Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An empirical evaluation of the relationship between coral reef calcium carbonate production and wave energy using geospatial techniques at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Coral reefs are complex, dynamic ecosystems occurring over a range of spatial and temporal scales. They provide a range of goods and services to mankind, including shoreline protection and support a large portion of marine life. The value of coral reefs exemplifies the need to empirically evaluate the complex interactions operating on them to efficiently manage these systems in light of anthropogenic induced climate change. This study was on Lizard Island’s coral reef system, situated within the northern lagoon of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Carbonate production is an important process, which underpins reef development and island security. Wave energy is one of the most important physical processes influencing coral reef carbonate production by flushing nutrients around the system, and removing metabolic waste. Other important functions include mechanically breaking down and transporting calcium carbonate. The empirical relationship between carbonate production and wave energy has not been addressed in the current literature and warrants a comprehensive investigation. The aim of this thesis was to employ a unique geospatial approach to combine in situ field observations, remote sensing and modelling techniques to develop a spatially continuous distribution model of coral reef calcium carbonate production and to empirically evaluate its relationship against a spatially continuous model of wave energy. Census-based methods and video samples were used to quantify carbonate production using published carbonate production rates of various benthic organisms. Individual benthic models of carbonate producing components included live coral, carbonate sand, green calcareous macroalgae and encrusting calcified algae. Regression analysis used surrogates derived from a digital elevation model of the seafloor and satellite imagery from Worldview-2 to predict the distribution of each component. The spatially continuous carbonate production model was the combined result of each benthic component layer, using their respective carbonate production rates as a weight. Comparing carbonate production and wave energy datasets was performed using global techniques and a series of transects, traversing across the entire reef platform. Results suggest that carbonate production increases with wave energy. However, transect comparisons suggest that a threshold of carbonate production occurs when wave energy exceeds 300 J/m2. These empirical results further the scientific understanding of coral reef ecosystems and can be incorporated into environmental models to predict the impacts of increased wave energy on reef and island development due to rapid climate change.
The Dehshir ophiolite (central Iran): Geochemical constraints on the origin and evolution of the Inner Zagros ophiolite belt

The Late Cretaceous Dehshir ophiolite is an important element within the Inner Zagros (Nain-Baft) ophiolite belt and contains all components of a complete “Penrose ophiolite,” including tectonized harzburgites, gabbros, sheeted dike complexes, pillowed basalts, and rare ultramafic-mafic cumulates. The cumulate rocks of this ophiolite are composed of plagioclase lherzolite, clinopyroxenite, leucogabbro, and pegmatite gabbro. All the massifs in the Inner Zagros ophiolite belt are overlain by Turonian-Maastrichtian pelagic limestones (93.5–65.5 Ma). Clinopyroxene compositions of Dehshir mafic rocks are similar to those of both boninites and island-arc tholeiites. Nearly all spinels from the inner ophiolite belt are similar to those of highly depleted harzburgites from intra-oceanic forearcs, although some Dehshir harzburgite spinels plot within the field for abyssal (mid-ocean-ridge basalt) peridotites. All components of the Dehshir and other ophiolites of this belt show strong suprasubduction-zone affinities, from harzburgitic mantle to ophiolitic lavas. Volcanic rocks have a mixture of dominantly arc-like (island-arc tholeiite, boninite, and calc-alkaline) and subordinate mid-ocean-ridge basalt–like compositional features, usually with mid-ocean-ridge basalt–like rocks at the base and arc-like rocks at the top. Our data for the Dehshir ophiolite and the similarity of these results to those for Iranian inner and outer belt ophiolites compel the conclusion that a geographically long, broad, and continuous tract of forearc lithosphere was created at about the same time during the earliest stages of subduction along the southern margin of Eurasia in Late Cretaceous time.
Acoustic and satellite remote sensing of shallow nearshore marine habitats in the Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area

Supervisory Committee Dr. Phil Dearden, Co-Supervisor (Department of Geography) Dr. Cliff Robinson, Co-Supervisor (Department of Geography) Dr. Maycira Costa, Member (Department of Geography) The ability to map nearshore habitat (i.e. submerged aquatic vegetation) is an integral component of marine conservation. The main goal of this thesis was to examine the ability of high resolution, multispectral satellite imagery and a single-beam acoustic ground discrimination system to map the location of marine habitats in Bag Harbour, found in the Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve. To meet this goal, two objectives were addressed: (1) Using the QTC View V sing-beam acoustic ground discrimination system, identify which frequency (50 kHz or 200 kHz) is best suited for mapping marine habitat; (2) evaluate the ability to map nearshore marine habitat using WorldView-2 high resolution, multispectral satellite imagery and compare the results of marine habitat maps derived from the acoustic and satellite datasets. Ground-truth data for both acoustic and satellite data were collected via towed
The impact of subterranean termite activity on water infiltration and topsoil properties in Burkina Faso

Few quantitative experimental studies have been carried out on the influence of subterranean termite activity on the water infiltration capacity of crusted soils in the semi‐arid Sahelian region. These studies found increased infiltration rates on soils that were affected by foraging galleries of subterranean termites. In this paper, remarkable results are presented from crusted agricultural fields in the Sanmatenga region in Burkina Faso with clear termite activity compared to reference fields without termite activity. Fine‐scale rainfall experiments were carried out and general topsoil (upper 5 cm) characteristics were measured. Infiltration rates were found to be significantly slower on plots affected by subterranean termite activity. These results are contradictory to the findings reported in general literature. On the basis of topsoil property measurements, the reduced infiltration rates cannot be indisputably explained, and we suggest that the main responsible factor for a reduction of infiltration was related to differences in topsoil surface (upper 3 mm) properties. Two hypotheses are formulated in an attempt to explain the reduced water infiltration rates on termite plots. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variations écologiques et chorologiques de la végétation macrophytique des rivières acides du Massif armoricain et des Vosges du Nord (France)

La vegetation macrophytique des rivieres acides d'Europe occidentale presente une grande unite, marquee par la constance d'un ensemble floristique de base, dont certaines especes (Callitriche hamulata, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Potamogeton polygonifolius, P. alpinus, etc) sont propres a ces eaux acides, d'autres (Callitriche platycarpa, Sparganium emersum, Elodea canadensis, Potamogeton crispus, etc) etant communes avec les eaux calcaires. Cet ensemble subit des variations ecologiques et chorologiques : L'augmentation du niveau trophique des eaux conduit d'une vegetation oligotrophe (differenciee par P. polygonifolius, Juncus bulbosus, etc) a un groupement mesoeutrophe (caracterise par Callitriche obtusangula, Nasturtium officinale, etc). Ainsi, quatre types de phytocenoses ont pu etre distingues dans les Vosges du Nord en fonction de ce parametre. D'autre part, une pollution organique localisee, par exemple par une pisciculture en Bretagne, provoque une augmentation des especes eutrophes (C. obtusangula) et une regression des taxons plus oligotrophes (Scapania undulata). L'alternance de biotopes courants et lents se traduit par un remplacement de phytocenoses : ainsi, en Bretagne, Oenanthe crocata et Ranunculus penicillafus sont associees sur les radiers, alors que Nuphar lutea et S. emersum caracterisent les mouilles. De plus, une diminution de l'eclairement permet la presence de groupements bryophytiques specifiques.Les principales variations chorologiques entre les deux territoires correspondent a un enrichissement des zones atlantiques en macrophytes euatlantiques ou mediterraneoatiantiques, comme O. crocata ou Apium inundatum, qui manquent dans les regions medioeuropeennes. En outre, selon les territoires biogeographiques, l'ecologie de certaines especes peut varier (par exempte S. emersum, R. peltatus, P. polygonifolius). Les macrophytes permettent donc, a l'instar des invertebres benthiques, l'elaboration de biodiagnostics des eaux courantes.
Applying four principles of headwater system aquatic biology to forest management

Headwater systems, including the channel and the adjacent riparian forest, are a dominant landscape feature in forested watersheds, draining most of the watershed area, and comprising the majority of channel length in drainage networks. Being at the upper extent of watersheds, these systems are smaller and steeper than large streams, and create microhabitats that support diverse instream communities distinct from those in larger streams. Forest management can disturb headwater streams through changes in physical structure, sediment, light, and riparian detrital inputs. Locally, the extent of the buff er surrounding the system mediates disturbance intensity and responses. At broader scales, the eff ect of the shifting mosaic of stand ages across a landscape is less well-described. In addition, as watersheds are periodically harvested, long-term impacts of repeated canopy removal are unclear. We synthesize recent research from western Oregon and Washington focused on forest eff ects on headwater stream ecology. We draw on over twenty published manuscripts from Pacific Northwest (PNW) research, as well as seminal work from beyond the PNW. Findings of these studies are examined in light of four principles for managing forest near streams: system (the stream and riparian area as a system); flow (sources and duration); disturbance (types and frequency); and topography (elevation, gradient, and aspect). The interaction between local influences and landscape drivers varies among headwater systems. Nevertheless, the underlying infl uences on headwater system ecology are repeatedly demonstrated in recent work. Consideration of these principles in planning ongoing forest management activities can promote the stewardship of headwater systems.
Geological processes and site structure: Assessing integrity at a Late Paleolithic open‐air site in northern France

The difficulty of reading the archaeological record of caves and rock shelters is becoming increasingly obvious to Paleolithic researchers. Although some open‐air sites are thought to avoid such taphonomic complications, interpreting their archaeological record is less straightforward than assumed. Postdepositional processes may obscure structure in configurations of features and artifacts. Recently developed techniques for the excavation and analysis of Paleolithic cave sites can be applied to open‐air sites before spatial patterning is interpreted for inferences about prehistoric social organization. Analysis of the orientation of elongated artifacts on the occupation surface of the late Upper Paleolithic site of Verberie, France, is employed for evaluation of the integrity of site structure. Results indicate spatial structure largely undisturbed by geological processes. The lack of disturbance in the configuration of archaeological materials allows for a behavioral interpretation of those remains. The proposition that Verberie was a hunting campsite for initial carcass processing is supported. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping Surface Soil Freeze-Thaw Cycles in China Based on SMMR and SSM/I Brightness Temperatures from 1978 to 2008

Abstract This paper aims to provide a long time-series data set documenting the surface soil freeze-thaw cycles in China over a period of more than 30 years. The remote sensing data are from the daily brightness temperatures recorded by the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR, 1978–1987) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I, 1987–2008), which have a 25 km spatial resolution. The classification method used to identify the surface soil freeze-thaw states is a dual-indices algorithm based on the 37 GHz vertical polarization brightness temperature and spectral gradient between the 37 GHz and 18/19 GHz brightness temperatures. This algorithm has been recalibrated for SMMR and SSM/I using the in situ daily minimal ground surface temperatures observed at 77 meteorological stations covering the dominant land surface types of China. The daily classifications of surface soil freeze-thaw states were validated by observations from an additional 273 meteorological stations. The classification accuracy of the frozen and thawed soils as well as the total accuracy exceed 80%. Based on this data set, we analyzed the seasonal and interannual variations across the areal extent and timing of surface soil freezing, trend of the onset date of surface soil freezing and thawing, and duration of surface soil thawing in China. The results showed that the maximum frozen extent during 1978–1987 was 6.93 × 106 km2 or 72.8% of the area, and it generally occurred in late December and January. The minimum frozen extent was 0.26 × 106 km2 or 3.0% of the area, and it occurred in late July and August. The first day of soil freezing occurred between September and November, whereas the first day of soil thawing occurred between March and May. The trend analysis demonstrated that from 1978 to 2008, the onset date of surface freezing was postponed by 19.6 ± 14.6 days, whereas the onset of surface thawing was advanced by -19.0 ± 9.4 days, and the thawing period was prolonged by 34.3 ± 16.5 days. These trends revealed a pattern of earlier thawing, later freezing, and longer growing seasons because of climate warming, especially in the seasonally frozen ground and permafrost regions with high ground temperatures.
Lagrangian statistics in unforced barotropic flows

We consider the dispersion of particles in potential vorticity (PV)-conserving e ows. Because particle drift is preferentially along the mean PV contours, Lagrangian dispersion is strongly anisotropic. If the mean PV e eld moreover is spatially variable, as when there is topography, the anisotropy is more clearly visible in the dispersion of displacements along and across the mean PV e eld itself. We examine several numerical examples of unforced barotropic e ows; in all cases, this ‘ ‘ projected’ ’ dispersion is more anisotropic than that in cartesian ( x, y) coordinates.What differs is the rate at which spreading occurs, both along and across contours. The method is applicable to real data, as is illustrated with e oat data from the deep North Atlantic. The results suggest a preferential spreading along contours of (barotropic) f/H.
Repositioning urban governments? Energy efficiency and Australia’s changing climate and energy governance regimes

Urban local governments are important players in climate governance, and their roles are evolving. This review traces the changing nexus of Australia’s climate policy, energy policy and energy efficiency imperatives and its repositioning of urban local governments. We characterise the ways urban local governments’ capacities and capabilities are being mobilised in light of a changing multi-level political opportunity structure around energy efficiency. The shifts we observe not only extend local governments’ role in implementing climate change responses but also engage them as partners in conceiving and operationalising new measures, suggesting new ground is being opened in the urban politics of climate governance. A review of the Australian context provides important insights for the new politics of energy in the city as, internationally, energy efficiency is reframed as a climate change issue and the city is repositioned as an important strategic space in energy politics and the governance of energy systems.
Characteristics of Seismic Source Spectra from the Chia-Yi and Tai-Nan Area of Taiwan

The focal mechanisms of the 1991 Chiali earthquake sequence wereinvestigated by considering the first motion data and available strong motionwaveforms.Due to the sparse distribution of the first-motion data,thefirst-motion solutions are multiple for the earthquake sequence.By consideringthe waveform mechanism,which is determined by considering theamplitude ratio of P,SV and SH waveform,as the constraint,we chose theoptimum first-motion mechanisms of the earthquake sequence.Either theoptimum first-motion mechanisms or the waveform mechanisms of most ofthe aftershocks show thrust faulting mechanism.Except for the event E-3,the waveform mechanisms of the earthquake sequence have a northeast-southwest striking plane similar to the distribution of aftershock sequence,while the optimum first-motion mechanisms of the earthquake sequenceshow more complex focal mechanisms.Compared with the aftershock distributionin consideration of the waveform mechanisms of the earthquakes,the fault plane with NE-SW strike and NW dipping plane is suspected asthe preferred fault plane.Since the location of the earthquake is near thetransition between the extension mechanism of southwestern Asian passivemargin and the compression mechanism due to Luzon arc collision,thethrust faulting mechanism of the Chiali earthquake might indicate an ongoingcompression mechanism due to arc-continental collision in such anextensional environment.The b value of about 0.7 in this region implies arelatively stable tectonic environment compared with other regions in Taiwan.The larger ratio of the logarithm of cumulative seismic moment ofaftershocks to that of the seismic moment of the mainshock for the 1991Chiali earthquake(about 1)also suggests a smaller stress drop for this earthquakeis compared with other moderate size earthquakes in the Chiananregion.
Fone band... Dukan band! (mobile phone close... shop close!) : design issues and preliminary findings from a study of ICTs and urban micro-enterprises in India

This paper shares findings from a pilot study conducted as the first stage of a large-scale investigation of the links between ICT use in urban micro-enterprises and economic development. The full study was conducted during April, May, and June, 2009, in Mumbai city, India; and, unlike nearly all previous research on this topic, it employed a multi-stage probability sample in order to gather more rigorous benchmark data about the use of ICTs by urban micro-enterprises. The paper explains the process by which the sample was designed and finalized by a field visit in Mumbai by the researchers. It also describes how the survey questionnaire was developed through a pilot study conducted with micro-entrepreneurs in New Delhi, India, and presents observations recorded. Findings from the pilot study show high levels of mobile telephone use by urban micro-entrepreneurs, with significant lower use of computers, the Internet, or Internet cafés. Ownership of mobile phones is a function of both personal and business variables. ICT use is strongly linked to differences in the businesses with regard to customers, suppliers and services/products offered. Irrespective of the nature of business and ownership, use of ICTs is perceived to be strongly linked to business growth. New insights regarding “missed calls” in mobile phones, not using
CFD SIMULATIONS OF THE IMPACT OF A LINE VEGETATION ELEMENT ALONG A MOTORWAY ON LOCAL AIR QUALITY

In the paper a CFD-based micro scale air quality model called ENVI-met will be presented. ENVI-met distinguishes itself from other CFD-models due the implementation of a detailed vegetation model which describes the interaction of local vegetation, not only on the wind field, but also on the thermodynamic processes and the diffusion and deposition of gases and particulate matter. This makes the model particularly suitable for a recent research programme initiated by the Air Quality Innovation Project (IPL), founded by the Dutch Ministry for Transport, Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) and the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning & the Environment (Ministry of VROM). One of the seven branches of the IPL-project is to investigate both by measurements and modelling the effect of line vegetation along a motorway on local air quality. Recently the model results have been compared to a first measurement campaign.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Researching religion and migration 20 years after ‘9/11’ Taking stock and looking ahead

This contribution to the special issue on religion and migration reviews two decades of large-scale survey research on changes in immigrant religion and the relationship between immigrants’ level of religiosity and their integration into European societies. The body of work reveals that Muslims in European societies stand out due to their comparatively high levels of religiosity and greater stability in religiosity over time and across immigrant generations. While the comparative picture is rather clear, ﬁndings regarding the long-term trend in Muslims’ religiosity and its association with immigrant integration are instead inconclusive. A systematic review of empirical studies of the association of (various indicators of) individual religiosity with immigrant integration reveals positive, negative and non-signiﬁcant results for all outcomes and domains. Thus, based on the current state of art it is hard to assess whether and why religion forms a bridge or barrier to immigrant integration in Europe. To move the ﬁeld forward, the contribution ends with a twofold proposal for a research agenda that includes a broadened empirical scope, moving beyond the focus on Sunni Muslims, and a conceptual extension that focuses on differences in reasoning about religion and religious meaning-making as additional, potentially more consistent and more powerful explanation for immigrants’ social relations and positions in their new societies
Isomorphism in "Sphaeroidinella" and "Sphaeroidinellopsis"

The genera "Sphaeroidinella" and "Sphaeroidinellopsis" are shown to be isomorphic growth forms derived from at least two different species of Globigerinoides in the bathyal zone. The Sphaeroidinella dehiscens datum, defining the approximate Miocene-Pliocene boundary, falls within the 8 to 10 million year interval in southern California. Isomorphism in "Sphaeroidinella" and "Sphaeroidinellopsis" ORVILLE L. BANDY, JAMES C. INGLE, JR., AND WILLIAM E. FRERICHS Allan Hancock Foundation and Department of Geology University of Southern California Los Angeles, California