Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinematics and Dynamics of the 24 January 2020 Mw 6.7 Elazig, Turkey Earthquake

We determine rupture kinematics of the 2020 Mw 6.7 Elazig, Turkey earthquake from joint inversion of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) measurements, regional 1 Hz Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), strong motion, and teleseismic waveforms, and we also use dynamic modeling to assess the faulting properties to explain the observed kinematics. Our work shows that this event predominantly ruptured unilaterally toward the SW along the East Anatolian Fault Zone at a speed as slow as 2.0 km/s for ~20 s, and three main asperities are formed with a depth ranging from 20 km to the surface, but the surface rupture seems negligible. Besides, the dynamic model reveals an initial heterogeneous stress distribution with variations up to 30 MPa, which has been probably built up during the interseismic period. While this event does not seem to promote the failure of Pazarcık seismic gap, it remains elusive to evaluate the disturbed seismic potential between Elazig and Bingol regions.
Blocking Interleukin-33 Alleviates the Joint Inflammation and Inhibits the Development of Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a systemic chronic inflammatory joint disease characterized by chronic synovitis and cartilage and bone destruction. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a proinflammatory cytokine which is highly expressed in the synovium of RA patients and the joints of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and exacerbates CIA in mice. However, the role of the IL-33-neutralizing antibody in the murine model of CIA remains unclear. In the present study, CIA mice were given intraperitoneally with polyclonal rabbit anti-murine IL-33 antibody (anti-IL-33) or normal rabbit IgG control after the first signs of arthritis. Administration of anti-IL-33 after the onset of disease significantly reduced the severity of CIA and joint damage compared with controls treated with normal rabbit IgG. Anti-IL-33 treatment also significantly decreased the serum levels of interferon-γ(IFN-γ),IL-6, IL-12, IL-33, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Moreover, anti-IL-33 treatment significantly downregulated the production of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-12, IL-33, and TNF-α in ex vivo-stimulated spleen cells. Together, our results indicate that the IL-33-neutralizing antibody may provide a therapeutic strategy for RA by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines.
Nutrient uptake by seagrass communities and associated organisms: Impact of hydrodynamic regime quantified through field measurements and use of an isotope label

Seagrass communities are composed of numerous organisms that depend on watercolumn nutrients for metabolic processes. The rate at which these organisms remove a nutrient from the water column can be controlled by physical factors such as hydrodynamic regime or by biological factors such as speed of enzyme reactions. The impact of hydrodynamic regime on rates of nutrient uptake for seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) communities and for organisms that comprise the community (seagrass, epiphytes, phytoplankton, and microphytobenthos) was quantified in a series of field flume experiments employing the use of N-labeled ammonium and nitrate. Rates of ammonium uptake for the entire community and for seagrass leaves and epiphytes were significantly dependent on bulk velocity, bottom shear stress, and the rate of turbulent energy dissipation. Relationships between uptake rates and these parameters were consistent with mass-transfer theory and suggest that the effect of water flow on ammonium uptake is the same for the benthos as a whole and for the organisms that form the canopy. In addition, epiphytes on the surface of T. testudinum leaves were shown to depress leaf uptake by an amount proportional to the area of the leaf covered by epiphytes. Water flow influenced rates of nitrate uptake for the community and the epiphytes; x however, uptake rates were depressed relative to those for ammonium suggesting that uptake of nitrate was also affected by biological factors such as enzyme activity. Epiphytes reduced uptake of nitrate by the leaves; however, the amount of reduction was not proportional to the extent of epiphyte cover, which provided further evidence that nitrate uptake by T. testudinum leaves was biologically limited. As an additional component of the research, hydrodynamic regime of a mixed seagrass and coral community in Florida Bay was characterized using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. Hydrodynamic parameters estimated from velocity data were used in masstransfer equations to predict nutrient uptake by the benthos over a range of water velocity. Measured rates of uptake from field flume experiments conducted in the same community confirmed that hydrodynamic data could be used to accurately predict nutrient transport to the benthos under natural flow conditions.
CFD Numerical Simulation of Biodiesel Synthesis in a Spinning Disc Reactor

In this paper a two-disc spinning disc reactor for intensified biodiesel synthesis is described and numerically simulated. The reactor consists of two flat discs, located coaxially and parallel to each other with a gap of 0.2 mm between the discs. The upper disc is located on a rotating shaft while the lower disc is stationary. The feed liquids, triglycerides (TG) and methanol are introduced coaxially along the centre line of rotating disc and stationary disc. Fluid hydrodynamics in the reactor for synthesis of biodiesel from TG and methanol in the presence of a sodium hydroxide catalyst are simulated, using convection-diffusion-reaction species transport model by the CFD software ANSYS©Fluent v. 13.0. The effect of the upper disc’s spinning speed is evaluated. The results show that the rotational speed increase causes an increase of TG conversion despite the fact that the residence time decreases. Compared to data obtained from adequate experiments, the model shows a satisfactory agreement.
Examining the policy-practice gap- The issue of crop burning induced Particulate Matter pollution in Northwest India

ABSTRACT The study examine the efficacy of government policy interventions initiated since 2014 to curb FCRB in NW Indian states and the related air pollution in Delhi-NCR during 2014-2019. The regression analysis suggests an increase in PM2.5 of ~69 µg/m3/1000 surge in fires. VIIRS retrieved data suggest an overall declining trend of ~1606 and ~4308 fire counts per year across NW states during October-November respectively. The monthly PM2.5 concentrations in New Delhi exhibits a decline of ~2.18 µg/m3 and ~5.17 µg/m3 per year over the same period. Despite an overall increase of ~17.6 % rice productivity, a noted decrease in fire activity over the period is an encouraging move, likely a result of some control imposed by authorities on FCRB. Owing to a significant ~35.5% rise in wheat productivity, data records rising trend in wheat residue burning activities in April (~1298/year) and May (~2402/year) but do not trigger extreme pollution due to difference in intensity of fires across harvesting seasons and relatively weak northwesterly wind direction. Nevertheless, the overall high PM2.5 levels in October-November and April-May compared to NAAQS 24-hour average of 60µg/m3, disproves the overall efficacy of government policies to curb FCRB and related air pollution in IGP region.
Implementation of a Sensor Big Data Processing System for Autonomous Vehicles in the C-ITS Environment

To provide a service that guarantees driver comfort and safety, a platform utilizing connected car big data is required. This study first aims to design and develop such a platform to improve the function of providing vehicle and road condition information of the previously defined central Local Dynamic Map (LDM). Our platform extends the range of connected car big data collection from OBU (On Board Unit) and CAN to camera, LiDAR, and GPS sensors. By using data of vehicles being driven, the range of roads available for analysis can be expanded, and the road condition determination method can be diversified. Herein, the system was designed and implemented based on the Hadoop ecosystem, i.e., Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka, to collect and store connected car big data. We propose a direction of the cooperative intelligent transport system (C-ITS) development by showing a plan to utilize the platform in the C-ITS environment.
Alkali-activated geopolymers based on iron-rich slag from copper industry

In the present study geopolymers were prepared using fayalite slag (iron-silicate fines) from copper producing plant (Aurubis Bulgaria AD). The influence of the different concentrations of alkali activator on properties and structure was examined. The prepared geopolymers were characterized by maximal compressive strength of about 27 MPa. The microstructural examination revealed that only small amount of the precursor reacted, but certain amount of ferric iron (Fe3+) participate in the structure of newly formed geopolymer gel.
The purchase of organic fish in Bangladesh: Safeguarding against COVID-19

Abstract Based on the theory of planned behaviour and cognitive dissonance, this research investigates how consumers’ consciousness of the attributes of organic fish impacts the number of opportunities to purchase such fish at a safe social distance and how the consciousness of verbal recommendations affect the relationship between the consciousness of necessary social distance to safely buy organic fish and consumers’ intention to purchase the fish. Applying these two theories and adding a new variable—social-distance purchasing—into the model, the research contributes significantly to current literature. Using a stratified random sampling, this research collected 320 data points from high, upper-middle and middle-income consumers that have been analysed through Amos Graphics and PROCESS macro in SPSS for the structural equation modelling. The findings of the research provide valuable insights to reduce the infection from COVID-19 as well as enhances the external validity and generalisability of the consumers’ organic-food purchasing behaviour research.
Effect of microbial feed additives on growth performance, microbial protein synthesis, and rumen microbial population in growing lambs

Abstract Arabi lambs (n =28; body weight = 24 ± 3.7 kg; average age = 120 ± 8 days) were used to investigate the effect of microbial additives on growth performance, microbial protein synthesis and rumen microbial population of fattening lamb based on completely randomized design. Four treatments were studied: (1) control (without additive; CON); (2) Lactobacillus fermentum and L. plantarum (FP); (3) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) plus FP (SCFP); and (4) Megasphaera elsdenii plus SCFP (MSCFP). Lambs were inoculated before morning feeding (daily oral dosed) with a 50 mL microbial suspension as follows: FP, 50 mL bacterial suspension containing 4.5 × 108 colony-forming unit per day (cfu/d) of L. plantarum and L. fermentum (in ratio 50:50); SCFP, 50 mL microbial suspension containing 4.5 × 108 cfu/d FP and 1.4 × 1010 cfu/d SC; MSCFP, 50 mL microbial suspension containing 4.5 × 108 cfu/d Me, 4.5 × 108 cfu/d FP and 1.4 × 1010 cfu/d SC. Feed intake and body weight of lambs were not affected by microbial additives. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were increased on day 0 to 21. The highest concentration of uric acid, total excreted purine derivatives (PD), microbial N, microbial CP, and metabolizable protein were in MSCFP lambs. The ruminal population of Ruminococcus albus and Ruminococcus flavefaciens was higher in MSCFP and SCFP than CON and FP lambs. The highest and the lowest abundance of M. elsdenii and methanogen respectively was observed in lambs fed on microbial additives. The tendency to improve growth performance vs. CON may be due to improvements in microbial protein synthesis and microbial populations, especially fiber-degrading bacteria. The decrease in the population of methanogens as a result of the use of microbial additives is another positive result.
Effects of Cadmium Stress on Photosynthetic Physiological Characteristics of Two Rorippa Species

The photosynthetic physiological characteristics of Rorippa amphilia and Rorippa sylvestris were studied by pot experiment under Cd stress, and 7 Cd treatments were 0, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200( mg·kg -1 )respectively. The results showed that, (1) The Chla, chlb, and Ch(la+b) changed little when the Cd concentration in the soil was less than 100 mg·kg -1 . There was no significant difference among the treatments. When Cd concentration was more than or equal to 100 mg·kg -1 , all indexes decreased significantly, Chla/b increased gradually with the increase of Cd stressful concentration; (2) Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) first increased and then decreased with the increase of Cd stressful concentration, while intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) increased significantly; (3) The photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) and electron transfer rate (ETR) decreased gradually with the increase of Cd stressful concentration, while the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) increased with the Short Research Article Yun-Ning et al.; BJI, 24(6): 32-42, 2020; Article no.BJI. 61659 33 increase of Cd stress concentration. It indicated that the photosynthetic mechanism of leaves was damaged; the maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and potential activity (Fv/Fo) of PSII decreased gradually with the increase of Cd stress concentration. When Cd concentration was more than 50 mg·kg -1 , the decrease was very obvious, showing photoinhibition. The concentration of Cd below 50 mg·kg -1 had little effect on photosynthesis. These results provide a theoretical application by using these two species of Rorippa to ecological restore the Cd contaminated farmland and abandoned mines.
Thermal Structure of the Northern Outer Albanides and Adjacent Adriatic Crustal Sector, and Implications for Geothermal Energy Systems

Using an analytical methodology taking into account heat flow density data, frictional heating, temperature variations due to the re-equilibrated conductive state after thrusting and geological constrains, we calculated surface heat flow, geotherms and isotherms along a balanced and restored regional geological cross-section. Our results highlight the impact of frictional heating produced by thrusts on the thermal structure of the study area, leading to a raising of the isotherms both in the inner Albanides to the E and in the Adriatic sector offshore. Minimum values of Qs in the surroundings of Tirana and the reconstructed 2D thermal structure suggest less favorable conditions for exploitation of geothermal energy, besides the direct use (Borehole Heat Exchanger-Geothermal Heat Pump systems). Nevertheless, the occurrence of the “Kruja geothermal zone”, partially overlapping this area and including hot spring manifestations, emphasize the structural control in driving hot fluids to the surface with respect to the regional thermal structure.
Environmental Impacts of Planned Capitals and Lessons for Indonesia’s New Capital

Indonesia’s new planned capital in East Kalimantan is being touted as a “smart, green, beautiful and sustainable city” but has stoked fears of massive environmental damage to the island of Borneo, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots and carbon sinks. Precedents of other planned capitals can contribute to an understanding of the potential long-term impacts of Indonesia’s new capital. We used historical nighttime lights to quantitatively assess the spatial growth footprint of 12 previous planned capitals, and conducted land-use analyses to identify the potential environmental impacts on Borneo’s natural environment. Our assessment suggests that it is likely that the direct footprint of the new capital could grow rapidly, expanding over 10 km from its core in less than two decades and over 30 km before mid-century. We identified sensitive ecosystems which may be affected by the new capital’s direct and indirect footprint, such as forest reserves, mangrove and peat. Deforestation emissions from the new capital’s direct (30 km) and indirect (200 km) footprint could be approximately 50 MtCO 2e and 2326 MtCO 2e respectively, equivalent to 2.7% and 126% of Indonesia’s 2014 greenhouse gas emissions. We discuss how planned capitals can spatially restructure the socio-political geographies of cities and nation-states by interacting with meanings, symbolisms and power relations, which may aggravate environmental impacts but also be seized upon as a catalyst for improving environmental performance in Borneo and Indonesia. Finally, we recommend the use of best practices in impact assessment and sustainability as a necessary first step towards protecting Borneo.
Numerical investigation of tunable multistacked metamaterial‐based graphene grating

We present a tunable multistacked metamaterial‐based graphene grating structure for the lower THz frequency range. Circular gold wire is placed between graphene layers to obtain wideband response. Reflectance, transmittance, absorption, and refractive index parameters are analyzed for metamaterial‐based graphene grating structure. The results show wideband reflectance response ranging from 1 to 2.5 THz frequency. Reflectance in grating can be controlled by different chemical potentials of the graphene sheet. The design results are also analyzed for different incident angles ranging from 0° to 80°. The proposed grating structure has the wideband tunable reflectance response and is envisioned to become basic building blocks of several THz systems which is going to be applicable in circulator, sensor, and imaging applications.
Research practices of LIS professionals in Pakistan: A study of attitudes, involvement and competencies

This study analyses the attitudes, involvement and competencies of Pakistani Library Information Science (LIS) professionals towards research. An online survey was carried out by using a questionnaire to collect data from LIS professionals working in various types of libraries in Pakistan. The findings reveal that the overall attitude of the Pakistani LIS professionals towards research is positive. A vast majority of them read research literature, albeit occasionally, while a small majority read the full-text articles. Two local journals, Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal (PLISJ) and Pakistan Journal of Information Management & Libraries (PJIML), are the top read titles. Though research contributions counted towards promotion of LIS professionals, a very small majority of them were currently engaged in research project/s. They do not feel very confident about their research expertise, yet aspire to increase their knowledge of research. Some of the factors that deter LIS professionals from engaging in research are: a lack of time, little support from their organisation, lack of research ideas and lack of research skills. Institutional support in terms of time, money and educational training would enhance opportunities for LIS professionals to produce more research and publication.
Mono- and di-carboxylic acids under long-range transport of air pollution in central Japan

Behavior of mono- and di-carboxylic acids during the long-range transport of photochemical air pollution from the metropolitan, large emission source area along the Tokyo Bay to the inland mountainous region in central Japan was investigated as a part of a cooperative field observation of meteorology and chemistry in summers, 1983 and 1986. Measurements were made for every 3 h at inland sites along the transport route of the polluted air mass. Concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyric acid increased to the ranges of 4–8 ppb (V/V), 0.3–0.7 ppb and 0.1–0.3 ppb, respectively in the daytime. In particular, during day, they increased significantly when the polluted air mass arrived at the sampling sites, while they decreased at night. These diurnal variations were similar to that of ozone. Of the di-carboxylic acids, succinic acid was the most abundant species, followed by phthalic acid and malonic acid. Concentrations ranged from 20–130 ng m -3 in the daytime, and were much higher in the daytime than at night. These diurnal variations were similar to those of ozone. These facts suggest that most of mono- and di-carboxylic acids were produced by photo-oxidation of anthropogenic compounds during long-range transport. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1989. tb00302.x
The Upsurge of Farm Mechanization and Its Impact on Land Occupancy System in Nigeria

The reinvigorated approach by stakeholders towards Farm Mechanization has given birth to emerging fears in the existing relationship between mechanized agriculture and traditional land occupancy systems in Nigeria. The increased importation of agricultural machines into the country gave room for cropland growth that butt in farm lands acquired by rural farmers through customary ways. This paper examines these fears in four segments. The first segment searches the unstable land occupancy systems in Nigeria that have showed an elegant equilibrium relationship between constitutions and traditional acts. The second observes the acceptance of Agricultural mechanization and the expanding relevance of tractors. The third scrutinizes the different fears, aggravated by population increase, which come in being as mechanization overshoots on traditionally secured lands. These fears result in to the abuse of labour, continuous land seizures, and the imposing of rural farmers into a blank in which few market options live. To assist relief these fears, the final segment recommends the moderating of large Agricultural machines growth and the systematic improvement of land occupancy systems in preparation for more privatization. By marrying land occupancy systems and Farm mechanization, the environments will survive for more judicious evolution in Nigeria.
Sea Buckthorn and Grape Extract Might Be Helpful and Sustainable Phyto-Resources as Associated Hypolipidemic Agents—Preliminary Study

Phytotherapy can enhance the beneficial health outcomes in the prevention of obesity and is able to improve the function of the metabolic organs, like the liver and kidneys. Since sea buckthorn (SBT) and grape extracts are known as abundant sources of polyphenol, we assumed that the extracts of these two plants might have a hypolipidemic effect and an improved metabolic function in obese rats treated with atorvastatin. One hundred and twelve white Wistar rats were divided equally into seven groups (G.I–VII) and orally treated as follows: G.I, atorvastatin 20 mg × kg·bw−1; G.II, atorvastatin 20 mg × kg·bw−1 + SBT 100 mg × kg·bw−1; G.III, atorvastatin 20 mg × kg·bw−1 + grape extract 100 mg × kg·bw−1; G.IV, grape extract 100 mg × kg·bw−1; G.V, SBT 100 mg × kg·bw−1; G.VI, high-fat diet (HFD); group VII was considered the control group. After two and six months of administration, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were taken for biochemical analyses. The statistical results (analysis of variance (ANOVA)) showed that a combination of SBT and grape extracts with atorvastatin significantly reduced (p ˂ 0.001) the lipid parameters. After six months, the liver and kidneys improved their functioning, showing a statistically significant change (p ˂ 0.001) in the grape and sea buckthorn groups compared to the other groups. In addition, grape extract and SBT combined with atorvastatin proved to be potent hypolipidemic agents, so associations with phytodietary supplements can be considered as a valuable means of combating hypolipidemia and decreasing risk factors.