Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Spring High Water Events in the Mackenzie Delta and Implications for Lake and Terrestrial Flooding

This paper utilizes the partial duration series technique to quantify the flooding regime of high-closure lakes, a typical terrestrial portion of the delta plain, and channel levees in the east-central Mackenzie Delta. This analysis demonstrates that the lowest high-closure lakes are flooded annually to depths of up to 4 m, and for durations of up to 30 days. The highest lakes, however, do not flood annually and have much smaller magnitudes and durations. Since the delta plain is at a higher elevation than the lakes, the land is flooded less frequently and for shorter durations. In fact, much of the delta plain near Inuvik does not flood annually, and when it does flood, it is flooded by relatively shallow depths of water and for short duration. Channel levees in the study area vary greatly in elevation, with the lowest levees found on recently developed channels. They are inundated annually for long periods of time, while the highest elevation levees, found on older, established channels, are inundated infrequently and for short periods of time.
Diversity of Macroinvertebrates in the Mangrove Forest of Brgy. Nabago, Surigao City, Philippines

Macroinvertebrate assemblages in the mangrove forest were assessed to determine the baseline information on the marine ecosystem in Barangay Nabago. Physicochemical parameters of soil and water were also determined to correlate with these bio-indicators. Three sampling stations were established. Live specimens were collected from natural substrates such as rocks, leaves, wood, and other debris through hand picking. To obtain macrobenthos, soil samples were collected using a core method with six-core samples from each plot. A 500 micrometer (0.5 mm) mesh size sieve was used to separate the macroinvertebrates from the sediments and any debris. A multiparameter checker determined the physicochemical parameters of water such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, and conductivity. Biodiversity indices such as species richness, abundance, density, Shannon-Weiner diversity index, and evenness were calculated using the Paleontological Statistical Software Package (PAST) version 3.20 with correlation analysis using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Station 3 obtained the highest frequency count of macroinvertebrates compared to the first (1) and second (2) stations, which correlate to the highest numerical value of the physicochemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, and pH. These physicochemical parameters were favourable for macroinvertebrate species to thrive. Soil characterized with the highest percentage of the sandy substrate also contributed to macroinvertebrates’ diversity, particularly in station 3, which obtained the highest diversity index (H’=2.436).
Use of property rights in fisheries management. Proceedings of the FishRights99 Conference, Fremantle, Western Australia, 11-19 November 1999. Workshop presentations.

Use of property rights in fisheries management: proceedings of the FishRights99 conference, Fremantle, Western Australia, 11-19 November 1999 , Use of property rights in fisheries management: proceedings of the FishRights99 conference, Fremantl. , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
Pleiotropic Effects of Improved Apoprotein A-I Mimetic Peptide

Background: To prevent the onset and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, we previously synthesized a mimetic peptide of apolipoprotein A-I (Fukuoka University ApoA-I Mimetic Peptide (FAMP)), which is a major component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). We reported that FAMP enhanced HDL-induced endothelial tube formation to help counteract cardiac muscle ischemia, and had anti-inflammatory effects or an effect on cholesterol efflux capacity to prevent coronary atherosclerosis. Methods: We have now synthesized an improved FAMP (i-FAMP) and examined whether its effects are stronger than those of conventional FAMP. First, human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCECs) were used to measure the tube-forming effects of these peptides. In addition, as an anti-inflammatory effect, we also investigated their inhibitory effects on the secretion of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) from cells. As an anti-apoptotic effect to prevent cardiac muscle ischemia, the inhibitory effect on caspase-3/7 activation was also measured in H9C2 rat cardiomyocyte cells. Results: HDL promoted HCEC tube formation and suppressed MCP-1 secretion from HCECs and caspase-3/7 activation in H9C2 cells. The tube formation under HDL with i-FAMP treatment was stronger than that under HDL with FAMP. HDL in the presence of FAMP or i-FAMP significantly suppressed MCP-1 secretion compared to HDL in the absence of FAMP or i-FAMP, whereas there were no significant changes in MCP-1 secretion between HDL with FAMP and HDL with i-FAMP treatment. HDL with i-FAMP and FAMP did not enhance the suppression of caspase-3/7 activation by HDL. Conclusions: HDL affected HCEC tube formation and had anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects; i-FAMP may or may not enhance these actions. In some cases, these effects were stronger than those of conventional FAMP.
Role of a Real-Time TDM-Based Expert Clinical Pharmacological Advice Program in Optimizing the Early Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment of Continuous Infusion Beta-Lactams among Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients with Documented or Suspected Gram-Negative Infections

(1) Objectives: To describe the attainment of optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets in orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients treated with continuous infusion (CI) beta-lactams optimized using a real-time therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-guided expert clinical pharmacological advice (ECPA) program during the early post-surgical period. (2) Methods: OLT recipients admitted to the post-transplant intensive care unit over the period of July 2021–September 2023, receiving empirical or targeted therapy with CI meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, or ceftazidime-avibactam optimized using a real-time TDM-guided ECPA program, were retrospectively retrieved. Steady-state beta-lactam (BL) and/or beta-lactamase inhibitor (BLI) plasma concentrations (Css) were measured, and the Css/MIC ratio was selected as the best PK/PD target for beta-lactam efficacy. The PK/PD target of meropenem was defined as being optimal when attaining a fCss/MIC ratio > 4. The joint PK/PD target of the BL/BLI combinations (namely piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, and meropenem-vaborbactam) was defined as being optimal when the fCss/MIC ratio > 4 of the BL and the fCss/target concentration (CT) ratio > 1 of tazobactam or avibactam, or the fAUC/CT ratio > 24 of vaborbactam were simultaneously attained. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for testing potential variables that were associated with a failure in attaining early (i.e., at first TDM assessment) optimal PK/PD targets. (3) Results: Overall, 77 critically ill OLT recipients (median age, 57 years; male, 63.6%; median MELD score at transplantation, 17 points) receiving a total of 100 beta-lactam treatment courses, were included. Beta-lactam therapy was targeted in 43% of cases. Beta-lactam dosing adjustments were provided in 76 out of 100 first TDM assessments (76.0%; 69.0% decreases and 7.0% increases), and overall, in 134 out of 245 total ECPAs (54.7%). Optimal PK/PD target was attained early in 88% of treatment courses, and throughout beta-lactam therapy in 89% of cases. Augmented renal clearance (ARC; OR 7.64; 95%CI 1.32–44.13) and MIC values above the EUCAST clinical breakpoint (OR 91.55; 95%CI 7.12–1177.12) emerged as independent predictors of failure in attaining early optimal beta-lactam PK/PD targets. (4) Conclusion: A real-time TDM-guided ECPA program allowed for the attainment of optimal beta-lactam PK/PD targets in approximately 90% of critically ill OLT recipients treated with CI beta-lactams during the early post-transplant period. OLT recipients having ARC or being affected by pathogens with MIC values above the EUCAST clinical breakpoint were at high risk for failure in attaining early optimal beta-lactam PK/PD targets. Larger prospective studies are warranted for confirming our findings.
An assessment of the oil and toxic heavy metal profiles of sediments of the Benin River adjacent to a lubricating oil producing factory, Delta State, Nigeria

An assessment of the effect of effluent from a lubricating oil producing factory on sediments of the Benin River was carried out. Surface sediment samples were taken from the river-bed and the inter-tidal zone (area between high tide and low tide). The results of analysis of sediment physicochemical variables and toxic heavy metals gave the average values of parameters as: pH (4.9±1.1), total organic carbon (2.1±2.4%), total organic matter (3.8±4.2%), clay (1.54±0.44%), silt (0.58±0.44%), sand (97.8±0.9%), total organic extracts (TOE) (49600±12000 mg kg-1), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) (41900±11000 mg kg -1 ), Ni (0.14±0.17 mg kg -1 ), Cd (0.08±0.09 mg kg -1 ), Pb (53±57 mg kg -1 ), Zn (92.1±170 mg kg -1 ), and Cr (4.1±2.0 mg kg -1 ). The Pb level actually fell between the Effects Range Low and Effects Range Median levels of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sediment quality guidelines which indicated moderate (or intermediate) contamination of sediment by Pb.The geoaccumulation indexes of Pb and Zn for some sampling stations were between 3 and 4 thus giving a pollution ranking of moderately high to highly polluted to these sampling stations. The average concentration of TPH exceeded both the soil/sediment target and intervention values of the environmental guidelines and standards for the petroleum industry in Nigeria EGASPIN) for mineral oil in sediment. Sediments of the river in the study area are polluted with heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons.
A Comparative Study of Ring VCO and LC-VCO: Design, Performance Analysis, and Future Trends

Voltage-controlled Oscillator (VCO) is a prominent part that has been used to generate a stable frequency for the high-frequency transceiver system. This survey encompasses a comparative analysis of two commonly used VCO architectures: the Ring VCO and LC-VCO. The Ring VCO has been constructed with the collection of ring delay cells. Moreover, the LC-VCO utilizes inductors, capacitors, fine-tuning circuits, coarse-tuning circuits to generate frequency. Furthermore, this study investigates an in-depth exploration of VCO structures, operational principles, advantages, limitations, and performance metrics. In addition, it evaluates performance parameters, including operating frequency range, phase noise, figure of merit, and tuning techniques. This research suggests that based on the application and its requirements, the VCO performance parameters need to be varied. This survey employs diverse types of VCO, and its design methods. Implications for future research and study of VCO design and integration are discussed.
A 3D hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model for assessing artificial oxygenation in a riverine salt-wedge estuary

The presence of anoxia and hypoxia in bottom waters is regularly observed in salt wedge riverine estuaries. The extent of oxygen depletion depends both on physical circulation patterns and biogeochemical processes such as organic matter mineralization, photosynthesis and sediment oxygen demand. Over the past decade, reduced flows in the Swan-Avon River catchments have led to reduced flushing of nutrients and organic matter in the Swan-Canning estuarine system in Western Australia (WA), and more intense stratification that has been able to penetrate further upstream. As a result, hypoxia and anoxia in the upper reaches is a now a persistent management challenge due to detrimental effects on estuarine biodiversity and overall amenity and health of the river. As part of a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the problem of eutrophication in the estuary, several oxygenation plants have been installed in the upper reaches of the river that use micro-diffusers to re-oxygenate anoxic and hypoxic waters. In this study we have aimed to simulate oxygen dynamics and assess the overall efficiency of the oxygenation plants through development of a finite volume coupled hydrodynamic – biogeochemical model of the Upper Swan estuary (Figure 1). The model accurately captured the saltwedge dynamics and extent and severity of hypoxia and anoxia. The model has been used to explore budgets of oxygen and nutrients for different plant operational regimes, and has allowed us to define the spatiotemporal benefit of these scenarios. The results are used to inform the most cost effective way to achieve the desired improvements in river habitat.
Artificial reef plan for sport fish enhancement

Hard bottom substrate provides habitat for a multitude of marine fishes, invertebrates, and plants - particularly giant kelp - which are of direct and indirect importance to sport and commercial fisheries. These reefs also enhance esthetic uses of the marine environment. This document sets forth the plan of the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) for the construction of artificial reefs. The plan includes an outline for defining the purpose of reef construction, gathering information pertinent to reef placement and design, selecting a reef site, preparing a project narrative, obtaining permits and approvals for reef construction, developing a general permit for reef construction, and establishing a system of fisheries habitat enhancement areas. Procedures for constructing and mapping reefs are discussed and an outline for conducting short- and long-term biological studies of reef communities is presented. Since 1958, CDFG has constructed 31 reefs off southern California. Thirteen of the largest and most frequently used reefs were mapped using hydroacoustic and radio-locating techniques. Maps of these reefs were published in a 1989 CDFG booklet entitled "A Guide to the Artificial Reefs of Southern California". Since 1978, seven developmental reefs have been constructed: 1) Pendleton Artificial Reef (1980) - San Diego County; 2) Pitas Point Artificial Reef (1984) Ventura County; 3) Marina Del Rey Artificial Reef (1985) - Los Angeles County; 4)Oceanside Artificial Reef (1987) - San Diego County; 5) Pacific Beach Artificial Reef (1987) - San Diego County; 6) Santa Monica Artificial Reef (1987) - Los Angeles County; and 7) Topanga Artificial Reef (1987) - Los Angeles County. These reefs were built to improve habitat for sport fishes and associated fauna and to evaluate the enhancement characteristics of reefs related to geographic location, depth, height, rock size, and reef spacing. Short-term studies revealed that all reefs have provided shelter, food, nesting, and nursery areas for important fish species and have increased sport fishing opportunities. Furthermore, giant kelp has been observed on all reefs built at suitable depths. More extensive long-term studies are planned in 1998 when reef communities will be at successional equilibrium. These studies will provide additional information concerning the long-term potential of artificial reefs as habitat for sport fish, invertebrates, and plants. The plan discusses different types of man-made reefs, including developmental, production, and fishing access reefs, and provides examples of each. It documents CDFG policy regarding the use of reefs as mitigation for impacts on rocky habitat and kelp. It also documents the laws authorizing CDFG to administer reef construction and studies in California. The activities involved in designing, permitting, constructing, and evaluating Pendleton Artificial Reef are provided as an example of the reef building and study process. A list of reefs is provided to document the location, depth, area, materials, and funding sources for all reefs constructed and/or augmented in California. (85pp.)
Dissolved Organic Carbon Concentration and Phytoplankton Biomass in High-mountain Lakes of the Austrian Alps: Potential Effect of Climatic Warming on UV Underwater Attenuation

Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a and biovolume) were measured during a survey of 57 high-mountain lakes of the Austrian Alps ranging from 1970 to 2890 m a.s. l. in elevation. Glacier-fed lakes had lower DOC (mean: 0.39 mg L-1) than lakes not fed by glaciers (mean: 0.70 mg L-'). Concentrations of DOC decreased with lake elevation and was 64% lower in lakes located between 2600 and 2800 (mean = 0.51, median = 0.47 mg L-1) than between 1970 and 2200 m a.s. l. (mean = 1.40, median = 1.10 mg L-~). Chlorophyll-a concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 10.6 pxg L-~ with a typical deep water maximum found in transparent lakes and a maximum close to the surface in glacier-fed lakes. Chlorophyll-a and direct estimations of biomass were highly significant correlated among lakes (r = 0.938, P 0.05). The potential impact of climatic warming on the underwater ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was assessed on the basis of expected changes in concentration of the two most important factors controlling the attenuation of UVR in the water column of alpine lakes not fed by glaciers, i.e. the chromophoric DOC and phytoplankton. Considering a scenario of further climatic warming in the Alps, we hypothesize that the attenuation of underwater UVR will increase mainly as a consequence of higher inputs of allochthonous DOC to surface waters of alpine lakes. Application of an empirical model based on the attenuation of underwater UVR by DOC, indicated that between 25 and 50% of the lakes studied can be considered as sensitive to UVR, i.e., the value of the 1% UV attenuation depth was higher than the lake maximum depth.
The Impact of Fake Reviews on Demand and Welfare

Although fake online customer reviews have become prevalent on platforms such as Amazon, Google, and Facebook, little is known about how these reviews influence consumer behavior. This paper provides the first experimental estimates of the effects of fake reviews on individual demand and welfare. We conduct an incentive-compatible online experiment with a nationally representative sample of respondents from the United Kingdom (n = 10,000). Consumers are asked to choose a product category, browse a platform resembling Amazon, and to select one of five products. One of the products is of inferior quality, one is of superior quality, and three are of average quality. We randomly allocate participants to variants of the platform. Five treatment groups see positive fake reviews for an inferior product, and the control group does not see fake reviews. Some participants are randomly selected to receive an educational intervention that aims to mitigate the potential effects of fake reviews. Our analysis of the experimental data yields four findings. First, fake reviews make consumers more likely to choose lower quality products. Second, we estimate that welfare losses from such reviews may be important—on the order of $. 12 for each dollar spent in the setting we study. Third, we find that fake reviews have heterogeneous effects. For example, the effect of fake reviews is smaller for those who do not trust customer reviews, which is consistent with a model we develop. Fake reviews also have larger effects on those who shop online more frequently. Fourth, we show that the educational intervention reduces the adverse welfare impact of fake reviews by 44%.
Farm system N balances for contrasting intensive grassland dairy production systems

Introduction Nitrogen (N) use efficiency is one of the key drivers of environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural production systems. However, the poor efficiency with which N is utilised within animal based systems is well documented (Jarvis, 1993). In recent years efficient N utilisation has become increasingly important because of economical and environmental concerns, combined with European Union policy such as the Water Framework Directive and Nitrates Directive. The objective of this work was to develop a N balance model to assess N use efficiency, N surpluses and N losses from spring calving grass based dairy production systems. This model was linked with the Moorepark Dairy Systems Model (MDSM; Shalloo et al., 2004). Data from a five year study carried out at Moorepark and reported by McCarthy et al. (2007) was used to evaluate the N use efficiency of contrasting spring calving dairy systems. The model was validated by comparing data from Ryan et al., (2006) against model outputs.
CASE STUDIES OF LIQUEFACTION IN THE 1964 NIIGATA EARTHQUAKE

Detailed soil investigations were conducted by means of the standard penetration test and Dutch cone penetration test, together with sampling by means of the large diameter sampler and Osterberg type piston sampler at two sites in the city of Niigata, Japan ; one where liquefaction type failure had occurred, and the other where liquefaction type failure had not occurred during the 1964 earthquake. Undisturbed loose samples of sand were tested in the laboratory using the cyclic triaxial test apparatus. The cyclic strength thus determined at each depth of the deposits at the two sites was incorporated into the simple liquefaction analysis which was carried out on the basis of the ground surface acceleration records obtained at the basement of a nearby apartment building during the 1964 earthquake. The results of the analysis indicated the behaviors of two sites that were in accord with the actual performances observed at the time of the earthquake.
Reliability of a Polethylene Pipe on the Basis of the PENT Model

Today it is recognized that SCG is the most expected origin of failure in transport systems using HDPE pipes. According to the PPI, the PENT (Pennsylvania Notch Test ASTM D 1473) is a laboratory test performed to measure the slow crack propagation resistance SCG. In the present study, a probabilistic approach based on the PENT test is adopted to study the reliability of a polyethylene pipe. The estimated lifetime is calculated on a reliability-model. Several parameters are used to establish parametric analysis such as crack length, pressure and service temperature. The aim is mainly to use probabilistic tools to estimate the HDPE pipe lifespan reliably i.e. operating safely service. β the reliability index is calculated based on the crack size. PENT test was considered, the values obtained from β are limited (the majority not accepted) according to the length of the crack. We note that for values of 100 μm <a <400 μm, the reliability index is very small which takes us away from the β value close to 3.7272 recommended by manufacturers.
Utilization of textile fabric waste as reinforcement for composite materials in car body applications: A review

Materials are one of the basic elements or needs for continuing human beings’ life living and they are used for structural and nonstructural, biomedical, thermal, or other applications. In many types of materials, Composite materials are used in different sectors. The increasing need for eco-friendly, low-density, and lightweight product production prompted the development of fiber-reinforced polymer composites for usage in a variety of home items and automobile parts. The automobile manufacturing sectors have recently attempted to manufacture lighter and lighter parts. Shortly, automobiles must be lighter to meet demands for lower fuel usage and fewer CO2 emissions. On the other side that textile waste is still simply thrown into a landfill in the environment resulting in and causing pollution. So, the objective of this review was to show the ability of these waste materials used as reinforcing material for composite fabrication products like car hoods, Car bumpers, and lightweight automotive parts. also, it tries to explain the roles of lightweight materials for automotive body parts and also the reduction of wastes in the textile industry by recycling and converting them into useable products, making the environment free of pollution. This waste reduction is a current world issue.