Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An overview of the structure, hazards, and methods of investigation of Nyos-type lakes from the geochemical perspective

Limnic eruptions represent a natural hazard in meromictic lakes hosted in volcanoes releasing CO2-rich magmatic gases. Biogeochemical processes also contribute to dissolved gas reservoirs since they can produce significant amounts of gases, such as CH4 and N2. Dissolved gases may have a strong influence of the density gradient and the total dissolved gas pressure along the vertical profile of a volcanic lake. An external triggering event, possibly related to uncommon weather conditions, volcanic-seismic activity, or landslides, or spontaneous formation of gas bubbles related to the progressive attainment of saturation conditions at depth, may cause a lake rollover and the consequent release of dissolved gases. This phenomenon may have dramatic consequences due to i) the release of a toxic CO2-rich cloud able to flow long distances before being diluted in air, or ii) the contamination of the shallow water layer with poisonous deep waters. The experience carried out over the past twelve years at Lake Nyos, where a pumping system discharges CO2- rich deep water to the surface, has shown that controlled degassing of deep water layers is the best solution to mitigate such a hazard. However, the application of this type of intervention in other lakes must be carefully evaluated, since it may cause severe contamination of shallow lake water or create dangerous density instabilities. Monitoring of physical and chemical parameters controlling lake stability and the evolution in time of dissolved gas reservoirs can provide essential information for evaluating the risk associated with possible rollover phenomena. Conceptual models for the description of limnological, biogeochemical and volcanic processes regulating water lake stability have been constructed by interpreting compositional data of lake water and dissolved gas compositions obtained by applying different sampling and analytical techniques. This study provides a critical overview of the existing methodological approaches and discusses how future investigations of Nyos-type lakes, aimed at mitigating the hazard for limnic eruptions, can benefit from i) the development of new technical and theoretical approaches aimed to constrain the physical-chemical mechanisms controlling this natural phenomenon, and ii) information from different scientific disciplines, such as microbiology, fluid dynamics and sedimentology.
Time Series Analysis of MODIS Derived NDVI for the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, South Africa: Impact of Recent Intense Drought

The variability of temperature and precipitation influenced by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is potentially one of key factors contributing to vegetation product in southern Africa. Thus, understanding large-scale ocean–atmospheric phenomena like the ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole/Dipole Mode Index (DMI) is important. In this study, 16 years (2002–2017) of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra/Aqua 16-day normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), extracted and processed using JavaScript code editor in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was used to analyze the vegetation response pattern of the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) to climatic variability. The MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI), burned area index (BAI), and normalized difference infrared index (NDII) were also analyzed. The study used the Modern Retrospective Analysis for the Research Application (MERRA) model monthly mean soil temperature and precipitations. The Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) evapotranspiration (ET) data were used to investigate the HiP vegetation water stress. The region in the southern part of the HiP which has land cover dominated by savanna experienced the most impact of the strong El Niño. Both the HiP NDVI inter-annual Mann–Kendal trend test and sequential Mann–Kendall (SQ-MK) test indicated a significant downward trend during the El Niño years of 2003 and 2014–2015. The SQ-MK significant trend turning point which was thought to be associated with the 2014–2015 El Niño periods begun in November 2012. The wavelet coherence and coherence phase indicated a positive teleconnection/correlation between soil temperatures, precipitation, soil moisture (NDII), and ET. This was explained by a dominant in-phase relationship between the NDVI and climatic parameters especially at a period band of 8–16 months.
The effect of CO2 regulations on the cost of corn ethanol production

To explore the effect of CO2 price on the effective cost of ethanol production we have developed a model that integrates financial and emissions accounting for dry-mill corn ethanol plants. Three policy options are modeled: (1) a charge per unit of life cycle CO2 emissions, (2) a charge per unit of direct biorefinery emissions only, and (3) a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). A CO2 charge on life cycle emissions increases production costs by between $0.005 and $0.008 l−1 per $10 Mg−1 CO2 price increment, across all modeled plant energy systems, with increases under direct emissions somewhat lower in all cases. In contrast, a LCFS increases the cost of production for selected plant energy systems only: a LCFS requiring reductions in average fuel global warming intensity (GWI) with a target of 10% below the 2005 baseline increases the production costs for coal-fired plants only. For all other plant types, the LCFS operates as a subsidy. The findings depend strongly on the magnitude of a land use change adder. Some land use change adders currently discussed in the literature will push the GWI of all modeled production systems above the LCFS target, flipping the CO2 price from a subsidy to a tax.
Paleomagnetism indicates no Neogene vertical axis rotations of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau

[1] Paleomagnetic data were obtained from 108 paleomagnetic sites collected in Cretaceous to Tertiary red beds from seven localities distributed in three general regions adjacent to the Altyn Tagh fault at the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. In the Hexi corridor, 12 sites in Oligocene strata at Yaoquanzi (39.97°N; 97.68°E) yield a mean paleomagnetic direction (I = 33.0°; D = 8.6°, α95 = 6.0°) with concordant declination, and 36 sites in Early Cretaceous mudstones of the Longshou Shan (39.09°N; 100.50°E) provide a concordant paleomagnetic direction (I = 53.4°; D = 6.8°, α95 = 3.8°). Across the Nan Shan fold-thrust belt, Miocene paleomagnetic directions from 39 sites distributed among four localities have a concordant mean declination (I = 40.6°; D = 7.2°, α95 = 5.8°). In the Altyn Tagh range, 21 sites in Oligocene strata at Xorkoli (38.93°N; 91.43°E) yield a paleomagnetic direction with concordant declination (I = 49.7°; D = 5.0°, α95 = 5.4°). These results combined with existing regional paleomagnetic data indicate that (1) the Hexi corridor along with the North China block has not undergone tectonic vertical axis rotation since at least Early Cretaceous time and is separated from the Xining-Lanzhou basin and eastern Tibet by an important post-Early Cretaceous tectonic boundary; (2) the Nan Shan fold-thrust belt and the Qaidam Basin have not experienced wholesale vertical axis rotation during Neogene time; and (3) absence of vertical axis rotations in areas adjacent to the Altyn Tagh fault indicates that sinistral shear strain between the Tarim Basin and the northern Tibetan Plateau is concentrated on the fault. These results are consistent with Asian tectonic models that combine distributed lithospheric deformation and thickening with narrow and weak shear zones.
Real Exchange Rate Dynamics With Endogenous Distribution Costs ∗ ( Job Market Paper )

The importance of distribution costs in generating the deviations from the law of one price has been well documented. In this paper we show that a two-country flexible price dynamic general equilibrium model driven by exogenous innovations to technology, and with a localized distribution services sector can replicate the key dynamic features of the real exchange rate. In doing so, the paper identifies the importance of two key channels for real exchange rate dynamics. That is, we show: (i) that shocks in the real sector are important contributors to movements in the real exchange rate, and (ii) that the endogenous wedge created by distribution costs of traded goods is a significant source of fluctuation for the real exchange rate, and the overall macro-economy as a whole. The evidence presented here demonstrates that this model without any nominal rigidities, can account for up to 89% of the relative volatility in the real exchange rate.
The Effects Of Foreign Direct Investment On The Host Country'S Economic Growth: Theory And Empirical Evidence

Foreign direct investment (FDI) influences host country's economic growth through several channels. Empirically, a variety of studies considers that FDI generate economic growth but others conclude that FDI is a source of negative effects. By reviewing existing theoretical and empirical literature, we intend to shed light on the main explanations for the mixed results. The main conclusion is that the effects of FDI on economic growth depend on the domestic conditions of the host country (e.g., human capital, economic and technological conditions, degree of openness of its economy). Thus, the host countries governments have a key role in creating the conditions that allow for the leverage of the positive effects or for the reduction of the negative effects of FDI on the host country's economic growth.
A Comparison of Microscopy and PCR Diagnostics for Low Intensity Infections of Haemosporidian Parasites in the Siberian Tit Poecile cinctus

This study compares the sensitivity of two methods for diagnosing avian haemosporidian parasite (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) prevalence in Siberian tits Poecile cinctus breeding in northern Finland: a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method and microscopy examination of blood smears. During molecular analysis, we used PCR screening and RFLP as a post-PCR diagnostic step. PCR screening detected haemosporidian parasites in the blood of 38 out of 40 (95%) breeding Siberian tits. Microscopy examination of blood smears and PCR diagnostics showed the same prevalences for Eeucocytozoon spp. infections. In contrast, prevalences of Haemoproteus spp. and Plasmodium spp. determined by molecular methods were significantly higher than the prevalence determined by microscopy screening. However, habitat and sex effects on the total count of parasites, Plasmodium spp. , Haemoproteus spp. and Eeucocytozoon spp. counts appeared to be similar when assessed with either screening method, giving the same interpretation for the ecological hypotheses tested. Finally, this study shows that transmission of avian malaria can occur in the area of the Arctic Circle in northern Europe.
Effect of Diallyl Disulphide on Renal Glycated Proteins and Plasma Sialic Acid Levels in Alloxan Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) induced hyperglycation of cellular and membrane proteins may result in altered ionic nature as well as an alteration in 3 dimensional structures of these molecules, thus resulting in a possible functional variation. Sialic acid (SA), a constituent of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is a newly established potent indicator for the development of macro and microvascular complications in DM and its elevated levels are observed in DM patients with microalbuminuria and clinical proteinuria. Probably this elevation in SA may be due to increased SA release from the renal GBM due to hyperglycation. This biochemical alteration is the main initiating factor for the pathophysiology of diabetic complication, nephropathy. Diallyl disulphide (DADS), the principle compound of garlic oil, is well known for its anti-diabetic properties. Hence a study was undertaken to assess the anti-glycation properties of DADS and its usefulness in prevention of de-sialation of GBM, in alloxan diabetic kidneys, thereby to establish any beneficial effects of DADS in prevention of renal complications in DM. The current study showed a significant decrease (p less than 0.001) in kidney glycated proteins and plasma SA levels in DADS treated diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control rats. Hence it can be concluded that DADS helps in preventing glycation of renal proteins and de-sialation of GBM which may be useful in prevention of diabetic nephropathy.
Towards the Innovation of an Integrated ‘One-Stop-Shop’ Utility Management: Exploring Customer’ Technology Acceptance

Internet online service delivery has transformed the way people interact with technology, resulting in an exponential growth in the number of online users. Consumer characteristics and ways of providing services online have had a dramatic change on user acceptance and perceived value of technological innovation. Therefore, user perception is a vital issue in investigating user intentions in adopting online services. The scope of this paper is to examine the perceptions of adopters and non-adopters of online utility management, in terms of their experience towards existing service delivery approaches and their expectations of future innovations. User perceptions contribute to defining an initial roadmap for exploring the evolution of ‘utilities service management’ on the Internet while informing approaches to online service delivery. This highlights the general need for a value-added and integrated utilities service management solution as well as the specific demand of internet users for the integrated online delivery of utility services to serve their particular interests. This paper discusses several traditional approaches in related fields of electronic service delivery and demonstrates how the current situation demands a shift towards an integrated utilities service management solution that factors in the interests of all stakeholders.
Investigation of Low-molecular Weight Phenol Formaldehyde Distribution in Tracheid Cell Walls of Chinese Fir Wood

Treatment with water-soluble low-molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde resin is an effective method to improve wood properties. In this paper, plantation wood of Chinese fir was modified with low-molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde resin. The absorbance by tracheid cell walls of phenol-formaldehyde resin in treated and untreated reference samples were measured with an ultraviolet micro-spectrophotometer. The UV absorbance values of earlywood tracheids and middle lamella in treated wood were significantly increased, with an average increase of 49% and 23%, respectively. Moreover, after treatment with low-molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde resin, the UV absorbance of the earlywood tracheid cell walls of Chinese fir increased to more than 47%, regardless of whether or not the cell lumens were filled with resin. After treatment with low-molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde resin, the UV absorbance of earlywood tracheid cell walls at different locations did not vary greatly. This study provides direct support for the improvement of the physical and mechanical properties of resin-modified Chinese fir in terms of penetration of the resin into the cell walls.
Is There Catch‐Up Growth? Evidence from Three Continents

The ability to correct deficiencies in early childhood malnutrition, what is known as catch-up growth, has widespread consequences for economic and social development. While clinical evidence of catch-up has been observed, less clear is the ability to correct for chronic malnutrition found in impoverished environments in the absence of extensive and focused interventions. This paper investigates whether nutritional status at early age affects nutritional status a few years later among children using panel data from China, South Africa and Nicaragua. The key research question is the extent to which state dependence in linear growth exists among young children, and what family and community level factors mediate state dependency. The answer to this question is crucial for public policy due to the long term economic consequences of poor childhood nutrition. Results show strong but not perfect persistence in nutritional status across all countries, indicating that catch-up growth is possible though unobserved household behaviors tend to worsen the possibility of catch-up growth. Public policy that can influence these behaviors, especially when children are under 24 months old, can significantly alter nutrition outcomes in South Africa and Nicaragua.
Simulations of atmospheric OH, O 3 and NO 3 reactivities within and above the boreal forest

Abstract. Using the 1-D atmospheric chemistry transport model SOSAA, we have investigated the atmospheric reactivity of a boreal forest ecosystem during the HUMPPA-COPEC-10 campaign (summer 2010, at SMEAR~II in southern Finland). For the very first time, we present vertically resolved model simulations of the NO3 and O3 reactivity (R) together with the modelled and measured reactivity of OH. We find that OH is the most reactive oxidant (R ∼ 3 s-1) followed by NO3 (R ∼ 0.07 s-1) and O3 (R ∼ 2 × 10-5s-1). The missing OH reactivity was found to be large in accordance with measurements (∼ 65%) as would be expected from the chemical subset described in the model. The accounted OH radical sinks were inorganic compounds (∼ 41%, mainly due to reaction with CO), emitted monoterpenes (∼ 14%) and oxidised biogenic volatile organic compounds (∼ 44%). The missing reactivity is expected to be due to unknown biogenic volatile organic compounds and their photoproducts, indicating that the true main sink of OH is not expected to be inorganic compounds. The NO3 radical was found to react mainly with primary emitted monoterpenes (∼ 60%) and inorganic compounds (∼ 37%, including NO2). NO2 is, however, only a temporary sink of NO3 under the conditions of the campaign (with typical temperatures of 20–25 °C) and does not affect the NO3 concentration. We discuss the difference between instantaneous and steady-state reactivity and present the first boreal forest steady-state lifetime of NO3 (113 s). O3 almost exclusively reacts with inorganic compounds (∼ 91%, mainly NO, but also NO2 during night) and less with primary emitted sesquiterpenes (∼ 6%) and monoterpenes (∼ 3%). When considering the concentration of the oxidants investigated, we find that OH is the oxidant that is capable of removing organic compounds at a faster rate during daytime, whereas NO3 can remove organic molecules at a faster rate during night-time. O3 competes with OH and NO3 during a short period of time in the early morning (around 5 a.m. local time) and in the evening (around 7–8 p.m.). As part of this study, we developed a simple empirical parameterisation for conversion of measured spectral irradiance into actinic flux. Further, the meteorological conditions were evaluated using radiosonde observations and ground-based measurements. The overall vertical structure of the boundary layer is discussed, together with validation of the surface energy balance and turbulent fluxes. The sensible heat and momentum fluxes above the canopy were on average overestimated, while the latent heat flux was underestimated.
Adaptation and Stability Analysis of ICARDA Durum Wheat Elites across 18 Countries

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is the 10th most important crop in the world, and its cultivation occurs on a vast array of international agroenvironments. However, its wide international adaptation is only marginally documented. Here, 24 durum wheat genotypes comprising elites from the ICARDA breeding program and commercial checks were assessed at 27 field stations located in 18 countries. Analysis of variance revealed significant environment, genotype, and genotype ́ environment (GxE) effects for phenology, height, grain yield, and grain size, with genotype and GxE explaining 1 and 9.6% of the total grain yield variation, respectively. Heritability was recorded at 0.6 for grain yield. Only late maturity and extended grain filling-period had a negative effect on grain yield (r = −0.67, p < 0.01). A matrix of correlation between traits was used for hierarchical clustering to identify four main agroenvironments. At 26 of the stations, the elite genotypes of ICARDA were able to outyield the best commercial check. Two stability analysis (Finlay–Wilkinson and additive main effects and multiplicative model wide adaptation index) were used in combination with average grain yield performances to identify the three most stable and widely adapted elite lines, which were given the cross names ‘Derazejihan’, ‘Kundermiki’, and ‘Bezajihan’. The results gathered here support the usefulness of stability-based indices, the good performances of the ICARDA germplasm, and the need for more coordinated international efforts for this crop. F.M. Bassi and M. Sanchez-Garcia, International Center for the Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Rabat, Morocco. Received 1 Nov. 2016. Accepted 25 June 2017. *Corresponding author (f.bassi@cgiar.org). Assigned to Associate Editor Eric Olson. Abbreviations: AMMI, additive main effects and multiplicative model; AWAI, additive main effects and multiplicative model wide adaptation index; BLUE, best linear unbiased estimate; CV, coefficient of variation; DtH, days to heading; DtM, days to maturity; GFP, grainfilling period; GxE, genotype ́ environment; GY, grain yield; IDYT, International Durum Wheat Yield Trials; IPC, interaction principal component; LR, leaf rust; PCA, principal component analysis; PLH, plant height; PM, powdery mildew; SS, sum square; ST, Septoria tritici blotch; TKW, thousand-kernel weight; TS, tan spot; YR, yellow rust. Published in Crop Sci. 57:2419–2430 (2017). doi: 10.2135/cropsci2016.11. 0916 © Crop Science Society of America | 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Published August 3, 2017
Self-Selection and Misreporting in Legislative Surveys

This article discusses the methodological challenges of legislative surveys. Following an overview of different types of survey biases, the article argues that self-selection and misreporting are the most critical problems for legislative surveys. In order to identify the self-selection and misreporting biases, we compare the answers with a survey from Swiss members of parliament with their observed behavior in the parliament. The empirical analysis shows that the survey sample has a substantial misreporting bias. We conclude that the parliamentarian’s attitude toward the survey object is strongly linked to their response. These issues should be addressed to improve the design and quality of legislative surveys.