Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Australia‐Pacific boundary and Cenozoic plate motions in the SW Pacific: Some constraints from Geosat data

Finite poles of Australia-Pacific rotation are calculated using a three-plate (Australia-Antarctica-Pacific) model and published Geosat data analyses of the Indian and Pacific Oceans (GEOS-3P solution). Features identified on maps of Geosat data from SW of New Zealand are used to determine a new best fit finite pole for the prerift (mid Eocene; ∼45 Ma) configuration of the Australia-Pacific plate boundary and to refine Eocene-Miocene motions on the plate boundary (∼45–20 Ma; GEOS-NZ results). Inverting the Australia-Pacific best fit finite rotation to find relative displacements between east and west Antarctica since the Eocene implies dextral oblique extension in the Ross Embayment and almost pure dextral movement in the Queen Maud Range. Early-mid Eocene convergence predicted through Antarctica conflicts with geological evidence and remains an unresolved problem.
STEREO PANORAMAS: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in the use of panoramic models to document architectural and archeological sites. A stereo-panorama is a new extension to a panoramic model which improves the model by adding the depth dimension to the simple flat panoramic model. In addition to having an impressive view of reality, such a model could allow for three dimensional measurements on the objects. To develop such models a number of questions, however, need to be addressed. The numbers of cameras to use or the way occlusions are tackled are among such questions. In this paper, problems in producing stereo-panoramas and possible solutions to them are discussed. For this, various scenarios were tested. The results of this study showed that using stereo cameras having a very small distance from each other and taking photographs in appropriate lighting conditions can result in high quality stereo -panoramic models.
A Research on College Students’ Engagement in English Writing Course

: This paper provides a comprehensive study on college students’ engagement in a blended mode English writing course. Paper questionnaires and SPSS 26.0 were used to analyze the results. 61 sophomores of non-English majors participated this research. It has been found that students actively took part in the blended mode learning and the students were more motivated and confident in future English learning and less anxious after the course. We also found that the majority of student’s engagement, namely, behavioral engagement, emotional engagement, and agentic engagement corelate with their learning results. While the relationship between cognitive engagement and mid-term and final testing was not significant enough. The research findings indicate the importance of raising the awareness of students’ engagement in English writing course. With the results of this investigation, the current study provides some suggestions for English writing course design, as well.
Low-Area and Low-Power VLSI Architectures for Long Short-Term Memory Networks

Long short-term memory (LSTM) networks are extensively used in various sequential learning tasks, including speech recognition. Their significance in real-world applications has prompted the demand for cost-effective and power-efficient designs. This paper introduces LSTM architectures based on distributed arithmetic (DA), utilizing circulant and block-circulant matrix-vector multiplications (MVMs) for network compression. The quantized weights-oriented approach for training circulant and block-circulant matrices is considered. By formulating fixed-point circulant/block-circulant MVMs, we explore the impact of kernel size on accuracy. Our DA-based approach employs shared full and partial methods of add-store/store-add followed by a select unit to realize an MVM. It is then coupled with a multi-partial strategy to reduce complexity for larger kernel sizes. Further complexity reduction is achieved by optimizing decoders of multiple select units. Pipelining in add-store enhances speed at the expense of a few pipelined registers. The results of the field-programmable gate array showcase the superiority of our proposed architectures based on the partial store-add method, delivering reductions of 98.71% in DSP slices, 33.59% in slice look-up tables, 13.43% in flip-flops, and 29.76% in power compared to the state-of-the-art.
Pan-Genome Analyses of the Genus Cohnella and Proposal of the Novel Species Cohnella silvisoli sp. nov., Isolated from Forest Soil

Two strains, designated NL03-T5T and NL03-T5-1, were isolated from a soil sample collected from the Nanling National Forests, Guangdong Province, PR China. The two strains were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped and had lophotrichous flagellation. Strain NL03-T5T could secrete extracellular mucus whereas NL03-T5-1 could not. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the two strains belong to the genus Cohnella, were most closely related to Cohnella lupini LMG 27416T (95.9% and 96.1% similarities), and both showed 94.0% similarity with Cohnella arctica NRRL B-59459T, respectively. The two strains showed 99.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between them. The draft genome size of strain NL03-T5T was 7.44 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 49.2 mol%. The average nucleotide identities (ANI) and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between NL03-T5T and NL03-T5-1 were 99.98% and 100%, indicating the two strains were of the same species. Additionally, the ANI and dDDH values between NL03-T5T and C. lupini LMG 27416T were 76.1% and 20.4%, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids of strain NL03-T5T included anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0. The major polar lipids and predominant respiratory quinone were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Based on phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization, genomic DNA G+C content, and ANI and dDDH values, strains NL03-T5T and NL03-T5-1 represent novel species in the genus Cohnella, for which the name Cohnella silvisoli is proposed. The type strain is NL03-T5T (=GDMCC 1.2294T = JCM 34999T). Furthermore, comparative genomics revealed that the genus Cohnella had an open pan-genome. The pan-genome of 29 Cohnella strains contained 41,356 gene families, and the number of strain-specific genes ranged from 6 to 1649. The results may explain the good adaptability of the Cohnella strains to different habitats at the genetic level.
Revisiting nitrification in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific: A focus on controls

Nitrification, the oxidation of ammonium ( NH4+) to nitrite ( NO2−) and to nitrate ( NO3−), is a component of the nitrogen (N) cycle internal to the fixed N pool. In oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), which are hotspots for oceanic fixed N loss, nitrification plays a key role because it directly supplies substrates for denitrification and anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox), and may compete for substrates with these same processes. However, the control of oxygen and substrate concentrations on nitrification are not well understood. We performed onboard incubations with 15N-labeled substrates to measure rates of NH4+ and NO2− oxidation in the eastern tropical South Pacific (ETSP). The spatial and depth distributions of NH4+ and NO2− oxidation rates were primarily controlled by NH4+ and NO2− availability, oxygen concentration, and light. In the euphotic zone, nitrification was partially photoinhibited. In the anoxic layer, NH4+ oxidation was negligible or below detection, but high rates of NO2− oxidation were observed. NH4+ oxidation displayed extremely high affinity for both NH4+ and oxygen. The positive linear correlations between NH4+ oxidation rates and in situ NH4+ concentrations and ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) gene abundances in the upper oxycline indicate that the natural assemblage of ammonia oxidizers responds to in situ NH4+ concentrations or supply by adjusting their population size, which determines the NH4+ oxidation potential. The depth distribution of archaeal and bacterial amoA gene abundances and N2O concentration, along with independently reported simultaneous direct N2O production rate measurements, suggests that AOA were predominantly responsible for NH4+ oxidation, which was a major source of N2O production at oxygen concentrations > 5 µM.
Is triple crossed C28 cyclic polyyne cluster a stable conformation?

Abstract Polyynes sometimes referred to as oligoynes or carbinoids, and their resonance cumulene form are valuable precursors to a whole series of more complex organic derivatives. Motivated by a series of studies that explore the stabilization of polyynes, in different ways, the possibility of their stabilization through the formation of crossed cycles is explored in this article. It is easy to notice that the cyclic conformations represent a special case, in that they possess an increased symmetry. The stability of the polyene molecule can be enhanced by building cross-clusters. In this article, the molecular modeling tools were employed in order to provide insights about the construction and stability of 3C28 triple crossed C28 cyclic polyyne cluster. It has been shown that C28 and 3C28 triple crossed C28 are very similar energetically. HOMO–LUMO gap suggests a metallic conductivity. The angles between the planes of the molecular rings shows almost an axial alignment of the rings. A symmetry-constrained optimization was conducted using Z-matrix internal coordinates and Gaussian software, and it revealed that the geometrical conformation of C28 polyyne as triple crossed cluster is a stable conformation, since in all investigated scenarios the convergence is assured and it is to nearly optimum local points.
Flow and transport effects of compaction bands in sandstone at scales relevant to aquifer and reservoir management

Thin, tabular, low‐porosity, low‐permeability compaction bands form pervasive, subparallel, anastomosing arrays that extend over square kilometers of exposure in the Aztec Sandstone of southeastern Nevada, an exhumed analog for active aquifers and reservoirs. In order to examine the potential flow and transport effects of these band arrays at scales relevant to production and management, we performed a suite of simulations using an innovative discrete‐feature modeling technique to capture the exact pattern of compaction bands mapped over some 150,000 m2 of contiguous outcrop. Significant impacts related to the presence of the bands and their dominant trend are apparent: the average pressure drop required to drive flow between wells exceeds that for band‐free sandstone by a factor of three and is 10% to 50% higher across the bands versus along them; reservoir production efficiency varies up to 56% for a typical five‐spot well array, depending on its orientation relative to the dominant band trend; and contaminant transport away from a point source within an aquifer tends to channel along the bands, regardless of the regional gradient direction. We conclude that accounting for the flow effects of similar compaction‐band arrays would prove essential for optimal management of those sandstone aquifers and reservoirs in which they occur.
Influence of cover cropping and conservation tillage on weeds during the critical period for weed control in soybean

Abstract Limited research has been directed at evaluating the ability of single cover crop plantings to suppress weeds in crops beyond the initial field season. Thus, this experiment was conducted to investigate the ability of a second-year self-regenerated annual and second-year perennial cover crop planting to suppress weeds during the critical period for weed control (CPWC) in soybean crops. Whole-plot treatments included 1) conventional till, 2) no-till with cover crop residue, 3) living mulch + cover crop residue, and 4) living mulch + winter-killed residue. Subplot treatments involved weed management intensity: a) no weed management (weedy), b) weeds manually removed through the CPWC (third node soybean stage; V3), and c) weeds manually removed until soybean canopy closure (weed-free). Overall, total annual cover crop biomass during the second field season was comparable to biomass obtained from direct seeded stands during the initial field season. All cover crop treatments reduced total weed biomass through the CPWC compared to conventional till. Soybean yield was low across all treatments in this experiment. Still, yield was similar between cover crop and conventional till treatments at one site-year, however, yields were lower in all cover crop treatments at the other site-year. Nomenclature: Soybean; Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Exponential decay of transient values in discrete-time positive nonlinear systems

The exponential decay of transient values in discrete-time nonlinear standard and fractional orders systems with linear positive linear part and positive feedbacks is investigated. Suﬃcient conditions for the exponential decay of transient values in this class of positive nonlinear systems are established. A procedure for computation of gains characterizing the class of nonlinear elements are given and illustrated on simple example.
Estimation of Extremes of Typhoon-generated Wave Height in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea

The 1000-year return wave heights in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea are estimated, on the basis of extreme analysis for the data of typhoon-generated maximum significant wave height simulated over 1000 years using a system composed of a stochastic typhoon model, a parametric typhoon wind model and wave prediction models in deep and shallow waters. The study shows that the 1000-return wave height varies from 20 m in the southern area to 8 m in the northern area because of the decay of typhoon strength with movement towards the northern direction and that the effect of water depth on extremes of wave height is significant in the East China Sea where a shallow continental shelf covers a wide sea area. Another finding is that the parent distribution of typhoon-generated annual maximum wave height may be represented by the Weibull distribution with the shape parameter greater than 2.
Waves of change: a preliminary literature review of non-drinkable water and environmental justice research

ABSTRACT For decades, researchers have sought to document injustices, highlight activism, and identify pathways in moving toward environmental justice (EJ). EJ research regarding water has been predominantly focused on drinking water. This project sought to identify and analyze the breadth of peer-reviewed research on EJ and water beyond drinking water. We conducted a systematic literature review to catalog a representative sample of academic literature on EJ and surface water. We found a focus on freshwater rather than marine EJ research, with the biggest focus on anthropogenic-induced change and management and policy considerations. Distributional and procedural injustices were more commonly investigated than recognitional and capabilities injustices. The most common research efforts were qualitative case studies and larger spatial analyses of disparities. There remains considerable need for research connected to the complex issues of EJ and water.
Determining Scale Properties from Seismic Transmission Responses: A Modeling Study

Summary Seismic imaging methods have been valuable in probing the earth’s subsurface. The image quality obtained of target structures is subject to the scattering effects by subsurface heterogeneities (scale, size, composition) on the wavefield recorded at the 3C sensors. Our modeling study suggests that the spectral content of the forward scattered energy (transmitted wave) can provide information on medium properties (ΔVp, ΔVs, Δρ, and scale length). Accounting for these scattering effects via deconvolution and statics processing routines can help improve the quality of surface and borehole seismic images.
Back‐arc magma processes in the Okinawa Trough: new insights from textural and compositional variations of plagioclase in basalts

The evolution of magma during ascent through the crust in the region of the Okinawa Trough is recorded by its mineralogy. In this study, we utilized the characteristics of plagioclase minerals in basaltic magma to deduce magma generation processes, by examining (via back‐scattered electron images) the compositional features of plagioclase phenocrysts in basalts dredged from the middle and southern portions of the Okinawa Trough, which provided a detailed account of the evolution and crystallization of the magma. The crystallization and evolutionary histories of magmas from the middle Okinawa Trough are distinct from those in the southern Okinawa Trough. In the middle Okinawa Trough, we identified seven textural varieties of plagioclase: homogeneous‐core, fine oscillatory‐zoned, core‐sieved, mantle‐sieved, patchy‐core, glomerocrystic and microlitic. Anorthite (An) contents in the cores of plagioclase crystals are 80–87%, while concentrations of Fe, Mg and Sr vary more strongly, especially in patchy‐core plagioclase. The homogeneous‐core, fine oscillatory‐zoned and glomerocrystic plagioclase crystallized in deep‐seated chambers. In contrast, the core‐sieved, mantle‐sieved and patchy‐core textures developed when magmas ascended slowly and were injected into shallow chambers, during which plagioclase was resorbed and dissolved due to decompression. In the southern Okinawa Trough, homogeneous‐core plagioclase crystallized when magma ascended rapidly through deep conduits and was injected into a shallow chamber; under these conditions, only homogeneous‐core and core‐sieved plagioclase phenocrysts crystallized in the shallow chamber. The core of homogeneous‐core plagioclase (An86–An93) was partially resorbed and contaminated by crustal material. Degassing and undercooling promoted the rapid crystallization of microlitic plagioclase, especially in the outermost rims, during and after the extraction of magma from shallow chambers, in both the middle and southern Okinawa Trough. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles with biomineralization activity for surgical hemorrhage control

ABSTRACT Bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs) are good bioactive materials for clinical treatment because of their unique composition and silica-oxygen network structure. Herein, we designed and reported a monodisperse mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle with biomineralization activity for surgical hemorrhage control. The results indicated that the BGNs have excellent biomineralization ability. In vivo and in vitro hemostasis studies suggested that BGNs have superior hemostatic properties to GZ (gauze) and GS (commercial gelatin sponge) and validated in vitro thrombosis, platelet adhesion, cytocompatibility and blood compatibility. The particles activated both endogenous and exogenous physiological coagulation pathways and could activate platelets and release Ca2+ to participate in the clotting pathway. Besides, the BGNs have good biocompatibility in vivo. These findings demonstrated that the potential of small diameter mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles is likely useful for bleeding control as potential hemostatic agents. IMPACT STATEMENT Monodisperse mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles about 100 nm have excellent biomineralization ability, histocompatibility and hemostatic capacity, which could active endogenous and exogenous coagulation pathways and release Ca2+ to participate in. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Hydrogeochemical processes and evaluation of groundwater in Al-Salman area – Iraqi Southern Desert

: A field survey has been conducted for the study area using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and geological and geomorphological maps of the area. The study area is one of the important areas in Iraq characterized by scarce water resources. The purpose of the study is to determine the hydro-chemical processes and their relationship to groundwater quality carried out in the southwestern desert region of Iraq, where the region lacks extensive studies of water resources. Twenty-eight groundwater samples were collected from wells distributed between the eastern borders of Saudi Arabia and the West Bank of the Euphrates River. For the purpose of hydrogeochemical analyses, the Fetter method was used to collect and examine samples. A large part of the recharge area is located in Saudi Arabia, where the groundwater bearing aquifer represented by the Dammam formation extends to Iraq and Saudi Arabian International borders. The analysis determined the order of cations (Na + > Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > K + ) and anions (Cl – > SO 42– > HCO 3– ). High values of the variation coefficient ( CV ) correspond to the concentration of potassium, sodium and chloride ions ( CV : 68.7, 64.7 and 64 respectively). To identify the hydrochemical water facies, the Piper diagram was used. It was found that 53% of the water samples belong to the Na-Cl type and 40% are of the Ca-Mg-Cl type, while the rest of the samples are the Ca-Cl type. To identify geochemical processes, it was found that ion exchange processes via chloroalkaline indices 1 and 2 are prevalent between Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ in the groundwater and Na + , K + in water bearing rocks. To learn more about the processes that led to the concentration of certain ions, such as sodium, it was found that they tend to be of silicate minerals related to surface runoff of water in recharge areas and carbonic rocks. It was also found that rock / soil-groundwater interaction and evaporation processes were the formal processes in the saturated zone and evaporation in the unsaturated zone are prevalent processes of groundwater ion concentration.
SOC-Based Simulation of 3D MIMO Mobile-to-Mobile Fading Channels: A Riemann Sum Approach

The Riemann sum method (RSM) was introduced almost two decades ago as an efficient parameter computation method for the design of narrowband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mobile fading channel simulators based on the sum-of-cisoids (SOC) principle. This method has been shown to be more accurate and less computationally expensive than other methods based on the SOC principle. However, the RSM was formulated by assuming uniform linear antenna arrays and a two-dimensional geometrical propagation environment. These assumptions impose important limitations, as the mobile communication systems are evolving to provide service in a variety of three-dimensional (3D) environments by employing different antenna array configurations. This article presents two generalized versions of the RSM that remove such limitations. One version follows the deterministic approach of the original RSM, which is specific to the design of ergodic SOC-based simulators for wide-sense stationary (WSS) channels. The other version is inspired by a stochastic approach that enables the non-ergodic simulation of WSS channels and which can be extrapolated to the simulation of non-WSS channels. Simulation results presented here demonstrate that both generalizations provide an excellent approximation to the envelope distribution and correlation properties of 3D narrowband MIMO mobile-to-mobile fading channels, regardless of the antenna array configuration and the propagation environment's geometry.