Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short-period S-P conversion in the mantle at a depth near 700 km

Summary. Data from 16 deep earthquakes originating in the Tonga subduction zone and recorded at the Warramunga Seismic Array (WRA) in central Australia show the presence of a distinct later arrival in the coda of P. This phase which is not predicted by smooth velocity-depth models of the Earth has been called ‘X’ in the paper. Slownesses and arrival azimuths of X are similar to those of the P-wave. It is unlikely that X was radiated as the result of multiple focal activity because a corresponding phase was not observed, neither in the coda of ScP nor on seismograms of seismic stations located at close epicentral distances. Relative to P, the variation in arrival times with focal depth of the earthquakes indicates that X is produced by S-P conversion below the source, at a depth near 700 km. Most of the observed X phases have approximately the same signal duration as the P-waves thus suggesting a transition zone near 700 km which is only a few kilometres thick. Synthetic seismograms calculated for a model with a first-order seismic discontinuity at a depth of 700 km show reasonable agreement with the observations. As demonstrated by the synthetic seismogram modelling the amplitude of X depends on the radiation pattern of the earthquake source. Variations in the radiation pattern offer a plausible explanation that, first, X is only intermittently detected at WRA and, secondly, that X has most frequently been observed from the southern part of the Tonga subduction zone.
Absolute differential and integral electron excitation cross sections for atomic nitrogen

The absolute direct differential and integral electron excitation cross sections for the forbidden N 14So --2D ()5200 )k) transition have been measured at incident energies from 5 to 30 eV. The differential cross section (DCS) was found to be peaked in the backward direction at 30 eV but isotropic at the lowest energies measured. The DCS measured versus scattering angle was integrated to give the integral cross section (ICS) at each incident energy. The maximum value of the ICS was 96 + 49% x 10 -18 cm 2 at 7-8 eV. Comparisons with several theoretical calculations of the ICS showed excellent agreement in absolute magnitude with the experimental results. However, the peak of the experimental ICS was at 7-8 eV, while the peak in the calculations was approximately 2.5 eV lower in energy. The experimental confirmation of the large peak value of the ICS for this multiply forbidden transition suggests th_at direct excitation of nitrogen atoms by electron impact may be the a significant source of 5200-)k emission in dayside cusp precipitation events.
Regional runoff prediction through aggregation of first-order hydrological process knowledge: a case study

Abstract The dominant processes concept was used to develop a regionally applicable rainfall—runoff model. The first-order runoff processes are identified through a combination of field investigations, physico-geographical analysis of the research area, the Alzette River basin in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, and discharge data series analysis. Lithology appeared to be the major source of discrepancy in hydrological behaviour over the total area. As a result, the hydrological behaviour of each lithological substratum was characterized and conceptualized into a parsimonious model structure. The runoff signals were calibrated against the hourly-recorded discharge series of eight sub-basins, with parameter sensitivity and correlation analysis outlining the need for minor corrections to the model structure. Validation against another set of 10 sub-basins showed good results for the regional parameter set, with an average loss in efficiency (Reff) of 0.04, compared to the reference model, with a mean Reff of 0.79. Due to an up-scaling effect, inducing variations in the dominance of particular runoff processes, some anomalies were found in the performance of individual runoff characteristics. In this respect, limiting the application of the model to a certain spatial scale gives a high reliability of the prediction of the dynamics of hourly runoff in ungauged basins within the study area.
Exploiting Variational Inequalities for Generalized Change Detection on Graphs

This article introduces a unified framework for developing graph-based change detection (CD) algorithms in remote sensing, which is based on signal feasibility problems and variational inequalities. We argue that signal feasibility problems provide a natural way to frame the CD problem, while variational inequalities, core elements of modern data science and signal processing methods, enable us to find efficient, stable, and reliable solutions to the proposed feasibility problems. We demonstrate the design of both semisupervised and unsupervised CD schemes from our perspective, establishing connections with graph Laplacian filtering and graph convolutional networks (GCNs). In contrast to specialized methods that rely on composite objective functions with multiple penalty parameters, our approach greatly simplifies hyperparameter selection, as the hyperparameters are both bounded and can form convex combinations (i.e., they are nonnegative and sum up to one). We evaluate our approach on various real heterogeneous and homogeneous datasets, demonstrating its capabilities compared to traditional and modern CD methods. In addition, our ablation studies confirm the consistency of our solutions under variations in the number of nodes and graph structure learning (GSL) methods. We conclude by discussing the advantages, limitations, and promising future research directions, with connections to graph filtering, sampling set selection, and self-supervised learning. The source code to replicate the experiments and explore the approach further is available on GitHub at https://github.com/jfflorez/Exploiting-variational-inequalities-for-generalized-change-detection-on-graphs.git.
Microtektites from Victoria Land Transantarctic Mountains

We report on the discovery of a microtektite (microscopic impact glass particles) strewn field from the Victoria Land Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica. Microtektites were found trapped in the local detritus accumulated in weathering pits and in joints of several glacially eroded summits (~2600 m above sea level [asl]) distributed latitudinally for 520 km. Their physical and chemical properties define a coherent population with a geochemical affinity to Australasian microtektites and compatible Quaternary 40Ar-39Ar formation age. We therefore suggest that Transantarctic Mountain microtektites (TAMM) define the southern extension of the Australasian strewn field. The margin of the Australasian strewn field is thus shifted southward by ~3000 km and the maximum distance from the putative parent impact site in Indochina by ~2000 km. This emphasizes the paradox of the missing parent crater of the largest (>10% of the Earth's surface) and youngest tektite strewn field discovered on Earth. Furthermore, TAMM are depleted in volatile elements (i.e., Pb, Na, K, Rb, Sr, Rb, and Cs) relative to Australasian ones, suggesting a possible relationship between high-temperature–time regimes in the microtektite-forming process and high-angle trajectories in the ejecta plume.
Ostracodes and agglutinated Foraminifera as indicators of paleoenvironmental change in an Early Carboniferous brackish bay, Atlantic Canada

Ostracodes and agglutinated foraminifera characterize lagoonal, estuarine, marsh, and nonmarine depositional systems that span the land/ sea transition. Using microfossil and sedimentary data, high-resolution paleoenvironmental change is documented in an Early Carboniferous marginal marine depositional system that was previously interpreted as nonmarine. There are five main paleoenvironmental phases: (1) low-energy bay dominated by the euryhaline marine ostracode Copelandella novascotica associated with glauconitic shale and primary framboidal pyrite; (2) restricted nearshore dominated by opportunistic paraparchitacean ostracodes (Shemonaella scotoburdigalensis, Shemonaella tatei, and Chamishaella sp.), Cavellina sp. , and post-mortem Carbonita scalpellus associated with hummocky cross-stratified siltstone and shale; (3) coastal pond dominated by C. scalpellus and Carbonita rankiniana associated with pedoturbated calcareous mudstones; (4) distal lagoon dominated by paraparchitaceans, Bairdia sp. , Geisina sp. , and Youngiella sp. , all associated with silty glauconitic shale; and 5) coastal marsh dominated by the agglutinated foraminifera Trochammina sp. associated with calcareous mudstones and in situ Iycopsid trees. Low diversity, high dominance, and large populations characterize the microfossil assemblages that resemble modern ecosystems where physical and chemical conditions are unstable. The Horton Bluff Formation records the brackishfreshwater transition at the landward terminus of an Early Carboniferous marine transgression in the Maritimes Basin.
Response of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to moisture regime and nitrogen fertilizer in Ilorin, Nigeria

A potted experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture screen house, University of Ilorin, Nigeria in 2018 and 2019 planting seasons to evaluate the performance of sesame to different moisture regimes and nitrogen fertilizer application. The experiment was a factorial fitted into a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. The treatments consisted of four nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N/ha) and four moisture regimes (every day, every five days, every ten days, and fifteen days). Data were collected on growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves per plant as well as yield component (seed yield per plant) Data were analyzed by the analysis of variance, using the GenStat 17th edition and significant means were separated by the least significant difference at 5% probability level. The result of the study revealed that increasing nitrogen levels from 0 to 90kgN/ha and moisture regimes from 15 days to every day resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in plant height, number of leaves and yield per plant and farmers are therefore encouraged to cultivate sesame crop using these rates for maximum yield. From the result of the study, using Nitrogen fertilizer at the rate 60 kgha-1 increased the growth and yield attribute of sesame and therefore should be encourage among farmers.
Greenhouse and thermophoretic effects in dust layers: The missing link for lifting of dust on Mars

Dust is abundant in the Martian atmosphere and is continuously replenished by the entrainment of material from the surface of the planet. We find that the simple illumination of a dust bed at low atmospheric pressure provides a mechanism that efficiently lifts dust particles into the atmosphere. This lifting process is caused by two subtle effects within the dust bed: a greenhouse effect and thermophoresis. Laboratory and microgravity experiments show that the light flux needed for lift to occur is in the same range as that of the solar insolation available on Mars. This mechanism significantly lowers the threshold for dust entrainment by wind stress and may help explain the large amount of suspended dust on Mars overall. Specifically, this lifting process may help provide the initial lift necessary for dust devils and help trigger larger dust storms.
The weakness of earthquake faults

Numerical experiments using the particle based lattice solid model produce simulated earthquakes. Model faults with a thin gouge layer are sufficiently weak relative to those without gouge to explain the heat flow paradox (HFP). Stress drop statistics are in agreement with field estimates. Models with a thick granular fault zone exhibit a strong evolution effect. Results are initially similar to those of laboratory experiments but after a sufficient time, the system self‐organizes into a weak state. The long time required for self‐organization could explain why weak gouge has not been observed in the laboratory. The new results suggest an HFP explanation without the so called “fatal flaws” of previously proposed solutions. They demonstrate that fault friction potentially undergoes a strong evolution effect and could be dependent on gouge microstructure. This raises questions about the extent to which laboratory derived “friction laws” can be used in macroscopic domain earthquake simulation studies.
Process development for the obtention and use of recombinant glycosidases: expression, modelling and immobilisation

El objetivo general de la presente tesis doctoral es el desarrollo de herramientas para la obtencion, produccion y aplicacion de dos enzimas glicosidicas: ? -L-arabinofuranosidasa proveniente del hongo Aspergillus niger (Abf) y ? A-D-glucosidasa (Bgl), proveniente de la levadura Candida molischiana. Estas hidrolasas se emplean en la liberacion de azucares en procesos de conversion de biomasa y en la industria alimentaria, pero tambien en la sintesis de aminoglicosidos, glicoconjugados y oligosacaridos, compuestos de alto valor anadido para la industria quimico-farmaceutica. Las enzimas se han expresado en la levadura metilotrofica Pichia pastoris, y se han purificado para caracterizar sus propiedades bioquimicas. Asimismo, se ha comprobado su capacidad para catalizar reacciones de transglicosilacion con alto rendimiento. En relacion a su produccion, se ha establecido y validado un modelo basado en restricciones del metabolismo de Pichia pastoris, evaluando su consistencia mediante analisis de flujos metabolicos posibilistico. El modelo permite estimar la tasa de crecimiento y la distribucion de flujos intracelulares a partir de unos pocos flujos extracelulares medidos experimentalmente. Adicionalmente, el modelo se ha extendido para estimar la productividad de proteina recombinante, y se ha empleado para analizar diferentes condiciones de cultivo de las cepas transgenicas que sobreproducen las enzimas Abf y Bgl. Finalmente, las enzimas se han inmobilizado en organosilicas bimodales de la familia UVM-7. Los biocatalizadores resultantes se han caracterizado bioquimica y fisico-quimicamente y se han evaluado en diferentes aplicaciones de interes biotecnologico.
Experimental determination of earthquake fault length and rupture velocity

Three methods of determining the fault parameters of length and rupure velocity are examined with ultrasonic models. The theory behind the methods is shown to have a valid though approximate basis. Oversimplified assumptions and imperfect experimental data restrict initial results to only rough indications of fault parameters. When applied to the great Chilean earthquake of May 1960, a fault length of the order of 1000 km and a rupture velocity near the speed of shear waves in crustal rock are found.
The Effect of the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Program on Reducing Parasite Incidence in the Working Area of the Sea Silau Health Center, Asahan District

Malaria is a severe, life-threatening infectious disease transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In Asahan Regency, four areas are endemic for malaria, with Silau Laut District having an API rate of 4.8‰ (Annual Parasite Incidence per 1000 at-risk individuals annually). Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with Lambda Cyhalothrin (Icon 100 CS) is used to eradicate mosquito vectors by applying insecticide to walls and ceilings, interrupting transmission. Research aimed to assess IRS effectiveness in reducing malaria incidence in Silau Laut District found a strong positive correlation (0.826 and 0.912) between RDT and microscopic examination results before and after IRS. However, correlations between education and malaria control using IRS and changes in knowledge and attitudes were weak (0.490 and 0.438). Paired T-tests revealed differences in RDT examination results (p = 0.044) and knowledge and attitude levels (p = 0.000) before and after IRS education. No significant difference was observed in microscopic examination results (p = 0.159). Recommendations include intensified efforts in malaria prevention and control, including active case finding, mosquito nest elimination, continued IRS, mesh installation, insecticide-treated bed net use, health education, and regular bioassay testing every 1-2 months for 3-6 months in Silau Laut District.
Enhanced upper stratospheric ozone: Sign of recovery or solar cycle effect?

[1] Ozone data measured since 1987 in the 35- to 45-km altitude region by differential absorption laser-radar (DIAL) at Hohenpeissenberg (47.8°N, 11.0°E) confirm the long-term ozone decline observed by the satellite-borne Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) and Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) instruments, as well as interannual ozone fluctuations. Analysis of the DIAL data indicates that the amplitude of ozone variations related to the 11-year solar cycle might reach up to 7%, much larger than 4% reported in other studies. Higher ozone values observed in the years 2001 to 2003 might, therefore, be a consequence of the ending solar maximum and not necessarily indicate a beginning recovery of upper stratospheric ozone. Much clearer evidence for a recovery is expected in a few years, near the end of the solar minimum starting now.
Effect of heat stress on seed protein quality in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

Abiotic and biotic stresses impair the productivity of agricultural crops. Among abiotic stresses, the higher temperature (i.e., heat stress) is unfavourable for plant growth and development. In recent years, the mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] demand has been increasing, which can satisfy human protein requirements. However, its productivity and quality are negatively impacted by heat stress due to climate change. This requires a broadening scope of mungbean adaptation to warmer climates. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of heat stress on various mungbean genotypes for their seed protein characteristics (total seed protein content, proportion of four protein fractions, and electrophoretic patterns on SDS‐gels). The 13 mungbean genotypes were grown under normal and heat‐stressed conditions by sowing seeds at two different times, that is, the normal sowing time in the last week of March and late sowing in the last week of April in the experimental plots. In late‐sown plants, the total seed proteins decreased by 4.1% to 9.3%. In addition, the relative proportion of glutelins and prolamins increased significantly while globulins and albumins decreased at high temperatures. Moreover, the intensity of polypeptides decreased under high temperatures. In our studies, some polypeptides appeared, and others disappeared in late‐sown genotypes. The disappearance of bands reveals a higher rate of protein degradation than synthesis under heat stress. The detrimental effects of heat stress on seed protein characteristics studied were more prominent in MH 318, IPM 02‐3 and PM‐5 and less noticeable in MH 125, MH 421 and PDM 139 genotypes.
Role of non timber forest products in the livelihood of Malayali tribe of Chitteri hills of Southern Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India.

Article history: Received on: 01/04/2013 Revised on: 27/04/2013 Accepted on: 12/05/2013 Available online: 30/05/2013 The forest of Chitteri hills, Southern Eastern Ghats support rich diversity of timber as well as non timber yielding species. Malayali tribes living close to forest are depend on the forest products possesses imperative part of the traditional life style in Chitteri hills. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) such as wild edible fruits, vegetables, fuel wood, fodder plants, house construction materials, household uses, agricultural implements and medicinal plants are mostly collected from natural habitats. Economically important 80 species and 216 medicinal species have been recorded by the Malayali tribes. The importance of NTFP collection by tribal community has shown decreasing trend due to exotic cultural invading in the study region.
Philopatry and population growth of red kites, Milvus milvus, in Wales

Between 1946 and 1993, the number of territorial red kites, which form an isolated relict population in mid-Wales, has increased from 7 pairs to 113 pairs. Population growth has been approximately exponential at a mean rate of 5% per year. Breeding success was generally poor, but improved from an average of 0.53 young per pair in 1946—1960 to 0.71 young per pair in 1991-1993. Annual losses from the whole population (including juveniles) was estimated during 1946-1960 at 22%, reducing to 11% during 1961-1993. As the population grew, the area used for breeding expanded slowly. Despite wandering widely in their first year, birds returned to breed close to their natal area. For the most part, they expanded their breeding range progressively on a ‘rolling front’, rather than striking out into distant unoccupied areas.
Mapping regional air temperature fields using satellite‐derived surface skin temperatures

Screen air temperature is an important climatological variable and accurate mapping of its spatial and temporal distribution is of great interest for various scientific disciplines. The low spatial density of meteorological stations, however, results in relatively large errors during data interpolation and makes it difficult to retrieve the spatial pattern of the temperature field. Errors of the order of 1 to 3 K are mentioned in the literature. The current study investigates the possibilities of mapping and monitoring the spatial distribution of daily maximum air temperatures with the help of time series of NOAA-AVHRR images. The study has been performed for the Mediterranean region of Andalusia in southern Spain. Data analysis included 31 meteorological stations and 148 AVHRR images from the year 1992. Regression analysis between the daily maximum air temperature (Tmax) and the mean surface skin temperature (Ts) retrieved for 11 km2image windows centred over each station, suggests that Tmaxis strongly linked to Tsin the given environment (mean R2=0·823) and that for individual stations Tmaxcan be retrieved from Tswith a mean error of about 2 K. The spatial representativity of the station measurements as well as the influence of altitude and land use on the results are discussed. Finally, the possibilities of retrieving the spatial pattern of Tmaxhave been evaluated through a cross-validation approach. In this analysis Tmaxhas been predicted for each station and for all days of available image data based on a regression model retrieved from all other stations. Again the results indicate that we are able to reproduce the daily distribution of maximum air temperatures with a mean error of the order of 2 to 2·5 K, using satellite-retrieved surface skin temperatures. In addition, the method allows for the detection of stations with a low spatial representativity or a pronounced measurement bias. Future research will aim at the inclusion of further physiographic data, the grouping of stations according to site-specific characteristics and an analysis according to seasons. © 1997 Royal Meteorological Society.