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Due to the mechanical nature of container handling operations, as well as natural factors, container and handling infrastructure suffers various types of damage during use, especially within the tight and enclosed environments of a ship's hull. In this operational environment, it is critical to detect any sort of physical impacts between the vertical cell guides of the ship's hull and the container. Currently, an inspection of impacts and evaluation of any consequences is performed manually, via visual inspection processes. This process is time-consuming and relies on the technical expertise of the personnel involved. In this paper, we propose a five-step impact-detection methodology (IDM), intended to detect only the most significant impact events based on acceleration data. We conducted real measurements in a container terminal using a sensory device placed on the spreader of the quay crane. The proposed solution identified an average of 12.8 container impacts with the vertical cell guides during common handling operations. In addition, the results indicate that the presented IDM can be used to recognize repeated impacts in the same space of each bay of the ship, and can be used as a decision support tool for predictive maintenance systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the paper, we examine the energy consumption efficiency of specialized container diesel trucks engaged in container transportation at a seaport terminal. Objectives: Using the container terminal at Klaipėda in Lithuania as the background for the research, we produced an improved energy consumption model for measuring the theoretical energy consumption and regeneration of diesel trucks at the terminal and provide a comparative analysis. Methods: We created a mathematical model which describes the instantaneous energy consumption of the diesel trucks, taking into account their dynamic properties and the overall geometry of their routes—"Ship-Truck-Stack-Ship"—using the superposition principle. We investigated other critical parameters relevant to the model and provide a statistical evaluation of the transportation process using data from a case study of Klaipėda port, where we collected measurements of container transportation parameters using georeferenced movement detection and logs from wireless equipment positioned on the diesel-powered container trucks. Results: The modeling results showed that an instantaneous evaluation of energy consumption can reveal areas in the container transportation process which have the highest energy loss and require the introduction of new management and process control initiatives to address the regulations which are designed to decrease harmful industrial emissions and encourage novel technologies and thereby increase the eco-friendliness of existing systems. Conclusion: Based on the research results, the article can provide a reference for the estimation of diesel truck efficiency in seaport terminal operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From March to May 2019, a seasonal multidisciplinary scientific expedition on the EV Akademik Tryoshnikov was conducted in the framework of the first stage of the "TransArctica 2019" program. Within the seismological part, six temporary seismic stations were installed at four different locations on a drifted ice floe in the North Barents Sea. The first aim of the experiment was to elaborate technology of installation of the seismic stations on drifting ice floes. The second aim was to check if obtained seismological records could be used for registration of the local and remote earthquakes and provide data to investigate the lithosphere structure in the Arctic regions, as well as processes within the ice floe. After analysis of the recoded data, different types of the seismic signal generated by processes in the ice were observed and several signals from remote and regional earthquakes were detected. Further analysis of the seismograms could be used for investigations of the processes within ice floes. The results of the experiment have shown that seismic sensors installed on the drifting ice could be used for recording of local and remote earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The description of the ocean-atmosphere coupling is presented. The paper analyzes the data of MERRA, JRA, ERA-Interim, and ERA-20Century reanalyses and the re suits of CCM chemistry-climate model simulations based on monthly mean values of air temperature and ozone mixing ratio at the levels of 925 and 20 hPa during 1980–2015. The comparison with data on sea surface temperature is provided. The results of simula-ion are in good agreement with reanalysis data for the atmospheric surface layer, whereas essential differences for the stratosphere require a more detailed analysis. According to the model results, air temperature rises in the surface layer, and air temperature and ozone mixing ratio decrease in the stratosphere. Reanalysis data do not coniradict simuiaiion results for the troposphere but differ significantly for the stratosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the Southern Oscillation on the structure and composition of the Arctic stratosphere is analyzed using sea-surface temperature, potential vorticity, air temperature, ozone mixing ratio, and total ozone reanalysis data for 1980–2016. It is shown that El Niño enhances the instability of the stratospheric circumpolar vortex and precedes sudden stratospheric warmings, thus leading to an increase in total ozone over the Artcic during winter–spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today most ship rotation angle (steering control during movement) increase or decrease is done using an operator on deck or the auxiliary system in the ships engine room. Formal regulations suggest using manual inspection of the ship rotation and the work effectiveness of the engine during manoeuvring in ports and in the open sea regions. The accuracy of this procedure is very low and depends on the personnel of the deck. Therefore, automation and computer control systems are constantly required to assist the human eye. This problem becomes clearly visible when dealing with full ship autonomy in the open sea in the short-sea shipping regions. The trend of maritime technology development will only increase in the area of human interaction decrease with the physical operations and the shipping procedures, which will lead to the future full ship autonomy in the open sea regions around the globe. With the growing automation technologies, predictive control can prove to be a better approach than the traditionally applied visual inspection policy and linear control models. Ship full autonomy is also linked to the ship’s machinery regular repair and maintenance that has to be carried out for delivering satisfactory performance and minimizing downtime during transportation operations. In this paper, current stages of development of the intelligent transportation system concept are discussed for the ship autonomy in manoeuvring control and a robust ships’ systems integration and communication system concept is presented for several normal and abnormal situations: high-traffic, potentially dangerous situations or port approaching or ship maintenance, with the capability to solve problems with the limited human interface and with a remote control possibility. Then, simplified ship steering motor system for the main pump is analysed for rotation control using control voltage from the converters. Retrieved data from a small experimental control motor is used for the predictive control approach using two different methods: a neural network trained with Basic Levenberg– Marquardt Method and a Linear Model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checklist of the 'fungus gnat' group of families in Sciaroidea: Bolitophilidae, Diadocidiidae, Ditomyiidae, Keroplatidae and Mycetophilidae (Diptera) recorded from Finland. At present, the known Finnish fauna comprises 767 recognized species in 78 genera; 21 species of the family Bolitophilidae, 5 of the family Diadocidiidae, 2 of the family Ditomyiidae, 47 of the family Keroplatidae and 692 of the family Mycetophilidae. The unassigned genus Sciarosoma Chandler, 2002 is not included in this paper because it is listed with Sciaridae. The most relevant synonyms, on which species were ever listed from Finland in Hackman (1980) and subsequent authors are indicated in the checklist. Eighteen species names of wrong records were removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global financial crisis has highlighted shortcomings of logistics operations of many manufacturers. In Europe, the largest share of cargo is transported by road transport, where empty running accounts for about 27%. The statistical result reflects the inefficient use of transportation resources. Today it may be difficult to imagine the whole distribution chain of automobiles manufactured in Europe that would integrate all manufacturers. Nevertheless, in an effort to diminish the shortcomings of transport operations, automotive manufacturers and Logistics Service Providers (LSP) should pay more attention to logistics cooperation. The article presents the specific features of distribution networks of vehicles manufactured in Europe, also providing a scenario of integrating finished vehicle output of different vehicle manufacturers in a single distribution network. The demand for transport resources and efficiency of use of the resources was established according to the scenario. This article is a contribution and a fresh look at the variety of the solutions of transportation problems in modern European automotive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[The effects of animation on the demand side are also reflected in increasing contacts, intensifying communicability intensification of tourist movements, increase mood and more. Effects animation by offering side aremultifaceted. Indirect effects presents us in increasing the visit, gaining reputation and so on. Direct economic effects are also reflected in increasing outboard consumption.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio telescope (RT) installations are highly valuable assets and during the period of their service life they need regular repair and maintenance to be carried out for delivering satisfactory performance and minimizing downtime. Same down time can be expected during machinery usage. Constant control of telescope rotation angle is done manually using visual inspection of hardware. The accuracy of this procedure is very low, therefore, automation and computer control systems are required. With the growing automation technologies, predictive control can prove to be a better approach than the traditionally applied visual inspection policy and linear control models. In this paper, Irbene Radio telescope RT-16 disk rotation control motors are analysed using control voltage from the converters. Retrieved data from the small DC motor is used for the predictive control approach using two different methods: a neural network trained with Basic Levenberg-Marquardt method and a linear model. A multilayer perceptron network approach is used for prediction of the indicator voltage output which affects the monitoring of the disk rotating angle. Finally, an experimental control system was proposed and installed using National Instruments equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years, a large number of researches have emerged and approached the use of mobile expert systems and other information management technologies in the area of intermodal container transportation and decision support. However, practitioner literature poorly analyzes the process of monitoring cargo transportation conditions, cargo information security and other important issues. The paper presents an emerging field of intermodal container transportation where the primary objective of the proposed mobile control system is to monitor cargo conditions during transportation in a real time manner and work as a decision support system. Also, the article evaluates potential risks involved in cargo transportation and therefore provides mobile cargo security assurance service. Computational results suggest using an optimum number of RFID and sensor readings to effectively manage the newly proposed elements of operation strategy in a conceptual strategy framework. The overall results indicate that the integration of risk management practice into transportation processes via a mobile control system increases intermodal container transportation mobility, safety and overall effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larvae of more than 1000 species representing more than 40 families of European Diptera feed on fungi. Of these, the mycetophilids (Diptera: Bolitophilidae, Ditomyiidae, Diadocidiidae, Keroplatidae and Mycetophilidae) represent the largest group. A total of 417 mycetophilid species (38% of the European fauna) are associated with ca. 650 species of macrofungi (from 196 genera and 18 orders) and with five genera of slime moulds. Host preferences of mycetophilids are generally based on the hyphal structure and consistency of fruiting bodies rather than on host phylogeny. A few mycetophilid species seem to be confined to particular genera and species of fungal hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

elerometers are increasingly gaining in importance in the consumer electronics sector. To estimate whether field-effect based accelerometers have an advantage over sensor types common today, we analyze their scaling performance in this paper. Within the scope of this research, firstly we create an analytical model and subsequently verify it by numerical simulation. Based thereon, a numerical–analytical study of the scaling performance follows. The requirements are based on a commercially available capacitive accelerometer. We identify the main miniaturization limits of field-effect based accelerometers, which are total noise and pull-in effect. Those limits lead to a total area estimation for a triaxial MEMS accelerometer core of only 410 μm × 300 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of sea-surface temperature (SST) on the lower troposphere and lower stratosphere temperature in the tropical, middle, and polar latitudes is studied for 1980–2019 based on the MERRA2, ERA5, and Met Office reanalysis data, and numerical modeling with a chemistry-climate model (CCM) of the lower and middle atmosphere. The variability of SST is analyzed according to Met Office and ERA5 data, while the variability of atmospheric temperature is investigated according to MERRA2 and ERA5 data. Analysis of sea surface temperature trends based on reanalysis data revealed that a significant positive SST trend of about 0.1 degrees per decade is observed over the globe. In the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, the trend (about 0.2 degrees per decade) is 2 times higher than the global average, and 5 times higher than in the Southern Hemisphere (about 0.04 degrees per decade). At polar latitudes, opposite SST trends are observed in the Arctic (positive) and Antarctic (negative). The impact of the El Niño Southern Oscillation phenomenon on the temperature of the lower and middle atmosphere in the middle and polar latitudes of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is discussed. To assess the relative influence of SST, CO2, and other greenhouse gases' variability on the temperature of the lower troposphere and lower stratosphere, numerical calculations with a CCM were performed for several scenarios of accounting for the SST and carbon dioxide variability. The results of numerical experiments with a CCM demonstrated that the influence of SST prevails in the troposphere, while for the stratosphere, an increase in the CO2 content plays the most important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment to produce short-lived actinide tracers 235,236,238Np and 236Pu by bombarding uranium targets with a 10-MeV proton beam was performed in the Laboratory of Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki. The experiment was combined with a master/graduate-level course in radiochemistry, “Experimental Course on Isotope Production,” in which the students took actively part in the experimental work as well as with the introductory lectures covering the theoretical and practical details of the experiment. As a result, the production cross sections of the isotopes of interest were determined, and the actinide tracers produced were chemically separated. The experience on combining the research with teaching was positive and encourages us to take this course to our regular teaching program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the crustal structure beneath the area of Central Kamchatka (Kamchatka Peninsula, Russian Far East) limited by latitudes 52.8 and 54.1 degrees. This area comprises parts of the active Eastern Volcanic Front and two mountain ridges Sredinny and Ganalsky, as well as several backarc volcanoes. We used the continuous data from the permanent stations and the temporary network installed in 2019–2020 to perform ambient noise tomography. We implemented a two-step tomographic inversion algorithm that initially generated the two-dimensional maps of group velocities for periods ranging from 1 s to 30 s, then found the optimal 1D model of shear wave velocities and derived the three-dimensional S-wave velocity distribution. In the resulting model, we observe a prominent low-velocity anomaly below the active volcanoes of Avacha and Koryaksky, which is traced to depths of ∼40 km and may be associated with a zone of heated rocks suitable for petrothermal energy extraction. We propose that this anomaly represents a common magma pathway through the crust feeding both volcanoes. Beneath another active Zhupanovsky volcano, we observe three low-velocity layers at depths of 2 km, 8 km and 20 km indicative of a multilevel magma feeding system. We believe our findings will further the understanding of the complex processes occurring within these active volcanoes, which pose a tangible hazard to the relatively populated Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky urban district. Beneath the Sredinny Ridge we reveal a high-velocity pattern at shallow depths, likely associated with consolidated magmatic structures. The low-velocity in the lower crust is interpreted as a high-temperature zone conserved here since the time when this area hosted an active volcanic arc. Upon further exploration, this high-temperature zone could prove to be a prospective source of geothermal energy. Below the Ganalsky Ridge, a prominent high-velocity anomaly extending to a depth of ∼15 km can be attributed to the Precambrian to Carboniferous metamorphic rocks of predominantly mafic composition. • Using ambient seismic noise, we derived a S-wave velocity model of the crust beneath Central Kamchatka. • A prominent low-velocity anomaly below Avacha and Koryaksky likely corresponds to a magma conduit feeding both volcanoes. • A high-velocity pattern at shallow depths beneath the Sredinny Ridge may be related to consolidated magmatic structures. • We attribute a low-velocity anomaly in the lower crust under the Sredinny Ridge to an ancient high-temperature zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pamir and Hindu Kush are examples of a puzzling collision system where a complex junction of colliding lithospheric plates coexists with intermediate depth seismicity at 300 km. In this study, we constructed a new tomography model using travel time data from local events recorded by the TIPAGE (Tien Shan – Pamir Geodynamic program) network. In addition to the P- and S-wave velocities down to 200 km, we derived the azimuthal anisotropy. The velocity anomalies were consistent with the results of previous studies. In the crust, the velocity structure and anisotropy directions were mainly oriented along major suture zones. At depths of 80–120 km, a narrow low-velocity anomaly coinciding with the distribution of deep seismicity was interpreted as a trace of entrained crustal material by the dipping lithosphere. The anisotropy directions at these depths were mainly oriented northwest–southeast and were interpreted as indicating the direction of the motion of colliding plates. The difference in the magnitude of anisotropy south and north of the Pamir seismic zone suggests that the lithosphere coming from the south possesses less anisotropy than that of the Asian plate. The local tomography model was supplemented by previously computed regional tomography that expanded the area both laterally and axially. Beneath the Pamir, both continental plates coming from the north and south form a drop-shaped anomaly that will possibly delaminate in time. Beneath the Hindu Kush, we could clearly trace a continuous almost vertical subduction of the Katawaz block from the south. Thus, the continental collision beneath the Pamir and subduction beneath the Hindu Kush are separate processes with different rates and directions of plate movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present seismic velocity changes in the northern part of Paramushir Island, where presently active Ebeko Volcano is located. We use the data of a seismic network that operated in this area in 2021–2022 during a continuous eruption activity of Ebeko Volcano. We selected the data from July 1 to August 15, when most stations of the network provided prompt recording of seismic signals. The velocity changes were derived from the ambient noise cross-correlation functions. To identify common features in the obtained velocity variation curves, we have performed the cluster analysis and separated all the curves in two groups having similar shapes within each group, but strongly different between the groups. Velocity changes in Cluster 1 corresponding to the station pairs covering the entire Northern Paramushir have some delayed correlation with the precipitation intensity, implying that these changes might be caused by meteoric fluid migration. In Cluster 2, which is more concentrated in the area of Ebeko Volcano, the velocity changes are apparently connected with both external factors (precipitation and atmospheric pressure) and internal indicators of volcano activity (phreatic explosions, seismicity, thermal anomalies and gas emission). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We performed a teleseismic P wave tomography study using seismic events at both teleseismic and regional distances, recorded by a temporary seismic array in the Argentine Puna Plateau and adjacent regions. The tomographic images show the presence of a number of positive and negative anomalies in a depth range of 20–300km beneath the array. The most prominent of these anomalies corresponds to a low-velocity body, located in the crust, most clearly seen in the center of the array (27°S, 67°W) between the Cerro Peinado volcano, the Cerro Blanco caldera and the Farallon Negro in the east. This anomaly (southern Puna Magmatic Body) extends from the northern most part of the array and follows the line with the highest density of stations towards the south where it becomes smaller. It is flanked by high velocities on the west and the east respectively. On the west, the high velocities might be related to the subducted Nazca plate. On the northeast the high velocity block coincides with the position of the Hombre Muerto basin in the crust and could be indicating an area of lithospheric delamination where we detected a high velocity block at 100km depth on the eastern border of the Puna plateau, north of Galan. This block might be related to a delamination event in an area with a thick crust of Paleozoic metamorphic rocks at the border between Puna and Eastern Cordillera. In the center of the array the Southern Puna magmatic body is also flanked by high velocities but the most prominent region is located on the east and is interpreted as part of the Sierras Pampeanas lithosphere with high velocities. The position of the Sierras Pampeanas geological province is key in this area as it appears to limit the extension of the plateau towards the south. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intermodal containers transportation management has always been a serious issue among logistics worldwide companies where the application of secure mobile information technologies (e.g. radio frequency identification systems (RFID) and sensor networks) could significantly improve the current situation by sending managers all the needed transportation conditions information. In this paper, we have focused on improving managerial decision making method by introducing the expert system evaluation functionality in a common software solution CTRMS for additional ICT risks evaluation. The basic risks involved in transportation and the appropriate measures are introduced as well. The pre-defined RFID sensor network was used to develop an optimal tag authentication and routing algorithm where tags and reader authentication protocols were defined and based upon the highest security assurance and the reader to tag response time criterias. A Nearest Neighbor (NN) heuristic approach and a Priority setting method were used to address the problem of routing within the RFID sensor network between tags with the objective function of minimizing the data transfer time between tags with the highest priority values. Computational results also indicate that when the tags have the same level of confidence in the system, they can exchange information without any additional verification, so making the authentication protocol less time consuming and therefore more effective against other proposed protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study that explores seismic tremor has revealed active trans-crustal magmatic system beneath Kamchatka volcanoes. It mentions that occurrence and the style of volcanic eruptions as largely controlled by the ways in which magma as stored and transported from the mantle to the surface through the crust .

The description of an experimental set-up for neutron multiplicity measurements and its specific data processing procedures are presented together with some results for 252Cf(sf). With this experimental set-up the light and heavy fission fragment kinetic energies for every fission event can be registered simultaneously with the number of prompt neutrons emitted by each of the complementary fission fragments. The proposed data processing makes it possible to perform the reconstruction of pre-neutron fission fragment masses and kinetic energies as well as the initial neutron multiplicity distribution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Strong explosive eruptions of volcanoes throw out mixtures of gases and ash from high-pressure underground reservoirs. Investigating these subsurface reservoirs may help to forecast and characterize an eruption. In this study, we compare seismic tomography results with remote sensing and petrology data to identify deep and subaerial manifestations of pre-eruptive processes at Bezymianny volcano in Kamchatka shortly before its violent explosion on December 20, 2017. Based on camera networks we identify precursory rockfalls, and based on satellite radar data we find pre-eruptive summit inflation. Our seismic network recorded the P and S wave data from over 500 local earthquakes used to invert for a 3D seismic velocity distribution beneath Bezymianny illuminating its eruptive state days before the eruption. The derived tomography model, in conjunction with the presence of the high-temperature-stable SiO2 polymorph Tridymite in juvenile rock samples , allowed us to infer the coexistence of magma and gas reservoirs revealed as anomalies of low (1.5) and high (2.0) Vp/Vs ratios, respectively, located at depths of 2–3 km and only 2 km apart. The reservoirs both control the current eruptive activity: while the magma reservoir is responsible for episodic dome growth and lava flow emplacements, the spatially separated gas reservoir may control short but powerful explosive eruptions of Bezymianny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Klyuchevskoy and surrounding volcanoes in central Kamchatka form the Northern Group of Volcanoes (NGV), which is an area of particularly diverse and intensive Pleistocene‐Holocene volcanism. In this study, we present a new seismic tomographic model of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath NGV based on local earthquake data recorded by several permanent and temporary seismic networks including a large‐scale experiment that was conducted in 2015–2016 by an international scientific consortium. Having an unprecedented resolution for this part of Kamchatka, the new model reveals many features associated with the present and past volcanic activity within the NGV. In the upper crust, we found several prominent high‐velocity anomalies interpreted as traces of large basaltic shield volcanoes, which were hidden by more recent volcanic structures and sediments. We interpret the mantle structure to reflect asthenospheric flow up through a slab window below the Kamchatka‐Aleutian junction that feeds the entire NGV. The interaction of the hot asthenospheric material with fluids released from the slab determines the particular volcanic activity within the NGV. We argue that the eastern branch of the Central Kamchatka Depression, which is associated with a prominent low‐velocity anomaly in the uppermost mantle, was formed as a recent rift zone separating the NGV from the Kamchatka Eastern Ranges. Key Points: We present a new high‐resolution seismic model of the crust and upper mantle beneath the Northern Group of Volcanoes in KamchatkaThe volcanoes of the Northern group are fed by an asthenosphere flow ascending from a slab window below the Kamchatka‐Aleutian junctionEastern branch of the Central Kamchatka Depression is a rift separating the Northern Group of Volcanoes from the Eastern Ranges [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group is a cluster of the world's most active subduction volcanoes, situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. The volcanoes lie in an unusual off‐arc position within the Central Kamchatka Depression (CKD), a large sedimentary basin whose origin is not fully understood. Many gaps also remain in the knowledge of the crustal magmatic plumbing system of these volcanoes. We conducted an ambient noise surface wave tomography, to image the 3‐D shear wave velocity structure of the Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group and CKD within the surrounding region. Vertical component cross correlations of the continuous seismic noise are used to measure interstation Rayleigh wave group and phase traveltimes. We perform a two‐step surface wave tomography to model the 3‐D Vsv velocity structure. For each inversion stage we use a transdimensional Bayesian Monte Carlo approach, with coupled uncertainty propagation. This ensures that our model provides a reliable 3‐D velocity image of the upper 15 km of the crust, as well as a robust assessment of the uncertainty in the observed structure. Beneath the active volcanoes, we image small slow velocity anomalies at depths of 2–5 km but find no evidence for magma storage regions deeper than 5 km—noting the 15 km depth limit of the model. We also map two clearly defined sedimentary layers within the CKD, revealing an extensive 8 km deep sedimentary accumulation. This volume of sediments is consistent with the possibility that the CKD was formed as an Eocene‐Pliocene fore‐arc regime, rather than by recent (<2 Ma) back‐arc extension. Plain Language Summary: The Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group is a cluster of 13 volcanoes on the Kamchatkan corner of the Pacific ring of fire. The volcanoes regularly produce large eruptions, but good knowledge of the magma plumbing system beneath the surface is still lacking. Why the Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group volcanoes lie in the location they do, in a large low‐lying depression, is also unexplained. We undertook a seismic experiment and used the data to produce a 3‐D velocity image of the subsurface beneath the volcanoes and the depression. We found that small regions of slow seismic velocity are located beneath the active volcanoes, at 2–5 km depth below sea level. This slower velocity is probably caused by magma lying within the porous fracture spaces in this rock. The seismic velocities are much faster beneath the dormant volcanoes, suggesting they have no magma beneath them. With our velocity image, we also find that the Central Kamchatka Depression is very deep, filled with over 8 km of sediments. This supports an idea that the sediments accumulated as a fore‐arc basin over many millions of years, since 40 Ma, when the active line of volcanoes was found 100 km to the west. Key Points: Three‐dimensional shear velocity structure of the Klyuchevskoy area was determined using coupled transdimensional Monte Carlo inversionsSlow velocity anomalies suggest magma storage beneath active volcanoes at 2–5 km depth (below sea level) but not in the midcrustSediments filling the Central Kamchatka Depression are 8 km deep, consistent with an origin of the depression as a fore‐arc basin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avacha and Koryaksky are active volcanoes located in the vicinity of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the main city of Kamchatka, and they represent a serious hazard to the surrounding population and infrastructure. Here we investigate the upper-crustal structure beneath these volcanoes by implementing local earthquake tomography based on data from permanent seismic stations and from a temporary network installed in 2018–2019. Although the total amount of seismic rays recorded by the temporary network dataset is much lower, adding this data and attributing an appropriate weight lead to considerable increase of the resolution compared to the case of using merely the permanent network data. The resulting distributions of the P and S wave velocities, and especially the Vp/Vs ratio, reveal two magma reservoirs located below Avacha and Koryaksky volcanoes. Different depths of their upper limits explain differences in the eruption activity styles of these volcanoes. Below the Avacha Pass, we observe a thick layer of low-velocity soft volcaniclastic sediments formed due to the activity of both volcanoes. A conservative numerical estimate of a steady-state conductive temperature field around the magma source below Avacha demonstrates that the high temperature zone can be reached by drilling a well to a reasonable depth, thus suggesting that the area might be exploited as a source of geothermal energy. • We study the structure beneath active Avacha and Koryaksky volcanoes in Kamchatka. • The data from permanent and temporary networks are used to build the seismic model. • High Vp/ Vs anomalies reveal isolated magma reservoirs below Avacha and Koryaksky. • The Avacha Pass area appears to be promising for geothermal resource exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paramushir is the northernmost island of the Kuril Arc comprising several Holocene volcanoes, of which two are presently active: Ebeko and Chikurachki. We present the first crustal-scale three-dimensional seismic shear-wave velocity model of the northern part of Paramushir derived with the use of data of 20 temporary stations operated in 2021–2022 and one permanent station. The continuous seismic data were used to obtain the Rayleigh wave dispersion curves for periods ranging from 0.5 s to 12 s through computing ambient seismic noise cross-correlation functions. Then the 3D shear wave velocity distribution was constructed by seismic tomography. The synthetic tests demonstrate that the model has sufficient resolution down to 7–10 km depth. We observe a series of low-velocity anomalies at the depths of 4–6 km below the volcano-origin Vernadsky Ridge. They may likely represent magma reservoirs that are responsible for Holocene eruptions along the ridge. These anomalies are overlain by the high-velocity anomalies associated with the rigid cover consisting of an upper-crustal granite-granodiorite body and consolidated magma intrusions. Along the eastern flank of Ebeko we reveal a thin low-velocity anomaly at a depth of ∼1 km that can be interpreted as a water-saturated layer. The contact of this layer with hot magma intrusions leads to the formation of a large amount of steam that is ejected during the frequent phreatic eruptions of Ebeko and from numerous fumaroles in the summit area. On the other hand, this layer, which is following down to the Pacific Coast, might be promising for the geothermal energy exploitation. • We present the first seismic model of the Paramushir Island based on ambient noise tomography. • A shallow high-Vs anomaly beneath volcanic Vernadsky Ridge represents the rigid cover composed of consolidate igneous rocks. • Below 6 km depth, the low-velocity anomalies below Ebeko and other volcanoes on the ridge represent magma storages. • A low-velocity layer at ∼1 km depth likely indicates the migration paths of meteoric fluids important for geothermal survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni-Nb-based bulk glass-forming alloys are among the most promising amorphous metals for industrial applications due to their incomparable combination of strength, hardness, elasticity and plasticity. However, the main drawback is the limited glass-forming ability, narrowing the field of application to solely small components. In this study, we show that minor additions of P to the binary Ni-Nb system increase the glass-forming ability by 150 % to a record value of 5 mm. P can be easily added by using an industrial Ni-P pre-alloy which is readily available. The partial substitution of Nb by Ta further boosts the glass-forming ability to values 200 % higher than that of the binary base alloy. Besides conventional X-ray diffraction measurements, the amorphous nature of the samples is verified by high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the new alloy compositions are characterized in uniaxial compression tests and Vickers hardness measurements, showing a high engineering yield strength of 3 GPa, an extended plastic regime up to 10 % strain to failure and an increase of the hardness to a maximum value of 1000 HV5. Additionally, calorimetric measurements reveal that the modified alloys feature an extended supercooled liquid region up to 69 K upon heating, permitting thermoplastic micro molding of amorphous feedstock material. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area of Central Kamchatka limited by latitudes of 52.5 and 54 degrees includes six active volcanoes (Avacha, Koryaksky, Zhupanovsky, Mutnovsky, Gorely and Opala), as well as a number of dormant and extinct stratovolcanoes, monogenic cones and large calderas. Furthermore, it contains the Malko-Petropavlovsk fracture zone (MPZ), which marks the boundary between two distinct subduction regimes to the south and to the north. We present a new seismic tomography model for this area, which was constructed based on the joint use of data of the Kamchatkan permanent seismic stations and a temporary network installed in the region in 2019–2020. A series of synthetic tests have demonstrated fair resolution of the derived seismic velocity structures in the crust and in the mantle wedge down to ∼150 km. The distributions of the P and S wave velocities, and especially the Vp/Vs ratio, clearly highlight the connection between the volcanic centers in Central Kamchatka and the subducting slab. At depths below 40 km depth, we observe two large low-velocity anomalies centered below Zhupanovsky and Mutnovsky volcanoes and covering all other volcanoes in the area. In the vertical sections, the corresponding anomalies of high Vp/Vs ratio have mushroom shapes with the heads spreading along the bottom of the crust, which probably represent the underplating of magma material that feeds the volcanoes of the groups. The tomography results also reveal some important tectonic features, such as a V-shaped fault system in the Avacha Graben, which is the part of the MPZ. • We study seismic velocities in the crust and mantle wedge beneath Central Kamchatka • Deep low-velocity conduits are observed below Mutnovsky and Zhupanovsky volcanoes • The anomalies at 30–40 km depth show the transition from continental to oceanic crust • V-shaped anomalies highlight the tectonic faults in the area of the Avacha Graben [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new 3D model of P and S wave velocities and Vp/Vs ratio to 20 km depth beneath the active Klyuchevskoy and Bezymianny volcanoes (Kamchatka, Russia). In this study, we use travel time data from local seismicity recorded by temporary stations of the PIRE experiment from October 24 to December 15, 2009 and permanent stations operated by the Kamchatkan Branch of Geophysical Survey (KBGS). The calculations were performed using the LOTOS code (Koulakov, 2009). The resolution limitations were explored using a series of synthetic tests with checkerboard patterns in the horizontal and vertical sections. At shallow depths, the resulting Vp and Vs anomalies tend to alternate on opposite sides of the lineation connecting the most active volcanic centers of the Klyuchevskoy Volcanic Group (KVG). This prominent lineation suggests the presence of a large fault zone passing throughout the KVG, consistent with regional tectonics. We suggest that this fault zone weakens the crust creating a natural pathway for magmas to reach the upper crust. Beneath Bezymianny volcano we observe a shallow anomaly of high Vp/Vs ratio extending to 5–6 km depth. Beneath Klyuchevskoy another high Vp/Vs anomaly is observed, at deeper depths of 7 and 15 km. These findings are consistent with the regional-scale model of Koulakov et al. (2013a) and provide some explanation for how very different eruption styles can be maintained at two volcanoes in close proximity over numerous eruption cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA sequences offer powerful tools for describing the members and interactions of natural communities. In this study, we establish the to-date most comprehensive library of DNA barcodes for a terrestrial site, including all known macroscopic animals and vascular plants of an intensively studied area of the High Arctic, the Zackenberg Valley in Northeast Greenland. To demonstrate its utility, we apply the library to identify nearly 20 000 arthropod individuals from two Malaise traps, each operated for two summers. Drawing on this material, we estimate the coverage of previous morphology-based species inventories, derive a snapshot of faunal turnover in space and time and describe the abundance and phenology of species in the rapidly changing arctic environment. Overall, 403 terrestrial animal and 160 vascular plant species were recorded by morphology-based techniques. DNA barcodes ( CO1) offered high resolution in discriminating among the local animal taxa, with 92% of morphologically distinguishable taxa assigned to unique Barcode Index Numbers ( BINs) and 93% to monophyletic clusters. For vascular plants, resolution was lower, with 54% of species forming monophyletic clusters based on barcode regions rbcL a and ITS2. Malaise catches revealed 122 BINs not detected by previous sampling and DNA barcoding. The insect community was dominated by a few highly abundant taxa. Even closely related taxa differed in phenology, emphasizing the need for species-level resolution when describing ongoing shifts in arctic communities and ecosystems. The DNA barcode library now established for Zackenberg offers new scope for such explorations, and for the detailed dissection of interspecific interactions throughout the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate variations of the crustal thickness beneath the Nepal Himalayas based on tomographic inversion of regional earthquake data.We have obtained a low-velocity anomaly in the upper part of the model down to depths of 40 to 80 km and proposed that the lower limit of this anomaly represents variations of the Moho depth. This statement was supported by results of synthetic modeling. The obtained variations of crustal thickness match fairly well with the free-air gravity anomalies: thinner crust patterns correspond to lower gravity values and vice versa. There is also some correlation with magnetic field: higher magnetic values correspond to the major areas of thicker crust. We propose that elevated magnetic values can be associated with more rigid segments of the incoming Indian crust which cause more compression in the thrust zone and lead to stronger crustal thickening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we obtained new 3D seismic tomography models of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the northwestern Himalayas down to a depth of 120 km. The data were provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and complemented by the Global International Seismological Centre (ISC) Catalogue. The distribution of anomalies correlates with the main geological features of the region. Specifically, the mountain ranges of the Greater and Lesser Himalaya stand out as a low-velocity anomaly, and the Indian Plate is visible as a high-velocity anomaly underthrusting the Himalayas. The Indian Plate not only underthrusts northwards below the Himalayas, but also bends westwards as it gets closer to the Hindukush Region. A peculiar feature of the model is a high-velocity anomaly in the Kaurik Chango Rift, interpreted as a remnant of the oceanic crust, left after the Indotethys Ocean's closure. In the seismically active Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, a low-velocity upper crustal layer is possibly associated with the sediments of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and with a large number of fault structures. The fragmentation of the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge softens the movement of the Indian Plate to the north, so that the Tethyan Himalaya crust in the area of the Kaurik Chango Fault has remained consolidated and manifests itself as a high-velocity anomaly. The full directory of LOTOS code with data corresponding to this study is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5519210 (accessed on 23 September 2021). • The Indian Plate bends down westwards as it gets closer to the Hindukush Region. • The thickness of the crust varies both across and along the trend of the Himalayas. • The Delhi-Haridwar Ridge softens the movement of the Indian Plate to the north. • There is a remnant of the oceanic crust in the Kaurik Chango Rift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a 3-D model of P and S velocities beneath El Hierro Island, constructed using the traveltime data of more than 13 000 local earthquakes recorded by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN, Spain) in the period from 2011 July to 2012 September. The velocity models were performed using the LOTOS code for iterative passive source tomography. The results of inversion were thoroughly verified using different resolution and robustness tests. The results reveal that the majority of the onshore area of El Hierro is associated with a high-velocity anomaly observed down to 10-12-km depth. This anomaly is interpreted as the accumulation of solid igneous rocks erupted during the last 1 Myr and intrusive magmatic bodies. Below this high-velocity pattern, we observe a low-velocity anomaly, interpreted as a batch of magma coming from the mantle located beneath El Hierro. The boundary between the low- and high-velocity anomalies is marked by a prominent seismicity cluster, thought to represent anomalous stresses due to the interaction of the batch of magma with crust material. The areas of recent eruptions, Orchilla and La Restinga, are associated with low-velocity anomalies surrounding the main high-velocity block. These eruptions took place around the island where the crust is much weaker than the onshore area and where the melted material cannot penetrate. These results put constraints on the geological model that could explain the origin of the volcanism in oceanic islands, such as in the Canaries, which is not yet clearly understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a 3-D model of P and S velocities beneath El Hierro Island, constructed using the traveltime data of more than 13 000 local earthquakes recorded by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN, Spain) in the period from 2011 July to 2012 September. The velocity models were performed using the LOTOS code for iterative passive source tomography. The results of inversion were thoroughly verified using different resolution and robustness tests. The results reveal that the majority of the onshore area of El Hierro is associated with a high-velocity anomaly observed down to 10–12-km depth. This anomaly is interpreted as the accumulation of solid igneous rocks erupted during the last 1 Myr and intrusive magmatic bodies. Below this high-velocity pattern, we observe a low-velocity anomaly, interpreted as a batch of magma coming from the mantle located beneath El Hierro. The boundary between the low- and high-velocity anomalies is marked by a prominent seismicity cluster, thought to represent anomalous stresses due to the interaction of the batch of magma with crust material. The areas of recent eruptions, Orchilla and La Restinga, are associated with low-velocity anomalies surrounding the main high-velocity block. These eruptions took place around the island where the crust is much weaker than the onshore area and where the melted material cannot penetrate.These results put constraints on the geological model that could explain the origin of the volcanism in oceanic islands, such as in the Canaries, which is not yet clearly understood. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Avacha group includes two active and potentially dangerous volcanoes, Avachinsky and Koryaksky, located close to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the main city of Kamchatka. We present the results of two independent seismic studies of shallow crustal structures beneath the Avacha group based on passive and active source observations. The first study is based on the analysis of continuous recording by 11 seismic stations installed over the Avacha group in 2012 and 7 permanent stations in the same region. We present a series of 2D Rayleigh-wave group velocity maps based on correlation of ambient noise, that were then converted into 3D distribution of shear wave velocity. The second work was based on the reprocessing of an active source deep seismic sounding profile across the Avachinsky volcano that was shot in 1982–1984. We made the analysis of travel times of refracted waves using a 2D tomography inversion. The resulting seismic models appear to be consistent with each other and show clear low-velocity zone to the SW of the Avachinsky volcano and high velocity structures to NE. These observations also agree with the existing gravity and magnetotelluric measurements. Based on the obtained seismic models we identify two large buried calderas and large lava flows that are thought to be related to a series of large eruption episodes of Avachinsky occurred within the last 30,000 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate variations of the crustal thickness beneath the Nepal Himalayas based on tomographic inversion of regional earthquake data. We have obtained a low-velocity anomaly in the upper part of the model down to depths of 40 to 80 km and proposed that the lower limit of this anomaly represents variations of the Moho depth. This statement was supported by results of synthetic modeling. The obtained variations of crustal thickness match fairly well with the free-air gravity anomalies: thinner crust patterns correspond to lower gravity values and vice versa. There is also some correlation with magnetic field: higher magnetic values correspond to the major areas of thicker crust. We propose that elevated magnetic values can be associated with more rigid segments of the incoming Indian crust which cause more compression in the thrust zone and leads to stronger crustal thickening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanopowders were synthesized using the sol-gel autocombustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements demonstrated that thermal decomposition of the 1-mm-thick xerogel layers in air formed monophasic spinel ferrite nanopowders with a particle size less than 30 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the obtained reaction product contained antisite defects, with zinc ions occurring at the octahedral sites of the spinel structure. The concentration of antisite defects or inversion degree decreased when the relatively low annealing temperature was increased from 150 to 500 °C. Overall, the obtained ZnFe2O4, which is usually antiferromagnetic (exhibits no magnetic moment), demonstrated high saturation magnetization (60.7 emu g−1), and coercive force (56 Oe). This was due to the presence of the antisite defects in the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present the results of time-dependent local earthquake tomography for the Kluchevskoy group of volcanoes in Kamchatka, Russia. We consider the time period from 1999 to 2009, which covers several stages of activity of Kluchevskoy and Bezymianny volcanoes. The results are supported by synthetic tests that recover a common 3D model based on data corresponding to different time windows. Throughout the period, we observe a robust feature below 25km depth with anomalously high V p/V s values (up to 2.2). We interpret this feature as a channel bringing deep mantle materials with high fluid and melt content to the bottom of the crust. This mantle channel directly or indirectly determines the activity of all volcanoes of the Kluchevskoy group. In the crust, we model complex structure that varies over time. During the pre-eruptive period, we detected two levels of potential magma storage: one in the middle crust at 10–12km depth and one close to the surface just below Kluchevskoy volcano. In 2005, a year of powerful eruptions of Kluchevskoy and Besymiyanny volcanoes, we observe a general increase in V p/V s throughout the crust. In the relaxation period following the eruption, the V p/V s values are generally low, and no strong anomalous zones in the crust are observed. We propose that very rapid variations in V p/V s are most likely due to abrupt changes in the stress and deformation states, which cause fracturing and the active transport of fluids. These fluids drive more fracturing in a positive feedback system that ultimately leads to eruption. We envision the magma reservoirs beneath the Kluchevskoy group as sponge-structured volumes that may quickly change the content of the molten phases as fluids pulse rapidly through the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work shows a systematic approach using design of experiments (DoE) for the integration of the deposition process for polycrystalline 3C-SiC from 100mm to 150mm wafers in a vertical low pressure chemical vapor deposition furnace. The approach aims at developing n-doped SiC thin films on silicon substrates with low stress and low resistivity showing high uniformity of growth rate across boat and wafer. The 3C-SiC films are prepared using monomethylsilane (MMS) as the main precursor, dichlorosilane (DCS) as an additional Si source, ammonia (NH3) as dopant and hydrogen (H2) as diluting gas. The experimental parameters are temperature, pressure, DCS flow and NH3 flow. Flow rates of MMS and H2 are kept constant, resulting in a two factorial DoE approach of 16 experiments. The analyzed response parameters are thickness, stress, and resistivity, including the thickness uniformity across boat and wafer. A strong influence of NH3 (dopant) is found on the deposition rate, resistivity and stress of the film. Increasing the NH3 flow from 1 to 2sccm leads to a decrease in the deposition rate by a factor of three. The improved 3C–SiC film with the intended parameters obtained within the experiments showed a resistivity as low as 75mΩcm and a low stress of 306MPa with the lowest deposition temperature of 775°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper aims at determining the mechanical parameters such as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and intrinsic stress of polycrystalline and amorphous silicon carbide thin films using the bulge test. A suitable method for the bulge test of highly compressive amorphous SiC films was devised by developing tensile composite layers involving a highly tensile substrate layer. A setup suitable for use in high temperatures was developed to hold membrane chips mechanically for applying pressure. The center deflection was measured with optical interferometry. The bulge test was done on square and rectangular membranes in order to ascertain the Poisson's ratio and the exact Young's modulus of the material. The tests in this paper were conducted at room temperature. The tensile polycrystalline SiC films were obtained by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) at 825 ^\circ\C, using monomethylsilane as the precursor. The amorphous SiC (a-SiC) films were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process at a temperature of 870 ^\circ\C with silane and acetylene as precursors. Test chips were pressurized from outside the membrane cavity, and membrane deflection was measured for each pressure step. The poly-SiC layers indicated a Young's modulus of 280 GPa with a Poisson's ratio of 0.237. The Young's modulus of a-SiC films was found to be 232 GPa, but the Poisson's ratio could not be determined as we used a composite layer. A comparison with the existing literature values of Young's modulus was also done. \hfill[2012-0083] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] P- and S-velocity anomalies in the mantle beneath Taiwan are presented. [•] Seismic tomography clearly reveals two slabs beneath Taiwan. [•] The origin of Taiwan is due to collision of two oppositely oriented subduction zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Switching and memory effects in as-deposited amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 films with a considerable concentration of crystalline nuclei have been investigated. Variation of the phase composition of the sample has been confirmed by Raman spectroscopy data. The influence of nuclei on parameters of the current voltage characteristic has been studied. Significant variation of initial resistance and threshold voltage due to a different nuclei configuration has been observed. In some cases the current voltage characteristic was monotonous i.e. the intrinsic S-shape of the current–voltage characteristic disappeared and memory recording occurred without prior switching. The measurements were made in a current controlled mode which allowed conducting a thorough investigation of switching and current filament formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]