Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ice mass loss in Antarctica and stiff lower mantle viscosity inferred from the long wavelength time dependent gravity field

Long wavelength time variations of the gravity field detected by means of laser tracking of geodetic satellites provide nowadays the unique opportunity to infer simultaneously the upper and lower mantle viscosity and the mass imbalance between ice accumulation and loss in Antarctica and Greenland. Here we show that mantle viscosity inversion based on stratified viscoelastic Earth models of the Pleistocene deglaciation, on two independent Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) solutions for the even and odd zonal components of the geopotential and on True Polar Wander (TPW), indicate that present day ice mass loss in Antarctica amounts to about −250 Gt/yr, equivalent to a global sea level rise of 0.7 mm/yr, and that the lower mantle is more viscous than the upper mantle. The odd zonals of the two SLR solutions and TPW indicate two admissible upper mantle viscosities, close to 1020 Pa s and to 1021 Pa s respectively.
Unlocking Educational Excellence: A Digital Transformation Approach through Business Process Optimization and the Role of Agile Project Management to Overcome Barriers to Successful Transformation

Through optimization, these processes get high-efficiency outcomes, cost reduction as well and overall quality. The optimization process is often integrated into analysing and collecting information that can be related to the different aspects of education. Data-driven can enable institutions to make informed decisions, improve areas as well and adjust strategies for making better alignment with the needs and achievement trends of students. This optimization approach can ensure institutions meet requirements efficiently and reduce the non-compliance risks as well as associated consequences. Implementation of digitalization involves task automation and streamlining tasks. In India, this can be accelerated by the adaptation of digital platforms and tools that can enhance access to education, especially across unreserved or remote areas. Streamlining tasks of administration by optimization allows teachers to focus on teaching including research.
Breeding Bird Assemblages in Relation to Changing Forest Composition in North-Eastern Algeria: Zonation or Continuum?

1Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University of El Tarf, PO Box 73, El Tarf, 36000, Algeria. 2Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Mohamed Cherif Messaadia University of Souk Ahras, PO Box 1553, Souk-Ahras, 41000, Algeria 3Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences and Sciences of Earth and Universe, 08 May 1945 University of Guelma, Guelma, 24000, Algeria Article Information Received 05 January 2023 Revised 22 June 2023 Accepted 24 July 2023 Available online 09 October 2023 (early access)
Long-period ground motions in the upper Mississippi embayment from finite-fault, finite-difference simulations

OF DISSERTATION Kenneth A. Macpherson The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2009 LONG-PERIOD GROUND MOTIONS IN THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI EMBAYMENT FROM FINITE-FAULT, FINITE-DIFFERENCE SIMULATIONS ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATIONOF DISSERTATION A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky By Kenneth A. Macpherson Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Edward W. Woolery, Professor of Geophysics Lexington, Kentucky 2009 Copyright c © Kenneth A. Macpherson 2009 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATIONOF DISSERTATION LONG-PERIOD GROUND MOTIONS IN THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI EMBAYMENT FROM FINITE-FAULT, FINITE-DIFFERENCE SIMULATIONS A 3D velocity model and 3D wave propagation code have been employed to simulate long-period ground motions in the upper Mississippi embayment. This region is exposed to seismic hazard in the form of large earthquakes in the New Madrid seismic zone and observational data are sparse, making simulation a valuable tool for predicting the effects of large events. These simulations were undertaken in order to estimate ground-motion characteristics and to investigate the influence of the 3D embayment structure and finite-fault mechanics. There are three primary fault zones in the New Madrid seismic zone, each of which was likely associated with one of the three main shocks of the 1811-1812 earthquake sequence. For this study, three simulations have been conducted on each major segment, evaluating the effects of different epicentral locations and rupture directions on ground motions. The full wave field up to a frequency of 0.5 Hz was computed on a 200 × 200 × 50 km volume, and up to a frequency of 1.0 Hz on a 100 × 100 × 50 km volume, using a staggered-grid finitedifference code. Peak horizontal velocity, bracketed durations, and pseudospectral accelerations were calculated at the free surface. Animations showing the evolution of peak horizontal velocity through time at the free surface were also generated. The New Madrid seismic zone simulations indicate that for the considered bandwidth, finite-fault mechanics such as fault proximity, directivity effect, and slip distribution exert the most control on ground motions. The 3D geologic structure of the upper Mississippi embayment also influences ground motion, with indications that the bedrock surface acts as a wave guide, trapping waves in shallow, low-velocity parts of the embayment.
Influence of layering on vein systematics in line samples

Abstract The thickness and spacing systematics of 30 line samples of vein arrays at ten localities have been analysed. The analytical methods were tested on four synthetic data sets. The synthetic and natural data sets were each analysed with respect to: cumulative thickness v. distance; thickness population; spacing population; the coefficient of variation of spacing, which measures clustering; the mass function, which measures the scaling of strain heterogeneity. A fundamental distinction is apparent between stratabound arrays, vein arrays in layered rocks where the veins are confined to individual mechanical units, and non-stratabound arrays which occur in rock volumes lacking persistent crack-stopping discontinuities. The stratabound arrays show regular spacing controlled by layer thickness and non-power-law thickness distributions. The non-stratabound arrays are clustered and have power-law thickness distributions resulting from the lack of a controlling length scale. Exponents of the thickness distributions have a modal value of 0.8 and do not vary significantly with lithology. Ore mineralization is favoured in non-stratabound arrays as they are more likely than stratabound arrays to form large clusters connected to a remote fluid source.
Effects of clay content on the frictional strength and fluid transport property of faults

[1] We examined two effects of the presence of clay in brittle deformations: the reduction in frictional strength and the impediment of across-fault fluid flow. Permeability was monitored during the sliding deformation of a gouge of various mixes of Na-montmorillonite powder and granular quartz along a 30° precut surface of Berea sandstone under 80 MPa of normal stress, 5 MPa of pore water pressure, and room temperature. The decrease in the friction coefficient of a gouge with increasing clay content was not simple, but showed a sharp drop at 50 vol.% clay content. The reduction in permeability due to deformation increased with increasing clay content from 0 to 24 vol.%, and a dramatic reduction of ∼2.5 orders of magnitude occurred at 18 and 24 vol.% clay content. However, in a gouge with more than 29 vol.% clay content, deformation reduced the permeability by only 0.5 orders of magnitude. Thus the transitional clay contents at which the clay dominated the properties of fault strength and fluid transport were 50 and 29 vol.%, respectively. These values almost agree well with values obtained using a model with an equal-sized clast (quartz) framework. The clay matrix can completely fill the pores sustained by a closest-packed quartz framework when the clay content reaches 29 vol.%, whereas the content required to fill the pores of a framework that can barely sustain quartz-quartz contact is 50 vol.%.
Artificial Intelligence Application in Bioethanol Production

Energy consumption from biofuels against fossil fuels over the past few years has increased. This is due to the availability of these resources for production of different forms of energy, and the environmental benefit in the utilization of these resources. Ethanol fuel production from biomass is a complex process of known challenges in the area of handling, optimizing, and future forecasting. The existence of modelling techniques like artificial intelligence (AI) is, therefore, necessary in the design, handling, and optimization of bioethanol production. The flexibility and high accuracy of artificial neural network (ANN), a machine learning technique, to solve intricate processes is beneficial in modelling pretreatment, fermentation, and conversion stages of a bioethanol production system. This paper reviews various AI techniques in bioethanol production giving emphasis on published articles in the past decade.
Rule-based land cover classification and erosion risk assessment of the Krkonose National Park, Czech Republic

The Krkonose National Park is located in the Sudetes mountain range at the Czech - Polish border. It is characterized by large variations in altitude and a mosaic vegetation pattern. The complex landscape raises the issues of appropriate classification techniques and scales. The first aim of this study is to produce a land cover map using 21 classes based on a rule-based classification system and to evaluate classifications based on this method and a maximum likelihood algorithm based on Landsat 7 ETM+ data. Ancillary data and prior probabilities are used in the rule-based system. The rule-based classification (21 classes) yields an overall accuracy of 61.5%. A higher accuracy is reached if 11 land cover classes are used (overall accuracy: 74.9%). This indicates that the result of the accuracy assessment of the land cover map with 21 classes is strongly influenced by the rather low accuracy of the more infrequent and complex classes. Considering the differences in altitude, the mosaic vegetation and the large number of classes the result of the rule-based classification system is satisfactory, especially when the number of classes is reduced. This study shows that a rule-based classification system using ancillary data and prior probabilities clearly enhances a maximum likelihood classification based solely on spectral data. An interpretation of satellite data based exclusively on spectral information does not produce a satisfactory result for this region. To achieve an improved classification the use of ancillary data and prior probabilities in a rule-based classification system seem to offer a promising solution. The second aim of this study is to assess the erosion risk in the National Park. Heavy air pollution has been deposited in this region during the last decades causing soil acidification, decreased biodiversity, deforestation and soil erosion. The erosion risk varies within the park and it is therefore essential to make an assessment of which areas are in danger of becoming eroded to prevent actual erosion. Two classes are used in the erosion risk assessment; erosion versus no erosion risk areas. It is based on statistical analyses of field data, consisting of GPS points including information on land cover and the presence of erosion /no- erosion, digital data on soil type, topographical form, slope gradient, aspect and altitude, and on literature studies. Accuracy assessments yield an overall accuracy of 86.4%. This indicates that assessments of this type can be made with satisfactory results.
Employee Well-Being and Voice Behavior on Customer Service Performance

Purpose: The significance of customer service in determining customer happiness has become one of the key indicators for online marketplaces in Indonesia, which experienced phenomenal growth during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine how employee well-being affects customer service personnel performance along with the mediating effect of employee voice behavior. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis was examined using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach in customer service within various online marketplaces in Indonesia. Findings: This study finds that psychological well-being has a positive and significant effect on job performance. In terms of mediation effects, promotive voice and prohibitive voice behavior were found to significantly mediate employee well-being on job performance, except promotive voice on psychological well-being. Research, Practical & Social implications: Employee performance in this study was measured as perceived by customer service and gathered through cross-sectional research. Originality/Value: This study extends the knowledge about the link between employee well-being and employee voice performance as well as the mediation generated in terms of promotive and prohibitive voice behavior.
Clinical Experience with Autofluorescence Guided Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Surgery

In our study, the effect of the use of autofluorescence (Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope—VELscope) on increasing the success rate of surgical treatment in oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) was investigated. Our hypothesis was tested on a group of 122 patients suffering from OSCC, randomized into a study and a control group enrolled in our study after meeting the inclusion criteria. The preoperative checkup via VELscope, accompanied by the marking of the range of a loss of fluorescence in the study group, was performed before the surgery. We developed a unique mucosal tattoo marking technique for this purpose. The histopathological results after surgical treatment, i.e., the margin status, were then compared. In the study group, we achieved pathological free margin (pFM) in 55 patients, pathological close margin (pCM) in 6 cases, and we encountered no cases of pathological positive margin (pPM) in the mucosal layer. In comparison, the control group results revealed pPM in 7 cases, pCM in 14 cases, and pFM in 40 of all cases in the mucosal layer. This study demonstrated that preoperative autofluorescence assessment of the mucosal surroundings of OSCC increased the ability to achieve pFM resection 4.8 times in terms of lateral margins.
Erosion And Sediment Transport Modelling InNorthern Puglia Watersheds

In the Puglia region (southern Italy) heavy storms trigger high suspended sediment transport in water courses, accelerate soil and nutrients loss, and adversely affect biodiversity. In addition, high siltation in reservoirs reduces the water-holding capacity and creates severe problems of water availability for agriculture, which still plays an important role in the local economy. In the study area, suspended load data derive from continuous monitoring in the Carapelle torrent (2007-2008) and from hand-sampling in the Salsola sub-catchment of the Candelaro torrent (1970-1984). Recorded data of total streamflow are also available for both torrents. The high temporal resolution data were used to analyze the sediment transport dynamics and to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the Annualized AGricultural Non-point Source (AnnAGNPS) pollution model at the event scale. The historical data were used to test the reliability of the model for long-term periods and to compare the performances of medium and small size watersheds.
La geografía local del narcomenudeo: patrones, procesos y recomendaciones de política urbana

This study examines the geographical patterns and processes of retail drug dealing and offers elements for a preliminary discussion of policy recommendations and territorial strategies for its effective eradication. The base information for this study, provided by the Public Security Secretariat in the Federal District in Mexico City, comprises the number of those arrested for retail drug-dealing between 2005 and 2007. The geographical analysis focuses on the neighborhoods and districts of delegacion Cuauhtemoc. A variety of spatial and aspatial statistical methods were used. The hotspots where police intervention would significantly reduce the occurrence of this crime were detected and reported.The study also found that since retail drug-dealing is a geographically concentrated, largely immobile crime, at least in the short term, there is very little likelihood of the spread or relocation (cockroach effect) of points of sale towards adjoining neighborhoods in the same borough.
The use of hot-air oven as an alternative drying method for salted shrimp paste production: Drying profile, fermentation rate, quality, and acceptability

Abstract The study explored using a hot-air oven at various temperatures (35, 45, and 55 °C) as a promising alternative to traditional sun-drying for salted shrimp paste production. Comparing drying profiles, fermentation rate, quality, and acceptability with conventional sun-drying (CON), it was found that the alternative hot-air oven led to lower enzymatic activities and degree of hydrolysis during a 30-day fermentation (p < 0.05). Consequently, the alternative samples exhibited lower development of distinctive characteristics (color, browning intensity, formal, ammonia, nitrogen contents, and antioxidant capabilities) resulting in lower sensory scores compared to CON (p < 0.05). Interestingly, microbial populations in hot-air-dried samples were also lower than CON (p < 0.05). Based on PCA biplots and drying duration, drying at 45 °C with a hot-air oven seemed optimal for shrimp paste production. However, adjustments, such as prolonging fermentation or using a starter culture, are needed to make the alternative process comparable to the traditional product.
Optimizing QoS Metrics for Software-Defined Networking in Federated Learning

In the modern and complex realm of networking, the pursuit of ideal QoS metrics is a fundamental objective aimed at maximizing network efficiency and user experiences. Nonetheless, the accomplishment of this task is hindered by the diversity of networks, the unpredictability of network conditions, and the rapid growth of multimedia traffic. This manuscript presents an innovative method for enhancing the QoS in SDN by combining the load-balancing capabilities of FL and genetic algorithms. The proposed solution aims to improve the dispersed aggregation of multimedia traffic by prioritizing data privacy and ensuring secure network load distribution. By using federated learning, multiple clients can collectively participate in the training process of a global model without compromising the privacy of their sensitive information. This method safeguards user privacy while facilitating the aggregation of distributed multimedia traffic. In addition, genetic algorithms are used to optimize network load balancing, thereby ensuring the efficient use of network resources and mitigating the risk of individual node overload. As a result of extensive testing, this research has demonstrated significant improvements in QoS measurements compared to traditional methods. Our proposed technique outperforms existing techniques such as RR, weighted RR, server load, LBBSRT, and dynamic server approaches in terms of CPU and memory utilization, as well as server requests across three testing servers. This novel methodology has applications in multiple industries, including telecommunications, multimedia streaming, and cloud computing. The proposed method presents an innovative strategy for addressing the optimization of QoS metrics in SDN environments, while preserving data privacy and optimizing network resource usage.
Molecular and phenotypic distinctions of macrophages in tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia rats

Individual hypoxia tolerance is a major influence on the course and outcome of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Macrophages, which play central roles in systemic inflammatory response and other immunity reactions, are subject to functional activation orchestrated by several transcription factors including hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs). HIF-1 expression levels and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammatory response severity have been shown to correlate with hypoxia tolerance. Molecular and functional features of macrophages, depending on the organisms resistance to hypoxia, can determine the severity of the course of infectious and inflammatory diseases, including the systemic inflammatory response. The purpose is the comparative molecular and functional characterization of non-activated and LPS-activated bone marrow-derived macrophages under normoxia in rats with different tolerance to oxygen deprivation. Hypoxia resistance was assessed by gasping time measurement in an 11,500 m altitude-equivalent hypobaric decompression chamber. Based on the outcome, the animals were assigned to three groups termed ‘tolerant to hypoxia’ (n = 12), ‘normal’, and ‘susceptible to hypoxia’ (n = 13). The ‘normal’ group was excluded from subsequent experiments. One month after hypoxia resistance test, the blood was collected from the tail vein to isolate monocytes. Non-activated and LPS-activated macrophage cultures were investigated by PCR, flow cytometry and Western blot methods. Gene expression patterns of non-activated cultured macrophages from tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia animals differed. We observed higher expression of VEGF and CD11b and lower expression of Tnfa, Il1b and Epas1 in non-activated cultures obtained from tolerant to hypoxia animals, whereas HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression levels were similar. LPS-activated macrophage cultures derived from susceptible to hypoxia animals expressed higher levels of Hif1a and CCR7 than the tolerant group; in addition, the activation was associated with increased content of HIF-1α in cell culture medium. The observed differences indicate a specific propensity toward pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization in susceptible to hypoxia rats.
Duality of Lean Construction and Building Information Modeling into Digital Collaborative Scheduling in Qatar: A Conceptual Framework

Long has the construction industry been chastised for its low production performance. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean Construction (LC) are two of the most widely adopted concepts in the construction industry for improving project delivery performance. LC is a complex blend of project management principles and tools whose origins can be traced to the automobile manufacturing industry. BIM refers to the technologies and processes that allow for the effective management of project information from inception to deconstruction. There are significant positive synergies when LC and BIM are implemented together. Nonetheless, these two concepts are frequently managed and implemented by separate teams within client, design, and construction organizations. This is largely due to the LC and BIM teams' lack of awareness and incorrect biases. Collaboration between the LC and BIM teams is necessary for BIM to facilitate LC principles/tools and for LC to enhance BIM processes in order to maximize the synergy between these two concepts. Globally, this is also a major concern for the industry. The objective of this research is to develop a collaborative digital model that facilitates the integration of BIM and LC teams in the construction industry. These objectives will comprise the proposed research on literature-based understanding of the collaboration dynamics between various teams. Document and map the two-way synergy between LC and BIM in design and construction management based on the literature, workshops and interview with expertise. Understanding the requirements for a digital, interactive, collaborative tool that will allow both LC and BIM teams to improve their processes. It is a conceptual and digital tool that may be referred to as a "LC and BIM translator. "