Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regime Change of the Boreal Summer Hadley Circulation and Its Connection with the Tropical SST

The year-to-year variability of the boreal summer [June‐August (JJA)] Hadley circulation (HC) is dominated by an asymmetric mode centered in the Northern Hemisphere (AMN) and a quasi-symmetric mode centered at 58N (QSM). The regime change of the JJA HC is revealed by the phase reversal of the time series of the AMN, showing significant weakening of the northern part of the JJA HC and a reversed seesaw relationship of the zonal-mean updraft over 108‐208N and around the equator. This transition is accompanied by the southward retreat of the HC core and is well correlated with the weakening of tropical summer monsoons. The strong warming trends of the sea surface temperature over the tropical Atlantic and Indo‐ west Pacific warm pool play an important role in the regime change of the JJA HC. The high-frequency interannual variability of the JJA HC, however, is mainly featured by the QSM and is highly correlated with
Floodplain channel morphology and networks of the middle Amazon River

Floodplain channels are important components of river‐floodplain systems and are known to play a key role in hydrodynamic exchange and sediment transport. The Amazon floodplain exhibits complex networks of these channels, and despite their potential importance to this globally important wetland system, these floodplain channels are relatively unstudied. The research presented here is the first systematic and detailed study of the network and morphologic characteristics of a large number of these channels in the middle reach of the central Amazon River using analysis of data derived from Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) mosaic and field survey. Our findings show that the channels are ubiquitous, their width varies widely, and some of their characteristics can be fitted using power laws, potentially much like the self‐similar or fractal‐like behavior hypothesized for other types of fluvial networks. In all, 96% of the floodplain channels are not wide enough to be represented well, or at all, in the ∼90 m Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data. Channel depths are tied closely to the local amplitude of the passing main river flood wave (p value of 0.75), except where there are local runoff inputs, which results in substantially deeper channels which provide preferential flow paths across the floodplain. Channel networks imply that areas of the floodplain function for large parts of the flood cycle as separate hydrogeomorphic land units, here termed floodplain hydrological units (FHUs). These hypothesized FHUs also have distinct spatial and pattern characteristics, and it is suggested here that their differences could provide the beginnings of a framework for understanding the detailed hydrodynamics of the floodplain. In particular, different types of FHUs have differences in flood water source, which will have important implications for biogeochemical studies of the wetlands.
Depositional Turbidity Currents in Diapiric Minibasins on the Continental Slope: Experiments—Numerical Simulation and Upscaling

The northern continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico is riddled with numerous subsiding diapiric minibasins bounded by ridges, and often connected by channels created by turbidity currents. The region is economically relevant in that these diapiric minibasins constitute excellent focal points for the deposition of sand. These deposits in turn serve as excellent reservoirs for hydrocarbons. A better understanding of the ''fill and spill'' process by which minibasins fill with sediment as the intervening ridges are dissected by canyons may serve to aid in the location of such reservoirs. A theoretical analysis in a companion paper has revealed two key aspects of the ''fill and spill'' process: (1) the formation of an internal hydraulic jump as a turbidity current spills into a confined basin, and (2) the detrainment of water across a settling interface forming at the top of the ponded turbidity current downstream of the hydraulic jump. In that paper it was shown that sufficiently strong detrainment can consume the flow, so that there is no outflow of either water or sediment even with continuous inflow. As the basin fills with sediment, however, overspill is eventually realized. Herein the theory of the companion paper is used as the basis for a numerical model of ponding of turbidity currents. The numerical model is tested and verified against two experiments. In the first of these, detrainment is sufficient to capture an entire sustained turbidity current. In the second of these, detrainment is insufficient to prevent sustained overspill. The principles of similitude using the densimetric Froude number allow upscaling of the experimental results to field scale. A full numerical model is verified against the experiments and applied at field scale. The result is a view of intraslope minibasin sedimentation that has a stronger physical basis than the conceptual models proposed to date.
GETTING CREDIT FOR PROACTIVE BEHAVIOR:SUPERVISOR REACTIONS DEPEND ON WHAT YOU VALUE AND HOW YOU FEEL

Although proactive behavior is important in organizations, it is not always appreciated by supervisors. To explain when supervisors reward proactivity with higher overall performance evaluations, we draw on attribution theory. We propose that employees’ values and affect send signals about their underlying intentions, which influence supervisors’ attributions about whether employees deserve credit for proactive behaviors. More specifically, we hypothesize that if employees express strong prosocial values or low negative affect, the proactive behaviors of voice, issue-selling, taking charge, and anticipatory helping will have stronger relationships with supervisors’ performance evaluations. We test these hypotheses with samples of 103 managers and their direct supervisors (Study 1) and 55 firefighters and their platoon supervisors (Study 2). The hypotheses were supported in both studies, suggesting that proactive behaviors are more likely to contribute to higher supervisor performance evaluations when employees express strong prosocial values or low negative affect.
Study of the effect of fatty acids profile on overall migration from PET into different types of oil

Overall migration (OM) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pieces into three types of commercial oils, namely sunflower oil, canola oil and blended oil (which included sunflower oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil) has been investigated by the determination of the weight variation of plastic pieces before and after 20, 60 days contact with oil at 25, 45˚C and also determination the amount of absorbed oil. Also Fatty acid profiles of each type of oil were determined by using a Gas Chromatography (GC) system before and after experiments to find the correlation between the amount of overall migration and fatty acid profile. The result shows that the highest migration level was noticed with PET pieces contacted with blended oil. Also the effect of temperature, storage time, kind of oils and amount of unsaturated fatty acids and degree of unsaturation in amount of migration were observed. The amount of migration has correlation with fatty acid profile, especially the amount of unsaturated fatty acids and also, the degree of unsaturation. The reasons of these subjects can be investigated in future trends. Previous investigations have been performed on food stimulant such as olive oil and synthetic triglyceric mixture HB307, the present study has the advantage of working on real food samples so obtaining more accurate results were possible.
Success rate and recurrence frequency of periapical surgery: prospective study on 132 cases

Objectives: Primary aim is to quantify the success rate of periapical surgery. Secondary objec- tives include the determination of the histological nature of the lesions, and the incidence of the different teeth on which this surgery is performed. Study design: This is a prospective cohort study conducted in one centre. The same operator following a standardized surgical protocol performed all surgeries. Follow-up (including clinical examination and peri- apical X-ray) was conducted at day 7, and months 6, 12 and 18. Statistical analysis included determination of the mean, standard deviation and paired two-tailed Student's t-test, for each of the variables. Results: 132 periapical surgeries were performed on 114 patients. Success and failure rate at 18 months, are 90%, and 6%, and uncertain in 4%. Histopathology confirmed that 72% of the lesions were granulo- mas, and 28% cysts. Periapical surgery pertains mostly to maxillary (70%) and posterior teeth (70%). Conclusion: Prognosis of conventional periapical surgery is very good. Failure rate peaks at 7 months, written informed consent is paramount.
Determinants of Dividend Policy among Banks Listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange

Purpose: The concept of dividend policy has been widely researched by scholars, however, a consensus on the factors that determine dividend policies among firms has not been yet established as findings differ depending on the industry and sector. This study aims to contribute to the stock of literature already available by observing the major factors that affect dividend decisions of banks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). Methodology: The study employed secondary data extracted from published financial statements of the listed banks over a 10 year period. Data was also extracted from the 2015 Ghana Banking Survey Report and the 2015 Bank of Ghana annual financial report. The study was conducted on seven banks which were currently listed on the GSE. A panel data framework constructed from secondary data of the banks by using Ordinary Least Squares model to estimate the regression equation. Findings: The findings of the study showed that Returns on Asset (ROA) which represents profitability ratio was significant and a positive predictor of dividend payment among listed banks on the GSE. Other significant determinant of dividend payments include free cash flow, the leverage level of the banks, the banks ratio of non-performing loans to total administered loans (NPL/TA), the average level of inflation and Bank of Ghana’s policy rate (BPR). Number of bank branches (BBR) was found to have no significant relationship with Dividend payment by banks. Study Contribution: The study revealed that NPL/TA and BPR has negative and strong influence on dividend payment among listed banks on the GSE. No relationship existed between BBR and DPS hence the number of branches owned by listed banks does not affect their dividend payments. Banks must therefore improve their credit risk administration to improve profitability in order to maintain sustainable payment of dividends. Bank of Ghana must also maintain lower BPR since high BPR will negatively affect payment of dividend. Recommendations: The study recommends that, future studies should include more independent variables, more banks and as well increase the years for the time series data. Future studies can also consider and compare the determinants of dividend payments among banks in Africa.
Does the Poor's Consumption of Calories Respond to Changes in Income? Evidence from Pakistan

This paper examines the relationship between income and calorie consumption for households in developing countries. Recent papers have questioned the strength of this relationship on the basis of several measurement problems that tend to overstate the responsiveness of calories consumption to income. The paper uses a household data set from Pakistan and estimates calories income elasticities for rural and urban households. The estimation takes into account the concerns raised by Behrman and Deolalikar (1987) and Bouis and Haddad (1992) about quality effects and unobservable variables. The paper finds that the elasticity is significantly different from zero. Furthermore, the relationship appears to be different according to households’ incomes. Poor households’ responsiveness of calories intake to changes in income is greater than that of the entire sample. These results are consistent with the conventional wisdom that existed before the recent criticisms.
Titanium Dioxide Supported on Different Porous Materials as Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Methyl Green in Wastewaters

TiO2 nanoparticles were immobilized on two porous materials used as catalyst supports, namely, activated carbon (AC) and natural clay (NC), through an impregnation process using TiO2 (P25) as precursor. The so-prepared composite materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), and nitrogen physisorption, that is, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area determination. SEM and TEM observation evidenced that TiO2 was deposited on AC and NC surface. XRD results confirmed that TiO2 existed in a mixture of anatase and rutile phases. The specific surface area of photocatalysts decreased drastically in comparison with the original materials. The photocatalytic activity of these materials was assayed in the oxidation of Methyl Green (MG) dye in aqueous medium under UV irradiation. TiO2/AC exhibited higher photocatalytic oxidation activity than TiO2 at neutral pH. Total mineralization of MG was confirmed by means of COD analysis, pointing to these materials as an efficient, cost-effective, and environment friendly alternative for water treatment.
Estimating the Willingness to Pay for Water Services in Developing Countries: A Case Study of the Use of Contingent Valuation Surveys in Southern Haiti

Progress in improving the quality and quantity of water used by people in rural areas of the developing world has been unsatisfactory in two respects: (1) supplies that have been built are frequently neither used correctly nor properly maintained and (2) extension of improved service to unserved populations has been slow. Though this poor record is not the result of a single factor, a major impediment to improved performance is inadequate information on the response of consumers to new service options. The behavioral assumptions that typically underlie most rural water supply planning efforts are simple. It is commonly assumed that so long as financial requirements do not exceed 5% of income, rural consumers will choose to abandon their existing water supply in favor of the "improved" system. Several reviews by the World Bank, bilateral donors, and water supply agencies in developing countries have shown, however, that this simple model of behavioral response to improved water supplies has usually proved incorrect.1 In rural areas many of those "served" by new systems have chosen to continue with their traditional water use practices.
Subprime Foreclosures : The Smoking Gun of Predatory Lending ?

One of the most striking features of home finance in the 1990s was the rapid growth of subprime lending. The term “subprime” typically refers to loans made to borrowers with impaired or limited credit histories or those who have high ratios of debt to income. To offset the higher risks associated with these loans, borrowers are charged higher interest rates and possibly also higher up-front fees. From 1993 to 1998, the number of subprime refinance loans reported under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) increased tenfold, from 80,000 subprime refinance loans in 1993 to 790,000 in 1998. In 1994, the $35 billion in subprime mortgages represented less than 5 percent of all mortgage originations. By 1999, subprime lending had increased to $160 billion—almost 13 percent of the mortgage origination market.
Transformation of surface water and groundwater and water balance in the agricultural irrigation area of the Manas River Basin, China

Calculation of the water balance is very important to relieve the pressure on water resources in arid agricultural irrigation areas. This research focused on irrigation water balance calculations in the Manas River Basin of the southern margin of the Junggar Basin of China, and aimed to analyze the groundwater level dynamic trend and response characteristics of the basin water cycle under water-saving irrigation measures. The surface water and groundwater coupling model of MIKE 11-Visual MODFLOW was used to simulate rainfall runoff in mountainous areas, and quantify the contribution of water balance components in the plain irrigation area. Convergence of the delayed watershed in the mountain area was obvious, and when the river runoff exceeded 200 m3/s, the error in the runoff simulation was large. The water balance in the plain agricultural irrigation area was in a negative equilibrium state, and the difference between recharge and discharge was −2.65 billion m3. The evapotranspiration was 24.49 billion m3 under drip irrigation, accounting for only approximately 51% of the total discharge. The lateral discharge of the unsaturated and saturated aquifers was 15.38 billion m3, accounting for approximately 32% of the total discharge. The main reason for the groundwater decline in the irrigation area was closely related to the extraction of groundwater, because the amount of recharge and discharge in the natural state was approximately identical. The MIKE 11-Visual MODFLOW model produced accurate results, and the research method provided a new exploration technique to quantify the effect of water supply mode on the groundwater table. The model is suitable for the management of water resources in arid areas. Keywords: water balance, coupling model, surface water and groundwater, water saving irrigation, Manas River Basin DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe. 20171004.3461 Citation: Yang G, He X L, Li X L, Long A H, Xue L Q. Transformation of surface water and groundwater and water balance in the agricultural irrigation area of the Manas River Basin, China. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2017; 10(4): 107–118.
A report on the first 16 years of a long-term marine turtle conservation project in Malaysia

This paper highlights basic data collected over the first 16 years of a long-term marine turtle conservation project in the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary (5 o 48.778’ N and 103 o 0.502’ E) in Malaysia. Green turtles accounted for 98.2% (6947 clutches) of the total nesting observed while hawksbills accounted for the rest (126 clutches). Over 80 % of the clutches deposited have been incubated in-situ, with the production of 387,322 and 8094 live green turtle and hawksbill hatchlings respectively. The 16-year average hatching and emergence success for green turtles and hawksbills were 81 and 78.5%; and 63.6 and 59.6% respectively. A total of 928 green turtles and 17 hawksbills were tagged. Annual average curved carapace length and width of green turtles ranged from 98.9-100.9 and 87.1-89 cm. In hawksbill turtles, these values ranged from 78.887. 5 and 68.9-74.2 cm. A total of USD345,650 had been raised through public outreach projects over the last 11 years of the 16 year period. It is concluded that marine turtle conservation projects can be self-sustaining and that long-term egg protection is effective in rehabilitating marine turtle populations in decline.
Release of CO2 and CH4 from small wetland lakes in western Siberia

CO2 and CH4 fluxes were measured from three small wetland lakes located in the middle taiga and forest tundra zones onWest Siberian Lowlands (WSL), the world’s largest wetland area. Fluxes were measured during summer 2005 using floating chambers and were validated against the thin boundary layer model based on the relationship between gas exchange and wind speed. All studied lakes were supersaturated with CO2 and CH4, and acted on a seasonal basis as sources of these greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Daily mean CO2 fluxes measured with chambers ranged from near the zero to 3.1 g CO2 m-2 d-1 and corresponding CH4 fluxes from 1.1 to 120 mg CH4 m-2 d-1. CH4 ebullition (0.65–11 mg CH4 m-2 d-1) was detected in two of the lakes. Total carbon evasion from the studied lakes during the active season was 23–66 g C m-2, of which more than 90% was released as CO2-C. The carbon loss per unit area from the studied lakes was of similar magnitude as previously reported values of net carbon uptake of Siberian peatlands. This emphasizes the importance of small water-bodies in the carbon balance of West Siberian landscape.
The BaLROG project - II. Quantifying the influence of bars on the stellar populations of nearby galaxies

We continue the exploration of the BaLROG (Bars in Low Redshift Optical Galaxies) sample: 16 large mosaics of barred galaxies observed with the integral field unit Spectrographic Areal Unit for Research on Optical Nebulae. We quantify the influence of bars on the composition of the stellar component. We derive line-strength indices of H beta, Fe5015 and Mgb. Based on single stellar population (SSP) models, we calculate ages, metallicities and [Mg/Fe] abundances and their gradients along the bar major and minor axes. The high spatial resolution of our data allows us to identify breaks among index and SSP profiles, commonly at 0.13 +/- 0.06 bar length, consistent with kinematic features. Inner gradients are about 10 times steeper than outer gradients and become larger when there is a central rotating component, implying that the gradients are not independent of dynamics and orbits. Central ages appear to be younger for stronger bars. Yet, the bar regions are usually old. We find a flattening of the iron (Fe5015) and magnesium (Mgb) outer gradients along the bar major axis, translating into a flattening of the metallicity gradient. This gradient is found to be 0.03 +/- 0.07 dex kpc(-1) along the bar major axis while the mean value of the bar minor axis compares well with that of an unbarred control sample and is significantly steeper, namely -0.20 +/- 0.04 dex kpc(-1). These results confirm recent simulations and discern the important localized influence of bars. The elevated [Mg/Fe] abundances of bars and bulges compared to the lower values of discs suggest an early formation, in particular for early-type galaxies.
Household Food Insecurity in Canada

Food insecurity became recognized as a problem in Canada in the early 1980s when community groups began to establish charitable food assistance programs in response to concerns that people in their midst were going hungry. Since then, the number of Canadians affected by food insecurity has grown, but food charity remains the primary response. Children's feeding programs, prenatal nutrition programs, and a number of smaller scale, community development programs have also been instituted. However, growing recognition of the limitations of these efforts to address food problems rooted in chronically inadequate household incomes has led to a renewed emphasis on advocacy for social policy reforms.