Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pressure‐Driven Poiseuille Flow: A Major Component of the Torque‐Balance Governing Pacific Plate Motion

The Pacific Plate is thought to be driven mainly by slab pull, associated with subduction along the Aleutians‐Japan, Marianas‐Izu‐Bonin, and Tonga‐Kermadec trenches. This implies that viscous flow within the sub‐Pacific asthenosphere is mainly generated by overlying plate motion (i.e., Couette flow) and that the associated shear stresses at the lithosphere's base are resisting such motion. Recent studies on glacial isostatic adjustment and lithosphere dynamics provide tighter constraints on the viscosity and thickness of Earth's asthenosphere and, therefore, on the amount of shear stress that asthenosphere and lithosphere mutually exchange, by virtue of Newton's third law of motion. In light of these constraints, the notion that subduction is the main driver of present‐day Pacific Plate motion becomes somewhat unviable, as the pulling force that would be required by slabs exceeds the maximum available from their negative buoyancy. Here we use coupled global models of mantle and lithosphere dynamics to show that the sub‐Pacific asthenosphere features a significant component of pressure‐driven (i.e., Poiseuille) flow and that this has driven at least 50% of the Pacific Plate motion since, at least, 15 Ma. A corollary of our models is that a sublithospheric pressure difference as high as ±50 MPa is required across the Pacific domain.
Kondisi Kualitas Air Sungai Surabaya Studi Kasus: Peningkatan Kualitas Air Baku PDAM Surabaya

ABSTRACTThe disposal of domestic and industrial waste to Surabaya river continues to increase, resulting in worse physical condition and severe pollution. The existence of Surabaya river is very important for the sustainability of the economy and the survival of society, industry, and commerce around the riverbank. In addition, Surabaya River becomes the raw water source of PDAM Surabaya and more than 3 million consumers of Surabaya PDAM depend on the water quality condition of Surabaya River. The purpose of this activity is to know the current condition of Surabaya River’s water quality and to determine the technology that can improve the water quality of PDAM. The conclusion that can be drawn from the water quality condition of Surabaya River is the high concentration of organic matter pollutants. Moreover, it is increasing in the dry season. With the increasingly poor quality of raw water coming from Surabaya river, consequently, the cost of processing will become more expensive. Therefore, conventional processing is not able to eliminate the pollutant compounds. One alternative technology to improve the quality of raw water is to apply a pretreatment process with the process biological by using biofilter technology. Keywords: water quality in Surabaya River, Surabaya Municipal Waterworks (PDAM), Biofilter technology ABSTRAKPembuangan limbah domestik dan industri di sepanjang Kali Surabaya terus meningkat, mengakibatkan kondisi fisik sungai semakin memburuk dan mengalami pencemaran semakin berat. Keberadaan kali Surabaya sangat penting bagi keberlangsungan perekonomian dan kelangsungan hidup bagi masyarakat, industri, dan niaga di sekitar bantaran kali. Selain itu Kali Surabaya menjadi sumber air baku PDAM Surabaya dan lebih dari tiga juta konsumen PDAM Surabaya bergantung pada kondisi kualitas air Kali Surabaya. Tujuan kegiatan ini adalah untuk mengetahui kondisi kualitas air Kali Surabaya dan menentukan teknologi yang dapat meningkatkan kualitas air baku PDAM. Kesimpulan yang dapat diambil dari kondisi kualitas air Kali Surabaya adalah tingginya konsentrasi polutan zat organik yang semakin meningkat pada musim kemarau. Dengan semakin buruknya kualitas air baku yang berasal dari Kali Surabaya, akibatnya biaya pengolahan akan menjadi semakin mahal dan pengolahan secara konvesional tidak mampu menghilangkan senyawa polutan tersebut Salah satu teknologi alternatif untuk meningkatkan kualitas air baku PDAM adalah dengan menerapkan proses pengolahan awal (pretreatment) dengan proses biologis menggunakan teknologi biofilter. Kata kunci: kualitas air Kali Surabaya, PDAM Surabaya, Teknologi Biofilter
Comprehensive Assessment of Reference Gene Expression within the Whitefly Dialeurodes citri Using RT-qPCR

The citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri, is a destructive pest that infests citrus plants. It is a major vector in transmitting plant viruses such as citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV), which has caused severe economic losses worldwide, and therefore efficient control of this pest is economically important. However, the scope of genetic studies primarily focused on D. citri is restricted, something that has potentially limited further study of efficient control options. To explore the functionalities of D. citri target genes, screening for specific reference genes using RT-qPCR under different experimental conditions is essential for the furtherance of biological studies concerning D. citri. The eight candidate reference genes were evaluated by dedicated algorithms (geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and ΔCt method) under five specific experimental conditions (developmental stage, sex, tissue, population and temperature). In addition, the RefFinder software, a comprehensive evaluation platform integrating all of the above algorithms, ranked the expression stability of eight candidate reference genes. The results showed that the best reference genes under different experimental settings were V-ATP-A and RPS18 at different developmental stages; α-tubulin, 18S and V-ATP-A in both sexes; EF1A and α-tubulin in different tissues; Actin and Argk under different populations; and RPS18 and RPL13 in different temperatures. The validation of selected reference genes was further identified using heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 as a reporter gene. Our study, for the first time, provides a detailed compilation of internal reference genes for D. citri that are suitable for RT-qPCR analysis, which is robust groundwork for comprehensive investigation of the functional target genes of D. citri.
Socio-ecological implications of pesticide use in India (NIAS Report No. R1-2003)

India has been largely an agrarian society. The agricultural sector contributes nearly 26 per cent to the gross domestic product and provides livelihood to two-thirds of the population. Agricultural production has recorded remarkable growth over the past few decades. Food-grain production increased from 62.5 Million Tonnes (MT) in 1965 to 209 MT in 1999-2000. Adoption of modern technological practices, involving improved irrigation, high-yielding varieties, agro-chemicals and farm mechanization has made notable contributions towards raising the food production in India.
Low- and Middle-Income Country Perceptions of Global Health Engagements: A Scoping Review

More than one million Americans are estimated to participate in global health engagements (GHEs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) each year. A growing number of studies document perceptions of GHEs from the perspective of American and other high-income country (HIC) visitors traveling to LMICs, particularly regarding motivations and satisfaction relative to their participation in these activities. Far fewer studies examine perceptions of GHEs from the perspective of LMIC hosts and other local constituent groups. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze studies that examined local stakeholder perspectives of global health engagements in LMICs around the world. We conducted a scoping review of PubMed and Google Scholar using the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework. Assessment and analysis of articles was conducted by a team of three reviewers (EA, FS, SB). A total of 31 relevant papers published between 2009 and 2021 provided local perspectives of GHEs, with participants falling into three stakeholder categories: providers of care, recipients of care, and community members. Analysis revealed that stakeholder groups often held complex and highly nuanced perspectives of GHEs, perceiving these activities as having both positive and negative implications in the host communities. Synthesis of the eligible studies’ findings resulted in three thematic categories: resources and perceived benefits derived from GHEs; perceived challenges associated with GHEs; and opportunities for improvement of GHEs. To our knowledge, this scoping review is among the first to identify and collectively analyze LMIC stakeholder perceptions of GHEs. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Thermal evolution of trans‐Neptunian objects, icy satellites, and minor icy planets in the early solar system

Numerical simulations are performed to understand the early thermal evolution and planetary scale differentiation of icy bodies with the radii in the range of 100–2500 km. These icy bodies include trans‐Neptunian objects, minor icy planets (e.g., Ceres, Pluto); the icy satellites of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; and probably the icy‐rocky cores of these planets. The decay energy of the radionuclides, 26Al, 60Fe, 40K, 235U, 238U, and 232Th, along with the impact‐induced heating during the accretion of icy bodies were taken into account to thermally evolve these planetary bodies. The simulations were performed for a wide range of initial ice and rock (dust) mass fractions of the icy bodies. Three distinct accretion scenarios were used. The sinking of the rock mass fraction in primitive water oceans produced by the substantial melting of ice could lead to planetary scale differentiation with the formation of a rocky core that is surrounded by a water ocean and an icy crust within the initial tens of millions of years of the solar system in case the planetary bodies accreted prior to the substantial decay of 26Al. However, over the course of billions of years, the heat produced due to 40K, 235U, 238U, and 232Th could have raised the temperature of the interiors of the icy bodies to the melting point of iron and silicates, thereby leading to the formation of an iron core. Our simulations indicate the presence of an iron core even at the center of icy bodies with radii ≥500 km for different ice mass fractions.
Pathogens and Pests in North American Forest Ecosystems

Trees are usually thought of as the organisms that define forests because of their overriding biomass. Trees, however, account for only a small part of the biodiversity of forests. Microbes and invertebrates are much larger contributors to biodiversity. Collectively, they also perform a variety of functions that are critical to the continuous functioning of forest ecosystems. Bacteria, fungi and invertebrates are key players in the development and fertility of forest soils. Living trees are hosts to and form a range of associations with a wide variety of endophytic microbes. Sexual reproduction of trees is greatly aided by insect pollinators. Once trees die, a succession of wood boring invertebrates, bacteria, and decay fungi allows for the recycling of the lignocellulosic complex, and in so doing, forms the widely recognized complexity of biodiversity associated with the world’s forests. Living trees are also impacted by a variety of disease-causing microbial pathogens and by invertebrates (often referred to as pests) that feed on organs or tissues, either aerial or below ground. Depending on the combination of host, pathogen/pest and environmental conditions, the outcome may vary from no observable effect to decreased growth to tree death. The effect of pathogens and pests may be observable at different scales, from individuals to species, from communities to forest stands. Losses caused by pathogens and pests range from the conspicuous to the spectacular, from short-term catastrophic tree mortality to long-term successional changes in forest ecosystems. Although this may look counterintuitive to forest managers, pathogens and pests are important drivers of forest composition, succession and evolution through disturbance. They contribute to stand structure, availability of deadwood, and creation of suitable habitat for plants and wildlife. Consequently, the older utilitarian concept of healthy forests characterized by low tree mortality and an absence of forest diseases and pests has gradually given way to an ecosystem-based concept, one that recognizes that disease and pests are natural components of healthy forests, and in fact define them (Kolb et al., 1994; Castello et al, 1995; Ostry and Laflamme, 2009). Today, the diversity of these biological communities, often formally termed biodiversity, is quantified and converted to indices that measure forest health. Unfortunately, pathogens and invertebrate pests may also jeopardize the resilience of forest ecosystems. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly apparent with the intensification of
Cedrus atlantica Pollen Morphology and Investigation of Grain Size Variability Using Laser Diffraction Granulometry

ABSTRACT The morphology and size variability of pollen grains of Cedrus atlantica were investigated using a novel approach employing laser diffraction granulometry. We provide new insights into size variability and present high-quality light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imagery of Cedrus atlantica pollen. Grains have an average size of 59.1 ± 4.0 µm, measured on millions of grains from 91 samples. Analysis showed there is high variability of grain size within individual samples, although variability between samples is not significant. We found no significant relationships between grain size and climate (including temperature, precipitation and aridity), and suggest that grain size of fossil Cedrus pollen would not be a good proxy for climate reconstruction. Grain size may be influenced by a number of complex factors such as genome size or adaptations to support wind pollination, while variability within individual samples may result from the irregular development of pollen. The laser diffraction method produced repeatable, robust measurements on millions of pollen grains which are highly correlated with measurements taken using LM (r = 0.91, p = 0.002). Where grain size information is crucial for pollen identification, for developing isolation techniques for geochemical analysis, for investigating climatic and environmental influence, or for investigating links between genomes and grain size, particle size analysis by laser diffraction provides a reproducible and robust method for quickly determining pollen grain size on many samples.
Denitrification in Shallow Groundwater Below Different Arable Land Systems in a High Nitrogen‐Loading Region

To evaluate the risk of nitrate (NO3−‐N) in groundwater, it is necessary to know the denitrification capacity. In this study, observations were carried out for 2 years to investigate the groundwater denitrification capacity below three arable land systems in eastern China. Denitrification capacity was assessed by measuring the concentration and distribution patterns of nitrous oxide (N2O) and dinitrogen (N2) in groundwater. The results revealed that groundwater denitrification activity was high and consumed 76%, 83%, and 65% of the NO3−‐N in the vineyard (VY), vegetable field (VF), and paddy field (PF), respectively. The high denitrification activity might be attributed to the strong reducing conditions, with high dissolved carbon concentrations in groundwater, which promotes denitrification. During the sampling period, we observed high dinitrogen (excess N2) accumulation in groundwater, which exceeded the total reactive nitrogen (N) in the deep layer. The large amount of excess N2 observed in VY and VF indicated that considerable N was stored as gaseous N2 in groundwater and should not be ignored when balancing N budgets in aquifers where denitrification is high.
The Association between Delayed Gut Microbiota Maturity in Pre-Term Infants and the Feeding Intolerance—A Pilot Study

This study compared gut (fecal) microbiota profiles between pre-term and full-term infants, assuming that pre-term infants without feeding intolerance would have gut microbiota similar to those of full-term infants. A total of 13 pre-term infants (gestational age < 37 weeks, birthweight ≤ 2500 g) and 10 full-term infants were included. The pre-term infants were assigned to the feeding tolerance (FT) group (n = 7) if their daily intake exceeded 100 mL/kg/day at two weeks after birth, or the feeding intolerance (FI) group (n = 6). Microbial DNA from weekly fecal samples was analyzed. The microbiota profiles of the pre-term infants and full-term infants were significantly different (p = 0.0001), as well as the FT and FI groups (p = 0.0009). The full-term group had more diversity, with higher concentrations of facultative anaerobes such as Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacteriaceae. The FT group’s gut microbiota matured over four weeks, with higher levels of digestion-related bacteria, while the FI group had more pathogens. In the FI group, a significant difference was observed between the first and second weeks, with no significant differences noted between the first week and the third or fourth weeks. The delay in the development of the pre-term infants’ gut microbiota may be associated with the FI.
Reducing energy use and emissions through innovative technologies and community designs.

The transportation sector is the second largest contributor to human generated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. A key goal of the U.S. Department of Transportation is to implement environmentally sustainable policies that can reduce carbon emissions from transportation sources. Smart growth—characterized by compact, mixed use; greater network connectivity; and environments friendly to alternative modes—may encourage reductions in vehicle travel and emissions. A better understanding of travel behavior in conventional and smart growth communities is needed to inform policies. A behavioral data set is analyzed to determine whether smart growth developments are associated with lower CO2 emissions. Sample selection models are estimated from a 2009 travel behavior survey of 15,213 households to capture the conditionality of emissions on the decision to drive (or not) by household members on a given day. Results indicated that 12% of responding households used alternative modes or did not travel from home; the rest of the sample traveled in an automobile and therefore contributed to CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions were calculated from vehicle miles traveled and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle used for specific trips taken by household members. The developed framework models whether CO2 emissions are associated with land use, socio demographics, and preferences for adopting information technology. Tailpipe CO2 emissions are lower for households that reside in mixed land use neighborhoods with good network connections (on the order of 9%). As a long-term strategy, CO2 emissions reductions from smart growth developments can be substantial.
Transverse sternal plating in secondary sternal reconstruction: Single-center clinical experience

Objectives: This study reviews five-years’ experience of transverse sternal plating in secondary sternal reconstruction in our clinic. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with transverse sternal plating using a titanium sternal plate system between January 2015 and December 2019. During this period, a total of 31 sternal plating operations for secondary sternal closure after cardiac surgery were performed. Results: During the five years of the study, 31 patients underwent sternal plating. There were 20 males and 11 females in the group. The average age was 65.4±10.2 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27.5±2.9 kg/m2 . Twenty-six (83.9%) were diabetics, 23 (74.2%) active smokers, 11 (35.5%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and two (6.5%) had renal failure. Conclusion: Titanium plate fixation is an effective method to stabilize complicated sternal dehiscence. It is a simple and safe technique without risks. More comprehensive research is required to address the indications, benefits, and complications of sternal plating.
Monetary Policy Shocks: Data or Methods?

Different series of high-frequency monetary shocks can have a correlation coefficient as low as 0.5 and the same sign in only two-thirds of observations. Both data and methods drive these differences, which are starkest when the federal funds rate is at its effective lower bound. Methods that exploit the differential responsiveness of short- and long-term asset prices can incorporate additional information. After documenting differences in monetary shocks, we explore their consequence for inference. We find that empirical estimates of monetary policy transmission from local projections and VARs are less affected by shock choice than forecast revision specifications.
Optimizing Structural and Mechanical Properties of an Industrial Ti-6246 Alloy below β-Transus Transition Temperature through Thermomechanical Processing

This study aims to investigate the effect of hot deformation on commercially available Ti-6246 alloy below its β-transus transition temperature at 900 °C, knowing that the α → β transition temperature of Ti-6246 alloy is about 935 °C. The study systematically applies a thermomechanical processing cycle, including hot rolling at 900 °C and solution and ageing treatments at various temperatures, to investigate microstructural and mechanical alterations. The solution treatments are performed at temperatures of 800 °C, 900 °C and 1000 °C, i.e., below and above the β-transus transition temperature, for 9 min, followed by oil quenching. The ageing treatment is performed at 600 °C for 6 h, followed by air quenching. Employing various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, tensile strength and microhardness testing, the research identifies crucial changes in the alloy’s constituent phases and morphology during thermomechanical processing. In solution treatment conditions, it was found that at temperatures of 800 °C and 900 °C, the α′-Ti martensite phase was generated in the primary α-Ti phase according to Burger’s relation, but the recrystallization process was preferred at a temperature of 900 °C, while at a temperature of 1000 °C, the α″-Ti martensite phase was generated in the primary β-Ti phase according to Burger’s relation. The ageing treatment conditions cause the α′-Ti/α″-Ti martensite phases to revert to their α-Ti/β-Ti primary phases. The mechanical properties, in terms of strength and ductility, underwent an important beneficial evolution when applying solution treatment, followed by ageing treatment, which provided an optimal mixture of strength and ductility. This paper provides engineers with the opportunity to understand the mechanical performance of Ti-6246 alloy under applied stresses and to improve its applications by designing highly efficient components, particularly military engine components, ultimately contributing to advances in technology and materials science.
Distribution and species diversity of phytoplankton in the inshore waters of Tuticorin in relation to the physicochemical variables

A study was conducted to evaluate the phytoplankton community structure and its relationship with selected physicochemical variables in the inshore waters of Tuticorin during January to December 2008. Water and plankton samples from the surface waters at two depths (5m and 10m) were collected on board the research vessel Cadalmin-IV. Standard methods were followed for phytoplankton identification, enumeration and estimation of physicochemical variables. The present study recorded 69 species of phytoplankton with 85.5% dominance of diatoms followed by 14.5% of dinoflagellates. The overall density of phytoplankton was comparatively higher at 10 m with a mean of 2.14x104 ±0.4x104 cells L-1 and 3.37x104 ±0.9x104 cells L-1 at 5 m and 10 m depth respectively. The analysis indicated that 10 m depth, especially during the monsoon season, is rich in diversity of algal species than at the same depth during post-monsoon. It is confirmed that the population density of phytoplankton is more influenced by seasonal fluctuation of the physicochemical variables especially due to the effect of northeast monsoon in the inshore waters of Tuticorin.