Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shear wave reflection seismic yields subsurface dissolution and subrosion patterns: application to the Ghor Al-Haditha sinkhole site, Dead Sea, Jordan

Abstract. Near-surface geophysical imaging of alluvial fan settings is a challenging task but crucial for understating geological processes in such settings. The alluvial fan of Ghor Al-Haditha at the southeast shore of the Dead Sea is strongly affected by localized subsidence and destructive sinkhole collapses, with a significantly increasing sinkhole formation rate since ca. 1983. A similar increase is observed also on the western shore of the Dead Sea, in correlation with an ongoing decline in the Dead Sea level. Since different structural models of the upper 50 m of the alluvial fan and varying hypothetical sinkhole processes have been suggested for the Ghor Al-Haditha area in the past, this study aimed to clarify the subsurface characteristics responsible for sinkhole development.For this purpose, high-frequency shear wave reflection vibratory seismic surveys were carried out in the Ghor Al-Haditha area along several crossing and parallel profiles with a total length of 1.8 and 2.1 km in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The sedimentary architecture of the alluvial fan at Ghor Al-Haditha is resolved down to a depth of nearly 200 m at a high resolution and is calibrated with the stratigraphic profiles of two boreholes located inside the survey area.The most surprising result of the survey is the absence of evidence of a thick (> 2–10 m) compacted salt layer formerly suggested to lie at ca. 35–40 m depth. Instead, seismic reflection amplitudes and velocities image with good continuity a complex interlocking of alluvial fan deposits and lacustrine sediments of the Dead Sea between 0 and 200 m depth. Furthermore, the underground section of areas affected by sinkholes is characterized by highly scattering wave fields and reduced seismic interval velocities. We propose that the Dead Sea mud layers, which comprise distributed inclusions or lenses of evaporitic chloride, sulfate, and carbonate minerals as well as clay silicates, become increasingly exposed to unsaturated water as the sea level declines and are consequently destabilized and mobilized by both dissolution and physical erosion in the subsurface. This new interpretation of the underlying cause of sinkhole development is supported by surface observations in nearby channel systems. Overall, this study shows that shear wave seismic reflection technique is a promising method for enhanced near-surface imaging in such challenging alluvial fan settings.
Performance of village sheep flocks in Central Anatolia II. Fertility and productivity of ewes

Performance data on fertility of ewes, pre-weaning mortilaty of lambs and productivity were collected during two years from 24 village flocks in Cnetral Anatolia. The data included flocks with sheep from the Akkaraman and Merino breeds and their crosses. The overall means for lambing rate, weaning rate, twining rate and pre-weaning lamb mortality were 92.1%, 89.8%, 4.8% and 6.9%, respectively. The fertility traits were significant effected by genetic group, area were the flock was located and age of ewe and the lamb mortality by the first two effects. Merino ewes had a significantly higher fertility and twinning rate than the Akkaraman breed. Three types of productivity indices relating the litter weight at weaning to the weight of the dam were calculated and analyzed by the least-squares method. Systematic effects of flock, sex of litter and age of dam were highly significant (p<0.001) for all three indices. Despite their higher fertility the productivity of Merino ewes was not significantly different from Akkaraman or crossbred. Highly significant productivity differences between flocks from the same area indicate influence. of management and feeding and opportunities for an effective extension programme to reduce these differences.
PERFORMANCE ESTIMATION OF HOT-PATH LIMITED SPECULATIVE MULTITHREADING ON ENTIRE PROGRAM

At the present, multicore processors are ubiquitous, but parallelizationisoftendifficultinconventionalparallelprocessing, due to the need to conservatively keep the control and data dependencies inherent in program code. In this paper, we propose a method of Speculative MultiThreading (SpMT) along hot program paths, dividing the target program code into thread codes along the hot path for each program segment and speculatively executes on a multicore processor. This method utilizes the fact that in most cases a small set of programexecutionpaths (dynamiccontrol flow) among a large number of possible paths within non-numerical programs is executed and raises the possibility of successful speculative thread execution. We estimate the performanceachieved by the proposed method by trace-based simulation using SPEC CINT2000 benchmark programs. These results show that the method can achieve 90% of the performance of perfectly speculated execution using all program paths. The results show that highly efficient SpMT is achieved, even if we limit the target of speculative parallel execution to only the hot path.
EuBrewNet – A European Brewer network (COST Action ES1207), an overview

Abstract. COST Action ES1207, EuBrewNet, was proposed to coordinate Brewer spectrophotometer measurements of ozone, spectral UV and aerosol optical depth (AOD-UV) in the UV within Europe, and unite the ozone, UV and AOD communities, through a formally managed European Brewer Network capable of delivering a consistent, spatially homogeneous European data resource. With emphasis on the ozone measurements, an overview is given of new calibration and instrument characterization procedures, which are then incorporated into new algorithms for the determination of total column ozone taking account of non-linearities and stray light effects within the spectrometer. A new near real time database is described where all raw data are processed centrally and subjected to the same quality control criteria. Data products are produced in levels that reflect the stages of quality control applied from initial near real time to final archive quality for trend analysis. Work is ongoing to complete similar procedures for the UV and AOD-UV data products. Governance of the new network, which has already expanded beyond the boundaries of Europe, will be overseen directly by the WMO Scientific Advisory Groups.
MONITORING AMERICAN PLUM LINE PATTERN VIRUS IN PLUM BY ELISA AND DOT-BLOT HYBRIDISATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

SUMMARY American plum line pattern virus (APLPV) was monitored monthly throughout a year in a Japanese plum tree by using ELISA and dot-blot hybridisation. Leaf samples were tested from March to November and dormant buds were tested from December to February. Flowers, cortex and fruits, when available, were also tested. For leaf samples, detection by ELISA and hybridisation was reliable from March to May. For dormant bud samples, detection was reliable from December to February. Detection levels decreased from June to August, and were unsatisfactory from September to November. During this latter period, molecular hybridisation was more sensitive than ELISA. Leaves were better sources of APLPV than flowers and cortical tissues in spring, whereas mature fruits were better sources than leaves in summer.
Do gender and year of study affect the ability of the theory of planned behaviour to predict binge-drinking intentions and episodes?

Abstract Background: The present study tested the utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), augmented with anticipated regret, as a model to predict binge-drinking intentions and episodes among female and male undergraduates and undergraduates in different years of study. Method: Undergraduate students (N = 180, 54 males, 126 females, 60 per year of study) completed baseline measures of demographic variables, binge-drinking episodes (BDE), TPB constructs and anticipated regret. BDE were assessed one-week later. Results: The TPB accounted for 60% of the variance in female undergraduates' intentions and 54% of the variance in male undergraduates' intentions. The TPB accounted for 57% of the variance in intentions in first-year undergraduates, 63% of the variance in intentions in second-year undergraduates and 68% of the variance in intentions in final-year undergraduates. Follow-up BDE was predicted by intentions and baseline BDE for female undergraduates as well as second- and final-year undergraduates. Baseline BDE predicted male undergraduates’ follow-up BDE and first-year undergraduates’ follow-up BDE. Conclusion: Results show that while the TPB constructs predict undergraduates’ binge-drinking intentions, intentions only predict BDE in female undergraduates, second- and final-year undergraduates. Implications of these findings for interventions to reduce binge drinking are outlined.
Preference for feeding at habitat edges declines among juvenile blue crabs as oyster reef patchiness increases and predation risk grows

Both habitat patchiness and behaviorally-mediated indirect effects (BMIEs; predator- induced changes in prey behavior that affect the prey's resources) are important in many food webs, but the relationships between these 2 factors have yet to be investigated. To explore effects of habitat patchiness and variation in perceived risk of predation on food-web dynamics, we conducted a factorial experiment in a model aquatic food chain of predator-prey-resource using 2 contrasting predators (adult blue crab Callinectes sapidus and toad fish Opsanus tau), juvenile blue crab as prey, and mussel Geukensia demissa as resource. Both predator presence and habitat patchiness influenced the prey's preference for consuming resources at patch edges instead of interiors. The preference of prey for consuming resources at habitat edges was 4 times stronger in continuous oyster reef habitat than in smaller habitat patches. This suggests that interior resources in continuous habitat experience a refuge from consumption, but this refuge is largely lost in patchy habitat. The mere presence of predators reduced the prey's preference for consuming resources at habitat edges. This BMIE was significant for the ambush predator (toadfish) and the treatment containing both predators, but not for the actively hunting predator (adult blue crab). We conclude that habitat patchiness and predator presence can jointly affect resource distribution by inducing shifts in prey foraging behavior, revealing a need to incorporate BMIEs into habitat fragmentation studies. This conclusion has broad and growing relevance as anthropogenic factors increasingly modify predator abundances and fragment coastal habitats. © Inter-Research 2012.
Microbial assessment of different samples of ostrich (Struthio camelus) and determination of antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolated bacteria

The study was conducted to monitor the microbial assessment in oropharyngeal swab, cloacal swab and faecal samples of ostrich and also update knowledge on antimicrobial sensitivity of isolated organisms. The study was performed at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University (HSTU) ostrich farm from January to June, 2016. A total 75 samples were randomly collected from 8 ostriches at different age of which 25 oropharyngeal, 25 cloacal swabs sample and 25 were faeces samples. The organisms were isolated by using standard microbiological method. The result revealed that the average microbial load in plate count agar was highest in faeces (1.48×10 9 ±0.27 CFU) than oropharyngeal swab (1.36×10 9 ±0.38 CFU) and cloacal swab (1.28×10 9 ±0.34 CFU). Among 75 samples, 29 (38.66%) Escherichia coli , 21 (28%) Salmonella spp. , 20 (26.67%) Staphylococcus spp . and 5(6.6%) Bacillus spp. were identified. In 25 oropharyngeal swab samples, Staphylococcus spp. was found highest 15 (60%) than other organisms but Escherichia coli were found highest both in cloacal 11(44%) and faecal 12(48%) samples. On antibiogram study Escherichia coli , Salmonella spp. , Staphylococcus spp . and Bacillus spp. were more sensitive to Levofloxacin, Azithromycin, Nalidixic Acid and Amoxicillin respectively. While more resistant to Azithromycin, Penicillin, Chloramphenicol and Erythromycin respectively. The obtained results indicated that ostrich excreta are one of the most important sources of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp. , Salmonella spp. , Bacillus spp . in ostrich farms. Finally, it may be concluding that the logical use of antibiotics must be adopted in ostrich farms reared in Bangladesh for prevention of the appearance of multidrug resistance bacteria. Moreover, proper measures should be taken to aware off zoonotic diseases in peoples who are involved in ostrich farming. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2017, 3(4): 437-445
Instructional Leadership: A Contextual Analysis of Principals in Kenya and Southeast North Carolina

Schools around the world need effective school leaders with knowledge and skills to understand the local context with a global view. This paper examines how principals in Kenya and North Carolina use their time as they execute duties in their multifaceted roles. We analyze various aspects of their demographic characteristics, including gender, age, level of educational attainment, and level of schools they lead. Additionally, we examine how they spend their time, how they would like to spend their time, and roadblocks they face in accomplishing their work. Findings indicate that principals overwhelmingly agree on the importance of serving as instructional leaders but traditional roles of principalship hinder them from investing more time in instructional leadership. This research will add to a review and rethinking of educational policies and educational leadership programs. Keywords : Principals, school leadership, school management, principal roles, instructional leadership
An Application of Walsh Functions for Fredholm-Hammerstein Integro-Differential Equations

A Walsh function method, expansion method, has been proposed in order to solve the Fredholm-Hammerstein integro-differential equations(FHID). This method transforms the FHID equation with the given conditions into algebraic equations via Newton-Cotes collocation points and operational matrix of integration. The solution of this system yields the Walsh coefficients of the solution function. Some numerical results are also given to illustrative the efficiency of the method.
Can Fully Accounting for Clouds in Data Assimilation Improve Short-Term Forecasts by Global Models?

Abstract This paper explores the degree to which short-term forecasts with global models might be improved if clouds were fully included in a data assimilation system, so that observations of clouds affected all parts of the model state and cloud variables were adjusted during assimilation. The question is examined using a single ensemble data assimilation system coupled to two present-generation climate models with different treatments of clouds. “Perfect-model” experiments using synthetic observations, taken from a free run of the model used in subsequent assimilations, are used to circumvent complications associated with systematic model errors and observational challenges; these provide a rough upper bound on the utility of cloud observations with these models. A series of experiments is performed in which direct observations of the model’s cloud variables are added to the suite of observations being assimilated. In both models, observations of clouds reduce the 6-h forecast error, with much greater r.
Neurally inspired models of belief-propagation in arbitrary graphical models

In recent years psychophysical experiments have revealed information processing in the human brain to be largely consistent with Bayesian inference in graphical models. Likewise, in an attempt to unify hitherto existing approaches to learning problems, parallel ongoing research in the field of machine learning has converged to the same framework. A natural question then to ask is, what is the physical nexus between the abstract Bayesian techniques from machine learning and information processing in the brain, or, more precisely, how can the known biophysical properties of neurons and their networks give rise to such Bayesian computations? By focussing particularly on the Belief-Propagation (BP) algorithm, this thesis provides answers to that question. Our answers reside on different levels of abstraction, ranging from abstract, spike-based principles that deal with the problem at the level of neural coding, to more concrete approaches for implementing BP in neural substrates. In the first case, we define a general sampling-based scheme that entails BP as a statistical metaproperty, such that no special-purpose processing blocks for emulating the elementary BP-computations are needed. Using an interspike-interval and a spike-count code respectively, two BP processors are deduced from this scheme and verified by simulation. In particular we show that the interspike-interval processor is extremely general, since it allows for BP in arbitrary graphical models, even in presence of analog variables. Concerning the concrete BP implementations we describe and simulate a setup of interconnected Liquid-State Machines (LSMs) as an ensemble of locally interacting nodes that give rise to BP. This general message-passing architecture was inspired by the stereotypical, graph-like connectivity observed in a variety of mammalian neocortices. Moreover, the architecture is consistent with and provides a reasonable interpretation forthe hypothesized, canonical microcircuitry in cortex. Finally we combine the above two levels of abstraction, by concretely implementing the samplingbased processors in our LSM setup. With respect to the interspike-interval processor we furthermore provide an interpretation of its functionality in terms of single-neuron processing. In all cases we found our simulation results to be in very good agreement with numerical evaluations of the BP algorithm. In summary this thesis pushes forward flexible, spike-based models of BP, that reside on several levels of abstraction. At each such level, the respective models are general enough to give rise to a multitude of more concrete versions that can be experimentally tested, and of which we verify an exemplary selection by simulation. Therefore, the validity of our general models remains, even should subsequent experimental research specifically falsify their concrete versions. Moreover, some of these models provide an algorithmic meaning to the long speculated function of cortical microcircuitry, whereas others allow for BP in analog
Kin-selective cannibalism and compensatory performance in larval salamander cohorts inhabiting temporary ponds

Question: Related pairs of individuals tend to express reduced aggression. What are the consequences of this behaviour on groups of developing larvae under food and time limitations? Hypothesis: The positive effects of reduced cannibalism among related larvae on their success at reaching metamorphosis may be neutralized or even outweighed by negative densitydependent effects. Organism: Kin-discriminating, cannibalistic fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) larvae from two populations in northern Israel. Methods: I compared sibling and genetically mixed larval cohorts throughout their larval period in short-lived, outdoor mesocosms. Conclusions: The experiment supported the hypothesis. Rates of cannibalism were higher in mixed cohorts. Nevertheless, overall survival before habitat loss was similar between treatments. The probability that a larva would attain metamorphosis before early habitat loss was higher in the mixed cohorts than that in the sibling cohorts.
POISON PILLS AND CEOS: THE RÉSUMÉ MATTERS

Previous research has linked poison pill to corporate governance characteristics such as ownership structure and board composition while overlooking the attributes of top managers involved in poison pill decision. Based on upper echelons perspective, we changed the focus by investigating the effect of CEO characteristics on poison pills, as measured by age, business education, and outside directorships. Using a sample of Fortune 500 manufacturing firms, we found that CEO business education is positively associated with poison pills, while CEOs’ outside directorships are negatively associated with poison pills. Furthermore, we found that CEO duality moderates the relationship between CEO business education and poison pills. We make implications for both corporate governance research and managerial practices regarding firms’ anti-takeover provisions.
INVESTIGATION OF LITHOSPHERIC STRUCTURE IN MONGOLIA: INSIGHTS FROM INSAR OBSERVATIONS AND MODELLING

Abstract. The western Mongolia is a seismically active intracontinental region, with ongoing tectonic deformation and widespread seismicity related to the far-field effects of India-Eurasia collision. During the 20th century, four earthquakes with the magnitude larger than 8 occurred in the western Mongolia and its surrounding regions, providing a unique opportunity to study the geodynamics of intracontinental tectonic deformations. The 1957 magnitude 8.3 Gobi-Altai earthquake is one of the largest seismic events. The deformation pattern of rupture zone associated with this earthquake is complex, involving left-lateral strike-slip and reverse dip-slip faulting on several distinct geological structures in a 264 × 40 km wide zone. To understand the relationship between the observed postseismic surface deformation and the rheological structure of the upper lithosphere, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data are used to study the 1957 earthquake. Then we developed a postseismic model in a spherical, radially layered elastic-viscoelastic Earth based on InSAR results, and further analysed the dominant contribution to the surface deformation. This work is important for understanding not only the regional tectonics, but also the structure and dynamics of the lithosphere. SAR data were acquired from the ERS1/2 and Envisat from 1996 to 2010. Using the Repeat Orbit Interferometry Package (ROI_PAC), 124 postseismic interferograms are produced on four adjacent tracks. By stacking these interferograms, the maximum InSAR line-of-sight deformation rate along the Gobi-Altai fault zone is obtained. The main results are as follows: (1) The maximum InSAR line-of-sight deformation velocity along this large fault zone is about 6 mm/yr; (2) The modelled surface deformation suggests that the viscoelastic relaxation is the most reasonable mechanism to explain the observed surface motion; (3) The optimal model cover the Gobi-Altai seismogenic thickness is 10 km; (4) The lower bound of Maxwell viscosity of lower crust and upper mantle is approximately 9 × 1019 Pa s, and the Maxwell relaxation time corresponding to this viscosity is 95.13 years.