Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and Genesis of Cold‐Seep Authigenic Carbonates from the South‐Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Methane‐derived authigenic seep carbonates occur globally along continental margins. These carbonates are important archives to identify seep dynamics, the source of the ascending methane‐enriched fluids together with their timing, and are an important carbon sequestration mechanism. Recently, seep carbonates were discovered in the Levant Basin in the south‐eastern Mediterranean Sea. To elucidate past seepage activity and dynamics across the basin, different seep carbonate morphologies (chimneys, crusts and pavements) retrieved from the Levant Basin were mapped based on remotely operating vehicle data and analysed using standard sediment petrographic techniques, X‐ray diffraction and stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses. Carbonate chimneys consist of micrite (δ13CVPDB of −10‰ to +5‰) with dispersed baryte and dolomite crystals, fan‐shaped aragonite (δ13CVPDB of −52‰ to −30‰) and high‐magnesium calcite cements, with the latter often growing from low‐magnesium calcite spherules. Botryoidal low‐magnesium calcite cements are forming in small cavities. Carbonate crusts consist of micrite with low‐magnesium calcite breccias, high‐magnesium calcite nodules (δ13CVPDB of −35‰ to −20‰) and cements, and partially replaced fan‐shaped aragonite cements. Carbonate pavements consist of low‐magnesium calcite microsparite, micritic dolomite and high‐magnesium calcite. Fan‐shaped aragonite is locally present as pore‐lining cement. Iron oxides are often seen coating the low‐magnesium calcite, high‐magnesium calcite and dolomite cements. Chimneys and crusts, characterised by high amounts of high‐magnesium calcite and aragonite, are interpreted to have formed through advective methane fluxes. Pavements, with high quantities of dolomite, are explained as the product of diffusive methane flux. Sediment petrographic and geochemical analysis of the different carbonate morphologies and cement phases therein witness distinct modes of ascending fluid fluxes and their mixing with marine pore water and/or sea water during precipitation of the individual phases.
Electrochemical Rapid Detection of Methamphetamine from Confiscated Samples Using a Graphene-Based Printed Platform

Methamphetamine (MAP) is a highly addictive and illegal stimulant drug that has a significant impact on the central nervous system. Its detection in biological and street samples is crucial for various organizations involved in forensic medicine, anti-drug efforts, and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, nanotechnology and nanomaterials have played a significant role in the development of analytical sensors for MAP detection. In this study, a fast, simple, and cost-effective electrochemical sensor is presented that is used for the sensitive detection of MAP in confiscated street samples with a complex matrix. The optimized screen-printed sensor based on a carbon working electrode modified with graphene demonstrated an excellent limit of detection, good sensitivity, and a wide dynamic range (1–500 μM) for the target illicit drug both for standard solutions and real samples (seized samples, tap water, and wastewater samples). It can detect MAP at concentrations as low as 300 nM in real samples. This limit of detection is suitable for the rapid preliminary screening of suspicious samples in customs, ports, airports, and on the street. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a good recovery rate, indicating its reliability and repeatability. This quality is crucial for ensuring consistent and accurate results during screening processes.
Prevention of prolonged labour in term nulliparas with oxytocin alone versus with oxytocin and an antispasmodic

Background: Poor progress of labour is a common problem with nulliparous deliveries. It occurs when the cervical dilatation rate in the active phase of the first stage of labour is <1cm/hr, and is mainly due to poor uterine contractions or slow cervical dilatation. Without interventions, poor progress could degenerate into prolonged labour which is associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Augmentation of labour with oxytocin is the traditional management for poor progress as it enhances uterine contractions. At times, despite adequate uterine contractions poor progress will persist due to cervical smooth muscle spasms. Antispasmodics can relieve smooth muscle spasms. Aim/objective: This study compared the duration of labour in term nulliparous parturients with poor progress following augmentation with oxytocin alone versus with oxytocin and an antispasmodic (drotaverine). Methods: The study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 156 term nulliparous parturients with poor progress of labour, that were randomized into two groups in eight months. Each group had 78 parturients which were augmented with either oxytocin with placebo or oxytocin with drotaverine. They were monitored until delivery and the duration of labour in both groups after the intervention was compared. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 23 software. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: The two groups were similar in their sociodemographic characteristics, and the mean pre-intervention duration of labour was also similar (6.02 ±2.04 vs. 6.09± 2.07hr p=0.23). In this study 135(86.5%) parturients had vaginal delivery while 21(13.5%) had emergency caesarean section. Among those who had a vaginal delivery, the mean duration of labour following augmentation was significantly shorter in the oxytocin-drotaverine group than in the oxytocin-placebo group (6.20 ±0.40hrs vs. 6.64±0.34hrs, MD- 26.4minutes, p<0.01). There was no difference in the duration of the second stage of labour in both groups. Conclusion: The use of drotaverine with oxytocin in managing poor progress of labour in term nulliparous women leads to a significantly shorter duration of the first stage of labour than oxytocin alone.
ANALYSIS OF STOCK PRICE INDEX VOLATILITY IN INDONESIA USING MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES AND GLOBAL ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY INDEX

Stock price changes within a certain period can be observed in the volatility of the stock price index. Changes in stock prices can be influenced by a country's macroeconomic conditions and global economic conditions. Macroeconomic factors include interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, and economic growth, while global economic uncertainty is observed using the Global Economic Policy Uncertainty (GEPU) index. This study examines the effect of macroeconomic variables and the GEPU index on the volatility of the stock price index on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). A descriptive analysis method was used using time series data between Q1 2016 and Q4 2021. The results indicate that the interest rate has a negative and significant effect on the volatility of the stock price index. In contrast, the value of each GEPU index and exchange rate have a positive and significant effect on stock price index volatility. However, inflation and economic growth have a positive relationship and do not significantly affect the volatility of the stock price index.
Influence of Antisite Defects on the Thermoelectric Properties of Fe2VAl

ABSTRACT Fe2VAl is well known as a promising candidate for thermoelectric applications due to its sharp pseudogap at the Fermi level. However, its energy conversion performance is compromised by its high thermal conductivity. Our previous studies revealed that antisite defects like AlV, AlFe, and VAl are the most likely imperfections in Fe2VAl [1]. It is thus important to understand the electron and phonon transport properties in these defective crystals to estimate their thermoelectric efficiency. Here we analyze the electronic transport properties of Fe2VAl solid solutions based on Boltzmann transport theory within the constant relaxation time approximation. We then calculate the lattice thermal conductivity of Fe2VAl containing AlV antisite defects by solving the linearized Boltzmann transport equation based on an ab initio model for defects. We find a significant increase of around an order of magnitude in ZT at 300 K compared to the stoichiometric compound.
Good Governance as An Economic Driver for Service Delivery: Lessons for South African Government

Good governance is an essential practice which brings sustainable good living standards and remains a pipedream to various countries. As such, the quest for service delivery has prompted the need for leaders at different levels, from the apex national government level to the lowest local government level, to exercise good governance. In the year 2021, over 5 464 complaints of poor service delivery were recorded in South Africa and of 257 South African municipalities, only 16 were in stable condition. However, there are limited previous studies on the relationship between good governance and service delivery. In pursuit of economic development, the purpose of this paper is to investigate good governance and show its spectre of relevance to service delivery with a view to providing lessons to South Africa. The paper dovetails with good governance and service delivery exercised in various developed countries. The study utilised a literature research approach in which the researcher gathered textbooks, seminar and workshop papers, journal articles, and both local and international newspapers and websites. The paper gives the key findings of this study which are useful to the South African Government. The Government of South Africa should develop useful initiatives to support the improvement of service quality along with the existing tools and systems that promote smooth and effective public service delivery.
Impacts of Different Onset Time El Niño Events on Winter Precipitation over South China

Winter precipitation over South China tended to be much higher than normal for the spring El Niño events during 1979–2016. For the spring El Niño events, the meridional and zonal circulations served as a bridge, linking the warmer sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP) and South China winter precipitation. This possible physical process can be described as follows: During boreal winter, a positive SST anomaly in the EEP was concurrent with strong anomalous convection activity over South China via anomalous Walker circulation, an anomalous Hadley Cell along 110°–130° E, and a zonal westward teleconnection wave train pattern at 700 hPa in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, an anomalous pumping effect at 200 hPa contributed to the convective activity. Meanwhile, the western Pacific subtropical high moved southwards and strengthened at 500 hPa, and abnormal southwesterly winds brought plentiful water vapor to South China at 850 hPa. All these factors favored an increase in precipitation over South China. For the summer El Niño events, the aforementioned anomalies were weaker, which resulted in a precipitation close to normal over South China.
Drama Triangle roles - Linking attachment and mentalization with internalizing and externalizing problems

ABSTRACT Insecure attachment and underdeveloped mentalization are associated with high levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. To reduce such problems, the concept of Drama Triangle (DT) is often used in group treatment yet there is little research on how they are linked. Our aim is to examine the relationship between attachment, mentalization, externalizing and internalizing problems, and DT roles (Victim, Rescuer, Persecutor) as a mediator between them. A group of 266 participants completed an online questionnaire that included instruments for measuring these concepts. The results established anxiety as a positive predictor for all DT roles. Avoidance showed negative prediction for Rescuer and Persecutor. Hypomentalization and hypermentalization, respectively, predict Victim positively and Persecutor negatively. The victim in its turn is a predictor of internalizing, and Persecutor of both internalizing and externalizing problems. The study confirmed our major hypothesis concerning the mediating effect of DT roles, thus supporting their use in group work.
Sur la commande en dimension finie d'une classe de systèmes non linéaires de dimension infinie

Dans ce papier, on propose une methode de synthese de commande basee sur observateur pour une classe de systemes de dimension infinie representant typiquement les phenomenes de transport (sans diffusion). La commande s'appuie sur un modele de dimension finie obtenu par une discretisation spatiale de type differences finies, et on montre comment ce modele peut permettre une synthese de retour d'etat par linearisation entree-sortie et d'observateur d'etat par grand gain. La methode est illustree en simulation sur des exemples.
Effect of Mobile Phone with and without Earphones Usage on Nickel Ion Release from Fixed Orthodontic Appliance.

INTRODUCTION This study is an attempt to assess whether the usage of headphones could minimize the nickel ion release from fixed orthodontic appliance compared with hand-held mobile phones. The aim of the study is to validate the hypothesis whether there is a significant variation in nickel ion release from fixed orthodontic appliance among the patients using hand-held mobile phones and patients using mobile earphones. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study where a total of 60 healthy individuals who were undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur, Chennai, India, and all these individuals were bonded and banded. All of them are class I malocclusion with bimaxillary protrusion. Salivary samples were collected in their regular checkup after two months and 7th, 14th, and 21st days salivary nickel level was evaluated based on their usage of mobile phones with earphones and without earphones. RESULTS In this study, paired and independent t-tests were used. On basis of statistics results, the mean of nickel release in both male and female participants using mobile phones without earphones were significantly higher than the participants using mobile phone with earphones. CONCLUSION By our study, we concluded that usage of mobile phones with earphones has a significant reduced effect on metal ion release from fixed orthodontic appliance when compared to usage of mobile phones without earphones.
Influence of the Tensor Product Model Representation of qLPV Models on the Feasibility of Linear Matrix Inequality Based Stability Analysis

The paper investigates and proves the statement, that the convex hull of the polytopic tensor product (TP) model representation influences the feasibility of linear matrix inequality (LMI) based stability analysis methods. The proof is based on a complex stability analysis example of a given quasi linear parameter varying (qLPV) state‐space model. Specifically, the three degree of freedom (3‐DoF) aeroelastic wing section model including Stribeck friction is used as the tool for the example model. The proof is achieved by utilizing TP model transformation and LMI based tools. As a first step, numerous TP model type control solutions holding different convex hulls are systematically derived of the qLPV model via LMI based control design methods. As a second step, each control solution is further equivalently transformed for different TP model representations holding different convex hulls. Finally, the stability of all solutions over all TP model representations are checked via LMI based stability analysis methods. As a result of the two steps, a two dimensional (2D) convex hull space is attained for the 3‐DoF aeroelastic wing section model. The two dimensions are denoted by the LMI based control design and the LMI based stability analysis for different convex hulls. Based on the numerical results, a detailed, comprehensive analysis is provided. The paper as a novelty proves the statement, that the polytopic TP model representation of a given control solution strongly influences the feasibility of LMI based stability analysis methods.
Advanced optical components for mid-infrared applications

The mid-infrared wavelength range, defined from 2.5 um to 25 um is of a high scientific and technological interest. One of its main application field is in spectroscopy, since these wavelengths coincidewith the fundamental rotational-vibrational modes of many molecules. While the typical optical sensing setup is composed of active elements - detectors and radiation sources- it also requires critical passive components such as lenses, filters and an interface with the medium to be probed. To this day, most of the scientific work in mid-infrared has been mostly focused on active elements such as the quantum cascade laser. While very modern detectors and lasers are now available, the experimental setups still rely on classical and bulky passive optics. The work presented in this thesis explores modern optical technologies for the realization of novel passive mid-infrared optical components. The fabrication of an external cavity tunable quantum cascade laser emitting from 7.6 um to 8.1 um is presented. This thesis describes the fundamentals of sub-wavelength structures for optical phase generation. Such structures allow local modifications of the effective refractive index of a dielectric material. Using these concepts, original designs of polarizers, anti-reflective and diffractive micro-optical elements are proposed for high-index dielectrics such as silicon or germanium. In particular, the fabrication and characterization of a novel binary grating in silicon that combines anti-reflective and diffractive functions around 7.85 um is presented. This component is characterized using the developed tunable light source setup. Another type of optical component is presented, based one dimensional photonic crystals. It consists of a ZnSe-YbF3 multi-layer deposited on top of a CaF2 substrate. This element allows to observe the first occurrence of Bloch surface waves in the mid-infrared, using the same tunable laser setup. The evanescent field of a surface-propagating wave can be used to probe the surrounding medium. Such structures are promising novel types of substrates for surface-based sensing applications. In addition, a quantum cascade laser-based setup for the detection of cocaine in liquid is presented. This experiment illustrates the great potential of quantum cascade lasers for compact chemical sensing setups.
Seasonal variability of shallow cumuliform snowfall: A CloudSat perspective

Cumuliform snowfall seasonal variability is studied using a multi‐year CloudSat snowfall rate and cloud classification retrieval dataset. Microwave radiometer sea ice concentration datasets are also utilized to illustrate the intimate link between oceanic cumuliform snowfall production and decreased sea ice coverage. Three metrics are calculated to illustrate seasonal cumuliform snowfall signatures: (a) cumuliform snowfall frequency of occurrence, (b) mean cumuliform snowfall rate, and (c) fraction of snowfall attributed to cumuliform snowfall events. Distinct seasonal cumuliform snowfall cycles are observed over the Northern Hemispheric oceans. Cumuliform snowfall frequency of occurrence (mean snowfall rate) peaks in months SON (DJF) at most latitudes. Maximum mean cumuliform snowfall rates exceed 300 mm/year in various North Atlantic Ocean locations, with DJF exhibiting the largest areal extent of higher snowfall rates. Cumuliform snow occurrence fraction frequently exceeds 0.5, but regional seasonal sensitivity is observed where transient sea ice coverage exists. Annual snowfall rate fraction attributed to cumuliform snow does not vary appreciably during SON, DJF and MAM north of ∼70°N, but seasonal zonal variability is evident south of this latitudinal threshold. Land cumuliform snowfall features do not universally display strong seasonal signals. Southern Hemisphere seasonal results indicate a strong mean cumuliform snowfall rate maximum (minimum) in JJA (DJF) accompanied by a seasonal latitudinal shift in the snowfall rate peak. Maximum regional snowfall rates exceed 300 mm/year over a broader area compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Cumuliform snowfall production is again strongly linked to seasonal sea ice coverage. Southern Hemispheric cumuliform snowfall occurrence and snowfall rate fraction seasonality is not as obvious as in the Northern Hemisphere, but some latitudinal zones experience ∼5–20% seasonal variability in these quantities. Typical cumuliform snowfall fractions range from 0.4 to 0.6 in the prominent cumuliform snowfall belt covering most of the Southern Ocean. Some subtle seasonal cumuliform snowfall signatures are observed over Antarctica.
Empowering people with visual disabilities through rural tourism: the benefits of nature activities and how the various travel constraints can be overcome

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to identify the main constraints faced by people with visual disabilities (PwVD) when visiting a rural destination, as well as the benefits sought through their participation in rural tourism. Furthermore, this study also intends to identify the main strategies used by PwVD to overcome the barriers encountered in rural destinations. A triangulation of qualitative methods was used to collect and analyse data, comprising various online forums and blogs posts related to the tourism experiences of PwVD, together with fifteen semi-structured interviews conducted with Portuguese PwVD. The results reveal that PwVD find rural destinations compelling and that they look for sensorial stimuli in nature as a means for self-development and relaxation, while the lack of public transport and accessible information dissuades PwVD from seeking rural tourism experiences. These constraints are often overcome with the use of various smartphone apps, the aid of travel companions, or the help of residents. Based on the results obtained in this study, a set of guidelines is proposed to improve the level of accessibility of rural tourism destinations, contributing to the empowerment of PwVD.
General framework for nonclassical nucleation

A great deal of experimental evidence suggests that a wide spectrum of phase transitions occur in a multistage manner via the appearance and subsequent transformation of intermediate metastable states. Such multistage mechanisms cannot be explained within the realm of the classical nucleation framework. Hence, there is a strong need to develop new theoretical tools to explain the occurrence and nature of these ubiquitous intermediate phases. Here we outline a unified and self-consistent theoretical framework to describe both classical and nonclassical nucleation. Our framework provides a detailed explanation of the whole multistage nucleation pathway showing in particular that the pathway involves a single energy barrier and it passes through a dense phase, starting from a low-density initial phase, before reaching the final stable state. Moreover, we demonstrate that the kinetics of matter inside subcritical clusters favors the formation of nucleation clusters with an intermediate density, i.e. nucleation precursors. Remarkably, these nucleation precursors are not associated with a local minimum of the thermodynamic potential, as commonly assumed in previous phenomenological approaches. On the contrary, we find that they emerge due to the competition between thermodynamics and kinetics of cluster formation. Thus, the mechanism uncovered for the formation of intermediate phases can be used to explain recently reported experimental findings in crystallization: up to now such phases were assumed a consequence of some complex energy landscape with multiple energy minima. Using fundamental concepts from kinetics and thermodynamics, we provide a satisfactory explanation for the so-called nonclassical nucleation pathways observed in experiments.