Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Undrained Bearing Capacity of Strip Footings on Slopes

The undrained bearing capacity of foundations on or near slopes is commonly calculated using empirical equations or from design charts which have been produced based on limit equilibrium or upper bound plasticity calculations. Many of the available methods do not take account of important parameters that affect the undrained bearing capacity factor, such as the distance of the footing from the slope, the slope height, or the soil properties. This paper presents finite element analyses of strip footings on or near undrained soil slopes performed in order to investigate the influence of the various parameters that affect undrained bearing capacity. The results of the analyses are compared to available methods. It is found that while some of these methods compare well with the finite element results for certain combinations of geometrical parameters and soil properties, they cannot produce sufficiently accurate results as they either do not take account of all of the affecting parameters or are generally not conservative. Based on the finite element results, design charts, equations, and a design procedure are proposed for the calculation of the undrained bearing capacity factor N c as a function of the undrained shear strength and the bulk unit weight of the soil, the footing width, the distance of the footing from the slope, the slope angle and the slope height.
Traveltime-Based True-Amplitude Migration

True-amplitude Kirchhoff migration (TAKM) is an important tool in seismic-reflection imaging. In addition to a structural image, it leads to reflectivity maps of the subsurface. TAKM is carried out in terms of a weighted diffraction stack where the weight functions are computed with dynamic ray tracing (DRT) in addition to the diffraction traveltimes. DRT, however, is time-consuming and imposes restrictions on the velocity models, which are not always acceptable. An alternative approach to TAKM is proposed in which the weight functions are directly determined from the diffraction traveltimes. Because other methods exist for the generation of traveltimes, this approach is not limited by the requirements for DRT. Applications to a complex synthetic model and real data demonstrate that the image quality and accuracy of the reconstructed amplitudes are equivalent to those obtained from TAKM with DRT-generated weight functions.
Cytotoxic Effect Induced by Sicilian Oregano Essential Oil in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Origanum vulgare L. is an aromatic plant that exerts antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities, mainly due to its essential oil (EO) content. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanism underlying the in vitro antitumor activity of EO extracted by hydrodistillation of dried flowers and leaves of Origanum vulgare L. grown in Sicily (Italy) in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of Oregano essential oil (OEO) composition highlighted the presence of twenty-six major phytocompounds, such as p-cymene, γ-terpinene, and thymoquinone p-acetanisole. OEO possesses strong antioxidant capacity, as demonstrated by the DPPH test. Our studies provided evidence that OEO reduces the viability of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The cytotoxic effect of OEO on breast cancer cells was partially counteracted by the addition of z-VAD-fmk, a general caspase inhibitor. Caspases and mitochondrial dysfunction appeared to be involved in the OEO-induced death mechanism. Western blotting analysis showed that OEO-induced activation of pro-caspases-9 and -3 and fragmentation of PARP decreased the levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL while increasing those of Bax and VDAC. In addition, fluorescence microscopy and cytofluorimetric analysis showed that OEO induces a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in both cell lines. Furthermore, we tested the effects of p-cymene, γ-terpinene, thymoquinone, and p-acetanisole, which are the main components of OEO. Our findings highlighted that the effect of OEO on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells appears to be mainly due to the combination of different constituents of OEO, providing evidence of the potential use of OEO for breast cancer treatment.
Aluminium and iron record for the last 28 kyr derived from the Antarctic EDC96 ice core using new CFA methods

Abstract Spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric continuous flow analysis (CFA) methods were developed and applied to the determination of aluminium and iron in EPICA Dome C (East Antarctica) ice-core samples (6–585m depth). The methods are able to measure the fraction of Al and Fe which can be detected once the sample is filtered on a 5.0 μm membrane and acidified to pH 2. Both the methods present high sensitivity (detection limit of 10 ng L–1 for Al and 50 ng L–1 for Fe) and reproducibility (5% at sub-ppb level). The Fe and Al profiles show sharp decreases in concentrations in the last glacial/interglacial transition, reflecting the decreasing dust aerosol load. The two elements show a different pattern during the Antarctic Cold Reversal (ACR) climatic change, with high iron concentrations (similar to the glacial period) and low but increasing Al content during the ACR minimum. In order to interpret the Al and Fe data obtained by CFA, a comparison with Al and Fe composition, as measured by inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS), was performed for Holocene, ACR and glacial periods. The percentage of CFA-Al with respect to ICP-SFMS-Al in the three periods shows a lower variability than CFA-Fe (3% in the glacial period and 64% in the ACR). This pattern may be explained by the different dominant iron sources in the different climatic periods. During the Last Glacial Maximum, Fe is proposed to arise mainly from insoluble continental dust, while a variety of ocean-recycled Fe, mainly distributed in fine particles and as more soluble species, shows a higher contribution in the ACR and, to a lesser extent, in the Holocene.
Ethnic differences in intergenerational housing mobility in England and Wales

Home ownership is the largest component of wealth for most households and its intergenerational transmission underpins the production and reproduction of economic inequalities across generations. Yet, little is currently known about ethnic differences in the intergenerational transmission of housing tenure. In this paper, we use linked Census data covering 1971–2011 to document rates of intergenerational housing tenure mobility across ethnic groups in England and Wales. We find that while home ownership declined across all ethnic groups during this period, there were substantial differences between them. Black, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi households experienced the strongest intergenerational link between parent and child housing tenure, and Black individuals had the highest rates of downward housing mobility. In contrast, those of Indian origin had homeownership rates similar to White British families, and a weaker link between parent and child housing tenure. These patterns are likely to exacerbate existing gradients in other dimensions of ethnicity-based inequality, now and in the future.
The impact of organizational commitment on knowledge management processes in project-based organizations with the mediating role of employee motivation

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of organizational commitment (with three dimensions of emotional commitment, continuous commitment, and normative commitment) on knowledge management processes (KMP) in project-based organizations, considering the mediating role of employee motivation. This research has an applied purpose and a descriptive and quantitative nature, which was conducted with a survey strategy. The statistical population is managers and experts of first-class construction companies in Tehran. Data collection was done through a standard questionnaire with 58 questions and hypotheses were tested with SmartPLS. The findings showed that emotional commitment and continuous commitment have a positive effect on employee motivation in project-oriented organizations, respectively, 0.56 and 0.2. Also, employee motivation has a positive effect of 0.51 on KMP in project-oriented organizations. Therefore, employee motivation plays a mediating role in influencing the dimensions of organizational commitment to KMP. But normative commitment does not have a positive effect on employee motivation in project-oriented organizations. On the other hand, employee motivation is influenced by their commitments to the organization and will have positive effects on intellectual capital management, KM and ultimately business performance. Among research backgrounds, the effect of organizational commitment dimensions on improving KMP with the mediating role of employee motivation in project-oriented organizations has not been investigated. It is expected that the results of this research can finally provide scientific and executive solutions to improve the performance of project-oriented organizations through the improvement of these components.
Changes in birth seasonality in Spain: Data from 1863–1870 and 1900–2021

BACKGROUND Changes in birth seasonality patterns have been documented in several countries, whether long-lasting or temporary. In Spain, a decline in and absence of birth seasonality was reported in 1941–2000. This study extends the analysis to the full period of available monthly data, exploring changes in birth seasonality in Spain, its connection to social/health phenomena, and its related effects.
In situ observations of bifurcation of equatorial ionospheric plasma depletions

Vector electric field measurements from the San Marco D satellite are utilized to investigate the bifurcation of ionospheric plasma depletions (sometimes called {open_quotes}bubbles{close_quotes}) associated with nightside equatorial spread F. These depletions are identified by enhanced upward ExB convection in depleted plasma density channels in the nighttime equatorial ionosphere. The in situ determination of the bifurcation process is based on dc electric field measurements of the bipolar variation in the zonal flow, westward and eastward, as the eastbound satellite crosses isolated signatures of updrafting plasma depletion regions. The authors also present data in which more complicated regions of zonal velocity variations appear as the possible result of multiple bifurcations of updrafting equatorial plasma bubbles. 10 refs., 7 fig.
The Influence of Vibro-Assisted Abrasive Processing on the Surface Roughness and Sub-Surface Microstructure of Inconel 939 Specimen Made by LPBF

This paper presents the research results on the influence of vibration abrasive machining parameters on the surface layer integrity of elements made by LPBF technology from Inconel 939. The research was carried out on samples of various sizes on vibrating smoothing machines. The influence of the size of the processed elements, the type of abrasive shapes, the processing time, and the supporting fluid on the surface roughness and microstructure of the processed elements was analyzed. Tests have shown that as a result of using vibration processing, it is possible to reduce the surface roughness five times to the value of Ra = 1.1 µm. A significant influence of the type of abrasive shapes was found. There was no significant effect of the machining fluid on the process.
Interactions between native and exoticdetritivores and impacts on ecosystem processes

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The legacy of Charles Lyell: advances in our knowledge of coal and coal-bearing strata

Abstract On his travels in both Britain and North America Sir Charles Lyell paid particular attention to coalfields and their fossils. Understanding the formation of coal and associated rocks was the subject of several publications. In this contribution three aspects of this work are highlighted, all of which are the subject of ongoing modern research. Lyell was interested in modern analogues for the Carboniferous coal swamps and was amongst the first to suggest analogies with the mires of the eastern United States, such as the Dismal Swamps. A brief review of recent research on new modern analogues from Southeast Asia is presented. Lyell observed ‘mineral charcoal’ in some of the coals and noted its anatomical structure. Considerable advances in our understanding of the role of fires in terrestrial ecosystems and their potential as an agent of fossil preservation are addressed. One of Lyell’s most important palaeontological finds was of remains of the earliest reptiles (these proved to be amphibians but Sir William Dawson found reptiles subsequently) preserved in the Upper Carboniferous tree trunks at Joggins, Nova Scotia, Canada. Whilst this occurrence of reptiles is no longer the oldest, the reasons for the remarkable tetrapod occurrences in upright sandstone-filled lycophyte trees at Joggins are currently being investigated and recent progress is presented.
Engineers’ self-perceived employability by gender and age: Implications for higher education

Abstract Due to the multiple barriers that prevent women from pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, there is a persistent gender gap in these fields in many countries around the globe. Considering this, the purpose of this study was to compare the self-perceived employability among men and women, as well as to understand how it changes depending on age and employment status. For such purpose, an online questionnaire was administered to 505 senior students and recent graduates from five engineering programs offered by a higher education institution in Colombia. The relationships between the variables were examined using Pearson’s correlation test, data on women and men were compared using the t- Student test, and the interaction between gender and age was analyzed via factorial analysis of variance. According to the results, men had different and higher means than women, but these differences were not statistically significant. In terms of gender, the largest effect size was reported for the career resilience and optimism at work skills. Regarding employment status, employed respondents had different and higher means than unemployed respondents, and these differences were found to be statistically significant. These ground-breaking findings may help universities, organizations, and governments in the development of policies and strategies to draw and keep women in STEM careers. Importantly, it is imperative to focus on women’s career transition and advancement because their employability skills are just as strong as men’s, but they are less confident and less likely to achieve their career goals.
The Future of Deliveries: Parcel Locker Intentions

The global expansion of e-commerce and increasing usage of parcel locker has prompted researchers to delve into this field. Thus, this study looked into the variables that encourage automated parcel lockers use among Malaysian consumers. In this study, an additional variable, resistance to change was added to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). This study is based on quantitative study and applied non-probability sampling technique which is voluntary technique. Data were collected through an online survey (n=423), and analysed using structured equation modeling. The finding found that three factors: performance expectancy, effort expectancy and innovativeness could affect behavioural intention. These findings provide new and additional knowledge about this innovative last-mile delivery intention, and the contributions to the theory and society. This study has explored the applicability of the UTAUT theory to study last-mile delivery in Malaysia, highlighting it theoretical ramifications. Finally, the findings are useful to aid courier companies and other relevant parties in outlining plans and carrying out strategies and initiatives to encourage consumers to accept parcel locker service.
Morphometric variations of Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis Cantor, 1849) in Malaysian and Yemeni waters

Abstract. Binashikhbubkr K, Setyawan AD, Naim DM. 2023. Morphometric variations of Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis Cantor, 1849) in Malaysian and Yemeni waters. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 269-278. Euthynnus affinis Cantor, 1849 (Kawakawa), a small epipelagic tuna that migrates, is one of the most commercially significant tunas in Indo-Pacific subtropical and tropical waters. Unfortunately, there is a lack of knowledge on the region's stock structure and management of the particular migratory species. The present investigation aimed to distinguish body shape differences among 20 populations of E. affinis across Malaysian and Yemen coastal waters. A total of 416 specimens of E. affinis were sampled from five central geographic regions: the South China Sea, Straits of Malacca, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and the Arabian Sea. Multivariate analyses, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA), and Cluster Analysis (CA) of 12 morphometric variables, were conducted to differentiate 20 populations of E. affinis. The findings revealed significant differences in the body form among 20 populations. Morphological homogeneity was observed among populations from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). As expected, Yemen's (Mukalla City) populations were clearly segregated and formed a separate cluster. The highest percentage of correctly classified specimens (100%) came from populations in Pulau Tenggol (Terengganu) and Kukup (Johor). In contrast, the highest percentage of misclassified specimens (100%) came from populations in Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), Bintawa (Sarawak), Lumut (Perak), and Endau (Johor). Based on the Mahalanobis distances, hierarchical cluster analyses revealed that 20 populations of E. affinis could be clustered into three distinct groups. This is the first report on E. affinis from Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), and the waters of Yemen using morphometric techniques.
Mixed‐layer ocean responses to anthropogenic aerosol dimming from 1870 to 2000

It is debated to what extent surface solar radiation (SSR) changes through varying anthropogenic aerosol emissions since industrialization affected surface temperatures (tsurf). We use mixed‐layer ocean experiments with the general circulation model ECHAM6.1 and explicit aerosols (HAM2.2) to identify regions where this effect is discernible. For each decade from 1870 to 2000 we derive three equilibria: anthropogenic aerosol emissions and greenhouse gas concentrations at the respective decade's levels (ALL), either aerosols or greenhouse gases fixed at year 1850 levels (GHG and AERO). We duplicated parts of the experiments with different prescribed divergence of ocean heat transport (Q_ALL, Q_AERO, and Q_GHG). Comparing year 2000 with year 1870 equilibria, we find global average cooling of −1.4 K for AERO and warming of 1.4 K for GHG. ALL and Q_ALL warm by 0.6 K and 0.4 K, respectively. The way divergence of ocean heat transport is prescribed thus matters. Pattern correlations of year 2000 tsurf responses in ALL with the sum of AERO and GHG are higher (0.88) than with Q_ALL (0.71) confirming additivity of global patterns, but not of global means. The imprint of anthropogenic aerosols on tsurf response patterns in ALL is distinct, thus potentially detectable. Over the decades, ocean fractions affected by either changing aerosol optical depth or all‐sky SSR vary in concert, supporting linkage between anthropogenic aerosols and all‐sky SSR. SSR changes and tsurf responses are marginally collocated. Oceanic regions with strongest tsurf response to aerosol‐induced SSR changes are the northern midlatitudes and North Pacific with tsurf sensitivities up to −0.7 K W m−2 SSR change.
GJI Geomagnetism, rock magnetism and palaeomagnetism Bacterial magnetite produced in water column dominates lake sediment mineral magnetism: Lake Ely, USA

SUMMARY Environmental magnetic studies of annually laminated sediments from Lake Ely, northeastern Pennsylvania, USA indicate that bacterial magnetite is the dominant magnetic mineral in the lake sediment. In previous studies of Lake Ely sediment, the dark, organic-rich layers in the annual laminae were interpreted to have high-intensity saturation isothermal remanent magnetizations (SIRMs) while the light-coloured, silt-rich layers have low-intensity SIRMs. To test the hypothesis that the magnetic grains in the sediments were an authigenic product of magnetotactic bacteria rather than detrital magnetic grains eroded from the watershed, we analysed samples from the water column, the lake sediment, and a sediment trap installed near the lake bottom. Direct microscopic observation of the water column samples showed the presence of magnetotactic bacteria in and below the oxic-anoxic transition zone (OATZ). To characterize the magnetic minerals, rock magnetic parameters were measured for material from the water column, the sediment trap and the dark- and light-coloured lake sediments. Lowtemperature magnetic measurements tested for the presence of magnetosomes in separated dark- and light-coloured layer samples. Numeric unmixing of the low-temperature results showed that biogenic magnetites were present in the lake sediment and contributed more significantly to the SIRM in the dark, organic-rich layers than in the light-coloured, inorganic silt-rich layers. Observations under the transmission electron microscope (TEM) of magnetic extracts also show the abundance of magnetosomes in the lake sediment. The presence of live magnetotactic bacteria in the water column and the predominance of bacterial magnetites in filtered particulate matter, sediment traps and recent lake sediment all suggest that bacterial magnetites are the main magnetic minerals in Lake Ely sediment. This finding suggests that changes in environmental factors that control the productivity of magnetic bacteria in the lake likely contribute to the variability of magnetic mineral concentrations observed in the lake sediments.
Seasonal variations of glacier seismicity at the tongue of Rhonegletscher (Switzerland) with a focus on basal icequakes

ABSTRACT Fractured systems developing at the base of temperate glaciers play a significant role in the transport of subglacial water. Their influence on dynamics and hydraulics of glaciers and the seasonal alterations they experience during the hydrological year, remain however, poorly understood, as they lay beyond the reach of most conventional glaciological techniques. In this work, we investigate the seasonal evolution of glacier seismicity in the ablation zone of Rhonegletscher (Switzerland) and focus on basal fracture processes. To do this, we use seismic measurements performed between June 2012 and July 2013 and complementary measurements of surface motion and changes in melt water input inferred from degree day modeling. Results of a spectrogram analysis highlight predominant seismic emissions until end of October 2012 and from mid April 2013 in line with measured surface velocities, and indicate a rapid adaptation of the basal drainage system at initiation and end of the winter period. The analysis of icequakes emitted from two active regions shows that the basal events, due to opening and closing of cracks within fracture networks, persist after winter initiation, and points out the year-long preservation of the associated sources. In this regard, we deduce that basal crack networks aseismically evolve during the winter period.