Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A damage domain approach to integration of geomechanics and seismic anisotropy for fractured reservoir characterization

Abstract The concepts of damage mechanics are proposed as the logical basis for integration of seismic anisotropy based identification and geomechanics based prediction of subsurface fracturing. In such a context a damage tensor can be used to describe the evolution of (anisotropic) degradation of the elastic properties of a rock undergoing deformation. The concepts of damage mechanics are common to both geomechanical and seismic descriptions of rock elasticity but have not previously been connected. In geomechanical simulations of the evolution of geological structures, damage development can be predicted, described and recorded through a single damage tensor representation for each point in the model (with the inclusion of damage by a number of different mechanisms). With appropriate analysis, equivalent information may be determined from anisotropy analysis of seismic reflection data as the seismic wave propagation is sensitive to the total damage. Thus the proposed approaches for parameterization and modelling/analysis, using the damage domain, provide a common quantification of the damage (as detected using seismic data and predicted using geomechanical modelling) that permits integration of the two disciplines. This paper presents the damage-domain theory and linkage between the domains plus practicalities, with respect to both the geomechanical and seismic analyses, with illustration using a simple geomechanical model example.
Impact of Heterogeneity on Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

Most Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) methods and studies use homogenous agents. The majority of study on heterogeneity concentrates on agents with different skill sets. However, in real-world applications, agents frequently possess the same set of skills but different degrees. In this paper, we propose a novel model for heterogeneous agents in a MARL system, in which they share a standard skill set but have different degrees of intensity. Experiments were carried out in the framework of Soccer Twos, a competitive and cooperative game, and also with Tennis, which has competitive gameplay. Results demonstrate that heterogeneous agents perform better than homogeneous ones in both environments and also acquire organizational abilities in Soccer Twos.
URINARY 1-HYDROXYPYRENE IN NON-SMOKERS: A BIOMARKER FOR COKE SMOKE EXPOSURE AND GENERAL URBAN PAH EXPOSURE

OF THE DISSERTATION Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene in Nonsmokers: A Biomarker for Coke Smoke Exposure and General Urban PAH Exposure By In-Kyu Han Dissertation Director: Dr. Junfeng (Jim) Zhang This dissertation research examined the validity of urinary 1-OHP as a biomarker of PAH for coke production workers and non-coke oven workers in Anshan City, China. It has been examined whether a first morning urine sample can be used to reflect daily average exposure. Results show that intra-individual differences ranged from 40% to 62% between first morning voids and 24-hour urine composite urine samples. Coke workers showed larger intra-individual differences than non-coke oven workers. Creatinine adjustment of 1-OHP in urine reduced intra-individual difference by approximately 10% for both coke and non-coke oven workers. Despite significant intraindividual difference, a high overall correlation (r=0.76) was observed between first morning and 24-hour average 1-OHP concentrations. Significant effect of season on the association between first morning and 24-hour 1-OHP in urine has been observed. Creatinine adjustment did not improve overall correlation between 1-OHP concentrations in first morning voids and 24-hour composite urine samples. An exposure-biomarker relationship between PAH exposure and urinary 1-OHP concentration has been determined with a wide range of personal inhalation exposure,
The use and misuse of CLR 7 acceptance tests for assessment of risks to human health from contaminated land

Generic and detailed quantitative assessments of the risks posed to human health from land contamination involve the comparison of representative contaminant concentrations against relevant generic or site-specific assessment criteria respectively. Technical guidance on statistical tests to determine whether contaminant concentrations exceed relevant assessment criteria fails to recognize the effects of sample clustering and heterogeneity in ground conditions on the validity of the test results. Reference to the conceptual model should be made to determine the likely level of contamination to which the critical receptor may be exposed within an averaging area.
A Cryo-CMOS Parametric Frequency Divider With −189.1 dBm/Hz Output Noise Floor at 4.2 K for High-Fidelity All-Parametric Quantum Reflectometer

Main-stream quantum computers employ dispersive reflectometry for quantum-bit (Qubit) state discrimination. An all-parametric quantum reflectometer (APQR) scheme has been proposed for high-fidelity, scalable Qubit array readout in this letter. For the RF excitation of APQR, a 10.7–16.9 GHz 65-nm cryogenic CMOS (Cryo-CMOS) parametric frequency divider (PFD) is demonstrated here. It adopts a pair of parallelly connected nonlinear artificial transmission lines (NLATLs), a wideband varactor-based dynamic coupler, and a transformer-based CM filter (TCMF). Due to the minimized device self-heating without dc power consumption and the intrinsic common-mode (CM) to differential-mode (DM) isolation, the PFD presents a measured output thermal noise floor of −189.1 dBm/Hz at 4.2 K. This is only 3.3 dB higher than 4.2-K blackbody radiation. At 4.2 K, the PFD also exhibits an ultralow phase noise of −128.8 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz at 6.75 GHz, which is 2.6 dB lower than a conventional Cryo-CMOS CML divider. It presents a 44.9% relative bandwidth at 4.2 K, which is $2\times $ of the prior art at 300 K.
Extracting Land Cover Change Information by using Raster Image and Vector Data Synergy Processing Methods

To enable the extracting of change information based on high spatial resolution images in a practicable and efficient mode, a method is developed and proposed by using raster image and vector data synergy processing. In the model designing of change detection indicator, it takes into account remote sensing indexes which have been processed by radiometric stretching. On the basis of these researches, it selects a test region and obtains the change information by utilizing the proposed method, change areas and change classes are captured by statistical calculating and spatial overlap analyzing respectively, which have validated the method's feasibility. The results verify that national land cover database is a good baseline for capturing high precision land cover change information by using raster image and vector data synergy processing method, which explores efficient mode and has the potential to provide practicable method for land cover change extracting for the project of Geographic National Conditions Monitoring.
ArcGIS TECHNIQUE TO EVALUATE THE SNOTEL DATA NETWORK

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Water and Climate Center (NWCC), in collaboration with Portland State University (PSU), is developing a tool to evaluate the spatial distribution and representativeness of the SNOw TELemetry (SNOTEL) network in the mountainous areas of the Western United States, with respect to physical basin characteristics. This tool will assist in determining possible locations of new data sites that will fill data voids, may improve the accuracy of water supply forecasts, and will allow for better parameterization of delineated spatial units used in a physically-based hydrologic model. The current SNOTEL network sites are focused in the higher elevations of the basins and are located in areas where the snowpack snow water equivalent (swe) can be used as a model parameter throughout the forecast season. Many of these sites were located at or near existing snow courses that were established in the early years of the Snow Survey and Water Supply Program. These remote sites work fine as index parameters for statistical forecast models. However, there is a lack of spatial and elevational definition for precipitation and temperature parameters over most of the Western watersheds. To exploit more effectively the benefits of these remote climate data collection platforms as input into a distributed-parameter hydrologic model, it is important to apply a technique that can be used to determine objectively the most advantageous locations. The technique analyzes a set of spatial data layers, including, but not limited to: Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), annual precipitation, vegetation types, forest density, land ownership and management, accessible roads, and basin aspect. From the combined, inherent influences of the spatial layers on watershed runoff and the current data collection density of the watershed, the forecast hydrologist assigned to the basin and NRCS field personnel are able to make an informed judgment as to where additional remote data collection sites might be located throughout the Western U.S.
The Disposal of Placenta among Indigenous Groups Globally: An Integrative Literature Review

Introduction The placenta, or afterbirth, plays a vital role in supplying nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord. Western medicine sees the placenta as a medical waste and discards it after delivery. Meanwhile, indigenous groups observe rituals or ceremonies prior to their disposal since it bears sacred importance. Aim The aim of the literature review is to review the current literature on indigenous methods of disposing placenta. Methods Through the EBSCOhost search engine, the authors had access to the following databases: CINAHL; MEDLINE; E-Journals; Health Sources: Nursing/Academic Edition; Scopus; and African Journals Online. A manual search of the grey literature through Google Scholar and Google Search engines, as well as citation searching using reference lists, was also used. The following keyword searches came up: placental disposal, placental waste, placental release, indigenous placental disposal, traditional placental disposal, cultural placenta, and placental rituals. The authors followed the inclusion criteria of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research articles or reports from experts and different organisations published between 2013 and 2022 in English. Findings. The following three themes with subthemes emerged in the context of this review paper: (1) placental consumption (increases milk production, prevents postpartum depression, and prevents postpartum bleeding); (2) placental burial (burial site determines the child's fate, protection of the child, and fertility); and 3). artifacts (memorabilia). Conclusion Indigenous placental disposal methods have a significant value to Indigenous women globally. The rituals performed have a special meaning attached to them. It is important for Western medicine to respect and support indigenous placental disposal methods and ensure safe handling from the healthcare facilities to their homes.
South and East Asian Summer Monsoon Climate and Variation in the MRI Coupled Model (MRI-CGCM2)

Abstract Simulations of the major characteristics of the summer monsoon climate over South Asia, East Asia, and the western North Pacific by the new version of the Meteorological Research Institute coupled GCM (MRI-CGCM2) are analyzed. In addition to assessing the simulation of mean summer monsoon rainfall and its association with SST and basic circulation parameters, the model's performance in reproducing the seasonal variation, climatological onset, peak, withdrawal, and subseasonal variation of the monsoon is also studied. The mean rainfall distribution and the maximum rainfall centers over South Asia and the western North Pacific, including the monsoon rainbelt over central India, though shifted southward of its observed position by about 5°, and the baiu rainband across Japan, are well simulated. However, the model underestimates the monsoon rainfall over southeast China. The biases in model mean rainfall are found to be associated with biases in wind, moisture convergence, and vertical stability of .
Evaluation of the liquefaction potential through dissipation measurement in PCPT

This paper discusses the interpretation of the pore water dissipation curves obtained during a piezocone test with the prime objective of determining the seismic behaviour of fine-grained soil. The pore pressure dissipation approach was attempted to perform a faster diagnosis of liquefiability of fine-grained soils where the ground water table is almost at the surface. Furthermore, because non-plastic silts are very difficult to sample for laboratory testing, such an in situ measurement appears to be the only realistic method for the purpose. Most of the dissipation tests were conducted by using the u2 filter on the neck of the probe, and the others were performed by using the u1 filter where the piezometer is located on the cone tip. Penetration was arrested at depths where the presence of silts had been detected by previous sounding and drilling, and t50, t90 and t100 were determined analytically. The results indicate that t90 values have a notable potential for diagnosing a potential for liquefaction. This was demonstrated by a t90 of 300 s or less for liquefiable layers, whereas considerably longer periods are required for non-liquefiable silts similar to clays. This feature is illustrated by the presentation of several types of dissipation curves.
COVID-19 health and safety challenges on construction sites: unfolding novel dimensions for construction industries in developing countries

Abstract A sudden COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted construction site health and safety (H&S). Against this backdrop, this paper aimed to explore the major challenges for pandemic management in implementing COVID-19 H&S measures on construction sites, particularly in developing countries. Following a comprehensive literature review, a total of 20 relevant challenges were identified. A self-completion questionnaire survey involving Malaysian construction practitioners was further employed to prioritize these challenges using descriptive statistics. Finally, a factor analysis unfolded five major underlying dimensions of these challenges, relating to lack of resources and inherent nature of construction, negligence and ignorance, low-wage blue-collar workforce, ineffective H&S management and poor sanitizing and disinfecting strategies. This work is a valuable reference in assisting industry practitioners to further enhance H&S performance during a communicable disease outbreak such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the findings highlighted the current deficiencies of the H&S system in the context of a developing country and the necessity to devise responsive strategies in curbing the transmission of future diseases.
Effectiveness of Life Goal Framing to Motivate Medical Students During Online Learning: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Educators need design strategies to support medical students’ motivation in online environments. Prompting students to frame a learning activity as preparing them to attain their life goals (e.g., helping others) via their clinical practice, a strategy called ‘life goal framing’, may enhance their autonomous motivation, learning strategy use, and knowledge retention. However, for students with low perceived competence for learning (PCL), life goal framing may have an adverse effect. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the effectiveness of life goal framing and the moderating effect of students’ PCL. Methods: First- and second-year medical students across four Canadian universities (n = 128) were randomized to receive a version of an online module with an embedded prompt for life goal framing, or one without. Students’ motivation, learning strategy use, and knowledge retention were assessed. Differences between conditions on each outcome were estimated using Bayesian regression. Results: Students’ PCL was a moderator for autonomous motivation but no other outcomes. The prompt did not have a statistically significant effect on any outcome, even for learners with high PCL, except for a small effect on link-clicking behaviour. Discussion: The results of this study suggest that learners’ autonomous motivation is influenced by how they make meaning of instruction in terms of their future life goals and their present confidence. We cannot recommend life goal framing as an effective design strategy at this point, but we point to future work to increase the benefit of life goal framing for learners with high confidence.
Game-Based Adaptive Fuzzy Optimal Bipartite Containment of Nonlinear Multiagent Systems

Existing adaptive optimal consensus approaches for high-order nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs) are limited by their complicated and computation-intensive identifier–actor–critic structure and ignore the conflict of interest between agents. This article proposes a graphical game-based adaptive fuzzy optimal bipartite containment scheme that removes these restrictions. The optimal containment is formulated as an $N$-player game over the communication topology for high-order nonlinear MASs by defining a cost function that integrates the agent's control inputs, including those of its neighbors, and the local tracking errors. To seek the Nash equilibrium, integral reinforcement learning is adopted, which does not involve the system drift dynamic. This approach eliminates the need for an identifier network and simplifies the control scheme using adaptive critic learning. To drive the online learning mechanism, the Bellman residual error is utilized, and a fuzzy logic system is used to approximate the optimal value functions of the critic networks. The updating laws incorporate an experience stack, resulting in an easy-to-check persistence excitation condition. It is proven that the synchronization error is uniformly ultimately bounded, and the bipartite containment of the outputs of followers is achieved. An illustrative example is presented to verify the effectiveness of the developed control scheme.
Occurrence of Extreme Winds over the Black Sea During January Under Present and Near Future Climate

In the present study, the occurrence frequency of extreme wind speed over the Black Sea surface is analysed, aiming to assess the differences between simulated and observed characteristics under present climate (2001-2009) and to investigate the near term projected changes (2011-2040 vs. 1961-2000) of this indicator in the context of A1B scenario. We use observational data provided by measurements at meteorological stations on Romanian coast and satellite QuickScat data, as well as modelled data from numerical experiments with a high resolution regional climate model, taken from the results of the EU project ENSEMBLES. Previous climatological analysis has indicated that January is prone to extreme wind episodes, so we have focused our investigation on this month. The analysis performed for the entire Black Sea basin, as well as for two costal sites, highlights Western and Northern areas which have a significant incidence of moderate and strong wind episodes under present climate (2001-2009). In the period 2011-2040, under A1B climate change scenario, the decrease in the frequency of moderate and high wind episodes takes place over almost entire basin, except for some Southern areas of the Black Sea.
A Financial Distress Prediction using a Non-stationary Dataset

Financial distress prediction (FDP) is crucial to companies, investors, and authorities. However, most FDP studies have been based on stationary models, disregarding important challenges present on financial distress data such as non-stationarity. Therefore, the lack of real-world datasets of economic-financial indicators organized in a timeline manner is a gap to be addressed. This study proposes a comprehensive dataset of 84 economic-financial indicators from the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) organized in a non-stationary manner and validated by experiments using classification models. The results of the metrics AUC-ROC, AUC-PS, F1-Score and Gmean bring evidences that the dataset is suitable for FDP.
Analysis of Performance Appraisal of State Civil Apparatus in the Regional Office of Education of North Sulawesi Province

The research objective was to examine how the performance evaluation of the state civil apparatus was carried out at the Education Office of North Sulawesi Province. The type and method of research is qualitative field research. Data collection techniques based on observation, interviews, and documentation. FromThe author's observations led to the conclusion that the performance assessment of the State Civil Apparatus at the North Sulawesi Provincial Education Office with service quality indicators was carried out very well. However, indicators of timeliness that are not implemented properly indicate that regular performance appraisals are needed to improve the performance of the state civil apparatus in the future.
The Role of Cysteine Protease Cathepsins B, H, C, and X/Z in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer

Papain-like cysteine proteases are composed of 11 human cysteine cathepsins, originally located in the lysosomes. They exhibit broad specificity and act as endopeptidases and/or exopeptidases. Among them, only cathepsins B, H, C, and X/Z exhibit exopeptidase activity. Recently, cysteine cathepsins have been found to be present outside the lysosomes and often participate in various pathological processes. Hence, they have been considered key signalling molecules. Their potentially hazardous proteolytic activities are tightly regulated. This review aims to discuss recent advances in understanding the structural aspects of these four cathepsins, mechanisms of their zymogen activation, regulation of their activities, and functional aspects of these enzymes in neurodegeneration and cancer. Neurodegenerative effects have been evaluated, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Cysteine cathepsins also participate in tumour progression and metastasis through the overexpression and secretion of proteases, which trigger extracellular matrix degradation. To our knowledge, this is the first review to provide an in-depth analysis regarding the roles of cysteine cathepsins B, H, C, and X in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Further advances in understanding the functions of cysteine cathepsins in these conditions will result in the development of novel, targeted therapeutic strategies.