Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hazards courses in North American geography programs

Abstract Natural hazards courses are now taught in over forty percent of the geography departments of North American colleges and universities. Tremendous variation in course content and orientation exists, with lower level hazards courses typically emphasizing physical manifestations of hazards, while upper level and graduate courses are more likely to study human aspects of hazards, including various models of human responses to them. Course instructors whose doctoral dissertations dealt with hazards are significantly more likely to describe in detail, the human responses to hazards and to mention various hazard models and paradigms in their teaching. Given the content of many courses, concerns are raised about whether students are appropriately taught about the interaction of physical and human systems that create hazards.
Multireceiver Conditional Anonymous Singcryption for IoMT Crowdsourcing

The advent of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has greatly fastened the digitization of current medical institutions. Mobile crowdsourcing is an effective strategy for health data collection in IoMT environments to overcome the data-scarce problem. However, due to the openness of IoMT networks, users’ identities and sensitive data may be leaked during IoMT crowdsourcing. Meanwhile, IoMT crowdsourcing may introduce low-quality data from unreliable participants. Multireceiver signcryption is a promising mechanism to ensure confidentiality and authenticity in an efficient manner. However, existing multireceiver signcryptions cannot fully meet the needs of IoMT crowdsourcing in terms of privacy protection, on-demand participation, and malicious behavior resistance. In this article, we integrate attribute-based credentials with multireceiver encryption and propose a novel multireceiver conditional anonymous signcryption (MCAS) scheme for crowdsourced IoMT environments to address the above challenge. Specifically, conditional anonymous authentication with selective attribute disclosure is achieved, thereby allowing a worker to self-disclose some attributes and anonymously certify his/her crowdsourcing qualifications, and also achieving the traceability of malicious behaviors. Meanwhile, one-to-many secure data sharing with outsourced data signcryption and unsigncryption is realized to prevent the leakage of sensitive IoMT data and mitigate the computational burden of power-limited mobile devices. Moreover, rigorous security analysis demonstrates that our MCAS scheme achieves the expected properties, i.e., confidentiality, anonymity, fine-grained authentication, traceability, and nonrepudiation. Extensive experimental results show that our MCAS outperforms state-of-the-art schemes, demonstrating our scheme’s appropriateness for IoMT crowdsourcing.
A Late Triassic traversodont cynodont from the Newark Supergroup of North Carolina

ABSTRACT A new traversodont cynodont, Plinthogomphodon herpetairus, is described on the basis of a partial snout from Late Triassic strata of the Newark Supergroup exposed in the Deep River basin (Durham sub-basin) of North Carolina. In the structure of its upper postcanine teeth, Plinthogomphodon most closely resembles Boreogomphodon from the Upper Triassic (Carnian) of Virginia and Luangwa from the Middle Triassic (Anisian) of Zambia. It differs from these taxa only in some features of these teeth.
Comparing global trends in marine cold spells and marine heatwaves using reprocessed satellite data

Abstract. Climate change is causing extreme climate events to become more frequent and more severe. Marine heatwaves (MHWs) and marine cold spells (MCSs) are prolonged, discrete periods of anomalously high or low ocean temperatures with wide-ranging impacts from dramatic shifts in biodiversity to changes in fishery yields. Previous research has found that MHWs are increasing in frequency and intensity, but MCSs remain less well understood. We used sea surface temperature (SST) data to compare the global observed MCS and MHW intensities and trends in their frequency over the period 1982–2021. These events were also assigned a category from I (moderate) to IV (extreme). Our findings show that in large areas of the ocean it can be said with 99 % confidence that MCSs have become less frequent and MHWs have become more frequent. In those regions, the occurrence of MCSs has typically reduced by one event every 5 years, while there is one extra MHW every 5 to 10 years. However, parts of the Southern Ocean go against these trends with MHWs becoming slightly less frequent and MCSs becoming more frequent. The trend of increasing numbers of MHWs and decreasing numbers of MCSs is mostly due to increases (and decreases) in category I and II events. Category III and IV MHWs are less common than the milder events, and a trend analysis demonstrated that across most of the ocean they are occurring at a slightly increased rate. However, the spatial extent of the ocean affected by these events is increasing at a faster rate. The occurrences of category III and IV MCSs are infrequent, and a trend analysis also found that their rates of occurrence, as well as the spatial extent of the ocean affected, remain near constant. Many of our results are in agreement with previous studies; what is significant about this study is the fact that it uses a different, higher-resolution input SST dataset. The similarity of the results between the different research efforts strengthens the argument that these events are not just a feature of their input dataset.
Turbulent plumes in stratified environments: A review of recent work

Abstract This paper reviews recent developments in the theoretical modelling of Boussinesq turbulent plumes in both stratified and unstratified quiescent environments. The review focuses primarily on extensions to the classic entrainment model of Morton et al. (1956; MTT). Recent analytic solutions for the rise height in a stratified environment, for the rise height of turbulent fountains, and for the near‐source flow in large area source plumes are reviewed. Extensions to the theory of MTT are then reviewed, including models for plumes with a buoyancy flux that varies with height and for plumes with a buoyancy flux that varies with time. Recent experimental results are also reviewed and compared to these theoretical developments. Some open questions in turbulent plume theory are then discussed. It is shown that MTT are unable to model the rise of weak fountains satisfactorily and the significance of this result for the rise height of plumes in a stratified environment and, more generally, turbulent mixing at a density interface are discussed. The value of the entrainment coefficient a is also discussed. Methods for measuring a are reviewed and variable entrainment models and their limitations are discussed. Finally the appropriate values of a for plumes, jets and fountains are discussed.
Hydro‐environmental modelling of riverine basins using dynamic rate and partitioning coefficients

Abstract Details are given of the increasing global public concern relating to hydro‐environmental issues and examples are cited of some of the water quality and contaminant problems now being considered by river managers on a regular basis. The limitations and restrictions of both physical and numerical hydro‐environmental models are discussed and concerns raised about the increasing use being made by non‐specialist river engineers and scientists of complex hydroinformatics tools – often with a minimal appreciation of the complex hydrodynamic, bio‐ and geo‐chemical, sediment transport or computational processes involved. General details are given of numerical models used for flow, water quality, sediment transport and heavy metal concentration predictions in river basin systems and particular emphasis is focused on the influence of some master variables on two key hydro‐environmental processes. These processes include the decay of coliform bacteria and the partitioning of heavy metals. Two case studies are then discussed. In the first of these studies the velocity field and faecal coliform levels were predicted for a hypothetical discharge into a freshwater lake, namely Cardiff Bay, U.K., where the effects of dynamic decay rates were found to be significant. In the second study velocity, suspended sediment and heavy metal concentration distributions were predicted along the Mersey Basin, U.K., with dynamic partitioning coefficients being found to give improved agreement between predicted and measured heavy metal fluxes.
Cartilage deformation following a walking bout in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The purpose was to (1) compare the effect of a walking bout on femoral cartilage deformation between limbs with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and (2) examine the association between gait kinetics and the magnitude of cartilage deformation. A total of 30 individuals with primary unilateral ACLR completed this study [14 male, 16 female; age = 22.57 (3.78) years; body mass index (BMI) = 25.88 (5.68) kg/m2; time since ACLR = 61.00 (16.43) months]. Overground walking biomechanics were assessed on day 1, and a 30‐min walking bout or 30‐min resting bout (control) were completed on days 2 and 3 (counterbalanced order). Femoral cartilage thickness was measured using ultrasound before, immediately following, and 30‐min following each intervention. Linear mixed effects models compared the effect of walking on cartilage thickness between the ACLR and contralateral limbs after adjusting for sex, BMI, speed, and the number of steps. Stepwise regression examined the association between the external knee flexion and adduction moments and cartilage deformation following walking. There was a significant limb × time interaction for medial cartilage thickness. Post hoc analyses indicated that cartilage thickness decreased immediately following walking in the contralateral but not ACLR limb. Main effects of limb were observed for medial, central, and lateral cartilage thickness indicating thicker cartilage in the ACLR compared with contralateral limb. A higher knee adduction moment was associated with greater cartilage deformation in the ACLR limb. Femoral cartilage in the ACLR limb exhibited a less dynamic response to walking than the uninvolved limb, which may be due to habitual underloading during gait.
Distribution and Modification of North Pacific Intermediate Water in the Kuroshio-Oyashio Interfrontal Zone

Abstract A multiship CTD survey was conducted in the Kuroshio-Oyash interfrontal zone in the area of 30°–41°N, 140°E–180° from May to June 1992 to examine the distribution, modification process, and formation site of North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW). Low salinity Oyashio water and high salinity Kuroshio water merge along the Kuroshio Extension just off the east coast of Japan and together flow eastward. Eastward geostrophic transport and salinity across the Kuroshio strong current indicate that the mixture of the Kuroshio and Oyashia waters along the Kuroshio Extension can produce new NPIW. Transport estimate suggests that the new NPIW bifurcates into the interfrontal zone and into the recirculation of the subtropical gyre. A salinity minimum structure can he also created due to the isopycnal mixing along the Kuroshio Extension between the Oyashio and Kuroshio waters, which have different salinity and vertical velocity structures. The low-salinity Oyashio water seen along the Oyashio branches and t.
Development of Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with Lateral Flow Strips for Rapid Detection of Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus

Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV) is a global plant virus that poses a threat to the production and quality of legume crops. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective managing CPMMV outbreaks. With the advancement in isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow strips technologies, more rapid and sensitive methods have become available for detecting this pathogen. In this study, we have developed a reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow strips (RT-RPA-LFS) method for the detection of CPMMV, specifically targeting the CPMMV coat protein (CP) gene. The RT-RPA-LFS assay only requires 20 min at 40°C and demonstrates high specificity. Its detection limit was 10 copies/μl, which is approximately up to 100 times more sensitive than RT-PCR on agarose gel electrophoresis. The developed RT-RPA-LFS method offers a rapid, convenient, and sensitive approach for field detection of CPMMV, which contribute to controlling the spread of the virus.
Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change by Food Crop Farmers in Oke-Ogun Area of South Western Nigeria

The study examined the adaptation strategies to climate change in Oke Ogun Area of South Western Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select two of the ten local government areas in the area, two wards in each LGA,6 communities in each ward, from which a total of 160 out of 800 food crop farmers were randomly sampled. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using frequency counts and percentages. Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) and chi-square were used to determine the relationship between variables. Majority of the respondents were males (77.5%), having low level of education (68.7%). Also, majority were aged 41 to 60 years, with farming experience ranging from 11 to 50 years (59.3%). Majority (90% and 58.8%) of respondents had access to credit facilities and extension contacts respectively. Majority (60%) of the respondents had an unfavourable perception of climate change effects. Ninety nine percent of the respondents practised multiple cropping under dry land and crop rotation, while 10.6% adopted agricultural insurance as parts of their adaptation strategies to climate change. Crop rotation (mean = 2.77). Invasion of cattle and herdsmen (mean = 2.50) inadequate supply of agricultural inputs (mean = 2.41) and lack of access to credit facilities (mean = 2.33) were the important constraints to farmers adaptation strategies. Inputs supply to the local farmers should also come with government subsidy. This will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of the farmers, as regards inadequate supply and delivery of agricultural inputs.
Primary zoning in pyrochlore group minerals from carbonatites

Abstract Pyrochlore group minerals have the general formula A16−xB16O48Z8−yʹnH2O, with A mainly Na, Ca, Sr, REE, Th, U; B mainly Nb, Ta, Ti and Z being O, F, OH. In this study, pyrochlore specimens were examined from carbonatites at Argor, Carillon Dam, Chilwa Island, Fen, Lueshe, Oka, Mbeya, Meech Lake and Verity. Primary features include a background with little compositional variation, from core to rim, upon which are commonly superimposed narrow oscillatory zones, parallel to {111}. These zones are usually characterized by high Ta, in many cases coupled with U (here Argor, Meech Lake and Verity specimens), but Chilwa Island and Fen pyrochlores have little Ta and zonation is mainly by enrichment in Ce and Nb. Primary zonation may persist through high-temperature metamorphism (Meech Lake and Verity) and metamictization (Meech Lake). Oscillatory zones were generated by a disequilibrium system that cooled under tranquil conditions, signalling absence of magma turbulence and, in many cases, the end of crystal growth. Some fresh crystals (Oka, Fen) have no oscillatory zones, possibly the product of magma turbulence in space or time. Low-temperature effects may mimic those of primary high temperature and are especially characterized by replacement rims, pyrochlore-in-pyrochlore veinlets and low A-ion totals (Carillon Dam, Lueshe, Myeba).
A Systematic Review on the Viruses of Anopheles Mosquitoes: The Potential Importance for Public Health

Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of Plasmodium, the etiological agent of malaria. In addition, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae are the main vectors of the O’nyong-nyong virus. However, research on the viruses carried by Anopheles is scarce; thus, the possible transmission of viruses by Anopheles is still unexplored. This systematic review was carried out to identify studies that report viruses in natural populations of Anopheles or virus infection and transmission in laboratory-reared mosquitoes. The databases reviewed were EBSCO-Host, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed. After the identification and screening of candidate articles, a total of 203 original studies were included that reported on a variety of viruses detected in Anopheles natural populations. In total, 161 viruses in 54 species from 41 countries worldwide were registered. In laboratory studies, 28 viruses in 15 Anopheles species were evaluated for mosquito viral transmission capacity or viral infection. The viruses reported in Anopheles encompassed 25 viral families and included arboviruses, probable arboviruses and Insect-Specific Viruses (ISVs). Insights after performing this review include the need for (1) a better understanding of Anopheles-viral interactions, (2) characterizing the Anopheles virome—considering the public health importance of the viruses potentially transmitted by Anopheles and the significance of finding viruses with biological control activity—and (3) performing virological surveillance in natural populations of Anopheles, especially in the current context of environmental modifications that may potentiate the expansion of the Anopheles species distribution.
Ustekinumab trough levels in children with Crohn’s disease refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor agents: a prospective case series of off-label use

Background: Ustekinumab is used off-label in pediatric Crohn’s disease refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor. Data on optimal dosing, target trough levels, and potential benefit of therapeutic drug monitoring in children treated with ustekinumab are limited. Materials and Methods: We describe a series of six adolescents who consented to be treated with ustekinumab. We measured their trough levels, C-reactive protein, and fecal calprotectin before every administration. Results: Standard adult dosing was effective to achieve biochemical remission (fecal calprotectin < 250 mg/kg) in one patient and clinical remission (resolution of symptoms) in another. The other four patients failed to respond on standard dosing and underwent intravenous re-induction and interval shortening to increase ustekinumab trough levels. This resulted in biochemical remission in one patient and clinical remission in another, suggesting an exposure–response relationship. The remaining two patients had no therapeutic benefit, and ustekinumab was discontinued. Conclusion: In this report, we show that ustekinumab can induce remission in pediatric patients with anti-tumor necrosis factor refractory Crohn’s disease. It is worth escalating the dose before abandoning the drug as ineffective. Prospective studies in children are needed to determine long-term efficacy of ustekinumab, usefulness of therapeutic drug monitoring strategies, and, if applicable, optimal target trough levels.
Crustal deformation of the Marlborough Fault Zone in the South Island of New Zealand: Geodetic constraints over the interval 1982–1994

Crustal deformation across the Marlborough fault zone in the South Island of New Zealand has been investigated by resurveying with the Global Positioning System (GPS) a triangulation and trilateration network across part of the zone. The principal strain rates, which mostly have errors between 5% and 10%, vary systematically across the region. The principal axis of horizontal contraction gradually swings from SE-NW southeast of the Hope fault to almost east-west in the west. The component of velocity parallel to the strike of the faults can account for 95% of the relative motion between the Australian and Pacific plates. This component exhibits little variation west of the Alpine (Wairau) fault, and shows an almost linear variation from the Wairau fault to the east coast. The horizontal strain rate northwest of the Wairau fault is a small east-west uniaxial contraction (∼0.1 ppm yr−1). If it is assumed that the crustal blocks bounded by the major faults are primarily driven by basal shear tractions, with stresses on the faults being relatively insignificant, then the slip rates expected on the faults may be derived from the observed velocity variations across the fault zone. These predicted slip rates are in good agreement with geologically observed slip rates. The larger slip rates on the Hope fault are related to the observation that the strain field extends southeast of the fault over a distance large compared with the spacing between the faults. The agreement between predicted and geological slip rates lends support to the idea that the observed pattern of deformation reflects that in the lower lithosphere.
Reaction Mechanisms of Smectite Illitization Associated with Hydrothermal Alteration from Ponza Island, Italy

A hydrothermally altered rhyolitic hyaloclastite from Ponza island, Italy, has four alteration zones with unique clay assemblages: (1) a non-pervasive argillic zone characterized by smectite; (2) a propylitic zone with interstratified illite-smectite (I-S) containing 10–85% illite (I); (3) a silicic zone composed of I-S with S90% I and pure illite; and (4) a sericitic zone with I-S ranging from 66% I to pure illite. Atomic force microscopy reveals abrupt changes in particle morphology with illitization, including initial changes from anhedral plates to laths and then to euhedral plates and hexagonal plates. I-S particles progressively thicken with illitization and mean particle area (basal plane) remains constant from pure smectite to I-S with 80% I. However, particle area increases from 90 to 100% illite. Computer modeling of I-S structural forms indicates octahedral cation ordering progressively changes from cis- vacant smectite to interstratified cis- and tnuis vacant I-S, and then to trans-vacant illite. In addition, polytypes progressively change from 1 Md to 1M, and then to 2M, illite. Electron-microprobe and X-ray fluoresence analyses show that I-S chemistry progressively changes during illitization, evolving toward a phengitic composition with —0.89 fixed interlayer K+ per O10(OH)2. Octahedral Mg2+ shows little change with illitization, varying from 0.3 to 0.5 cations per O,0(OH)2. The layer charge of smectite is ~0.38 equivalents per O10(OH)2.On the basis of abrupt changes in morphology and progressive changes in polytype and chemistry, smectite illitization on Ponza involved a dissolution and recrystallization mechanism with multiple stages of nucléation and crystal growth. In this multi-step model, temperature of alteration provided the major control for the layer composition, polytype, and morphology of I-S crystallites. Other factors that may play a secondary role include: K+ availability, water-rock ratio, and permeability. Alternatively, the mechanism of I-S and illite formation at Ponza and other hydrothermal environments may occur by direct precipitation of I-S crystallites from rhyolite glass and may not involve progressive reactions of smectite precursors.