Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The interaction between subduction-related mantle currents and surface topography

The present-day structure of Earth’s interior is fairly well known thanks to observations. The dynamic processes involved in forming such a rocky planet like Earth are, however, still not fully understood. This thesis therefore aims at a better understanding of plate tectonics, a crucial dynamical feature within the global framework of mantle convection. Special focus is given to the interaction of subduction-related mantle flow and surface topography. Thereby, the application of a numerical model is essential and its main functional requirements are two-fold: Necessary are on the one hand, an evolution over a long time-scale to naturally model mantle flow and on the other hand, a physically correct topography calculation. First, a compilation and evaluation of currently applied methods to calculate surface topography numerically is given. The ‘sticky-air’ method receives special focus because of its ability to approximate a free surface even for models calculated on a fixed (Eulerian) grid. It is found that the weak “air” or “water” layer has to be sufficiently thick and/or sufficiently weak in order to allow a free and undisturbed evolution of surface topography. In contrast to such physical requirements, a thin and highly viscous sticky-air layer is favoured for numerical reasons. An analytical condition is therefore presented that allows a straightforward determination of optimal sticky-air parameters and hence a numerically efficient and physically correct topography calculation. In a second step, a free surface is applied to an already existing, dynamically self-consistent and time dependent model of mantle convection. This allows us to overcome the standard and widely used free-slip surface and thus avoids the assumption of a flat surface in such models. A direct and dramatic consequence of a freely evolving surface topography is the occurrence of single-sided subduction that was previously inhibited (i.e. double-sided) by a fixed, flat surface. A weak hydrated crustal layer in addition allows for an on-going single-sided subduction by lubricating the plate interface at the collision zone. Dynamically self-consistent single-sided subduction in global models of mantle convection is key for realistically reproducing the dynamics in Earth’s interior. It thus allows new insights into the interplay of obliquely sinking plates, toroidal mantle flow and the arcuate shape of slabs and trenches. In addition, three different regimes of plate tectonics are found depending on the amount of plate strength and mantle viscosity increase with depth. This realistic model of mantle convection is extensively used for characterising the influence of different physical and numerical parameters involved. Numerous two-dimensional experiments give insights into subduction initiation by small-scale convection, on-going subduction and subduction shut-off scenarios. A free surface is thereby shown to promote subduction
Interaction of Iron(III)-5,10,15,20-Tetrakis (4-Sulfonatophenyl) Porphyrin with Chloroquine, Quinine and Quinidine

Iron(III)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (FeTPPS) is used as non-physiological metalloporphyrin model for the natural iron (III)-protoporphyrin IX (FePPIX) resulting from hemoglobin degradation to investigate ligand binding reactions in aqueous solution. Studies were conducted on the interaction of FeTPPS with Chloroquine, Quinine, and Quinidine, which are historically the most common quinoline-based drugs used to treat malaria, an infectious disease afflicting several hundred millions every year worldwide, mainly in tropical regions. Using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, the binding reaction was studied at pH 7.40 in purely aqueous solution, and in aqueous solution containing NaNO3 at concentration of 0.1 M. Fitted titration curves obtained were in agreement with experimental data according to a formation scheme of 1:1 complex (1 FeTPPS μ-oxo-dimer: 1 Antimalarial). Values of apparent binding constant (K) obtained were between 4.3 × 103 M-1 to 7.59 × 104 M-1, demonstrating that FeTPPS and the antimalarials formed stable complexes. The stability of the complex decreased when NaNO3 was added to the solution. This ionic strength dependence was ascribed to electrostatic effects. Quinine and Chloroquine interacted with FeTPPS stronger than Quinidine did. Chloroquine showed the strongest affinity to FeTPPS. These findings revealed the influence of steric and stereochemical factors. Molecular electrostatic potentials (MEP) calculated with Hartree-Fock theory argue in favor of π-π and electrostatic interactions between reaction partners as driving forces for the complex formation. In the case of FeTPPS: Chloroquine interaction, it is suggested that an intramolecular hydrogen bond is formed between phenyl and quinuclidine N-H+ as additional force stabilizing the complex. Analysis of crystallographic data using the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) gave evidence of the hydrogen bond formation between phenyl and N-H+ groups in 370 structures.
Design and analysis of a non-hysteretic passive magnetic linear bearing for cryogenic environments

In this study, the mechanical design and analysis of a magnetic levitating linear bearing suitable for working in the non-hysteretic range of forces is presented. The semi-cylindrical design of the superconductor provides stable equilibrium positioning and restoring forces in all degrees of freedom except for two with a cylindrical magnet floating along the axis of revolution/displacement. Using finite element analysis, it has been proven that the magnet can float stably and passively in a complete non-hysteretic Meissner state. This non-hysteretic passive linear bearing could be suitable for long-stroke precision positioning. The high translational symmetry of the magnetic field seen by the superconductor assures a usable long stroke of around ±90 mm with full performance and ±150 mm with reduced performance. This linear bearing in combination with an actuating system for only one degree of freedom could be used for accurate precision positioning systems for cryogenic environments with zero hysteresis in the movement.
Preliminary investigation of n-alkanes and alkenones in East Greenland lacustrine sediment: Implications for possible Holocene climate reconstructions

This study reports a reconstruction of Holocene lacustrine paleotemperatures and paleovegetation for the Scoresby Sund region 70.5o north latitude in east Greenland using longchain alkenones and n-alkanes. Long-chain alkenones (LCAs) are biomarkers, which are produced by haptophyte algae that can provide information on regional paleoclimate conditions. C37 LCAs were analyzed using the alkenone unsaturation index, Uk37, along with published lacustrine alkenone temperature calibrations. LCAs were identified in only 1 lake (Snoopy Lake) out of 4 lakes that were examined within Scoresby Sund. At Snoopy Lake, the coldest temperature of the Holocene was measured at 9,700 YBP while the warmest temperature was measured at 7,300 YBP, corresponding with the mid-Holocene climate optimum. Late Holocene warming indicated by the Snoopy Lake Uk37 record is inconsistent with other temperature records from Greenland. We suspect this difference in Uk37 predicted temperatures is related to extrinsic factors that modify the haptophyte Uk37 proxy rather than warmer than expected absolute temperatures in eastern Greenland. Terrestrial leaf wax lipids, n-alkanes, were also analyzed in order to infer changes in vegetation caused by changes in climate. Increasing concentration of long-chain n-alkane values indicate rapid expansion of terrestrial plants 8,000 years before present, followed by decreasing abundance towards present. This vegetation pattern is consistent with other regional records of the Holocene Thermal Maximum and the Little Ice Age. The similarities between our temperature reconstruction for the Early Holocene and other records suggest that something fundamental changed during the latter part of the Holocene effecting the alkenone unsaturation. Future work needs to characterize extrinsic factors that modify Uk37 proxies and methods to identify when reconstructed temperatures are biased.
Is There Selection Bias in Laboratory Experiments?

Do the social and risk preferences of participants in laboratory experiments represent the preferences of the population from which they are recruited? To answer this question, we conducted a classroom experiment with a population of 1,173 students using a trust game and a lottery choice task to measure individual preferences. Separately, all 1,173 students were invited to participate in a laboratory experiment. To determine whether selection bias exists, we compare the preferences of the individuals who eventually participated in a laboratory experiment to those in the population. We find that the social and risk preferences of the students participating in the laboratory experiment are not significantly different from the preferences of the population from which they were recruited. We further show that participation decisions across most subgroups (e.g., men vs. women) do not differ significantly. We therefore fail to find selection bias based on social and risk preferences.
Evaluation of MM5 Optically Thin Clouds over Europe in Fall Using ICESat Lidar Spaceborne Observations

The description of clouds in mesoscale models has progressed significantly during recent years by improving microphysical schemes with more physical parameterizations deduced from observations. Recently, the first lidar in space, the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat)/Geosciences Laser Altimeter System, has collected a valuable dataset that improves the knowledge of occurrence and macrophysical properties of clouds, and particularly high-altitude clouds, which are usually optically thin. This study evaluates the capability of the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) to reproduce optically thin clouds using the ICESat October–November 2003 dataset. Initial and boundary conditions are prescribed from NCEP products and MM5 run over the European continent with a 40-km spatial resolution. Spaceborne lidar profiles are diagnosed from model outputs and compared with the observed ones at the same location and time. One month of simulations–observations comparisons shows that the model correctly reproduces cloud structures on average, but underestimates the thinnest clouds (by 0%–20%) and overestimates less thin clouds in the upper troposphere (altitude 6 km). The total low-level water cloud amount (altitude 6 km) appears fairly well reproduced, although the masking effect of higher clouds does not allow for a firm conclusion. The clouds are rarely simulated and observed simultaneously, 50% for high clouds and 20% for low clouds. The lack of high-altitude very thin clouds is possibly due to dry biases in the upper-troposphere humidity fields used to force the model. The overestimation of optically less thin cloud may be due to an overestimation of the cloud lifetime or water vapor supersaturation around ice clouds that is not taken into account in the model. When the upper troposphere and low warm clouds appear in the model at the same time and location as in the observations, they are optically too thick, likely because their water/ice content and particle concentration are overestimated simultaneously.
Stable planar vegetation stripe patterns on sloped terrain in dryland ecosystems

In water-limited regions, competition for water resources results in the formation of vegetation patterns; on sloped terrain, one finds that the vegetation typically aligns in stripes or arcs. We consider a two-component reaction–diffusion–advection model of Klausmeier type describing the interplay of vegetation and water resources and the resulting dynamics of these patterns. We focus on the large advection limit on constantly sloped terrain, in which the diffusion of water is neglected in favor of advection of water downslope. Planar vegetation pattern solutions are shown to satisfy an associated singularly perturbed traveling wave equation, and we construct a variety of traveling stripe and front solutions using methods of geometric singular perturbation theory. In contrast to prior studies of similar models, we show that the resulting patterns are spectrally stable to perturbations in two spatial dimensions using exponential dichotomies and Lin’s method. We also discuss implications for the appearance of curved stripe patterns on slopes in the absence of terrain curvature.
Multidimensional Poverty and Fertility in Congo

According to the well-known hypothesis stated in “The New Home Economics”, theory that it associated with the name of Becker, poverty leads to a high fertility. Throughout this text, this hypothesis will be tested using data from the 2005 Demographic and Health Survey of Congo, knowing that poverty will be tackled in a non-monetary and multidimensional approach; and fertility in a parity view, that is to say the number of children a woman gave birth during the five years preceding the survey.
Dynamic Effects of Grain and Energy Prices on the Catfish Feed and Farm Sectors

This study examines the dynamic effects of grain prices and energy prices on catfish feed prices and the price of food-sized catfish at the farm level. Using the autoregressive distributed lag model and bounds testing procedure, a long-run relationship between feed and farm prices and their determinants was confirmed. Given the effect of corn and soybean meal prices on catfish feed prices, and catfish fish feed prices on farm prices, the long-run responsiveness of feed prices to a percentage increase in U.S. ethanol production is 0.325, and the responsiveness of catfish farm prices is 0.064. Although both feed and farm prices increase with ethanol production, the relatively small responsiveness of farm prices when compared with feed prices suggests that catfish farmers are worse off. Results are conditional on ethanol production causing an increase in grain prices.
Basic set of experiments for determination of mechanical properties of sand

A basic set of experiments for the determination of mechanical properties of sands is described. This includes the determination of basic physical and mechanical properties, as conventionally applied in soil mechanics, as well as some additional experiments, which provide further information on mechanical properties of granular soils. These additional experiments allow for determination of steady state and instability lines, stress-strain relations for isotropic loading and pure shearing, and simple cyclic shearing tests. Unconventional oedometric experiments are also presented. Necessary laboratory equipment is described, which includes a triaxial apparatus equipped with local strain gauges, an oedometer capable of measuring lateral stresses and a simple cyclic shearing apparatus. The above experiments provide additional information on soil’s properties, which is useful in studying the following phenomena: pre-failure deformations of sand including cyclic loading compaction, pore-pressure generation and liquefaction, both static and caused by cyclic loadings, the eﬀect of sand initial anisotropy and various instabilities. An important feature of the experiments described is that they make it possible to determine the initial state of sand, deﬁned as either contractive or dilative. Experimental results for the “Gdynia” model sand are shown.
Effects of the Pre-Aging Period on the Formation Behavior of Nanoclusters in an Al-Mg-Cu Alloy

The effects of the pre-aging period on the formation behavior of nanoclusters during two-step aging in an Al-3.0Mg-1.0Cu (mass%) alloy has been investigated by the hardness, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electrical resistivity measurement. Two-step aging which consists of pre-aging and final aging results in an increase of the peak hardness. When the pre-aging is conducted at 323K for 1.2ks, the hardness dramatically increases after the final aging treatment. This pre-aging period corresponds to the incubation stage which is one of the hardening stages in an Al-Mg-Cu alloy. During the pre-aging, no clear hardness and electrical resistivity increase are obtained, however a certain structural change is considered to occur. In this study, co-clusters are assumed to be formed during pre-aging. On the contrary, when the preaging period is 345.6ks, the hardness and electrical resistivity decrease in the beginning of final aging. It is attributed to the reversion of nanoclusters. In this case, the pre-aging period corresponds to the first stage of hardening. The first stage of hardening, which occurs rapidly (e.g. within 60s at 443K) and contributes 60% of the total hardening, is attributed to solute clustering rather than to the formation of GPB zones. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.L-M2015801]
A Study of Etiology and Outcome of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Rural Tertiary Care Center

DOI: 10.21276/sjams.2018. 6.3. 42 Abstract: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the major causes for acute respiratory failure characterized by bilateral chest infiltrates and decreased lung compliance. Several etiological factors cause ARDS, both direct and indirect injury to lungs. It has a high mortality rate. This study was a prospective observational study and included 50 patients with a diagnosis of ARDS. This study was undertaken to elucidate the causes and outcome of patients admitted with ARDS in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care center. New Berlin criteria were used to classify them as Mild, Moderate and Severe ARDS. Severe ARDS was found in 30%, moderate ARDS in 58% and mild ARDS was seen in 12% of subjects. Pneumonia followed by tropical infections was the major etiological causes. Tropical infections contributed to 26% of ARDS, of which Dengue fever contributed to 12% of ARDS in the subjects and malaria was seen to be causing ARDS in 8% of subjects. Most of the patients (96%) required ventilator support, 52% of them requiring invasive ventilation and 44% requiring non – invasive ventilation. Mortality was 62% in this study. Higher mortality rates were seen in age groups above 40 years and males had slightly higher mortality rates than females. ABG (Arterial blood gas analysis) showed higher PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) and lower PaO2/FiO2 (PaO2-partial pressure of oxygen/ FiO2fraction of inspired oxygen) were seen in non-survivor group. Tropical infections, especially in rural areas, contribute significantly to ARDS which needs to be stressed up on. These findings may help intensivists in instituting early effective empirical regimens depending on the regional tropical diseases.
Outcome of Surgical Fixation of Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures with Dynamic Hip Screw

Background: Intertrochanteric fracture of the femur is one of the common fractures in the elderly with osteoporosis due to trivial fall. When occurs in the young, intertrochanteric fracture is usually due to high-energy injuries such as motor vehicular accident or fall from height. Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) fixation has remained the gold standard for the treatment of stable intertrochanteric femoral fractures to which other options are compared.The aim of this study was to assess radiological and functional results in stable intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with Dynamic Hip Screw fixation.This study was a prospective, interventional study involving 48 consecutive patients with stable intertrochanteric femoral fractures that were treated using internal fixation with DHS between December 2015 and November 2018 at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala Kano. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. The mean age of the patients was 56.8 ± 15.0 years. There was a preponderance of males over females in a ratio 4.3:1. At the end of 6 months postoperatively, 45 (93.8%) patients had their fractures united with mean RUSH score of 27.1 ± 3.1. The mean HHS in the preoperative period was 19.2 ± 24.8. At the end of 6th postoperative month, the mean score was 91.7 ± 12.5. It was concluded that DHS is a reliable implant in surgical treatment of stable intertrochanteric fractures.
Evaluation of responses of different ant species (Formicidae) to the scavenger deterrent factor associated with the entomopathogenic nematode-bacterium complex

According to previous observations, it was hypothesized that the feeding behavior of some ant species would be deterred by a scavenger deterrent factor (SDF), whereas for other species it would not. The effects of the SDF were studied on 11 ant species in three different subfamilies: Dolichoderinae Forel, 1878, Formicinae Latreille, 1809, and Myrmicinae Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau, 1835. The experiments were conducted from 2014–2015 in Davis, California, United States, Aydin, Turkey, and Duzce, Turkey. Five-day-old Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar, 1976), (Hb)-killed and freeze-killed Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus, 1758) were exposed to ant colonies in the fi eld for 3 to 4 h. Seven ant species fed signifi cantly less on Hb-killed insects than freeze-killed insect. On the other hand, there was no signifi cant difference in cadaver consumption with fi ve species, but Liometopum occidentale Emery, 1895 did consume a higher rate of Hb-killed insects than freeze-killed insects and was not deterred by SDF. It was also observed that four ant species took Hb-killed insects into the nests, but two Myrmicinae species, Pogonomyrmex subdentatus Mayr, 1870 and Messor meridionalis (André, 1883) removed the cadavers after 30 min, whereas two Formicinae species, Cataglyphis nodus (Brullé, 1833) and Formica fusca Linnaeus, 1758, retained the cadavers in the nest. It was assumed that the latter two species consumed both Hb-killed and freeze-killed insects. Further studies are needed to explain why L. occidentale C. nodus and F. fusca are not deterred by SDF.
Confidence Sets Based on the Lasso Estimator

In a linear regression model with fixed dimension, we construct confidence sets for the unknown parameter vector based on the Lasso estimator in finite samples as well as in an asymptotic setup, thereby quantifying estimation uncertainty of this estimator. In finite samples with Gaussian errors and asymptotically in the case where the Lasso estimator is tuned to perform conservative model-selection, we derive formulas for computing the minimal coverage probability over the entire parameter space for a large class of shapes for the confidence sets, thus enabling the construction of valid confidence sets based on the Lasso estimator in these settings. The choice of shape for the confidence sets and comparison with the confidence ellipse based on the least-squares estimator is also discussed. Moreover, in the case where the Lasso estimator is tuned to enable consistent model-selection, we give a simple confidence set with minimal coverage probability converging to one.