Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BEACH EROSION AROUND A SAND SPIT -An Example of Mihono-Matsubara Sand Spit-

Topographic changes around Mihono-Matsubara Sand Spit were studied based on bottom sounding data and aerial photographs. On the Shizuoka and Shimizu coasts located upcoast of the sand spit, erosion waves are generated due to interruption of longshore sand transport by the construction of coastal structures. The propagating velocity of these erosion waves was found to range from 0.5 to 0.8km/yr. This agrees considerably well with the theoretically estimated value of 0.47km/yr. Comparison of beach profiles showed that the dominant beach changes take place at depths shallower than -7m, and this provides the closure depth for profile changes on this coast. The longshore sand transport rate was evaluated to be 1.3 x 10m/yr at specific locations on the Shizuoka and Shimizu coasts, and it was found that this transported sand discharges into submarine canyons, forming a steep slope of around 1 /2, thus resulting in the net loss of sand from this coast.
Shifting the diurnal cycle of parameterized deep convection over land

In most atmospheric circulation models used for climate projections, cloud and convective processes are not explicitly resolved but parameterized. Such models are known to produce a diurnal cycle of continental thunderstorms in phase with insolation, while observed precipitation peaks in late afternoon. We propose a new approach which corrects this long standing bias of parameterized convection. In this approach, deep convection triggering and intensity are controlled by sub‐cloud processes: here boundary layer thermals and gust fronts, and potentially orography or surface heterogeneities. The representation of the diurnal cycle of deep convection is greatly improved in 1D mode, with rainfall maximum delayed from midday to late afternoon, provided parameterizations account for the key role played by shallow cumulus in preconditioning deep convection and by gust fronts in the self‐sustaining of thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Contracting with private rewards

I extend the canonical moral hazard model to allow the agent to face endogenous and non-contractible uncertainty. The agent works for the principal and simultaneously pursues private rewards. I establish conditions under which the first-order approach remains valid. The model adds to the literature on intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Specifically, to induce higher effort at work the contract may offer higher rewards but flatter incentives. The contract change makes the agent reevaluate his â€œwork-life balanceâ€ . Larger employment rewards lessens the incentive to pursue private rewards. The greater reliance on labor income then necessitates weaker explicit incentives to induce high effort.
Predicting solar energetic proton events (E > 10 MeV)

A high level of proton radiation exposure can be dangerous to astronauts, satellite equipment, and air passengers/crew flying along polar routes. The presented solar energetic proton (SEP) event forecaster is based on a dual‐model approach for predicting the time interval within which the integral proton flux is expected to meet or surpass the Space Weather Prediction Center threshold of J (E > 10 MeV) = 10 pr cm−2 sr−1 s−1 and the intensity of the first hours of well‐ and poorly connected SEP events. This forecaster analyzes flare and near‐Earth space environment data (soft X‐ray, differential and integral proton fluxes). The purpose of the first model is to identify precursors of well‐connected events by empirically estimating the magnetic connectivity from the associated CME/flare process zone to the near‐Earth environment and identifying the flare temporally associated with the phenomenon. The goal of the second model is to identify precursors of poorly connected events by using a regression model that checks whether the differential proton flux behavior is similar to that in the beginning phases of previous historically poorly connected SEP events and thus deduce similar consequences. An additional module applies a higher‐level analysis for inferring additional information about the situation by filtering out inconsistent preliminary forecasts and estimating the intensity of the first hours of the predicted SEP events. The high‐level module periodically retrieves solar data and, in the case of well‐connected events, automatically identifies the associated flare and active region. For the events of solar cycles 22 and 23 of the NOAA/SWPC SEP list, the presented dual‐model system, called UMASEP, has a probability of detection of all well‐ and poorly connected events of 80.72% (134/166) and a false alarm rate of 33.99% (69/203), which outperforms current automatic forecasters in predicting >10 MeV SEP events. The presented forecaster has an average warning time of 5 h 10 min for the successfully predicted events, 1 h 5 min for well‐connected events and 8 h 28 min for poorly connected events, with a maximum warning time of 24 h for very gradual SEP events.
Swift Heavy Ion Shape Transformation of Au Nanocrystals Mediated by Molten Material Flow and Recrystallization

Swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation of amorphous SiO2 that contains metal nanocrystals can be used to transform the shape of the particles into peculiar asymmetric ones not easily achievable by other means. Using a molecular dynamics simulation framework augmented to include the electronic excitations of the SHIs, we predict that the reshaping of spherical particles into nanorods occurs continuously during consecutive ion impacts by a dynamic crystal–liquid–crystal phase transition of metal particle with the flow of liquid phase into an underdense track core in silica. The simulated nanocrystals are shown to have a saturation width that agrees with experiments.
Forward Simulation Markov Chain Monte Carlo with Applications to Stochastic Epidemic Models

For many stochastic models, it is difficult to make inference about the model parameters because it is impossible to write down a tractable likelihood given the observed data. A common solution is data augmentation in a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) framework. However, there are statistical problems where this approach has proved infeasible but where simulation from the model is straightforward leading to the popularity of the approximate Bayesian computation algorithm. We introduce a forward simulation MCMC (fsMCMC) algorithm, which is primarily based upon simulation from the model. The fsMCMC algorithm formulates the simulation of the process explicitly as a data augmentation problem. By exploiting non‐centred parameterizations, an efficient MCMC updating schema for the parameters and augmented data is introduced, whilst maintaining straightforward simulation from the model. The fsMCMC algorithm is successfully applied to two distinct epidemic models including a birth–death–mutation model that has only previously been analysed using approximate Bayesian computation methods.
Identifying and processing topicalization in Danish

In Danish there is a surprising asymmetry between pronouns and full DPs: pronouns can always be fronted, whereas full DPs are subjugated to more restrictions. This puzzle has not been addressed in the literature, and I argue that the split-CP analysis as presented by Rizzi (1997) cannot distinguish between pronouns and full DPs when they are marked with a topic feature. The analysis I propose is based on the claim that in Danish the purpose of fronting a constituent is to mark it as the main topic, rather than the need or necessity to check a certain feature. It is furthermore based on the observation that the presence of an overt case marked pronoun, an adverb or a modal/auxiliary enables topicalization. In order to account for the data I propose a (PF) processing constraint on dislocation, which ensures that the derivation has an unambiguous interpretation.
CONSTRUCTABILITY PRACTICE AND PROJECT DELIVERY PROCESSES IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

As projects are getting complex by the day and for the fact that project failures – project abandonment, collapsed structures are constant discourse in the Nigerian news media, the need for constructability becomes very crucial in order to achieve project success. This study is aimed at investigating and analyzing the implementation of constructability in project delivery process in the Nigerian construction industry using Rivers State, Nigeria as a case study. Data was collected through questionnaire and interview approach. Results of data analyzed revealed that although a high percentage of the sampled population are familiar with the term “constructability”, nearly all do not have corporate constructability implementation manual nor apply formal constructability implementation programs and techniques as obtained in more developed countries. Constructability implementation is therefore neither systematic nor comprehensive in virtually all the firms surveyed. The universal principles of constructability were accepted by the professionals and rated in the order of importance. The most critical was identified as the carrying out of thorough investigation of site and development of a project plan. Conditions that constrain constructability in the opinion of the professionals were also identified and rated in the order of impact. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed an agreement of opinion between different respondent groups in the sampled population. Engineers, project managers and other industry practitioners are enjoined to adopt these principles in their planning, design and construction activities in order to improve the overall project performance and achieve best practices in the industry.
The Orbit of GW170817 Was Inclined by Less Than 28° to the Line of Sight

We combine the gravitational-wave measurement of the effective distance to the binary neutron star merger GW170817, the redshift of its host galaxy NGC 4993, and the latest Hubble constant measurement from the Dark Energy Survey to constrain the inclination between the orbital angular momentum of the binary and the line of sight to 18° ± 8° (less than 28° at 90% confidence). This provides a complementary constraint on models of potential afterglow observations.
Glutathione S-transferase Activity in Diagnostic Pathology

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a generic term that describes a class of proteins involved in phase-II detoxification of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. Regulation and function of GSTs have influences on cell growth, oxidative stress, as well as disease progression and prevention. Although not routinely assayed in clinical laboratories, the present review highlighted the application of GST activity in diagnostic pathology. Human GSTs are divided into three main families, namely, the cytosolic, mitochondrial and membranebound microsomal GSTs. The expression of GST isoforms in biologic systems may well be of relevance from a clinical and toxicity standpoints and applies in the renewed efforts in eradication and control of parasitic infections. A survey of frequency of polymorphism and measure of GST activity among human population groups are reliable and valuable diagnostic tools. The reliability of GST activity in diagnostic pathology is underscored in pathologic conditions/disorders whose etiologies are associated with overwhelming levels of oxidative stress and failure of GST-mediated detoxification mechanisms.
Distributed hydrological modelling and application of remote sensing data [3 papers included]

The use of physically-based distributed hydrological models demands comprehensive amounts of data both to parameterise and force the model as well as to validate it. Conventionally measured data are mainly restricted to point measurements which are less optimal for use in a spatial distributed context. However, remote sensing can offer such area integrated measures albeit through a more indirect measure than in conventional measures. In the present thesis a modified version of the physically-based distributed MIKE SHE model code has been applied to the Senegal River Basin using conventional and remotely sensed data, respectively. The first study (reported in appendix A) investigates the model performances to be obtained using only conventional data. A rigorous procedure is applied in the parameterisation, calibration and validation of the model in order to maintain control of the data use and enable examination of the effects of calibration and internal model validation. Calibration against one station and internal validation against eight additional stations revealed significant shortcomings for some of the tributaries, in particular in the semi-arid zone of the river basin. Further calibration against additional discharge stations improved the performance levels of the validation for the different subcatchments. Due to lack of validation data below the subcatchment scale the model could only be validated at this scale. Remotely sensed estimates of soil moisture seem to be a possible solution to such a validation below subcatchment scale and can also be used to update the soil moisture state variable in the model. The second study (reported in appendix B) investigates the perspectives in using a remotely sensed dryness index in the model. The index is derived from observations of surface temperature and vegetation index as measured by the NOAA-AVHRR sensor. The index is examined for its relation to model simulated soil moisture and evaporation. The correlation results between the index and the simulation results are of mixed quality. A sensitivity analysis, conducted on both estimates, reveals significant noise on both. The study suggests that the remotely sensed dryness index with its current use of NOAA-AVHRR data does not offer information that leads to a better calibration or validation of a simulation model in a spatial sense.
Effects of long-term access to ICT-mediated travel information services: users’ assessments and reported behavioural changes

Great optimism has for some time framed the potential effects that access to ICT-mediated travel information services (ICTIS) have on travellers. Little has however been known about real-life long-term effects of access to ICTIS. The aim of this thesis was thus to create a basis for understanding the role of ICTIS in urban transport of people. The focus was on changes in travellers’ assessments of ICTIS; the changes in travel experiences from having access to ICTIS; and behavioural changes such as changes in choice of travel mode and route choice from having access to ICTIS. All in all, more than a thousand respondents participated in four studies investigating changes over time periods between six months and twelve years. The results show that travellers’ pre-exposure expectations on benefit and impacts are larger than what is experienced from use. The results also showed that travel experiences changes from access to ICTIS, and that access to ICTIS does have potential to change travel behaviour. Magnitudes of behavioural changes were however found to be limited. It is suggested that a larger focus on the travellers’ benefits, time perspectives, and the travellers’ possibilities to act could increase intended changes from access to ICTIS.
Cooperative, cross-boundary management facilitates large-scale ecosystem restorationefforts

In California and across the United States, landscape restoration projects often require cross-boundary cooperation, though successful examples are rare and not well understood. This case study describes the Burney Gardens timber harvesting plan, a cooperative, cross-boundary meadow restoration project undertaken by private corporate forest landowners in Northern California as part of a larger collaborative restoration effort. The project is notable because it (1) received institutional support — both financial and political — from federal, regional and local sources and (2) engaged a diverse group of stakeholders in pre-project planning with multiple agency partners. This approach enabled the project plan to pass through the rigorous California regulatory system in an unusually rapid fashion despite its complexity. The collaborative model of the Burney Gardens project is relevant to other restoration efforts, particularly as diverse ownerships across the West implement large-scale projects that cross property boundaries, including those of federal and private lands.
An approach to combine radar and gauge based rainfall data under consideration of their qualities in low mountain ranges of Saxony

An approach to combine gauge and radar data and additional quality information is presented. The development was focused on the improvement of the diagnostic for tempo- ral (one hour) and spatial (1◊1 km 2 ) highly resolved precip- itation data. The method is embedded in an online tool and was applied to the target area Saxony, Germany. The aim of the tool is to provide accurate spatial rainfall estimates. The results can be used for rainfall run-off modelling, e.g. in a flood management system. Quality information allows a better assessment of the in- put data and the resulting precipitation field. They are stored in corresponding fields and represent the static and dynamic uncertainties of radar and gauge data. Objective combination of various precipitation and quality fields is realised using a cost function. The findings of cross validation reveal that the proposed combination method merged the benefits and disadvantages of interpolated gauge and radar data and leads to mean es- timates. The sampling point validation implies that the pre- sented method slightly overestimated the areal rain as well as the high rain intensities in case of convective and advective events, while the results of pure interpolation method per- formed better. In general, the use of presented cost function avoids false rainfall amount in areas of low input data quality and improves the reliability in areas of high data quality. It is obvious that the combined product includes the small-scale variability of radar, which is seen as the important benefit of the presented combination approach. Local improvements of the final rain field are possible due to consideration of gauges that were not used for radar calibration, e.g. in topographic distinct regions.
The Third Wave in Globalization Theory

This essay examines a proposition made in the literature that there are three waves in globalization theory—the globalist, skeptical, and postskeptical or transformational waves—and argues that this division requires a new look. The essay is a critique of the third of these waves and its relationship with the second wave. Contributors to the third wave not only defend the idea of globalization from criticism by the skeptics but also try to construct a more complex and qualified theory of globalization than provided by first-wave accounts. The argument made here is that third-wave authors come to conclusions that try to defend globalization yet include qualifications that in practice reaffirm skeptical claims. This feature of the literature has been overlooked in debates and the aim of this essay is to revisit the literature and identify as well as discuss this problem. Such a presentation has political implications. Third wavers propose globalist cosmopolitan democracy when the substance of their arguments does more in practice to bolster the skeptical view of politics based on inequality and conflict, nation-states and regional blocs, and alliances of common interest or ideology rather than cosmopolitan global structures.
Test of a service profit chain model in the retail banking sector

Research has shown that organizational subunits where employee perceptions are favourable enjoy superior business performance. The service profit chain model of business performance (Heskett, Sasser, & Schlesinger, 1997) has identified customer satisfaction as a critical intervening variable in this relationship. This paper examines the relationships between organizational climate, employee attitudes, customer satisfaction, and sales performance in the retail-banking sector. The role of customer satisfaction as a mediator between employee attitudes and sales performance is examined in a large sample of bank branches, spanning multiple organizations. Mediation effects are found, which border on significance when the sample size is large, but the effects seem to be too small to be of practical importance. It is argued that alternative formulations of the service profit chain model may provide more powerful explanations of the link between employee attitudes and business performance.
Effects of Sm addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Mg-10Y alloy

To further increase the mechanical properties, 0.5wt. % Sm was introduced to a Mg-10Y alloy in this study. The effects of Sm addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the Mg-10Y alloy, especially the aged Mg-10Y alloy, were investigated. The microstructure observation and tensile tests were performed by using an optical microscopy, a scanning electron microscopy and a universal material testing machine, respectively. The phase analysis was performed using X-ray diffractometer. The results show that the 0.5wt. % Sm addition can not only promote the formation of fine and dispersed Mg 24Y5 phases, but also improve their morphology and distribution; it also increases the thermal stability of Mg24Y5 phases. Sm addition is seen to increase the ultimate tensile strength of Mg-10Y alloy at elevated temperatures (200, 250, 300 and 350 ℃), while decrease the elongation. But the elongation is still up to 7.5% even at 350 ℃. In the range of 250 ℃ to 300℃, the ultimate tensile strength of the alloy reaches its maximum (with a range average of 235 MPa) and is not sensitive to the temperature change, which is very useful to the application of heat-resistant magnesium alloys. Even at 350 ℃, the ultimate tensile strength of Mg-10Y-0.5Sm is still up to 155 MPa. Considering both of the ultimate tensile strength and elongation, the maximum application temperature of the Mg-10Y- 0.5Sm alloy can be up to 300 ℃. The strengthening mechanisms of Mg-10Y-0.5Sm alloy are mainly attributed to dispersion strengthening of Mg24Y5 phase particles with a certain solubility of Sm and grain refinement strengthening of α-Mg matrix.
Financialization, income distribution and the crisis

The paper argues that the process of financialization has profoundly changed how capitalist economies operate. The financial sector has grown relative to the real economy and become more fragile. Non-financial businesses have adopted shareholder value orientation, which had negative effects on investment. Working class households became squeezed because of rising inequality and have become more indebted, in particular in countries with real estate bubbles. Financial globalization has given rise to growing international imbalances, which have allowed two growth models to emerge: a debt-led consumption growth model and an export-led growth model. Both should be understood as reactions to the lack of effective demand due to the polarization of income distribution. The resulting finance-dominated accumulation regime is characterized by slow and fragile growth. The crisis is best understood as the outcome of the interaction of financialization and changes in income distribution.
Thoracic Vascular Trauma

Traumatic injuries to the thoracic vasculature – the aorta and its brachiocephalic branches, the pulmonary arteries and veins, the superior vena cava and intrathoracic inferior vena cava, and the innominate and thoracic veins – occurs following both blunt and penetrating trauma. The primary cause of mortality remains acute exsanguinating hemorrhage. A high clinical index of suspicion along with prompt recognition and resuscitation are necessary components in the surgeon’s armamentarium for dealing effectively with thoracic vascular trauma.