Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Closure of random elastic surfaces in contact

The physical contact between two rough surfaces is referred to as a “joint,” and the deformation of such a joint under normal stress is called the “joint closure. ” Toward better understanding of joint closure, we present a theory of contact between two random nominally flat elastic surfaces. This theory is a more general form of a theory presented previously by others for the elastic contact of a rough surface and a flat surface. In agreement with the previous theory we show that the joint closure property depends as much on the details of the surface topography as on the elastic properties of the material. To apply these results by using linear surface profiles requires mapping of profile information to three dimensions. The mapping techniques described here require the probability density function for the contacting surfaces to be approximated well by either a Gaussian distribution or an inverted chi-square distribution. Laboratory experiments on ground surfaces of glass samples were done to test the theory. Both joint closure and surface topography were measured. In most cases, experimental results agreed quantitatively with predictions of the theory. However, in experiments on the smoothest surfaces, sample preparation problems often resulted in surfaces with a domed shape. These surfaces did not fit the assumptions of the theory, but the observed deviations from the theory were consistent with this domed shape. Surface topography measurements suggest that many surfaces are statistically similar. This implies that the success of the theory in predicting joint closure does not depend on a particular sample preparation technique. Therefore the theory should be valid for all nominally flat elastic surfaces. The form of the power spectrum implies that the surface topography and thus the joint closure depend on sample size.
Markov Autocorrelation Pulse Model for Two Sites Daily Streamflow

A Markov autocorrelation pulse (MACP) model for two sites daily streamflow generation is proposed in this study. By using two-component pulses with a one-order Markov autocorrelation deterministic part and a skewed Weibull random part as inputs to the hydrologic system, a simplified model for daily streamflow generation is formulated. Pulses occurring concurrently at two neighboring gauges are assumed to be crosscorrelated processes. The mean, standard deviation, auto- and crosscorrelation of daily, monthly, and annual streamflows are computed for observed and generated flow sequences. The performance of the stochastic streamflow model is evaluated. Results show that the MACP model may relatively and satisfactorily reproduce both linear and nonlinear dependence of daily streamflow processes. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated through its practical application to the generation of daily streamflow for the Wupper River in Germany. The significance of the findings reported in this paper is that t.
Evaluation of the impact of concomitant fibromyalgia on TNF alpha blockers’ effectiveness in axial spondyloarthritis: results of a prospective, multicentre study

Objective To describe the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in an axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) population and to confirm that concomitant FM had a negative impact on tumour necrosis factor blockers’ (TNFb) response. Design Prospective observational study with two visits 3 months apart. Patients Adult patients with AxSpa initiating a TNFb. Study groups FM was defined by the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) at baseline and also by a sustained positive FiRST (both visits) and by a fulfilment of the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for FM. Statistical analysis Prevalence of FM; evaluation of the impact of a concomitant FM on TNFb response (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI 50) as primary endpoint), adjusted by factors known to have an impact on TNFb response. Results Among the 508 patients included in the main analysis, 192 (37.8%) were screened at baseline as FM. Percentage of success after 12 weeks of treatment was lower in the FM group for most of the effectiveness endpoints (eg, BASDAI 50: 45.3% vs 54.1% in the FM/not FM groups according to the FiRST), except for the C reactive protein change endpoints which were not different across groups. Conclusion This study confirms that FM coexists in patients with axSpA and that its presence seems to have a negative impact on TNFb response, which seems more related to the self-reported instruments used in its evaluation, rather than a different treatment effect of the molecule in this subgroup of patients.
Changing Surface Conditions at Kilimanjaro Indicated from Multiscale Imagery

Abstract The shrinking glacier atop Kilimanjaro has received much attention as it is one of the few remaining tropical glaciers in the world. Physical drivers ranging from changes in temperature and humidity to shifts in cloud coverage and radiation have been attributed to reducing the ice mass. Studies have utilized varying methods and often use point data sources that tend to be spatially and temporally poor in the region. The objective of this study was to use complementing remote sensing data sets with systematic measurements to delineate ice cap fluctuations and land surface phenology on Kilimanjaro over the past two decades. Multitemporal, fine-scale Landsat imagery (30 m) showed approximately a 70% reduction in ice coverage since 1976. High-frequency (bimonthly) image analysis conducted along a human activity–elevation ecocline showed that the entire mountain, including the subalpine and alpine regions, has undergone an increase in vegetative signal indicating a “greening up” of Kilimanjaro over the past two decades. In addition, upper elevations of Kilimanjaro have undergone a temporal shift, or lengthening, in dry season phenology on the order of one month over the past two decades. The shift in dry season timing is concordant with maximum ablation periods. Overall, this study provides insight into land surface trends at resolutions that are currently lacking in Kilimanjaro climate change analyses.
An Investigation on The Mechanical Properties of FSP Processed Silicon Nitride Reinforced Aluminum Composite

: In the present investigation, friction stir solid state process has been used to develop a functionally graded composite material reinforced with Si 3 N 4 (Silicon nitride). The main aim of the current investigation is to develop a low density high strength silica reinforced aluminum based composite material develop by friction stir processing (FSP) process for aerospace and defence applications. FGM (Functionally Graded Composite Material) has been prepared by taking two dissimilar aluminium plates with Si 3 N 4 as reinforcement content through friction stir processing (FSP) technique. To evaluate the mechanical properties of developed composite material tensile testing, hardness testing, thermal expansion and corrosion test have been performed. The tensile testing revealed the tensile strength, yield strength and percentage elongation of the developed composite material. Further the hardness testing estimated the scratch resistance. Microstructures results of Si 3 N 4 reinforced FGM composite showed the proper mixing of the ceramic particle in functionally graded materials (Al6063 and Al8011) at optimum FSP parameter. Effects of FSP parameters like Cutting fluid, Tool shape, Tool speed on tensile strength and hardness of FGM composite reinforced with Si 3 N 4 ceramic particles were studied by using Taguchi’s technique L9 Orthogonal Array. The experimental results revealed that the highest tensile Strength is observed as 133.05 N/mm 2 at 1460 rpm for square shaped tool with kerosene as lubricant. Further lower values of tensile Strength i.e., 73.65 N/mm 2 at 920 rpm and 78 N/mm 2 at 2260 rpm are observed. Tensile Strength was good for kerosene with square tool shape and least for triangular and circular tool shape. The hardness of fabricated composite was good for circular tool shape and low speed (i.e., 920 rpm) but continuously decreases when tool shape is different. Hardness is good for brine solution at any tool speed but least for kerosene with any tool speed. The hardness of FGM composite was good for brine solution with any tool shape.
Validation of ECMWF global forecast model parameters using GLAS atmospheric channel measurements

Satellite lidar (LIght Detection And Ranging) data from GLAS is used to ascertain the performance of the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts model predictions of cloud fraction, cloud vertical distribution, and boundary layer height. Results show that the model is reasonably accurate for low and middle clouds, but often misses the location and amount of high cirrus clouds. The model tends to overestimate high cloud fraction and this error grows with forecast length. The GLAS‐derived boundary layer height over the oceans is generally 200–400 m higher than the model predictions, but small‐scale and global patterns of PBL height show similar features.
The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale in Telugu (BPFAS-T)

The Behavioural Paediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was commonly used to assess the children's feeding behaviours. Assessing behaviours is extremely beneficial in understanding the child's mental state and tracking further developmental aspects. This scale was available in the majority of languages; which is not available in Telugu, the language spoken by the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, cultural and lingual aspects should be considered when assessing certain aspects of children's behaviour. In this context the current study aimed to adapt the BPFAS scale into Telugu. This study included 380 parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The children ranged in age from 1 to 8 years. Parents were instructed to fill out the questionnaire correctly. The obtained scores were examined using reliability, independent t test, and one way ANOVA. The results revealed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.729, indicating that the BPFS-Telugu is acceptable and can be used clinically. The independent t test revealed that there is a high significant difference between total scores, a significant difference between frequency scores, and no significant difference between problem scores. One-way ANOVA was used to compare severity, and the results show that there is a significant difference between total scores, a high significant difference between problem scores, and no significant difference between frequency scores. The independent test for frequency score revealed a highly significant difference between ASD children with and without behavioural problems, as well as problem scores. Overall, 55.5 % (frequency scores) and 55.1% (problem scores) of ASD children were identified with behavioural issues during feeding time. Finally, the authors stated that BPFAS in Telugu is clinically acceptable and can be used to assess for behavioural issues during feeding time.
QTLs and Candidate Loci Associated with Drought Tolerance Traits of Kaybonnet x ZHE733 Recombinant Inbred Lines Rice Population

Rice is the most important staple crop for the sustenance of the world’s population, and drought is a major factor limiting rice production. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of drought-resistance-related traits was conducted on a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the self-fed progeny of a cross between the drought-resistant tropical japonica U.S. adapted cultivar Kaybonnet and the drought-sensitive indica cultivar ZHE733. K/Z RIL population of 198 lines was screened in the field at Fayetteville (AR) for three consecutive years under controlled drought stress (DS) and well-watered (WW) treatment during the reproductive stage. The effects of DS were quantified by measuring morphological traits, grain yield components, and root architectural traits. A QTL analysis using a set of 4133 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and the QTL IciMapping identified 41 QTLs and 184 candidate genes for drought-related traits within the DR-QTL regions. RT-qPCR in parental lines was used to confirm the putative candidate genes. The comparison between the drought-resistant parent (Kaybonnet) and the drought-sensitive parent (ZHE733) under DS conditions revealed that the gene expression of 15 candidate DR genes with known annotations and two candidate DR genes with unknown annotations within the DR-QTL regions was up-regulated in the drought-resistant parent (Kaybonnet). The outcomes of this research provide essential information that can be utilized in developing drought-resistant rice cultivars that have higher productivity when DS conditions are prevalent.
Integrating Traditional Games into EFL Speaking Class: A case of English for Young Learners

Speaking is an inevitable skill that EFL young learners have to master. However, their anxiety and teacher’s strategies in the class remain the big issues which cause the low engagement in the speaking activities. This study examined if integrating traditional games into English class can lower the anxiety and increase their motivation to learn the skill by real interaction and collaboration provided in the games. The study observed a class of the fifth grade in Bandung, Indonesia learning speaking by implementing traditional games. The descriptive study equipped with the observation checklist, transcription of the recorder and questionnaires were used to look into the students’ experiences and responses. The study revealed that integrating traditional games in English classes could boost young learners’ motivation in learning the skill and bring about better confidence in speaking in English. Moreover, the integration could build a joyful and safe learning atmosphere, thus lowering anxiety for the students.
Chronology of the Last Climatic Cycle (Upper Pleistocene) of the Surduk loess sequence, Vojvodina, Serbia

The Surduk loess section in Serbia provides a 20 m thick pedosedimentary record of the last interglacial–glacial climatic cycle (Upper Pleistocene). Based on optical dating, a chronostratigraphy could be established for the last climatic cycle, yielding the first numerical ages of a loess record from the middle Danube basin. Infrared‐stimulated luminescence (IR‐OSL) dating has been applied to the polymineral silt fraction using a multiple aliquot additive‐dose protocol to determine the equivalent dose (DE). Within error limits, all age estimates are in stratigraphic order. Owing to the application of shine‐plateau tests, the samples showed no evidence of insufficient bleaching. The Surduk loess section comprises three major periods of soil formation. Based on the IR‐OSL chronostratigraphy, the lowermost pedocomplex is attributed to the Last Interglacial and to the Early Glacial (Marine Isotope Stage – MIS 5e to 5a). The middle part of the section exhibits a succession of weakly developed brown soils and a humic horizon, named ‘Surduk soil’, formed during MIS 3. On top of the section, recent soil formation is related to the Holocene. Thick loess deposits are preserved between these palaeosols and are attributed to the Lower and Upper Pleniglacials (MIS 4 and 2), respectively. Estimated mean sedimentation rates are 0.1–0.2 mm/yr for the last glacial cycle, with a strong increase to 0.6 mm/yr with onset of the Pleniglacial.
Skeletal reconstruction and life restoration of Sauropelta (Ankylosauria: Nodosauridae) from the Cretaceous of North America

A skeletal reconstruction and life restoration are presented for the Early Cretaceous nodosaurid ankylosaur Sauropelta edwardsi. This composite is based on several partial skeletons having armor preserved in situ from the Lower Cretaceous Cloverly Formation of Wyoming and Montana. Comparison of foot morphology with that of the ichnofossil Tetrapodosaurus borealis, from the Lower Cretaceous Gething Formation of British Columbia, suggests that the footprint is that of Sauropelta. A hypothesis is presented suggesting that most ankylosaurs are found on their backs because of bloating.
Effect of Aging on Tendon Biology, Biomechanics and Implications for Treatment Approaches

Tendon aging is associated with an increasing prevalence of tendon injuries and/or chronic tendon diseases, such as tendinopathy, which affects approximately 25% of the adult population. Aged tendons are often characterized by a reduction in the number and functionality of tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs), fragmented or disorganized collagen bundles, and an increased deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), leading to pain, inflammation, and impaired mobility. Although the exact pathology is unknown, overuse and microtrauma from aging are thought to be major causative factors. Due to the hypovascular and hypocellular nature of the tendon microenvironment, healing of aged tendons and related injuries is difficult using current pain/inflammation and surgical management techniques. Therefore, there is a need for novel therapies, specifically cellular therapy such as cell rejuvenation, due to the decreased regenerative capacity during aging. To augment the therapeutic strategies for treating tendon-aging-associated diseases and injuries, a comprehensive understanding of tendon aging pathology is needed. This review summarizes age-related tendon changes, including cell behaviors, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, biomechanical properties and healing capacity. Additionally, the impact of conventional treatments (diet, exercise, and surgery) is discussed, and recent advanced strategies (cell rejuvenation) are highlighted to address aged tendon healing. This review underscores the molecular and cellular linkages between aged tendon biomechanical properties and the healing response, and provides an overview of current and novel strategies for treating aged tendons. Understanding the underlying rationale for future basic and translational studies of tendon aging is crucial to the development of advanced therapeutics for tendon regeneration.
Towards the Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges Using Wireless Sensor Networks: A Systematic Study

To perform a comprehensive assessment of important infrastructures (like bridges), the process of structural health monitoring (SHM) is employed. The development and implementation of SHM systems are generally based on wireless sensor networks (WSN) platforms. However, most of the WSN platforms are battery-powered, and therefore, have a limited battery lifetime. The power constraint is generally addressed by applying energy harvesting (EH) technologies. As a result, there exists a plethora of WSN platforms and EH techniques. The employment of a particular platform and technique are important factors during the development and implementation of SHM systems and depend upon various operating conditions. Therefore, there is a need to perform a systematic literature review (SLR) for WSN platforms and EH techniques in the context of SHM for bridges. Although state-of-the-art review articles present multiple angles of the field, there is a lack of an SLR presenting an in-depth comparative study of different WSN platforms and EH techniques. Moreover, a systematic analysis is also needed for the exploration of other design considerations such as inspection scale (global/local), response type (static/dynamic), and types of sensors. As a result, this SLR selects 46 articles (during 2007–2023), related to EH techniques and WSN platforms in SHM for bridges. The selected articles are classified into three groups: WSN platforms, energy harvesting techniques, and a combination of both. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of WSN platforms and EH techniques is made. Furthermore, the selected articles (total = 46) are also explored in terms of sensor type, inspection scale, and response type. As a result, 17 different sensor types are identified. This research is significant as it may facilitate the various stakeholders of the domain during the selection of appropriate WSN platforms, EH techniques, and related design issues.
The auroral oval boundaries on January 10 1997: A comparison of global magnetospheric simulations with UVI images

We present a global magnetospheric simulation of the initial period of the January 10–11, 1997 magnetic cloud event. Model magnetospheric boundaries mapped to the ionosphere are compared to UVI images of the auroral oval from 1:00 to 4:30 UT. The convection reversal boundary generally matches the UVI equatorward boundary and is almost always poleward of the boundary separating Region 1 and Region 2 currents. The separatrix between open and closed magnetic field lines matches the poleward boundary of the UVI images well during quiet periods. During dynamic periods when the separatrix moves several degrees in latitude in some sectors, the poleward boundary of the Region 1 currents matches the UVI images better.
Particulate emissions in the exhaust plume from commercial jet aircraft under cruise conditions

In situ measurements of total concentration, size distribution, and hydration properties of jet engine exhaust from a range of commercial transports is reported. Significant concentration enhancements (above ambient background) for aircraft exhaust particulates is reported permitting the detection of not only newly formed but also aged plumes, even in the presence of considerable ambient pollution. Two types of particle size distributions are found in the near-field (∼8 km behind source) exhaust plume from jet aircraft operating under cruise conditions. One type exhibits the form of the Junge distribution with exponential coefficient −2.4. The second exhibits the Junge distribution form in the small-particle region, below about 50 nm, followed by a larger-particle mode between 0.1 and 0.2 μm. Neither of these observed types of distributions exhibit the sharp drop-off in particle concentrations at the small-particle end of the spectrum that was found in ground-based engine tests. Binary nucleation of sulfuric acid aerosols and heterogeneous nucleation on ion clusters are postulated for particles in this size range. This is supported by the finding of significant numbers of particles having high soluble mass fractions. These data are compared with those taken in ground test cells and those reported by other investigators.
BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY OF THE DUSKY DOLPHIN, LAGENORHYNCHUSOBSCURUS, IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC

Dusky dolphins were present in GQlfo San Jose, Chubut, Argentina, during most of the year, with a seasonal low in abundance during winter and a high in summer. The presence of the prey species southern anchovy, Engraulis anclwita, appeared to affect seasonal movements. Surface feeding was highly visible and birds also fed on fish schools which dolphins herded to the water surface. Surface feeding occurred mainly in spring and summer in the study area, and in late summer and fall in more oceanic waters near the mouth of the bay. This surface feeding pattern corresponded with the presence of southern anchovy. Dolphins moved in small groups of about 15 individuals while resting in early morning and while looking for food in late morning. Group sizes increased during surface feeding as groupsjoined existing feeding activity. Becausesurface feeding occurred mainly around noon andearly afternoon, group sizes increased at those times. Dives were longer before and during feeding, and shorter while resting. During spring, summer, and fall nights, dives were shorter, leading to the possibility that dolphins were resting at those times. The nonsurface feeding period corresponded with nighttime dispersal of southern anchovy schools. Dolphins moved in shallow water while resting and in deeper water while surface feeding. Near shore resting may be a predator-avoidance mechaniam. Most aerial behavior occurred during surface feeding, with behavior before and during surface feeding related to either herding and confining prey or possible communication ofneighboring groups. Postfeeding aerial displays were assumed to ~erve a social function. Calves were born mainly in the summer.