Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamics of Water Solubility and Partitioning

When it was realized that nominally anhydrous minerals could be a major storage site of water in the mantle (Smyth 1987; Bell and Rossman 1992), it also became rather obvious that many mantle samples probably have lost most of their water during ascent (e.g., Ingrin and Skogby 2000). While analyses of natural samples therefore in many circumstances only provide a lower limit of the actual water content in the mantle, measurements of water solubility give an upper limit of the amount of water that might be stored in a mineral. Experimental measurements of water solubility have therefore naturally evolved in the last decades as a major tool for understanding the water storage capacity of the mantle. Closely related to studies of water solubility are studies of water partitioning among minerals. If the water solubility in two minerals is known under given conditions, the partition coefficient is just the ratio of the water solubilities under the same conditions, provided that the composition of the fluid coexisting with the two minerals is the same. Since the pioneering work of Bai and Kohlstedt (1992) and of Kohlstedt et al. (1996), the water solubility in all major upper mantle minerals has been studied as well as the partitioning of water between the minerals of the lower mantle and the transition zone. Solubility studies by themselves do not directly give the water content in the mantle. They constrain the storage capacity of the mantle, i.e., the maximum amount of water that may be stored, if the mantle were water-saturated. However, as most of the mantle is very likely water-undersaturated, the actual water content is probably far below the storage capacity. Estimates of the actual abundance and distribution of water in the mantle may be obtained by combining solubility and partitioning data with direct …
Turonian bivalves from the Gabonese coastal basin: the Belle Vue 3 section, Libreville south region

A systematic study on bivalves has been carried out in the Turonian of the Gabonese coastal basin from the Belle Vue 3 section in the south of Libreville region. Three genera including seven species are distinguished: Granocardium (Granocardium) sp. , Lima (Plagiostoma) grenieri (Coquand), Lima (Plagiostoma) pseudohornesi Riedel, L. (Plagiostoma) cf. perplana (Koenen), L. (Plagiostroma) sp. , Rastellum diluvianum (Linne) and R. sp. Rastellum is reported here for the first time in the Gabonese coastal basin. The species L. (Plagiostoma) cf. perplana (Koenen) and L. (Plagiostroma) sp. are found for the first time in the Gabonese coastal basin. The assemblage of bivalve faunas from Belle Vue 3 section is dominated by representative of the genus Lima and more precisely by representative of L. (Plagiostoma) sp. The bivalves associations are regarded as parautochthonous.
EFFECTS OF SELECTED SOCIO-CULTURAL PRACTICES ON WOMEN IN FOOD PRODUCTION IN GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Despite modernization, acceptance of scientific reasoning and advancement in technology, the Nigerian culture has a firm hold on peoples’ behaviour, attitude and practices even in this 21stcentury and the negative aspects continue to impact on the lives of women. The study examined the effects of selected socio-cultural practices on women involved in food production in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Total of 100 women farmers were selected as study sample using cross sectional design. Primary and secondary data were collected; primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire administered through interview while secondary data were collected from documents, journals, proceedings and periodicals. Descriptive statistics was used to make the data meaningful. Results revealed that 50% had problem of gender discrimination concerning land acquisition, 46% produce between 1100-2000 kg of farm produce, 97% of the women farmers performed virtually all the farm activities involved in food production, 79% needed farm inputs, 42% of the respondents were of the opinion that winnowing is one of the agricultural activities that is specifically meant for women and 81% of the respondents were constrained by agricultural support services. It is recommended that cultural and religious barriers prohibiting women’s access to land should cease to exist so that women could own their personal farm land and agricultural support services should directed towards women.
Tracking solitary waves below land-fast ice

[1] Data from two acoustic Doppler current profilers, separated by 76 m and deployed through land-fast ice in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in May 2002, are examined. The three velocity components were sampled intermittently at 1-minute intervals over a 3-week period to 19 m below the ice-water interface. The vertical structure was resolved using empirical orthogonal functions (EOF), while the shallow water Korteweg de Vries (KdV) and deep water Benjamin-Ono (BO) theoretical solutions were used to guide a pseudo-wavelet analysis of the horizontal structure. Numerous instances of near-simultaneous spikes were detected in the empirical mode 1 time series. A 3.5-hour period on 21 May 2002 containing two disturbances was examined in detail. Wavelet scalograms suggested that there was a 20-minute lag in the first disturbance and 16 minutes in the second. The scalogram values indicated that KdV was more consistent with the waveshapewave shapes than BO theory. The character of the two events was very different. The first had a broader spatial distribution than the second, and the measured translational speed was reasonably consistent with that of a mode 1 KdV solitary wave. The second event had a much slower propagation speed and a near surface maximum in the vertical velocity eigenvector, suggesting a mode 2 wave. It is suggested that ice keels from a nearby pressure ridge could be the source.
Green Extraction of Polyphenols via Deep Eutectic Solvents and Assisted Technologies from Agri-Food By-Products

Polyphenols are the largest group of phytochemicals with important biological properties. Their presence in conveniently available low-cost sources, such as agri-food by-products, has gained considerable attention in their recovery and further exploitation. Retrieving polyphenols in a green and sustainable way is crucial. Recently, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been identified as a safe and environmentally benign medium capable of extracting polyphenols efficiently. This review encompasses the current knowledge and applications of DESs and assisted technologies to extract polyphenols from agri-food by-products. Particular attention has been paid to fundamental mechanisms and potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In this way, DESs and DESs-assisted with advanced techniques offer promising opportunities to recover polyphenols from agri-food by-products efficiently, contributing to a circular and sustainable economy.
A Literature Review on the Use of Aortic Allografts in Modern Cardiac Surgery for the Treatment of Infective Endocarditis: Is There Clear Evidence or Is It Merely a Perception?

Infective valve endocarditis is caused by different pathogens and 60% of those involve the aortic valve with valve failure. Although S. aureus is recognized as the most frequently isolated causative bacterium associated with IE in high-income countries, Gram-positive cocci nevertheless play a crucial role in promoting infection in relation to their adhesive matrix molecules. The presence of pili on the surface of Gram-positive bacteria such as in different strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus spp. , grants these causative pathogens a great offensive capacity due to the formation of biofilms and resistance to antibiotics. The indications and timing of surgery in endocarditis are debated as well as the choice of the ideal valve substitute to replace the diseased valve(s) when repair is not possible. We reviewed the literature and elaborated a systematic approach to endocarditis management based on clinical, microbiological, and anatomopathological variables known to affect postoperative outcomes with the aim to stratify the patients and orient decision making. From this review emerges significant findings on the risk of infection in the allograft used in patients with endocarditis and no endocarditis etiology suggesting that the use of allografts has proved safety and effectiveness in patients with both pathologies.
Electrochemical study of carboxylated chitosan-graft-poly (Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone) films for supercapacitor applications

ABSTRACT The present study aimed at preparing-grafted-poly(vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) film and carboxylated chitosan-grafted-po (vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) films using gamma irradiation. poly(vinyl-2-pyrrolidone was grafted onto carboxylated chitosan based on different concentrations of in-situ reaction media. Properties of films were characterized by various techniques of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The energy storage capability of the films was tested using electrochemical analysis as it could act as electrodes for supercapacitors. Both NaOH and KOH have acted as devise electrolytes for comparison of electrodes performance. From cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies, carboxylated chitosan-grafted-poly(vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) films at concentration of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone was 20 (v/v)% that exposed the highest specific capacitance, energy density, and power density in NaOH. Results refer to the capability of the prepared films could be applied as electrodes in supercapacitor devices. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTComparison of GCD performance of carboxylated CS-g-PVP30 film in different electrolytes at 5mA.
Serum Vitamin D3 Concentration, Sleep, and Cognitive Impairment among Older Adults in China

Background: Cognitive decline in older adults has become one of the critical challenges to global health. This study aims to examine both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) (briefed as VD3) concentration and sleep quality/duration, especially their interactions, with risk of cognitive impairment among older adults in China. Methods: We utilized a special subsample of adults aged 65–105 years (individuals = 3412, observations = 4816) from eight provinces in China derived from the 2011/2012 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cognitive impairment was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination scale. Sleep quality was classified as good versus fair/poor, and sleep duration was classified into short (<7 h), normal (≥7 but <9 h), and long (≥9 h). The VD3 concentration was divided into three levels: deficiency (VD3 < 25 nmol/L), insufficiency (25 nmol/L ≤ VD3 < 50 nmol/L), and sufficiency (VD3 ≥ 50 nmol/L). A wide set of covariates that include demographics, socioeconomic status, family support, health practice, and health conditions was adjusted for robust findings. Multilevel random intercept logit regression models were used to examine the cross-sectional associations between VD3, sleep, and cognitive impairment, whereas logit regression models were applied to investigate the longitudinal associations. Results: In the cross-sectional analyses, when all covariates were adjusted, VD3 sufficiency was significantly associated with a 33% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared with VD3 deficiency; good sleep quality was associated with 34% lower odds of cognitive impairment compared with fair/poor sleep quality; sleep hours were not associated with cognitive impairment, although a long sleep duration (≥9 h) was associated with 30% higher odds of being cognitively impaired when baseline health was not controlled. Interaction analyses reveal that VD3 sufficiency could help to additionally reduce the risk of cognitive impairment for good sleep quality and normal sleep hours. In the longitudinal analyses, the association of VD3 sufficiency remains significant, whereas sleep quality and sleep duration were not significant associates. Conclusions: Good sleep quality, normal sleep hours, and VD3 sufficiency are positively associated with good cognitive function. VD3 sufficiency could enhance the associations between sleep and cognitive impairment.
Classification and variation of sea ice ridging in the western Arctic basin

A one-parameter model for pressure ridges is developed and compared, with good agreement, with over 3000 km of laser profile data taken from November 1970 to February 1973 in the Arctic basin. Comparisons are also made with a previously developed two-parameter model. The number of ridges per kilometer at any height level may be well predicted from the one-parameter model by using a parameter called ridging intensity (denoted by γh) which may be determined for a region from the mean number of ridges per unit length and the mean ridge height. Regional and temporal variations in ridging intensity in the western Arctic basin are studied. Results indicate that although magnitudes of ridging intensity vary in time, the relative regional variations are similar. Consequently, three distinct regions of ridging intensity having relatively stable boundaries can be defined. Annual variation in new ice production due to ridging is sufficiently large to suggest that ridging plays an important role in the overall mass balance of the Arctic basin.
High Overburden Stress Effects in Liquefaction Analyses

A reevaluation is presented of two factors that can strongly affect the estimation of liquefaction resistance for clean sands under high effective overburden stresses (σv′): the relation used to normalize penetration resistances to a σv′ of 1 atm (i.e., CN), and the adjustment factor for the effects of σv′ on cyclic resistance ratio (i.e., Kσ). These two factors have been investigated in a number of ways and several relations exist for each of them. An improved CN relation is developed based on cone penetration theory and validation against calibration chamber test data for both cone penetration and standard penetration tests. A relative state parameter index (ξR) is shown to provide a consistent theoretical framework for interrelating the penetration and cyclic loading resistances. It is subsequently shown that the CN and Kσ relations are interrelated through the sand properties and relative density (DR) in ways that have compensating effects on the predicted cyclic resistance. The derived relations prov.
Hierarchical Morphing Control of an Ultra-Lightweight Electro-Actuated Polymer Telescope with Thin-Film Actuators

This paper explores advanced shape control techniques for ultra-lightweight electro-actuated polymers with composite ferroelectric thin films. It begins with an overview of PVDF-TrFE film actuators used in the development of thin-shell composites, emphasizing the need to overcome constraints related to the electrode size for successful scalability. Strain generation in thin-film actuators is investigated, including conventional electrode-based methods and non-contact electron flux excitation. Numerical studies incorporate experimentally calibrated ferroelectric parameters, modeling non-contact actuation with an equivalent circuit representation. The potential distribution generated by electron flux injection highlights its potential for reducing print-through actuation issues. Additionally, the paper outlines a vision for the future of large thin-shell reflectors by integrating the discussed methods for charging ferroelectric polymer films. A hierarchical control strategy is proposed, combining macro- and micro-scale techniques to rectify shape errors in lightweight reflectors. These strategies offer the potential to enhance precision and performance in future spaceborne observation systems, benefiting space exploration and communication technologies.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Digital Wallet: Evidence from Ghana

: The increasing demand for virtual banking transactions in the world amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the need for banks to understand factors that influence the adoption of digital wallets. This study therefore focused on the assessment of the factors that influence the adoption of digital wallet in Ghana. The study employed a survey design and data were gathered from 200 individual customers of the top performing banks in terms of digital wallets. Convenient sampling method was used for the selection of the respondents who were willing and ready to participate. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) was employed for the analysis of the data. The study revealed that innovation characteristics, individual customer characteristics, organizational characteristics and external factors had significant effect on adoption. All the independent variables except individual customer characteristics had a positive effect on adoption. It is therefore recommended that management pays much commitment on understanding their innovation characteristics, organizational characteristics and external factors than the understanding of individual customer characteristics. The researchers obtained data from individual customers of the top performing banks in the area of digital wallet. The cross-sectional survey made it impossible to ascertain the possible changes in respondent’s perceptions on factors that influence their adoption.
Comparison of brightness temperatures from SSMI instruments on the DMSP F8 and FII satellites for Antarctica and the Greenland ice sheet

Abstract Passive microwave satellite data provide extremely important information about the climate and surface conditions in the often cloudy high latitude regions of the Earth. Available since 1978, multichannel passive microwave data have great potential for long term climate monitoring. In order to ensure consistent data sets for such long term monitoring, the relations between the microwave brightness temperatures from similar sensors on successive satellite platforms must be understood. In this study the 19,22. and 37GHz channels of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F8 and F11 Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSMI) instruments are compared. While the analysis shows that the two data sets are highly correlated with correlation coefficients greater than 0·98. the consistency between the two data sets can be improved by applying small corrections in the order of I deg K. Two sets of regression coefficients are provided for adjusting the F11 data to the F8 baseline.
Quartzite development in early Palaeozoic nearshore marine environments

Quartzites are especially characteristic of Proterozoic and Cambro‐Ordovician shallow marine strata, whereas equivalent age fluvial deposits are commonly arkosic. The absence of land vegetation in the pre‐Silurian influenced weathering processes and styles of fluvial deposition. It may also have had an impact on shallow marine sedimentation. Two field studies from the English Channel region are presented to investigate the processes leading to quartzite formation. On Alderney, nearshore marine and fluvial facies occur interbedded on a metre scale and are interpreted to represent deposition on the lower reaches of an alluvial plain, and in beach and upper shoreface environments. The marine and fluvial sandstones display marked differences in textural and mineralogical maturity, pointing to a process of sediment maturation by the destruction of feldspar and labile grains at the shoreline. At Erquy, fully mature, marine quartzites occur bounded above and below by alluvial deposits via sharp or erosional surfaces, and are interpreted to represent high energy, storm and tidally influenced lower shoreface and inner shelf deposits. A model for quartzite development is proposed where, under a cool climate, frequent storms in un‐vegetated, tectonically rejuvenated uplands provided an abundance of arkosic sand to fluvial basins and clastic shorelines. The model proposes that the marine basins were subject to high wave energies, frequent storm events and tidal currents. These were conditions conducive to transforming arkosic sand to quartz‐rich sand by the attrition of feldspar at the shoreline and in the shallow marine environment. On sediment burial, further feldspar destruction occurred during diagenesis. The proposed model highlights the potential for a step change in sediment maturity to occur at the shoreline in early Palaeozoic depositional systems tracts.
Geodetic observations detecting coseismic displacements and gravity changes caused by the Mw = 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake

[1] This paper reports coseismic displacements and gravity changes caused by the Tohoku-Oki earthquake (Mw 9.0), as observed respectively using GPS in Japan and China and its surrounding area, and as observed by GRACE. To interpret geodetic observation data, we must choose a reasonable model among the slip models presented for the event. For this purpose, we first calculated the displacements using three slip models from USGS, UCSB, and ARIA respectively, with different dislocation theories. Then we compared the results with the displacements observed in Japan and China. Results show that the modeled coseismic displacements calculated using the slip model of Wei et al. (ARIA) and the spherically layered dislocation theory under the PREM model agree well with the observed ones, indicating that the Earth's layer-structural and curvature effects should be considered. Then, we computed the coseismic geoid and gravity changes on the earth surface and at a space-fixed point using the three slip models and the spherically layered dislocation theory. Results show that the maximum coseismic geoid change reaches 2.5 cm and that the coseismic gravity changes are about −1000–600 μgal for a solid Earth. Furthermore, we processed GRACE data to extract coseismic changes with decorrelation and a Gaussian filter of 350 km. The gravity changes observed by GRACE were dominated by a decrease over the back-arc region, with −5 μgal reflecting coseismic crustal dilatation of the landward plate, which agrees well with the theoretically modeled values from the three finite fault models. After the 2004 Sumatra–Andaman and 2010 Central Chile (Maule) earthquakes, this study presents the third case of clear detection of coseismic gravity changes by GRACE.