Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complexity of the Mw 6.3 2009 L'Aquila (central Italy) earthquake: 1. Multiple finite-extent source inversion

[1] Strong ground motion recordings of the Mw 6.3 2009 L'Aquila earthquake are analyzed by a newly proposed slip inversion technique. The source model consists of Multiple Finite-Extent (MuFEx) subsources. The slip amplitude, rupture velocity, rake and risetime are assumed constant within each subsource. The size and location of the MuFEx subsources have to be inferred independently from other methods, preferably those free of strong constraints (such as constant rupture velocity over the whole fault, etc); here we use two published approaches satisfying such requirement: the truncated singular value decomposition and the iterative multiple-point source deconvolution. Each MuFEx subsource is characterized by an individual set of trial nucleation points, rupture velocities and nucleation times, which are grid-searched. For each combination of these parameters, the subsources' slip is determined by the least squares approach. This procedure thus provides not only the best fitting model, but also a whole range of acceptable models, allowing for the uncertainty analysis. The method is demonstrated on three synthetic tests. When applied to the L'Aquila data, both the best fitting model and the uncertainty analysis suggest that the event consisted of two major episodes, one with the rupture propagating immediately after the nucleation in the updip direction, the other being delayed by 3–4 s with dominant propagation toward the SE along the deeper part of the fault. The retrieved complexity of the rupture propagation warns against attempts to stabilize inversions by the use of a constant rupture velocity over the whole fault.
Money-Market Segmentation in the Euro Area: What Has Changed During the Turmoil?

In this paper we study how the pattern of segmentation in the euro area money market has been affected by the recent turmoil in financial markets. We use nonparametric estimates of realized volatility to test for volatility spillovers between rates at different maturities. For the pre-turmoil period, exogeneity tests from VAR models suggest the presence of a transmission channel from longer maturities to the overnight. This disappears in the subsample starting in August 9 2007. The results of the semiparametric tests of Cappiello, Gerard and Manganelli (2005) report evidence of an increase in volatility contagion within the longer end of the money market curve. However this takes place in the lower tail of the empirical distributions. Keywords: money market, high-frequency data, time-series methods JEL classification numbers: C22, E58
Effect of land management on soil properties in flood irrigated citrus orchards in Eastern Spain

Abstract. Agricultural land management greatly affects soil properties. Microbial soil communities are the most sensitive and rapid indicators of perturbations in land use and soil enzyme activities are sensitive biological indicators of the effects of soil management practices. Citrus orchards frequently have degraded soils and this paper evaluates how land management in citrus orchards can improve soil quality. A field experiment was performed in an orchard of orange trees (Citrus Sinensis) in the Alcoleja Experimental Station (Eastern Spain) with clay-loam agricultural soils to assess the long-term effects of herbicides with inorganic fertilizers (H), intensive ploughing and inorganic fertilizers (P) and organic farming (O) on the soil microbial properties, and to study the relationship between them. Nine soil samples were taken from each agricultural management plot. In all the samples the basal soil respiration, soil microbial biomass carbon, water holding capacity, electrical conductivity, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, aggregate stability, cation exchange capacity, pH, texture, macronutrients (Na, Ca and Mg), micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu), calcium carbonate equivalent, calcium carbonate content of limestone and enzimatic activities (urease, dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase) were determined. The results showed a substantial level of differentiation in the microbial properties, which were highly associated with soil organic matter content. The management practices including herbicides and intensive ploughing had similar results on microbial soil properties. O management contributed to an increase in the soil biology quality, aggregate stability and organic matter content.
Possible contribution of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids of the macula lutea, to reducing the risk for age-related macular degeneration: a review

In the center of the retina, where visual acuity is highest, a yellow spot called the macula lutea is visible. The yellow color is due to the presence of the nutritional carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which accumulate there to a greater extent than in any other tissue. In the center of the macula lutea, the lutein-to-zeaxanthin ratio found in the plasma is inverted, with relatively more zeaxanthin than lutein, whereas in the more peripheral regions of the retina, lutein predominates, as in plasma. The physiological significance of this selective accumulation is based on filtration of potentially damaging blue light, quenching of photochemically induced reactive oxygen species, attenuation of chromatic aberration, and inhibition of apoptosis. It is believed that via these mechanisms, lutein and zeaxanthin can contribute to reduce the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible loss of vision in aging Western populations. Epidemiological studies indicate that elevated dietary intake or blood concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin are correlated with a reduction in risk for this disease. Furthermore, intake of these carotenoids can specifically increase their levels in the macula.
Effects of Fe Electrolyte Impurities on Ni(OH)2/NiOOH Structure and Oxygen Evolution Activity

Ni-(oxy)hydroxide-based materials are promising earth-abundant catalysts for electrochemical water oxidation in basic media. Recent findings demonstrate that incorporation of trace Fe impurities from commonly used KOH electrolytes significantly improves oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity over NiOOH electrocatalysts. Because nearly all previous studies detailing structural differences between α-Ni(OH)2/γ-NiOOH and β-Ni(OH)2/β-NiOOH were completed in unpurified electrolytes, it is unclear whether these structural changes are unique to the aging phase transition in the Ni-(oxy)hydroxide matrix or if they arise fully or in part from inadvertent Fe incorporation. Here, we report an investigation of the effects of Fe incorporation on structure–activity relationships in Ni-(oxy)hydroxide. Electrochemical, in situ Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements were employed to investigate Ni(OH)2 thin films aged in Fe-free and unpurified (reagent-grade).
Bio mit Gesicht - Erfolgschancen einer kundennahen und innovativen Marketingstrategie

Mangelndes Vertrauen in Bio-Produkte wirkt als eine zentrale Kaufbarriere. Mit der Marketingstrategie Bio mit Gesicht (BMG) soll die Anonymitat von Produkten aufgehoben und Vertrauen geschaffen werden, indem die Erzeuger und Verarbeiter im Internet vorgestellt werden. Ziel des Projekts "Bio mit Gesicht – Erfolgschancen einer kundennahen und innovativen Marketingstrategie“ war es, die Markteinfuhrung der Produktlinie BMG wissenschaftlich zu begleiten und praxisrelevante Aussagen uber die Konzeption zukunftiger Marketingstrategien zu treffen. Dabei wurde im Rahmen einer quantitativen und einer qualitativen Studie untersucht, worauf das Vertrauen in Bio-Produkte grundsatzlich beruht und ob BMG geeignet ist, das Vertrauen in Bio-Produkte zu steigern. Die Studien zeigen, dass die Kennzeichnung von Bio-Lebensmitteln mit Bio-Labels eine zentrale Rolle dabei spielt, wie Konsumenten deren Vertrauenswurdigkeit beurteilen. Bio-Produkte, die ein Verbandslabel aufweisen, geniesen das hochste Vertrauen, gefolgt von staatlichen Labels. Trotz seines geringen Bekanntheitsgrads wirkt auch das BMG-Logo vertrauensbildend. Offenbar erweckt bereits allein das signalgebende Wort „bio“ im Label Vertrauen. Auch schaffen Einkaufsstatten Vertrauen, die aus Sicht der Konsumenten Bio-Produkte aus Uberzeugung verkaufen. Regionalitat erhoht ebenfalls die Vertrauenswurdigkeit eines Bio-Produkts signifikant. Am hochsten ist das Vertrauen in Bio-Lebensmittel unter Konsumenten, die Bio-Lebensmittel uberwiegend in Bio-Laden kaufen. Im Gegensatz zum BMG-Label steigert BMG als Ruckverfolgbarkeitssystem via Internet das Vertrauen in Bio-Produkte derzeit kaum. Doch insbesondere durch die zunehmende Verbreitung von Smartphones und den damit verbundenen Vorteil, Produktinformationen noch vor dem Einkauf abrufen zu konnen, konnte die Bedeutung von BMG zukunftig steigern. Auch die wachsende Bedeutung von elektronischen Lesegeraten, mit denen sich Artikeldaten bereits wahrend des Lebensmitteleinkaufs abrufen lassen, steigert das Potenzial von Ruckverfolgbarkeitssystemen. Die Analyse der Zugriffszahlen zeigte zudem, dass in Zeiten eines Lebensmittelskandals (z.B. Dioxin in Eiern, EHEC) die Besucherzahlen auf der Internetseite von BMG deutlich steigen.
The Effects of a One-week Short Intensive Insulin Intervention on Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes

A 3-4 week of intensive insulin intervention corrects hyperglycemia, improves insulin secretion, glycemic control, and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We assessed the effect of a shorter course of intensive insulin therapy on insulin sensitivity in people with T2DM. Fifteen poorly controlled subjects with severe hyperglycemia were hospitalized and treated with intensive insulin therapy for 7 days. The short insulin tolerance test was performed before and after the insulin intervention. The intervention consisted of a 24-hour intravenous rapid-acting insulin via electric pump followed by multiple daily insulin injection for six days. This study was registered with the National Ethics Committee Ref. N°233/ CNE/SE/2010. Fasting glycemia dropped from 385.4 to 134.4 mg/dL. Insulin sensitivity improved significantly after the insulin intervention (1.98 %/min vs. 2.26 %/min; p < 0.001). Total and LDL cholesterol (both p < 0.001) significantly decreased while changes in HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were not significant. Body mass index increased from 26.4 to 27.0 kg/m2 (p = 0.03), fat mass from 23.1 to 28.2 (p < 0.001) and fat free mass from 50.2 to 54.0 kg (p < 0.001). These results demonstrate that in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes with severe fasting glycemia, a one week course of intensive insulin intervention can improve insulin sensitivity and successfully alleviate glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity.
Dry sliding wear behaviour of AA 6061-MWCNT nanocomposites prepared by mechanical alloying

In this present investigation, dry sliding wear behavior of AA 6061 nanocrystalline and AA 6061-2 weight percentages (2 wt. %) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites prepared by 30 h of mechanical alloying (MA) was investigated. Dry sliding wear behavior of prepared nanocomposites at room temperature was estimated by a pin-on-disc wear testing apparatus. Oil hardened non shrinking (OHNS) steel disc was used as the counter face material. Wear tests were conducted for normal loads of 5, 7 and 10 N at various sliding speed such as 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 m/s with the varying sliding distances (500 m, 1000 m and 1600 m). It was found that, MWCNTs reinforced AA 6061 nanocomposites have low wear rate and less coefficient of friction compared to AA 6061 nanocrystalline. The worn surface morphologies were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At lower loads, abrasion was the dominant wear mechanism and at higher loads oxidation was the dominant wear mechanism. The formation of oxide layer on the worn surface was examined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicated that the addition of MWCNTs as a reinforcement increases the wear resistance of AA 6061 matrix.
Low level of objectively measured physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, and high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Pakistani male immigrants in Oslo, Norway

Background: The level of physical fitness in south Asian immigrants living in Norway is largely unknown, but the level of physical activity seems to be low, possibly in part explaining their high prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, previous studies have used self-reported measures of physical activity, and it might be questioned whether the previous data reflect the true physical activity level. Aim: To describe objectively measured physical activity level, cardiorespiratory fitness and diabetes risk in a group of Pakistani immigrant men living in Oslo, Norway. Methods: One hundred and fifty Pakistani immigrant men in the age group 25-60 years were included. Physical activity level was assessed with an accelerometer. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured until exhaustion on a treadmill, and diabetes risk was evaluated with an oral glucose tolerance test. Results: Mean age was 37.3 years (SD=7.7). Total physical activity level was 308 counts/min (SD=131), and peak oxygen uptake was 34.2 ml·kg-1·min-1 (SD=5.6). Fifty percent of the participants had the metabolic syndrome, and 76% were obese. Physical activity level and cardiorespiratory fitness level were lower, and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome higher in a subgroup of taxi drivers as compared with those in other occupations (P<0.05). Conclusions: Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness levels are low and diabetes risk high among Pakistani immigrant men living in Oslo, especially in taxi drivers
The Ground Ozone Variations with UV Radiation during Winter and Spring Seasons in 2007 over Makkah.

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Demand adaptation towards new transport modes: the case of high-speed rail in Taiwan

This study aims to explain the factors affecting ridership changes on the relatively new Taiwan high-speed rail system (THSR). The analysis is based on monthly ridership data from January 2007 to December 2013. We also discuss the impact of THSR on competing modes such as air demand. Econometric time-series models are used for ridership estimation. First, a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model was applied; showing that the ridership thrives and that the trend prediction fairly well performed if applied to data after 2012. Second, to specify the impact of explanatory variables, a first-order moving average model was fitted. Results show that ridership, population and fuel price have a positive effect, while unemployment and car ownership tend to reduce the THSR ridership. We include as a separate factor ‘months since operation start’, showing that this factor is significant and discuss its relation to demand adaptation. Implications for general equilibrium modelling for new transport systems are discussed. Moreover, ridership data from two specific stations are used to test the importance of predominant trip purposes for demand estimation.
The Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis and Black Youth Joblessness: Evidence from the San Francisco Bay Area*

This paper presents an employment-based measure of intra- metropolitan accessibility to employment opportunities that provides strong evidence supporting the spatial mismatch hypothesis. The measure is based on intra-metropolitan variation in net employment growth rather than spatial variation in employment levels. The principal spatial disadvantage suffered by black male youths is their residence in areas of weak or negative employment growth. In pooled employment regressions, differential accessibility explains 30 to 50 percent of the neighborhood employment rate differential between white and black male Bay Area youths. In separate employment regressions by race, approximately one- fifth of the differential is attributable to differential access.
PII: S0399-1784(00)01105-1

Southwest of Portugal, in situ data show that part of the mesoscale variability of the Mediterranean Water undercurrents is triggered by topographic effects (near capes and submarine canyons), and is driven by a dominantly baroclinic instability. The vertical alignment of these undercurrents observed at sites of eddy formation is indeed favorable to baroclinic instability. This instability is materialized by the formation of filaments and of small eddies in the Portimão canyon and of meddies near Cape Saint Vincent and near the Estramadura Promontory. Hydrological data and float trajectories reveal that these eddies have a baroclinic structure. Near Portimão canyon, the variation of the potential vorticity of the undercurrents again proves their sensitivity to baroclinic and also to barotropic instabilities, enhanced by the canyon. Finally, a model of stationary coastal current explains the variations of its horizontal structure over a canyon. © 2000 Ifremer/ CNRS/IRD/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS Résumé – Instabilité des sous-courants d’eau méditerranéenne au sud-ouest du Portugal : effets conjoints de la baroclinicité et de la topographie. Au sud-ouest du Portugal, des données in situ montrent qu’une partie de la variabilité méso-échelle des sous-courants d’eau méditerranéenne est déclenchée par des effets topographiques au voisinage des caps et des canyons sous-marins et est générée par une instabilité essentiellement barocline. L’alignement vertical de ces sous-courants, observé aux sites de formation de tourbillons, est en effet favorable à l’instabilité barocline. Cette instabilité est matérialisée par la formation de filaments et de petits tourbillons lenticulaires dans le canyon de Portimão, et de ‘‘meddies’’ au cap Saint Vincent et près du promontoire d’Estrémadure. Les données hydrologiques et les trajectoires de flotteurs lagrangiens révèlent que ces tourbillons ont une structure barocline. Près du canyon de Portimão, la variation de la vorticité potentielle des souscourants montre leur sensibilité à l’instabilité barocline, et également barotrope, amplifiées par le canyon. Enfin, un modèle de courant côtier stationnaire permet d’expliquer ses variations de structure horizontale sur un canyon. © 2000 Ifremer/CNRS/IRD/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS Mediterranean Water / undercurrents / baroclinic instability / meddies / NE Atlantic Eau méditerranéenne / sous-courants / instabilité barocline / ‘‘meddies’’ / Atlantique nord-est * Correspondence and reprints: xcarton@ifremer.fr (X. Carton). © 2000 Ifremer/CNRS/IRD/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS. PII: S0399-1784(00)01105-1/FLA L. CHERUBIN et al. / Oceanologica Acta 23 (2000) 551–573
Vibration Analysis of Alstom Typhoon Gas Turbine Power Plant Utility

Vibration analysis consider as one of the most important parameter in preventive maintenance. Gas turbine vibration analysis also consider as a most challenging category in most critical equipment monitoring systems in this paper first I tried to introduce vibration analysis for different type of equipment used in different industries. Then I will explain the most important tools and hypothesis used and analyzed for these kinds of activities through a real case history. The people who are not directly involve in this matters hope to have better understanding of most critical equipment vibration analysis and also I hope that the people who are directly work in preventive maintenance can touch with different aspect of gas turbine vibration analysis methodologies as well as possible.
A Community Study of Association between Parenting Dimensions and Externalizing Behaviors

Vandana Sharma, PhD , Gurpreet K Sandhu, MA Address for Correspondence: Dr Vandana Sharma (Head), Department of Psychology, Punjabi University Patiala. Patiala 147002, Punjab, India. Email:sandhupreeti19@yahoo.com ______________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Background: Association between parenting dimensions and externalizing behaviors in children was examined. Method: Data on children from the middle class families of Patiala (N=240) were collected from schools and families. Parents completed questionnaires on parenting dimensions and externalizing behaviors of children. Results: Analysis of variance of externalizing behaviors indicated significant mean differences for gender and age on aggression and conduct disorders. Analysis of variance for parenting variables indicated significant differences for age and gender on indulgence, punitive, physical coercion, and verbal hostility parenting dimensions. Correlations between non reasoning, verbal hostility, physical coercion, autonomy and indulgence parenting dimensions and externalizing behaviors were significantly positive whereas regulation and connection parenting dimensions showed a significant negative correlation with externalizing behaviors. Multiple regression analysis of parenting dimensions to each externalizing behaviors showed that autonomy, non reasoning and indulgence parenting dimensions predicted externalizing behaviors. Conclusions: Parenting significantly influences externalizing behaviors in children
The Importance of Scale in Object-based Mapping of Vegetation Parameters with Hyperspectral Imagery

In recent years, object-oriented image analysis has been widely adopted by the remote sensing community. Much attention has been given to its application, while the fundamental issue of scale, here characterized by spatial object-definition, seems largely neglected. In the case of vegetation parameters like aboveground biomass and leaf area index (LAI), fundamental objects are individual trees or shrubs, each of which has a specific value. Their spatial extent, however, does not match pixels in size and shape, nor does it fit the requirements of regional studies. Estimation of vegetation parameters consequently demands larger observation units, like vegetation patches, which are better represented by variably shaped objects than by square pixels. This study aims to investigate optimal object definition for biomass and LAI. We have data from 243 field plots in our test site in southern France. They cover a vegetation range from landes to garrigue to maquis, which is considered to be the climax vegetation in the area. A HyMap image covers the area. The image is subjected to a Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) transformation, after which it is segmented with ten different heterogeneities. The result is ten object sets, each having a different mean object size. These object sets are combined with the original image with the mean band values serving as object attributes. Field observations are linked to the corresponding objects for each object set. Using Ridge regression, relations between field observations and spectral values are identified. The prediction error is determined for each object set by cross validation. The overall lowest prediction error indicates the optimal heterogeneity for segmentation. Results show that the scale of prediction affects prediction accuracy, that increasing the object size yields an optimum in prediction accuracy, and that aboveground biomass and LAI can be associated with different optimal object sizes. Furthermore, it is shown that the accuracy of parameter estimation is higher for object-oriented analysis than for per-pixel analysis.