Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduce the Iron Content in Egyptian Feldspar Ore of Wadi Zirib for Industrial Applications

The presence of coloring materials such as iron oxides in feldspar decreases its quality. To use feldspar minerals in industry, some upgrading processes should be executed to remove impurities. The most important uses of feldspar are in ceramic and glasses. The present paper aimed to reduce the iron content in Wadi Zirib feldspar ore, as well as, to obtain an optimal grade of feldspar concentrate for some industrial applications. The first processing stage was the disposal of slime’s fraction (-38 µm) which contains clay minerals. Comminution and de-sliming processes removed about 30% of iron content into -38 μm fraction. The attrition process removed only about 6% of iron content. A dosage of 97 gm/ton of Quaternary ammonium salt solution was an optimum value for mica’s minerals flotation where the percentage of Fe2O3 was about 13.65% with mass recovery of 0.44% and component recovery of 9.84%. The rejected percentage of valuable minerals into the floated mica’s minerals didn’t exceed 0.5%. A flotation test was carried out at optimum conditions for flotation of feldspar minerals. The mass recovery of feldspar concentrate was 52.11% of feed (-250+38) µm. At such optimum conditions, a suitable feldspar concentrate was obtained with 0.4% Fe2O3. The component recovery of iron content removed into feldspar tailing was about 56%. The specifications of feldspar concentrate obtained in this research fulfilled the requirements of some industries, i.e. glass, ceramic vitreous tiles, and semi vitreous tiles. The final results revealed that the total disposal percent of iron content was about 75% of that present into the feed head sample.
[13PacRimLPolyJ127] From Mao to Yao: A New Game Plan for China in the Era of Basketball Globalization

Yao Ming, a Chinese basketball superstar and the top pick in the 2002 NBA draft, became just the third player from China to play professionally in the United States. His departure, however, was met with reluctance by the Chinese basketball bureaucracy and came at a high price: he had to agree to remit more than half of his salary to Chinese government agencies and return to play for the Chinese National Team in certain competitions. While Yao's release demonstrates willingness by the Chinese government to participate in an increasingly globalized sports world, it also highlights the growing pains of a Chinese political system still dominated by the ideology of state control over its citizens. With the potential for more Chinese players in the NBA, China stands at the doorstep of true basketball globalization. Instead of continuing to work within the Chinese framework and sending the message that these burdensome policies are tolerable, the NBA should attempt to work with the Chinese government to reform the way it handles Chinese players. By crafting a bilateral agreement to facilitate the uninhibited transfer of Chinese basketball players, the NBA and China can gain longterm economic, competitive, and human rights benefits. In the end, such an agreement would promote the dual goals of developing international basketball and giving Chinese players the freedom to play basketball anywhere they choose.
Ionospheric effects of St. Patrick's storm over Asian Russia: 17–19 March 2015

We have carried out a comprehensive analysis of data from the high‐frequency coherent radar located near Yekaterinburg, ground‐based ionospheric, riometric, and magnetic stations, situated within the radar field of view and in the vicinity of it, as well as from eight radio paths crossing the Asian region of Russia. Using these data, we studied dynamics of ionospheric disturbances over wide longitudinal sector during the first 3 days of the St. Patrick's two‐step severe geomagnetic storm and determined the main mechanisms of their development. We showed that on 17 March during the main and early recovery storm phases, the major contribution to the generation of the ionospheric disturbances had been made by impact ionization by precipitating magnetospheric particles. This had lead to appearance of intense sporadic layers, alternating with intervals of total absorption. The main features of the storm were the large latitude width of the auroral precipitation zone and an expansion of this zone to corrected geomagnetic latitude ~ 45°. We suppose that these peculiarities were due to high variability of interplanetary magnetic field and solar wind impacted on the magnetosphere. The most probable cause of the negative ionospheric disturbance on 18 March might have been a change in the neutral atmosphere composition. Significant differences between measured and simulated values of maximal electron concentration in F2 layer point to the need to improve the existing empirical models of thermosphere, auroral precipitations, and magnetospheric convection in order to use them for modeling of ionospheric parameters during severe geomagnetic storms.
A successful trap design for capturing large terrestrial snakes

United States Geological Survey's Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center Animal Care and Use Committee approved the final surgical procedure (UMESC SOP #TS 416.0). Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for A description and evaluation of a plastic belt for attaching radio transmitters to western toads (Bufo boreas). and conservation of adult California red-legged frogs Rana aurora draytonii in coastal-forests and grasslands. External and implanted methods of radio transmitter attachment to a terrestrial anuran (Eleuthrodactylus augusti). LOWE, J. 2004. Rates of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) anesthetiza-tion in relation to pH and concentration in five terrestrial salamanders. for expulsion of surgically implanted dummy transmitters from channel catfish. Trans. A telemetric study of the movement patterns and habitat use of Rana muscosa, the mountain yellow-legged frog, in a high-elevation basin in Kings Canyon National Park, California. 1998. Snake mortality associated with late season radio-transmitter implantation. Large scale trapping protocols for snakes can be expensive and require large investments of personnel and time. Typical methods, such as pitfall and small funnel traps, are not useful or suitable for capturing large snakes. A method was needed to survey multiple blocks of habitat for the Louisiana Pine Snake (Pituophis ruthveni), throughout its historic range in Louisiana and Texas, to obtain presence-absence data and to obtain specimens for radio-telem-etry studies (Himes et al. materials, time necessary to service traps, ease of installation, and Mums, E. 2003. A radio transmitter belt for small ranid frogs. Herpetol. of Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) among complementary ties. We ultimately designed a large four-entrance funnel with resources in a high mountain basin. Can. J. Zool. /Rev. Can. zool. extensive drift fence arms to guide makes toward the trap open
An increased abundance of micrometeorites on Earth owing to vesicular parachutes

Micrometeorites (MMs) are extraterrestrial dust particles that survive atmospheric entry and can be recovered from sedimentary rocks. Fossil MMs allow events beyond the Earth, such as the collisional breakup of asteroids, to be identified. Here the effects of vesicle formation during melting of dust are investigated through numerical modeling and observations of Antarctic MMs. Vesicle formation is shown to cause a parachute effect that causes rapid deceleration, decreasing peak temperature. Vesicular parachuting enhances the abundance of melted MMs formed from phyllosilicate‐bearing C‐type asteroid dust on the Earth surface by a factor of 2. Micrometeorites recovered from the geological record, therefore, are biased toward breakup events involving hydrated C‐type asteroids, whilst those involving phyllosilicate‐poor particles are diluted by the enhanced background flux of hydrous dust. The parachute effect is also likely to increase the delivery of 3He to ocean sediments by C‐type asteroid dust.
Mining of disease-resistance genes in Crocus sativus based on transcriptome sequencing

Introduction: Crocus sativus L. has an important medicinal and economic value in traditional perennial Chinese medicine. However, due to its unique growth characteristics, during cultivation it is highly susceptible to disease. The absence of effective resistance genes restricts us to breed new resistant varieties of C. sativus. Methods: In present study, comprehensive transcriptome sequencing was introduced to explore the disease resistance of the candidate gene in healthy and corm rot-infected C. sativus. Results and discussion: Totally, 43.72 Gb of clean data was obtained from the assembly to generate 65,337 unigenes. By comparing the gene expression levels, 7,575 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily screened. A majority of the DEGs were completely in charge of defense and metabolism, and 152 of them were annotated as pathogen recognition genes (PRGs) based on the PGRdb dataset. The expression of some transcription factors including NAC, MYB, and WRKY members, changed significantly based on the dataset of transcriptome sequencing. Therefore, this study provides us some valuable information for exploring candidate genes involved in the disease resistance in C. sativus.
A fossil sea turtle (Testudines: Pan-Cheloniidae) from the upper Oligocene Pomahaka Formation, New Zealand

Gard, H.J.L. & Fordyce, R.E. , August 2016. A fossil sea turtle (Testudines: Pan-Cheloniidae) from the upper Oligocene Pomahaka Formation, New Zealand. Alcheringa 41, XX–XX. ISSN 0311-5518. An isolated turtle xiphiplastron similar to that of Puppigerus sp. is described from the upper Oligocene (27.3–25.2 Ma) Pomahaka Formation near Tapanui, Otago, New Zealand. The bone is unlike any previously described turtle from the Cenozoic of New Zealand and is from a newly recognized estuarine vertebrate locality. It represents the first Oligocene cheloniid turtle bone described from the southwest Pacific. Henry J. L. Gard [henrygard@hotmail.com] and R. Ewan Fordyce, [ewan.fordyce@otago.ac. nz], Department of Geology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, Otago, New Zealand.
A Study of Ethereum's Transition from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake in Preventing Smart Contracts Criminal Activities

With the ever-increasing advancement in blockchain technology, security is a significant concern when substantial investments are involved. This paper explores known smart contract exploits used in previous and current years. The purpose of this research is to provide a point of reference for users interacting with blockchain technology or smart contract developers. The primary research gathered in this paper analyses unique smart contracts deployed on a blockchain by investigating the Solidity code involved and the transactions on the ledger linked to these contracts. A disparity was found in the techniques used in 2021 compared to 2023 after Ethereum moved from a Proof-of-Work blockchain to a Proof-of-Stake one, demonstrating that with the advancement in blockchain technology, there is also a corresponding advancement in the level of effort bad actors exert to steal funds from users. The research concludes that as users become more wary of malicious smart contracts, bad actors continue to develop more sophisticated techniques to defraud users. It is recommended that even though this paper outlines many of the currently used techniques by bad actors, users who continue to interact with smart contracts should consistently stay up to date with emerging exploitations.
Contribution of Substrate Harmonic Distortion to GaN-on-Si RF Switches Linearity

We demonstrate high linearity of fully processed GaN on 2-mm high resistivity (HR) Si wafers with high effective resistivity (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\rho _{\mathbf {eff}} > $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 2 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{k}\Omega ~\cdot $ </tex-math></inline-formula>cm). Using two common-gate (MOS-)HEMT devices presenting different levels of distortion as demonstrators, we discuss the impact of substrate-induced harmonic distortion (HD) on RF switches. By comparing switch and CPW line measurements, it is possible to estimate the substrate contribution to HD. For the relatively nonlinear device, the intrinsic device nonlinearities dominate by a 16–20-dB margin over the substrate contribution. For a more linear device (−110 dBc of second harmonic power at 900 MHz and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${P} _{\mathbf {in}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> = 15 dBm), the substrate distortion contributes equally to channel nonlinearity, highlighting the necessity of engineering the substrate’s RF performance together with the transistor. We provide guidelines for substrate <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\rho _{\mathbf {eff}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> to achieve good switch linearity for given device harmonic levels.
Integrating Cardiac Biomarkers and Electrocardiogram in Pulmonary Embolism Prognosis

Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents a significant clinical challenge that substantially impacts healthcare systems. This case report focuses on the nuances of risk stratification in PE, highlighted through the presentation of a 64-year-old female patient. The uniqueness of this case lies in the patient’s atypical presentation, where decreased exercise tolerance was the sole symptom leading to the diagnosis of PE. The patient was found to have new-onset atrial fibrillation, elevated levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and signs of right ventricular strain on imaging. This scenario underscores the necessity for a comprehensive assessment in PE cases, particularly when classic symptoms (e.g., tachycardia, shortness of breath, chest pain) are absent. We explore the incidence of PE in patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, examining the critical role of cardiac biomarkers, including B-type natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP, and troponins, in prognostication and their potential use in risk assessment tools for PE patients. Additionally, the significance of electrocardiogram evaluation in these patients and its role in risk stratification is thoroughly assessed.
Balance disturbance of aquatic microbial microcosm as a method to evaluate the contamination by toxic substances

Toxicity tests are useful to assess relative toxicities of chemicals in the aquatic environment. Although, they have the advantages of standardized protocols, the test organisms are isolated from the context of the natural conditions. This experimental research challenges the development of an aquatic microbial microcosm with an ecological structure, to evaluate the effects of contamination by toxic substances in the aquatic environment. Two morphological groups were observed in typical ecological succession, according to the modification of the medium. The laboratorial set-up consisted of keeping an organic substrate of 350 mg L-1 of BOD, placed in glass containers maintained in continuous aeration. Growth of filamentous bacteria was observed after 24h, followed by significant exponential growth of free swimming ciliates protozoa, reaching its maximum rate on the 4th day. Disturbances were caused by the introduction of copper sulphate and insecticide dichlorvos. Complete inhibitory effect of growth was observed to ciliates at concentrations of 12.28 mg L-1 Cu and 500 mg L-1 DDVP-20. Easy to be assembled, the method suggested information about theoretical aspects of self-organization. To greater precision, we mention the study of ecological interactions, opened system development, biodiversity molecular approach and application of ecological models.
Polarization-Insensitive Silicon Nitride Photonic Receiver Based on Thin Waveguides for Optical Interconnects at 1$\mu$m

This article demonstrates with simulations two polarization independent wavelength division multiplexing receiver platforms based on thin silicon nitride waveguides for optical interconnects at 1 <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>m. The chosen waveguide base geometry (width = 900 nm × height = 160 nm) is a good tradeoff between mode confinement and propagation loss. We first propose a design using a polarization splitter with an 1×4 demultiplexer based on an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG). This receiver has a reduced size and requires only one etching step. We later propose another simplified receiver design using a polarization splitter-rotator with two identical 1×4 demultiplexers based on cascaded Mach-Zehnder interferometers. The rotator is based on a thicker waveguide (width = 500 nm × height = 400 nm) and is partially etched to rotate the electric field by 90<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{\circ }$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Thus, it requires the use of mode size converters at the in/output ports. To keep the fabrication complexity as low as possible for the second design, we limited ourselves to only two etching steps. Therefore, the thickness of the slab of the mode converters and of the rotator is the same as for the main 900 nm (wide) × 160 nm (thick) waveguide. The simulated extinction ratio of the polarization splitter at 1035 nm is 18 dB and the calculated TM-TE and TE-TM polarization conversion efficiency of the polarization rotator at 1035 nm is 99.9<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\%$</tex-math></inline-formula>.
Combination of GNSS and SLR measurements : contribution to the realization of the terrestrial reference frame

The accurate and precise implementation of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) is a fundamental requirement for the development of Earth System Sciences. The actual realization of the reference frame, in fact, directly impacts a number of different tasks ranging from precise satellite orbit determination to altimeter calibration, satellite antenna offset assessment for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and validation of center of mass corrections for spacecrafts carrying on board retro-reflectors for Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR). As a consequence, all the studies investigating motions of the Earth’s surface, including oceans and ice-sheets, strictly depend on the availability of a reliable TRF that is fundamental for geo-referencing the relevant measurements. ITRF realizations must then be periodically updated, in order to account for newly acquired observations and for upgrades in data analysis procedures and/or combination methods. Any innovative computation strategy should ameliorate the realization of the frame physical parameters, namely the origin and the scale, upon which a number of scientific applications critically rely. This work addresses the potential of combining GNSS and SLR observations via their co-location on board GPS/GLONASS satellites. GNSS vehicles equipped with retro-reflector arrays can be tracked by SLR ground stations, which allows determining the spacecraft orbits by means of both optical and microwave signals. In principle, the inter-technique connection so achieved could be exploited for the computation of the ITRF in place of terrestrial ties. These lasts are known to be currently a limiting factor of the frame accuracy because of their inhomogeneous distribution and of their discrepancies with space geodesy estimates due to technique systematic errors. In this study, the strength of the alternative link in orbit has been thoroughly investigated in order to evaluate the performances of the selected space tie approach under the available operational conditions. The analysis focuses on the characterization of the precision, the accuracy and the pertinence of the combined frame parameters.
Prevalence and Severity of Social Anxiety Symptoms and Their Relationship With Body Dysmorphic Symptoms

Background Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a subtype of anxiety characterized by avoidance, fear, and physical symptoms such as dry mouth, sweating, palpitations, and blushing. SAD is one of the most common mental disorders. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder marked by a distressing or impairing preoccupation with imagined or minor flaws in one's physical appearance. Both disorders share similar symptoms. No satisfactory data have been provided about the prevalence of social anxiety symptoms in our region. In our study, we measured the prevalence and severity of SAD symptoms among adults in Riyadh City, as well as the sociodemographic factors associated with it. Additionally, the correlation between SAD and BDD was assessed. Methods Our study is quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional. It was conducted by administering a translated Arabic version of the Severity Measure for Social Anxiety Disorder scale and BDD scales in five locations in Riyadh, which include two general hospitals and three shopping malls. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistical data are presented through mean values, standard deviations, and percentages. Results A total of 752 responses were received, of which 509 (68.32%) were from females with a mean age of 30.12 years. The majority of the sample had a low to middle family income, with 64% earning less than $2555 monthly. The sample possessed a good educational level; 63% had a bachelor's degree or higher. Our study also shows that 233 subjects (30.98%) had scores indicating a moderate to severe form of SAD. Among these participants, 86 (36.9%) had scores indicating a moderate to severe form of BDD. There was a significant positive correlation between SAD and BDD (r = 0.496). Conclusion The prevalence of SAD was 30.98%, which is higher compared to Western countries. Low income, education, and female gender have roles in the disease condition. Moreover, there was a linear relationship between SAD and BDD.
Estimating Nonradiative Excited-State Lifetimes in Photoactive Semiconducting Nanostructures

The time evolution of the exciton generated by light adsorption in a photocatalyst is an important feature that can be approached from full nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations. Here, a crucial parameter is the nonradiative recombination rate between the hole and the electron that form the exciton. In the present work, we explore the performance of a Fermi’s golden rule-based approach on predicting the recombination rate in a set of photoactive titania nanostructures, relying solely on the coupling of the ground and first excited state. In this scheme the analysis of the first excited state is carried out by invoking Kasha’s rule thus avoiding computationally expensive nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations and resulting in an affordable estimate of the recombination rate. Our results show that, compared to previous ones from nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations, semiquantitative recombination rates can be predicted for the smaller titania nanostructures, and qualitative values are obtained from the larger ones. The present scheme is expected to be useful in the field of computational heterogeneous photocatalysis whenever a complex and computationally expensive full nonadiabatic molecular dynamics cannot be carried out.
Pricing of National park visits in Kenya: The case of Lake Nakuru National Park

This study analyses the factors influencing pricing of National Park visits in Kenya. A two step regression procedure is used to develop a pricing mechanism for Lake Nakuru National Park (LNNP). In the first stage, count data models are applied to estimate the Trip generating function to LNNP and in the second, the results from count data models are used to simulate visitation as price varied through an increase in the gate fee to LNNP. The simulated data is used to estimate the demand curves for