Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
European NOx emissions in WRF-Chem derived from OMI: impacts on summertime surface ozone

Abstract. Ozone (O3) is a secondary air pollutant that negatively affects human and ecosystem health. Ozone simulations with regional air quality models suffer from unexplained biases over Europe, and uncertainties in the emissions of ozone precursor group nitrogen oxides (NOx=NO+NO2) contribute to these biases. The goal of this study is to use NO2 column observations from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite sensor to infer top-down NOx emissions in the regional Weather Research and Forecasting model with coupled chemistry (WRF-Chem) and to evaluate the impact on simulated surface O3 with in situ observations. We first perform a simulation for July 2015 over Europe and evaluate its performance against in situ observations from the AirBase network. The spatial distribution of mean ozone concentrations is reproduced satisfactorily. However, the simulated maximum daily 8 h ozone concentration (MDA8 O3) is underestimated (mean bias error of −14.2 µg m−3), and its spread is too low. We subsequently derive satellite-constrained surface NOx emissions using a mass balance approach based on the relative difference between OMI and WRF-Chem NO2 columns. The method accounts for feedbacks through OH, NO2's dominant daytime oxidant. Our optimized European NOx emissions amount to 0.50 Tg N (for July 2015), which is 0.18 Tg N higher than the bottom-up emissions (which lacked agricultural soil NOx emissions). Much of the increases occur across Europe, in regions where agricultural soil NOx emissions dominate. Our best estimate of soil NOx emissions in July 2015 is 0.1 Tg N, much higher than the bottom-up 0.02 Tg N natural soil NOx emissions from the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN). A simulation with satellite-updated NOx emissions reduces the systematic bias between WRF-Chem and OMI NO2 (slope =0.98, r2=0.84) and reduces the low bias against independent surface NO2 measurements by 1.1 µg m−3 (−56 %). Following these NOx emission changes, daytime ozone is strongly affected, since NOx emission changes particularly affect daytime ozone formation. Monthly averaged simulated daytime ozone increases by 6.0 µg m−3, and increases of >10 µg m−3 are seen in regions with large emission increases. With respect to the initial simulation, MDA8 O3 has an improved spatial distribution, expressed by an increase in r2 from 0.40 to 0.53, and a decrease of the mean bias by 7.4 µg m−3 (48 %). Overall, our results highlight the dependence of surface ozone on its precursor NOx and demonstrate that simulations of surface ozone benefit from constraining surface NOx emissions by satellite NO2 column observations.
Mineralogical, Petrophysical and Economical Characterization of the Dimensional Stones of Uruguay; Implications for Deposit Exploration

Dimensional stones are known since the ancient world as noble mineral resources and have been used for the construction of magnificent pieces of art and architecture that were built to endure. Some examples are the Pyramids in Egypt or the Aphrodite of Milo in Greece. They maintain until today their position as a preferred building material because of their strength, varied color and decor and stability against environmental factors In Uruguay diverse varieties of dimensional stone are mined, commercialized and applied. High quality dolerites (commercially known as black granite) represent the most relevant variety, and therefore, were intensively studied in this research. The most important varieties of gray and colored commercial granites (lithologically granitoids and syenitoids) were also included in this research. The dolomitic slates have been also studied, since they represent a traditional natural stone in Uruguay. The main uses of the different types of dimensional stone of Uruguay are as facade cladding, countertops and outdoor and indoor floor slabs. Dolerites can also be used for special applications due to their excellent petrophysical properties, as for example precision tables and load-transferring masts. The lack of sufficient scientific studies in these important mineral resources led to the development of the present research. The main focus was in the petrographic, petrophysic and deposit characterization, and in the analysis of the economic aspects related to the dimensional stones of Uruguay.
Informal settlements : a perpetual challenge?

Policy and national programmes: Policy, data and civil society - reflections on South African challenges through an international review the new instrument for upgrading informal settlements in South Africa - contributions and constraints principles, bases and challenges of the National Programme to Support Sustainable Urban Land Regularisation in Brazil informal settlements - infernal and eternal? The role of research in policy advocacy and urban informal settlements in Angola. Contextual challenges: Understanding the complexities of informal settlements - insights from Cape Town clash of civilisations - reflections on the problems of upgrading informal settlements in Ethiopia, Kenya, Swaziland and Zambia an HIV and Aids lens for informal settlement policy and practice in South Africa. The market and security of tenure: Barking dogs and building bridges - a contribution to making sense of Hernando de Soto's ideas in the South African context forced evictions, development and the need for community-based, locally appropriate alternatives: Lessons and challenges from South Africa, Ghana and Thailand market-driven evictions and displacements: Implications for the perpetuation of informal settlements in developing cities. City-level experiences: Informal settlement upgrading in Cape Town - Challenges, constraints and contradictions within local government local governance and social conflict - implications for piloting South Africa's new housing plan in Cape Town's informal settlements the local government challenge of healthy development in informal settlements especially in a time of HIV/Aids slum upgrading in the complex context of policy change - the case of Nairobi.
The English Language: From Sound to Sense

Grounded in linguistic research and argumentation, THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: FROM SOUND TO SENSE offers readers who have little or no analytic understanding of English a thorough treatment of the various components of the language. Its goal is to help readers become independent language analysts capable of critically evaluating claims about the language and the people who use it. Written in a clear style, it guides its readers on topics including basic assumptions about language and discourse, pronunciation, word-formation strategies, parts of speech, clause elements and patterns, how clauses can By Gerald P. Delahunty and James J. Garvey Designed and copy edited by David Doran Grounded in linguistic research and argumentation, The English Language: From Sound to Sense is written to help readers become independent language analysts capable of critically evaluating claims about the language and the people who use it. Written in a clear style, it guides its readers on topics including basic assumptions about language and discourse, pronunciation, word-formation strategies, parts of speech, clause elements and patterns, how clauses may be combined into sentences, and how clauses and sentences are modified to suit speakers' and writers' discourse purposes. The English Language avoids presenting the language as a set of arbitrary facts by grounding its conclusions in the analytic methods that have characterized the best grammatical and linguistic practices for hundreds of years. Although its perspectives derive from modern-traditional and generative grammar, its goal is to provide its readers with a broad spectrum of basic knowledge about English. Each chapter contains a glossary of terms, a list of readings, and numerous exercises. Table of
The Effect of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Elongation at the Time of Implantation on the Biomechanical Behavior of the Graft and Knee

This investigation determined the effect that anterior cruciate ligament graft elongation at the time of surgi cal reconstruction has on the long-term biomechanical behavior of the graft and knee joint. We chose the canine model for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruc tion, using the medial third of the patellar tendon with attached proximal bone block. Elongation of the graft was measured immediately after graft fixation during passive knee flexion using the Hall effect transducer. The dogs were divided into either Group 1 (graft elon gation behavior within the 95% confidence limits of the normal anterior cruciate ligament) or Group 2 (graft elongation behavior more than the 95% confidence limits of the normal anterior cruciate ligament). All of the dogs were sacrificed 18 months postoperatively, and we evaluated anteroposterior load displacement (i.e., anteroposterior laxity) of the knee and the struc tural properties of the graft. The anteroposterior laxity behavior of the reconstructed knees in Group 2 was significantly more than that of Group 1. Group 2 had significantly less linear stiffness of the graft than Group 1. There was no difference in the ultimate failure load and absorbed energy at failure values of the grafts between Groups 1 and 2. The findings from this inves tigation indicate that the graft elongation behavior at the time of reconstruction is a critical factor that influ
Resolved: Heparin may be useful in selected patients with brain ischemia.

Heparin reduces development of erythrocyte-fibrin thrombi that form in regions of vascular stasis especially within the heart, in severely stenosed arteries sometimes engrafted on white thrombi, in acute arterial occlusions as fresh tails on existing thrombi, and within extremity and pelvic veins. Unfortunately, heparin use can be associated with severe bleeding, especially if not closely monitored. Heparin should not be indiscriminately used in all brain ischemia patients. Bleeding complications will outweigh therapeutic benefit. Unfortunately, randomized trials have not adequately studied heparins in patients with conditions likely to respond to treatment. Reported trials lumped patients with brain ischemia together without diagnostic investigations defining etiology, stroke subtypes, or vascular lesions. Worsening and new neurologic deficits can develop when thrombi form, propagate, and embolize. Stroke worsening, even when thrombi are present, occurs in only 20% to 33% of ischemic strokes. Even when anticoagulants are stopped because of hemorrhage in prosthetic heart valve patients, recurrent embolism rarely occurred during the next 10 days.1 Most cardioembolic recurrences do not occur during …
INVESTIGATION OF MICROORGANISMS CONTAMINATION IN IRAQ CURRENCY

Money may carry pathogenic microorganisms that might survive represent an often overlooked reservoir for enteric diseases. A total of 84 Iraqi currencies were collected from different sources including: car drivers, baggers and bank workers from the period between January 2010 till June 2010. Seventy two hand swaps from car drivers, baggers and bank workers were taken during the same period, and (31) currency packages were taken from central Iraqi bank. The results showed that the total number of the examined human hands for bacterial and parasitic pathogens was 17 drivers all of them were males, 22 baggers; 10 males and 12 females, 33 bank workers; two males and 31 females. The main pathogenic bacteria types which isolated from hand swaps of drivers were Streptococcus spp. , Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Escherichia coli. Staphylococcus aureus was the dominant among the all age groups. The statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the ages and type of pathogens. The same type of bacteria was found in the hand swaps from baggers, but the highest number recorded was Klebseilla. The statistical analysis showed a high stander deviation in Klebsiella (2.828) and a significant differences between the ages, sex and the type of pathogens; P ≤ 0.05 (0.028). The groups of bank workers had more pathogenic bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus was the dominant as compared with others and females encountered more bacteria than males. But there was no significant differences between sex, age group and type of pathogen when P ≤ 0.05 (0.716). Different pathogens were also found in the currency with mint, clean and dirty/ mutilated condition from all groups under this study. The parasitic pathogens were isolated from baggers hand swaps only, and only Entamoeba histolytica and ova of some parasites were recognized from different hand swaps and money.
Sistema imunitário: Parte I. Fundamentos da imunidade inata com ênfase nos mecanismos moleculares e celulares da resposta inflamatória

The immune system consists of an intricate network of organs, cells, and molecules responsible for maintaining the body's homeostasis and responding to aggression in general. Innate immunity operates in conjunction with adaptive immunity and is characterized by rapid response to aggression, regardless of previous stimulus, being the organism first line of defense. Its mechanisms include physical, chemical and biological barriers, cellular components, as well as soluble molecules. The organism first line of defense against tissue damage involves several steps closely integrated and constituted by different components of this system. The aim of this review is to restore the foundations of this response, which has high complexity and consists of several components that converge to articulate the development of adaptive immune response. We selected some of the following steps to review: perception and molecular recognition of aggressive agents; activation of intracellular pathways, which result in vascular and tissue changes; production of a myriad of mediators with local and systemic effects on cell activation and proliferation, synthesis of new products involved in the chemoattraction and migration of cells specialized in destruction and removal of offending agent; and finally, tissue recovery with restoration of functional tissue or organ.
Nutrient characteristics of aggregates and rhizosphere of a degraded upland soil: implication for soil fertility evaluation.

The influence of aggregates and rhizosphere on nutrient availability of degraded tropical soils is not yet well understood. The study evaluated differences in the nutrient characteristics between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, aggregated and homogenized soil samples, and inner and outer portions of aggregates. Soil samples were collected from a degraded upland soil in Pinabacdao, Samar, Philippines, and analyzed for selected soil properties. Results revealed that rhizosphere soil had higher organic matter (OM), available P contents, and exchangeable Ca and Mg contents than the non-rhizosphere soil but with no considerable variation in soil pH. Results also showed no differences in the chemical properties between the outer and inner portions of aggregates and that the aggregated samples slightly differed from the homogenized soil samples in terms of some chemical characteristics. Findings suggest that the standard practice of homogenizing soil sample for analysis may have limitations for fertility evaluation of degraded soils.
Analysis of efficiency of pollution reduction measures in rural basin using MIKE Basin model. Case study: Olšava River Basin

Abstract This paper presents the results of testing the applicability of the MIKE Basin model for simulating the efficiency of scenarios for reducing water pollution. The model has been tested on the Olšava River Basin (520 km2) which is a typical rural region with a heterogeneous mix of pollution sources with variable topography and land use. The study proved that the model can be calibrated successfully using even the limited amount of data typically available in rural basins. The scenarios of pollution reduction were based on implementation and intensification of municipal wastewater treatment and conversion of arable land on fields under the risk of soil erosion to permanent grassland. The application of simulation results of these scenarios with proposed measures proved decreasing concentrations in downstream monitoring stations. Due to the practical applicability of proposed measures, these could lead to fulfilment of the water pollution limits required by the Czech and EU legislation. However, there are factors of uncertainty that are discussed that may delay or limit the effect of adopted measures in small rural basins.
Reachable Distance Space: Efficient Sampling-Based Planning for Spatially Constrained Systems

Motion planning for spatially constrained robots is difficult due to additional constraints placed on the robot, such as closure constraints for closed chains or requirements on end-effector placement for articulated linkages. It is usually computationally too expensive to apply sampling-based planners to these problems since it is difficult to generate valid configurations. We overcome this challenge by redefining the robot’s degrees of freedom and constraints into a new set of parameters, called reachable distance space (RD-space), in which all configurations lie in the set of constraint-satisfying subspaces. This enables us to directly sample the constrained subspaces with complexity linear in the number of the robot’s degrees of freedom. In addition to supporting efficient sampling of configurations, we show that the RD-space formulation naturally supports planning and, in particular, we design a local planner suitable for use by sampling-based planners. We demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach for several systems including closed chain planning with multiple loops, restricted end-effector sampling, and on-line planning for drawing/sculpting. We can sample single-loop closed chain systems with 1,000 links in time comparable to open chain sampling, and we can generate samples for 1,000-link multi-loop systems of varying topologies in less than a second.
WERE THERE REGIME SWITCHES IN US MONETARY POLICY?

A multivariate model, identifying monetary policy and allowing for simultaneity and regime switching in coefficients and variances, is confronted with US data since 1959. The best fit is with a version that allows time variation in structural disturbance variances only. Among versions that allow for changes in equation coefficients also, the best fit is for a one that allows coefficients to change only in the monetary policy rule. That version allows switching among three main regimes and one rarely and briefly occurring regime. The three main regimes correspond roughly to periods when most observers believe that monetary policy actually differed, but the differences among regimes are not large enough to account for the rise, then decline, in inflation of the 70’s and 80’s. In versions that insist on changes in the policy rule, the estimates imply monetary targeting was central in the early 80’s, but also important sporadically in the 70’s.
Defending Democracy: The Concentric Containment of Political Extremism

In this article we develop a concentric containment policy for dealing with political extremism starting from the deliberative model of democracy. This model of democracy is particularly well suited because it overcomes the traditional opposition between procedural and substantive views of democracy. On the procedural side, deliberative democracy emphasises the importance of tracking all the relevant concerns of citizens in the public sphere, whereas, on the substantive side, it stresses the need for an adequate filtering which guarantees the compatibility of actual policies with the core values of liberty and equality. The twofold requirement of tracking and filtering translates into a guideline of decreasing tolerance towards extremist organisations as they approach the centres of formal ***decision-making power. We argue that the resulting containment policy, which listens to extremist voters and simultaneously puts unremitting civilising pressure on extremist parties, is not only desirable from a normative point of view; as shown by the empirical findings concerning the successes and failures of actual containment strategies, the twofold concentric approach, including, if necessary, a cordon sanitaire around the extremist party, might also turn out to be the most effective one.
The Labor Market in the Great Recession: An Update

Since the end of the Great Recession in mid-2009, the unemployment rate has recovered slowly, falling by only one percentage point from its peak. We find that the lackluster labor market recovery can be traced in large part to weakness in aggregate demand; only a small part seems attributable to increases in labor market frictions. This continued labor market weakness has led to the highest level of long-term unemployment in the U.S. in the postwar period, and a blurring of the distinction between unemployment and nonparticipation. We show that flows from nonparticipation to unemployment are important for understanding the recent evolution of the duration distribution of unemployment. Simulations that account for these flows suggest that the U.S. labor market is unlikely to be subject to high levels of structural long-term unemployment after aggregate demand recovers.
Detailed study of selenium in soil, representative plants, water, bottom sediment, and biota in the Kendrick Reclamation Project Area, Wyoming, 1988-90. Water Resources Investigation

In response to increasing concern about the quality of irrigation drainage and its potential effects on fish, wildlife, and human health, the U.S. Department of the Interior formed an interbureau group to address related water-quality problems. The Kendrick Reclamation Project area (Kendrick area) was one of nine areas in the western United States that were assigned the highest priority for investigation. The magnitude, effects, and exposure pathways of selenium associated with irrigation drainage are summarized in the report. Trace elements and constituents other than selenium were evaluated but generally were not at concentrations considered harmful to wildlife or humans. A geochemical survey of the rangeland to assess the importance of geological formations as a selenium source was done. In a separate survey of the irrigated land, significant differences in concentrations of total selenium were detected in soil samples collected from the fields sampled, but only 2 of the approximately 200 soil samples contained selenium concentrations larger than the baseline.
Ordered Phosphorylation Governs Oscillation of a Three-Protein Circadian Clock

The simple circadian oscillator found in cyanobacteria can be reconstituted in vitro using three proteins—KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC. The total phosphorylation level of KaiC oscillates with a circadian period, but the mechanism underlying its sustained oscillation remains unclear. We have shown that four forms of KaiC differing in their phosphorylation state appear in an ordered pattern arising from the intrinsic autokinase and autophosphatase rates of KaiC and their modulation by KaiA. Kinetic and biochemical data indicate that one of these phosphoforms inhibits the activity of KaiA through interaction with KaiB, providing the crucial feedback that sustains oscillation. A mathematical model constrained by experimental data quantitatively reproduces the circadian period and the distinctive dynamics of the four phosphoforms.