Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparison of thermal and microwave palaeomagnetic techniques using lava containing laboratory induced remanence

SUMMARY A series of laboratory experiments has been carried out using lava from Hawaii and Australia containing laboratory induced remanence to compare thermal and microwave palaeomagnetic techniques. Three samples of Hawaiian lava containing a known laboratory induced thermal remanence (TRM) were subjected to microwave palaeointensity experiments (using the Liverpool 8.2 GHz microwave system). Conventional modified Thellier palaeointensity experiments were carried out on the same three lava samples, this time containing a known microwave induced thermoremanent magnetisation (TMRM). Both palaeointensity techniques produced the correct intensity value, demonstrating the equivalence of TRM and TMRM. No indications of alteration during the experiment were evident during the microwave experiments, whereas alteration was pronounced after heating to 350 ◦ C in the Thellier experiments demonstrating that alteration during microwave palaeointensity analysis is reduced when compared to thermal techniques. In a second set of experiments, six samples (three Hawaiian and three Australian lava samples) were given a laboratory induced full TRM and a secondary perpendicular partial TRM (pTRM) (at lower temperatures). Sister samples were then demagnetised using thermal and microwave methods. Analysis of the orthogonal vector plots (OVPs) revealed little difference in separating the two components for five out of the six samples. For one sample, microwave demagnetisation did not clearly distinguish between the two components with the primary component not being resolved until 74 per cent of the moment had been demagnetised compared to just 4 per cent with thermal demagnetisation. For this one sample, it appears that the microwave unblocking spectra is not equivalent to the thermal unblocking spectra, probably due to a combination of microwave demagnetisation processes occurring. Comparison of the intensity of magnetisation plots during demagnetisation shows that the relationship between temperature and microwave power appears more logarithmic than linear. This study demonstrates the validity of the microwave palaeointensity technique and, as long as the primary component of magnetisation can be isolated from multicomponent remanence, then the microwave palaeointensity technique can be applied.
A Case Study on Reducing Traffic Congestion–Proposals to Improve Current Conditions

Traffic congestion has been considered one of the most serious global issues confronting all nations in recent years. Basrah City’s highways in general, and particularly the highways surrounding and leading to the University of Basrah, the campus of Bab Azzubair, and the college complex, have experienced traffic congestion and higher delays. The focus of this study is to propose some solutions to mitigate traffic congestion and higher delays on these highways. Field traffic data and questionnaires where SPSS was used to analyse the collected data, and Highway Capacity Software (HCS 2010) was used to assess the level of service (LOS) on the highways. The results showed that the LOS reaches level F on Baghdad Street, while other streets range from level B to level C. Two proposals have been suggested to improve the LOS on Baghdad Street: (1) applying a park-and-ride system; and (2) widening Baghdad Street by adding two lanes in each direction. The LOS for both proposals has been evaluated, and the results showed that the first proposal performed better. The analysis of the collected data also showed that public transportation services are very limited on the highways surrounding and leading to the Bab Azzubair campus. Therefore, public transportation services should be promoted and enhanced in Basrah City. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-10-07 Full Text: PDF
The effects of volatile anesthetics and propofol in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Studies investigating the cardioprotective effect of volatile anesthetics on cardiac troponins in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) surgery remain controversial. This current study was conducted to systematically evaluate the impact of volatile anesthetics and propofol on patients undergoing OPCAB surgery. Methods A computerized search of electronic databases was conducted up to July 21, 2023, to identify relevant studies using appropriate search terms. The primary outcomes of interest were the levels of myocardial injury biomarkers (e.g., cTnI, cTnT), while secondary outcomes included extubation time, length of ICU stay, 30-day mortality, transfusion and thrombosis, and postoperative recovery, which were compared between two anesthesia techniques. Results A search of databases produced 14 relevant studies with a combined total of 703 patients. Among them, 355 were allocated to the volatile anesthetics group and 348 to the propofol group. Our study reveals a statistically significant reduction in myocardial injury biomarkers among patients who received volatile anesthetics compared to those who received propofol (P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients using sevoflurane had lower postoperative cardiac troponins levels compared to propofol (P = .01). However, desflurane and isoflurane currently have no significant advantage over propofol (all P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative mechanical ventilation time, length of ICU stay, and mortality between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions This study suggested that volatile anesthetics, specifically sevoflurane, in adult OPCAB surgery provide a better cardioprotective effect than propofol. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO (CRD42023444277).
Performance and labor conditions of physiotherapists in Brazilian intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic. What did we learn?

Objective To describe the role of physiotherapists in assisting patients suspected to have or diagnosed with COVID-19 hospitalized in intensive care units in Brazil regarding technical training, working time, care practice, labor conditions and remuneration. Methods An analytical cross-sectional survey was carried out through an electronic questionnaire distributed to physiotherapists who worked in the care of patients with COVID-19 in Brazilian intensive care units. Results A total of 657 questionnaires were completed by physiotherapists from the five regions of the country, with 85.3% working in adult, 5.4% in neonatal, 5.3% in pediatric and 3.8% in mixed intensive care units (pediatric and neonatal). In intensive care units with a physiotherapists available 24 hours/day, physiotherapists worked more frequently (90.6%) in the assembly, titration, and monitoring of noninvasive ventilation (p = 0.001). Most intensive care units with 12-hour/day physiotherapists (25.8%) did not apply any protocol compared to intensive care units with 18-hour/day physiotherapy (9.9%) versus 24 hours/day (10.2%) (p = 0.032). Most of the respondents (51.0%) received remuneration 2 or 3 times the minimum wage, and only 25.1% received an additional payment for working with patients suspected to have or diagnosed with COVID-19; 85.7% of them did not experience a lack of personal protective equipment. Conclusion Intensive care units with 24-hour/day physiotherapists had higher percentages of protocols and noninvasive ventilation for patients with COVID-19. The use of specific resources varied between the types of intensive care units and hospitals and in relation to the physiotherapists’ labor conditions. This study showed that most professionals had little experience in intensive care and low wages.
Högbomite in sapphirine-bearing rocks from the Bamble Sector, south Norway

Abstract Högbomite is reported from two upper-amphibolite and granulite-facies, sapphirine-bearing, Al–Mg–Fe-rich and silica-poor lens-shaped layers within the Bamble Sector, south Norway. Primary assemblages, indicating peak metamorphic conditions of 773-844°C at 7 kbar (Mg–Fe exchange thermometry), are spinel–sapphirine–biotite–gedrite, spinel–corundum–sapphirine–cordierite and orthopyroxene–biotite–cordierite–plagioclase. Högbomite formed by hydrous alteration and oxidation of primary spinel and rutile and/or ilmenite according to the generalised reaction: Suggested conditions of högbomite formation are 550–620°C and 6–7 kbar. The högbomites contain 10.2–14.7 wt. % MgO, 04). 3 wt. % ZnO, 58.9–62.1 wt. % Al2O3 and 15.6-17.6 wt. % Fe as FeO. The two högbomite may belong to different polytypes, as suggested by their differing TiO2 (9.9-10.1 versus 5.7–5.8 wt. %) and calculated Fe3+ – and H2O–contents. The partitioning of Zn between spinel and högbomite is not uniform and is considered to depend upon prevailing fo2 and aH2O.
MODEL OF THE .MIGRATION OF ALBACORE IN THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

On the basis of tag recovery data, age and growth in­ formation, and distribution and, size frequency data from the various fisheries, a model of the migration of albacore in the North Pacific Ocean has been developed. This model is consistent with the hypothesis that there is a single population of albacore in the North Pacific Ocean. The model depicts extensive migrations of the alba-· core from one fishery to another and from one side of the North Pacific to the other side. "In general it is shown that albacore recruitment into the commercial fisheries takes place largely in the eastern Pacific, and that there is a greater volume of migration of the com­ mercial sizes of fish in the westerly direction from the American fishery into the Japanese fisheries, than vice versa. There is a tendency for the youngest fish in the American fishery to return to the same fishery the fol­ lowing·season rather than to migrate across into the On the basis of tag recovery dat,a, age and growth information, and distribution and size fre-. quency· data from the various fisherie.s, a model of the migration of the albacore, Thunnu8 germo (Lacepede), in the North Pacific Ocean is pro­ posed. This model is consistent with the hypoth­ esis that there is a single population of albacore in the North Pacific and that the North Pacific albacore fisheries, both American and Japanese, are exploiting It common resource. The model is presented with the hope that eritical examination
Antibacterial Aerogels-Based Membranes by Customized Colloidal Functionalization of TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers Incorporating CuO

An innovative colloidal approach is proposed here to carry out the customized functionalization of TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers (CNF) incorporating non-noble inorganic nanoparticles. A heterocoagulation process is applied between the delignified CNF and as-synthetized CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) to formulate mixtures which are used in the preparation of aerogels with antibacterial effect, which could be used to manufacture membranes, filters, foams, etc. The involved components of formulated blending, CNF and CuO NPs, were individually obtained by using a biorefinery strategy for agricultural waste valorization, together with an optimized chemical precipitation, assisted by ultrasounds. The optimization of synthesis parameters for CuO NPs has avoided the presence of undesirable species, which usually requires later thermal treatment with associated costs. The aerogels-based structure, obtained by conventional freeze-drying, acted as 3D support for CuO NPs, providing a good dispersion within the cross-linked structure of the nanocellulose and facilitating direct contact of the antibacterial phase against undesirable microorganisms. All samples showed a positive response against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. An increase of the antibacterial response of the aerogels, measured by agar disk diffusion test, has been observed with the increase of CuO NPs incorporated, obtaining the width of the antimicrobial “halo” (nwhalo) from 0 to 0.6 and 0.35 for S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Furthermore, the aerogels have been able to deactivate S. aureus and E. coli in less than 5 h when the antibacterial assays have been analyzed by a broth dilution method. From CNF-50CuO samples, an overlap in the nanoparticle effect produced a decrease of the antimicrobial kinetic.
Tele-ultrasound in community with limited resources: The association of hypertension on reduced carotid artery circumferential strain

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, in majority triggered by modifiable risk factors such as hypertension. AIM: to assess relations between hypertension and carotid arteries radial and circumferential deformation, assessing a population of participants after a first ischemic stroke and healthy controls. Methods: Retrospective study, from 2016 to 2017, with a sample of the PAI project control group, an urban population of the São Francisco Valley in the Northeast of Brazil, 105 people between 40-80 years-old, including patients after a first episode of ischemic stroke in the absence of known cardiovascular disease; and a control group of healthy volunteers, matched by age, sex, and presence of hypertension. Asynchronous analysis was performed by tele-ultrasonography of carotid artery ultrasound with images acquisition of EKG-synchronized videos in cross-section of the common carotid artery bilaterally and then strain values were acquired by Speckle Tracking technique, computing the mean circumferential and radial peaks of both carotids. Univariate and multivariable analyses assessed the association between carotid strain and hypertension. Results: 84 participants had analyzable images (29 patients after a first episode of stroke). The mean age was 60.5 + 11.6 years, 46.5% were women, 70.2% had hypertension. Radial deformation was lower but non-significant in participants with hypertension compared to those without hypertension (-3.13% vs. -3.35%, respectively, p = 0.54). There was significantly less circumferential deformation among participants who had hypertension compared to those without hypertension (4.16% vs. 5.3%, respectively, p = 0.003). Hypertension maintained association with lower circumferential strain in multivariate analysis (coef = -1.13; p = 0.019). Conclusion: hypertension was independently associated with the decrease in the carotid artery circumferential deformation. Tele-ultrasound associated with carotid strain analysis shows promising results for the evaluation of subclinical changes in carotid arteries in populations with limited resources in remote regions such as the Northeast of Brazil.
Organic nutrients as sources of N and P to the upper layers of the North Atlantic subtropical gyre along 24.5° N

Abstract. There is a longstanding discussion on how the macronutrient requirement of the export production in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre is sustained. In this study we asses the role of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and phosphorous (DOP) as sources of new nutrients into the North Atlantic subtropical gyre at 24.5° N. We define, based on measurements of DON, DOP, phytoplankton community structure, stable nitrogen isotopic signals, surface mixed layer depth and ocean color as viewed from space, four regions characterized by different nutrient supply regimes. Within these regions, two distinct loci of N2 fixation occur associated with different plankton assemblages and separated by a region in which N2 fixation occurs at levels insufficient to leave its distinctive isotopic fingerprint on the isotopic composition of PON. Here, the phosphorus supply pathways to the mixed plankton assemblage appear to be different. In the wester oligotrophic gyre (70–46° W), the lateral advection of DOP supplies the missing P that, together with, shallow mixed layer, almost permanent stratification and high water temperatures, stimulate diazotrophic growth, which augment TON local accumulation. In the eastern oligotophic gyre (46–30° W), DOP cannot support the P demand as it is exhausted on its way from productive areas. This is inferred from DOP turnover rates, estimated form enzymatic clevage rates, which are shorter (11 ± 8 months) than transit timescales, estimated from a 3-D circulation model (>4 yr). A stronger seasonal cycle in chlorophyll and mixed layer depth, favour some nutrient injections from below. Here additional N sources come from the advected DON which has a turnover-time of 6.7 ± 3 yr, instead fast remineralization and little DOP export are needed to maintain the P requirements. We conclude from these observations that organic nutrient utilisation patterns drive diverse phytoplankton assemblages and oceanic nitrogen fixation gradients.
Impact of External Debt on Economic Growth in India: An Econometric Analysis

The present study investigates the impact of external debt on India’s economic growth from 1990-1991 to 2022-2023, where GDP per-capita is a proxy for economic growth. The study also includes some control variables such as gross capital formation, savings and foreign direct investments to assess their impact on economic growth in India. The Johansen Co-integration results revealed a long-run relationship between the variables and the results of the Vector error correction showed that the dependent variable returns to the path of equilibrium at the speed of 18.61% in the long-run. The Granger causality results revealed that there was only a unidirectional relationship between economic growth and total external debt. It is recommended that the Government of India should utilize its external funds in profitable channels which would in turn generate revenue that can be employed to service their debt obligations.
Distribution and Habitat Use of Swainson's Warblers in Eastern and Northern Arkansas

Systematic surveys of hardwood forests along the Buffalo National River, the St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area, St. Francis National Forest, Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area, and the White River National Wildlife Refuge in eastern and northern Arkansas were undertaken between 5 April and 30 June 2000 and 2001 to document current status, distribution, and habitat requirements of Swainson’s Warblers (Limnothlypis swainsonii) in Arkansas. Swainson's Warblers (SWWAs) were detected at 16 sites in deciduous forests at the Buffalo National River, 11 locations at the St. Francis National Forest, 19 sites at the White River National Wildlife Refuge, and 10 sites in bottomland habitat at the St. Francis Sunken Lands. We measured vegetation characteristics at 48 SWWA detection sites and at 48 randomly located sites. At the Buffalo National River, sites occupied by SWWAs showed a significantly (P < 0.001) greater leaf litter cover (x = 59.5 percent) than random sites (x = 41.1 percent). When comparing warbler detection sites with random sites at the St. Francis Sunken Lands, there was no significant difference for any variable, which probably reflected the limited sample size. In the St. Francis National Forest, shrub cover (8.9 percent) and shrub stem density (14.1/m²) were greater at SWWA detection sites than in random plots (1.1 percent and 3.1/m², respectively). Several differences were found at the White River National Wildlife Refuge, including greater canopy cover, leaf litter cover and shrub stem density, but lower total green cover and forb cover at sites with SWWAs than at random sites. Based on the pooled data set, SWWA detection sites differed significantly (P < 0.05) from random sites by having greater shrub cover (x = 13.3 percent vs. 10 percent), leaf litter cover (x = 69.5 percent vs. 51.0 percent), canopy cover (x = 89.3 percent vs. 80.9 percent), and stem density (x = 10.9/m² vs. 5.1/m²). Using logistic regression, we found stem density and leaf litter cover to be significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the occupancy probability of SWWAs at a specific site. The model correctly assigned detection and random sites for 73 of 96 samples (76 percent). Management suggestions to improve habitat for SWWAs include implementing individual tree and small-group selection cutting in appropriate deciduous habitat and controlled burning in decadent cane stands. To develop effective conservation strategies, further investigation into the demographic patterns (e.g., reproductive success and survival), especially related to different habitat and landscape situations occupied by this species, is critically needed.
Distribution and debromination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in tropical asian countries

Distribution and Debromination of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Tropical Asian Countries RONPAKU Fellow Name Charita Saloma KWAN Position University Researcher III ID No. DOST10920 Department Research and Analytical Services Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute Institution University of the Philippines Diliman Nationality Philippines Japanese Advisor Name Hideshige TAKADA Position Professor Institution Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Sum Data Minimization in LEO Satellite-UAV Integrated Multi-Tier Computing Networks: A Game-Theoretic Multiple Access Approach

Massive devices have become a bottleneck restricting the improvement of computing networks. In this paper, we investigate massive multiple access (MA) schemes in low earth orbit satellite-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) integrated multi-tier computing networks to achieve higher connectivity. A game-theoretic MA approach is proposed for sum data minimization at UAVs. This approach is divided into two parts: data node (DN)-UAV assignment and UAV-satellite matching. In the first part, the DNs’ orthogonal MA process is formulated as a coalition formation game (CFG) with the derived optimal bandwidth allocation. The CFG with the proposed Max-Satisfaction order is proofed as an exact potential game, which can maximize the satisfaction between the collected data and UAVs’ real computing capacities. Besides, the overlapping CFG (OCFG) is utilized for higher satisfaction. In UAV-satellite matching, non-orthogonal MA-based sum rate maximization with imperfect successive interference cancellation is obtained by transmit power optimization firstly. The UAV-satellite matching process is formulated as a many-to-one matching game (MTOMG). A swap-based MTOMG algorithm is proposed for UAVs grouping. Finally, the simulation results show the proposed schemes have better performance than other schemes, and the proposed approach remains the lowest data at UAVs compared to other approaches.
Diamond discovered from the Kangjinla chromitite in the Yarlung Zangbo ophiolite belt,Tibet.

As ninny unusual minerals including the typical press index minerals such as diamond and coesite have been discovered from Luobusa chromitite in the Yarlung Zangbo ophiolite belt,Tibet,it became a new significant scientific problem that why unusual minerals such as diamond can be generated together with the origin of the ophiolite belt and chromitite associated.Therefore,we carried out the research on the manual heavy mineral of Kangjinla chromitite in the same ophiolite belt,and found thousands of diamonds and their associated minerals including native elements,alloys,oxides,sulphides,silicates,tungstate and carbonates from about 1116kg chromitite.The amount of diamond was discovered from the new chromite deposit not only proved the occurrence of the diamond in Luobusa chromitite,but also greatly improved the output of diamond,and put forward a new problem about diamond mineralization.Especially,that the diamond found again in different chromitite in the same ophiolite belt provided new key evidences for discussing the origin of the diamond and hosted chromite and ophiolite.