Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intra-event spatial correlation of ground motion using L'Aquila earthquake ground motion data

The intensities f ground motions and structural responses at two sites are correlated. The magnitude of the correlation depends on the distance between the sites and the natural vibration period of the structures. Spatial correlation of intra-event peak ground motion amplitudes at different sites is an important issue for seismic hazard and risk assessment of spatially distributed buildings and infrastructures. Correlated seismic effects cause acute concentration and accumulation of seismic losses, potentially resulting in a catastrophic event. The adequacy of the existing spatial correlation model has been checked using the L'Aquila earthquake ground motion data. Spatial correlations based on the L'Aquila earthquake data decreases gradually with increasing inter-station separation distance. At short separation distances, the estimated spatial correlation data points show large variability around the average trend. At short separation distances such as 1 km, where empirical data are limited and estimates are uncertain, discretion is required in adopting such models for seismic hazard and risk assessment of spatially distributed structures
Feed Resources and Livestock Production Situation in the Highland and Mid Altitude Areas of Horro a Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia

A survey was conducted in the highland and mid altitude areas of Horro and Guduru districts of Horro Guduru Wollega Zone of Oromia Regional State, western Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing livestock production situation, livestock production constr major feed resources and their potential contribution. survey method was used in the survey. A total of 210 household heads, 60 from highland and 150 from mid altitude areas were selected and interviewed. was 4.43±0.26 ha per household in the highland and 3.98±0.11 ha in the mid altitude areas. The average size of grazing lands of highland respondents (0.73±0.08 ha) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than that of mid altitude (0.47±0.03 ha) holdings of highland respondents (13.00±0.60 heads) were significantly higher ( than that of mid altitude livestock holding (9.72±0.45 heads) in which cattle dominates other species. Feed shortage, health problem, poor genetic potential, labour and water shortage were listed as major constraints for livestock production. Natural pasture, cop residues, stubble grazing were listed as major feed resources, with minimal contribution of improved forages and local beverage by products (Diqi or atela). Disappearance of better quality and palatable species of grasses, expansion of invasive plants like Raphanus raphanistrum and Parthenium hysterophorus, and depletion of soil nutrients were listed as factors affecting the quality of grazing land. An average of 11.55 and 13.89 tons of feed dry matter (DM) was produced per household of highland and mid altitude, respectively, of which about 74.03% of the feed in highland and 80.63 % in mid altitude were obtained from crop residues. The contribution of private grazing land was estimated to be 11.7 and 6.41 % of the total feed supply from the private holdings in highland and mid altitude areas, respectively. The contribution of stubble (after math grazing) was estimated to be 14.8 13.03 % of the feed that can be obtained from private holdings. Copyright@2015 STAR Journal
Probabilistic Models of Maximum Precipitation for Designing Sewerage

AbstractPluviographic measurement results from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) Wroclaw–Strachowice meteorological station from the years 1960–2009 constitute the basis for this paper. While conducting the statistical analysis of precipitation occurrence frequency, the criterion of interval precipitation amounts was assumed in order to isolate the intensive rainfalls from the pluviograms, which made it possible to select a number of the most intensive rainfalls in each year. A total of 514 synthetic rainfall instances were isolated, which were then were arranged according to non-increasing amounts in 16 duration intervals. This was the basis to propose the unification of the development methodology of probabilistic models for maximum precipitation amounts, reliable in the designing and verification of drain flow capacity, especially for low probability of precipitation occurrence. Maximum precipitation models for Wroclaw were developed (average annual precipitation H = 590 mm).
HIV and HBsAg Seropositivity Amongst Patients Presenting for Ocular Surgery at a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital in Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS and HBsAg sero-positivity is very high in sub-Saharan African. There is a risk of horizontal transmission of these diseases amongst ophthalmic patients. Aim: To determine the proportion patients for eye surgery who are HIV/AIDS and HBsAg sero-positive at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, Nigeria. Methods: Patients selected for eye surgery during a surgical camp at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna were counseled for Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and HBsAg to determine their viral status. Results: A total of 650 patients who were selected were screened. The distributions of the indications for selection were as follows: cataract 483 (74.3%); glaucoma 44 (6.8%) and pterygium 123 (18.9%). Two patients (0.2%) were found to be HIV seropositive while 11 (1.5%) were HbsAg positive. Conclusion: Pre-operative screening of all patients going for ophthalmic surgery for HIV and HbsAg may be desirable in our environment.
Sensitivity of spaceborne radar to near-surface soil moisture in grasslands across southern Ireland

The amount of water stored in the soil is a key parameter for the energy and mass fluxes at the land surface and is of fundamental importance to many agricultural, meteorological, biological and biogeochemical processes. This study investigates the potential of retrieving surface soil moisture in grassland areas from a time series of 68 ENVISAT advanced synthetic aperture radar (ASAR) wide swath mode (WSM) scenes, acquired between 2007 and 2009, using an empirical regression approach. WSM data enable larger areas to be observed with a higher temporal sampling capability, compared to image mode (IM) data, and provide an appropriate spatial resolution for regional applications. As expected, the radar backscatter signal was found to increase with increasing soil moisture. Interseasonal analysis showed that the VV (Vertical transmitVertical receive) polarisation radar signal is more sensitive to surface soil moisture during the spring and autumn months, where average signal increases of about 4 dB corresponding to relative soil moisture increases of 40% were obtained. Results also display significant (pB0.05) correlations between the HH horizontal transmitHorizontal receive) polarisation signal and surface soil moisture, with r2 values ranging from 0.67 to 0.86 for some of the test sites. Overall, the results suggest that the use of an empirical linear regression approach is a good approximation of the relationship between ASAR WSM backscatter coefficients and surface soil moisture over grassland areas.
Discovery and Characterization of Clinical Candidate LXE408 as a Kinetoplastid-Selective Proteasome Inhibitor for the Treatment of Leishmaniases

Visceral leishmaniasis is responsible for up to 30,000 deaths every year. Current treatments have shortcomings that include toxicity and variable efficacy across endemic regions. Previously, we reported the discovery of GNF6702, a selective inhibitor of the kinetoplastid proteasome, which cleared parasites in murine models of leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and human African trypanosomiasis. Here, we describe the discovery and characterization of LXE408, a structurally related kinetoplastid-selective proteasome inhibitor currently in Phase 1 human clinical trials. Furthermore, we present high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the Leishmania tarentolae proteasome in complex with LXE408, which provides a compelling explanation for the noncompetitive mode of binding of this novel class of inhibitors of the kinetoplastid proteasome.
Comparison of medium-term organic and inorganic fertiliser application on leaf nutrient concentration and yield of maize in rural agriculture in the Mbizana area, Eastern Cape province, South Africa

A five-year study was conducted in the Mbizana area, Eastern Cape province, to assess the seasonal and medium term effects of chicken manure and inorganic fertiliser application to an acid clay loam topsoil on nutrient element uptake and yield of maize in a field trial under dryland. Treatments consisted of a once-off application of three levels of dolomitic lime, annual application of two levels of inorganic fertiliser, and three levels of chicken manure. A no-till practice with hand planting and fertiliser application was used. Leaf and soil sampling, as well as harvesting were performed and analyses done. Chicken manure application induced similar maize leaf macro- and micro-nutrient concentrations to the recommended inorganic fertiliser (Frec) level and, in general, significantly higher values than the traditional fertiliser level (Ftrad). Augmenting chicken manure with inorganic nitrogen led to significant increases in leaf nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Grain yields under chicken manure were similar to those under Frec, but far superior to those under Ftrad. It is concluded that under acid soil conditions the improvement of soil fertility, either by organic or inorganic fertiliser application, can result in maize grain yields of about 3 Mg ha-1 under the prevailing rainfall conditions.
Caffeine: cardiorespiratory effects and tissue protection in animal models

The aim of this review is to analyze the cardiorespiratory and tissue-protective effects of caffeine in animal models. Peer-reviewed literature published between 1975 and 2021 was retrieved from CAB Abstracts, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus. Extracted data were analyzed to address the mechanism of action of caffeine on cardiorespiratory parameters (heart rate and rhythm), vasopressor effects, and some indices of respiratory function; we close this review by discussing the current debate on the research carried out on the effects of caffeine on tissue protection. Adenosine acts through specific receptors and is a negative inotropic and chronotropic agent. Blockage of its cardiac receptors can cause tachycardia (with arrhythmogenic potential) due to the intense activity of β1 receptors. In terms of tissue protection, caffeine inhibits hyperoxia-induced pulmonary inflammation by decreasing proinflammatory cytokine expression in animal models. The protection that caffeine provides to tissues is not limited to the CNS, as studies have demonstrated that it generates attenuation of inflammatory effects in pulmonary tissue. It inhibits the effects of some pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevents functional and structural changes.
Vascular smooth muscle cell contraction and relaxation in the isolated aorta: a critical regulator of large artery compliance

Over the past few decades, isometric contraction studies of isolated thoracic aorta segments have significantly contributed to our overall understanding of the active, contractile properties of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and their cross‐talk with endothelial cells. However, the physiological role of VSMC contraction or relaxation in the healthy aorta and its contribution to the pulse‐smoothening capacity of the aorta is currently unclear. Therefore, we investigated the acute effects of VSMC contraction and relaxation on the isobaric biomechanical properties of healthy mouse aorta. An in‐house developed set‐up was used to measure isobaric stiffness parameters of periodically stretched (10 Hz) aortic segments at an extended pressure range, while pharmacologically modulating VSMC tone and endothelial cell function. We found that the effects of α1‐adrenergic stimulation with phenylephrine on the pressure‐stiffness relationship varied in sensitivity, magnitude and direction, with the basal, unstimulated NO production by the endothelium playing a pivotal role. We also investigated how arterial disease affected this system by using the angiotensin‐II‐treated mouse. Our results show that isobaric stiffness was increased and that the aortic segments demonstrated a reduced capacity for modulating the pressure‐stiffness relationship. This suggests that not only increased isobaric stiffness at normal pressure, but also a reduced capacity of the VSMCs to limit the pressure‐associated increase in aortic stiffness, may contribute to the pathogenesis of this mouse model. Overall, this study provides more insight in how aortic VSMC tone affects the pressure‐dependency of aortic biomechanics at different physiological and pathological conditions.
Linking crustal reworking to terrane accretion

The Strangways Metamorphic Complex in central Australia is a key terrane in models for the evolution of the Australian continent. The Arunta Complex preserves a long-lived (c. 1700–320 Ma) record of crustal reworking, the drivers of which are the subject of considerable debate. Pressure–temperature data and in situ monazite geochronology constrain the reworking to be coincident with the c.1645 Ma Liebig Orogeny. This suggests that reworking in the Strangways Metamorphic Complex is related to terrane accretion rather than other factors such as anomalous enrichment in high-heat-producing elements or within-plate processes.
Motivación y clima laboral en personal de entidades universitarias

The present survey studies the motivation and organizational climate in university centers. The sample consisted of 473 full time professors and employees in three private universities of Lima, Peru. Two scales were used for testing the motivation and organizational climate on the McClelland and Litwing approach were used. The validation and the reliability of the instruments with the respective analysis were shown. The data was processed using the SPSS software for the statistic analysis. The results show medium level motivation and organizational climate and differences only regarding organizational motivation with professors and workers with more than five years in the institution. Such differences were not found with the climate organizational. They need of adequate managment when deciding the courses of action and the comunicative systems to optimize the organizational output is highlightened.
Monitoring CO2 Injection Into a Fluvial Brine-filled Sandstone Formation At the Snøhvit Field, Barents Sea.

500 ktons of CO2 injected during 16 months has been monitored by well pressure and 4D seismic data. Clear 4D responses can be observed as amplitude increases and time delays at the lower part of the reservoir, up to at least a km away from the injector. CO2 saturation, increased water pressure and cooling of the rock all contribute to the change in seismic response, and it is challenging to separate the effects. Pressure sensitivity on seismic velocity is interpreted to be higher than expected. The observed pressure buildup and falloffs during shut-ins constrain reservoir volume in good communication with the well and the permeability distribution. Together these data provide a picture of a more heterogeneous reservoir than originally expected. By constraining models by both seismic and pressure data, more confidence is obtained.
Extreme Pressures in Hydraulic‐Jump Stilling Basins

The hydraulic jump is a fascinating subject that has been the subject of several hundred technical papers. The study reported herein, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, provides information on extreme pressures in the hydraulic jump, an area that has not received sufficient coverage in earlier work. Data are presented for Froude numbers from 3 – 10, with both developed and undeveloped incident flow, test runs up to 24 hr in length, chute slopes of 0°, 15°, 30° and 45°, jump locations on the chute as well as at the toe of the chute, and with and without chute blocks, intermediate blocks, and end sills. Peak values of RMS dimensionless pressure fluctuations \ICp\N’ up to 0.10 and dimensionless pressure fluctuation \ICp\N-values up to 1.3 were obtained. The peak value of \ICp\N depended on location in the jump, chute slope, incident Froude number, incident flow development, and the length of test run. Brief data on areal coverage of pulses are also included. The normal distribution did not conform to extreme pressures.
Molecular and Genetic Analysis of the Cryptococcus Neoformans Met3 Gene and a Met3 Mutant

The Cryptococcus neoformans MET3 cDNA (encoding ATP sulfurylase) was cloned by complementation of the corresponding met3 mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sequence analysis showed high similarity between the deduced amino acid sequence of the C. neoformans Met3p and other fungal ATP sulfurylases. A C. neoformans met3 mutant was made by targeted insertional mutagenesis, which had the expected auxotrophic phenotype, and reconstituted the met3 mutant to Met M. In vitro, the C. neoformans met3 mutant had a substantial defect in melanin formation, significantly reduced growth rate, and greatly increased thermotolerance. In the murine inhalation infection model, the met3 mutant was avirulent and was deficient in its ability to survive in mice. It is concluded that, in contrast to the yeast form of Histoplasma capsulatum, in C. neoformans the sulfate-assimilation arm of the methionine biosynthetic pathway plays an important role in vitro, even in the presence of abundant exogenous methionine, and is critical for virulence, and indeed for survival, in vivo.
Distinct ‘safe zones’ at the nuclear envelope ensure robust replication of heterochromatic chromosome regions

Chromosome replication and transcription occur within a complex nuclear milieu whose functional subdomains are beginning to be mapped out. Here we delineate distinct domains of the fission yeast nuclear envelope (NE), focusing on regions enriched for the inner NE protein, Bqt4, or the lamin interacting domain protein, Lem2. Bqt4 is relatively mobile around the NE and acts in two capacities. First, Bqt4 tethers chromosome termini and the mat locus to the NE specifically while these regions are replicating. This positioning is required for robust chromatin replication. Second, Bqt4 mobilizes a subset of Lem2 molecules around the NE to promote pericentric heterochromatin maintenance. Opposing Bqt4-dependent Lem2 mobility are factors that stabilize Lem2 beneath the centrosome, where Lem2 plays a crucial role in kinetochore maintenance. Our data prompt a model in which Bqt4-rich nuclear subdomains are ‘safe zones’ in which collisions between transcription and replication are averted and heterochromatin is reassembled faithfully.
Classification of daily abundant rainfall patterns and associated large‐scale atmospheric circulation types in Southern Portugal

The aim of this study is to carry out two objective classifications concerning the occurrence of episodes of heavy rainfall in Southern Portugal. The first one seeks to define the main spatial distribution patterns associated with abundant rainfall days in this region. Using a 15‐year (from October 1983 to April 1998) precipitation data base corresponding to 98 sites in Southern Portugal, a sample is established by extracting the precipitation days in which the threshold of 40 mm/24 h was exceeded in three or more stations, yielding a total of 199 days. It is found that the Algarve region is the one where episodes of heavy rainfall are most frequent and which exhibits the strongest torrential character. The highest frequency of days with heavy rain occurs in the fall and in the early part of the winter. Through the combined use of principal component analysis (PCA) and k‐means clustering, four different rainfall patterns are identified, and each one exhibits specific characteristics.
Effects of ozone depletion and UV‐B radiation on humans and the environment

Abstract There are important effects of changes in the intensity of solar UV ‐radiation resulting from stratospheric ozone depletion, particularly UV‐B radiation, on all organisms on the planet. Biological and ecological responses to increases in UV‐B radiation may be deleterious and result in harm to humans, particularly in terms of the incidence of cataracts of the eye and cancers of the skin, such as malignant melanoma. UV‐B radiation is important in the production of vitamin D which has beneficial effects on human health, not only in terms of calcium balance and bone development but it also appears to have a protective effect in several other human diseases. In individual organisms in the environment, and ecosystem processes, UV‐B radiation may have adverse effects or these may be compensated for in individual species or groups of species, resulting in little overall harm. These compensation mechanisms may have implications for other herbivores and predators that depend on the affected organism for food or habitat. When coupled with changes in the distribution and biology of organisms that will result from climate change, the resulting interactions may cause significant ecological changes that have implications for the sustainability of natural populations as well as human activities that depend on ecosystem services that are provided by the affected organisms. This has implications for human activities such as fisheries, agriculture, and forestry that are economically important in Canada and many other countries. In addition to these direct effects on humans and the ecosystem, increases in UV‐B radiation may have effects on nutrient and material cycling in terrestrial systems and in fresh and salt surface waters. Many of these processes involve dissolved organic matter (DOM) and coloured DOM (CDOM) and their production in terrestrial systems and inputs to surface waters where they have protective effects on plants and animals. Atmospheric chemistry has also been affected by increased UV‐B radiation; some of the effects will result in increased biological availability of toxic metals such as mercury. However, the resultant product of the breakdown of the ‘ozone‐friendly’ hydrochloro‐fluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—trifluoroacetic acid—presents a negligible risk to humans and the environment. Increased UV‐B radiation has implications for a number of human‐made materials such as plastics used in construction and outdoor materials. The effects of UV‐B radiation can be counteracted by protective fillers but there may be interactions with increased environmental temperatures that affect the efficiency of these protectants. Overall, the effects of UV‐B radiation on organisms, the environment, and materials are expected to decrease as stratospheric ozone recovers; however, the potential effect of climate change on these endpoints is uncertain and it is possible that increases in temperature may combine in additive, synergistic, or antagonistic ways with the effects of UV‐B radiation that are currently unpredictable.
Permian CHIME ages of leucocratic tonalite clasts from Middle Permian Usuginu-type conglomerate in the South Kitakami Terrane, northeastern Japan

The CHIME (chemical Th-U-total Pb isochron method) dating of tonalite clasts in the Middle Permian Usuginu-type conglomerate has been carried out by precise microprobe analyses of monazite and zircon. The CHIME ages are 257±19 Ma, 244±42 Ma and 248±11 Ma (zircon), and 247±24 Ma (monazite) for tonalites. The ages indicate the intrusion of tonalite around 250 Ma together with quartz diorite and diorite, and rapid uplift and denudation after the igneous activity occurred in the provenance area for the Usuginu-type conglomerate.