Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Cloud Segmentation Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Information about clouds is important for observing and predicting weather and climate as well as for generating and distributing solar power. Most existing approaches extract cloud information from satellite data by classifying individual pixels instead of using closely integrated spatial information, ignoring the fact that clouds are highly dynamic, spatially continuous entities. This paper proposes a novel cloud classification method based on deep learning. Relying on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture for image segmentation, the presented Cloud Segmentation CNN (CS-CNN), classifies all pixels of a scene simultaneously rather than individually. We show that CS-CNN can successfully process multispectral satellite data to classify continuous phenomena such as highly dynamic clouds. The proposed approach produces excellent results on Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite data in terms of quality, robustness, and runtime compared to other machine learning methods such as random forests. In particular, comparing CS-CNN with the CLAAS-2 cloud mask derived from MSG data shows high accuracy (0.94) and Heidke Skill Score (0.90) values. In contrast to a random forest, CS-CNN produces robust results and is insensitive to challenges created by coast lines and bright (sand) surface areas. Using GPU acceleration, CS-CNN requires only 25 ms of computation time for classification of images of Europe with 508 × 508 pixels.
A DNA Computing Algorithm for Directed Hamiltonian Paths

An algorithm for an NP-complete problem is presented, namely the existence of a Directed Hamiltonian Path in a directed graph. The main advantage of this algorithm is that it uses exponentially less DNA than original approach of Adleman. It is an implementation of a classic result in a 1964 paper of R. Held and R.M. Karp. For a graph with vertices, time steps are used, each requiring up to simultaneous laboratory operations. Morimoto, Arita, and Suyama have proposed another algorithm which would also conserve DNA (it can be shown to implement the Held-Karp algorithm). It also uses time steps. However, each time step involves a sequence of laboratory operations, rather than simpler simultaneous operations.
Design, fabrication, and measured performance of anti-reflecting surface textures in infrared transmitting materials

Rugged infrared transmitting materials have a high refractive index, which leads to large reflection losses. Multi-layer thin-film coatings designed for anti-reflection (AR), exhibit good performance, but have limited bandwidths, narrow acceptance angles, polarization effects, high costs, and short lifetimes in harsh environments. Many aerospace and military applications requiring high optical transmission, durability, survivability, and radiation resistance, are inadequately addressed by thin-film coating technology. Surface relief microstructures have been shown to be an effective alternative to thin-film AR coatings in many infrared and visible-band applications. These microstructures, etched directly into the window surface and commonly referred to as “Motheye” textures, impart an optical function that minimizes surface reflections without compromising the inherent durability of the window material. Reflection losses are reduced to a minimum for broad-band light incident over a wide angular range. For narrow-band applications such as laser communications, a simpler type of AR surface structure called a sub-wavelength, or "SWS" surface, is used. In general, both the Motheye and SWS surface textures will exhibit the same characteristics as the bulk material with respect to durability, thermal issues, and radiation resistance. The problems associated with thin-film coating adhesion and stress, are thus eliminated by design. Optical performance data for AR structures fabricated in fused silica, sapphire, Clear ZnS, ZnSe, cadmium zinc telluride (CZT), silicon, and germanium, will be presented.
Standardized CPUE by age of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) caught by Spanish traps for the period 1984-2009

,SUMMARY Relative abundance indices by age of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) caught by the Atlantic Spanish traps in the area close to the Strait of Gibraltar during the month of May were estimated for the period 1984-2009. Standardized CPUEs were estimated through a General Linear Modeling (GLM) approach under a negative binomial error distribution assumption. The traps standardized CPUE by age show an increasing trend in the five recent years, especially for ages 8 to 10+. There is also a close fit between those last older ages of the standardized series by age with the age aggregated standardized series. Both series reveal a year effect. RESUME
BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOME DRIED SIS FISHES OF THE RIVER PADMA IN RAJSHAHI

Seven different species viz. Chanda baculis, Chanda ranga, Amblypharyngodon mola, Oxygaster bacaila, Clupisoma atherinoides, Corica soborna, Mystus vittatus and a group of mixed SIS fishes viz. Mastacembelus pancalus , Xenntodon cancila , Chanda baculis and Glossogobius giuris were used for preparation of dust which can be preserved for a time period. The fishes were sun dried or oven dried, which are also method of preservation. Quality of the oven-dried fish was better than that of the sun-dried fish, but sun-drying process is easy and can be used in large scale. The fish powder remained in good condition for 7-9 months at normal room temperature, but at -18°C the powder was in good condition throughout the year. Highest quantity of powder from 1 kg of fish was obtained in case of the mixed species as 24.61% and the lowest in O. bacaila which was 20.52%. Biochemical analysis showed that the maximum calcium content was found as 1.34% in M. vittatus and minimum was 0.80% in mixed SIS fishes. Maximum phosphorus content was 2.90% in C. ranga and minimum was 1.72% in C. soborna . Maximum iron content was found as 45.20 mg/100g in mixed SIS fishes and minimum was found as 16.85 mg/100g in O. bacaila . The maximum moisture content was found in C. ranga (13.50%) and the minimum in mixed SIS fishes (11.65%). The maximum protein content was recorded in the mixed SIS fishes (72.45%) and the minimum in C. ranga (52.65%). The experiment was replicated three times and conducted from July 2005 to July 2008. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/jles.v6i0. 9719 JLES 2011 6: 39-43
Understanding the Perceived Destination Image of New Zealand as Revealed in the Travel Blogs of Tourists from Mainland China

This thesis examines the perceived destination image of New Zealand as revealed in travel blogs written by Mainland Chinese tourists. A qualitative method with an interpretivism paradigm was used to explore travel blogs written by Chinese tourists. A textual content analysis of 139 blog entries written by 36 Chinese bloggers indicates that the overall perceived destination image of New Zealand is positive among these tourists. Chinese tourists are particularly impressed by the New Zealand landscape, the hospitality and lifestyle of New Zealanders, and customer service in i-SITEs. This study identified a holistic view of New Zealand, ‘the New Zealand Dream’, constructed by Chinese tourists. They dream of living in New Zealand, a destination that has been perceived to offer a simpler and more peaceful lifestyle compared to China. Additional findings indicate Chinese tourists welcome unfamiliarity related to landscape and lifestyle. However, tourists respond to unfamiliarity that may pose a threat such as unfamiliar driving conditions with a less welcoming attitude. Familiarity such as familiar language and food are, overall, welcomed and accepted. This study also identified neutrally-toned advice from Chinese bloggers which suggests that the blogs are not only an effective way to understand the Chinese market – their likes and dislikes – but also, potentially, a valuable information source for tourists reading the blogs. Based on the results, implications and recommendations for managers and practitioners in New Zealand’s tourism industry are discussed.
The response of a global ocean general circulation model to climatological surface boundary conditions for temperature and salinity

Abstract The response of a global ocean general circulation model (OGCM) to different surface heat and freshwater fluxes is examined. The aim is to determine the most appropriate way to spin up an OGCM prior to coupling it with an atmospheric GCM. Attention is focused on surface boundary conditions for salinity since other studies suggest that so-called “mixed” boundary conditions (i.e., a restoring condition on sea surface temperature and flux condition on sea surface salinity) can yield multiple equilibrium states in ocean models. Under the influence of restoring surface boundary conditions, the rate of overturning in the model North Atlantic is in good agreement with observed estimates. Under the influence of mixed surface boundary conditions, however, the rate of deep-water formation in the model North Atlantic is far in excess of the observed estimates. If the equilibrium solution obtained under restoring boundary conditions is subjected to an equivalent set of mixed boundary conditions, the presence.
Temporal Variability in the Earth’s Gravity Field from GRACE: Comparisons with SLR Tracking, CHAMP and GPS and Geophysical Data

The 19 ‘monthly’ gravity field solutions released to date give us a first-look at temporal gravity field variability from GRACE. Annual variability has been inferred for degrees two through six and compared against that recovered from a combination solution using SLR, CHAMP and GPS data and from geophysical models of mass redistribution within the atmosphere, oceans and continental hydrosphere. Correlation analyses provide some insight into the accuracy of the GRACE solutions. In addition, the GRACE solutions for the second and third zonal harmonics and the second degree tesseral harmonics are compared against those recovered form SLR tracking to Lageos1&2.
Concentric zoning patterns in crystallizing (Cd,Ca)CO3 solid solutions from aqueous solutions

Abstract Otavite-calcite solid solutions have been synthesized to investigate the factors which control the patterns of compositional zoning. The equilibrium partitioning of otavite between the aqueous and the solid phase can be described by means of a function XCdCO₃ (XCd,aq)eq, which relates the solid mole fraction and the aqueous activity fraction of Cd. According to this function, there is a strong preferential partitioning of Cd towards the solid. A set of experiments starting with parent solutions with different Cd2+/Ca2+ ratios was carried out. In these experiments nucleation takes place at high supersaturations and the Cd2+ and Ca2+ ions tend to be laid down in a ratio which deviates from the equilibrium distribution. Experimental nucleation data can be fitted to a curve XCdCO₃ (XCd,aq)ef of the same functionality as that for equilibrium. After nucleation, supersaturation decreases as the crystals grow. During this process, substituting ions are not incorporated into the solid in the same stoichiometric proportion as in the aqueous solution. Therefore, crystal and fluid compositions tend to vary as growth proceeds and this evolution is registered as a compositional zoning. The curves XCdCO₃ (XCd,aq)eqand XCdCO₃ (XCd,aq)ef confine the reaction path corresponding to the growth process. Here, these curves are used to account for the observed zoning patterns.
National Association for Research in Science Teaching

This document reviews the research related to students' and teachers' anxiety related to science and the teaching of science in order to better understand the relationships between the variables that can predict this phenomenon. The research reports reviewed used either the Science State Trait Anxiety Inventory or the Science Teaching State Trait Anxiety Inventory in gathering their data. These inventories allow the researcher to change title headings within the inventory to allow the researcher to examine particular situations. Findings for the report are presented according to titles on the state anxiety scale that measure for anxiety about science and teaching science; anxiety about specific tasks; and anxiety about different science courses. The summary of the findings discusses the following variables that emerged from the analysis: (1) attitude toward science; (2) anxiety about teaching; (3) achievement; (4) examination format; (5) content courses; (6) achievement on a specific task in a content course; (7) gender; (8) confidence; (9) self efficacy; (10) demographic variables; (11) long term effects; (12) impact on teacher classroom performance; and (13) children's anxiety. Conclusions discuss the need for a model to explain how anxiety and related variables affect learning in science and for continued research in this area. A list of 28 references is included. (MDH) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** National Association for Research in Science Teaching National Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, March 22,1992 A Science Educator's and a Psychologists' Perspective on Research about Science Anxiety Mary E. 'Westerback, Department of Geology Long Island University, Brookville, New York 11548
Overview of data sources for the Pacifi c halibut stock assessment and related analyses

This document provides a summary of the data sources available for the Pacifi c halibut stock assessment, apportionment, harvest policy, Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE), and related analyses. It began as background for the 2013 stock assessment (Stewart 2014), and serves as an annually updated source for direct evaluation of the data and processing methods employed. For each data source, a brief narrative is provided which includes the source, steps taken to fi lter and analyze the data, and the key quantities available for subsequent analysis. Data sources are described within the categories of: fi shery-independent, fi shery-dependent, and auxiliary sources of information. Some of the detail presented in previous versions is not repeated annually if there has been no change to the methods or results. Also provided in this document is a brief synopsis of important changes made in the current year, as well as a list of data sources or analyses that are currently not directly used, but are potentially available for future analysis. The latter includes some comment on avenues for additional data collection and/or analysis.
Risk Parity Stock Optimization Using Principal Component Quantile Simulation

Today’s portfolio optimization models are often too sensitive to stochastic input parameters and the use of outdated risk measures, resulting in poor risk adjusted return. This thesis presents a solution to avoid these difficulties by introducing a new simulation framework to obtain multivariate return distributions for correlated assets. Next a model to obtain a risk parity portfolio using Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) is offered making the model able to capture asset specific risk characteristics present in the tails of the marginal distributions. Quantile regression and principal component analysis (PCA) are combined to form a factor model able to capture the entire return distribution and maintain dependencies between correlated assets. A new method to simulate future principal components is presented making the simulation algorithm quick and effective. The resulting marginal distributions show asset spesific risk characteristics and tail behaviour. This is in turn reflected in the risk parity portfolio weights, confirming CVaR as a risk measure offering better intelligence to investors.
Health and nutrition in urban Bangladesh : social determinants and health sector governance

Urbanization is occurring at a rapid pace in Bangladesh, accompanied by the proliferation of slum settlements, whose residents have special health needs given the adverse social, economic, and public environmental conditions they face. Over the past 45 years, the country’s health and nutrition policies and programs have focused largely on rural health services. Consequently, equitable access of urban populations—particularly the urban poor—to quality health and nutrition services has emerged as a major development issue. However, the knowledge base on urban health and nutrition in Bangladesh remains weak. To address the knowledge gap, Health and Nutrition in Urban Bangladesh: Social Determinants and Health Sector Governance examines the health and nutrition challenges in urban Bangladesh—looking at socioeconomic determinants in general and at health sector governance in particular. Using a mixed methods approach, the study identifies critical areas such as financing, regulation, service delivery, and public environmental health, among others that require policy attention. The study also proposes specific actions within and outside the health sector to address the issues, providing guidance on their sequencing and the specific responsibilities of government agencies and other actors. This study should be useful to policy makers and practitioners working on urban health and nutrition issues in Bangladesh and in other low- and middle-income countries.
The Timing of the Thule Migration

Summary: The Thule culture of Arctic Canada is archaeologically ancestral to that of the Central and Eastern Arctic Inuit (Eskimos). The present paper examines evidence relating to the date of the migration which brought ancestral Inuit to Arctic Canada, and speculates on the nature and cause of this migration. It is conc1uded that earlier hypotheses, relating the Thule migration to expansion of hunting potential du­ ring the Mediaeval Warm Pertod. does not adequately explain the apparent rapidity of the the movement, nor the fact that the ice-fields of the central Arctic must have been unproductive for Thule hunters despite the c1imatic amelioration 0 f the time. It is suggested that the Thule migration occurred very rapidly, and may have taken place in order to obtain metal either from the Cape York meteorites of northwestern Greenland, or from the Norse Greenlandic colonies. Zusammenfassung: Die Thule-Kultur des arktischen Kanada ist der archaologische Vorlaufer jener der zentralen und ostlichen arktischen Inuit (Eskimo). Dieser Artikel untersucht die Informationen uber den Zeitpunkt der Ausbreitung, die die Vorfahren der Inuit in das arkti­ sche Kanada brachte, und versucht, Art und Ursache dieser Bewegung zu ergrunden. Danach erklaren fruhere Hypothesen, die die Thule­ Ausbreitung mit einer Ausweitung des Jagdpotentials wahrend des mittelalterlichen Warmeoptimums in Verbindung bringen, weder die of­ fensichtliche Geschwindigkeit der Bewegung noch die Tatsache hinreichend, das die Eisfelder der Zentralarktis trotz der Klimabesserung fur die Thulejager unproduktiv waren. Es wird daher angenommen, das die Thule-Ausbreitung sehr schnell erfolgte und ausgefuhrt wurde in dem Bestreben, sich Metall entweder von den Kap York-Meteorsteinen in Nordwestgronland oder von den normannischen Siedlungen in Gronland zu beschaffen. When Therkel Mathiassen defined the Thule culture of Arctic Canada in 1927, he placed the origins of that culture in the western Arctic, more specifically in northern or northwestern Alaska. The western de­ rivation of Thule culture was confirmed by later archaeological research, which also traced Thule origins to a relatively long developmental sequence on the coasts of the Bering and Chukchi Seas. The apparent absence of a related sequence in Arctic Canada led to the assumption that Thule culture was brought to Arctic Canada in the relatively recent past. The term "Thule migration" became commonly used in dis­ cussions of the appearance of Thule culture in the central and Eastern Arctic; less commonly used was the term "Thule expansion", also implying a relatively large-scale movement of people. The possibility that Thule culture reached Arctic Canada not through population movement, but by diffusion to an indige­ nous population, has rarely been seriously considered, and does not seem to be supported by the archaeo­ logical evidence.
Bedforms and associated sedimentary structures formed under supercritical water flows over aggrading sand beds

Bedforms and associated sedimentary structures, formed under supercritical water flow over an aggrading sand bed, were studied in a laboratory flume. Although the geometry and hydraulic characteristics of these bedforms (antidunes, chutes‐and‐pools) are well known, their internal structures are not. The objectives of the study were to: (1) describe the three‐dimensional geometry of the sedimentary structures and examine their mode of origin; (2) develop a relationship between the geometries of the sedimentary structures and the formative bedforms and; (3) identify criteria that distinguish these sedimentary structures from similar types, such as hummocky and swaley cross‐strata. Sedimentary structures associated with antidunes are primarily lenticular laminasets with concave‐upward erosional bases (troughs) in which laminae generally dip upstream or fill the troughs symmetrically. These laminasets are associated with growth and upstream migration of water‐surface waves and antidunes, and with surface‐wave breaking and filling of antidune troughs respectively. In addition, sets of downstream‐dipping laminae are produced by rapid migration of asymmetrical bedwaves immediately after wave breaking. Rare convex‐upward laminae define the shape of antidunes that developed under stationary water‐surface waves. The laminasets and internal laminae extend across the width of the flume, but vary in thickness and inclination, indicating that the antidunes have some degree of three dimensionality. The length and maximum thickness of the lenticular laminasets are approximately half of the length and height of formative antidunes, providing a potentially useful tool for palaeohydraulic reconstructions. The sets of downstream‐dipping laminae formed under antidunes are distinctive and do not occur in hummocky and swaley cross‐strata. Sedimentary structures associated with chutes‐and‐pools are sets of upstream‐dipping laminae and structureless sand.
Clinical Utility of Fecal Immunochemical Transferrin Test in Gastrointestinal Bleeding Detection

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can result from various conditions, including ulcers, neoplasms and infectious enterocolitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the fecal immunochemical transferrin test compared with the fecal Hb test in various clinical settings. Methods: A total of 1,116 clinical stool specimens submitted for fecal occult blood testing were prospectively examined using both FIT Hb and FIT Tf kits (AlfresaPharma, Japan). To verify the specificity of the two tests, stool specimens from 265 health check-up examinees were also included. Results: A review of medical records revealed that 396 patients had clinical conditions associated with GI bleeding. FIT Hb and FIT Tf results were positive in 156 (39.4%) and 137 (34.6%) cases, respectively, and an additional 194 (49.0%) cases tested positive with either FIT Hb or FIT Tf. The two tests showed a moderate strength of agreement (kappa value; 0.56). Colitis (n=71) was associated with the most GI bleedings, followed by acute gastroenteritis (n=29), GI ulcers (n=27) and GI cancers (n=15). While the first two groups had higher positive rates on FIT Tf, patients in the latter two groups had higher positive rates on FIT Hb. Notably, four of nine specimens from premature babies tested positive only on FIT Tf. The specificity of FIT Hb and FIT Tf was 100% and 99.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Concurrent use of FIT Hb and FIT Tf improved the detection rate of occult GI bleeding, especially in patients with infectious GI disease (such as colitis or gastroenteritis) and in premature babies. (Ann Clin Microbiol 2018;21:51-57)