Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Mass Balance Components of a Summer-Accumulation Type Glacier in the Nepal Himalaya

Patterns of annual variation of air temperature in the world provide two types of the patterns of ablation rate of the glacier, namely the "summer-maximum" and the "nonmaximum" through a year, while those of precipitation and air temperature provide three types of accumulation rate, namely, the above two and the "winter-maximum". In six combinations of these types, annual variation of balance rate can be classified into the types of the winter-maximum, the non-maximum and the summer-maximum. The "summer-accumulation type glaciers" in the Nepal Himalaya, which have more accumulation in summer than winter in the whole area of a glacier, belong to the non-maximum type of balance rate. In the case of this type glacier, direct observations of accumulation and ablation are quite difficult, since accumulation and ablation mainly occur simultaneously in summer. Therefore, the methods of estimation of accumulation and ablation are discussed. Accumulation can be estimated on the basis of the linear relation between surface air temperature and the probability of occurrence of solid precipitation in all cases of precipitation. Local characteristics of melting process of precipitation elements which control such relation are described. For the estimation of ablation, the effect of high albedo of new snow is important for the summer-accumulation type. The variation of mass balance through the balance year in the case of the summer-accumulation type is compared with that of the winter-accumulation type.
Effect of integrated soil bunds on key soil properties and soil carbon stock in semi-arid areas of northern Ethiopia

Land degradation is a serious global problem. To reclaim degraded land, many soil bunds have been implemented. However, their effectiveness has not been studied in all regions of Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of soil bunds integrated with tree fodder species on selected soil properties and carbon stock in semi-arid areas of northern Ethiopia. Twenty-seven composite soil samples were collected from 20 cm depth. The soil parameters texture, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), available phosphorus (Av.P) and available potassium (Av.K) were analysed. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and mean comparisons were made using Tukey’s honestly significant difference test. Mean values of SOM (2.13%, 1.47% and 0.85%), CEC (150.42, 100.58 and 80.68 cmol kg−1 soil), TN (0.2, 0.14 and 0.08%), Av.P (7.08, 6.03 and 4.36 ppm), Av.K (1.52, 1.34 and 1.27 cmol kg−1 soil), soil carbon stock (SCS; 12.48, 10.47 and 4.7 t ha−1) and soil bulk density (BD; 1.35, 1.43 and 1.44 g m−3) were recorded in soil bunds integrated with forage species (ISB), soil bunds alone (SB) and non-conserved cultivated land (NC), respectively. The BD, SOM, CEC, TN and SCS showed a significant difference among the three cropland treatments and Av.P showed a significant difference only between (ISB and SB) and NC. The pH showed no significant differences and Av.K showed no significant difference between SB and NC. The findings indicate that integrating soil bunds with forage species was a better option to improve soil properties than soil bunds alone.
The Impacts of Malaysian Free Trade Agreements on Margins of Trade (Impak Perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas Malaysia ke atas Margin Perdagangan)

The proliferation of Free Trade Agreements ( FTA s) is a phenomenon in the world trading system. The number of FTA establishments has increased tremendously, from 55 in 1995 to more than 250 by end of 2014. Malaysia alone has signed twelve FTA s involving twenty trading partners. Using the most aggregated data at the Harmonized System six-digit level from 1994 to 2014, this paper examines the impacts of twelve Malaysian FTA s on two trade adjustments: namely, extensive and intensive margins. Our results show that, for most of the FTA s, the trade is created along the intensive margin when FTA s enter into force. Interestingly, most of them are regional FTA s in which there has been a shift in overall trade patterns—a 4.0% reduction in trade of new products (extensive margin) generated from bilateral FTA s to a 41.6% increase in trade of existing products (intensive margin) from when regional FTA s entered into force. These findings may be contrary to the views that countries prefer to negotiate and sign more bilateral FTA s because of the trade benefits that may be gained from deeper market access than is possible with regional FTA s.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON SEDIMENTATION MECHANISM AND SEDIMENT FORMATION OF CLAY MATERIALS

ABSTRACT Sedimentation mechanism and sediment formation characteristics are examined by use of dilute clay-water mixtures. Direct measurement of the distribution of water content in the mixture is successfully used in the examination. According to the results, the process of soil sedimentation in general comprises three stages. In the first stage, no settling takes place, but flocculation yields floes. In the second stage, the floes gradually settle and form a layer of sediment, which undergoes consolidation and reduction of water content. The boundary between the upper settling zone and the sediment is the birth place of new sediment. While the sediment grows, the settling zone becomes thinner and finally vanishes. In the last stage, all of the sediment thus formed undergoes self-weight consolidation and finally approaches an equilibrium state. The water content value at which a mixture changes into sediment is not uniquely determined, but varies corresponding to the mixture’s initial water content; the two values are close to each other. That is, soil sediment is not formed at a water content peculiar to the material concerned. This remarkable finding is a reflection of the fact that, even for a clay, countless compression curves exist under very low effective stresses.
Modelling Determinants of Return on Equity and Implications for Dividend Payout

The purposes of this study is to examine and get exact proof on the effect of CAR, NPL, OER, LDR on ROE and its implications for DPR. This study uses quantitative methods. Path analysis is utilized to demonstrate the connection between the factors considered. The results of the analysis show several findings including CAR has negative effect on ROE. NPL has no effect on ROE. OER has negative effect on ROE. LDR has negative effect on ROE. ROE has positive effect on the DPR. ROE mediates the effect of CAR on DPR. ROE is can’t to mediate the effect of the NPL on the DPR. ROE mediates the effect of OER on the DPR. ROE mediates the effect of the LDR on the DPR.
Blood pressure control in hypertensive sleep apnoea patients of the European Sleep Apnea Database cohort - effects of positive airway pressure and antihypertensive medication

Abstract Aims We analysed longitudinal blood pressure (BP) data from hypertensive obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients in the European Sleep Apnea Database cohort. The study investigated the interaction between positive airway pressure (PAP)-induced BP change and antihypertensive treatment (AHT). Methods and results Hypertensive patients with AHT [monotherapy/dual therapy n = 1283/652, mean age 59.6 ± 10.7/60.6 ± 10.3 years, body mass index (BMI) 34.2 ± 6.5/34.8 ± 7.0 kg/m2, apnoea–hypopnoea index 46 ± 25/46 ± 24 n/h, proportion female 29/26%, respectively] started PAP treatment. Office BP at baseline and 2- to 36-month follow-up were assessed. The interaction between AHT drug classes and PAP on BP was quantified and the influences of age, gender, BMI, co-morbidities, BP at baseline, and study site were evaluated. Following PAP treatment (daily usage, 5.6 ± 1.6/5.7 ± 1.9 h/day), systolic BP was reduced by −3.9 ± 15.5/−2.8 ± 17.7 mmHg in mono/dual AHT and diastolic BP by −3.0 ± 9.8/−2.7 ± 10.8 mmHg, respectively, all P < 0.0001. Systolic and diastolic BP control was improved following PAP treatment (38/35% to 54/46% and 67/67% to 79/74%, mono/dual AHT, respectively). PAP treatment duration predicted a larger BP improvement in the monotherapy group. Intake of renin–angiotensin blockers [angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)] alone or in any AHT combination was associated with better BP control. The AHT-dependent BP improvement was independent of confounders. Conclusion In this pan-European OSA patient cohort, BP control improved following initiation of PAP. Longer PAP treatment duration, was associated with a favourable effect on BP. Our study suggests that ACEI/ARB, alone or in combination with other drug classes, provides a particularly strong reduction of BP and better BP control when combined with PAP in OSA.
Hearing Range Analysis of Rattus Argentiventer the Paddy Field Pest

Rice is the second most-grown cereal crop and one of the important staple foods in Malaysia. Seasonal rodent attacks from a family of Rattus argentiventer have shortened rice production by up to 80%. Yet, the acoustical method in controlling rodent populations is one of the topics that have not been properly explored. Under the field study radius, this study aims to analyse the hearing range of R. argentiventer under a controlled environment. Knowing a rodent’s ability to hear is essential for evaluating whether human activities, especially in terms of noise pollution, have an impact on hearing and consequently on rodent behaviour. Thirteen subjects were randomly cage-caught in the paddy field and were tested in a reward-based go/no-go procedure. Fully trained subjects were observed after acoustically exposing the subjects to a 10 kHz of pure tone less than 60 dB SPL for 25 sessions. Hearing range analysis commenced by revealing a pure tone to the fully trained subjects at low (1 kHz – 5 kHz), median (10 kHz – 40 kHz) and high (45 kHz – 80 kHz) frequencies. The results showed the subjects have sensitive frequencies at 5 kHz for low frequency, the median frequency at 25 kHz and high frequency at 45 kHz. From the sensitivity hearing results, it can be indicated that the hearing range of R. argentiventer is between 1 kHz to 55 kHz at sound levels of 60 dB. The results responded to the lack of timely response which is within an average of 5 sec and the minimum licking period at an average of 13 sec as the inaudible cut-off hearing range.
Phase-Equilibrium Relations in the System Nepheline-Albite-Water at 1,000 kg/cm2

Phase-equilibrium relations have been determined in the system NaAlSiO4-NaAlSi3O8-H2O at a water-vapor pressure of 1,000 kg/cm2. The minimum melting temperature in this system is 835° C. at a composition of 27 weight per cent nepheline and 73 weight per cent albite. Lattice parameters of pure sodium nephe-line and of nepheline solid solutions in this system have been determined and are discussed in terms of three hypotheses proposed by Smith and Tuttle (1957). The petrologic applications of the experimentally determined system are considered with reference to certain undersaturated alkaline rocks, and it is concluded that crystal ⇌ liquid equilibria have been involved in the genesis of these rocks.
Fire‐regime variability and ecosystem resilience over four millennia in a Rocky Mountain subalpine watershed

Wildfires strongly influence forest ecosystem processes, including carbon and nutrient cycling, and vegetation dynamics. As fire activity increases under changing climate conditions, the ecological and biogeochemical resilience of many forest ecosystems remains unknown. To investigate the resilience of forest ecosystems to changing climate and wildfire activity over decades to millennia, we developed a 4800‐year high‐resolution lake‐sediment record from Silver Lake, Montana, USA (47.360° N, 115.566° W). Charcoal particles, pollen grains, element concentrations and stable isotopes of C and N serve as proxies of past changes in fire, vegetation and ecosystem processes such as nitrogen cycling and soil erosion, within a small subalpine forest watershed. A published lake‐level history from Silver Lake provides a local record of palaeohydrology. A trend towards increased effective moisture over the late Holocene coincided with a distinct shift in the pollen assemblage c. 1900 yr BP, resulting from increased subalpine conifer abundance. Fire activity, inferred from peaks in macroscopic charcoal, decreased significantly after 1900 yr BP, from one fire event every 126 yr (83–184 yr, 95% CI) from 4800 to 1900 yr BP, to one event every 223 yr (175–280 yr) from 1900 yr BP to present. Across the record, individual fire events were followed by two distinct decadal‐scale biogeochemical responses, reflecting differences in ecosystem impacts of fires on watershed processes. These distinct biogeochemical responses were interpreted as reflecting fire severity, highlighting (i) erosion, likely from large or high‐severity fires, and (ii) nutrient transfers and enhanced within‐lake productivity, likely from lower severity or patchier fires. Biogeochemical and vegetation proxies returned to pre‐fire values within decades regardless of the nature of fire effects. Synthesis. Palaeorecords of fire and ecosystem responses provide a novel view revealing past variability in fire effects, analogous to spatial variability in fire severity observed within contemporary wildfires. Overall, the palaeorecord highlights ecosystem resilience to fire across long‐term variability in climate and fire activity. Higher fire frequencies in past millennia relative to the 20th and 21st century suggest that northern Rocky Mountain subalpine ecosystems could remain resilient to future increases in fire activity, provided continued ecosystem recovery within decades.
Tracing the chemical evolution of primary pyrochlore from plutonic to volcanic carbonatites: the role of fluorine

Abstract Three Angolan carbonatites were selected to evaluate the change in composition of pyrochlores during magmatic evolution: the Tchivira carbonatites occur in a plutonic complex, the Bonga carbonatites represent hypabyssal carbonatites and the Catanda carbonatites are volcanic in origin. In Tchivira pyrochlore, zoning is poorly developed; fluorine is dominant at the Y site; chemical zoning may arise as a result of substitutions for Nb in the B site; and the rare earth element (REE), U, Th and large-ion lithophile element (LILE) contents are very low. Pyrochlores from Bonga show oscillatory zonation; the F and Na contents are lower than those in the pyrochlores from Tchivira; and as substitution of Na at the A site increases, the Th, U, REE contents and inferred vacancies also increase. Pyrochlores from Catanda display complex textures. They generally have a rounded corroded core, which is mantled by two or three later generations. The core composition is similar to the Bonga pyrochlores. The rims are enriched in Zr, Ta, Th, Ce and U, but depleted in F and Na. In pyrochlores from the Angolan carbonatites, the F and Na contents decrease from plutonic to volcanic settings and there is enrichment of Th, U and REE in the A site and Ta and Zr in the B site. Zoning may be explained by changes in the activity of F, due to the crystallization of fluorite or apatite in the plutonic and hypabyssal carbonatites, or to volatile exsolution in the volcanic carbonatites.
Leguernite, Bi12.67O14(SO4)5, a new Bi oxysulfate from the fumarole deposit of La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Abstract Leguernite, ideally Bi12.67O14(SO4)5, is a new mineral found in high-temperature fumarolic assemblages at La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy. It occurs as aggregates of needleshaped crystals associated strictly with anglesite, bali ćžunićite and an unknown Bi sulfate. Leguernite is colourless to white, transparent, non-fluorescent, has a sub-adamantine lustre and a white streak. Electron microprobe data led to the chemical formula (on the basis of 34 anions p.f.u.) (Bi12.40Pb0.15)∑=12.55S5. 08O34. The calculated density is 7.375 g cm-3. A Raman spectrum collected on a single crystal of leguernite confirmed the anhydrous nature of the mineral. Leguernite is monoclinic, space group P2, with a = 11.2486(11), b = 5.6568(6), c = 11.9139(10) Å , β = 99.177(7)°, V = 748.39(12) Å3 and Z = 1. The crystal structure is built up of Bi-O blocks of a fluorite-like structure with Bi12O14 composition separated by a single sulfate ion along [100] and by Bi(SO4)45- groups along [101]. It can also be described as composed of (001) layers with composition [Bi12O14(SO4)6+]n alternating with layers of composition [Bi(SO4)4]n5- along [001]. Leguernite shows significant similarities with the synthetic Bi14O16(SO4)5 compound. The eight strongest reflections in the powder X-ray diffraction data [d in Å (I) (hkl)] are: 3.220 (100) (013), 3.100 (95) (3̄11), 2.83 (30) (020), 2.931 (25) (302), 2.502 (25) (3̄ 04), 2.035 (20) (322), 1.875 (20) (3̄24) and 5.040 (15) (110). The name is in honour of François ‘‘Fanfan’’ Le Guern (1942-2011), who was a very active volcanologist and specialist in volcanic gases and sublimates. Both the mineral and the mineral name have been approved by the IMA-CNMNC (2013-051).
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and Its Health Effects during the Haze Event in Malaysia

This study aims to assess and compare levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in urban and industrial areas in Malaysia during haze episodes, which typically occur in the south west monsoon season. The high concentrations of atmospheric particles are mainly due to pollution from neighbouring countries. Daily PM concentrations were analysed for urban and industrial areas including Alor Setar, Tasek, Shah Alam, Klang, Bandaraya Melaka, Larkin, Balok Baru, and Kuala Terengganu in 2018 and 2019. The analysis employed spatiotemporal to examine how PM levels were distributed. The data summary revealed that PM levels in all study areas were right-skewed, indicating the occurrence of high particulate events. Significant peaks in PM concentrations during haze events were consistently observed between June and October, encompassing the south west monsoon and inter-monsoon periods. The study on acute respiratory illnesses primarily focused on Selangor. Analysis revealed that Klang had the highest mean number of inpatient cases for acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma (AEBA) and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with values of 260.500 and 185.170, respectively. Similarly, for outpatient cases of AEBA and AECOPD, Klang had the highest average values of 41.67 and 14.00, respectively. Shah Alam and Sungai Buloh did not show a significant increase in cases during periods of biomass burning. The statistical analysis concluded that higher concentrations of PM were associated with increased hospital admissions, particularly from June to September, as shown in the bar diagram. Haze episodes were associated with more healthcare utilization due to haze-related respiratory illnesses, seen in higher inpatient and outpatient visits (p < 0.05). However, seasonal variability had minimal impact on healthcare utilization. These findings offer a comprehensive assessment of PM levels during historic haze episodes, providing valuable insights for authorities to develop policies and guidelines for effective monitoring and mitigation of the negative impacts of haze events.
Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding the Use of Over-The-Counter (OTC) Analgesics in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Over-the-counter analgesics like paracetamol and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely accessible to the general population. However, ensuring their safe and effective usage is crucial by considering individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward these medications. Objective This study aimed to assess the general population’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of over-the-counter analgesics. Methods This cross-sectional study took place in Indonesia from December 2019 to June 2020. A validated questionnaire was used to survey a total of 582 respondents. A comparative analysis examined the variations in mean scores for respondents’ characteristics concerning their knowledge, attitude, and practice. A regression analysis was also employed to explore the factors associated with adopting good analgesia practices. Results The findings of the study revealed significant differences in average knowledge scores related to gender, educational attainment, and employment status for the use of both paracetamol and NSAIDs. Regarding knowledge, the respondents demonstrated a higher average score for analgesics (4.56 ± 1.84) than NSAIDs (2.881 ± 2.40), out of a maximum score of 6 points. The results indicate that the respondents obtained a low score for attitude (6.80 ± 3.74) out of 16 points and a positive score for practice (2.71 ± 0.48) out of 3 points regarding using analgesics. Moreover, the regression analysis revealed that gender, residing near primary health care facilities, and having sound knowledge of NSAID use were significant predictors of good analgesic practice (p < 0.05). Conclusion The respondents demonstrated a greater understanding of analgesics compared with NSAIDs. However, despite this higher knowledge level, they had relatively low attitude scores but positive practice scores, indicating a discrepancy between attitudes and actual behavior in using analgesics.