Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil around Lead-Zinc Mining Area

The soil around a lead and zinc smelter in Hunan was taken as the research object. Geostatistics and multistatistics were applied to investigate distribution characteristics of Cd, Pb, As. Then the sources of three elements were explored and the potential ecological risk assessment of the region was conducted. The results indicate that average concentrations of Cd, Pb and As are 434.78, 2 908.27, 320.48 mg/kg, respectively, far exceeding their corresponding limits in National Soil Environmental Quality Standard. Results of spatial distribution maps show that there was a strong correlation between Cd, Pb and As and heavy polluted spots were concentrated in the residue deposit and residential areas, with pollution levels in the descending order as residue deposit residential areas unused areas vegetable field. The analysis of correlation among heavy metals elements indicate that Cd, Pb and As have homology. The cluster analysis show that Cd and As have more closer homology, and they are mainly from the smelter dust and sediment of Xiangjiang River. The potential ecological risk assessment result indicate that except vegetable field with a low value center, soils in other place were engaging in a severe potential ecological risk, especially residue deposit, where the potential ecological risk was the most serious.
Factors interfering with the production of Histoplasma capsulatum antigens

Histoplasma capsulatum causes systemic mycosis that depends on host susceptibility, fungal virulence, and factors associated with the infectious process. We evaluated the possible interference of the phenotype of 12 samples of H. capsulatum isolated from HIV-positive and negative patients in obtaining antigens, aiming at the serological diagnosis through the gender-specific recognition of the H and M fractions. The antigens were evaluated by double immunodiffusion against H. capsulatum anti-antigen polyclonal antibody and serum samples from patients with histoplasmosis. The phenotypic evaluation revealed differences in the identification of the fungal agent and in the expression of H and M antigens, considered serological markers of the disease, associated with pigmentation and the production of conidia. It was found that antigenic preparations obtained from H. capsulatum isolated from HIV-positive patients may have satisfactory antigenic capacity. The patient’s immune status does not seem to interfere with the expression of antigenic proteins secreted by H. capsulatum. However, we suggest that prolonged use of antiretrovirals drugs or steroids can cause important phenotypic alterations. We showed that some fungal samples from patients with a long history of immunosuppressive drugs produced atypical cellular elements and low reactivity against the H and M fractions.
Trends in E-Cigarette and Tobacco Cigarette Purchasing Behaviors by Youth in the United States, Canada, and England, 2017–2022

Objectives: This paper describes trends in youth e-cigarette (EC) and tobacco cigarette (TC) purchasing behaviors in Canada, England, and the United States (US) in relationship to changing minimum legal age (MLA) laws. Methods: Data are from eight cross-sectional online surveys among national samples of 16- to 19-year-olds in Canada, England, and the US conducted from 2017 to 2022 (N = 104,467). Average wave percentage change in EC and TC purchasing prevalence and purchase locations were estimated using Joinpoint regressions. Results: EC purchasing increased between 2017 and 2022, although the pattern of change differed by country. EC purchasing plateaued in 2019 for the US and in 2020 for Canada, while increasing through 2022 for England. TC purchasing declined sharply in the US, with purchasing from traditional retail locations declining, while purchasing from social sources increased. Vape shops were the most common location for EC purchasing, although declining in England and the US. Conclusion: Trends in EC and TC purchasing trends in the US are consistent with the expected impact of the federal MLA law increasing the legal age to 21 years in December 2019.
Turbulent mixing near the Yermak Plateau during the Coordinated Eastern Arctic Experiment

During the ice camp component of the Coordinated Eastern Arctic Experiment (CEAREX) in March–April 1989, 1500 profiles of temperature, conductivity, and velocity shear microstructure were obtained near the Yermak plateau. The dominant signal in isopycnal displacements was the diurnal variability near the plateau, consistent with the enhanced diurnal currents found in this region previously from the Fram III and Fram IV ice camps. The dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy e reached maximum values of about 10−6 W kg−1 in two distinct regions, the surface mixing layer and the pycnocline between 120 and 220 m. There was a significant component of diurnal variability in e in each region. In the surface layer, e was proportional to the cube of the ice-relative current speed at 30 m below the ice, and it decayed approximately exponentially with increasing depth. Major mixing events in the pycnocline were correlated with large-amplitude, short-duration, isopycnal displacements. The lowest dissipation rates were recorded over the deep Nansen basin, north of the plateau, and in the subsurface core of a submesoscale baroclinic eddy in northern Fram Strait. The time-averaged vertical eddy diffusivity near the slope of the plateau was about 2.5×10−4 m2 s−1 in the pycnocline above the Atlantic layer, implying an upward heat flux of 25 W m−2, although only a small fraction of this heat reached the base of the mixed layer. The results confirm that current interactions with steep topography are critical to the modification of Atlantic Water in the eastern Arctic Ocean.
Field Plant Monitoring from Macro to Micro Scale: Feasibility and Validation of Combined Field Monitoring Approaches from Remote to in Vivo to Cope with Drought Stress in Tomato

Monitoring plant growth and development during cultivation to optimize resource use efficiency is crucial to achieve an increased sustainability of agriculture systems and ensure food security. In this study, we compared field monitoring approaches from the macro to micro scale with the aim of developing novel in vivo tools for field phenotyping and advancing the efficiency of drought stress detection at the field level. To this end, we tested different methodologies in the monitoring of tomato growth under different water regimes: (i) micro-scale (inserted in the plant stem) real-time monitoring with an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT)-based sensor, namely a bioristor, that enables continuous monitoring of the plant; (ii) medium-scale (<1 m from the canopy) monitoring through red–green–blue (RGB) low-cost imaging; (iii) macro-scale multispectral and thermal monitoring using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). High correlations between aerial and proximal remote sensing were found with chlorophyll-related indices, although at specific time points (NDVI and NDRE with GGA and SPAD). The ion concentration and allocation monitored by the index R of the bioristor during the drought defense response were highly correlated with the water use indices (Crop Water Stress Index (CSWI), relative water content (RWC), vapor pressure deficit (VPD)). A high negative correlation was observed with the CWSI and, in turn, with the RWC. Although proximal remote sensing measurements correlated well with water stress indices, vegetation indices provide information about the crop’s status at a specific moment. Meanwhile, the bioristor continuously monitors the ion movements and the correlated water use during plant growth and development, making this tool a promising device for field monitoring.
Research on angles-only/SINS/CNS relative position and attitude determination algorithm for a tumbling spacecraft

In this paper, the relative navigation technique of final approach phase for a tumbling target spacecraft is studied and exploited. It is assumed that the tumbling target is in failure or out of control and there is no good a priori rotation rate information. The Euler’s rotational dynamics is used to propagate the target angular velocity, and the unknown inertia parameter circumstance is also considered. The chaser spacecraft is equipped with three strapdown gyros and accelerometers and a star sensor that determine the absolute motion parameters, and an optical camera that measures relative azimuth and elevation angles to the target spacecraft. On the basis of the rotational and translational motions of both spacecrafts, an angles-only/ strapdown inertial navigation system/celestial navigation system navigation filter is designed. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can accurately estimate the relative position, velocity, and attitude between two spacecrafts and compensate the biases of the gyros and accelerometers.
Sustainable rural tourism strategies: A tool for development and conservation

This paper reviews how the principles of sustainable tourism have special relevance to thedevelopment of rural tourism, and examines how those principles can be translated into practice by the writingand implementing of regional sustainable tourism strategies. It considers the advantages of this approach, andoffers guide-lines for future practitioners. A case study is given of the development of a strategy for an area innorthern England, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Este trabajo revisa como los principios de sutentabilidad del turismo tienen especial relevanciapara el desarrollo del turismo rural, y examina como aquellos principios pueden ser trasladados a la practicapor medio de escribir e implementar estrategias regionales de turismo sustentable. El articulo considera lasventajas de este metodo, y ofrece guias para futuros implementadotes de estrategias en el sector turistico. Uncaso de estudio se presenta para el desarrollo de una estrategia para un area en el norte de Inglaterra, Berwickupon-Tweed. (This article is a reprint from the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Vol 2, Nos. 1 & 2, 1994)
Alaska and Inuvialuit Beluga Whale Committee (AIBWC) - An Initiative in "At Home Management"

The Alaska and Inuvialuit Beluga Whale Committee (AIBWC) was formed in 1988 to facilitate and promote the wise conservation, management and utilization of beluga whales in Alaska and the western Canadian Arctic. The membership of the committee consists of representatives from coastal beluga whale hunting regions and communities in Alaska and the Mackenzie River Delta in Canada, U.S. federal, state and local government agencies, and others, such as researchers and technical advisors. Only representatives from beluga whale hunting communities vote on matters related to hunting, while the committee as a whole votes on other issues. Harvest monitoring programs are planned and coordinated at the spring meeting, implemented during the whaling season by hunters and others and reported upon during the fall meeting. To date, the AIBWC has 1) established beluga whale research priorities, 2) coordinated or assisted with the collection of samples for genetic, contaminant and basic biological studies, 3) provided funding for DNA studies, 4) commented on federal actions (e.g., relating to oil and gas exploration activity) with the potential to affect beluga whales, beluga habitat or beluga hunting, 5) collected the most complete harvest data ever available for Alaska, 6) produced a newsletter highlighting important marine mammal issues for coastal residents of Alaska, and 7) sponsored the attendance of committee members at meetings of the International Whaling Commission. The AIBWC recently ratified its draft Alaska beluga whale management plan, a counterpart to the existing plan for beluga whale management in the western Canadian Arctic, and has initiated discussions on a joint Inupiat-Inuvialuit plan for management of the shared Beaufort Sea beluga whale stock. Key words: beluga whale, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, management, subsistence harvest, Inuvialuit, Inupiat
Passive magnetic coil design for electromagnetic interference evaluation of axle counters

Measurement of magnetic fields near the railway tracks is crucial to ensure compatibility with the operation of axle counters. According to EN 50592 standard, the magnetic field is detected with a passive magnetic coil and an oscilloscope. From previous studies, in general, there has been no in-depth analysis of how the choice of coil winding parameters could affect the coil output voltage, which then affect the measurement sensitivity, in particular the coil design based on the standard and it is applicability for electromagnetic interference (EMI) evaluation of axle counters. Therefore, this paper will explore the design of a passive magnetic coil to obtain the optimum coil output voltage within the frequency range. Simulations showed that for 10-100 kHz and 100 kHz–1.3 MHz range, the optimum number of turns happened at 60-100 and 15-60 turns, respectively. Based on that, two example coils had been built. Simulations and measurements of their frequency response were in good agreement, with a deviation less than 1.0 dB.
Quantitative structural analysis using remote sensing data: Kurdistan, northeast Iraq

The use of remote sensing data increases the efficiency of field mapping, especially in areas with difficult access or where geologic fieldwork is expensive or hazardous. This study presents a newly developed software tool for interactively mapping and measuring the spatial orientation (i.e., dip angle and dip direction) of finite planar geologic structure from digital elevation models (DEMs). The orientations of planar data (e.g., sedimentary bedding or fault planes) are derived by approximating a virtual plane to the intersection of the planar feature with the DEM topography. To increase the informative value of the DEM, satellite images can be draped onto the topographic data set. The software tool was tested in the Zagros fold and thrust belt, northeast of Erbil (Kurdistan, northeast Iraq), where the stratigraphy has been deformed into subcylindrical fold trains. Computed orientations have been compared with actual dip angles and directions measured in the field. Under favorable conditions (moderately dipping planes, strong competence contrast between stratigraphic boundaries, intersection with a rugged topography, low vegetation), statistical comparison of computed data with the field measurements demonstrates that the spatial data set can be reproduced from the DEM within an average error of approximately 10. The strength of the method is demonstrated by integrating field data with computed values from inaccessible areas, resulting in a reasonably well-constrained balanced geologic cross section.
Pore-water extraction from the unsaturated and saturated zones

A simple, inexpensive method for extracting pore water from unsaturated soils, which uses a combination of immiscible fluid displacement, suction, and mechanical compression, is described. This method uses a squeezing chamber to contain the unsaturated sediments in aluminum core tubing to prevent exposure of the sediments and pore water to atmospheric O2 and subsequent oxidation reactions. Geochemical artifacts resulting from high-compression squeezing are prevented by maintaining the pressure applied during the squeezing at a minimum. Comparison of squeezed profiles with field measured profiles of pH, Eh (oxidation–reduction potential), alkalinity, and metal speciation indicates good agreement between these parameters using this method. Depending on the water content of the sediments, a range of water volumes (several millilitres to excess of 100 mL) can be extracted from a single core section 7.6 cm in diameter by 20 cm long. Pore water was produced immediately from sediments at near-saturated condition.
Formulation and in vitro Evaluation of Verapamil Hydrochloride Floating Tablets

The present research work aims to formulate and evaluate novel sustained-discharge floating tablets of verapamilhydrochloride (VPH) which is used for the treatment of hypertension. We aim to use a direct compression technique to formulatethe floating tablets. The characterization of the formulation of VPH was carried out by employing FT-IR and DSC studies, whichshowed that there was no chemical interaction between the drug and polymers, such as HPMC K100M, chitosan, and sodiumalginate. The tablets are designed to have good in-vitro buoyancy, and they remain afloat in the dissolution medium. The bestformulation (F7) is chosen based on its maximum drug discharge (91.91±2.25%) and drug content (97.20±2.71%) over 12h. Thedischarge kinetics of the drug from the tablets are analyzed using various mathematical models, such as zero order, first order,Higuchi, and Korsmeyer's equations. These models help explain and predict drug discharge behavior over time. The studyconcludes that a proper balance between the sustained-release polymer and the gas-forming agent is essential for efficient in-vitrobuoyancy and sustained drug discharge. Formulation F7, which utilized sodium alginate, appears to be the most promising in termsof drug discharge and content.
Dinamika Tradisi Tari Gubang pada Suku Melayu di Kecamatan Tanjungbalai

This research delves into the Gubang dance, a traditional art form originating from Tanjungbalai Asahan, North Sumatra. It centers on investigating its origins, functions, development, and preservation challenges. The research employs fieldwork and interviews with traditional arts experts to gather reliable data. The findings uncover that the Gubang dance holds profound significance as a symbol of unity and gratitude within Asahan's cultural tapestry. Its graceful, dynamic movements mirror the beauty of Indonesian culture, necessitating preservation efforts. However, the Gubang dance grapples with challenges, notably waning interest among younger generations. In response, the research underscores the imperative of promoting and preserving the Gubang dance. Such initiatives are pivotal to ensure it doesn't fade into obscurity, remaining an integral facet of invaluable cultural heritage. This study validates the importance of traditional dances as regional cultural identifiers and emphasizes the need for concrete actions to safeguard this cultural wealth for continued relevance and vitality.
Influence of NF3 Plasma-Treated HfO2 Gate Insulator Surface on Tin Oxide Thin-Film Transistors

We studied the impact of NF3 plasma treatment on the HfO2 gate insulator of amorphous tin oxide (a-SnOx) thin-film transistors (TFTs). The plasma treatment was for 0, 10, or 30 s. The HfO2 insulator demonstrated a slightly higher breakdown voltage, whereas the capacitance value remained almost constant (~150 nF/cm2). The linear mobility slightly increased from ~30 to ~35 cm2/Vs when the treatment time increased from 0 to 10 s, whereas a 30 s-treated TFT demonstrated a decreased mobility of ~15 cm2/Vs. The subthreshold swing and the threshold voltage remained in the 100–120 mV/dec. range and near 0 V, respectively. The hysteresis dramatically decreased from ~0.5 V to 0 V when a 10 s treatment was applied, and the 10 s-treated TFT demonstrated the best stability under high current stress (HCS) of 100 μA. The analysis of the tin oxide thin film crystallinity and oxygen environment demonstrated that the a-SnOx remained amorphous, whereas more metal–oxygen bonds were formed with a 10 s NF3 plasma treatment. We also demonstrate that the density of states (DOS) significantly decreased in the 10 s-treated TFT compared to the other conditions. The stability under HCS was attributed to the HfO2/a-SnOx interface quality.
To Study the Inception and Evolution of Environmental Impact Assessment in the World and in India and to Analyze and Comment upon the Environmental Clearance Process in the Country

CERTIFICATE The present work embodied in this dissertation entitled " To study the inception and evolution of Environmental Impact Assessment in the World and in India and to analyze and comment upon the Environmental Clearance process in the country " is original and has not been submitted in part or full for any degree or diploma of this or any other University. This dissertation is being submitted towards partial fulfillment of the M.Sc. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT There is always a sense of gratitude, which must be expressed to others for the helpful and needy services they render during all phases of life. I too would like to do it as I really wish to express my thanks to all those who have helped me in getting this mighty task of Dissertation to a successful end. I am highly indebted to my Supervisor Dr. Arun Bhaskar who played the most important role in providing valuable suggestions, support, encouragement and understanding required during the preparation of this dissertation. I also thank him for providing me with the infrastructure, facilities (in station and out station), and a conducive environment for my work. I would also like to thank Dr. D.C. Nautiyal and Mr. Sanjay for their time and guidance throughout the field trip. I extend my sincere gratitude to Kanchi Kohli of Kalpavriksh Environment Action Group and to Sunita Dubey for their meaningful and timely replies to my long mails. I also take this opportunity to thank Prof. Mihir Deb for his much-needed support and concern in rejuvenating my spirits from time to time. Last, but not the least, I would like to thank the entire staff of CISMHE for their unlimited support and cheerful cooperation throughout the tenure of my dissertation. So once again I wish my humble thanks towards all of them.
The phenology of onion bulb development at different sites and its relevance to incomplete bulbing (‘thick-necking’)

SummaryIn three successive seasons onion bulbing and maturity from simultaneous sowings occurred two to three weeks earlier on a sandy loam at Wellesbourne, Warwickshire (latitude 52.2°N) than on a silty soil at Holbeach, Lines (latitude 52.8°N). This difference was associated with 1–2°C higher soil temperatures and faster early seedling growth at Wellesbourne. In previous seasons high percentages of ‘thick-necked’ onions had occurred at the Holbeach site. Analysis of data from cultivar trials conducted at several sites over many seasons showed that the occurrence of a high percentage of ‘thick-necked’ plants was associated with sites, seasons or cultivars of late maturity date. Late sowing delayed bulb development and maturity, and increased nitrogen levels slightly delayed bulb development. However darkening the soil surface, thereby slightly increasing soil temperatures, had no effect on growth and development.