Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climatological conditions of the Black Sea‐effect snowfall events in Istanbul, Turkey

A climatological analysis and overlying synoptic conditions of Black Sea‐effect snowfall events were investigated for Istanbul, Turkey, during the 1971–2006 winter (DJF) periods. Using the synoptic climatological approach, the Lamb Weather Type (LWT) method was applied to NCEP/NCAR daily mean sea level pressure data. Basically, northwesterly (NW), northerly (N), and northeasterly (NE) circulation types (CTs), which blow from the Black Sea (BS), were thought to be important for sea‐effect snowfall events to occur. Wind speeds and flows at 850‐hPa, directional shear, and temperature difference between sea surface and 850‐hPa level (SST‐T850) thresholds were applied to these three CTs in order to find suitable snowfall cases originating from the Black‐Sea. The results showed that 4, 14, and 111 snowfall episodes occurred during NW, N, and NE circulation types over Istanbul with the 2.8, 4.1, and 3.5 cm daily mean snow cover depths (DMSCD), respectively. In particular, it was found that interaction between a surface high located over continental Europe and a low pressure located over the central Black Sea, and a relatively warm sea surface temperature (SST), and cold temperature anomaly at the low level of the atmosphere (SST‐T850 > 17°C) are a favourable environment for the development of intense Black Sea‐effect snowstorms (DMSCD > 10 cm) sourced by NE cases. A statistically significant positive relation between snow cover depths and SST‐Tmax (daily maximum temperature) under NE cases (r = 0.28, p < .05) indicated that we observe intense daily snow accumulation when land‐sea temperature contrast increases (>7°C) in the region.
Is flight-to-safety in the art market real? Evidence from the 1929 financial crash

ABSTRACT We study the impact of the 1929 stock market crash on the Paris art market by creating a high-frequency index of artwork sales to measure the arrival of new investors seeking safe-havens. The results show that following the financial crash, the previously volatile art market becomes suddenly stable, suggesting a flight-to-safety from financial markets to the art market.
Towards Higher Laccase Activities Produced by Aquatic Ascomycetous Fungi Through Combination of Elicitors and an Alternative Substrate

Laccases are versatile biocatalysts with various potential biotechnological applications, e.g. the treatment of industrial waste waters, the detoxification of environmental pollutants, or the functionalization of renewable polymeric materials. Central composition experimental design and response surface methodology was applied to optimize the production of laccase by the aquatic ascomycetous fungi, Phoma sp. UHH 5‐1‐03 and Coniothyrium sp. Kl‐S5, in shake flasks. A complex plant‐based medium (tomato juice) and two elicitors (Remazol Brilliant Blue R [RBBR] and CuSO4) were tested in combination at three concentrations. The highest laccase activity of 6322 ± 403 U/L was achieved on day 9 for Phoma sp. Coniothyrium sp. exerted a maximum laccase activity of 3035 ± 111 U/L on day 4. Optimal conditions were 30 % tomato juice and 450 mg/L RBBR for both strains. A concentration of 250 μM CuSO4 led to highest laccase activities in cultures of Coniothyrium sp. , and 50 μM CuSO4 was most effective for Phoma sp. A remarkable synergistic effect of tomato juice and RBBR on laccase production was observed for both strains. The upscaling potential of the optimal induction conditions was demonstrated in a lab‐scale fermenter which resulted in maximum activities of 11030 ± 177 U/L on day 6 for Phoma sp. and 11530 ± 161 U/L on day 9 for Coniothyrium sp. This study therefore presents a promising alternative for laccase production in ascomycetes based on a cheap complex substrate in combination with two elicitors.
Quasielastic Neutron Scattering Study of Water Dynamics in Hydrated Nafion Membranes

We report a QENS study of the molecular motions in a perfluorinated ionomer membrane, Nafion, under increasing hydration levels from almost dry to fully saturated. Combined experiments performed on time-of-flight and backscattering spectrometers have been used to investigate the picosecond to the nanosecond dynamic behavior of water. The experimental spectra have been simulated over the whole Q range from 0.34 to 2.25 A-1 by a single theoretical model taking into account the localized motions within confining domains, the microscopic features of the elementary jump process, and the long-range diffusion mechanism. The diffusion in a restricted geometry with ill-defined boundaries has been described by Gaussian statistics, contrary to the popular diffusion inside an impermeable sphere model where the boundaries are well defined. Evaluation of the spectra reveals the existence of two populations of protons in Nafion at all hydrations that are nonexchangeable on the nanosecond time-scale. A first population o.
Innovation in women-led firms: an empirical analysis

ABSTRACT The availability of resources is paramount for innovation in women-led firms. We define a women-led firm where a chief executive officer (CEO) is a woman. We examine how nature – a pervasive and arbitrary type of institutional environment as well as access to resources is associated with different propensity to innovate between women and men-led firms. Using micro-level cross-country data of 12,412 firms and a reduced sample of 5,052 firms during 2008–2015 and across 75 economies, we find that the differences in risk perception between women and men-led firms ae not associated with innovation propensity. Instead, the availability of resources proxied by a country's fiscal freedom and availability of internal resources lead to an increase in innovation in women-led firms. The relationship is non-linear and increases with the availability of finance. This work has important policy implications for the role of institutions to spur innovation in women-led firms.
Treatment of persistent genital arousal disorder: Single case study

Abstract This abstract gives the case description of a married woman in her 30s who suffered from persistent genital arousal disorder for a decade. This paper reviews the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in the management of her disorder. The client had been reported as experiencing persistent genital arousal, vaginal engorgement, accompanied by feelings of distress, irritability and psychosocial impairment. She had a history of marital discord with her husband as well and never get sexual satisfaction. Besides, she had also suffered from dysthymia for the last eight years. She was prescribed antidepressants for dysthymia and local anesthetic ointment for genital irritability. She appeared normal in her medical evaluations. She reported mild relief in her genital arousal and dysthymia in response to psychiatric medication. She was treated with MBCT for a period of six months. Six months periodical follow-up reported a moderate improvement in symptoms of dysthymia, distress, and persistent genital arousal. She had been advised to see her therapist at regular intervals for periodic evaluation and administration of MBCT. She has been instructed to practice mindfulness exercises on her home regularly to keep the effects intact.
Modeling Snow Ablation over the Mountains of the Western United States: Patterns and Controlling Factors

When compared with differences in snow accumulation predicted by widely used hydrological models, there is a much greater divergence among otherwise “good” models in their simulation of the snow ablation process. Here, we explore differences in the performance of the Variable Infiltration Capacity model (VIC), Noah land surface model with multiparameterization options (Noah-MP), the Catchment model, and the third-generation Simplified Simple Biosphere model (SiB3) in their ability to reproduce observed snow water equivalent (SWE) during the ablation season at 10 Snowpack Telemetry (SNOTEL) stations over 1992–2012. During the ablation period, net radiation generally has stronger correlations with observed melt rates than does air temperature. Average ablation rates tend to be higher (in both model predictions and observations) at stations with a large accumulation of SWE. The differences in the dates of last snow between models and observations range from several days to approximately a month (on average 5.1 days earlier than in observations). If the surface cover in the models is changed from observed vegetation to bare soil in all of the models, only the melt rate of the VIC model increases. The differences in responses of models to canopy removal are directly related to snowpack energy inputs, which are further affected by different algorithms for surface albedo and energy allocation across the models. We also find that the melt rates become higher in VIC and lower in Noah-MP if the shrub/grass present at the observation sites is switched to trees.
Dynamics of concentrated polymer systems. Part 4.—Rheological properties

The constitutive equation for polymer melts and concentrated solutions derived in the previous papers is applied to two typical rheometrical flows: steady and transient shear flow, oscillatory shear flow superposed on steady flow, steady and transient uniaxial elongational flow. The stress responses predicted are qualitatively in good agreement with experiments except for one case (the first normal stress in the transient shear flow). A particularly interesting result is that the constitutive equation suggests instability in steady shear flow and uniaxial elongational flow.
Can mentoring programmes develop leadership?

ABSTRACT Mentoring programmes are popular within organizations as well as educational institutions. Research has shown that mentoring can be an effective tool for employee career development broadly; however, there has been a relatively small amount of research on the effectiveness of mentoring as a tool for leadership development specifically. This paper reviews the research on mentoring relationships, leadership development programmes, and the overlap of the two. Additionally, it provides a qualitative review of the three extant longitudinal intervention studies that have explicitly evaluated the impact of mentoring programmes for leadership development. The review shows that mentoring programmes are promising arenas for developing leadership capabilities for both mentees and mentors, but more evidence is needed to reach a definitive conclusion. The article concludes with recommendations for human resource development practitioners who would like to use mentoring for leadership development purposes.
Introduction to mechanical metamaterials and their effective properties

Metamaterials are rationally designed composites made of building blocks which are composed of one or more constituent materials. Metamaterial properties can go beyond those of the ingredient materials, both qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition, their properties can be mapped on some generalized continuum model. We present the general procedure of designing elastic metamaterials based on masses and springs. We show that using this simple approach we can design any set of effective properties including linear elastic metamaterials,—defined by bulk modulus, shear modulus, mass density—and nonlinear metamaterials,—with instabilities or programmable parts. We present designs and corresponding numerical calculations to illustrate their constitutive behavior. Finally, we discuss the addition of a thermal stimulus to mechanical metamaterials. Résumé. Les métamatériaux sont des composites de conception rationnelle constitués de briques élémentaires qui sont composées d’un ou plusieurs matériaux constitutifs. Les propriétés des métamatériaux peuvent aller au-delà de celles des matériaux constitutifs, à la fois qualitativement et quantitativement. En outre, leurs propriétés peuvent être mises en correspondance avec certains modèles de milieux continus généralisés. Nous présentons une procédure générale de conception de métamatériaux élastiques à base de ∗Corresponding author. ISSN (electronic) : 1878-1535 https://comptes-rendus.academie-sciences.fr/physique/ 752 Xueyan Chen et al. systèmes de type masses et de ressorts. Nous montrons quavec cette approche simple, nous pouvons concevoir tout un ensemble de propriétés effectives, y compris celles de métamatériaux élastiques non linéaires avec instabilités ou parties programmables — définis par un module de masse, de cisaillement et une masse volumique. Nous présentons des designs et calculs numériques afin dillustrer les lois de comportement. Enfin, nous discutons de l’apport d’un stimulus thermique aux métamatériaux mécaniques.
Remote measurement of sulfur dioxide emissions using an ultraviolet light sensitive video system

Remote measurements of SO/sub 2/ emissions and plume velocities were made with a portable ultraviolet light-sensitive video system and compared with EPA in-stack compliance measurement methods. The instrument system measures the ultraviolet light absorption of SO/sub 2/ and movement of SO/sub 2/ fluctuations in the effluent plume and relates these measurements to the SO/sub 2/ concentration and velocity of the plume. Laboratory and field tests were conducted to establish the potential for using this technique for rapid surveillance of SO/sub 2/ emissions. The effects caused by submicron aerosols also were investigated. The field tests were performed on two occasions. On the first occasion, SO/sub 2/ and plume velocity measurements were made at a typical coal-fired power plant with flue gas desulfurization (FGD) controls (concentrations ranged from 80 to 365 ppm). The second occasion involved participation in an urban particulate modeling study, which resulted in routine SO/sub 2/ emission measurements performed at 12 industrial sites. The results of smoke generator and field tests indicate that the sulfur dioxide concentration of smoke stack emissions can be made with an accuracy less than +/-120 ppm (relative to the EPA stack test compliance method), provided the particulate opacity of the emissions is less thanmore » 22 percent. The velocity measurement feature of the instrument correlated poorly with the EPA compliance method for stack gas velocity. « less
Functional metal-organic frameworks for metal removal from aqueous solutions

ABSTRACT Wastewater remediation technologies are rapidly evolving to meet the increasing water demand. The need to develop efficient, low-cost, and simplistic strategies has motivated researchers to explore newer fields of material science. Owing to high thermal stability, porosity, and accessible functionalities, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are finding numerous applications in the domain of wastewater treatment and resource recovery. The application-oriented development of MOFs has been accepted as a novel approach for the removal and recovery of metals from waste solutions. The desired properties in MOFs could be achieved by adopting suitable synthesis or post-synthesis functionalization strategies. Here, we have reviewed differently functionalized MOFs and their application in the removal of metals from waste solutions. We have also discussed the application of MOFs in the pre-concentration and recovery of actinides from seawater. Conclusions regarding the future scope of employing MOFs in the domain of environmental remediation have been included.
The renal and cardiovascular effects of SGLT2 inhibition in combination with loop diuretics in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic heart failure (RECEDE-CHF) trial

The SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce heart failure (HF) hospitalisations in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and to improve outcomes in those with HF irrespective of T2D status. Given this, it is likely that they will be co-prescribed with a loop diuretic. The combined diuretic effect of SGLT2 inhibitors and loop diuretic has not been well defined. The aim of this study was to assess the diuretic and natriuretic effect of empagliflozin in patients with T2D and chronic HF in combination with loop diuretics. RECEDE-CHF (Renal and Cardiovascular Effects of SGLT2 inhibition in combination with loop Diuretics in patients with T2D and Chronic HF) was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Patients were randomised to empagliflozin 25 mg once a day or placebo for 6 weeks with study assessments at day 3 and week 6. Following a 2 week washout period, patients then entered the second treatment arm. The primary outcome was change in 24-hour urinary volume, when compared to placebo at day 3 and week 6. 23 participants mean age 69.8 years, (male 73.9%) with T2D and chronic HF (all ejection fraction <50%) on a mean furosemide dose of 49.6 mg/day were recruited. In comparison to placebo, empagliflozin caused a significant increase in 24-hour urinary volume at both time points (day 3, mean difference of 549.3 ml, 95% confidence interval 151.4 to 947.2, p=0.004 and week 6, mean difference of 542.8 ml, 95% CI 134.9 to 950.7, p=0.005), adjusted for treatment order and baseline 24-hour urine volume. Empagliflozin did not cause a significant increase in the 24-hour urinary sodium as measured in mmol/L at both time points (day 3, mean difference compared to placebo −2.96 mmol/L, 95% CI: −21.55 to 15.64, p=1.00, week 6 mean difference compared to placebo −8.41 mmol/L, 95% CI: −27.00 to 10.18, p=0.81). Empagliflozin caused a significant increase in electrolyte-free water clearance (cH20e) at day 3 (mean difference compared to placebo 287.36 ml/min, (95% CI 31.79 to 542.93, p=0.022) and at week 6 (mean difference when compared to placebo 255.69 ml/min (95% CI: −284.12 to 220.76, p=0.048) when corrected for furosemide dose. 21.7% (n=5) participants had to have their furosemide dose reduced by 50% whilst on the active treatment arm of empagliflozin by day 3. On discontinuation of the active treatment arm with empagliflozin, two participants experienced hospital admissions with decompensated cardiac congestion. Empagliflozin caused a significant increase in 24-hour urine volume when used in combination with loop diuretic when compared to placebo. There was no increase in 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. The greater electrolyte-free water clearance induced by empagliflozin observed in this study may support a proposed hypothesis that this could result in a greater fluid clearance from the interstitial space than from the circulating volume. Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation (BHF)
Adding Enriched Eggs in Ready-to-use foods Improve Recovery Rate in Malnourished Rats

Ready-to-use foods (RUFs) using indigenous sources in developing countries is highly required to treat moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). However, incorporating an animal protein may affect their effectiveness. Thus, two local RUFs were produced without (LF-1) and with eggs (LF-2). The objective of this study was to assess and compare to Plumpy'Sup (PS), the impact of adding enriched eggs in cashew/soy/rice based RUF on the proximate composition, growth and blood biochemical parameters in malnourished Wistar rats by Anagobaka diet. Proximate composition revealed that, with the exception of fiber and ash contents, the two RUFs recorded protein, lipid, carbohydrate and energy values globally comparable to PS. They also met WFP's recommendations for foods to treat MAM. Results of growth parameters show that Anagobaka diet leads to the installation of a moderate emaciation, confirmed by an average weight loss of -17 %. Moreover, recovery diets showed higher weight gain and good palatability (DMI, TPI, FER and PER) in rats fed with PS followed by those fed with LF-2 and LF-1. For the serum biochemical parameters, the rats fed with LF-2 had on the whole a better functioning of blood metabolites (glucose, total proteins, albumin, urea, creatinine, ASAT, ALAT) as well as a better accumulation of blood lipids (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) than those of rats fed with PS and LF-1. In conclusion, local RUFs which include enriched eggs present the best nutritional profile to treat MAM in Côte d'Ivoire but to sustain recovery a mineral supplementation will be needed.
Regiospecific cross-coupling of haloaryls and pyridine to 2-phenylpyridine using water, zinc, and catalytic palladium on carbon

A novel and simple protocol for the reductive cross-coupling of halobenzenes (PhX; X = Cl, Br, I) with pyridine is presented, using catalytic (0.5 mol%) palladium on carbon. Catalyst regeneration is effected using molecular hydrogen generated in situ from the palladium-catalysed reduction of water with zinc powder. Notably, this transformation does not require the presence of reactive B(OH)2 or SnBu3 groups. Three separate processes are observed: cross-coupling (PhX + pyridine), homocoupling (PhX + PhX), and hydro-dehalogenation (reduction of PhX to PhH). The cross-coupling is regiospecific, forming only the 2-phenylpyridine isomer (ca. 50% isolated yield). The influence of various reaction parameters (temperature, reagent concentrations, and additives such as NaOH or a phase-transfer agent) on substrate conversion and product distribution is examined. Kinetic studies show the reaction rate is a function of zinc loading, catalyst loading, substrate concentration, and, above all, of the amount of water present. Possible mechanisms for the three processes in this system are discussed. It is proposed that the cross-coupling occurs via the formation of phenyl free-radicals, which subsequently react with pyridine molecules adsorbed on the catalyst surface.
The Impact of Ride-Hailing Services on Private Car Use in Urban Areas: An Examination in Chinese Cities

The rapid development of internet-based ride-hailing services has contributed to transportation in cities and, at the same time, has significantly impacted existing travel modes in cities. A question has emerged as to whether and to what extent ride-hailing services replace private car use. Although the private car is convenient, comfortable, and flexible, it has low utilization rate and high maintenance and parking costs. Better understanding of the relationship between ride-hailing services and the use of private cars has been brought to the forefront for auto dealers and urban transportation policymakers. However, controversies remain regarding how ride-hailing services will impact the use of private cars in cities. Given this setting, our study applied a difference-in-differences method to analyze the impact of ride-hailing services on the use of private cars with balanced panel data from 109 prefecture-level cities in China from 2010 to 2016. Moreover, we employed some methods to verify the robustness of the preliminary results. The empirical results show that ride-hailing services had a negative impact on the use of private cars in urban areas. Over time, the negative impact initially strengthened and then weakened. Further studies showed that ride-hailing services had a more significant negative impact on private car use in eastern cities than in western cities. The results showed that the influence of ride-hailing services on private car use in urban areas is heterogeneous across time and cities.