Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling and monitoring of Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage : impacts of soil heterogeneity, thermal interference and bioremediation

Modelling and monitoring of Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage Impacts of heterogeneity, thermal interference and bioremediation Wijbrand Sommer PhD thesis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, NL (2015) ISBN 978-94-6257-294-2 Abstract Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) is applied world-wide to provide heating and cooling to buildings. Application of ATES, instead of traditional heating and cooling installations, reduces primary energy consumption and related CO2 emissions. Intensified use of the subsurface for thermal applications requires more accurate methods to measure and predict the development of thermal plumes in the subsurface related to thermal interference between systems and address issues concerning subsurface urban planning and wide spread presence of contaminants in urban groundwater systems. In this thesis, subsurface heat transport in ATES and the associated influence on storage performance for thermal energy was assessed. Detailed monitoring of subsurface temperature development around the wells of an existing system was achieved by a unique application of Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) using glass fibre optical cables. The measurements reveal unequal distribution of flow rate over different parts of the well screen and preferential flow due to aquifer heterogeneity. Heat transport modelling shows that heterogeneity causes preferential flow paths that can affect thermal interference between systems, mainly depending on well-to-well distance and hydrogeological conditions. At present, design rules are applied in such way that all negative interference is avoided. However, this limits the number of ATES systems that can be realized in a specific area, especially as these systems generally use only 60% of their permitted capacity. To optimize the use of available aquifer volume, the amount of thermal interference that is acceptable from an economical and environmental perspective was studied for different zonation patterns and well-to-well distances. Selecting the hydrogeological conditions of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as a case study, this method shows that it is cost-effective to allow a limited amount of thermal interference, such that 30–40% more energy can be provided than compared to the case in which all negative thermal interference is avoided. Because many urbanized areas deal with contaminated soil and groundwater, ambitions to increase the number of ATES systems are confronted with the presence of groundwater contaminants. This is of concern, because groundwater movement induced by the ATES system can result in increased mobility and spreading of these contaminants. However, the combination between ATES and soil and groundwater remediation could be a promising integrated technique, both for improving groundwater quality and development of ATES. Opportunities to use ATES as a continuous biostimulation tool for enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) have been explored with a reactive transport model.
EFFECT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL FACTORS OF WATER ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF MACROBENTHIC INVERTEBRATE FAUNA IN THE HADEJIA-NGURU WETLANDS

Assessment of the physico-chemical properties of water in the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands was carried out with the view to assessing it’s suitability to serving as habitat to diverse groups of organisms. Standard methods were used to determine the physical and chemical properties of water in the laboratory. Benthic fauna was sampled using Paterson bottom grab. Physical parameters like temperature, transparency, pH and conductivity were higher than the average for other water bodies in the Sudanosahelian region of Nigeria. Total nitrogen and phosphorus were also above average. Cations were dominated by calcium. Thirteen species of benthos, belonging to four major taxa were identified. The benthos was dominated by the Arthropoda and Mollusca. The altered physico-chemical characteristics of the water together with growing occurrence of the pollution indicator species, like Cryptochironomus deribae allows us to conclude that the wetland is tending towards eutrophication.
Response of changes in seasonal soil freeze/thaw state to climate change from 1950 to 2010 across china

Variations in seasonal soil freeze/thaw state are important indicators of climate change and influence ground temperature, hydrological processes, surface energy, and the moisture balance. Previous studies mainly focused on the active layer and permafrost, while seasonally frozen ground research in nonpermafrost regions has received less attention. In this study, we investigate the response of changes in seasonal soil freeze/thaw state to changes in air temperatures by combining observations from more than 800 stations with gridded mean monthly air temperature data across China. The results show that mean annual air temperature (MAAT) increased statistically significantly by 0.29 ± 0.03°C/decade from 1967 to 2013, with greater warming on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. There is a statistically significant decrease in the freeze/thaw cycle (FTC) at 0.39 ± 0.05 cycles/decade. In addition, there are strong negative correlations between FTC and MAAT. Estimating the soil freeze/thaw state classification based on the number of days in the month, we find that changes of mean annual area extent of seasonal soil freeze/thaw state decreased significantly for completely frozen (CF) ground, while the area extent of partially frozen (PF) and unfrozen (UF) ground both increased. Changes in mean monthly area extent of seasonal soil freeze/thaw state indicate that the extent of CF and UF area was decreasing and increasing, respectively. But for the extent of PF areas, both increasing and decreasing trends were observed. Quantifying the spatial pattern of the seasonal soil freeze/thaw, we find that CF and PF areas are located in northern China and the Tibetan Plateau from December to March, and UF areas are located in southern China. The variations of mean annual area extent departure of soil freeze/thaw states are consistent with MAAT changes in different land cover types across China.
Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease Based on Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Deep Learning

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder and the second neurodegenerative disease. Before the appearance of symptoms, the biochemical and pathological changes start in the brain, which are not often easily appreciable in routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Several studies have performed statistical analysis on fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) maps extracted from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data to identify the differences between PD and healthy control (HC) groups. Their results demonstrated a significant reduction in fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity (MD) in many brain regions of the PD group compared to the healthy control. Though some studies have shown Parkinson's segregation from healthy subjects based on a statistical analysis of FA and MD maps extracted from DTI data, the current diagnostic procedures are expertise-demanding and thus necessitate a classification of PD based on artificial intelligence (AI). In this study, we aim to investigate different deep learning solutions (using a 3D ResNet-18 neural network) trained with different frameworks. To this end, six different training scenarios were investigated through feeding the network with different input data extracted from the DTI to determine the best performing framework for early PD detection. The six model training frameworks include (1) single-input for only DTI imag es, (2) single-input for only FA maps, (3) single-input for only MD maps, (4) double-input for FA and MD maps, (5) double-input for DTI images and FA maps (6), and double-input for DTI images and MD maps. The network trained by FA and MD maps exhibited poor diagnostic accuracy of 40% and 50%, respectively. However, the best accuracy (67%) and area under the receiver (AUC) (69%) were achieved by the model trained with only DTI as input. Results demonstrated that the models trained with FA and MD maps are not appropriate for early PD detection. Moreover, the results showed that even if these maps are used as an additional image next to the DTI data, they could not improve the results of the model compared to the model trained with only DTI map. The best accuracy and AUC were achieved by the model trained only with DTI map. Though the accuracy obtained from the different models is relatively low, the focus of this study was to determine the best-performing model/scenario for early PD detection.
A data-driven control method for vehicle lateral stability in snow and ice-rutted conditions under aperiodic sampling

Designing a controller to ensure vehicle stability under snow and ice-rutted road conditions, in the absence of accurate model knowledge and with potential sampling data delay, poses a significant challenge. To address this, this paper presents a novel data-driven parametric approach that integrates linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) methods. This approach allows for the determination of an appropriate sampling time interval. By iteratively solving LMIs, a state-feedback controller is derived, which guarantees both system stability and robustness. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through numerical simulations conducted on the MATLAB/CarSim platform. The results highlight the good control performance and robustness achieved by the proposed method.
A Collaborative English Learning System with Role Reversal Feature

Collaborative learning has been recognized as an effective approach for providing learners with deeper insights and motivating them to learn. However, in order to maximize its benefits, active and cooperative teams are necessary. This paper presents a collaborative English learning system with role reversal, where the learner collaborates with two agents as co-learners. The proposed system allows learners to take on different roles for learning English grammar structure, as they alternate between being the teacher and the learner according to their learning stage. A preliminary experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the system, and the results suggest that our approach offers a motivating and engaging learning experience for learners.
Predicting the Use Behavior of Higher Education Students on ChatGPT: Evidence from the Philippines

ChatGPT is a generative language model that serves as a conversational tool to assist users with various information-seeking activities. ChatGPT has gained traction as a promising technological advancement toward enhancing the educational experience of students and learners. However, there is limited understanding of ChatGPT in higher education institutions, particularly, its benefits, issues, and use behavior considering its nascency as an academic support tool. Thus, this study examines the use behavior of ChatGPT, its issues, and its benefits by recognizing higher education students' perspectives through a survey conducted in the Philippines under the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2). Moreso, this study analyzed the data using structural equation modeling, and topic modeling on the issues and benefits. Results show that use behavior on ChatGPT is explained by facilitating conditions, habit, and behavioral intention factors. While habit, performance expectancy, and personal innovativeness impact behavioral intention on ChatGPT. However, age and year level have no moderating effect on intention and use behavior factors. The study suggests factors critical to the use of ChatGPT in higher education. This study extends the conversation on the use of behavior towards ChatGPT, making this work the first empirical evidence from the Philippines.
OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND TAX AGGRESIVENESS OF TOURISM COMPANIES IN INDONESIA

Recognizing the negative implications of companies‟s tax aggressiveness for government income, this study delves into the role of ownership structure on tax aggressiveness. Focusing on the tourism industry on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, we hand-collect data from annual reports for 2015–2021. Our study reveals mixed results regarding ownership structure and tax aggressiveness in Indonesian tourism companies. While both managerial and institutional ownership seems neutral, public ownership surprisingly boosts tax aggressiveness, but foreign ownership dampens it. Interestingly, these effects are not straightforward, as company size plays a role in moderating the impact of public and foreign ownership on tax strategies. Notably, these findings hold true even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that public and foreign shareholders have not shifted their stance on tax aggressiveness despite the economic downturn
KNOWLEDGE CONSTRUCTION OF CAESAREAN SECTION AMONG WOMEN IN NORTHERN GHANA

The study sought to determine the prevalence of cesarean section among women who delivered at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Cesarean section is performed when a vaginal delivery is risky to the baby and mother. Even though the benefits of Caesarean section are known to women, many would often opt for vaginal delivery to boost their social recognition as women. The design was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study among women within the Tamale Metropolis. The study employed a qualitative method. There were four focus group discussions to elicit information from women who experienced Caesarean Section. Many participants had good knowledge about the risk and effects of a Caesarean Section. Respondents with cesarean section experience did not have a choice to decline in the study hospital because all were emergency cases. Friends and relatives influenced the belief of respondents about cesarean section. Some of the reasons assigned for not opting for a cesarean section were; fear of complications, uncertainty regarding the pain during and after the procedure, and the fact that it is not a natural phenomenon. The perception of society regarding womanhood strongly emerged as an order of socialization and revealed that women who experienced Caesarean section go through ridicule in their respective communities. There is a growing trend of misconception about cesarean section. The Ministry of Health in Ghana should ensure that all health personnel, especially nurses and midwives, have location-based training on sociocultural beliefs about Caesarean section.
INFORMS Journal on Optimization

For solving large-scale nonconvex problems, we propose inexact variants of trust region and adaptive cubic regularization methods, which, to increase ef ﬁ ciency, incorporate various approximations. In particular, in addition to inexact subproblem solves, both the gradient and Hessian are suitably estimated. Using certain conditions on such approximations, we show that our proposed inexact methods achieve similar optimal worst-case iteration complexities as the exact counterparts. In the context of ﬁ nite-sum problems, we then explore randomized subsampling methods as ways to construct the gradient and Hessian approximations and examine the empirical performance of our algorithms on some model problems. We empirically demonstrate that our proposed algorithms are practically implementable in that failure to precisely ﬁ ne-tune the associated hyperparameters is unlikely to result in unwanted behaviors, for example, divergence or stagnation.
Subﬂexible symplectic manifolds

We introduce a class of Weinstein domains which are sublevel sets of ﬂexible We-instein manifolds but are not themselves ﬂexible. These manifolds exhibit rather subtle behavior with respect to both holomorphic curve invariants and symplectic ﬂexibility. We construct a large class of examples and prove that every ﬂexible Weinstein manifold can be Weinstein homotoped to have a nonﬂexible sublevel set.
Efficacy of community education programmes in influencing public reception and response behaviour factors related to tornado warning systems

The thesis explores the U.S. early warning system in the context of three separate but interlocking components: emergency management; special needs populations, in this case represented by the Deaf and hard of hearing community; and disaster education. Of importance is the need to bring further understanding to the relevancy of each and how the interrelationship among all three reflects a microcosm illustrative of the larger early warning paradigm and its challenges. Meeting those challenges requires implementation of innovative interventions and evidence-based approaches for adapting to the changing urban and rural demographics, climatological and technological environments. Severe weather and tornado hazard early warning is the embodiment of an integration of multiple systems requiring complex coordination of functions consisting of forecasting, detection, analysis, message development and dissemination, message reception, and action. This culminates in individual decision making for taking self-protection measures. The thesis methodological framework consisted of a mixed method approach. Data collection utilised a survey questionnaire instrument, individual interviews and focus groups. The research questioned if current warning processes within the U.S. tornado early warning system positively integrate with emergency management practices and effectively influence protective actions of the special needs population. Results indicate the emergency management system continues to be institutionally focused and operationally centric. Emergency managers recognise the need to become more of an integrated component between the warning mechanism and the communities they represent. Data indicate the Deaf and hard of hearing population remains underserved and generally ill-prepared for severe weather events. Disaster education programmes addressing their particular needs are scarce and current warning notification processes are often inadequate. Although tornado early warning detection and notification times are increasing, questions remain on how to more effectively encourage individuals to better heed warning messages.
Karyotype Investigations in Iranian Scorzonera tortuosissima and S. intricata, Asteraceae

Summary Somatic chromosomes of two Scorzonera species from subgenus Scorzonera , section Intricatae collected from four localities in southeast Iran were observed. In S. tortuosissima , 2 n =28 was observed. S. intricata revealed two chromosome numbers of 2 n =20 and 21. The chromosome numbers of 2 n =21 had one B chromosome then the basic number is x =10 which is a new basic chromosome number for Scorzonera . Both species showed a predominance of metacentric chromosomes in each karyotype. The karyotype was formulated as 12m+2sm for S. tortuosissima and 8m+2sm for S. intricata .
Working Paper Series A deep dive into the capital channel of risk sharing in the euro area

This paper investigates the contribution of capital markets to international risk sharing in the euro area over the 2000Q1-2021Q1 period. It provides three main contributions: First, the estimation of country-specific vector autoregressions (VAR) shows that shock absorption through capital markets remains modest, particularly in the southern euro area. Second, we analyse the geographical patterns of the capital channel. While risk sharing between southern and northern euro area countries led the improvements in income smoothing at the beginning of the 2000s, intra-regional capital flows supported income smoothing in the recent past. Third, based on a panel threshold VAR, we analyse how the composition of external capital positions impacts the capital channel. Long-term portfolio debt assets and liabilities as well as equity liabilities significantly improved income smoothing. The effect is more pronounced for northern countries, in line with their larger cross-border portfolios, when compared to the southern countries. Regarding foreign direct investment, only northern countries benefited from inward positions.
Parameterizations of US wildﬁre and prescribed ﬁre emission ratios and emission factors based on FIREX-AQ aircraft measurements

Extensive airborne measurements of non-methane organic gases (NMOGs), methane, nitrogen oxides, reduced nitrogen species, and aerosol emissions from US wild and prescribed ﬁres were conducted during the 2019 NOAA/NASA Fire Inﬂuence on Regional to Global Environments and Air Quality campaign (FIREX-AQ). Here, we report the atmospheric enhancement ratios (ERs) and inferred
2016 Annual Report

cancer. The lab is also researching DNA adduct formation by 1,3-butadiene, an important industrial chemical and known human carcinogen present in automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, and forest fires. This project focuses on identifying the mechanisms of carcinogenicity and the biological targets of 1,3-butadiene in cells. Additional research includes investigating epigenetic effects of chemical exposures and inflammation. Epigenetics controls the levels of gene expression by reversible modifications of DNA and histone proteins. This process is deregulated in many human diseases including cancer. The lab is discovering DNA epigenetic marks and their protein readers as potential new targets for drug design.
Florence , Italy : A summary of topics and trends

Olukayode Abayomi , Davide Amato , Candace Bailey , Byron Bitanihirwe , Lynneice Bowen , Shimon Burshtein , Alexis Cullen , Montserrat Fusté , Ana P. Herrmann , Babak Khodaie , Sanja Kilian , Qortni A. Lang , Elizabeth E. Manning , Raffael Massuda , Milawaty Nurjono , Sarosh Sadiq , Teresa Sanchez-Gutierrez , Tamara Sheinbaum , Venkataram Shivakumar , Nicholas Simon , Anneliese Spiteri-Staines , Suttajit Sirijit , Nanna Gilliam Toftdahl , Sunali Wadehra , Yi Wang , Rebekah Wigton , Susan Wright , Sergey Yagoda , Yuliya Zaytseva , Anne O'Shea , Lynn E. DeLisi ae,af,⁎
Seasonality of Marine Litter Hotspots in the Wider Caribbean Region

The persistent increase in marine plastic litter has become a major global concern, with one of the highest plastic concentrations in the world’s oceans found in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR). In this study, we use marine plastic litter tracking simulations to investigate where marine plastic accumulates, i.e., hotspots, in the WCR and how the accumulation varies on seasonal timescales. We show that most of the marine plastic waste converges on the coastlines shortly after being released into the WCR because of the strong surface current and the predominant easterly winds. Major plastic accumulations take place along (i) the western coastline of the WCR, especially the north–south-oriented coasts of Costa Rica/Nicaragua, Guatemala/Belize/Mexico, and Texas, and (ii) the coastlines of Haiti–Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Relatively low plastic accumulation is found along western Florida, the western Yucatán peninsula, and the leeward and windward Caribbean islands. Accumulation along the western WCR coastlines is modulated primarily by ocean currents and exhibits significant seasonal variabilities due to changes in wind patterns. The accumulation observed on the Haiti–Dominican Republic and Venezuela coastlines is primarily due to the proximity of large, mismanaged plastic waste sources. Finally, we discuss the uncertainty associated with the choices made in defining the different criteria for plastic beaching in the models.