Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of plunge pool geometry on high-velocity jet impact pressures and pressure propagation inside fissured rock media.

The geometrical development of unlined plunge pools downstream large dams depends on both local geology and type of plunging jet and its diffusion pattern. Experimental investigations in plunge pools with different lateral confinements are presented. They show that the pool geometry influences plunging jet diffusion, air entrainment in the pool, and, as a consequence, impact pressures at the water-rock interface and inside the fissured rock mass. Results include impact pressures definition for variable pool depths, jet velocities, and pool geometries, depending explicitly on the lateral confinement of the jet. The main pool flow features are described focusing on their contribution to energy dissipation. Should the lateral confinement limit the development of macroturbulent rollers around the plunging jet (instead of the pool depth), the mean pressures at impact are considerably reduced, as well as RMS pressures in transitional and deep pools. For shallow pools, RMS pressures increase as a result of enhanced jet development.
Interpreting prograde‐growth histories of Al2SiO5 triple‐point rocks using oxygen‐isotope thermometry: an example from the Truchas Mountains, USA

Oxygen‐isotope compositions of kyanite, andalusite, prismatic sillimanite and fibrolite from the Proterozoic terrane in the Truchas Mountains, New Mexico differ from one another, suggesting that these minerals did not grow in equilibrium at the Al2SiO5 (AS) polymorph‐invariant point as previously suggested. Instead, oxygen‐isotope temperature estimates indicate that growth of kyanite, andalusite and prismatic sillimanite occurred at c. 575, 615 and 640 °C respectively. Temperature estimates reported in this paper are interpreted as those of growth for the different AS polymorphs, which are not necessarily the same as peak metamorphic temperatures for this terrane. Two distinct temperature estimates of c. 580 °C and c. 700 °C are calculated for most fibrolite samples, with two samples yielding clear evidence of quartz‐fibrolite oxygen‐isotope disequilibrium. These data indicate that locally, and potentially regionally, oxygen‐isotope disequilibrium between quartz and fibrolite may have resulted from rapid fibrolite nucleation. Pressures of mineral growth that were extrapolated from oxygen‐isotope thermometry results and calculated using petrological constraints suggest that kyanite and one generation of fibrolite grew during M1 at 5 kbar, and that andalusite, prismatic sillimanite and a second generation of fibrolite grew during M2 at 3.5 kbar. M1 and M2 therefore represent two distinct metamorphic events that occurred at different crustal levels. The ability of the AS polymorphs to retain δ18O values of crystallization make these minerals ideal to model prograde‐growth histories of mineral assemblages in metamorphic terranes and to understand more clearly the pressure–temperature histories of multiple metamorphic events.
Fecal bacteria trapping by grass filter strips during simulated rain

ABSTRACT: Most fecal wastes produced by the poultry industry in Kentucky will be applied to agricultural land. Grass filter strips have been documented to protect public waterways from soil erosion. We used a rain simulator to investigate their potential to trap fecal bacteria in surface runoff from poultry manure-amended cropland. We incorporated 16.5 Mg ha−1 of poultry manure into each of four chisel-tilled plots and measured the trapping efficiency of 4.5 and 9.0 m grass filters for runoff sediment and fecal indicator bacteria. Sediment concentrations were reduced an average of 96% by 4.5 m filter strips and 98% by 9.0 m filter strips. Average fecal coliform trapping efficiency was 75% in 4.5 m filter strips and 91% in 9.0 m filter strips. Average fecal streptococci trapping efficiency was 68% in 4.5 m filter strips and 74% in 9.0 m filter strips. Flow-weighted fecal coliform concentrations in filter strip runoff were still 1000 times higher than the standard for primary contact water used in Kentucky (200 fecal colifbrms per 100 mL). Grass filter strips long enough to minimize sediment loss will trap most of the fecal bacteria in surface runoff but will not reduce fecal contamination of runoff to sufficiently meet existing water quality standards.
Microbiological and physico-chemical quality of groundwater from artisanal sites of mining exploitation in the South-West of Côte d'Ivoire: case of the area of Hiré

Artisanal mining exploitation has direct or indirect effects on the chemical composition of groundwater of the area of Hire. Then, the quality of groundwater is rapidly due to natural processes, and anthropogenic activities. The objective of this study was to analyze the groundwater quality of boreholes of Hire on the basis of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. 12 samples of boreholes were sampled for this study. The samples were analyzed in-situ for pH, Temperature (T), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total dissolved solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), salinity (Sal.), Oxydo- reduction (Eh) and Turbidity were done with calibrated portable field meters (multi-meter HACH). Major ions such as Na + , Ca 2+ , K + , SO4 2- , NO 3 - , Cl - etc were analyzed using ion-chromatography, and Atomic Absorption spectrometer. Samples of these boreholes were collected and measured for the total chromium, cobalt, copper, cadmium tin, and lead by Atomic Absorption spectrometer. The results showed that the groundwater in the study area are fresh and low in TDS (127-434 mg/L) and generally mildly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.25-8.10). The groundwater quality of the study area is suitable for domestic purposes, since most of the parameters measured were within the WHO recommended values for drinking water. However microbiological parameters (Escherichia coli and total coliforms) showed an elevated concentration in most of the samples. That pollution came from anthropogenic activities like artisanal mining exploitation. The Piper diagram shows one major water type namely Ca-Cl and is moderately mineralized.
Deformation and stress change associated with plate interaction at subduction zones: a kinematic modelling

SUMMARY The interseismic deformation associated with plate coupling at a subduction zone is commonly simulated by the steady-slip model in which a reverse dip-slip is imposed on the down-dip extension of the locked plate interface, or by the backslip model in which a normal slip is imposed on the locked plate interface. It is found that these two models, although totally dierent in principle, produce similar patterns for the vertical deformation at a subduction zone. This suggests that it is almost impossible to distinguish between these two models by analysing only the interseismic vertical deformation observed at a subduction zone. The steady-slip model cannot correctly predict the horizontal deformation associated with plate coupling at a subduction zone, a fact that is proved by both the numerical modelling in this study and the GPS (Global Positioning System) observations near the Nankai trough, southwest Japan. It is therefore inadequate to simulate the eect of the plate coupling at a subduction zone by the steady-slip model. It is also revealed that the unphysical assumption inherent in the backslip model of imposing a normal slip on the locked plate interface makes it impossible to predict correctly the horizontal motion of the subducted plate and the stress change within the overthrust zone associated with the plate coupling during interseismic stages. If the analysis made in this work is proved to be correct, some of the previous studies on interpreting the interseismic deformation observed at several subduction zones based on these two models might need substantial revision. On the basis of the investigations on plate interaction at subduction zones made using the finite element method and the kinematic/mechanical conditions of the plate coupling implied by the present plate tectonics, a synthesized model is proposed to simulate the kinematic eect of the plate interaction during interseismic stages. A numerical analysis shows that the proposed model, designed to simulate the motion of a subducted slab, can correctly produce the deformation and the main pattern of stress concentration associated with plate coupling at a subduction zone. The validity of the synthesized model is examined and partially verified by analysing the horizontal deformation observed by GPS near the Nankai trough, southwest Japan.
Role of Entrepreneurship Education Program Triggers and Perceived Social Support in Student’s Entrepreneurship Intention Formation

Purpose: The research paper aims to understand the influence of specific triggers derived from entrepreneurship education programs (EEPs) on students’ intentions. Additionally, it extends the theory of planned behavior by including an additional construct of perceived social support (PSS) as a determinant of students’ entrepreneurship intention (EI). Methodology: A sample of 395 university students from the Indian state of Gujarat, who had previously attended EEPs, was selected. A convenient sampling method was employed to validate the scale, which was further refined using confirmatory factor analysis in the first stage and through the measurement model in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in the second step. Findings: The triggers derived from assessed EEPs had a significant impact on EI and its antecedents. While PSS did not have any significant impact on attitude, it did have considerable influence on perceived behavior control and subjective norms. Practical Implications: Universities should extensively address the trigger component in EEPs. It is the trigger derived from these programs that raises attitudes and intentions toward entrepreneurship. This article also confirms that PSS is essential for the development of EI, owing to which, policy support from government and universities does enhance the students’ enthusiasm to pursue sustainable entrepreneurship. Originality/Value: This research makes unique contribution to entrepreneurship literature by considering the role of ‘triggers’ that are acquired from EEPs because they raise the attitudes and intentions among students.
Magmatic control along a strike‐slip volcanic arc: The central Aeolian arc (Italy)

The regional stress field in volcanic areas may be overprinted by that produced by magmatic activity, promoting volcanism and faulting. In particular, in strike‐slip settings, the definition of the relationships between the regional stress field and magmatic activity remains elusive. To better understand these relationships, we collected stratigraphic, volcanic, and structural field data along the strike‐slip central Aeolian arc (Italy): here the islands of Lipari and Vulcano separate the extensional portion of the arc (to the east) from the contractional one (to the west). We collected >500 measurements of faults, extension fractures, and dikes at 40 sites. Most structures are NNE‐SSW to NNW‐SSE oriented, eastward dipping, and show almost pure dip‐slip motion, consistent with an E‐W extension direction, with minor dextral and sinistral shear. Our data highlight six eruptive periods during the last 55 ka, which allow considering both islands as a single magmatic system, in which tectonic and magmatic activities steadily migrated eastward and currently focus on a 10 km long × 2 km wide active segment. Faulting appears to mostly occur in temporal and spatial relation with magmatic events, supporting that most of the observable deformation derives from transient magmatic activity (shorter term, days to months), rather than from steady longer‐term regional tectonics (102–104 years). More in general, the central Aeolian case shows how magmatic activity may affect the structure and evolution of volcanic arcs, overprinting any strike‐slip motion with magma‐induced extension at the surface.
Performance of brassica cultivars from New Zealand and United States seed

Four turnip cultivars, two Swede, and one each of kale, rutabaga and Chinese-cabbage turnip hybrid were evaluated for their usefulness in extending the grazing season. The three replicates were planted on 28 July 1994 and harvested on 31 October and 3 November 1994. Dry matter yields ranged from 5460 kg/ha for Premier kale to 8877 kg/ha for Rondo turnip. Rondo turnip total yield of DM was significantly higher (P=O.O5) than all other cultivars except Doon Major Swede. Crude protein levels ranged from 8.5% to 24.3% for the tops and 5.9% to 13.4% for the bulbs, with NDF fibre levels of 17.6% to 21.4% for tops and 15.6% to 20.4% for the bulbs. All cultivars survived temperatures of -1O'C with Premier kale being the most winter hardy, surviving the winter minimum temperature of -21°C. Forage brassicas can provide high levels of quality forage for the late autumn and early winter period, significantly extending the grazing season in Ohio and the midwest US.
Palaeoenvironmental changes in Central Europe (NE Poland) during the last 6200 years reconstructed from a high-resolution multi-proxy peat archive

Peat deposits from an ombrotrophic bog (north-eastern Poland) were analysed to reconstruct peatland development and environmental changes. This paper presents reconstructions of hydrological changes and plant succession over the last 6000 years. The methods included the high-resolution analysis of plant macrofossils, pollen and testate amoebae, supported by radiocarbon dating. Three main phases were identified in the history of the bog and surrounding woodland vegetation: 4000–400 BC, 400 BC–AD 1700 and AD 1700–2011. Except for terrestrialisation and the fen-to-bog transition phase, the development of bog vegetation was mainly dependent on the climate until approximately AD 1700. The dominant taxon in Gązwa bog was Sphagnum fuscum/rubellum. Woodland development was significantly affected by human activity at several time periods. The most visible human activity, manifested by the decline of deciduous species, occurred ca. 350 BC, ca. AD 250, ca. AD 1350 and after AD 1700. These events correspond to phases of human settlement in the area. During 400–300 BC, the decline of deciduous trees, primarily Carpinus, coincided with an increase in indicators of human activity and fire frequency. At ca. AD 200, Carpinus and Tilia abundance decreased, corresponding to an increased importance of cereals (Secale and Triticum). Since ca. AD 1350, the impact of Teutonic settlement is apparent, and after AD 1700, deciduous forests largely disappeared.
Mobile DNA is replete with hotspots for the de novo emergence of gene regulation

DNA mutations that create new gene expression are important raw materials for Darwinian evolution. One potential source of new gene regulation is mobile DNA, which can sometimes drive the expression of genes near its insertion site in a genome through outward-directed promoters. However, we do not know how frequent this ability is, nor how frequently mobile DNA may evolve such promoters de novo. Here we address these questions for the insertion sequence family IS3, the most abundant family of a simple form of prokaryotic mobile DNA. First, we estimate that at least 30% of IS3 sequences harbor outward-directed promoters. Second, we combine high-throughput mutagenesis with a massively parallel reporter assay to show that single point mutations suffice to create outward-directed promoters in all the IS3 sequences we studied. We found that in 5.6% of 18’607 mutant IS3 sequences, promoter activity emerged de novo. Promoters preferentially arise at emergence hotspots in each IS3 sequence. These hotspots overlap with promoter motifs that already exist or are newly created by mutation. One common route to promoter activity is gaining a -10 box downstream of an existing -35 box, which we call “Shiko Emergence. ” Overall, we show that mobile DNA has a high latent potential to drive new gene expression. This makes mobile DNA ideal for domestication by its host organism. It also raises intriguing questions about how this potential has evolved.
Candidate Genes Associated with Parity Mode Evolution are Under Selection in Oviparous and Viviparous Snakes

Over 100 divergent lineages of squamates are viviparous (live-bearing) while others are oviparous (egg-laying). Estimated origins of oviparity and viviparity across the squamate phylogeny are a subject of scientific debate. Identifying genomic changes that influence parity mode evolution can provide insights on the adaptive nature of both parity modes. Using BUSTED in the HyPhy suite and whole genomes of 27 species of snakes, I test for gene-wide episodic diversifying selection (EDS) in 1,587 candidate genes. The genomes represent 14 viviparous and 13 oviparous species across four families (Viperidae, Elapidae, Natricidae, and Pythonidae), including eight new genomes from Lachesis muta, Lachesis stenophrys, Agkistrodon contortrix, Trimeresurus albolabris, Gloydius halys, Ophryacus undulatus, Ovophis monticola, and Calloselasma rhodostoma. Candidate genes were chosen based on evidence for their involvement of seven physiological processes expected to change during evolutionary transitions between parity modes. EDS was measured across candidate gene trees under different foreground branch tests: 1) all viviparous branches, 2) viviparous Viperidae branches, 3) viviparous Elapidae and Natricidae branches, 4) all oviparous branches, and 5) oviparous Viperidae branches (estimated reversals). Over 16% of tests found evidence for EDS, translating to 533 genes with EDS associated with parity mode. Some genes had significant EDS in multiple tests. However, the ‘all oviparous’ test identified a 2.8 to 5.9-fold increase in the number of unique genes with EDS compared to other foreground tests. These results suggest that EDS may influence the evolution of both oviparity and viviparity. Future research using population-level data from snakes may further elucidate the role of selection in parity mode evolution.
Fertility is compromised after oocyte-specific deletion of Katanin A-subunit, Katna1, but not Katnal1

Katanins are microtubule severing enzymes that play roles in shaping diverse microtubule-based structures during all cell cycle stages. To address the role of katanin A-subunits in mammalian oocytes, we have used the Zp3-CreLox approach to specifically delete katanin A1 (Katna1) and katanin A-like 1 (Katnal1) from the start of oocyte growth in mice. Here, we show that Katnal1 is not required for normal female fertility, but that deletion of Katna1 causes a 50% decrease in fertility. Further investigation in Katna1-/- oocytes revealed no effect on MI spindle morphology but a significant effect on the morphology of MII spindles. This was accompanied by a decreased rate of fertilisation. Resultant Katna1+/- heterozygous embryos that reached the 2-cell stage developed at normal rates to the blastocyst stage. Diploid homozygous parthenotes derived from Katna1-/- oocytes revealed a reduced rate of blastocyst formation, decreased cell number and increased nuclear size. The ability of the paternal allele to rescue preimplantation development suggests the origin of the decrease in the fertility of conditional Katna1-/- mice lies in abnormalities arising in the egg to embryo transition prior to embryonic genome activation.
Neurocognitive Dynamics of Preparatory and Adaptive Cognitive Control: Insights from Mass-Univariate and Multivariate Pattern Analysis of EEG data

Cognitive control encompasses a set of basic perceptual and reasoning processes that help us align thoughts and actions with goals. While a growing body of research indicates that these processes can be independently engaged and tuned to fit different tasks (e.g., behavioural preparation vs behavioural adaptation), the dynamic interplay of these processes and their functional timing within the information stream, remains elusive. In this study, we used a combination of mass-univariate and multivariate pattern analysis to examine electroencephalography data from 52 participants, recorded during performance of the Dot Pattern Expectancy Task (DPX), a task designed to assess both preparatory and adaptive cognitive control. Contrary to the notion of isolated neural signatures for either cognitive control mode, our data indicates that cognitive control engages a sequence of distinct yet partially overlapping brain activation patterns. Preparatory cue-stimuli evoked early transient occipital-parietal amplitude responses that were followed by enhanced sustained central-parietal and fronto-central amplitude responses. Similarly, adaptive probe-stimuli evoked enhanced early transient occipital-parietal amplitude responses, but these were followed by enhanced transient, fronto-central and central parietal amplitude responses. Moreover, we found significant relationships between the magnitude of the central-parietal and fronto-central amplitude response pattern and behavioural performance in the DPX. This research not only extends prior work but also offers valuable insights into the functional timing and organisation of the neurocognitive processes underpinning both preparatory and adaptive cognitive control.
Structure and regulation of GSDMD pores at the plasma membrane of pyroptotic cells

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) executes inflammatory cell death pyroptosis by permeabilizing the plasma membrane (PM). We introduce polymer-supported PM (PSPM) to gain access to the cytoplasmic side of the PM with imaging techniques while preserving the native PM complexity and lipid microenvironment. By combining PSPM with DNA-PAINT super-resolution microscopy we visualized, for the first time, GSDMD nanostructures directly at the PM of pyroptotic cells. We resolved diverse macromolecular architectures with ring-and arc-shaped GSDMD oligomers that enable PM permeabilization. The pyroptotically-inactive mutant GSDMD-C192A (human C191A) still interacts with the PM however fails to form pores. GSDMD expression levels affect pore density but not permeabilization ability. Finally, we identified the local PI(3,4,5)P3 concentration as a key regulatory element of PM permeabilization. Increase in PI(3,4,5)P3 levels in the PM during pyroptosis facilitates growth into large ring-shaped pores. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identified the mechanism by which PI(3,4,5)P3 stabilizes the GSDMD assembly.
Do bed bugs transmit human viruses, or do humans transmit bed bug viruses? A worldwide survey of the bed bug RNA virosphere

Bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are a globally distributed hematophagous pest that routinely feed on humans. Unlike many blood-sucking arthropods, they have never been linked to disease transmission in a natural setting, and despite interest in their role as disease vectors, little is known about the viruses that bed bugs naturally harbor. Here, we present a global-scale survey of the bed bug RNA virosphere. We sequenced the metatranscriptomes of 22 individual bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus) from 8 locations around the world. We detected sequences from two known bed bug viruses (Shuangao bedbug virus 1 and Shuangao bedbug virus 2) which extends their geographical range and the host range of Shuangao bedbug virus 1 to Cimex lectularius. We identified three novel bed bug virus sequences from a tenui-like virus (Bunyavirales), a toti-like virus (Ghabrivirales), and a luteo-like virus (Tolivirales). Interestingly, some of the bed bug viruses branch near to insect-transmitted plant-infecting viruses, opening questions regarding the evolution of plant virus infection. When we analyzed the putative viral sequences by their host’s collection location, we found unexpected patterns of geographical diversity that may reflect humans’ role in bed bug dispersal. Additionally, we investigated the effect that Wolbachia, the primary bed bug endosymbiont, may have on viral abundance and found that Wolbachia infection neither promotes nor inhibits viral infection. Finally, our results provide no evidence that bed bugs transmit any known human pathogenic viruses.