Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Paleoseismic Record of Earthquakes for the Dead Sea Transform Fault between the First and Seventh Centuries C.E.: Nonperiodic Behavior of a Plate Boundary Fault

We present new results from a paleoseismic trenching campaign at a site across the Jordan Gorge Fault (JGF), the primary strand of the Dead Sea Transform in northern Israel. In addition to the previously recognized earthquakes of 1202 and 1759 C.E. , we observe evidence for eight surface-rupturing earthquakes prior to the second millennium C.E. The past millennium appears deficient in strain release with the occurrence of only two large ruptures, when compared with the preceding 1200 years. Assuming Gutenberg-Richter magnitude-frequency distribution, there is a dis- crepancy between measured rate of small-magnitude earthquakes (M <4) from instrumental records and large earthquake rates from paleoseismic records. The in- terevent time of surface-rupturing earthquakes varies by a factor of two to four during the past 2 ka at our site, and the fault's behavior is not time predictable. The JGF may be capable of rupturing in conjunction with both of its southern and northern neigh- boring segments, and there is tentative evidence that earthquakes nucleating in the Jordan Valley (e.g., the 749 C.E. earthquake) could either rupture through the stepover between the faults or trigger a smaller event on the JGF. We offer a model of earth- quake production for this segment in which the long-term slip rate remains constant while differing earthquake sizes can occur, depending on the segment from which they originated and the time since the last large event. The rate of earthquake occurrence in this model does not produce a time-predictable pattern over a period of 2 ka as a result of the interplay between fault segments to the south and north of the JGF. Online Material: High-resolution photomosaic logs of trench walls probability density function (PDF) and table of unit descriptions for channels 3 and 4.
Improved magnetization in sputtered dysprosium thin films

50 nm thick nanogranular polycrystalline dysprosium thin films have been prepared via ultra-high vacuum direct-current sputtering on SiO2 and Si wafers. The maximum in-plane spontaneous magnetization at T = 4 K was found to be for samples deposited on wafers heated to 350 °C with a Néel point of and a ferromagnetic (FM) transition at , measured via zero-field-cooled–field-cooled magnetization measurements, close to single-crystal values. The slightly reduced magnetization is explained in the light of a metastable face-centred cubic crystal phase which occurred at the seed interface and granularity related effects that are still noticeably influential despite an in-plane magnetic easy axis. As deposited samples showed reduced magnetization of , however their FM transition shifted to a much higher temperature of and the antiferromagnetic phase was completely suppressed probably as a result of strain.
The European Enlargement Process and Regional Convergence Revisited: Spatial Effects Still Matter

This paper has two main goals. First, it reconsiders regional growth and convergence processes in the context of the enlargement of the European Union to new member states. We show that spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity still matter in a sample of 237 regions over the period 1993-2002. Spatial convergence clubs are defined using exploratory spatial data analysis and a spatial autoregressive model is estimated. We find strong evidence that the growth rate of per capita GDP for a given region is positively affected by the growth rate of neighbouring regions. The second objective is to test the robustness of the results with respect to non-normality, outliers and heteroskedasticity using two other methods: The quasi maximum Likelihood and the Bayesian estimation methods.
Exoplanets around Low-mass Stars Unveiled by K2

We present the detection and follow-up observations of planetary candidates around low-mass stars observed by the K2 mission. Based on light-curve analysis, adaptive-optics imaging, and optical spectroscopy at low and high resolution (including radial velocity measurements), we validate 16 planets around 12 low-mass stars observed during K2 campaigns 5–10. Among the 16 planets, 12 are newly validated, with orbital periods ranging from 0.96 to 33 days. For one of the planets (K2-151b), we present ground-based transit photometry, allowing us to refine the ephemerides. Combining our K2 M-dwarf planets together with the validated or confirmed planets found previously, we investigate the dependence of planet radius Rp on stellar insolation and metallicity [Fe/H]. We confirm that for periods P ≲ 2 days, planets with a radius are less common than planets with a radius between 1–2 R⊕. We also see a hint of the “radius valley” between 1.5 and 2 R⊕, which has been seen for close-in planets around FGK stars. These features in the radius/period distribution could be attributed to photoevaporation of planetary envelopes by high-energy photons from the host star, as they have for FGK stars. For the M dwarfs, though, the features are not as well defined, and we cannot rule out other explanations such as atmospheric loss from internal planetary heat sources or truncation of the protoplanetary disk. There also appears to be a relation between planet size and metallicity: the few planets larger than about 3 R⊕ are found around the most metal-rich M dwarfs.
Reproductive strategies of benthic invertebrates in the Kara Sea (Russian Arctic): adaptation of reproduction modes to cold water

Many benthic invertebrates in the boreo-Atlantic region reproduce via pelagic larvae. Past investigations in polar areas suggested a greater predominance of species lacking a pelagic phase. In this study, the reproduction strategies of the main 88 species of the Kara Sea were investi- gated. Field observations were supplemented by literature studies (reproduction period and strategy, biogeographical affiliation). Larvae of 44 meroplanktonic species were identified, but adult forms of only 23 of these species are known from the region. For the other 21 larval types, adults were not pre- sent in the Kara Sea but have previously been recorded in the adjacent Barents Sea. Larval transport processes are thus potentially important for the import of species into the region. High numbers of species of temperate origin were common, and had a strong influence on the overall reproduction patterns of the region. The southern Kara Sea was mainly dominated by 2 groups: highly mobile crus- taceans, which are obligate non-pelagic developers, and non-motile organisms with primarily pelagic reproduction modes. We propose that reproduction patterns are strongly influenced by the highly variable environmental conditions of the Kara Sea which, via ice-scouring and the high input of freshwater from the 2 adjacent rivers, regularly lead to a local depletion of the benthic species. The input of warm freshwater from the rivers enhances the survival of species with a boreal bio- geographical distribution, which additionally contributes to the high number of species with pelagic development that were found. Overall, the reproduction modes of benthic invertebrates in the Kara Sea are thus strongly governed by the local environmental conditions characteristic of the region.
Socio-Cultural Identities, Perceptions of Sexuality/Sexual Behavior and Cultural Contexts as Determinants of HIV and AIDS Prevalence in Southern Africa

This paper attempts to examine the connection between one’s socio cultural setting and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Often, local communities form the contexts within which people negotiate their social and sexual lives and identities. These communities also play a key role in enabling or restraining people from taking control over their health. The paper will try to demonstrate through specific examples that in African societies, sexual behavior is a product of one’s socio-cultural environment and structural contexts and not the cognitive properties of the individual. The article draws from the qualitative study (Focus group sessions, individual interviews) conducted in three high schools in the Boland area of the Western Cape with about 18 learners, 3 Life skills teachers, 3 Performer-Educators on the efficacy of the HIV/AIDS intervention by The Centre for HIV/AIDS Management theatre group based at the University of Stellenbosch. The aim of the study was to ascertain the cultural content of their campaign model as well as their knowledge of the determinants of sex and sexuality of their target areas. Based on the findings of this study, I argue that theatre will achieve greater success in its campaign against HIV/AIDS in South Africa if the designers of the campaign models adopt a more participatory approach, make indigenous culture central to the design of their intervention model and pay closer attention to what Campbell refers to as “community level of analysis” which simply put implies a greater understanding of the target audiences local communities and its determinants of sex and sexuality.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Student Teachers and Their Cognitive-Metacognitive Awareness in Mathematics in Colleges of Education in Zambia.

The purpose of the study was to establish perceptions and attitudes of student teachers and their cognitive-metacognitive awareness in mathematics in colleges of education in Zambia. Although there has been abundant research into perceptions, attitudes and cognitive-metacognitive awareness in teacher education, relatively little research has focused on student teachers’ perceptions and attitudes and their cognitive-metacognitive awareness in Zambia. Perception is a cognitive process through which individuals view, interpret, and understand their surroundings and environment and includes impressions formed about objects, events, and people. Attitude towards mathematics denotes interest or feeling towards studying mathematics. Metacognition is intertwined with cognition and affect. Metacognition is “thinking about thinking” or cognition about cognition. The key findings indicated that student teachers had moderately high metacognitive awareness levels in both colleges. According to the results of the analysis, there was not a significant difference among the scores of metacognitive awareness of student teachers 14(F=0.522; 蟻=0.491g0.05)"> according to means. We accept the null hypothesis that the means in the two colleges of education do not vary since . Results indicated that student teachers in both colleges of education had higher levels of their perceptions and attitudes towards mathematics. Further, results from the Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) indicated that student teachers perception of their performance is attributed to lecturers’ methods of teaching and lecturers’ attitudes towards them. Results from the focus group with all the years of study indicated that lecturers teach them procedures of solving problem without student teachers’ participation. The results showed that lecturers teach the ‘how’ approach of solving mathematical problems without the ‘when’ and ‘why’ processes of solving problems. Therefore, this study recommends that teacher training programmes should include activities through the development and support of metacognitive awareness and affective factors that will be helpful in terms of professional and personal development for mathematics teacher trainees. Key words: Attitudes, Perceptions, Cognition, Metacognition and Volition, self-efficacy.
Narcissistic Fraud in the Ancient World: Lucian's Account of Alexander of Abonuteichos and the Cult of Glycon

Based upon Lucian of Samosata's account of Alexander of Abonuteichos, who is the founder of the Glycon cult in second century Asia Minor, I argue that Alexander likely is a malignant narcissist. I construct this argument by summarizing Alexander's behaviours, and then showing how those behaviours seemingly relate to modern psychiatric descriptions of narcissists. As such, Alexander's behaviours have parallels with several modern cult leaders. Moreover, Alexander's attempts to kill his critics suggests that he is a particular type of narcissist-a malignant narcissist-making him a dangerous and vengeful personality. Stephen A. Kent, PhD, is a Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies, University of Alberta (Canada), specializing in the study of ‘cults' and alternative religions. He has published articles in numerous sociology and religious studies journals on a variety of topics, including Valentinian Gnosticism, ancient Hindu philosophy, Mahayana Buddhism, Puritanism, Quakerism, fundamentalist Mormon polygamy, and new religions.
Reevaluating the Effects of Redistricting on Electoral Competition, 1972–2012

In this note, we revisit the work of Carson and Crespinto examine the effect of different redistricting plans on competitiveness in U.S. House elections. Similar to the previous results, our probit estimates on an expanded dataset that includes redistricting cycles from 1972 to 2012 reveal that commission and court-drawn districts experience more competition on average than those drawn by legislatures. These results provide additional support for the hypothesis that one way to increase the competitiveness of congressional elections is to allow extra-legislative bodies to draw congressional district boundaries.
Fecundity Of Blue Swimming Crab, Portunus Pelagicus Linnaeus, 1758 From Sematan Fishing District, Sarawak Coastal Water Of South China Sea

A total of 57 pieces of ovigerous females were sampled through the study period of 14 months from the commercial catches that were made at the Sematan Fishing District, Sarawak coastal water. These ovigerous females were used to determine the crab fecundity through mean number of egg per crab. The present study shows that the mean number of egg is 2,132,924 with mean egg size (volume) 9.3×10-6 ml and mean egg size (diameter) 383.6 μm measured using volumetric sub sampling. Fecundity was significantly related to crab size with larger crabs producing a greater number of eggs through linear regression of the fecundity – carapace width relationship. The fecundity-carapace width relationship for P. pelagicus was estimated as follows; y = 106804x + 375319 (R2=0.0229; n=57). The study shows that the egg size is significantly larger (P < 0.05) as the eggs nearly about to hatch which is black in colour.
Tribal Mobilization, Fragmented Groups, and Public Goods Provision in Jordan

Diversity has been blamed for poor public goods provision in a number of different contexts. It is associated with reduced spending on services, meager rates of tax collection, and poor policies. I argue in this article, however, that in semidemocratic or authoritarian countries, where political parties are weak, diversity can be an important source of electoral competition, leading to better services. In diverse communities where multiple identity groups are politically mobilized, candidates are forced to seek the support of voters outside of their group, who are more likely to vote based on qualifications than on group affiliation, resulting in better public officials who provide superior services. Moreover, I find internal group fragmentation to be important in understanding the impact of heterogeneity on public goods provision: Candidates in areas where only one identity group is politically mobilized but where that group is politically fragmented will also seek votes from other groups within the community similar to candidates in locations with “multigroup” mobilization, leading to improved public goods provision. These arguments are confirmed through the analysis of tribal mobilization and public goods across Jordan’s municipalities.
Fishing strategies and spatial dynamics of artisanal fisheries in the Uruguayan Atlantic coast

Artisanal fisheries in Uruguay involve directly or indirectly more than 5000 people and constitute the main source of income in several coastal communities. However, and despite its economic and environmental importance, this activity is poorly documented. As such, this scarcity of information constrains the understanding and effective management of artisanal fisheries. This study aims to characterize different strategies of marine artisanal fisheries on the Uruguayan Atlantic coast and describe the spatial distribution of fishing effort. Based on a Principal Components Analysis we identified four fishing strategies targeting different species (mainly whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri, narrownose smooth-hound shark Mustelus spp., angel shark Squatina spp. and Brazilian codling Urophycis brasiliensis), exhibiting different seasonal patterns and fishing gear usage. Finally, the above outlined strategies showed differences in spatial utilization of the fishing area. Our results provide a spatially explicit framework for the management of Uruguayan marine artisanal fisheries.
Structural Outcome of Treated Retinopathy of Prematurity Patients

Purpose: To evaluate the structural outcomes of treated neonates with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) Methods: In this cross-sectional study from April 2008 to August 2009, 859 patients were investigated. These neonates had been consulted at the retinal clinic of Farabi Eye Hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Those with gestational age of no more than 36 weeks and birth weight of below 2,500 g were enrolled to the study. According to the fundoscopic examination of patients, laser treatment alone or with scleral buckle or Avastin, vitrectomy and/or scleral buckle were performed. Treatments were done by two surgeons with one protocol. Indirect laser therapy was performed for threshold and pre-threshold status. In stage 4 when anterior, posterior traction was seen we performed vitrectomy, and when peripheral traction or retrolental fibroplasia was seen scleral buckling was applied. In stage 5 when exudative retinal detachment was observed scleral buckling was performed and in the case of tractional retinal detachment vitrectomy was performed. Results: Study commenced with 734 eyes [405 males (55%) and 329 females (45%)] with ROP. From the total number of 734 eyes, treatment was found necessary for 327 eyes (44%). Among the above mentioned 327 eyes, 231 eyes (70%) were treated by diode laser photocoagulation in which laser treatment was applied in stage 2, stage 3, stage 4A in 90 eyes (38%), 132 eyes (56%), 19 eyes (8.2%), respectively. In 202 eyes (84%) ROP regressed. Univareate analysis showed a significant relation between gestational age (P<0.0000), age of first examination (P<0.001), age of referral (P=0.000), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (P=0.02), duration of oxygen therapy (P=0.01), weight (P=0.000) and patients needed treatment. Univareate analysis showed a significant relation between gestational age, age of first examination, age of referral, weight, duration of oxygen and ventilation application, RDS, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), sepsis and ROP. In a logistic regression analysis the gestational age, weight, RDS, duration of oxygen therapy were significantly associated with ROP. In a logistic regression analysis regression after laser treatment were significantly associated with risk factors such as gestational age, age at the first referral, birth weight, RDS. In a logistic regression analysis attachment after treatment were significantly associated with gestational age at first examination. Favorable structural outcomes of 84% were occurred in patients treated with laser. Conclusion: Laser photocoagulation resulted in more anatomical success in prethreshold ROP compared with threshold ROP. We had more favorable outcomes in laser treated patients in stage 2 and 3. Vitrectomy resulted in more anatomical success than scleral buckling. Systemic factors had significant effect on the anatomical outcome.
An Object Oriented and Axiomatic Theory of Warehouse Design

Despite the conceptual simplicity of warehousing, the development of integrated computational tools for warehouse design has remained an elusive goal. In recent years, there has been some progress toward this goal, with a growing body of research addressing topics as diverse as the design process itself, decision support for specific design decisions, warehouse representation, integrating warehouse representation and analysis, and conceptual approaches for developing integrated warehouse design tool chains. Until now, however, there has not been a suitable warehouse design theory that would provide an integrating framework for all these disparate efforts. This paper presents an object-oriented and axiomatic warehouse design theory. Key assumptions about the warehouse to be designed are stated as axioms, with appropriate formalisms. Using the axioms and the associated notation, a formal specification of warehouse requirements can be stated, a formal description for a warehouse design can be given, and methods can be developed for testing the warehouse design against the requirements. Moreover, the axioms provide the foundation for identifying essential warehouse design decisions, and formally stating both the criteria for evaluating those decisions and the constraints limiting those decisions. The paper provides a conceptual and rigorous bridge between the process-oriented research on warehouse design process or workflow, and the mathematically oriented approach to warehouse design reflected in the vast literature on mathematical models and algorithms for specific warehouse design and/or operating decisions
Significance of Ear Wax Impaction in School Children: A Case of Winneba West Circuit, Ghana

Cerumen or earwax is a mixture of secretions that is sebum together with secretions from modified apocrine glands and sloughed epithelial cells present in the external auditory canals of humans. Earwax impaction is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care for ear-related problems such as blockage and conductive hearing impairment. However, in Ghana there is virtually no literature on earwax impaction among school children. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of school children with wax impaction in Government assisted basic schools in the Winneba West circuit of the Effutu Municipal. This cross-sectional study included 4407 children between the ages of 5 to 16 years from 11 government assisted basic schools in the Winneba West circuit, of the Effutu municipal, Ghana. The instruments used were otoscopy and interview of randomly selected children on the use of cotton-tipped ear swabs for cleaning their ears. Out of the 4407 children, earwax impaction was found in 988 (22.4%). There was a marginal difference in the prevalence of earwax impaction in females compared to males; that is, of the 988 with earwax impaction 522 (53%) were females and 466 (47%) were males. However, the use of cotton-tipped swab could not be directly associated with earwax impaction. Earwax impaction and its attendant challenges is a problem amongst Ghanaian basic school children. The high prevalence of earwax impaction among basic school children in Winneba (Ghana) can lead to conductive hearing impairment which can affect the academic performance of the children negatively. Regular hearing screening involving processes such as otoscopy at the entry point and at regular intervals is being recommended for early identification and remediation. Keywords: Ear wax (cerumen) impaction, Cotton-tipped swab