Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing remote sensing on artificial observations: impact of drizzle and 3-D cloud structure on effective radius retrievals

Abstract. Remote sensing of cloud effective particle size with passive sensors like the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is an important tool for cloud microphysical studies. As a measure of the radiatively relevant droplet size, effective radius can be retrieved with different combinations of visible through shortwave and midwave infrared channels. In practice, retrieved effective radii from these combinations can be quite different. This difference is perhaps indicative of different penetration depths and path lengths for the spectral reflectances used. In addition, operational liquid water cloud retrievals are based on the assumption of a relatively narrow distribution of droplet sizes; the role of larger precipitation particles in these distributions is neglected. Therefore, possible explanations for the discrepancy in some MODIS spectral size retrievals could include 3-D radiative transport effects, including sub-pixel cloud inhomogeneity, and/or the impact of drizzle formation. For three cloud cases the possible factors of influence are isolated and investigated in detail by the use of simulated cloud scenes and synthetic satellite data: marine boundary layer cloud scenes from large eddy simulations (LES) with detailed microphysics are combined with Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations that explicitly account for the detailed droplet size distributions as well as 3-D radiative transfer to simulate MODIS observations. The operational MODIS optical thickness and effective radius retrieval algorithm is applied to these and the results are compared to the given LES microphysics. We investigate two types of marine cloud situations each with and without drizzle from LES simulations: (1) a typical daytime stratocumulus deck at two times in the diurnal cycle and (2) one scene with scattered cumulus. Only small impact of drizzle formation on the retrieved domain average and on the differences between the three effective radius retrievals is noticed for both cloud scene types for different reasons. For our, presumably typical, overcast stratocumulus scenes with an optical thickness of 8 to 9 and rain rates at cloud bottom up to 0.05 mm/h clear drizzle impact on the retrievals can be excluded. The cumulus scene does not show much drizzle sensitivity either despite extended drizzle areas being directly visible from above (locally >1 mm/h), which is mainly due to technical characteristics of the standard retrieval approach. 3-D effects, on the other hand, produce large discrepancies between the 1.6 and 2.1 μm channel observations compared to 3.7 μm retrievals in the latter case. A general sensitivity of MODIS particle size data to drizzle formation is not corroborated by our case studies.
Genetic diversity of Chrysoporthe cubensis in eastern and southern Africa

9,14 Chrysoporthe cubensis is an important fungal pathogen of Eucalyp- tus species worldwide. The fungus is also known on many other hosts, all residing in the order Myrtales. Previous studies have suggested that Chr. cubensis might be native to South America and southeast Asia and that it has been introduced into Africa. Recently, surveys have been conducted in eastern and southern Africa to assess the distribution of Chrysoporthe spp. in this region. Chr. cubensis was found on Eucalyptus spp. in Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique. The aim of the study reported here was to determine the genetic diversity of Chr. cubensis populations from these coun- tries. Population diversity studies were conducted using five pairs of microsatellite markers previously developed for Chr. cubensis. Results show that there is a very low genetic diversity within the populations of Chr. cubensis from Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique, implying that the fungus was probably recently introduced in these countries. Based on phylogenetic analyses, the origin of East African Chr. cubensis is most likely Asia.
Dependence of SLS Parameters on Thermal Properties of Composite Material of Cement with Polyamide 12

SLS employs powder-processing in the construction of parts and SLS parameters depending on the thermal properties of the powder. An average of 80% to 90% of the powder in the build chamber is not sintered during the SLS process and could be reused in relation to its properties. However, the properties of un-sintered powder deterioratedue to exposure to a various temperature for extended periods of time during the SLS system material build-processin three stages, starting from warm up stage, the build stage, where the powder is exposed to just below the melting point of the material, and the cool-down stage. An experimental study of the thermal properties of composite material of cement and PA12 to determine the optimum parameters of SLS process are being investigated. The investigationuses the thermal properties of different proportions of composite material of cement and PA12. In addition, an experimental study of the thermal properties and physical properties of used or un-sintering powder to expand a methodology of controlling the SLS parameters, in turn to obtain consistent, good quality fabricated SLS specimens. ``
Estimating evapotranspiration using remote sensing and the Surface Energy Balance System – A South African perspective

Remote sensing-based evapotranspiration (ET) algorithms developed in recent years are well suited for estimating evapotranspiration and its spatial trends over time. In this paper the application of energy balance methods in South Africa is reviewed, showing that the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) model is the most widely used, but highlighting the potentials of the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) model. The SEBS model is then reviewed in the international literature and lessons learned from South African examples are expanded upon. The SEBS model has been extensively used for teaching and training purposes and has been applied in research projects across many different environ ments. However, there are discrepancies in the reported accuracy of the SEBS model due to known model sensitivities. It is therefore recommended that any further research using the SEBS model in South Africa should be limited to agricultural areas where accurate vegetation parameters can be obtained, where high resolution imagery with low sensor zenith angles is available, and where canopy cover is complete.
The Influence of the Vertical Distribution of Emissions on Tropospheric Chemistry

Abstract. The atmospheric chemistry general circulation model EMAC (ECHAM5/MESSy atmospheric chemistry) is used to investigate the effect of height dependent emissions on tropospheric chemistry. In a sensitivity simulation, anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions are released in the lowest model layer. The resulting tracer distributions are compared to those of a former simulation applying height dependent emissions. Although the differences between the two simulations in the free troposphere are small (less than 5%), large differences are present in polluted regions at the surface, in particular for NOx (more than 100%), CO (up to 30%) and non-methane hydrocarbons (up to 30%), whereas for OH the differences at the same locations are somewhat lower (15%). Global ozone formation is virtually unaffected by the choice of the vertical distribution of emissions. Nevertheless, local ozone changes can be up to 30%. Model results of both simulations are further compared to observations from field campaigns and to data from measurement stations.
The Racial Politics of Due Process Protection

Discoveries of wrongful convictions have increased substantially over the last several decades. During this period, practitioners and scholars have been advocating for the adoption of policies aimed at reducing the likelihood of convicting a person for a crime they did not commit. Implementing such policies are vitally important not only because they help ensure that the innocent do not receive unwarranted sanctions or that the guilty go unpunished but also because cases of wrongful conviction can erode public confidence in the criminal justice system and trust in the rule of law. To avoid such outcomes, many states have adopted policies through legislation that aim to reduce system errors. It remains unclear, however, why some states appear more willing to provide due process protections against wrongful convictions than others. Findings suggest that dimensions of racial politics may help explain the reluctance of some states to adopt protections against wrongful convictions. Specifically, interaction terms show that states with a Republican governor and a large African American population are the least likely to adopt policies aimed at protecting against wrongful convictions. We thus identify important differences in the political and social context between U.S. states that influence the adoption of criminal justice policies.
Intersexual Differences in the Strength of Selection on Condition in Drosophila melanogaster

Variation in condition can result from environmental heterogeneity or genetic variation affecting resource acquisition and processing ability. Although condition should be positively correlated with the fitness of both males and females, the strength of selection on condition may differ between the sexes due to differences in reproductive variance. Sexual selection on male condition has been proposed to reduce mutation load, but only if selection is greater on males than females. To investigate the strength of selection on condition, the quality of the larval environment was used to manipulate the condition of Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, selection was measured when the availability of key resources for females (live yeast) and males (access to females) were altered. Overall, selection was found to be stronger on males than females. However, selection on males weakened under a female-biased sex ratio, whereas selection on females was not significantly affected by the abundance of live yeast.
Changing the Research Patenting Regime: Schumpeterian Explanation

Starting in the early 1980s, the U.S. patent regime experienced major changes that allowed the patenting of numerous scientific findings lacking in current commercial applications. We assess the rationality of these changes in the legal and institutional environment for science and technology policy. In order to model these changes in the incentives for the commercialization of new ideas, we extend the standard multisector Schumpeterian growth theory by decomposing the product innovation into a two-stage uncertain research activity. This analytical structure, beside suggesting new sources of market and non-market failures, allows us to compare the general equilibrium innovative performance of an economy where early-stage scientific results are patentable with the general equilibrium innovative performance of an economic system where these earlystage results are unpatentable and freely disseminated by public research institutions such as the universities. If researchers are unguided by the invisible hand they risk to invent redundant half-ideas, but public universities are better at internalizing research externalities. When scientists can patent their research, monopolistic research firms restrict entry in the applied R&D. This makes a regime choice a priori controversial and dependent on the exogenous data on technologies. We calibrate the model to the US data and show that in the 70s, a relatively higher applied R&D complexity magnified the public basic R&D inefficiencies and justified the patentability of basic scientific findings.
A comparison of atmospheric composition using the Carbon Bond and Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanisms

Abstract. We incorporate the recently developed Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism (version 2, RACM2) into the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system for comparison with the existing 2005 Carbon Bond mechanism with updated toluene chemistry (CB05TU). Compared to CB05TU, RACM2 enhances the domain-wide monthly mean hydroxyl radical concentrations by 46% and nitric acid by 26%. However, it reduces hydrogen peroxide by 2%, peroxyacetic acid by 94%, methyl hydrogen peroxide by 19%, peroxyacetyl nitrate by 40%, and organic nitrate by 41%. RACM2 enhances ozone compared to CB05TU at all ambient levels. Although it exhibited greater overestimates at lower observed concentrations, it displayed an improved performance at higher observed concentrations. The RACM2 ozone predictions are also supported by increased ozone production efficiency that agrees better with observations. Compared to CB05TU, RACM2 enhances the domain-wide monthly mean sulfate by 10%, nitrate by 6%, ammonium by 10%, anthropogenic secondary organic aerosols by 42%, biogenic secondary organic aerosols by 5%, and in-cloud secondary organic aerosols by 7%. Increased inorganic and organic aerosols with RACM2 agree better with observed data. Any air pollution control strategies developed using the two mechanisms do not differ appreciably.
Some considerations about the integration of r-ACF

In Ando’s subjective preference theory for the sound field in concert halls a central role is played by the so called running autocorrelation function, r-ACF of music [1]. In particular, the effective duration of r-ACF, τe, has to be calculated. In existing literature different methods can be found to perform such calculation, having elaborate definitions and leading to different values of τe for the same music piece.
Joven Noble: evaluation of a culturally focused youth development program

The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate a promising program model, the Joven Nobel curriculum, for Latino male adolescents that promotes positive youth development and addresses prevention of a number of risk-related sexual behaviors within a cultural context. A quasi-experimental design was used that included a pre- and posttest assessment of 683 adolescent males. Results revealed that youth exposed to the 10-week curriculum had significant increases in knowledge and decrease in behavior related to high risk sexual behaviors. Out of eight scale measures (ATSS, Perceived Risk, HIV Knowledge, CAPS: Talk, CAPS: Comfort Talk, CAPS: Cool Sex, ATA, Cultural Esteem, and Hombres Con Palabra) seven yielded a significant and positive outcome results. The curriculum appears effective in shaping youth's attitudes and beliefs about high-risk sexual behaviors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Should I stay or should I go? Examining longitudinal relations among job resources and work engagement for stayers versus movers

Abstract This two-wave (16-month lag) Belgian panel study is one of the first to test theory-driven hypotheses on the relations between job resources, work engagement, and actual turnover across time. The study focuses on three groups: stayers, workers who have obtained promotions (“promotion makers”), and external job movers. In line with the Job Demands-Resources model, we hypothesized normal cross-lagged effects of job resources on work engagement for stayers. Based on broaden-and-build theory, a reversed causal effect of work engagement on job resources was predicted for the job changers. Additionally, we examined whether the changes in the job change groups matched the refuge hypothesis (that less engaged workers change to jobs providing more resources) or the positive gain hypothesis (that engaged workers get promoted to jobs having even more resources). The results partially supported our hypotheses. We found that low work engagement, low job autonomy, and low departmental resources predicted actual transfer to another company. Furthermore, for stayers we found positive effects of job autonomy on work engagement, but also reversed causal effects. For external movers and promotion makers the expected reversed causal effects of work engagement were found. The across time mean changes support the positive gain hypothesis for promotion makers, and the refuge hypothesis for external movers.
Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage, Still a Big Challenge in Developing World (Experience in Tertiary care Hospitals, KSA versus Pakistan)

Abstract Background: Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is still the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in developing world in spite of major developments in its prevention and management in 21 st century. While working in KSA, author observed a comparatively low frequency of postpartum hemorrhage in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as compared to her past experience in Pakistan where this figure is still very high. This observation led to conduct this study to find out the reasons for this difference. Objectives: The objective of this study is to find out the differences in frequency, risk factors and management options especially cesarean hysterectomy for PPH between KSA and Pakistan. Study Design: Observational study. Place and Duration of Study: One year study (2007) conducted in tertiary care hospitals i.e. Maternity and Children Hospital Buraida (MCH), KSA and Services Hospital Gyne. Unit II, Lahore (SHL) Pakistan. Methods: The sample included all patients who suffered from PPH over study period in both hospitals. The Sample was divided into two groups; Group A included 105 cases of primary PPH out of 8757 deliveries in MCH Buraida.KSA and Group B included 150 cases of primary PPH out of 2064 deliveries in SHL Gyne Unit 2 Pakistan. Data were collected on a structured proforma regarding risk factors, causes and management options of PPH and compared between the two groups. Analysis of Data: Data was analyzed using computer program SPSS Version 13 for windows and a p-value of < 0.05 taken as statistically significant. Results: Significant difference was found in frequency of primary PPH (1.19% versus 7.2% ;p-value < 0.05) and risk factors for PPH; anemia (10% versus 78%; p-value- < 0.05), prolonged labor (0% versus 9%), obstructed labor (0% versus 6%), grand multi-parity (28% versus60%) ,injudicious use of oxytocin (0.95% versus 5.3%) and emergency C-section (20% versus 77%; p-value < 0.05), low socioeconomic class, transport problems, and frequency of un-booked cases between Group A and B respectively. Comparatively high frequency of cesarean hysterectomy noted in Pakistan as compared to KSA (3.39/1000 versus 0.45/ 1000 deliveries) respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest that PPH figures in KSA correspond to those of developed world, and of Pakistan resemble to those seen in developing world, but much better than some African countries. It is concluded that PPH is still a big challenge in developing countries. The reason for this difference is poor socio-economic status, high prevalence of anemia, home deliveries, inadequate transport services and lack of obstetric services at primary health care level. Key Points: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), frequency, risk factors, management options, cesarean hysterectomy, Pakistan, KSA.
QCD with Two Light Dynamical Chirally Improved Quarks

Results for the excited meson and baryon spectrum with two flavors of Chirally Improved sea quarks are presented. We simulate several ensembles with pion masses ranging from 250 to 600 MeV and extrapolate to the physical pion mass. Strange quarks are treated within the partially quenched approximation. Using the variational method, we investigate the content of the states. Among others, we discuss the flavor singlet/octet content of Lambda states. In general, our results compare well with experiment, in particular we get very good agreement with the Lambda(1405) and confirm its flavor singlet nature.
Biodegradation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon by a Consortium of Cyanobacteria Isolated from Crude Oil Polluted Brackish Waters of Bodo Creeks in Ogoniland, Rivers State

This study was carried out to determine the capability of isolated cyanobacteria species from crude oil polluted Bodo creek. Isolation of pure cultures of cyanobacteria was done and the isolates obtained were identified molecularly on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The 16S rRNA sequencing for identification of the isolates generated sequences ranging from $600 bp and a 250 bp size PCR amplified fragment. The nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene was compared with published 16S rRNA sequences using BLAST search at the data base of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon by the isolates was monitored using GC-FID (Agilent 6890 model) for 49 days. The initial quantity of TPH was 29882 and 753.7 mg LG on day 0 and day 49, respectively. Loss of TPH was statistically significant using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) p<0.05 with time.
Time Preference and Health: The Problem of Obesity

Consumer inability to make healthy food choices and to maintain a balanced diet is one of the main determinants that can explain the growth of overweight and obesity. Many studies have focused on the different factors affecting food behaviour, but only few of these have considered the role of time preference. The term time preference refers to the rate at which a person is willing to trade a current utility with a delayed utility. Generally, a high time preference is associated with a low will to renounce to the present gratification in order to obtain a benefit in the future. On the contrary, consumers with low time preference are more willing to undertake short-term costs to get future improvements. Indeed, people who highly discount the future are expected to suffer overweight and obesity more than others. In this paper we aim at investigating if consumer time preference could be related to overweight or obesity problems, also considering other factors which are predicted to affect BMI. In order to carry out an empirical analysis we conducted a consumer survey using face to face interviews. The sample was composed by 240 consumers living in North Italy. A specific questionnaire was designed and for the empirical estimation was used an Ordinal Regression Model, where the dependent variable is expressed in terms of consumer BMI. The results revealed that the searching frequency for nutrition claims is negatively correlated with BMI. This suggests that this kind of information is not very effective in catching overweight and obese consumer attention. Moreover, the results show that time preference is negatively related to BMI, meaning that to give more importance to taste than to healthy aspects of foods may lead consumers to increase their probability to put on weight.