Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of the improved unified constitutive model for open pit applications

The improved unified constitutive model (IUCM) was developed by collating the most notable recent research works in the area of rock mechanics and extensive back-analysis of mining case histories together into a unified material model. This model has proven to provide a considerably more reliable prediction of rock mass behaviour than other currently available constitutive models. Comparison between IUCM and other conventional models has been shown by Vakili (2017) and Vakili et al. (2014). Also, a transparent presentation of the model components and a detailed guideline for the selection of input parameters make the IUCM an excellent candidate to potentially become a standard material model for numerical modelling in rock mechanics. However, as described by Vakili (2016), the majority of the back-analyses and validation studies completed during the development of the IUCM used mining case histories dealing with small to medium underground excavations including development drives/tunnels, vertical shafts, pillars, and open stopes. Therefore, use of the IUCM for other applications such as open pit slope stability required further verification and validation for open pit case histories. This paper first provides a brief introduction to the IUCM and then summarises five open pit case studies where the IUCM was used for slope stability analysis. The case studies provide a transparent and unbiased record of not only the successful applications, but also cases where the model was not able to accurately replicate the observed behaviour. These examples provide guidelines on where the IUCM can be used successfully, and where pitfalls may occur.
Electrophoretic Deposition and Characterization of Functional Coatings Based on an Antibacterial Gallium (III)-Chitosan Complex

Despite their broad biomedical applications in orthopedics and dentistry, metallic implants are still associated with failures due to their lack of surface biofunctionality, leading to prosthesis-related microbial infections. In order to address this issue, the current study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of a novel type of antibacterial coating based on gallium (III)-chitosan (Ga (III)-CS) complex layers deposited on metallic substrates via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Aiming for the production of homogeneous and monophasic coatings, a two step-procedure was applied: the first step involved the synthesis of the Ga (III)-CS complex, followed by EPD from suitable solutions in an acetic acid–aqueous solvent. The influence of Ga (III) concentration on the stability of the suspensions was evaluated in terms of zeta potential. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopic analyses indicated the chelation of CS with Ga (III) within the coatings, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that no additional metallic gallium deposited during EPD. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the wettability, mechanical properties, swelling ability, and enzymatic degradation of the coatings were affected by the quantity of Ga (III) ions. Colony forming unit (CFU) tests showed a strong synergistic effect between CS and Ga (III) in inhibiting Escherichia coli strain growth compared to control CS samples. An in vitro study with MG-63 cells showed that Ga (III)-containing coatings were not toxic after 24 h of incubation.
Robust wall states in rapidly rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection

We show, using direct numerical simulations with experimentally realizable boundary conditions, that wall modes in Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a rapidly rotating cylinder persist even very far from their linear onset. These nonlinear wall states survive in the presence of turbulence in the bulk and are robust with respect to changes in the shape of the boundary of the container. In this sense, these states behave much like the topologically protected states present in two-dimensional chiral systems even though rotating convection is a three-dimensional nonlinear driven dissipative system. We suggest that the robustness of this nonlinear state may provide an explanation for the strong zonal flows observed recently in experiments and simulations of rapidly rotating convection at high Rayleigh number.
Mesopause Airglow Disturbances Driven by Nonlinear Infrasonic Acoustic Waves Generated by Large Earthquakes

Near‐epicentral mesopause airglow perturbations, driven by infrasonic acoustic waves (AWs) during a nighttime analog of the 2011 M9.1 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake, are simulated through the direct numerical computation of the 3D nonlinear Navier‐Stokes equations. Surface dynamics from a forward seismic wave propagation simulation, initialized with a kinematic slip model and performed with the SPECFEM3D_GLOBE model, are used to excite AWs into the atmosphere from ground level. Simulated mesopause airglow perturbations include steep oscillations and persistent nonlinear depletions up to 50% and 70% from the background state, respectively, for the hydroxyl OH(3,1) and oxygen O(1S) 557.7‐nm emissions. Results suggest that AWs excited near a large earthquake's epicenter may be strong enough to drive fluctuations in mesopause airglow, some which may persist after the AWs have passed, that could be readily detectable with ground‐ and/or satellite‐based imagers. Synthetic data demonstrate that future airglow observations may be used for the characterization of earthquake mechanisms and surface seismic waves propagation, potentially complementing tsunami early‐warning systems based on total electron content (TEC) observations.
Reduction of Excretory Phosphorus and Trace Minerals by Dietary Supplementation of Microbial Phytase in Broiler Chicks

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of microbial phytase on excretory phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) in broiler chicks. Male broiler chicks with three replications of 10 chicks each were given free access to the experimental diet from 7 to 21 days of age. The basal diet consisted mainly of corn, soybean meal and defatted rice bran, and contained 0.60% total P, 0.30% non-phytate P, 0.90% calcium, 8.1mg Cu, 82.3mg Zn and 95.3mg Mn per kg of diet, and 0.1% chromium oxide as an indicator. To the basal diet, defluorinated phosphate (0.075 and 0.15% as non-phytate P) or microbial phytase (125, 250 and 500units/kg of diet) was added. The excreta of each replication were collected for the last three days of the experiment, and the retention ratio and excretion of total P, phytate P, Cu, Zn and Mn were calculated.The retention ratio of total P, Cu and Zn increased almost linearly with the increase of supplemented phytase. When 500units/kg phytase were added, total P excretion was reduced by 31%, and the excretion of Cu and Zn was also reduced by 7%, respectively, in comparison with the diet containing 0.45% non-phytate P. However, the excretion of Mn was not affected by the addition of phytase.
Increased new particle yields with largely decreased probability of survival to CCN size at the summit of Mt. Tai under reduced SO2 emissions

Abstract. Because anthropogenic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have decreased considerably in the last decade, PM2.5 pollution in China has been alleviated to some extent. However, the effects of reduced SO2 on the particle number concentrations and subsequent contributions of grown new particles to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) populations, particularly at high altitudes with low aerosol number loadings, are poorly understood. In contrast, the increase in provincial forest areas in China with rapid afforestation over the last few decades expectedly increases the biogenic emissions of volatile organic compounds and their oxidized products as nucleating precursors therein. In this study, we evaluated the campaign-based measurements made at the summit of Mt. Tai (1534 m a.s.l.) from 2007 to 2018. With the decrease in SO2 mixing ratios from 15 ± 13 ppb in 2007 to 1.6 ± 1.6 ppb in 2018, the apparent formation rate (FR) of new particles and the net maximum increase in the nucleation-mode particle number concentration (NMINP) in the spring campaign of 2018 was 2- to 3-fold higher than those in the spring campaign of 2007 with almost the same occurrence frequency of new particle formation (NPF) events. In contrast, the campaign-based comparison showed that the occurrence frequency, in which the maximum geometric median diameter of the grown new particles (Dpgmax) was > 50 nm, decreased considerably from 43 %–78 % of the NPF events before 2015 to < 12 % in 2017–2018. Assuming > 50 nm as a CCN threshold size at high supersaturations, the observed net CCN production decreased from 3.7 × 103 cm−3 (on average) in the five campaigns before 2015 to 1.0 × 103 cm−3 (on average) in the two campaigns in 2017–2018. We argue that the increases in the apparent FR and NMINP are mainly determined by the availability of organic precursors that participate in nucleation and initial growth, whereas the decrease in the growth probability is caused by the reduced emissions of anthropogenic precursors. However, large uncertainties still exist because of a lack of data on the chemical composition of these smaller particles.
Excitement and Realities in Microarray Analysis of the Biological Effects of Polyphenols

The mechanisms by which polyphenols and their metabolites alter the functions of cells (proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis) is of great interest as investigators explore their roles in the prevention of disease. DNA microarray analysis is a widespread technology that provides a glimpse of global gene expression. It may provide important perspectives in polyphenols research, involving new leads for further scientific investigation. However, what are its limitations? Are the statistics used in the analysis of microarray data fundamentally sound? Do we really know how to approach the analysis of a system? These topics are discussed along with some recent applications of microarray analysis to polyphenols research.
Fleas (Siphonaptera) from vole nests in subarctic Alaska

Vole fleas totalling 2420 specimens were obtained from 160 of 291 nests, principally of Microtus spp. , collected in 66 localities in five regions of Alaska below the Arctic Circle, from 1973 to 1980. Six taxa were in family Hystrichopsyllidae, three in Leptopsyllidae, and five in Ceratophyllidae. Seven taxa are known as Nearctic and six as Amphiberingian, and together in Alaska they form a complex of distribution patterns that was examined from a pentaregional viewpoint. Nearctic forms were preponderant, in numbers of individuals if not taxa, in the southeast, south central, and southwest regions; Amphiberingian forms were preponderant in the interior and especially the west central region. Rearing records suggested that three of the taxa have more than one generation per year. A few shrew, ground squirrel, and ermine fleas were also found in vole nests, and two taxa of vole fleas were reared from lemming nests.
Seed Reserves and Seedling Development in Winter Wheat

(.) Excision of endosperm delayed the first two phyllochrons, prevented outgrowth of the coloptilar tiller, an sligtly delayed the appearance of the next two tillers. Plant dry weight, leaf numbers and dimensions, number of nodal roots, and total numbers of tillers were all affected by endosperm excision. The combined area of the first two leaves was linearly correlated with aleurone area for all seed treatments (.)
Snow Moving to Higher Elevations: Analyzing Three Decades of Snowline Dynamics in the Alps

In the Alps, snow cover dynamics can be monitored using Earth observation (EO). However, low revisit frequency and cloud cover pose a challenge to long‐term time series analysis using high spatial resolution EO images. In this study, we applied the random forest regression to model regional snowline elevations (RSEs). In this manner, daily snowline dynamics and their long‐term trends can be derived, despite the aforementioned challenges. Of the six investigated Alpine catchments between 1984 and 2018, a significant increasing trend of RSEs is shown in four catchments in the early ablation seasons (between 5.38 ± 2.64 and 11.29 ± 4.79 m·a−1) and five catchments in the middle ablation seasons (between 4.17 ± 2.62 and 8.76 ± 4.42 m·a−1). On average, the random forest regression models can explain 75% of the RSE variations. Furthermore, air temperature was found influential in snow persistence especially during middle and late ablation seasons.
Analyzing the Variability of Remote Sensing and Hydrologic Model Evapotranspiration Products in a Watershed in Michigan

The goal of this paper was to statistically explore the spatiotemporal performance of remotely sensed actual evapotranspiration (ETa) datasets and a remotely sensed ensemble in a region that lacks observed data. The remotely sensed datasets were further compared with ETa results from a physically based hydrologic model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) to examine the differences and determine the level of agreement between the ETa datasets and the model outputs. ETa datasets were compared on temporal (i.e., monthly and seasonal basis) and spatial (i.e., landuse) scales at both watershed and subbasin levels. The results showed a lack of consistent similarities and differences among the datasets when evaluating the monthly ETa variations; however, the seasonal aggregated data presented more consistent similarities and differences during the spring and summer compared to the fall and winter. Meanwhile, spatial analysis of the datasets showed the MOD16A2 500 m ETa product was the most versatile of the tested datasets, being able to differentiate between landuses during all seasons. Furthermore, the use of an averaging ensemble was able to improve overall ETa performance in the study area. This study showed that the remotely sensed ETa products are not similar throughout the year, but the appropriate application periods for different ETa products were identified. Finally, spatial variabilities of the ETa products are more in tune with landuse and climate characteristics.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Equine Glanders in Selected Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

Glanders is highly contagious and zoonotic bacterial disease of equines caused by Burkholderia mallei. Since many decades, glanders is endemic in eastern parts (Punjab) of Pakistan and has no information of disease in the north-western region (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – KPK). Therefore, present study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in two draft equine populated districts (Charsada and Peshawar) of KPK. A total of 393 equine samples originating from different localities of study area were investigated for anti-B. mallei antibodies (glanders) using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ID Vet, Grabels France). The overall seroprevalence was found to be 3.1% (95% CI: 1.6-5.3) which remained insignificantly (χ2 0.421, P=0.516) between the two districts. In Charsada, prevalence estimates varied significantly (χ2 11.986, P=0.017) among 5 localities and found insignificant (χ2 1.287, P=0.732) in different sampling areas of Peshawar district. Donkeys were more seropositive (4.1%; 4/195) than horses (2.1%; 8/194) which did not differ statistically (χ2 1.397, P=0.237) and all mules were tested negative. Prevalence slight increased with age of animals (>10 years) and with poor body conditions. Donkeys were more test positive (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 0.61-6.94) than horses and similarly animals managed on communal feeding (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.23-14.5) and water troughs (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.21-13.04) had more chances of contracting glanders. Multivariable model indicated donkeys (OR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.0, 20.9) and equines above 10 years of age (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 0.7-13.3) were more likely to test positive for glanders. In conclusion, present study provides prevalence estimates of equine glanders in KPK regions, which appears to be an area of endemicity. Future large-scale investigations are seriously warranted in other equine populated districts before implementing an effective control plan for glanders
Condition of coral reefs in east belitung, bangka belitung islands, Indonesia.

Belitung Island has abundant fishery resources. In terms of the coastal ecosystem, Belitung Island has three crucial components, namely the mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef ecosystems. The purpose of the present study is to examine the diversity of coral reefs in the coastal areas of the eastern part of Belitung Island. Sampling locations are in Pekandis Island, Gosong Semut, and Keran Island. The results show that the diversity of coral reef in this region is medium based on the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index. High evenness of species distribution and no dominant species was indicated. This study concludes that coral reef in East Belitung was not affected by external factors at the time of study, but new studies are needed.
The moderating effect of Guanxi on supply chain competencies of logistics firms in China

ABSTRACT This paper aims to explore the causal linkages between information sharing, trust & commitment and relationship-specific investment, and logistics and supply chain (LSC) competencies of logistics service providers (LSPs). The moderating effect of Guanxi on the relationships between the three dimensions and LSC competencies of LSPs was also explored. A conceptual model of LSC competencies was developed based on Social Capital Theory. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis results based on a survey conducted in China reveal that relationship management factors (i.e. information sharing and trust & commitment) are significantly related to LSC competencies while relationship-specific investment has no significant relationship with LSC competencies. The results also reveal that significant negative moderation effects of Guanxi on the relationships between information sharing and positioning competency, between information sharing and distribution support competency. In addition, it was found that significant negative moderation effects of Guanxi exist on the relationships between relationship-specific investment and positioning competency.
Abundance patterns and species richness of the parasitoids and inquilines of the alien gall-former Andricus quercuscalicis (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)

1) Four parasitoid species attack the gall-maker in the agamic galls of the invading cynipid Andricus quercuscalicis and further two parasitoid species attack inquiline larvae developing in the parenchymatic wall of the gall. The abundance of the parasitoids and inquilines are correlated with: 1) gall morphology; 2) the geographical location within Europe where the samples were collected; and 3) the abundance of other members of the species complex. 2) The invading gall wasp has been present for different periods of time at different sites, and this is likely to affect the geographic distribution of attack by parasitoid and inquiline species. One of the parasitoid species was restricted to the native range in south-eastern Europe (Aulogymnus trilineatus), while another species (Cecidostiba hilaris), a parasitoid of the inquilines, was present throughout continental Europe but is not yet recorded from the British Isles. Species richness of the parasitoid complex associated with the galls of A. quercuscalicis declined with increasing distance away from the native range. Within the native range, however, species richness was negatively correlated with the total number of cynipid species (alternative hosts for the parasitoid species) recorded at the same sample site. 3) The size of mature knopper galls declined westwards and northwards away from the native range of the gall wasp. Inquiline abundance was higher in larger galls, and so was the occurrence of one of the parasitoid species, Megastigmus stigmatizans. The occurrence of two other parasitoid species was negatively correlated with gall size while one species, Mesopolobus jucundus, was not affected by gall size. 4) Neither the abundance of inquilines nor of parasitoids attacking the inquilines show any significant geographical trend associated with the invasion history of the gall-maker. Attack rates by C. hilaris, the dominant parasitoid species in continental Europe, showed a slight positive density dependence to the number of inquilines per gall, while those by M. jucundus, the dominant parasitoid of inquiline in Britain, showed no such trend.
The Role of Powertrain Electrification in Achieving Deep Decarbonization in Road Freight Transport

Decarbonizing road freight transport is difficult due to its reliance on fossil fuel internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). The role of powertrain electrification in achieving deep decarbonization in road freight transport was studied using a vehicle stock turnover model, focusing on Japan. Twelve vehicle types were considered; combining four powertrains, ICEV, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV); and three vehicle size classes, normal, compact and mini-sized vehicles. A scenario-based approach was used; considering a Base scenario, and three alternative scenarios targeting powertrain electrification. Between 2012 and 2050, tank to wheel CO2 emissions decrease 42.8% in the Base scenario, due to the reduction of vehicle stock, the improvement of vehicle fuel consumption and the adoption of HEVs. Diffusion of FCEVs in normal vehicles and BEVs in compact and mini-sized vehicles achieves the largest tank to wheel CO2 emissions reductions, up to 44.6% compared with the 2050 baseline value. The net cash flow is positive over the whole time horizon, peaking at 6.7 billion USD/year in 2049 and reaching 6.6 billion USD/year by 2050. Powertrain electrification is not enough to achieve any of the CO2 emissions reduction targets in road freight transport.
BIOLOGY OF COMMON ROSE BUTTERFLY, PACHLIOPTA ARISTOLOCHIAE FABRICIUS (LEPIDOPTERA: PAPILIONIDAE) ON THE HOST PLANT, ARISTOLOCHIA INDICA L. (ARISTOLOCHIACEAE)

To study the biology of Pachliopta aristolochiae on its host plant Aristolochia indica singly laid eggs on the host plant were collected from the field and reared in the laboratory under optimum conditions of temperature (28 ± 3 °C) and relative humidity (70 ± 5% RH). Incubation period of the egg was 5.0 ± 0.6 days, larval developmental period was 11 ± 0.3 days, pre? pupal period was 0.87 ± 0.08 day, and the pupation took 12 ± 0.63 days. The length of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae were 4.0 ± 0.63, 9 ± 0.63, 22.6 ± 5.2 and 38.2 ± 4.70 mm, respectively. The feeding potential rate of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae were 11.4 ± 5.04, 29.6 ± 5.12, 51.4 ± 6.0 and 72.8 ± 4.9%, respectively. The weight of the faeces of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae were 0.012 ± 0.004, 0.047 ± 0.018, 0.0114 ± 0.023 and 0.274 ± 0.045 gm, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i2. 20090 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(2): 109-117, 2014
School-Contextual Paths to Student Bullying Behaviour: Teachers Under Time Pressure are Less Likely to Intervene and the Students Know It!

ABSTRACT We assessed whether the level of time-pressure reported by a school’s teachers is predictive of student bullying perpetration. We combined data from two surveys conducted in 129 schools in 2016: the Stockholm School Survey performed among students in grades 9 and 11 (n = 10,668), and the Stockholm Teacher Survey carried out among senior level (grades 7–9) and upper secondary school (grades 10–12) teachers (n = 2259). Multilevel path analyses showed that teachers’ stress and time-pressure increased with declining school leadership functioning. Teachers’ level of time-pressure was, in turn, positively associated with student traditional and cyberbullying behaviour, through its effect on the school staff’s tendency (not) to intervene against bullying, but not through the teachers’ stress level. We conclude that schools with leadership that provides opportunities for the teachers to focus on their main mission can counteract bullying among the students and therefore indirectly also to promote student health.