Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatiospectral localization of isostatic coherence anisotropy in Australia and its relation to seismic anisotropy: Implications for lithospheric deformation

We investigate the two-dimensional (2-D) nature of the coherence between Bouguer gravity anomalies and topography on the Australian continent. The coherence function or isostatic response is commonly assumed to be isotropic. However, the fossilized strain field recorded by gravity anomalies and their relation to topography is manifest in a degree of isostatic compensation or coherence which does depend on direction. We have developed a method that enables a robust and unbiased estimation of spatially, directionally, and wavelength-dependent coherence functions between two 2-D fields in a computationally efficient way. Our new multispectrogram method uses orthonormalized Hermite functions as data tapers, which are optimal for spectral localization of nonstationary, spatially dependent processes, and do not require solving an eigenvalue problem. We discuss the properties and advantages of this method with respect to other techniques. We identify regions on the continent marked by preferential directions of isostatic compensation in two wavelength regimes. With few exceptions, the short-wavelength coherence anisotropy is nearly perpendicular to the major trends of the suture zones between stable continental domains, supporting the geological observation that such zones are mechanically weak. Mechanical anisotropy reflects lithospheric strain accumulation, and its presence must be related to the deformational processes affecting the lithosphere integrated over time. Three-dimensional models of seismic anisotropy obtained from surface wave inversions provide an independent estimate of the lithospheric fossil strain field, and simple models have been proposed to relate seismic anisotropy to continental deformation. We compare our measurements of mechanical anisotropy with our own model of the azimuthally anisotropic seismic wave speed structure of the Australian lithosphere. The correlation of isostatic anisotropy with directions of fast wave propagation gleaned from the azimuthal anisotropy of surface waves decays with depth. This may support claims that above ? 200 km, internally coherent deformation of the entire lithosphere is responsible for the anisotropy present in surface wave speeds or split shear waves.
Stratospheric ozone and Southern Hemisphere climate change:impacts and robustness in CMIP5 models

Stratospheric ozone depletion is thought to be the dominant cause of recent observed southern hemisphere (SH) circulation changes during austral summer, along with the consequential impacts on tropospheric climate conditions. Links between ozone depletion and the positive phase of the dominant mode of variability of the southern annular mode (SAM) have been found, which in turn are linked to changes in precipitation, atmospheric temperatures and winds. This dissertation investigates how well the models from the most recent Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) represent these changes and searches for consistencies and differences across the models. Comparisons are made with the reanalysis data set ERA-Interim. It is found that the magnitudes of the model trends vary dramatically across the CMIP5 ensemble, although between 1960-2000 all models have decreasing austral spring stratospheric ozone and November temperatures and increasing austral summer SAM trends. Across the CMIP5 models, the strength of the SAM trend is only loosely related to the strength of the stratospheric ozone trend, and this relationship does not always hold. There are changes in precipitation and surface temperatures that are significantly related to the SAM, with bands of increasing and decreasing trends across the SH, likely as a result of the poleward shift in storm tracks. However the magnitude and location of regional changes in surface climate that can be attributed to the SAM differ considerably across the models. For correlations of the SAM with both precipitation and surface temperatures, the models underestimate the correlation over southern Africa and are relatively good representations of Antarctica when compared to reanalysis data.
Nitrate pollution of groundwater by pit latrines in developing countries

Pit latrines are one of the most common forms of onsite sanitation facilities in many developing countries. These latrines are suitable as a means of isolating human waste, however, conditions within pits often lead to nitrification of the contained waste. In areas with a near-surface aquifer, the potential for nitrate pollution arising from pit latrines cannot be ignored. In this study, site visits were made to three densely populated, peri-urban areas near three West African cities (Dakar, Abidjan, Abomey-Calavi) to gather relevant information about the latrines in use and the soil and groundwater underneath the sites. Modelling was then conducted to demonstrate the potential for nitrate pollution of the groundwater from the latrines in such settings. The depth from the bottom of the pits to the water table was considered as 5, 10 or 30 m, to represent the range of aquifer depths at the study sites. Nitrate half-lives ranging from 500 to 1500 days were considered, and time scales from 6 months to several years were modelled. The results highlighted the high likelihood of nitrate pollution of groundwater reaching levels exceeding the World Health Organization guideline value for nitrate in drinking water of 50 mg/L after as short a period as two years for the aquifer situated 5 m below the pits, when considering moderate to long nitrate half-lives in the subsurface. Careful siting of latrines away from high water table areas, more frequent pit emptying, or switching to urine diversion toilets may be effective solutions to reduce nitrate passage from pit latrines into groundwater, although these solutions may not always be applicable, because of social, technical and economic constraints. The study highlights the need for more reliable data on the typical nitrate concentrations in pit latrines and the nitrate half-life in different subsurface conditions.
On the Effect of Transient In-Plane Dynamics of the Compression Ring Upon Its Tribological Performance

Energy losses in an internal combustion engine are either thermal or parasitic. The latter are the mechanical inefficiencies, chiefly as the result of generated friction. Nearly half of these losses are attributed to the piston–cylinder system. During idle and at low engine speeds, friction is the major contributor to the overall engine losses. In particular, the rather small top compression ring accounts for a disproportionate share. Therefore, detailed understanding of compression ring tribology/dynamics (referred to as tribodynamics) is essential. Moreover, the ring’s primary sealing function may be breached by its elastodynamic behavior. The reported analyses in literature do not account for the transient nature of ring elastodynamics, as an essential feature of ring–bore tribology. The transient in-plane dynamics of incomplete rings are introduced in the analysis and verified using a finite element analysis (FEA) model, in order to address this shortcoming. The methodology is then coupled with the tribological analysis of the top compression ring. Comparison is made with experimental measurements which show the validity of the proposed method. The radial in-plane elastodynamic response of the ring improves the accuracy of the frictional power loss calculations.
When Competition Corrupts: A Theoretical Analysis of Market Structure and the Incidence of Corruption

The paper develops a simple model to demonstrate that, paradoxically, greater competition may exacerbate the problem of corruption. Market participants engaging in corrupt practices enjoy lower production costs -- maybe because they pay a bribe to avoid installing the environmental safeguards required by law -- such that honest players are driven out of the market when the market becomes sufficiently competitive.
Sediment and Wood Storage and Dynamics in Small Mountainous Watersheds

We examine controls on supply and transport of sediment and wood in a small (approximately two square kilometers) basin in the Oregon Coast Range, typical of streams at the interface between episodic sediment and wood delivery by mass movements and frequent fluvial sediment transport. We hypothesize that wood deposited by mass movements forms dams that lead to persistent sediment storage and inhibit coherent propagation of sediment pulses. Field data show that much sediment is stored behind such dams and in terraces after the dams breach. We developed a drainage basin-scale model driven by stochastic storm and fire sequences that combines empirical, stochastic and physical models of forest growth, tree fall, wood decay, soil production and diffusion, landslide initiation, debris flow runout, and fluvial sediment transport. In a 3000-year simulation of the study area, woody debris flow deposits form dams on the main channel and lead to steps in the channel profile and terraces on the valley floor that persist in place even after nearly all deposited wood has decayed. Simulated sediment output from the network is relatively steady and shows little evidence of episodic input. Our results suggest that abundant wood plays a key role in moderating sediment flux from small basins following debris flow events. Debris flow events coincident with a lack of abundant wood, such as might occur following forest harvest, could lead to more episodic sediment flux to downstream, fish-bearing reaches.
A numerical study of contributions to air pollution in Beijing during CAREBeijing-2006

Abstract. An online air pollutant tagged module has been developed in the Nested Air Quality Prediction Model System (NAQPMS) to investigate the impact of local and regional sources on the air pollutants in Beijing during the Campaign of Air Quality Research in Beijing 2006 (CAREBeijing-2006). The NAQPMS model shows high performance in simulating sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), particulate matter (PM 10 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and ozone (O 3 ) with overall better agreements with the observations at urban sites than rural areas. With the tagged module, the air pollutant contributions from local and regional sources to the surface layer (about 30 m) and the upper layer (about 1.1 km) in Beijing are differentiated and estimated. The air pollutants at the surface layer in Beijing are dominated by the contributions from local sources, accounting for 65 % of SO 2 , 75 % of PM 10 and nearly 90 % of NO 2 , respectively, comparatively, the 1.1 km layer has large source contributions from the surrounding regions (e.g., southern Beijing), accounting for more than 50 % of the SO 2 and PM 10 concentrations. County scale analysis is also performed and the results suggest that Tianjin is the dominant source of SO 2 in Pinggu County, and Langfang, Hebei is the most important regional contributor to PM 10 in Beijing. Moreover, the surrounding regions show larger impact on SO 2 , PM 10 and NO 2 in the eastern counties of Beijing (e.g., Pinggu, Tongzhou and Daxing) than those in western Beijing, which is likely due to the Beijing's semi-basin topography and the summer monsoon. Our results indicate that the efforts to control the air pollutants in Beijing should focus on controlling both local and regional emissions.
An Exploratory Study of Using the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to flip Hong Kong Secondary School Science Education

In Hong Kong, student interest and achievement in science have been declining in recent years. We thus aim to seek ways to improve our science education. This paper reports an attempt of using the flipped classroom approach together with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to deliver a science unit ("electrical conductors and insulators"). This exploratory study was divided into two stages. In Stage 1, the teacher-researcher designed the science lessons using the NGSS and prepared flipped learning materials (e.g., pre-class videos, online exercises, class activities). In Stage 2, these lessons were implemented in a Hong Kong secondary school, involving a total of 32 ninth-graders from two classes. At the end of this study, two focus group interviews (five students each) were conducted to understand student perceptions of flipped science learning. Teacher reflections of the implementation were also collected and analyzed to reveal his experiences of flipping with the NGSS. Overall, the findings suggest that the students perceived flipped science learning positively because of the ability of self-paced learning, better class preparation, and more in-class interactions. From the teacher's point of view, however, the science curriculum in Hong Kong and the NGSS are different in terms of their focus and content. Time constraint and inadequate laboratory equipment in school also hindered the implementation of the NGSS in Hong Kong. We recommend further research be conducted to investigate how to adopt the NGSS in other topics of Hong Kong science education and examine its effects on student interest and achievement in the long run.
Role of Nuclear Receptors Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) and Liver X Receptors (LXRs) in the Human Placental Pathophysiology

The placenta is a transitory structure indispensable for the proper development of the embryo and fetus during mammalian gestation. Like other members of the nuclear receptor family, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and the liver X receptors (LXRs) are known to be involved in the physiological and pathological events occurring during the placentation. This placental involvement has been recently confirmed focusing on the early stages of placental development (implantation and invasion.), mouse knockout phenotypes and cyto/syncytio-trophoblastic physiology. In this review, we describe the involvement of PPARs and LXRs in placenta and in the amniotic membrane during gestation (e.g., fat transport and metabolism.), in pathological process (e.g., chorioamnionitis, preeclampsia.), metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes) and parturition.
Testing the Empirical Validity of the Mundell-Fleming Model

Considering the constant outflow of capital and the constant trade deficit in the Nigerian economy, the Mundell-Fleming model provides policy prescriptions for such unfavourable situation. However, the empirical validity of this model is tested in this work to find out if the model can be applied to the Nigerian economy. The study was carried out using data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 1970 to 2012. The technique of Vector Autoregressive Model and the Granger causality test were used to test the empirical validity of this model in Nigeria. The result of the impulse – response function using VAR shows that the prediction of the Mundell-Fleming theory holds and its policy prescriptions can be effective in the Nigerian economy. However, the results of the Granger –causality test showed that net exports granger-causes FDI without a feedback, and no causality in other variables.
Attitudes towards older people among Swedish health care students and health care professionals working in elder care

The proportion of older people in the general population has increased and will continue to increase during the coming decade. Therefore, a positive attitude towards older people is important. The aim of the study was to gain knowledge about attitudes towards older people among health care students and health care staff in Swedish elder care settings. The study includes a convenience sample of 928 respondents comprised of health care students and three groups of professional caregivers [registered nurses (RNs) with university degrees, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), nurses] in a variety of health care settings in Sweden. The participants completed the Kogan’s Old People (KOPS) Scale with 17 positive (OP+) and 17 negative (OP–) statements. The statements score ranged from 17 to 85 respectively. A significant (P<0.05) difference in both positive and negative scores was observed among the three professional caregiver groups. RNs had the highest positive score (OP+:64) as well as the lowest negative score (OP–:36). Health care students in semester one had the most unfavourable attitude toward older people (OP–:41) while students in semester two had the most favourable attitude toward older people (OP+:62). RNs reported both a higher positive score as well as lower negative score compared to nurses without an academic degree and CNAs. In addition, we found that progression in one’s health care education contributes to reduce unfavourable attitudes toward older people. Health care professionals need to have the right skills to manage a more demanding role in the future in order to offer effective services for older people. A skilled workforce of health professionals is therefore very necessary.
The Effects of Smolt Stocking Strategies on Migratory Path Selection of Adult Atlantic Salmon in the Penobscot River, Maine

Abstract Understanding the homing behavior of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar is vital to the restoration program employed on the Penobscot River, Maine. To produce significant adult returns, managers currently stock hatchery-raised smolts in specific river sections, providing smolts the opportunity to imprint on chemical signals and enabling their return to productive spawning and rearing habitat as adults. In this study, we used observational evidence from passive integrated transponder telemetry to determine whether adults returning from smolt stockings behaved in a way that suggested strong homing to smolt stocking locations. Adults returning from smolt stocking locations located in or at the mouth of the Piscataquis River were more likely to be detected as entering the Piscataquis River than were adults returning from the upper Penobscot River smolt stocking locations. In general, returning adult Atlantic salmon that had been stocked near or in tributaries as smolts chose a path more quickly than those t.
Winter habitat and distribution of the endangered golden‐cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia)

The golden‐cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) is an endangered Neotropical migrant that breeds in oak (Quercus)/juniper (Juniperus) habitat of the Edwards Plateau in central Texas. Recently work has been done on the factors affecting breeding populations of this species, but little is known about winter habitat use or distribution. We used extensive field surveys in Honduras and Guatemala to obtain locational information, which was used with topographical and remote sensing data, to identify and calculate the amount of suitable habitat available, and to map the species' distribution in the region. Most individuals were found in pine–oak from 1100–2400 m ( = 1651 (± 246) m) in elevation, a habitat type that occupied 29.8% of the total land area above 914 m in the region investigated. Based on this information and existing locational data from the literature, we present a map of the winter range for the golden‐cheeked warbler. Threats to the species during this period of the life cycle include logging, burning and clearing for pasture and agriculture.
Time-lapse monitoring of fluid induced geophysical property variations within an unstable earthwork using P-wave refraction

ABSTRACTA significant portion of the UK’s transportation system relies on a network of geotechnical earthworks (cuttings and embankments) that were constructed more than 100 years ago, whose stability is affected by the change in precipitation patterns experienced over the past few decades. The vulnerability of these structures requires a reliable, cost- and time-effective monitoring of their geomechanical condition. We have assessed the potential application of P-wave refraction for tracking the seasonal variations of seismic properties within an aged clay-filled railway embankment, located in southwest England. Seismic data were acquired repeatedly along the crest of the earthwork at regular time intervals, for a total period of 16 months. P-wave first-break times were picked from all available recorded traces, to obtain a set of hodocrones referenced to the same spatial locations, for various dates along the surveyed period of time. Traveltimes extracted from each acquisition were then compared to trac.
Social comparison and burnout: The role of relative burnout and received social support

Abstract Although there has been a great deal of research concerning myriad aspects of burnout, relatively little of that work has concerned the influence of social comparison processes in the etiology of burnout. We argue that social comparisons, in the form of perceptions of burnout relative to others, can influence the development of burnout, particularly when interacting with social support. A longitudinal study was designed to investigate the role that perceptions of relative burnout play in the development of future burnout. Downward comparison led to decreased levels of burnout and upward comparison led to increased levels of burnout, after a 2-month interval. We find support for the interactive effect of relative burnout and received social support (in the form of supportive conversations with coworkers) in predicting later emotional exhaustion and cynicism. We discuss the implications of this research for burnout theory and reduction and conclude with suggested directions for the future of research on the influence of social comparison on burnout.
Human urinary exosomes in bladder cancer patients: properties, concentrations and possible clinical application

OBJECTIVE: High grade bladder cancer is extremely aggressive. Early detection is thus an important challenge. Development of non-invasive diagnostic tools particularly using urine samples could be of importance in the diagnosis and surveillance of these patients. Exosomes are small vesicles present in the urine and have the potential to be used as biomarkers of cancer. Thus studies of the properties and concentrations of these particles in bladder cancer patients are of importance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The concentration of exosomes present in urine was determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis using a Nanosight LM10 unit. Clinical urine samples were routinely collected and fixed using Preservcyt. The morphology of exosomes was studied in electron micrographs and characteristic exosome markers using Western blots. RESULTS: The exosome concentration of fixed samples stored at room temperature was constant for 48 hours and the same as fresh samples. Exosomes derived from patients presenting for a transurethral resection of their bladder tumor exhibited the exosome markers ALIX and TSG101 and also the classic cup shaped appearance in electron micrographs. The concentration of exosomes in patients presenting for transurethral resection of a bladder tumor was significantly greater than in patients presenting for check cystoscopy with no recurrence (median 77.2 compared with 38.8 × 10 8 , P<0.001). A ROC analysis (area under the curve 77.4%) suggested that a suitable cut-off concentration of 85 × 10 8 is associated with a sensitivity of 43% and specificity of 91% for diagnosing bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Thus the concentration and properties of exosomes can be conveniently studied in fixed urine samples derived from bladder cancer patients. The characteristic properties of exosomes were preserved and increased numbers were found in patients presenting for transurethral resection of their tumor. With an appropriate cut-off value, urinary exosome concentrations may have utility in excluding a cancer recurrence when monitoring patients successfully treated for bladder cancer.