Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seismogenic Necking During Slab Detachment: Evidence From Relocation of Intermediate‐Depth Seismicity in the Alboran Slab

With few exceptions, intermediate‐depth seismicity is associated with active subduction. In the Alboran slab, which is located just east of the Gibraltar Strait in the westernmost Mediterranean, although evidence suggests subduction is no longer active, tens to hundreds of M < 5.0 earthquakes are observed every year at depths of ~80 km. In this paper, we relocated 58 such events recorded by the PICASSO temporary network using a 3‐D velocity model and implementing a grid‐search approach to minimize the normalized misfit between observed and predicted P and S wave arrival times. Meanwhile, we relocated 908 events recorded by the Spanish national network using the double‐difference method and gave a high‐precision picture of seismicity distribution within the slab. Relocation results reveal five clusters in this region separated by small gaps. Jointly considering relocation results and a 3‐D tomography model indicates one cluster is at a shallower depth above the northern, E‐W oriented arm of the Alboran slab, while the other four are aligned from north to south, parallel to the strike of the slab and near its core. Larger events are generally shallower and more scattered, while the deeper, more clustered events tend to have smaller magnitudes. Clusters further to the north show concentrated seismicity on narrow zones that dip ~45° to the south. We suggest this seismicity is associated with active necking and break‐off of the Alboran slab, which is progressing from north to south. Shear instability is likely to be the failure‐enabling mechanism for the occurrence of these earthquakes.
Uniform decay for a viscoelastic wave equation with density and time-varying delay in Rn

A linear viscoelastic wave equation with density and a time-varying delay term in the internal feedback is considered. Under suitable assumptions on the relaxation function, we establish a decay result of solution for by using energy perturbation method in the space Rn (n > 2). We extend a recent result in Feng [10].
Associations between Body Composition, Disease Activity and Quality of Life in Patients with Crohn’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background & Aims: Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors are heterogeneous and respond differently to treatment. We aimed to investigate if disease activity and quality of life were associated with the individual varying distribution of fat and fat free mass. Methods: A sample of 83 CD patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors were examined in this single center, cross-sectional study. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and muscle function by handgrip strength (HGS). The association to disease activity assessed by Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), Creactive protein (CRP) and quality of life assessed by Short Health Scale (SHS) was investigated. Results: Increased fat mass index (FMI) was significantly associated to higher disease activity assessed by HBI (p < 0.05) and showed a trend toward a higher CRP level in multivariate non-parametric regression analyses (p=0.07). Univariate tests showed a significant positive association between FMI and SHS as well. Fat free mass index (FFMI) and HGS were not associated to disease activity or quality of life in this population. Conclusion: Despite TNF-α inhibitor therapy, one third of the patients in this study experienced active disease. High FMI was significantly associated to increased disease activity and decreased quality of life. No associations were seen between FFMI, HGS and body composition. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results, and to investigate confounders.
Machine learning based modeling of households: A regionalized bottom‐up approach to investigate consumption‐induced environmental impacts

As major drivers of economy, households induce a large share of worldwide environmental impacts. The variability of local consumption patterns and associated environmental impacts needs to be quantified as an important starting point to devise targeted measures aimed at reducing household environmental footprints. The goal of this article is the development and appraisal of a comprehensive regionalized bottom‐up model that assesses realistic environmental profiles for individual households in a specific region. For this purpose, a physically based building energy model, the results of an agent‐based transport simulation, and a data‐driven household consumption model were interlinked within a new probability‐based classification framework and applied to the case of Switzerland. The resulting model predicts the demands in about 400 different consumption areas for each Swiss household by considering its particular circumstances and produces a realistic picture of variability in household environmental footprints. An analysis of the model results on a municipal level reveals per‐capita income, population density, buildings' age, and household structure as possible drivers of municipal carbon footprints. While higher‐emission municipalities are located in rural areas and tend to show higher shares of older buildings, lower‐emission communities have larger proportions of families and can be found in highly populated regions by trend. However, the opposing effects of various variables observed in this analysis confirm the importance of a model that is able to capture regional distinctions. The overall model constitutes a comprehensive information base supporting policymakers in understanding consumption patterns in their region and deriving environmental strategies tailored to their specific population.
Effect of water depth on limb kinematics of the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) during underwater treadmill exercise

Canine hydrotherapy is an increasingly popular modality for the rehabilitation of dogs; however, little evidence exists to support the use of current hydrotherapy protocols. Before data can be meaningfully collected from pathological animals, biomechanical data for healthy animals is required. Kinematic analysis was utilised to observe the effect of increasing water depth on the stride parameters (including duty factor) of dogs exercising on a canine hydrotherapy treadmill. During two sessions, eight clinically sound adult dogs walked on the underwater treadmill at four different water depths (dry, mid-tarsal, between the lateral malleolus and the lateral epicondyle, and between the lateral epicondyle and greater trochanter). Reflective kinematic markers were placed onto anatomical limb landmarks and a video camera was used to record foot contacts at 60 Hz. Data were digitised using video analysis software and stride length, stride frequency and duty factor were subsequently calculated. Data were analysed.
Influence of Quality Practices on Cultural Satisfaction at Work in Africa: Case of Ivorian Agro industrial Firms

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, whose major challenge is customer satisfaction in markets that have become global, have the lowest certification rate in Africa. The purpose of this article is to highlight the mixed capacity of their practices to improve the cultural satisfaction of African workers (internal clients). A mixed empirical study (qualitative and quantitative) was carried out on a sample of 103 employees of ISO-certified Ivorian agro-industrial companies and basically involves multiple regressions. The results of the main components analysis confirm the dimensions, control, infrastructure and human resources of ISO quality practices and then reveal the family and collectivist dimensions of cultural satisfaction that are valuable for workers; the hypothesis tests highlight very different effects from the three dimensions mentioned. They are respectively mixed, insignificant and significant for the control, infrastructural and human dimensions of these practices of Western origin imposed in Africa and elsewhere. Family cultural values remain at the heart of the challenge and hope is born of procedural collectivism.
Multifunctional organic cotton fabric based on silver nanoparticles green synthesized from sodium alginate

This study presents the functionalization of organic cotton fabric (OCF) by green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Nontoxic sodium alginate (SA) was utilized as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–vis spectroscopy, color coordinates, Ag content, and release (%) were used for characterization of the AgNPs and the functionalized OCF. The results reveal that AgNPs were successfully deposited on the surface fibrils of the OCF. Optimistic colors were observed from the treated OCF due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of AgNPs. Moreover, studies of mechanical properties in terms of breaking strength and elongation at break (%), crease recovery angle, bending length, and hand-feel were performed, and better results were found in comparison with the control OCF. It was also observed that the presence of AgNPs significantly enhanced the UV resistance and antibacterial activity of the OCF.
The Strength characteristics of Chitosan- and Titanium- Poly (L-lactic) Acid Based Composites

The problem of bone fracture and the need to avoid revision surgery in osteosynthesis are the critical reasons for the gradual shift from the use of metallic fixations to the polymeric scaffold in the orthopaedic applications. However, the mechanical properties of polymers that have become a substitute for metals need to be improved upon. An attempt was made to improve the mechanical properties of poly(L-lactic) acid (PLLA), a biopolymer, by loading it with 1.04, 2.08, 4.17, 8.33 and 16.67 wt. % of chitosan (an organic filler) and Ti-6Al-2Sn-2Mo-2Cr-0.25Si (an inorganic particle). Melt blend technique was the processing technique. Hardness, compressive modulus and fracture toughness of virgin PLLA improved significantly while the resulting composites were found to be less ductile than unreinforced PLLA. Titanium reinforced PLLA displayed superior mechanical properties over the neat and chitin reinforced PLLA. Compressive modulus values of the developed composites were much lower than the modulus of cortical bone, they were, however, mechanically compatible with the properties of cancellous bone. Optical microscopy images also show the formation of pores which are a catalyst for cell proliferation and cell differentiation.
Experimental study on seismic control of towers in cable-supported bridges by incorporating fluid viscous dampers between sub-towers

In this article, the seismic control of towers incorporated with fluid viscous dampers between sub-towers is investigated experimentally. To replace one entire tower, an alternative scheme consisting of four separate sub-towers is first proposed. Fluid viscous dampers are utilized as energy dissipation devices to be installed between sub-towers. Experimental tests are conducted to study the damping force characteristics. Three control strategies with various distributions of these dampers between sub-towers are developed. Then, a series of shaking table tests are carried out to evaluate the control performance of the proposed control strategies. Different earthquake records are adopted as seismic loadings. Experimental results clearly show a remarkable reduction in the towers seismic responses, including the accelerations, relative displacements, and strains. Rather than attaching dampers in concentrated ways, the strategy of distributing dampers uniformly behaves better.
SECOND LANGUAGE TASK GRADING AND SYNTACTIC COMPLEXITY IN WRITING

This study is motivated by Robinson’s Cognition Hypothesis and aims to investigate the impact of task grading along reasoning demands dimension on syntactic complexity in English as foreign language writing. The participants of the study were 90 intermediate EFL learners from three intact classes at, and a Control group. At first, the students in all groups took part in the writing pre-test which was a picture story description task. Next, the treatment sessions including 8 sessions of picture description task performance began, during which the first experimental group received a series of picture description tasks in a randomized order of cognitive complexity. The second experimental group received the same tasks, but ordered from simple to complex based on their required reasoning demands. The control group, however, did not receive any picture description tasks; rather they received some typical writing activities and performed extra writing tasks from the course book. Finally, during the last session, the post- test was administered to all participants. The results of the data analysis through Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) using the SPSS software showed a significant positive impact for sequencing tasks from simple to complex on syntactic complexity of Iranian intermediate EFL learners.
The Determinants Influencing the Influx of Counterfeit Luxury Goods in Pakistan

The demand for counterfeit goods has exponentially grown and counterfeit goods trade has consequently emerged as a global problem. The present study investigates the determinants that encourage consumers to acquire counterfeit luxury goods. This research further analyzes purchase intention as mediator and gender role as a moderator between the contextual factors and consumer behavior. A quantitative approach was applied through a questionnaire to gather data from 380 Pakistani respondents. The measurement and structural model assessed through Smart PLS. The results confirmed that purchase intention acts as a mediator between hedonic motives, materialism and consumer behavior. However, purchase intention has no mediating effect on economic benefits. Similarly, gender role as moderator was insignificant.
HYDROCOOLING EFFICIENCY ON POSTHARVEST CONSERVATION AND QUALITY OF ARUGULA

Arugula is mainly cultivated by small producers, being a leafy vegetable susceptible to water loss and wilting after harvest, which may result in changes in appearance, texture, color (yellowing), and nutritional value of the product. Hydrocooling is a cooling method that stands out for being simple, practical and efficient. Its use is to reduce the temperature and respiratory rate of vegetables after harvesting by immersion in ice or cold water, so they can be packed and stored. This study was conducted to evaluate the hydrocooling efficiency when associated with the storage period in the postharvest shelf life of arugula leaves. Arugula leaves were subjected to ten days of storage, and measurements were taken at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 × 6 factorial scheme, consisting of three hydrocooling treatments [control (without cooling), and hydrocooling at 0 °C and 10 °C] and for six storage periods (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days) with three replicates. Fresh mass loss, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and subjective evaluation of product appearance were measured. Hydrocooling at 0 °C proved to be the most appropriate treatment when compared to control, as reported by the values of fresh mass loss, soluble solids, and titratable acidity. Hydrocooling to 0 °C slowed leaf water loss (lower respiratory rate) and resulted in better overall leaf appearance up to the sixth day of storage, thereby increasing shelf life of arugula leaves.
Bladder-sparing protocols in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Bladder-sparing protocols (BSP) have been gaining widespread popularity as an attractive alternative to radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Unimodal therapies are inferior to multimodal regimens. The most promising regimen is trimodal therapy (TMT), which is a combination of maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In appropriately selected patients (low volume unifocal T2 disease, complete TURBT, no hydronephrosis and no carcinoma-in-situ), comparable oncological outcomes to RC have been reported in large retrospective studies, with a potential improvement in overall quality of life (QOL). TMT also offers the possibility for definitive therapy for patients who are not surgically fit to undergo RC. Routine biopsy of previous tumor resection is recommended to assess response. Prompt salvage RC is required in non-responders and for recurrent muscle-invasive disease, while non-muscle-invasive recurrence can be managed conservatively with TURBT +/− intravesical BCG. Long-term follow-up consisting of routine cystoscopy, urine cytology, and cross-section imaging is required. Further studies are warranted to better define the role of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy in the setting of TMT. Finally, future research on predictive markers of response to TMT and on the integration of immunotherapy in bladder sparing protocols is ongoing and is highly promising.
Cultivating Self-Control in FinTech: Evidence from a Field Experiment on Online Consumer Borrowing

Abstract We report the results of a longitudinal intervention with students across 5 universities in China designed to reduce online consumer debt. We allocate participants to either a financial literacy treatment group, a self-control treatment group, or a zero-touch control group. Our self-control training intervention features detailed tracking of spending and borrowing, budgeting, and introspection about consumption choices. This intervention reduces online borrowing and delinquency charges, mainly driven by a reduction in entertainment-related spending and borrowing. In contrast, financial literacy interventions improve test scores but only marginally affect borrowing. Our results suggest that cultivating self-regulation and budgeting skills can improve borrowing behavior on e-commerce platforms.
Realization of congestion-aware energy-aware virtual link embedding

Network virtualization is an inherent component of future internets. Network resources are virtualized and provisioned to users on demand. The virtual network embedding entails two processes: node mapping and link mapping. However, efficient and practical solutions to the link mapping problem in software-defined networks (SDN) and data centers are still lacking. This paper proposes a solution to the link mapping (LiM) process that can dynamically interact with the routing protocols of the substrate network to allocate virtual link requests to the underlying substrate links, satisfies optimizing cost, minimizing energy consumption, and avoiding congestion (CEVNE) concurrently. CEVNE LiM is realized as a composite application on top of the SDN controller running the Segment Routing (SR) application. The performance of the CEVNE LiM algorithm is compared with the k-shortest path link mapping algorithm and shows its superior performance in terms of the overall runtime, the average path length, the average node stress, the average link stress, and the overall energy consumption.
Financial Security of Vietnamese Businesses and Its Influencing Factors

This paper aims to not only investigate the nature o f financial security and its measurement, but also to compare financial security level in 629 listed companies divided into four different industries (materials, industrials, health care, and consumer goods) before building a theoretical framework and regression models to examine the determi nants of financial security. By gathering 2,167 financ i l statements published in Vietnamese Stock Exchange during eight years from 20 12 to 2019, with the support of STATA, the research re sults indicate that six different internal factors, which are liquidity, profitability, firm size, debt management ratios, asset management r atios, and cash flows, explain 77.7% the change of financial security ratio and 3.4% the chang e in sustainable growth ratio. Specifically, while fi rm size has a positive impact on sustainable growth ratio but a negative impact on fin ancial security ratio, deb management and profitabilit y have an insignificant influence on the financial security level. Furthermore, an increase in asset management ratios would result positively in b oth two dependent variables whereas a rise in sustainable growth and a decline in financia l security ratio are expected to witness if there is an increase in cash flows.
Anemia among 6 - 59 months children in a rural area of Bareilly district: a cross sectional study

Iron deficiency anemia is a significant public health problem that occurs worldwide in both developing and developed countries, most common in developing countries. In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 700 million people suffered from anemia and more than two billion people have been affected by it all over the world. Approximately 50% of anemia cases were caused by iron deficiency. Iron deficiency has been described as the most common deficiency in the world. About 1.2 billion people worldwide demonstrate varying levels of iron deficiency. Yip and lynch were defined as Iron deficiency as functional tissue iron deficiency and the absence of iron store with or without anemia. Iron deficiency is usually the result of inadequate bioavailability of dietary iron. Increased iron requirement during a period of rapidly increased loss. Infants and young children are at particular risk of undernutrition because of the high demand for energy and essential nutrients at this stage of rapid growth. The consequences of anemia among women include reduced energy and capacity for work and poor pregnancy outcomes that further enhance maternal ABSTRACT
Low-field electron emission from carbon cluster films: combined thermoelectric/hot-electron model of the phenomenon

Abstract Thin carbon films consisting of separate nanometer-scale sp2 carbon islands with smooth vacuum boundary deposited on Si wafers were found to be capable of low-field electron emission – starting from macroscopic field magnitudes as low as ∼1 V/µm. For such films, we suggest a novel model of emission facilitation by thermoelectric field associated with heat generation concentrated in nanosized areas. Quantitative estimates performed on the basis of this hypothesis for typical experimental conditions gave estimates for local thermoelectric field magnitude and lateral non-uniformity of surface potential as high as ∼100 V/μm and a few Volts, respectively. Thus, the suggested model explains the low-field emission capability of smooth-surface nanocarbon films observed in many previous experiments.
Bus Station Fees Unit Root Testing during A Transition Time: A Time-series Microeconomics Development, Consistencies and Theoretical Unification

This paper employs three unit root tests to the daily fees of Tirtonadi Bus Station in Surakarta, Indonesia. The fee consists of Passenger, Parking, Short-distance bus and Long-distance bus fees. The data were collected from transition period starting November until December 2016. The research reveals two findings. The first is regarding the fees. All fees are found to be persistent and are useful. The second is regarding Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Phillips-Perron (PP) and Ng-Perron (NP) unit root tests. They confirm error variance estimation at zero frequency, detrending estimation and optimal lag selection. All of the results open opportunities to time-series microeconomics practice and studying. In addition, they are an example of consistencies and the theoretical unification