Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Late Holocene syngenetic ice-wedge polygons development, Bylot Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago

The initial configuration of the syngenetic ice-wedge polygons that developed in the outwash plain of glacier C-79 after 6000 BP was modified by the accumulation of wind-blown and organic sediments that began after 3670 ± 110 BP. The late Holocene sedimentation led to an increase in the thermal contraction coefficient of the soil and the formation of third- and fourth-order contraction cracks, partially explaining the current configuration of the polygonal network. The upturning of the sedimentary strata bordering the ice wedges was associated with the summer thermal expansion and resulting internal creep of the soil. The mean annual soil displacement coefficient was in the order of 2.52.7 × 105 /°C at the thousand-year scale. The late Holocene sedimentary strata under the centre of the polygons were undisturbed, which will make it possible to use this sedimentary record in further studies to attempt paleoenvironmental reconstructions from cores.
Seasonal changes in the morphology of the subglacial drainage system

A spreader for feeding and uniformly distributing grain in a bin. The spreader has a hopper to receive the incoming grain. A screw mounted in the hopper evenly spreads the grain and propels it into a chute whose discharge mouth is normally closed by a spring pressed gate, or valve. A rotary thrower blade, mounted below the chute, aids the chute to distribute the grain generally radially and downwardly uniformly in the bin. The screw, the discharge chute and the thrower are driven as a unit by a single shaft, mounted coaxially in the hopper, and rotated by a motor mounted externally of the hopper. The pressure of grain movement propelled by the screw opens the chute gate allowing grain to pass to the spreader.
Lossy Joint Source-Channel Coding in the Finite Blocklength Regime

This paper finds new tight finite-blocklength bounds for the best achievable lossy joint source-channel code rate, and demonstrates that joint source-channel code design brings considerable performance advantage over a separate one in the nonasymptotic regime. A joint source-channel code maps a block of <i>k</i> source symbols onto a length-<i>n</i> channel codeword, and the fidelity of reproduction at the receiver end is measured by the probability ε that the distortion exceeds a given threshold <i>d</i>. For memoryless sources and channels, it is demonstrated that the parameters of the best joint source-channel code must satisfy <i>nC</i> - <i>kR</i>(<i>d</i>) ≈ √(<i>nV</i> + <i>k V</i>(<i>d</i>)) <i>Q</i><sup>-1</sup>(ε), where <i>C</i> and <i>V</i> are the channel capacity and channel dispersion, respectively; <i>R</i>(<i>d</i>) and <i>V</i>(<i>d</i>) are the source rate-distortion and rate-dispersion functions; and <i>Q</i> is the standard Gaussian complementary cumulative distribution function. Symbol-by-symbol (uncoded) transmission is known to achieve the Shannon limit when the source and channel satisfy a certain probabilistic matching condition. In this paper, we show that even when this condition is not satisfied, symbol-by-symbol transmission is, in some cases, the best known strategy in the nonasymptotic regime.
Estimating variable structure and dependence in Multitask learning via gradients

We consider the problem of learning gradients in the supervised setting where there are multiple, related tasks. Gradients provide a natural interpretation to the geometric structure of data, and can assist in problems requiring variable selection and dimension reduction. By extending this idea to the multi-task learning (MTL) environment, we present methods for simultaneously learning structure within each task, and the shared structure across all tasks. Our methods are placed within the framework of Tikhonov regularization, providing (a) robustness to high-dimensional data, and (b) a mechanism for incorporating a priori knowledge of task (dis)similarity. We provide an implementation for multi-task gradient learning for classification and regression, and demonstrate the utility of our algorithms on simulated and real data.
Estimating variable structure and dependence in multitask learning via gradients

We consider the problem of learning gradients in the supervised setting where there are multiple, related tasks. Gradients provide a natural interpretation to the geometric structure of data, and can assist in problems requiring variable selection and dimension reduction. By extending this idea to the multi-task learning (MTL) environment, we present methods for simultaneously learning variable dependence and structure within each task, and the shared structure across all tasks. Our methods are placed within the framework of Tikhonov regularization, providing (a) robustness to high-dimensional data, and (b) a mechanism for incorporating a priori knowledge of task (dis)similarity. We provide an implementation for multi-task gradient learning for classification and regression, and demonstrate the utility of our algorithms on simulated and real data.
Development and Use of an Anechoic Subglottal Tract for Excised Larynx Experiments

During phonation, both the supraglottal and subglottal tracts can have an influence on vocal fold vibrations and cause voice instabilities. This paper proposes a method to remove the influence of the two tracts on the vocal fold vibrations, which can be used in studies of inherent vibratory properties of the vocal folds. It uses excised larynges without a supraglottal tract and an anechoic (resonance-free) subglottal tract. The acoustic response of the developed anechoic subglottal tract was measured and compared with the response of a “resonant” subglottal tract with adjustable length. Both subglottal tracts were then explored in excised larynx experiments, where the subglottal pressure, radiated sound, and electroglottograph (EGG) signal were recorded
Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties of Clay-Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata Walp.) Husks Polyester Bio-Composite for Building Applications

This study investigates the feasibility of creating a clay polymer-based composite using cowpea husk (CPH) as filler for production of roof tiles. Polymeric composites were fabricated by mixing unsaturated polyester (UPT) resin with cowpea husk at different filler weights and curing. A hybrid composite was produced with the addition of 3 wt. % clay and all samples produced were subjected to flexural, hardness and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests. The effect of clay addition on the mechanical and thermo-mechanical behaviour of formulated composites was investigated. The morphological analysis of the mono and hybrid system shows a rough and coarse inhomogeneous surface with voids created due to the addition of CPH filler for the mono reinforced and clay uniformly filling the voids that were created by the CPH in the hybrid composite. It is observed that hardness, tensile modulus and flexural modulus of hybrid composites increase with an increase in the CPH contents, while the strength and flexural strength all decrease with filler content. The optimal composition was obtained using Grey relational analysis (GRA) at 18% CPH for both mono and hybrid composite. The results imply that the composite combination can be used in making rooftiles and/or also in applications where low strength is required.
Relation of saturated hydraulic conductivity to soil losses

The relationship between saturated hydraulic conductivity and the soil erosion process are evident. However, the problem has not been so far sufficiently addressed in research, especially for typical Polish soils. Our paper presents the results of a modeling study on soil erosion losses and saturated hydraulic conductivity that was carried out in natural rainfall events on the 10 most typical farming soil types in Poland. The results show the relationship between saturated hydraulic conductivity and soil losses and saturated hydraulic conductivity jointly with sand texture group and soil losses. The conclusion is that the studies dealing with measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity may be applied to assess soil erosion losses.
Internal structure of the Moon inferred from Apollo seismic data and selenodetic data from GRAIL and LLR

The internal structure of the Moon is important for discussions on its origin and evolution. However, the deep structure of the Moon is still debated due to the absence of comprehensive seismic data. This study explores lunar interior models by complementing Apollo seismic travel time data with selenodetic data which have recently been improved by Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) and Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR). The observed data can be explained by models including a deep‐seated zone with a low velocity (S wave velocity = 2.9 ± 0.5 km/s) and a low viscosity (∼3 × 1016 Pa s). The thickness of this zone above the core‐mantle boundary is larger than 170 km, showing a negative correlation with the radius of the fluid outer core. The inferred density of the lowermost mantle suggests a high TiO2 content (>11 wt.%) which prefers a mantle overturn scenario.
WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR FLOOD RISK REDUCTION AND ITS DETERMINANTS IN JAPAN 1

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to clarify public preferences for flood control measures in Japan, willingness to pay (WTP), and the main factors involved in WTP by applying the contingent valuation method. Findings showed that most residents surveyed expected some flood control measures, and revealed a diversity of interest in river management. WTP levels for different measures ranged from a mean of ¥2,887 to ¥4,861 and from a median of ¥1,000 to ¥2,000. However, WTP for additional flood risk reduction beyond initial levels was found to be zero. This was considered to be because WTP for flood risk reduction must be determined within a multi‐risk context. WTP for flood control measures may increase with per capita income, individual preparedness, and/or experience with flooding, but may decrease with distance from a river, acceptability of flood risk, and provision of environmental information. Furthermore, perception of flood risk may increase WTP, while perception of other risks may decrease it. Methods of dealing with environmental risk that were proposed in the survey may have affected WTP levels.
Comparison of frictional strength and velocity dependence between fault zones in the Nankai accretionary complex

Accretionary complexes host a variety of fault zones that accommodate plate convergence and internal prism deformation, including the décollement, imbricate thrusts, and out‐of‐sequence thrusts or splays. These faults, especially the décollement and major splay faults, are considered to be candidates for hosting slow slip events and large magnitude earthquakes, but it is not clear what modes of slip should be expected at shallow levels or how they are related to fault rock frictional properties. We conducted laboratory experiments to measure the frictional properties of fault and wall rock from three distinct fault zone systems sampled during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 316 and Ocean Drilling Program Leg 190 to the Nankai Trough offshore Japan. These are (1) a major out‐of‐sequence thrust fault, termed the “megasplay” (Site C0004), (2) the frontal thrust zone, a region of diffuse thrust faulting near the trench (Site C0007), and (3) the décollement zone sampled 2 km from the trench (Site 1174). At 25 MPa effective normal stress, at slip rates of 0.03–100 μm/s, and in the presence of brine as a pore fluid, we observe low friction (μ ≤ 0.46) for all of the materials we tested; however, the weakest samples (μ ≤ 0.30) are from the décollement zone. Material from the megasplay fault is significantly weaker than the surrounding wall rocks, a pattern not observed in the frontal thrust and décollement. All samples exhibit primarily velocity‐strengthening frictional behavior, suggesting that earthquakes should not nucleate at these depths. A consistent minimum in the friction rate parameter a‐b at sliding velocities of ∼1–3 μm/s (∼0.1–0.3 m/d) is observed at all three sites, suggesting that these shallow fault zones may be likely to host slow slip events.
A geochemical study of bituminous mixtures from Failaka and Umm an-Namel (Kuwait), from the Early Dilmun to the Early Islamic period

This paper is the last in a series presenting geochemical analyses of fragments of bituminous mixtures excavated from archaeological sites in Kuwait. The first was devoted to bituminous boat remains from the Ubaid-related Neolithic site of H3, As-Sabiyah, while the second dealt with bituminous amalgams from the Partho-Sasanian site of c Akkaz, a former island now joined to the south side of Kuwait Bay. This, the third, refers to bitumenbearing samples from two other islands, Failaka and Umm an-Namel, and covers a time span including the Early Dilmun period, the Kassite period and the Hellenistic to Early Islamic periods. The composition of the bituminous amalgams was studied in detail. The proportions of soluble and insoluble organic matter as well as vegetal organic matter were evaluated. Mineralogical composition by X-Ray diffraction and thin-section analysis was used to estimate the mineral input in the bituminous mixtures. It can be confirmed that the recipes used in the preparation of these bituminous amalgams comply with those traditionally used in antiquity, as seen at many sites in Mesopotamia and the Gulf. Analysis of the soluble organic matter, and especially its ‘‘saturates’’ fraction, provided sterane and terpane distributions and the measurement of diagnostic molecular ratios. These data, complemented by the isotopic composition of asphaltenes, allowed the identification of the sources of the bitumen, by calibration with numerous references from Iran and northern Iraq (oil seeps, bitumen from archaeological sites). It was established that the bitumen from Failaka and Umm an-Namel was mainly imported from central Iraq (Hit-Abu Jir) and northern Iraq (around Mosul). One sample of oil-stained sand, dating to the Early Dilmun period, originated from Burgan and thus documents small-scale imports from inland Kuwait. These results, and those of previous analyses, agree with the geopolitical context of the Early Dilmun, Kassite and Hellenistic periods, and the maritime trade routes that linked Mesopotamia to the settlements of the Gulf and beyond. The paper concludes with an overview of recent bitumen provenance analyses, and discerns chronological patterns in the distribution of Iraqi and Iranian bitumen in the Gulf and Indian Ocean, from the Neolithic to the Islamic periods.
Reconstructing North Sea palaeolandscapes from 3D and high-density 2D seismic data: An overview

Abstract The North Sea subsurface shows the marks of long-term tectonic subsidence. Much of it contains a thick record of glacial and interglacial deposits and landscapes, formed during multiple glacial cycles and the associated regressions and transgressions during the past two million years. At times of lower sea level than today, areas that are presently submerged were fertile lowlands more favourable for hunting and gathering than the surrounding upland. These drowned lowlands are not captured by traditional 1:250,000 geological maps of the North Sea subsurface because the underlying seismic and core data are commonly too widely spaced to achieve this. Palaeolandscape mapping requires identification of building blocks with spatial scales in the order of 1 km or less. As high-density 2D and high-quality 3D seismics are becoming available for an increasing part of the North Sea, glacial and interglacial palaeolandscapes can be reconstructed for more and more areas. An overview of published palaeolandscape reconstructions shows that shallow time slices through 3D data provide map views that are very suitable for the identification of landscape elements. For optimal results, each time slice needs to be validated and ground-truthed with 2D seismics and with descriptions and analyses of cores and borehole samples. Interpretations should be made by teams of geoscientists with a sufficiently broad range of expertise to recognise and classify even subtle or unfamiliar patterns and features. The resulting reconstructions will provide a context and an environmental setting for Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic societies and finds.
Cyclostrophic winds from the Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer temperature sounding: A preliminary analysis

[1] Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) onboard the Venus Express spacecraft has been operating since April 2006 providing new observations of the temperature structure of Venus mesosphere (60–95 km). Zonal winds in the middle atmosphere of Venus have been retrieved from VIRTIS temperature profiles using the cyclostrophic approximation. The wind field is characterized by three main features: (1) a midlatitude jet connected to the thermal feature known as the cold collar; the jet reaches a maximum speed of 80–90 ± 10 m/s near the cloud top (∼70 km altitude) at 50°S latitude; (2) a strong decrease of wind from 60°S toward the pole reaching zero velocity at ∼70°S; and (3) the decrease of the wind above the jet with increasing altitude. Local time dependence of the temperature and wind field has been analyzed. Temperatures show at cloud tops a cooling of ∼15 K during the night which propagates also on the zonal wind field. Comparison with cloud-tracked winds from Venus Monitoring Camera images indicates a first-order agreement.
Construction of Minimum Connected Dominating Set in Wireless Sensor Network Using Two-Hop Information

In a wireless sensor network (WSN), neither there is any fixed infrastructure nor any centralized control. Therefore, for efficient routing, some of the nodes are selected to form a virtual backbone. Minimum Connected Dominating Set (MCDS) can be used as a virtual backbone. However, MCDS construction is an NP-Hard problem. In this paper, we propose a novel distributed greedy approximation algorithm for CDS construction which reduces the CDS size effectively. The proposed method constructs the CDSs of smaller sizes with lower construction cost in comparison to existing CDS construction algorithms for both uniform and random distribution of nodes. The performance ratio of the proposed algorithm, which is the best at the current moment, is (4.8 + ln 5)|opt|+ 1.2, where |opt| is the size of an optimal CDS of the network. Its time complexity is O(D), where D is the diameter of the network. Its message complexity is O(nR) which is linear, where n is the network size and R is the maximum between number of rounds needed to construct the PDS and number of rounds needed to interconnect the PDS nodes. Our simulation shows that ours is the most size optimal distributed CDS construction algorithm.
Genetic Variants and Their Interactions in the Prediction of Increased Pre-clinical Carotid Atherosclerosis : The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

The discovery of millions of DNA markers has made it possible to identify genetic loci for complex quantitative traits that are influenced by multiple genes of small effect size, instead of focusing solely on qualitative monogenic disorders using case-control designs [1]. Results that are emerging from the GWASs indicate that multiple genes are involved in cardiovascular disorders, implicating that their genetic liability is distributed quantitatively rather than qualitatively. Although the traditional statistical significance testing procedures have provided important biological insights, it has become clear that many of the true associations are detected much lower down on the ranked list of hits, compared to the top hits with the most statistical support [2]. Ignoring the SNPs in the ‘gray zone’ is likely to result in missing an important proportion of the quantitative variation in heritability [3]. This may partly explain the fact that even though the GWASs have turned up dozens of variants associated with cardiovascular risk, these have had a disappointingly small contribution to the prediction of even clinical CHD outcomes [4-9], not to speak of explaining the pre-clinical stages of cardiovascular disease, such as arthrosclerosis risk and progression [10,11]. Therefore, in contrast to using the statistical class comparison approaches, which aim to determine whether the genetic profiles are different between the given classes of subjects, we took here a machine learning-based class prediction approach, with the specific aim to build a multivariate discrimination function (or a classifier) [12], which can accurately predict the risk class of a new subject on the basis of a panel of key variants.
Temporal inequality in catchment discharge and solute export

A framework is developed for characterizing the temporal inequality of stream discharge and solute loads to receiving waters using Lorenz diagrams and the associated Gini coefficient, G. These descriptors are used to illustrate a broad range of observed flow variability with a synthesis of multidecadal flow data from 22 rivers in Florida. Multidecadal phosphorus load data from four of the primary tributaries to Lake Okeechobee, Florida, and sodium and nitrate load data from nine of the Hubbard Brook, New Hampshire, long‐term study site catchments are used to examine the relation between the inequality of flow and load. The intra‐annual loads to Lake Okeechobee are shown to be highly unequal, such that 90% of the annual load is delivered in as little as 15% of the time. Analytic expressions are developed for measures of inequality in terms of parameters of the lognormal distribution under general conditions that include periods of zero flow. In cases where variability of concentrations is low compared to that of flows (chemostatic conditions), such as for phosphorus in the Lake Okeechobee basin and sodium in Hubbard Brook, the temporal inequality of flow is a strong surrogate for load inequality. However, in cases where variability of concentrations is high compared to that of flows (chemodynamic conditions), such as for nitrate in the Hubbard Brook catchments, load inequality is greater than flow inequality. The measured degree of correspondence between flow and load inequality for these data sets is shown to be well described using the general inequality framework introduced here.
The Relationship Between the Shear Strength of Sands in Triaxial Compression, Plane Strain and Direct Shear

Synopsis A theoretical relation is derived between the peak Coulomb φ values for saturated drained sands measured in the direct shear test and the plane strain compression test using the stress-dilatancy equation and the assumption that the directions of principal strain increment and principal stress coincide. Limiting dilatancy rates in triaxial compression allow an overall comparison of the φ values to be expected in these three types of test. Present available experimental data indicate quite close agreement over the range φu = 17°–39° for cohesion-less soils. On derive une relation theorique entre les valeurs φ de pointe de Coulomb pour des sables draines satures mesurees dans l'essai de cisaillement direct et l'essai de compression a deformation en plan en utilisant 1'equation de contrainte-dilatabilite et la supposition que les directions de l'accroissement de deformation principale et de la contrainte principale coincident. Des taux limites de dilatabilite en compression tr axiale permettent de fa.