Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new METEOSAT “water vapor” archive for climate studies

[1] Water vapor plays an important role in the climate system through a number of mechanisms spanning a wide range of space and timescale. Since 1977, the METEOSAT satellites are equipped with a radiometer dedicated to the measurements of upper tropospheric humidity (UTH) which covers a relevant range of scales for a better understanding of the water vapor role in the climate. Due to the changes of the satellites and the calibration techniques over the last 20 years, this water vapor METEOSAT archive is not homogeneous and cannot be directly used for climatic studies. Hence the authors present in this paper a newly homogenized METEOSAT water vapor channel archive. Two main types of anomalies entail the original METEOSAT archive. The first one corresponds to the successive improvements of the calibration procedure. In this case, a statistical correction technique based on comparisons between ECMWF-simulated brightness temperature (BT) and water vapor METEOSAT-observed BT is developed. The second type of anomaly concerns the METEOSAT radiometer changes over the time. While still measuring the UTH, the details of the filter function, indeed, evolved over the last 20 years. In this second case, the correction is based on a physical method implying simulations of the same scene by different radiometer filter functions. Two major cases are documented in detail for September 1987 and for February 1994. Sensitivity analysis of the techniques is conducted and the methods are shown to be robust with respect to the details of their implementations. The efficiency of the two methods is then evaluated. The resulting archive reveals water vapor seasonal cycle features in better agreement with climatological estimates. The new homogenized METEOSAT archive consists of 3-hourly total sky radiance at the 0.625° × 0.625° resolution over the July 1983 to February 1994 period, offering the opportunity to investigate the variability of the regional UTH from synoptic scales to interannual and interdecadal scales.
Shallow groundwater in the northeast arid zone of Nigeria

Abstract The natural resources of the northeast arid zone of Nigeria have been the subject of a recent five-year, European Union-funded research programme, carried out in support of rural development initiatives in the area. The shallow groundwater resources of the extensive river floodplain alluvial aquifers, and of the interfluves of uplands, have been an important focus of the research. The main issue in relation to sustainable development of these resources is the estimation of their recharge. Recharge to the alluvial aquifer of the Yobe river downstream of Gashua is showmn to be limited by an extensive clay cove overlying the aquifer. As a consequence of this the main mechanism of recharge is channel seepage, vertical infiltration being severely restricted. if, as is though by most consultants, this is the only source of recharge to the area as a whole, then it is shown that recharge to the area amounts to less than 1 mm/a. This is probably less than the present abstraction from the shallow aquifers. The paper challenges the current presumption that rainfed recharge to the shallow aquifers beneath the upland is nil. Observations from ther parts of the Sahel are used to show the typical magnitudes of water table decline which have coincided with the Sahel drought (early 1960s to date). These rates of decline cannot be explained by increases in abstraction. They can however be explained by significant reductions in recharge (of several mm/a) over the period in which rainfall has reduced, and this in turn implies recharge values significantly greater than zero in the very recent past, or to date. Detailed studies by the first author in the Manga Grasslands of north east Nigeria, in which recharge of 30–60 mm/a was estimated, are used to exemplify the likely situation in at least some parts of the upland. Ignorance or uncertainty of both the natural replenishment processes, and of the impact of climatic and anthropogenic changes, is no basis for sound water resource management policy. Because of the importance of establishing a more sound understanding of the recharge processes in the northeast arid zone, an outline programme of further research is presented.
Chemical investigations on the hydrographical system of Cananéia lagoon

Periodical observations were made in 1958 in the hydrographical system of Cananeia lagoon State of Sao Paulo. The present paper reports the general characteristics of the regional distribution of chemical constituents in the water of the lagoon as observed on the February 11, 1958. The outer sea water (34 ‰ salinity, 4.5 ml/l O2, pH 8.4, 0.1 µg-atoms-nitrate-N/l, 0.3 µg-atoms-phosphate-P/l and 4 µg-atoms-silicate-Si/l) flows into the lagoon at flood tide through the Barra de Cananeia. The major portion of the inflowing sea water moves westward through the Baia de Trapande pushing the inner lagoon water toward the northern sheltered region, while a smaller portion enters along the eastern waterway called Mar de Cananeia, but is apparently blocked in its flow because of the narrow passage. In the sheltered inner region the rise of the water level apparently depends upon an accumulation on the water of the tributaries which is blocked by the outer tidal wave. The lowering of the water level of the open sea during the ebb sucks out the lagoon water, and a high velocity of the outflow through the narrow waterway of the Mar de Cananeia is then usually observed. In the inner region of the lagoon when the horizontal movement of the water due to the tides is weakened, a reduction state is likely to develop in the bottom layer on account of active decomposition by bacteria of the deposited organic materials. Accordingly, considerable lowering of the oxygen tension is observed in the water overlying the bottom. In the surface water at the same station the amount of dissolved oxygen is near saturation point. The decomposing activity of the bacteria is very important for the lagoon's metabolism. The return of nutrients into the water undoubtedly contributes efficiently to enrich the phytoplankton crop.
Present-day Antarctic Ice Mass Changes and Crustal Motion

The peak vertical velocities predicted by three realistic, but contrasting, present-day scenarios of Antarctic ice sheet mass balance are found to be of the order of several mm/a. One scenario predicts local uplift rates in excess of 5 mm/a. These rates are small compared to the peak Antarctic vertical velocities of the ICE-3G glacial rebound model, which are in excess of 20 mm/a. If the Holocene Antarctic deglaciation history portrayed in ICE-3G is realistic, and if regional upper mantle viscosity is not an order of magnitude below 10(exp 21) pa s, then a vast geographical region in West Antarctica is uplifting at a rate that could be detected by a future Global Positioning System (GPS) campaign. While present-day scenarios predict small vertical crustal velocities, their overall continent-ocean mass exchange is large enough to account for a substantial portion of the observed secular polar motion ((Omega)m(bar)) and time-varying zonal gravity field J(sub 1).
A LARGE-SCALE THREE-DIMENSIONAL SEISMIC STRUCTURE UNDER THE JAPAN ISLANDS AND THE SEA OF JAPAN

A large-scale three-dimensional seismic velocity structure down to 650 km under the Japan Islands and the Sea of Japan has been investigated to clarify the subduction of lithospheric plates by applying the inversion method of Aki and others. About 3500 data of P-wave travel time residuals observed at 330 Japanese and foreign stations from 20 intermediate and deep-focus earthquakes around Japan were used to determine the velocity anomalies in a number of blocks and source corrections simultaneously. This analysis has well revealed lateral heterogeneities in the upper mantle above 450km. A high velocity zone corresponding to the descending Pacific plate has been clearly identified, particularly in the north Honshu arc, indicating good correlations with the horizontal and vertical distributions of a number of earthquakes around there. It was found that intermediate and deep-focus earthquakes take place mainly in the upper portions of the descending plate with a thickness of about 100km. The highest velocity anomalies are +5-6%(50-250km), +3%(350km), +2%(450km) within the plate, and about -2% down to 350km over a region on the continental side of the descending plate.
Consequences of negative ions for Titan's plasma interaction

A hybrid particle code has been used to examine how Titan's interaction with Saturn's magnetosphere is affected by the presence of negative ions in Titan's ionosphere. The simulations self‐consistently include a version of Titan's ionosphere represented by 8 generic positive ion species, over 40 ion‐neutral chemical reactions, ion‐neutral collisions and Hall and Pederson conductivities. A model consisting of 6 generic negative ion species is also included. The presence of negative ions is found to alter the conductivity of Titan's ionosphere, changing the loss rates of the ionospheric species and modifying the topology of Titan's ion tail.
Secular variation in seawater chemistry: An explanation for the coupled secular variation in the mineralogies of marine limestones and potash evaporites over the past 600 m.y.

Secular changes in the mineralogies of marine nonskeletal limestones and potash evaporites occur in phase on a 100–200 m.y. time scale such that periods of “aragonite seas” are synchronized with MgSO4 evaporites and periods of “calcite seas” with KCl evaporites. It is proposed that these coupled changes are the result of secular variation in seawater chemistry controlled primarily by fluctuations in the mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal brine flux, which in turn have been driven by fluctuations in the rate of ocean crust production. Quantitative predictions based on this hypothesis yield secular variation in limestone and potash evaporite mineralogies that closely match the observed variation over the past 600 m.y. , providing strong support for the thesis that seawater chemistry, rather than remaining constant, has oscillated significantly over geologic time.
The Mpowerment Project: a community-level HIV prevention intervention for young gay men.

OBJECTIVES Since young gay men are engaging in alarmingly high rates of unsafe sex and few seek help for changing risky behaviors, community-level programs to prevent infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among them are urgently needed. METHODS We developed and implemented a community-level HIV prevention program in a midsized Oregon community. The peer-led program had three components: out-reach, small groups, and a publicity campaign. Independently from the prevention program, a cohort of young gay men (n = 300) was surveyed in this and in a similar comparison community pre- and postintervention. RESULTS Following intervention, the proportion of men engaging in any unprotected anal intercourse decreased from 41.0% to 30.0% (-27% from baseline), decreased from 20.2% to 11.1% (-45% from baseline) with nonprimary partners, and decreased from 58.9% to 44.7% (-24% from baseline) with boyfriends. No significant changes occurred in the comparison community over the same period. CONCLUSIONS This prevention approach effectively led to HIV risk reduction. To reach risk-taking young gay men, HIV prevention activities must be embedded in social activities and community life.
New Numerical Simulation Procedure for Large-scale Debris Flows (Kanako-LS)

1 National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 3050804, Japan) E-mail: uchida-t92rv@nilim.go. jp 2 CTI Engineering, Co., Ltd (Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 3002651, Japan) 3 Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University (Kyoto, 6068502, Japan) 4 Department of Civil Engineering, Ritsumeikan University (Kusatsu, Shiga, 5258557, Japan) 5 Volcano and Debris Flow Research Team, Public Works Research Institute (Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 3058516, Japan)
PC 3,4 magnetic pulsations observed simultaneously in the magnetosphere and at multiple ground stations

Periods of magnetic conjugacy between ISEE and the magnetometer array of the Institute for Geological Sciences have been examined to search for the simultaneous occurrence of Pc 3,4 magnetic pulsations. When compressional waves are seen in space, waves are also observed on the ground at the same frequency and with similar waveforms. The wave amplitude on the ground at midlatitudes is similar to that in space at ISEE but at high latitudes the amplitudes are larger than in space. The one occurrence of a purely transverse signal at ISEE was not observed on the ground. These results confirm that Pc 3,4. wave energy is most readily transported through the magnetosphere by compressional fluctuations.
Climatology of low-latitude mesospheric echo characteristics observed by Indian mesosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere radar

[1] Low-latitude mesospheric echo characteristics are investigated using data collected during June 1994 to July 2005 (11 years) by the Indian mesosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere radar located at Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E). Mesospheric echoes are frequently observed during 1000-1530 hrs (local time) in the height range of 68-78 km and are found to be highly intermittent in both space and time, consistent with those reported elsewhere. Although echoes are observed throughout the year, strong seasonal dependence has been observed in both echo occurrence and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Percentage occurrence (PO) of mesospheric echoes shows two maxima, one during late March equinox and early summer, and another during September. However, corresponding SNR suggests that strong echoes occur in both equinoxes with a minimum during winter. A clear semiannual variation is observed in PO of echoes with a peak occurring during the months of May and October. Similar variation is observed in SNR with peaks in March and September-November. These features are quite different from those observed at midlatitudes and high latitudes. Annual oscillation seems to fit well above 78 km and below 68 km, although on many occasions, occurrence of echo is poor at these heights. The ratio of vertical to off-vertical beam SNR (which could be taken as a measure of aspect sensitivity) was close to unity at these heights, indicating that scattering is due to turbulence-generated refractive index fluctuations. A positive correlation (R = 0.37) between PO and solar activity is observed, whereas a negative correlation (R = -0.55) is found between SNR and solar activity. The echo characteristics observed have been compared in detail with those reported from midlatitudes and high latitudes. The mechanisms behind the observed features are discussed in the light of mesospheric temperature inversions (MTIs), which are often noticed at this location, and wave breaking at these altitudes.
A Preliminary Account of the Tardigrades of Newfoundland

Abstract This is the first published report of tardigrades in Newfoundland and Labrador. Twenty-six species have been identified so far, including four new records for Canada and one new record for North America. Although there is some overlap of species with those found in earlier Canadian studies, there are some interesting discrepancies. The rare occurrence and restricted distribution of the very few heterotardigrades (three species and 30 specimens) found so far in Newfoundland is noteworthy, as is the occurrence of several tardigrade species whose former records have been mainly for Greenland. It appears the environmental conditions in Newfoundland can support a number of species that would normally be restricted to a more northerly distribution. A comparison of the species found in Newfoundland with those of a number of other northern countries suggests that the Newfoundland species are most similar to those found in Greenland and mainland Canada.
Assessing the impact of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in England on nitrate loss from agricultural land

Abstract The impact of the 2002 Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Action Programme (NVZAP) in England was assessed using survey data linked to modelling. Baseline nitrate losses were estimated using the NEAP‐N national model, and impacts of individual measures were estimated by linking survey data on land management change to models or impact estimates derived from controlled experiments. Results were scaled up using mapped agricultural census data. The reduction in nitrate leaching attributable to the 2002 NVZAP was estimated as 5%, the majority being due to better adjustment of fertiliser inputs to crop requirement and manure‐derived N. Closed periods for manure application in autumn were locally effective, especially within arable systems, but the national impact was small because of the small land area affected. Overall impacts were greatest on sandy soils with large poultry or pig units, where losses were previously very high, and least on extensive grassland systems, where losses were previously low. Some mitigation measures had little impact because good practice is already widespread or because they targeted surface runoff pathways, which are more important for pollutants such as P, sediment, ammonium and pathogens. The potential evolution of measures is discussed along with some key limitations and uncertainties associated with the estimation process.
Long-term effects of exotic tree species (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) on the status of extractable micronutrients in the southern guinea savanna of Nigeria.

In an effort to combat the declining forestry resources through the establishment of exotic tree species like Tectona grandis , this have lead to processes associated with soils underneath these trees that have not been properly elucidated, particularly the distributions of extractable micronutrients. Results from the study showed that 0.1M HCl extractable Zn, Cu and Fe in the surface and subsurface horizons varied from 0.74 to 4.68, 0.04 to 2.64 and 0.55 to 44.25 mg kg -1 . The DTPA extractable Zn, Cu and Fe ranged from 0.40 to 1.99, 0 to 4.37 and 2.11 to 24.06 mg kg -1 for both horizons. The extracting properties of these solutions indicated that 0.1M HCl, extracted more Zn, while DTPA extracted more Fe under the plantations. The extractable micronutrient contents showed an increase with aging plantation. The study therefore implied that Tectona grandis has an extractive property on micronutrient particularly on soils that are low in these nutrients. Nigerian Journal of Soil and Environmental Research Vol. 7 2007: pp. 15-22
Seismic Screening for Hydrocarbon Prospects using Rock-Physics Attributes

Rock-physics templates (RPT), in combination with seismic AVO inversion data, can be used to screen for hydrocarbon prospects during exploration. With the improved quality and increased use of elastic seismic inversion, there has recently been a paradigm change in prospect mapping in the oil industry, and quantitative interpretation has become a widely used jargon. Rock-physics models are essential in that they help in converting elastic parameters from inversion data to reservoir parameters. Rock physics models plays an important role in many of the stages of seismic AVO inversions; including the petrophysical log evaluations, well ties and wavelet estimation, the setting of parameter constraints during the inversion, and the interpretation of the inversion results in terms of reservoir properties. Rock-physics models can also be used to quality check and modify the low-frequency model used in seismic AVO inversion, and to assess the quality and uncertainties of inverted elastic parameters. In this presentation we will demonstrate the use of rock-physics models during the different stages of seismic inversion, and how these can improve our ability to reveal hydrocarbon-associated anomalies.
Saving for Retirement in Colombia: Patterns and Determinants (Ahorro Para El Retiro En Colombia: Patrones Y Determinantes)

Individual’s decisions regarding their retirement savings have usually been theoretically approached under the hypothesis that the Social Security System works as a substitute to other savings mechanisms. This document presents empirical evidence of the determinants and patterns of savings for retirement using information from the Integrated Household Survey (GEIH 2007). Our results show that 63% of employed individuals actually declare that they are not using any saving mechanism towards their retirements. By using discrete selection models we find that those employed individuals who show lower probabilities of making retirement savings are young ones, with male gender, who live in rural areas, and are self-employed. (La decision de los individuos acerca del ahorro para el retiro ha sido abordada teoricamente bajo la hipotesis de que el sistema de seguridad social se comporta como un sustituto de otros mecanismos de ahorro. Este documento presenta evidencia de los determinantes y patrones de ahorro para el retiro en Colombia a partir de la Gran Encuesta Integrada de Hogares de 2007. Los resultados muestran que el 63% de los ocupados declaran no ahorrar para su vejez. A partir de modelos de seleccion discreta se encuentra que individuos jovenes, de sexo masculino, con menor nivel educativo, que residen en zonas rurales o trabajan como cuenta propia, presentan menores probabilidades de ahorrar para el retiro; ademas las caracteristicas socioeconomicas resultan significativas en la determinacion del mecanismo de ahorro utilizado.)
Board Attributes and Real Earnings Management: Evidence from Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria

The study examined the nexus of board attributes and real earnings management among quoted Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. The study specifically examined the effect of board size and board independence on the REM proxy, i.e., discretionary loan loss provision. The final sample was thirteen (13) banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The study relied on secondary data from annual financial statements for the period 2012 to 2022. The data were analyzed using the pooled ordinary least square regression. The finding showed that there is a significant negative effect of board size on real earnings management and that board independence negatively influence real earnings management in Nigerian banks. The study, therefore, recommended that bank shareholders increase the number of directors in a bank to oversee manager behaviour. Banks should also increase the percentage of non-executive directors to oversee managers' operations. The study reaffirms the importance of corporate governance in reducing unethical management tendencies to indulge in real activities manipulation.
The influence of grouting pressure on the pullout resistance of soil nails in compacted completely decomposed granite fill

The interface shear strength between a soil nail and the surrounding soil is required in the design analysis and safety assessment of a soil nailed structure, such as a slope, retaining wall or excavation. It has been found that a number of factors may influence the interface shear strength, such as the normal stress, soil properties, soil nail surface roughness, degree of saturation and grouting pressure. Some initial results from field pullout tests on soil nails grouted under pressure have indicated that the grouting pressure contributes to the pullout resistance. Pressure grouting is a cost-effective method for increasing the soil nail pullout resistance, thus improving the performance of the nailed structure. Studies on the soil nail failure mechanisms and quantitative data from tests investigating how grouting pressure influences the pullout resistance are, however, very limited. First, this paper introduces a laboratory soil nail pullout box with full instrumentation and a special pressure grouting.