine roots divided by total NPP). The forests monitored in the present study show evidence of either (i) constant allocation to roots and a seasonal trade‐off between leaf and woody material or (ii) constant allocation to wood and a seasonal trade‐off between roots and leaves. Finally, we find strong evidence of synchronized flowering at the end of the dry season in both precipitation regimes. Flower production reaches a maximum of 0.047 ± 0.013 and 0.031 ± 0.004 Mg C ha−1 month−1 in November, in humid and dry sites, respectively. Fruitfall production was staggered throughout the year, probably reflecting the high variation in varying times to development and loss of fruit among species.
Nitrate, ammonia and phosphate concentrations in the surface water of Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, West. Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

This study was undertaken to compare the concentrations of nitrate nitrogen (NO 2 -N), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in the surface intertidal waters of Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary over a four-month period (June to September, 2007). Three sampling stations were established in the Gula river estuary, labelled as Station 1, Station 2 and Station 3. The highest concentrations of SRP (55.92±7.88 µg/L), nitrate-N (85.68±24.33 µg/L) and TAN (85.91±6.54 µg/L) were recorded in the months of June, July and August, respectively whereas, the lowest concentrations of all the nutrients were recorded in September. The highest concentrations of the nutrients observed for the three months (June, July and August) coincided with the planting season of the nearby paddy fields in Kuala Kurau, Kuala Gula, Salinsing and some parts of Bagan Serai. This might indicate contamination of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients from fertilizer run-off. Therefore, a continuous monitoring, for the content of nutrient in the surface intertidal waters of the bird sanctuary, is recommended to observe any significant changes which may take place in the area. The results of this study would serve as an important baseline information for future reference.
The Effect of Social Capital Enhancement on Quality of Life, Treatment Compliance and Pain in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: Nowadays, research about quality of life in breast cancer patients is so important, because of progress in treatment procedure in health science. Brest cancer influences quality of life aspects and disrupts social relationships. This creates recluse lifestyle and speeds up disease trend. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the eect(s) of social capital on quality of life, treatment compliance, and pain in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial, 29 patients with breast cancer (who referred to Kashany hospital in Shahrekord during 2010 - 2012) through non-probability (available) sampling were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received some inter- ventions to promote social capital and the non-intervention group took routine treatment. Results: Before the intervention, both groups were similar in terms of the study variables. But after the intervention, in the intervention group social capital, Qol and treatment compliance increased and in the non-intervention group, these variables decreased. Pain in both groups was reduced, but this reduction was more noticeable in the intervention group. Conclusions: Increasing the social capital results in promoting Qol, health behaviors, treatment compliance and pain relief. Then methods of promoting social capital can be used as a way to improve Qol and treatment compliance and relieve pain.
Constructal design of the mixing zone inside a supersonic ejector

Supersonic ejectors can be used in heat powered chillers to transfer mechanical energy between the motive and the inverse cycle. Within the ejector, momentum is exchanged between a high speed flow produced by a primary nozzle and a slow current coming from the chiller evaporator. Due to the supersonic regime of the primary flow, the mixing of the two streams causes significant loss and impairs the system efficiency. Up to now, second law efficiency of ejector chillers is quite low and optimization is highly needed. The fluid dynamics of the whole ejector involves turbulent mixing, shock trains and complex wall flow, requiring CFD analyses for an adequate description. However, in order to attempt an optimization, mathematically workable models are advantageous. An analytical scheme that captures the basic features of the turbulent mixing zone is discussed here in view of a Constructal design of an ejector chiller.
A Visual DNA Chip for Simultaneous Detection, Genotyping and Differentiation of Wild-type and Vaccine-type Classical Swine Fever Virus

Routinely, RT-PCR followed by DNA sequencing has been the method used to detect classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and exclude the interference of vaccine viruses for the field cases. Here, a DNA chip assay was developed to enable simultaneous detection, genotyping and differentiation between wild and vaccine-type CSFV. Specific oligonucleotide primers and probes were designed in the 3'non-translated region of the CSFV genome. One-step RT-PCR amplification was performed with biotin-labeled primers, followed by hybridization to the DNA probe immobilized on the plastic chip. The DNA chip can not only accurately differentiate between the three major genotypes of CSFV, but can also discriminate between wild-type and vaccine-type CSFV. The limit of detection for wild-type virus was 10 TCID50/mL for RT-PCR and 1 TCID50/mL for the DNA chip. The sensitivity of the visual DNA Chip was 10 times higher than that of the RT-PCR confirmed by agarose gel. We conclude that RT-PCR coupled with DNA probe hybridization provides a highly sensitive diagnostic tool for genotyping CSFV and discriminating between wild-type and vaccine-type CSFV in clinical samples.
Comparing the Regression Analysis and Artificial Neural Network in Modeling the Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) Process

T Complexities of 6T 6T submerged arc 6T 6T welding 6T 6T variables 6T on the one hand and its widespread use in producing the sensitive and expensive parts on the other hand have doubled the importance of precise control of its adjusting parameters. In general, in order to create high-quality joints in welding processes it is necessary to control three parameters of welding 6T current 6T , voltage and speed precisely from various variables. On this basis, the mentioned variables have been considered as the criteria for quality of the weld joints in this study as the adjusting parameters and weld bead geometry, which include the bead height, width and penetration. Thus, the accurate equations have been proposed for estimating the weld bead height, width and penetration based on the input parameters by the regression analysis and neural network. Based on the results, the designed neural network is markedly more accurate than the regression equations, but both models have high capabilities for optimizing the parameters of submerged arc welding and also predicting the weld bead geometry for a set of input values.
Exploring Surgeons' Perceptions of the Role of Simulation in Surgical Education: A Needs Assessment

Introduction: The last two decades have seen the adoption of simulation-based surgical education in various disciplines. The current study’s goal was to perform a needs assessment using the results to inform future curricular planning and needs of surgeons and learners. Methods: A survey was distributed to 26 surgeon educators and interviews were conducted with 8 of these surgeons. Analysis of survey results included reliability and descriptive statistics. Interviews were analyzed for thematic content with a constant comparison technique, developing coding and categorization of themes. Results: The survey response rate was 81%. The inter-item reliability, according to Cronbach’s alpha was 0.81 with strongest agreement for statements related to learning new skills, training new residents and the positive impact on patient safety and learning. There was less strong agreement for maintenance of skills, improving team functioning and reducing teaching in the operating room. Interview results confirmed those themes from the survey and highlighted inconsistencies for identified perceived barriers and a focus on acquisition of skills only. Interview responses specified concerns with integrating simulation into existing curricula and the need for more evaluation as a robust educational strategy. Conclusion: The findings were summarized in four themes: 1) use of simulation, 2) integration into curriculum, 3) leadership, and 4) understanding gaps in simulation use. This study exemplifies a mixed-methods approach to planning a surgical simulation program through a general needs assessment.
Surface photometry of brightest cluster galaxies and intracluster stars in ΛCDM

We simulate the phase-space distribution of stellar mass in nine massive Λ cold dark matter galaxy clusters by applying the semi-analytic particle tagging method of Cooper et al. to the Phoenix suite of high-resolution N-body simulations (M200 ≈ 7.5–33 × 1014 M⊙). The resulting surface brightness (SB) profiles of brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) match well to observations. On average, stars formed in galaxies accreted by the BCG account for ≳90 per cent of its total mass (the remainder is formed in situ). In circular BCG-centred apertures, the superposition of multiple debris clouds (each ≳10 per cent of the total BCG mass) from different progenitors can result in an extensive outer diffuse component, qualitatively similar to a ‘cD envelope'. These clouds typically originate from tidal stripping at z ≲ 1 and comprise both streams and the extended envelopes of other massive galaxies in the cluster. Stars at very low SB contribute a significant fraction of the total cluster stellar mass budget: in the central 1 Mpc2 of a z ∼ 0.15 cluster imaged at SDSS-like resolution, our fiducial model predicts 80–95 per cent of stellar mass below a SB of μV ∼ 26.5 mag arcsec−2 is associated with accreted stars in the envelope of the BCG. The ratio of BCG stellar mass (including this diffuse component) to total cluster stellar mass is ∼30 per cent.
Grazing in the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina: size selectivity and preference for calcified Emiliania huxleyi cells

Selective grazing on nanophythoplankton by the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis manna was investigated in laboratory expenments. 0. marina was offered 2 mixtures of differently sized algae: (1) Micromonas pusiUa (2 pm Equivalent Spherical Diameter), Emihania huxleyi (5 pm ESD), and Tetraselrms sueclca (7 pm ESD); and (2) Nannochloris sp. (2 pm ESD), Isochrysis galbana (5 pm ESD), Rhodomonas sp. (8 pm ESD). and Tetraselmis sp. (10 pm ESD). 0. marina grazed selectively on the larger algal species (ESD 2 7 pm), and also selected for the larger cells within each species. 0. marina discriminated against E. huxleyi. To test this selection, 0. marina was offered mixtures of equal concentrations of the similarly sized algae E. huxleyj and I. galband. In these mixtures, 0. marina preferred the calcified E. huxleyl cells over noncalcified E. huxleyj cells and discriminated against I. galbana. This result is also interpreted in terms of size-selective grazing.
STRUCTURAL AND SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF NOVEL METHYLBENZOYLTHIOUREA DERIVATIVES (Struktur Dan Kajian Spektroskopi Terbitan Metilbenzoilthiourea)

Three new compounds, N-(2-methybenzoyl)-N’-(3-methyl-2-pyridyl)thiourea (I), N-(3-methylbenzoyl)-N’-(6-methyl-2pyridyl)thiourea (II) are isomers and N-(2-methylbenzoyl)-N’-(6-methylpyridine-2-yl)thione (III) have been successfully synthesised and characterised by typical spectroscopic techniques, IR, UV-Visible, 1 H and 13 C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and CHNS analysis. The molecular structures were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffractometer analysis. The Infrared spectra of these compounds showed four significant stretching vibrations, (N-H), (C=O), (C-N) and (C=S) at 31873375 cm -1 , 1683-1713 cm -1 , 1326-1384 cm -1 and 666-785 cm -1 , respectively. The UV-Visible spectra of all compounds show three bands obtained in the range of 205-287 nm, which may be due to n→π* and π→π* transitions. In 13 C NMR spectra, the signal of carbon carbonyl for (I) and (II) can be observed at ca. δc 170 ppm. Whilst, chemical shift of the carbon thione groups for (I) and (II) appeared at ca. 180 ppm. Molecule (I), (II) and (III) crystallise in the monoclinic crystal system with space group P21/n. Molecule (I) adopts trans-cis configuration in comparison with II which adopts cis-trans configuration of the pyridine and
Topological Fluid Dynamics : Theory and Applications Impulse of vortex knots from diagram projections

In this paper I extend the area interpretation of linear and angular momenta of ideal vortex filaments to complex tangles of filaments in space. A method based on the extraction of area information from diagram projections is presented to evaluate the impulse of vortex knots and links. The method relies on the estimate of the signed areas of sub-regions of the graph resulting from the projection of the vortex axes on the plane of the graph. Some examples based on vortex rings interaction, vortex knots and links are considered for illustration. This method provides a complementary tool to estimate dynamical properties of complex fluid flows and it can be easily implemented in real-time diagnostics to investigate fluid dynamical properties of complex vortex flows. c © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of K. Bajer, Y. Kimura, & H.K. Moffatt.
The impact of industry specialist audit firms on pricing of discretionary accruals and earnings management: Australian evidence

This paper examines the relationship between the capital market pricing of Australian publicly listed firms and earnings management (proxied by discretionary accruals) during a three-year pooled timeframe of 2008 to 2010. More importantly, the role of industry specialist audit firms on market returns and earnings management relationship is investigated. Main results indicate a significant negative relationship between firm returns and earnings management. However, there is no significance in the role of industry specialist audit firms on the firm returns and earnings management linkage. On the other hand, sensitivity tests indicate that industry specialist audit firms play in significant monitoring role for audit committees with less than fifty percent of their members classified as independent. One major contribution is for regulators (aiming to improve audit quality) to strengthen key firm-level corporate governance mechanisms. Specifically, by placing the consequences from this paper into perspective, there may be a greater likelihood of increased audit quality by altering audit committee's structure, composition and authority levels.
Post-depositional effects on the microstructure and stable isotopes composition of planktic foraminiferal tests from the Miocene of the Pelotas Basin, south Brazilian continental margin

An integrated study of planktic foraminiferal tests (Orbulina universa and Globigerinoides trilobus) imaging techniques and chemical/isotopic analyses has been carried out at the Miocene section of the Pelotas Basin (South Brazil) with the purpose of record and evaluate the effects of the diagenesis in its wall texture and isotopic composition. The characterization of the foraminiferal tests preservation prior performing isotopic analysis for paleoceanographic studies is essential to ensure the choice of suitable material for obtaining reliable data. Scanning electron microscopy, backscatter scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and stable isotope measurements were used to evaluate the post-depositional effects on the tests. It was possible to identify features of dissolution, neomorphism (recrystallization) and coating of autigenic minerals. The stable isotopic data defi ne two compositional groups. The heavier and less scattered values characterize a preserved paleoenvironmental signal as the lighter and scattered ones indicate a signal derived from post-depositional alterations. Additionally, the characterization of the distinct types of diagenetic changes and their textural products provide a guideline for the evaluation of the diagenetic effects of deeply buried fossil foraminifera.
Corruption and Economic Growth: The Transmission Channels

The relationship between corruption and economic growth has been the focus of numerous studies. However, no consensus seems to exist on the mechanisms via which corruption should reduce growth. The aim of this paper is to identify the transmission channels through which corruption is likely to affect economic growth. Unlike most previous analysis in this area that used the decomposition method [Mo (2001), Pellegrini and Gerlagh (2004) and, Pellegrini (2011)], we employ a Channel Methodology [developed by Tavares and Wacziarg (2001) and applied by Wacziarg (2001) and, more recently, by Lorentzen, McMillan and Wacziarg (2008)]. This methodology based on a system of simultaneous equations to evaluate the effects of corruption on various determinants of economic growth, will allow us to show how corruption affects growth via each possible channel. Our results suggest that the negative effect of corruption on economic growth is mainly transmitted by its impact on human capital and political instability.
Geotechnical Properties of Waste Engine Oil Contaminated Laterites

Surface disposal of waste engine oil is common in many parts of Nigeria and this result in the attendant contamination of soils. It is therefore important to investigate the effect of this on laterites which are commonly used as bases for road construction. In this work, laboratory tests were performed on four lateritic soils classified as GC and SC in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification system. The contaminated soils were prepared by mixing the dry soil samples with 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% of waste engine oil in terms of weight. The results show a general decrease in optimum moisture content, liquid limits and Permeability. There were also observed increase in shear strength, maximum dry density and CBR for three of the samples. These results are therefore useful in the prediction of the behaviour of these contaminated soils.
DRYOPTERIS COCHLEATA RHIZOME: A NUTRITIONAL SOURCE OF ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS, PHYTOCHEMICALS, ANTIOXIDANTS AND ANTIMICROBIALS

Objetive: Dryopteris cochleata belongs to the family of Dryopteridaceae. The rhizomes of D. cochleata exhibits various therapeutic values to treat many ailments such as, epilepsy, leprosy, cuts, wounds, ulcers, swelling, etc. D. cochleata extracts possess antimicrobial, antioxidant property and also used to treat gonorrhea, muscular pain, rheumatic, throat problems and antidote for snake and dog bites. The present investigation deals with in vitro antioxidant activity, estimation of phytoconstituents, antimicrobial potential of various solvent (hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, acetone, methanol and water) extracts of D. cochleata rhizome and its elemental analysis. Methods: In vitro antioxidant activity was done by DPPH, superoxide, nitric oxide, hydroxide, ABTS, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation assays. Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonol, tannins, carbohydrate, protein and ascorbic acid conten t were estimated as per standard method. The elemental analysis was performed by LIBS. Agar well diffusion method was employed to determine the antimicrobial activity. Results: Acetone extract showed significant antioxidant activity, higher amount of phytoconstituents and potential antimicrobial activity when compared with other extracts. The LIBS analysis revealed the presence of many nutrient elements (such as calcium, magnesium, oxygen, carbon, silicon, aluminium, iron, strontium, nitrogen, barium, sodium, hydrogen and potassium). The result of GC–MS profile of acetone extract showed about 61 compounds. Conclusion: This study reveals that acetone extract of D. cochleata posses potential antimicrobial, antioxidant property and high nutritive value that may be used to serve society.
Status of Household Solid Waste and People’s Perception on its Management at Sitakunda Upazila, Chittagong

Urban household solid waste (HSW) is well-known, but has little knowledge about the rural areas and sub-cities. The quest of the study was to investigate current HSW management system and people’s attitude towards it’s at Sitakunda Upazila. The study was conducted through a semi-structured questionnaire survey by interviewing 150 households from 3 different socioeconomic groups. The results showed that on an average each household generated 1.26 kg/day wastes which stands at 0.24 kg/person/day in the study area. However, HSW generation is positively correlated with family size (r xy =0.991, p˂0.05), average age of family members (r xy =0.455, p˂0.01), and monthly earnings (r xy =0.999, p˂0.01) of the households. Amidst the various categories of wastes, vegetable and food wastes (VFWs) were identified as the highest value 68.4%. In contrast, 24.6% of the generated wastes were recyclable and 75.4% non-recyclable; 82.1% organic and 17.9% inorganic. A large percentage of sampled households opined that present HSW management involves merely partial collection that is also irregular in urban areas but absent in rural areas. Unfair HSW collection was noticed by 58.7% and partial source segregation is also rare 14%. Besides, 42.7% people were found to dispose their daily generated wastes by open dumping and 25.3% nearby lagoon. A large number of people were dissatisfied 68% and only 6.7% were satisfied with the existing HSW management system. In addition, most of the people encountered bad odor problems by 28.7% and wastes spread on roadside by 38%. Significant quantity of recyclable wastes was noticed to collect from households by hawkers/scraps in the study area and very few household were found to use VFWs with cow-dung to generate biogas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENT Volume-6, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2016/17, page: 58-75