Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint inversion of teleseismic receiver functions and magnetotelluric data using a genetic algorithm: Are seismic velocities and electrical conductivities compatible?

Joint inversion of different kinds of geophysical data has the potential to improve model resolution, under the assumption that the different observations are sensitive to the same subsurface features. Here, we examine the compatibility of P‐wave teleseismic receiver functions and long‐period magnetotelluric (MT) observations, using joint inversion, to infer one‐dimensional lithospheric structure. We apply a genetic algorithm to invert teleseismic and MT data from the Slave craton; a region where previous independent analyses of these data have indicated correlated layering of the lithosphere. Examination of model resolution and parameter trade‐off suggests that the main features of this area, the Moho, Central Slave Mantle Conductor and the Lithosphere‐Asthenosphere boundary, are sensed to varying degrees by both methods. Thus, joint inversion of these two complementary data sets can be used to construct improved models of the lithosphere. Further studies will be needed to assess whether the approach can be applied globally.
Optimization of extraction conditions for the recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidants from Syrian olive leaves

In this study the effect of extraction conditions, solvent (type, composition), time and temperature, on the amount of phenolic compounds extracted from olive leaves obtained from Safita /Syria was investigated and the radical scavenging activity of these extracts was evaluated. The total phenolic content and the radical scavenging activity of olive leaves extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and scavenging of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical, respectively. It was found that concentration of solvents (40% ethanol, 40% methanol, 80% acetone, and 6:2: acetone: ethanol: water) gave the highest total phenolic content and possess strong activity against the DPPH radicals (IC50 18.92, 25.01, 33.15, 37.19 μg Gallic acid /ml), respectively. Temperature and time of extraction were also found to have a significant effect on the total phenolic content and IC50. The aqueous solutions of ethanol 40%, extraction temperature of 60 °C and extraction time of 60 min were the most efficient for the extraction of polyphenols from olive leaves. Therefore, these conditions could be applied for further extraction and isolation of phenolic compounds from olive leaves for their use in the preparation of medicinal products or functional food.
A diode laser system for heating minerals for (U‐Th)/He chronometry

We have developed a diode laser (25 W, 808 nm) system for He extraction from minerals for (U‐Th)/He chronometry. The laser beam is delivered via a 600 μm fiber cable and focused using a binocular microscope. Temperatures necessary for He release from apatite (500–600°C) and zircon (1100–1300°C) encapsulated in Pt‐foil tubes are attained by heating to 0.5 W for 30 s and 1.25–2.5 W for 20 min, respectively, using a defocused beam. Heating at these powers does not result in measurable U and/or Th loss from apatite, as noted by the preservation of the distinct Th/U in multiple splits of two different Durango apatite crystals. Analyses of Durango and the California Institute of Technology internal standard apatite 97MR22 yield (U‐Th)/He ages of 32.8 ± 1.8 Ma (1σ, n = 11) and 4.6 ± 0.5 (1σ, n = 5), respectively, well within accepted ages. The (U‐Th)/He age and Th/U of five Fish Canyon Tuff zircon aliquots yield 29.3 ± 2.2 Ma (1σ) and 0.6 ± 0.03, respectively, and are indistinguishable from ages produced by resistance furnace He extraction. Heating of unencapsulated minerals shows that the diode laser couples well with optically opaque minerals (e.g., hornblende, biotite, muscovite, garnet) and basalt groundmass, suggesting that diode lasers offer a cheap, small, low‐maintenance alternative to Nd:YAG and Ar ion lasers for 40Ar/39Ar, cosmogenic noble gas, and stable isotope studies.
A Proposed Model Of Lifestyle And Store Attributes For Hypermarkets’ Loyalty

Hypermarket industry is gaining more popularity in recent days. With variety of merchandise services and facilities offering under-one-roof, consumers prefer to patronize in this stores. Success of hypermarket industry is dependent on its consumers’ loyalty. So, understanding hypermarket industry’s consumer behavior will be a great platform to retailers to be competitive in the market. Basically, researchers have agreed that loyalty is the main issue for making and maintaining relationships with consumer. This study aims to examine factors influence customer‘s loyalty in Iran’s hypermarket industry by looking into the element of lifestyles and store attribute. Therefore, a model of hypermarket customers’ loyalty is designed to investigate the relationship of lifestyle, store attributes, consumer satisfaction and store loyalty for selecting hypermarket. The findings of this study are expected to help retailers to raise their consumers’ loyalty by considering lifestyle, store attributes and consumer satisfaction.
weather@home 2: validation of an improved global–regional climate modelling system

Abstract. Extreme weather events can have large impacts on society and, in many regions, are expected to change in frequency and intensity with climate change. Owing to the relatively short observational record, climate models are useful tools as they allow for generation of a larger sample of extreme events, to attribute recent events to anthropogenic climate change, and to project changes in such events into the future. The modelling system known as weather@home, consisting of a global climate model (GCM) with a nested regional climate model (RCM) and driven by sea surface temperatures, allows one to generate a very large ensemble with the help of volunteer distributed computing. This is a key tool to understanding many aspects of extreme events. Here, a new version of the weather@home system (weather@home 2) with a higher-resolution RCM over Europe is documented and a broad validation of the climate is performed. The new model includes a more recent land-surface scheme in both GCM and RCM, where subgrid-scale land-surface heterogeneity is newly represented using tiles, and an increase in RCM resolution from 50 to 25 km. The GCM performs similarly to the previous version, with some improvements in the representation of mean climate. The European RCM temperature biases are overall reduced, in particular the warm bias over eastern Europe, but large biases remain. Precipitation is improved over the Alps in summer, with mixed changes in other regions and seasons. The model is shown to represent the main classes of regional extreme events reasonably well and shows a good sensitivity to its drivers. In particular, given the improvements in this version of the weather@home system, it is likely that more reliable statements can be made with regards to impact statements, especially at more localized scales.
The effects of corruption on foreign direct investment inflows: Some empirical evidence from less developed countries

This study investigates the effect of corruption on incoming Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in a set of 33 Less Developed Countries (LDCs) over the period; 1985 to 2011.Using panel data approach, this study reveals that the significant factors influencing FDI inflows in LDCs are corruption index, market size and inflation rate. Results are in line with the hypotheses of the study. Multinational corporations (MNCs) tend to avoid countries with high corruption rates, which in turn, ineluctably, reduces incoming FDI. The findings suggest that lesser foreign investments receiving countries need to create a better conducive environment for MNCs by concentrating on some of the significant factors identified by the present study. In the same vein, increased and sustainable efforts geared towards mitigating corruption at all levels in the countries, must be put in place to encourage FDI inflows.
Random nilpotent groups I

We study random nilpotent groups in the well-established style of random groups, by choosing relators uniformly among freely reduced words of (nearly) equal length and letting the length tend to infinity. Whereas random groups are quotients of a free group by such a random set of relators, random nilpotent groups are formed as corresponding quotients of a free nilpotent group. This model reveals new phenomena because nilpotent groups are not "visible" in the standard model of random groups (due to the sharp phase transition from infinite hyperbolic to trivial groups).
Perception of South Swedish Word Accents

A perceptual experiment concerning South Swedish word accents (accent I, accent II) is described. By means of editing and resynthesis techniques the F0 pattern of a test word in a phrase context has been systematically manipulated: initial rise (glide vs. jump) and final concatenation (6 timing degrees of the accentual fall). The results indicate that both a gliding rise and a late fall seem necessary for the perception of accent II, while there appear to be no such specific, necessary cues for the perception of accent I.
Influence Of Servicescape, Customer Satisfaction, WOM, and Social Media to Consumer Loyalty (study case bali beach)

Indonesia have blessed with many beautiful natural scenery. This beautiful gift of nature must be kept to the best possible so that it can be enjoyed by many peopleand become a source of local income. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of Servicescape, Customer satisfaction, Word of Mouth, and Social Media, to visiting interest local and foreign tourist to Bali Beach Lestari,Serdang Bedagai,North of Sumatra, Indonesia. The type of research is a causal associative research with data collection techniques in the form of questionnaires. Data was analyzed by using Regression Analysis. Data collection was made through questionnaires and interview. The results show that servicescape have positive impact and significant to customer satisfaction, Social Media, Word of Mouth, and customer loyalty. Customer satisfaction have positive impact and significant to, Social Media, Word of Mouth, and customer loyalty. This research also found Facebook is still most widely used social media by the respondents Keywords— servicescape, customer satisfaction, word of mouth, social media, costumer loyalty
EFFECT OF STORAGE ON MICROBIAL AND SENSORY QUALITIES OF PACKAGED YAM-CASSAVA “POUNDO” FLOUR

Microbial load and Sensory quality of packaged yam-cassava poundo flour during storage were studied. Yam flour (YF) and cassava flour (CF) were mixed at different proportions to produce yam-cassava poundo flour and packaged using High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene sack (PP) respectively. The samples were HDPE 100%YF, HDPE 90%YF: 10%CF, HDPE 85%YF: 15%CF, HDPE 80%YF: 20%CF and 100%YF, 90%YF: 10%CF, 85%YF: 15%CF and 80%YF: 20%CF. The samples were stored at ambient temperature (32 ± 2 o C) and relative humidity (76 ± 3%) for 24 weeks and were subjected to microbiological and sensory tests at 4 weeks interval. Results showed that the total plate count of sample (80% YF: 20 %CF ) packaged in HDPE was the lowest (4.9 x 10 4 cfu /g) while that of sample (100% YF) packaged in PP was the highest (9.4 x 10 4 cfu /g) at the end of the storage period. Fungal counts increased in all the packaged samples, as storage period increased. The lowest fungal counts (3.7 x 10 4 sfu/g) were recorded in HDPE 80%YF: 20%CF, this is significantly different (p<0.05) from the value obtained in PP 100% YF which was the highest fungal counts obtained (9.6 x 10 4 sfu/g). A bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis ) and two fungal species (Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani ) were isolated and enumerated. Data obtained from sensory test (colour, aroma, texture and overall acceptability) decreased throughout the storage period but 80%YF: 20 %CF packaged in HDPE was more acceptable. The findings of this study indicate that yam-cassava poundo flour from the blend of 80%YF: 20 %CF packaged in HDPE is less susceptible to microbes and more acceptable in terms of sensory qualities during a storage period of 24 weeks.
Automated MT evaluation metrics and their limitations

Aquest article ofereix una visio general de les principals classes de metodes d'avaluacio automatica de la qualitat de la Traduccio Automatica (TA), les seves limitacions i el seu valor tant per a traductors professionals com per a desenvolupadors de TA. L'avaluacio automatica de TA es caracteritza per l'actuacio dels sistemes de TA amb textos o corpus especifics. Es d'esperar que els indexs automatics es correlacionen amb aquells parametres que estableixen els avaluadors humans sobre la qualitat de la TA, com ara l'adequacio o fluidesa de la traduccio. L'avaluacio automatica actualment es part del cicle de desenvolupament de la TA, i a mes tambe permet fer avancar la investigacio fonamental sobre TA i millorar la seva tecnologia.
Annual greenhouse gas budget for a bog ecosystem undergoing restoration by rewetting

Abstract. Many peatlands have been drained and harvested for peat mining, agriculture, and other purposes, which has turned them from carbon (C) sinks into C emitters. Rewetting of disturbed peatlands facilitates their ecological recovery and may help them revert to carbon dioxide (CO2) sinks. However, rewetting may also cause substantial emissions of the more potent greenhouse gas (GHG) methane (CH4). Our knowledge of the exchange of CO2 and CH4 following rewetting during restoration of disturbed peatlands is currently limited. This study quantifies annual fluxes of CO2 and CH4 in a disturbed and rewetted area located in the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area in Delta, BC, Canada. Burns Bog is recognized as the largest raised bog ecosystem on North America's west coast. Burns Bog was substantially reduced in size and degraded by peat mining and agriculture. Since 2005, the bog has been declared a conservancy area, with restoration efforts focusing on rewetting disturbed ecosystems to recover Sphagnum and suppress fires. Using the eddy covariance (EC) technique, we measured year-round (16 June 2015 to 15 June 2016) turbulent fluxes of CO2 and CH4 from a tower platform in an area rewetted for the last 8 years. The study area, dominated by sedges and Sphagnum, experienced a varying water table position that ranged between 7.7 (inundation) and −26.5 cm from the surface during the study year. The annual CO2 budget of the rewetted area was −179 ± 26.2 g CO2–C m−2 yr−1 (CO2 sink) and the annual CH4 budget was 17 ± 1.0 g CH4–C m−2 yr−1 (CH4 source). Gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) exceeded ecosystem respiration (Re) during summer months (June–August), causing a net CO2 uptake. In summer, high CH4 emissions (121 mg CH4–C m−2 day−1) were measured. In winter (December–February), while roughly equal magnitudes of GEP and Re made the study area CO2 neutral, very low CH4 emissions (9 mg CH4–C m−2 day−1) were observed. The key environmental factors controlling the seasonality of these exchanges were downwelling photosynthetically active radiation and 5 cm soil temperature. It appears that the high water table caused by ditch blocking suppressed Re. With low temperatures in winter, CH4 emissions were more suppressed than Re. Annual net GHG flux from CO2 and CH4 expressed in terms of CO2 equivalents (CO2 eq.) during the study period totalled −22 ± 103.1 g CO2 eq. m−2 yr−1 (net CO2 eq. sink) and 1248 ± 147.6 g CO2 eq. m−2 yr−1 (net CO2 eq. source) by using 100- and 20-year global warming potential values, respectively. Consequently, the ecosystem was almost CO2 eq. neutral during the study period expressed on a 100-year time horizon but was a significant CO2 eq. source on a 20-year time horizon.
Accelerating Adoption of Zero Tillage Technology

India is the second largest producer of wheat. The country is producing more than 75.38 million tons of wheat from 28.34 million ha area with productivity of about 2660 kg per ha. Wheat is grown in most parts of the country, but nearly 70 per cent lies in northern plains and 20 per cent in central India. More than 90 per cent wheat area is sown to bread wheat, which is grown throughout the country. A total of 200 farmers, 100 each from adopter and non adopter categories were randomly selected from Gonder, Bhaini Khurd, Kacchwa, Pundrak, Jundla, Sultanpur, Gorgarh, Bastali, Brass, Dabri, Pakhana, Shonkra, Manjura, Janeshro, Hathlana, Northa, Jalmana villages of Karnal district. The adopters had favourable attitude and were more prone to change towards zero tillage technology as compared to non-adopters. The adopters had fairly good knowledge about zero tillage technology. The adopters exhibited satisfaction in terms of saving in time, money, timeliness of sowing and yield. The constraint like lack of adequate manpower with the state department of agriculture and input agencies was perceived as the major extension constraint in the study area. The farmers also mentioned lack of money to purchase new machines and inputs. The level of adoption can be accelerated through educational means and government policies.
Trace metal contamination of the marine environment in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar

The effect of anthropogenic activities has been studied in two stations, each in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, and compared with an offshore site in the former bay for one year on a monthly basis. The mean level of trace metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in sediment from polluted areas was 1.23 ppm, 5.42 ppm, 15.52 ppm and 7 ppm respectively. The maximum Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn level in seawater from polluted areas were 1.11 ppb, 26.78 ppb, 21.35 ppb and 247.12 ppb respectively. The mean level of these metals in zooplankton and clam from polluted areas were 1.12 ppm, 14.47 ppm, 24.03 ppm and 267.2 ppm respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant difference in the trace metal levels in water, tissue and sediment between polluted and reference station. The paper draws attention to the concentrations of trace metals in the marine environment and biota of Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar along with other hydrological parameters.
N-acetylcysteine an Allium plant compound protects against chromium (VI) induced oxidant stress and ultrastructural changes of pancreatic beta-cells in rats

The present study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in alleviating chromium (VI)-induced beta-cell damages in rats. Sixty male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15/group). Group I remained untreated; Group II received single dose of potassium dichromate (50 mg/kg b.w., s.c.); Group III received NAC (200 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) before chromium (VI) injection (50 mg/kg b.w., s.c.); Group IV received NAC alone (200 mg/kg b.w., i.p.). Pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation), pancreas antioxidant power, blood glucose level and ultrastructure of beta-cells were evaluated. Results showed that the administration of chromium (VI) resulted in a state of pancreatic injury and extensive oxidative damage in rats as manifested by the increase in lipid peroxidation and the decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and catalase. In serum, there was significant increase in the level of glucose in these animals. Administration of NAC shortly prior to chromium (VI) significantly mitigated most of these changes to control values. Based on ultrastructural observations, the administration of NAC may effectively rescue beta-cells from oxidative damage without affecting their function and structural integrity. It can be concluded that NAC if administrated before chromium (VI) injection improves glycemic state by enhancing insulin secretion and antioxidant competence in pancreatic beta-cells.
A qualitative study of the factors influencing the global migration of anatomical pathologists in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Results: Six themes were discovered from the data. Of these, five themes suggested reasons for the potential emigration of histopathologists. These included: lack of recognition by clinical doctors, lack of career-pathing opportunities, the deterrent of compulsory service in the public sector upon qualifying, socio-economic and political instability in South Africa, and endemic levels of crime. A sixth theme revealed that remuneration was not a deciding factor as to whether histopathologists choose to emigrate. Conclusions: Remuneration was not revealed to be a reason for emigration, as these specialists’ salaries are commensurate with global salaries. The findings, whilst not generalisable, suggest that more work needs to be done on the human relations aspects of retention for these medical specialists. This has implications for human resources for health policy.
EFFECT OF PAPAYA AND STORAGE TIME ON THE QUALITY OF THE NEWLY DEVELOPED PAPAYA CRACKERS

Crispy nutritious papaya crackers were developed from locally available papaya and whole wheat flour by baking in oven at 130 o C for 35 min. Crackers were packed in high density polyethylene pouches and stored under ambient condition for 90 days. The influence of papaya and storage condition on physicochemical compositions was evaluated in present study. Physicochemical analyses of fresh crackers revealed the presence of moisture (3.3-3.6%), ash (4.07-4.12%), protein (6.35-8.13%), fat (1.75-1.94%), fibers (11.50-13.75%), minerals like sodium (6.1-6.61 mg/100g), magnesium (122.44115.28 mg/100g), potassium (469.62-443.34 mg/100g), calcium (24.99-21.97 mg/100g) and phosphorus (307.66-229.13 mg/100g). Among various studied physicochemical parameters only slight increases was reported in the moisture content while in case of other parameters like fat, ash, fiber, protein and mineral content some reduction was reported at the 90 days of storage. This study introduced the formulation of crackers by using whole wheat flour and papaya which can be a good source of fiber and minerals.
Molecular genetic relationships among Arachis diogoi and A. chiquitana accessions

Seventeen SSR markers were selected randomly for molecular characterization/fingerprinting of two accessions of Arachis diogoi and three accessions of A. chiquitana to ascertain whether the morphologically different A. chiquitana accession ICG 11560 may be an accession of A. diogoi (=A. chacoense). Two accessions of A. chiquitana, ICG 13181 and ICG 13241, formed a distinct group. A. chiquitana accession ICG 11560 did not group closely with the other A. chiquitana accessions, but showed closer relationship with them than with the A. diogoi accessions ICG 4983 and ICG 8962. The two accessions of A. diogoi, ICG 4983 and ICG 8962, grouped together and were separated from the group formed by section Procumbentes members. These results show that A. chiquitana accessions in general and ICG 11560 in particular are not related to accessions of A. diogoi. In another experiment, similar results were obtained when RAPDs (random amplified polymorphic DNAs) were used to distinguish wild Arachis species.