Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fault linkage and damage zone architecture in tight carbonate rocks in the Suez Rift (Egypt): implications for permeability structure along segmented normal faults

Abstract A field study focusing on fracture systems in a fault linkage zone from the Suez Rift, Egypt, is presented to elucidate the role of fault linkage zones in the permeability structure of segmented normal faults in tight carbonate rocks. Fracture systems in the linking damage zone show significantly increased structural complexity compared to that typical of isolated faults. The linkage zone is characterized by high fracture frequencies and multiple fracture sets of different orientations. Notably, pervasive fracture corridors strike at high angles to the fault trend and are interpreted to have formed during the latest evolutionary stages of what is interpreted as a breached relay. The structural observations indicate that along segmented normal faults in carbonate rocks, fault linkage zones represents locations of progressively increased cross- and along-fault permeability through the stages of relay growth and breaching. Our findings, in combination with previously published work, indicate that fault linkage zones represent localized conduits not only for increased fluid flow across faults, but also (vertically) within fault zones. Appreciating this has wide-ranging implications for understanding fluid transport in carbonate rocks and other naturally fractured lithologies.
Role of advection in Arctic Ocean lower trophic dynamics: A modeling perspective

[1] The Arctic Ocean (AO) is an oligotrophic system with a pronounced subsurface Chl-a maximum dominating productivity over the majority of the basin. Strong haline stratification of the AO and substantial ice cover suppress vertical mixing and restrict the vertical supply of nutrients to the photic zone. In such a vertically stratified oligotrophic system, the horizontal supply of nutrients by advection plays an important role in sustaining primary production. In this paper, we attempt to characterize the role of nutrient advection in the maintenance of the subsurface Chl-a maximum, using timescales to determine the connectivity between the photic zone of the deep AO, nutrient-rich Pacific and Atlantic inflow waters, and bottom waters of the wide continental shelves of the AO. Our study uses output from a general circulation model, Nucleus for European Modeling of the Ocean, coupled to a model of ocean biogeochemistry, Model of Ecosystem Dynamics, carbon Utilization, Sequestration, and Acidification. A Lagrangian particle tracking approach is used to back-track water from where it forms subsurface Chl-a maxima to the points of entry into the AO and to analyze nutrient transformation along the route. Our experiments show that advective timescales linking subsurface layers of the central AO with the nutrient-rich Pacific and Atlantic waters do not exceed 15–20 years and that the advective supply of shelf nutrients to the deep AO occurs on the timescale of about 5 years. We show substantial role of the continental shelf pump in sustaining up to 20% of total AO primary production.
Minimally Supervised Induction of Grammatical Gender

This paper investigates the problem of determining grammatical gender for the nouns of a language starting with minimal resources: a very small list of seed nouns for which gender is known or via translingual projection of natural gender. We show that through a bootstrapping process that uses contextual clues from an unannotated corpus and morphological clues modeled with suffix tries, accurate gender predictions can be induced for five diverse test languages.
Tracing liquid level and material boundaries in transparent vessels using the graph cut computer vision approach

Detection of boundaries of materials stored in transparent vessels is essential for identifying properties such as liquid level and phase boundaries, which are vital for controlling numerous processes in the industry and chemistry laboratory. This work presents a computer vision method for identifying the boundary of materials in transparent vessels using the graph-cut algorithm. The method receives an image of a transparent vessel containing a material and the contour of the vessel in the image. The boundary of the material in the vessel is found by the graph cut method. In general the method uses the vessel region of the image to create a graph, where pixels are vertices, and the cost of an edge between two pixels is inversely correlated with their intensity difference. The bottom 10% of the vessel region in the image is assumed to correspond to the material phase and defined as the graph and source. The top 10% of the pixels in the vessels are assumed to correspond to the air phase and defined as the graph sink. The minimal cut that splits the resulting graph between the source and sink (hence, material and air) is traced using the max-flow/min-cut approach. This cut corresponds to the boundary of the material in the image. The method gave high accuracy in boundary recognition for a wide range of liquid, solid, granular and powder materials in various glass vessels from everyday life and the chemistry laboratory, such as bottles, jars, Glasses, Chromotography colums and separatory funnels.
A GIS-Based Tool for Representing Larval Dispersal for Marine Reserve Selection

Increasing efforts to implement marine protected areas (MPAs) as a means of managing marine ecosystems have created a need for evaluating potential spatial management plans. Almost all marine populations are metapopulations, connected reproductively by the dispersal of pelagic larvae. Models of marine population dynamics must account for larval connectivity, but despite recent advances connectivity patterns are still poorly understood. To allow more informed decision making when complete information on dispersal is lacking, we have developed a method based on geographic information systems (GIS) for representing larval dispersal distributions based on bathymetry and typical flows in the coastal ocean. These distributions reflect (1) generally greater flow in directions along, rather than across, lines of constant bathymetry and (2) lesser flow in shallow near-shore waters. We demonstrate how to parameterize this two-dimensional method for depicting larval dispersal based on comparisons to local oceanographic data. We then compare the predictions of the two-dimensional method to those of a simpler one-dimensional alternative in a population model used to evaluate proposed MPAs along the coast of central California. The method produces reasonable larval dispersal patterns and appears to include the effects of bathymetry on population dynamics better than commonly used one-dimensional methods and without requiring the significantly greater investment of developing particle-tracking circulation models. An important advantage of a two-dimensional approach is more realistic portrayal of the dependence of population persistence on the cross-shelf dimension of available habitat.
Escalation and de‐escalation of commitment: a commitment transformation analysis of an e‐government project

Abstract. This paper presents a commitment transformation framework for analysing the change in actors’ commitment during the transition from escalation to de‐escalation in information technology projects. De‐escalation is potentially a more important issue than escalation because de‐escalation provides remedies for the ills of escalation. Therefore, it is important to understand how stakeholders may bias facts in the direction of previously accepted beliefs and thus prevent an organization from de‐escalating. Here, we adopt Lewin's change theory to examine the commitment transformation during the transition from escalation to de‐escalation of an e‐government project in a local council in the United Kingdom. By conceiving actors’ commitment transformation as an ‘unfreezing–changing–refreezing’ process, researchers may develop a deeper understanding of how actors may give up previous failing course of action and accept an alternative course of action. Practitioners can also utilize the framework in post‐mortem analyses of projects which have faced escalation to devise useful de‐escalation strategies for future project development. 1
Clinopyroxene-liquid partitioning for vanadium and the oxygen fugacity during formation of cratonic and oceanic mantle lithosphere

The distribution coefficient for vanadium Dvcpx/liq between clinopyroxene and silicate liquid in the system Di-Ab-An has been measured at trace levels as a function of oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) at 100 kPa and 2 GPa. With increasing ƒO2 vanadium changes from compatible to incompatible in clinopyroxene at about one log ƒO2 unit below the nickel-nickel oxide (NNO) buffer. The trend in the Di-Ab-An system represents a reasonable upper limit for Dvcpx/liq versus ƒO2 in natural systems. The Dvcpx/liq versus fo2 systematics from this study are combined into a melting model to evaluate the V budget during partial melting in the mantle. It is shown that fo2 has a very measurable effect on bulk Dvsource/liq along the spinel peridotite solidus, and at 7 GPa along the garnet peridotite solidus. Isobaric melting models are formulated and used to examine the distinctly different covariation of V with degree of depletion in mantle lithosphere from various tectonic settings. The spectrum of oceanic lithosphere can be explained by partial melting in the spinel peridotite stability field at an fo2 of ∼NNO-3, identical to that recorded by midocean ridge basalts. Cratonic peridotites are not well explained by melting in the garnet peridotite stability field at any fo2 but this may be a shortcoming of both the isobaric melting model and the poor constraints for Dvgt/liq with fo2. If cratonic peridotites formed by depletion in the spinel stability field, then fo2 during melting was above ∼NNO-2.5, requiring that mantle lithosphere in the Archean formed under more oxidizing conditions than hitherto realized. The V abundances of cratonic peridotites are collinear with subduction zone peridotites, possibly linking the mantle roots beneath Archean cratons to a more oxidized subduction zone setting.
Gender relations in global agri-food value chains – a review

This article reviews the research literature on gender relations in global agri-food value chains. The main focus is on the production side in countries of the Global South, with most examples from sub-Saharan Africa. After a short presentation of the underlying concepts and a review of the existing research literature, an outline is given of the major insights the analysis of gender issues in global value chains has offered. What is striking is the heterogeneity of the findings and proposed actions, as well as the scarcity of conceptual approaches that would integrate gender analyses further into the concept of global value chains.
The impact of seasonal flooding on agriculture: the spring 2012 floods in Somerset, England

Exceptional rainfall in spring 2012 caused widespread flooding and damage to agricultural grasslands in Somerset in south western England, much of them farmed under agri‐environment agreements. The seasonal timing of the flood and its relatively long duration (in excess of 4 weeks in some areas) led to a serious loss of grazing and winter feed in 2012. A survey of farmers, combined with the development of a framework to estimate the impact of seasonal flooding, identified the effects on farm businesses and the ways that farmers coped. Impacts on agri‐environment outcomes were valued at the cost of funding stewardship schemes. The methods and estimates can help inform strategies to deal with changes in flood risk in areas of agricultural and environmental interest, whether induced by changes in catchment land use or climate.
Huntingtin Expression Stimulates Endosomal–Lysosomal Activity, Endosome Tubulation, and Autophagy

An expansion of polyglutamines in the N terminus of huntingtin causes Huntington's disease (HD) and results in the accrual of mutant protein in the nucleus and cytoplasm of affected neurons. How mutant huntingtin causes neurons to die is unclear, but some recent observations suggest that an autophagic process may occur. We showed previously that huntingtin markedly accumulates in endosomal–lysosomal organelles of affected HD neurons and, when exogenously expressed in clonal striatal neurons, huntingtin appears in cytoplasmic vacuoles causing cells to shrink. Here we show that the huntingtin-enriched cytoplasmic vacuoles formed in vitro internalized the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D in proportion to the polyglutamine-length in huntingtin. Huntingtin-labeled vacuoles displayed the ultrastructural features of early and late autophagosomes (autolysosomes), had little or no overlap with ubiquitin, proteasome, and heat shock protein 70/heat shock cognate 70 immunoreactivities, and altered the arrangement of Golgi membranes, mitochondria, and nuclear membranes. Neurons with excess cytoplasmic huntingtin also exhibited increased tubulation of endosomal membranes. Exogenously expressed human full-length wild-type and mutant huntingtin codistributed with endogenous mouse huntingtin in soluble and membrane fractions, whereas human N-terminal huntingtin products were found only in membrane fractions that contained lysosomal organelles. We speculate that mutant huntingtin accumulation in HD activates the endosomal–lysosomal system, which contributes to huntingtin proteolysis and to an autophagic process of cell death.
Sécheresses et variabilité pluviométrique en Ethiopie et dans la corne de l'Afrique: prolongements orientaux de Sahel?

EnglishRainfall variations in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda and Eastern Sudan) have been analysed for the period 1953-1988, with special attention given to droughts and recent climatic events in Ethiopia. Although economie and political problems play an important role in explaining famines and food crisis in Ethiopia, climatic conditions remain essential, particularly in case of below-average summer «big rains» during several consecutive years. In North-Eastern Ethiopia, the crisis can be worsened by a failure of the spring «small rains», like in 1973 and 1984. Apart from these spring rains, rainfall variations in Northern Ethiopia show some similarities with the West-African Sahel, especially regarding the generai downward trend from the fifties. However, significant relationships with the Southern Oscillation and the Indian Monsoon indicate that the Indian Ocean interacts with the summer rains over Ethiopia and even Uganda or Western Kenya. This could account for the fact that in most cases north/south patterns fail to be identical in the Horn of Africa and Western Africa. These two regions often show opposite variations along their southern margins, defining an east/west pluviometrie cell. francaisLes variations des precipitations dans la Corne de l'Afrique (Ethiopie, Somalie, Kenya, Ouganda et Est du Soudan), sur la periode 1953-1988, ont ete analysees en portant une attention particuliere au probleme des secheresses et de l'evolution pluviometrique recente en Ethiopie. Facteurs politiques et economiques mis a part, les graves famines et crises alimentaires qui ont frappe l'Ethiopie depuis les annees soixante ont effectivement coincide avec des conditions pluviometriques defavorables, notamment en cas de deficit des «grandes pluies» d'ete pendant plusieurs annees consecutives, eventuellement aggrave par de mediocres «petites pluies» de printemps (1973, 1984). Si l'on exclut ces pluies de printemps, les fluctuations des precipitations dans le Nord de l'Ethiopie presentent une certaine similarite avec le Sahel Ouest-africain, en particulier concernant la tendance a la baisse depuis les annees cinquante. Toutefois, les relations significatives avec l'Oscillation Australe et la mousson indienne montrent que l'Ocean Indien a egalement un role important vis-a-vis de la dynamique des precipitations d'ete en Ethiopie, mais aussi jusqu'en Ouganda et dans l'Ouest du Kenya. Cette sensibilite a l'ENSO peut expliquer la non-correspondance entre les configurations rencontrees dans la Corne et en Afrique de l'Ouest. Une relative opposition est-ouest se dessine meme sur les marges equatoriales des deux regions.
Class III β-Tubulin Counteracts the Ability of Paclitaxel to Inhibit Cell Migration

Class III β-tubulin (β3) is associated with tumor aggressiveness, resistance to therapy, and patient relapse. To elucidate its action, we tested β3's effect on cell migration. Expression of β3 in HeLa and MCF-7 did not alter the intrinsic rate of cell migration, but it prevented the inhibition of migration by low, nontoxic concentrations of paclitaxel. The effects on cell motility were confirmed in CHO cells with tetracycline regulated expression of β3. Cell migration and microtubule dynamics were inhibited by similar concentrations of paclitaxel, but required a 5-10 fold higher drug concentration when β3 was expressed. The directionality of migration was normal in paclitaxel, but cells spent more time in a “paused” state during which there was no net movement. These studies support a model in which paclitaxel inhibits cell migration by suppressing microtubule dynamics and β3-tubulin counteracts paclitaxel action by maintaining microtubule dynamic activity. The results provide a potential explanation for the aggressiveness of β3-expressing tumors.
Value Creation in Banking Through Strategic Alliances and Joint Ventures

A large number of studies (DeYoung et al., 2009) analyze merger outcomes in the financial industry, while other forms of business cooperation are still poorly investigated. Our paper examines results of strategic alliances and joint ventures in European and US banking over the period 1999–2009. First, we estimate abnormal returns around the deal announcement date and then these are regressed on a large set of explanatory variables. We show that joint ventures create shareholder value when involving non-banking financial partners and allowing banks to expand abroad, while international strategic alliances tend to destroy shareholder value.
Commissioning of the CMS ECAL calibration with muons from cosmic rays and beam dumps

The electromagnetic calorimeter of the CMS experiment is designed to reach excellent energy resolution, essential for the discovery of narrow electromagnetic resonances, such as the Standard Model decay H→ γγ. The non uniformity of the individual channels directly contributes to the calorimeter energy resolution. While the final performance will be achieved with in situ calibration exploiting physics events, a good performance at start-up is already offered by the result of pre-calibration procedures involving test beam data, exposure to cosmic rays and laboratory measurements of the crystal light yield and photodetector gains. During the CMS commissioning phase, muons from cosmic rays and from beam dumps were used to validate the calibrations. In particular, the measurement of the muon momentum by the tracking system allow to check the validity of the energy scale defined on a 120 GeV electron beam down to the energy released by a minimum ionising particle. Muons from beam dump data are used to improve the intercalibration of the ECAL endcaps.
Modified-CS: Modifying compressive sensing for problems with partially known support

We study the problem of reconstructing a sparse signal from a limited number of its linear projections when a part of its support is known. This may be available from prior knowledge. Alternatively, in a problem of recursively reconstructing time sequences of sparse spatial signals, one may use the support estimate from the previous time instant as the “known” part of the support. The idea of our solution (modified-CS) is to solve a convex relaxation of the following problem: find the signal that satisfies the data constraint and whose support contains the smallest number of new additions to the known support. We obtain sufficient conditions for exact reconstruction using modified-CS. These turn out to be much weaker than those needed for CS, particularly when the known part of the support is large compared to the unknown part.
Effects of season, herd size, management system and veterinary practice on the lameness incidence in dairy cattle

The incidence of lameness in herds visited by veterinary practitioners in winter (0.87 cases per 100 cows per month) was greater than in summer (0.71 cases per 100 cows per month). The relative proportions of leg lesions and underrun heel were higher, and those of foul-in-the-foot, interdigital hyperplasia and foreign body in the sole were lower in winter than in summer. In winter, leg lesions and aseptic laminitis were most common in cows housed in cowsheds, white line abscess in cows in strawyards and sole ulcer in cows in either cowsheds or cubicles with concrete yards. The overall incidence of lesions was lower in strawyard accommodation (0.71 cases per 100 cows per month) than in cubicles with yards (0.93 cases per 100 cows per month). Veterinary practitioners saw proportionally fewer cases of foul-in-the-foot but proportionally more cases of sole ulcer in larger than in smaller herds. The animal incidence of lameness ranged from 1.7 to 11.4 per cent among practices; in 20 practices which recorded a total of at least 100 lesions in both summer and winter there was a large variation in the proportions observed of each lesion. A principal component analysis contrasted those practices which tended to see mainly cases of white line abscess, white line separation, foul-in-the-foot and leg lesions with those which saw mainly cases of underrun heel, interdigital hyperplasia, punctured sole with pus and sole ulcer. Twenty-nine per cent of cases of underrun heel and 22 per cent of cases of both deep sepsis and interdigital hyperplasia occurred in conjunction with another lesion.