Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oceanic crustal thickness from seismic measurements and rare earth element inversions

Seismic refraction results show that the igneous section of oceanic crust averages 7.1±0.8 km thick away from anomalous regions such as fracture zones and hot-spots, with extremal bounds of 5.0–8.5 km. Rare earth element inversions of the melt distribution in the mantle source region suggest that sufficient melt is generated under normal oceanic spreading centers to produce an 8.3±1.5 km thick igneous crust. The difference between the thickness estimates from seismics and from rare earth element inversions is not significant given the uncertainties in the mantle source composition, though it is of the magnitude that would be expected if partial melt fractions of about 1% remain in the mantle and are not extracted to the overlying crust. The inferred igneous thickness increases to 10.3±1.7 km (seismic measurements) and 10.7±1.6 km (rare earth element inversions) where spreading centers intersect the regions of hotter than normal mantle surrounding mantle plumes. This is consistent with melt generation by decompression of the hotter mantle as it rises beneath spreading centers. Maximum inferred melt volumes are found on aseismic ridges directly above the central rising cores of mantle plumes, and average 20±1 and 18±1 km for seismic profiles and rare earth element inversions respectively. Both seismic measurements and rare earth element inversions show evidence for variable local crustal thinning beneath fracture zones, though some basalts recovered from fracture zones are indistinguishable geochemically from those generated on normal ridge segments away from fracture zones. This is consistent with a model where the melt generated beneath spreading ridges is redistributed to intrusive centers along the ridge axis, from where it may flow laterally along the axis at crustal or surface levels. The melt may sometimes flow into the bathymetric lows associated with fracture zones. Oceanic crust created at very slow-spreading ridges, and in regions adjacent to some continental margins where rifting was initially very slow, exhibits anomalously thin crust from seismic measurements and unusually small amounts of melt generation from rare earth element inversions. We attribute the decreased mantle melting on very slow-spreading ridges to the conductive heat loss that enables the mantle to cool as it rises beneath the rift.
BestPeer++: A Peer-to-Peer Based Large-Scale Data Processing Platform

The corporate network is often used for sharing information among the participating companies and facilitating collaboration in a certain industry sector where companies share a common interest. It can effectively help the companies to reduce their operational costs and increase the revenues. However, the inter-company data sharing and processing poses unique challenges to such a data management system including scalability, performance, throughput, and security. In this paper, we present BestPeer++, a system which delivers elastic data sharing services for corporate network applications in the cloud based on BestPeer - a peer-to-peer (P2P) based data management platform. By integrating cloud computing, database, and P2P technologies into one system, BestPeer++ provides an economical, flexible and scalable platform for corporate network applications and delivers data sharing services to participants based on the widely accepted pay-as-you-go business model. We evaluate BestPeer++ on Amazon EC2 Cloud platform. The benchmarking results show that BestPeer++ outperforms HadoopDB, a recently proposed large-scale data processing system, in performance when both systems are employed to handle typical corporate network workloads. The benchmarking results also demonstrate that BestPeer++ achieves near linear scalability for throughput with respect to the number of peer nodes.
LATERAL LOAD ANALYSIS OF SINGLE PILES AND DRILLED SHAFTS

The p‐y method of analysis models nonlinear behavior, and is an effective method of designing deep foundations subjected to, lateral loads. Deflections and bending moments calculated using p‐y analyses have usually been found to be in good agreement with field measurements. This paper describes a method of analysis, the characteristic load method (CLM) that is simpler than p‐y analyses, but that closely approximates p‐y analysis results. The method uses dimensional analysis to characterize the nonlinear behavior of laterally loaded piles and drilled shafts by means of relationships among dimensionless variables. The new method is simple enough for use by manual calculation, and it can also be adapted for computer use. Lateral deflections and maximum bending moments calculated using CLM have been found to be in good agreement with values measured in field load tests.
HYDROLOGICAL EFFECTS AND GROUNDWATER FLUCTUATIONS IN INTERDUNAL ENVIRONMENTS IN THE NEBRASKA SANDHILLS

Nine years of groundwater monitoring data has documented the important influence that topographic relief and location in the groundwater flow system have on the hydrologic function of interdunal valleys. The western "wet" valley at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory in central Nebraska, which is a net discharge area, is more strongly buffered from the effects of annual-scale climatic variability than the eastern "dry" valley. The east valley is generally an area of net recharge and as such is more responsive to climatic variability. This study employed a simple water balance approach to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) from water level measurements in the west valley for four specific time intervals in 1998-99 that included growing and senescence periods. The estimates of ET ranged between 5-6 mm/day in the mid-growing season and 2-3 mm/day during the period of senescence.
Groundwater resources and vulnerability in the Cretaceous Chalk of Northern Ireland

Abstract A confined Cretaceous Chalk aquifer underlies approximately one quarter of Northern Ireland, yet little is known about its groundwater resource potential. This issue has been addressed on the catchment scale by analysing spring discharge and hydrochemical fluctuations. The Chalk springs are recharged by allogenic leakage and surface runoff from overlying Tertiary basalts. Sources connected to river-sinks show greater variation in flow and quality reflecting a much shorter residence time than those predominantly derived from the diffuse recharge. Discharge from the confined region becomes proportionally significant during prolonged dry spells, but is typically a minor component compared with groundwater circulation volumes in the unconfined region. Spring flood recessions are rapid (recession coefficients up to 0.125 per day) and suggest that the Chalk has a high hydraulic conductivity and a low storage capacity. These characteristics together, with the essentially impermeable matrix, are consistent with an aquifer dominated by a dispersed fracture network. Conceptual aquifer classification suggests that the outcrop region is a highly sensitive karst aquifer. The subcrop areas can only be exploited via boreholes and are likely to be less productive, although the water quality has been shown to be more stable and less vulnerable to contamination.
Meteorological effects of the eclipse of 11 August 1999 in cloudy and clear conditions

Integrated atmospheric measurements were made at two sites in the UK during the total solar eclipse of 11 August 1999. Sensitive high–resolution meteorological observations revealed dynamical atmospheric effects despite the presence of cloud. Short–term eclipse–related changes dominated over temperature, wind speed and wind directions associated with the synoptic conditions, and 35 min period gravity waves were detected in surface–pressure observations. Theoretical calculations for solar radiation changes were compared with observations made during the 97% partial eclipse in clear skies at Reading, Berkshire, and used to predict the radiative changes expected at Camborne, Cornwall, during totality. At Camborne, a vertical array of sensitive fine–wire thermometers was operated with a high–resolution sonic anemometer, logged at 5 Hz. Despite cloudy conditions, which reduced the eclipseinduced thermal perturbations, small temperature and wind changes were detected which were consistent with theory. The cold outflow from the umbra was unambiguously detected for the first time in cloudy conditions.
Minor and trace elements as indicators of solute provenance and flow routing in a subglacial hydrological system

The utility of minor and trace elements for subglacial solute‐provenance and hydrological flow‐routing studies is investigated at Haut Glacier d'Arolla (HGA), Switzerland. Principal component analysis (PCA) applied to the bulk meltwater chemistry indicates the concentration of most major ions, and some minor and trace elements (Sr, Mo, Ti) are inversely related to bulk meltwater discharge and have a clear hydrological control. Conversely, many other minor and trace elements have no clear relationship with meltwater discharge. This suggests that such solutes are affected by physico‐chemical controls such as sorption, (oxy)hydroxide formation and co‐precipitation reactions, in addition to any simple hydrological influence. PCA applied to rock digests and water‐rock interaction experiments indicates the complexity of determining the lithogenic source of minor and trace elements from subglacial chemical weathering processes. This reflects the complex aqueous mobility of many minor and trace elements and the heterogeneous geology of the HGA catchment. However, the study suggests that there is potential in minor and trace elements for solute‐provenance and flow‐routing studies in glacierized catchments underlain by a more homogeneous geology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A correlation study between the solar wind speed observed by Suisei and the amplitude of Pc 3 geomagnetic pulsations

L'echelle des phenomenes dans le vent solaire a ete analysee a partir d'observations de plusieurs satellites (corotation et variations temporelles). On remarque que la correlation entre la vitesse du vent polaire, observee a Suisei et l'activite des pulsations est controlee par les latitudes heliographiques de Suisei et la Terre
Modelling of stormwater quantity and quality on the example of urbanised catchment in Kielce

Due to the stochastic character of precipitation phenomena, and also the accumulation of pollutants in the catchment area and their washoff, predicting the stormwater quantity and quality is a very complex task. That can lead to massive calculation errors at selection and design stages of technological lines in stormwater treatment plants. For hydraulic sewerage systems, the guideline ATV A-118 and the PN-EN 752 standard recommend using hydrodynamic modelling for the catchment area of more than 200 ha, but also for cases when surface flooding caused by excess stormwater occurs, which happens quite often in urban areas. As a majority of computational software tools (SWMM, Mouse, Mike Urban, Civil Storm), in addition to modules for runoff simulations also have those dedicated to wastewater quality assessment, it is justifiable to conduct complex analyses. The paper aims to discuss the results of stormwater quality and quantity numerical simulations obtained with the SWMM software for Si9 sewer catchment located in the area of Kielce. For the paper, hydrogram computations were made for the catchment runoff and the suspension concentrations at the assumption of constant intensity of the rainfall of the duration of td = 15–180 min and the precipitation occurrence probability of p = 20 %. In addition, a mathematical model of stormwater treatment plant was developed. That allowed the determination of the pollutant load of the existing technological line, and of volume and load of suspended solids discharged by the stormwater overflow structure directly into the receiver. The computations that were conducted showed a limited impact of a specific runoff on the mass of suspended solids delivered from the catchment under consideration.
The earliest known (Namurian A, E1) haplolepids (Osteichthyes: Actinopterygii)

ABSTRACT Two new genera and species of haplolepids (Chondrostei), Protohaplolepis scotica and Blairolepis loanheadensis, are described from the ironstones of Loanhead, Midlothian (Namurian A, E1); this represents the earliest known record of the family. Protohaplolepis scotica (= Traquair's nomen nudum “Eurylepis scoticus”) shows many features in common with Westoll's hypothetical haplolepid “common ancestor X”, and is possibly ancestral to the Haplolepis–Microhaplolepis line within the family. Blairolepis loanheadensis, known only from a skull roof, shows greater similarities to Parahaplolepis and Pyritocephalus, but differs from these genera in having separate dermopterotics and parietals. Two subfamilies, the Haplolepinae and the Parahaplolepinae, are suggested to reflect the distinct evolutionary lines within the family. A new species, Parahaplolepis westolli, is also described from Newsham, Northumberland (Westphalian B). This species shows a close resemblance to the American species Parahaplolepis tuberculata from Linton, Ohio. A brief discussion of the evolutionary history of the family is presented, along with a summary of its stratigraphical and geographical distribution.
Evolution of Neogene volcanism and stress patterns in the glaciated West Antarctic Rift, Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica

Abstract: The orientations and ages of polygenetic volcano chains, elongate volcano edifices, and elongate summit calderas in Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica, are analysed to determine stress directions during volcanism and coeval glaciation across the West Antarctic Rift. Initiation of volcanism c. 36–34 Ma and major polygenetic volcanism beginning c. 14 Ma are broadly coeval with establishment of significant ice volumes in West Antarctica. Middle–Late Miocene volcanism occurred primarily along roughly north–south volcano chains, whereas latest Miocene–Pleistocene volcanism had a strong east–west preferred orientation across the spatial extent of the province. Anisotropic stress conditions controlled both phases of volcanism, and a rapid rotation in the maximum horizontal stress direction from north–south to east–west occurred as early as c. 6 Ma. Glacial loading and unloading appears to have facilitated volcanism in Marie Byrd Land, but ice margin reconstructions make it unlikely that stress field rotation is a result of flexural stresses imposed by glacial loading cycles. The east–west orientation of latest Miocene to Pleistocene maximum horizontal stress is parallel to the absolute motion of the Antarctic plate for the past 6 Ma, and the north–south to east–west stress field rotation coincides with changes in Antarctic–Pacific Ridge spreading and Pacific basin tectonic events associated with plate reorganization.
Pacific sea surface temperatures in the twentieth century: Variability, trend, and connections to long-term hydroclimate variations over the Great Plains

Title of Document: PACIFIC SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURES IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: VARIABILITY, TREND, AND CONNECTIONS TO LONG-TERM HYDROCLIMATE VARIATIONS OVER THE GREAT PLAINS Bin Guan, Doctor of Philosophy, 2008 Directed By: Professor Sumant Nigam Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) exhibit variability on interannual to centennial time scales. This dissertation addresses the challenge to separate SST natural variability from the nonstationary (largely anthropogenic) warming trend; and, based on the clarified variability/trend patterns, evaluate SST forcing of long-term hydroclimate variations over the Great Plains. First, a consistent analysis of natural variability and secular trend in the twentieth century Pacific SSTs is presented. By focusing on spatial and temporal recurrence, but without imposition of periodicity constraints, this single analysis discriminates between biennial, ENSO and decadal variabilities, leading to refined evolutionary descriptions; and between these natural variability modes and secular trend. Specifically, canonical ENSO variability is encapsulated in two modes that depict the growth and decay phases. Another interannual mode, energetic in recent decades, is shown linked to the west-to-east SST development seen in post–climate shift ENSOs: the non-canonical ESNO mode. Pacific decadal variability (PDV) is characterized by two modes: the Pan-Pacific mode has a horse-shoe structure with the closed end skirting the North American coast, and a quiescent eastern equatorial Pacific. The second decadal mode—the North Pacific mode—captures the 1976/77 climate shift and is closer to Mantua’s Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Implicit accommodation of natural variability leads to a nonstationary SST trend, including midcentury cooling. These Pacific—and residual Atlantic—SST modes are then investigated for their connections to long-term hydroclimate variations over the Great Plains. During the Dust Bowl, dry anomalies in summer are found primarily linked to cool SSTs in the central tropical Pacific associated with non-canonical ENSO, as well as warm SSTs in the eastern tropical Atlantic associated with Atlantic Niño; in spring, however, dry anomalies are overwhelmed by connections to extratropical basins, when the cool phase of the SST trend coincided with a warm phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). Dry (wet) anomalies during the 1950s (1980s) are shown linked to the warm (cool) phase of the North Pacific decadal mode, as well as a warm (cool) AMO. The analysis suggests comparable importance of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in drought forcing, and highlights the role of the extratropical basins. PACIFIC SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURES IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: VARIABILITY, TREND, AND CONNECTIONS TO LONG-TERM HYDROCLIMATE VARIATIONS OVER THE GREAT PLAINS
Socio-Economic Impacts of Rural Electrification in Bhutan

The study focuses on the impact of electricity on the income, health and education of the rural Bhutanese. The results are based on a with-without study from a survey carried out in four electrified villages and another four non-electrified villages in central Bhutan. Electrification, is seen to make overall energy costs in rural Bhutan cheaper by 33%. The shift from kerosene to electricity for lighting alone results in a consumers surplus of about Nu. 29,700 per household. Use of domestic electrical appliances have improved the living conditions of the rural Bhutanese. Each household, upon electrification, reduces 1.23 tons of CO2 emission in a year. Electrification alone may not be enough for rural development as regression analysis shows other socio-economic factors to be significant. Electrified households were found to have a 24% higher annual cash income. Poverty is less prevalent in electrified villages, but the disparity in income is not different than in non-electrified villages. The probability that households engage themselves in income generating activities upon electrification is found to be low. Health in electrified villages appears to improve through better living conditions at home and through the use of electricity in hospitals. There are more students studying for longer duration, and higher enrollment in non formal education in the electrified villages. Overall, the human development is better in electrified villages as evidenced by their higher, but partial, HDI.
Application of Remote Wind-Forced Coastal Trapped Wave Theory to the Oregon and Washington Coasts

Abstract The theory of coastal trapped waves generated by remote wind forcing (Clarke) is used to calculate coastal subsurface pressure (SSP) and longshore velocity along the Oregon and Washington coasts for three two-month periods: summer of 1972, summer of 1978 and winter of 1977. The response in SSP and longshore velocity is assumed to be dominated by the mode one wave. In every case, coherence squared between observed and modeled SSP is significant at the 95% level over the entire low frequency band (≤0.2 cpd) with an average phase difference less than ±30°. Greater than 80% of the variance in coastal SSP is accounted for by the mode one coastal trapped wave (CTW). The SSP response off Washington and Oregon during summer is primarily (∼35% of the variance) a result of wind forcing between San Francisco and Cape Mendocino, California. Wind stress in this region during summer is significantly larger than that off Oregon and Washington at low frequencies so that the CTW generated off California propagate.
A hybrid heuristic approach for the multi-objective multi depot vehicle routing problem

Efficiency in logistics is often affected by the fair distribution of the customers along the routes and the available depots for goods delivery. From this perspective, in this study, the Multi-depot Vehicle Routing Problem (MDVRP), by considering two objectives, is addressed. The two objectives in conflict for MDVRP are the distance traveled by vehicles and the standard deviation of the routes’ length. A significant standard deviation value provides a small distance traveled by vehicles, translated into unbalanced routes. We have used a weighted average objective function involving the two objectives. A Variable Neighborhood Search algorithm within a Chu-Beasley Genetic Algorithm has been proposed to solve the problem. For decision-making purposes, several values are chosen for the weight factors multiplying the terms at the objective function to build up a non-dominated front of solutions. The methodology is tested in large-size instances for the MDVRP, reporting noticeable results for managerial insights.
Spatial variation of energy conversion at the Earth's magnetopause: Statistics from Cluster observations

We investigate magnetopause energy conversion in a large statistical data set utilizing Cluster spacecraft observations. We have compiled a database of about 4000 magnetopause crossings from Cluster spacecraft 1 measurements during years 2001–2008. We have estimated the local energy conversion across the magnetopause for these crossings using Generic Residue Analysis and analyzed the spatial distribution of load and generator regions during dayside and lobe reconnection as a function of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) magnitude and solar wind dynamic pressure. We found scatter in the load and the generator regions on the magnetopause surface. Categorizing the crossings into equatorward or tailward of the cusp improves the organization of the load and generator regions on the surface. During dayside reconnection, equatorward (tailward) of the cusp indicates more load (generator) than generator (load) and is in agreement with theory. During lobe reconnection, we find that a faint load region dominates both equatorward and tailward of the cusp. We compare these statistics with Grand Unified Magnetosphere Ionosphere Coupling Simulation version 4 (GUMICS 4) global magnetohydrodynamic simulation results and find that there is a reasonable agreement, although disagreements are also found especially during lobe reconnection. We also investigate the influence of IMF magnitude on the load and generator locations and suggest that the spatial mixing of load and generators is due to rapid movement of the magnetopause surface which in turn moves the locations where load and generator processes appear. The solar wind dynamic pressure controls the magnitude of energy conversion across the magnetopause such that higher dynamic pressures lead to more energy conversion. A similar dependence is observed for IMF magnitude as well.