Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glaciodynamically upthrusted bands of englacially transported debris in the Pleistocene of central Poland

Two kinds of buried structures are described from Dzirżenin, north‐east of Warsaw, where they occur within a glaciofluvial landform: (1) narrow till ridges, showing vertically oriented structures, excavated from stratified gravel and sands; and (2) a narrow vertical zone of massive gravelly/sandy material, involving vertically oriented lens‐like layers composed of massive sand with pebbles, or of diamicton. The gravelly/sandy zone is also closely surrounded by stratified glaciofluvial sediments. In spite of their vertical position and internal deformation, the till ridges and gravelly/sandy zone show non‐tectonic contacts with the surrounding, stratified, undisturbed sediments. The glaciofluvial sediments that occur immediately next to the structures under discussion are characterized by the occurrence of comparatively coarse material and interbeddings of diamicton, which wedge out away from these structures. The gravelly/sandy zone separates different kinds of water‐laid deposits. The buried structures are interpreted as former debris‐laden bands, thrust upwards within the frontal part of the ice sheet and then transformed into still‐frozen debris ridges projecting over the already dead ice. Further melting of the decaying ice resulted in abundant glaciofluvial sedimentation, and the debris ridges also supplied material for the deposition of the neighbouring stratified deposits. One of the ridges separated different glaciofluvial environments. The glaciofluvial sediments completely buried the ice‐cemented ridges, which were finally transformed by a melting‐out process into the till ridges and the gravelly/sandy zone. The former are interpreted as having been transformed from upturned debris‐laden bands with a high concentration of debris or from the bands composed of frozen‐up sediment slabs. The gravelly/sandy zone is interpreted as having (most probably) been deposited from upturned bands characterized by a lesser concentration of debris.
Diagenetic history of Lower Palaeozoic sediments in Pomerania (northern Poland), traced across the Teisseyre–Tornquist tectonic zone using mixed- layer illite- smectite

Abstract Mixed-layer illite-smectite from Lower Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks, on both sides of the Teisseyre-Tornquist tectonic zone (TTZ) in northern Poland, was studied by X-ray diffraction and dated by K-Ar means. The percentage of smectite layers in illite-smectite (%S) indicates maximum palaeotemperatures of 125-135°C at the surface of Lower Palaeozoic rocks on the craton (NE of TTZ), and 110 to ≤ 180°C in different tectonic blocks to the SW of TTZ (area of Caledonian consolidation). The vertical changes in the %S indicate that the maximum palaeotemperatures were reached before Permian time on the craton, and before Jurassic, Triassic, Permian or Carboniferous periods but after the beginning of Devonian time in the Caledonian zone. The K-Ar ages of bentonites indicate that the maximum palaeotemperatures were reached by 370-390 Ma or even slightly earlier (Middle-late Devonian). A maximum of 3-6 km of Silurian-Devonian cover on the craton and in the TTZ is suggested by the data.
Big Data Architectures for FAIR-compliant Repositories: A Systematic Review

The FAIR Principles state that scientific data should be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable in order to adhere to the Open Science movement. However, designing a FAIR-compliant repository can be a challenge due to the complexity of managing a huge volume and variety of research data and metadata, which can also be generated at a high velocity. This complexity calls for a Software Reference Architecture (SRA) to guide data engineers during the implementation process. In this paper, we conduct a systematic review that encompasses research efforts regarding architectural solutions for implementing FAIR-compliant repositories. We analyze 323 references from Scopus, ACM, IEEEXplore, and specialists recommendations. From this analysis, we discover 7 studies that describe general purpose big data SRAs, 13 pipelines that implement the FAIR Principles to specific contexts, and 3 FAIR-compliant big data SRAs. We describe their key characteristics and discuss their limitations, highlighting tendencies and research opportunities.
Urban climatology in arid regions: current research in the Negev desert

Desert cities provide climatologists with circumstances that can be qualitatively different from those encountered in more temperate environs. These distinctions are expressed in the balance of heat and moisture between a dry atmosphere and an urbanized terrain, and they are experienced by city dwellers in urban outdoor spaces. But, while such places are characterized by harsh thermal extremes, they also present unique opportunities for microclimatic enhancement.
The late-Holocene origin of the modern Murray River course, southeastern Australia

The modern course of the Murray River flows south around the Cadell Tilt Block in southeastern Australia. The avulsion that took the river in this direction formed the Barmah Choke, a reach with an unusually straight planform. This morphology has been used to argue Holocene inertia of the modern river system. The avulsion was initially placed at ∼ 10 ka on the basis of a single charcoal age. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and AMS 14C dating of deposits along the Barmah Choke demonstrates that the Murray has not been inert during this period. A digitate delta deposited on the floor of a palaeolake by the avulsion is only ∼ 550 years old. Point bar deposition along the Choke also began around this time. The Murray River probably followed the course of Bullatale Creek for most of the Holocene. It formed large, inset meander scrolls of Pleistocene ‘Kotupna-type’ along this creek course but without source-bordering dunes. The persistence of Kotupna-type bedload along this course suggests that there was no simple switch to suspended load channels at the Pleistocene/Holocene transition. The Barmah Choke avulsion trebled the discharge of the Goulburn River causing morphological adjustment and formation of new reaches downstream. The extensive Barmah and Gunbower-Koondrook red gum forests probably arose from the increased flood flows. Pollen and spores from lacustrine sediments beneath the Choke show that the vegetation ∼ 4000 years ago was very different. The lake and hinterland began to dry from this time and the lake became a swamp. A pedogenic interval shows that the swamp was dry for lengthy periods prior to deposition of the digitate delta.
A Novel Fingerprint Liveness Detection Method using Empirical Mode Decomposition and Neural Network

—One of the most common biometric systems is fingerprint identification, which has been misused due to issues such as fraud. Hence, intelligent methods should be designed and used to recognize real-live fingerprints. Therefore, in the current work, we proposed a novel liveness fingerprint detection framework with low computational cost and excellent accuracy based on empirical mode decomposition and neural network to distinguish real from fake fingerprints. Our proposed scheme works based on empirical mode decomposition technique. The fingerprint images were cropped into 200 × 200 images and then the two-dimensional (2D) images were converted into one-dimensional (1D) data, greatly reducing the computational process. The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) technique decomposed the data and the first five intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) were targeted for feature extraction through simple statistical features. The findings revealed that our suggested system can yield an average accuracy of 97.72% in distinguishing fake from real fingerprints through multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network. This framework is very efficient compared to other techniques because only one piece of fingerprint image is enough to defend against spoof attacks. Therefore, such framework can reduce the cost of the fingerprint biometric systems, as no further hardware is needed. In addition, our framework method gives the best classification results in comparison to other previous techniques in real-live fingerprint recognition while being simple with lower computational cost. Therefore, this framework can be practically used in commercial biometric systems.
Low Sidelobe Pattern Synthesis of Array Antennas With a Triangular or Skew Lattice Using the IFT Method

This paper deals with the update of the iterative Fourier transform (IFT) method that makes this method suitable for the low sidelobe pattern synthesis of array antennas having a triangular or skew lattice. This update comprises the replacement of the two main components of this synthesis method which are the FFTs, direct and inverse, by new ones which can deal with the processing of signals arranged along a triangular or skew lattice. Present 2D FFTs can only be applied to array antennas with the elements positioned in a rectangular or square grid. The paper describes how the present 2D FFTs, direct and inverse, only applicable for rectangular lattices, can be modified in a simple way to make them suitable for the processing signals arranged along a triangular or skew grid. These two modified FFTs are subsequently implemented in the IFT method. The IFT method, updated in this way, is then very suited for the low sidelobe pattern synthesis of array antennas with a triangular lattice or skew lattice. Four low sidelobe pattern synthesis examples obtained with the updated IFT will be given. Two of them refer to an array antenna with triangular lattice. The other two to an array with a skew lattice.
Slab top dips resolved by teleseismic converted waves in the Hellenic subduction zone

The variations of the arrival times and polarities with backazimuth and distance of teleseismic P‐to‐S converted waves at interfaces bounding the slab crust under the upper plate mantle are used to constrain the depth, dip angle and azimuth of the slab of the Hellenic subduction zone. A grid search is designed to estimate the model parameters. Dip values of 16–18°, with an azimuth of 20° to 40°, are thus derived at 3 sites aligned over 50 km along the eastern coast of Peloponnesus. They are consistent with the variation from 54 to 61 km of the slab top depths constrained below each receiver. North of the Gulfs of Corinth and Evvia, a similar depth for the top of the slab is found at a distance from the subduction at least 100 km larger. This suggests flatter subduction of a different slab segment. Such a variation in slab attitude at depth across the region from south of the eastern Gulf of Corinth to north of Evvia is a candidate for the control of the recent or active localized crustal thinning of the upper plate we documented in earlier work, and of the surface deformation.
Racial Variations in Males' Commuting Times in Atlanta: What Does the Evidence Suggest?

Abstract Using a sample from the comparatively most privileged group of black males, those married and living with a working spouse, this article investigates how race-based residential locations and the spatial structure of labor markets affect commuting experiences. This research uses the most sophisticated commuting data available at the time the research was conducted, the 1990 5 percent Public-Use Microdata Samples for the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, and again confirms severe spatial mismatch problems for central-city blacks, regardless of socioeconomic status, household formation, and access to automobiles. However, the situation with black males living in suburban areas differs significantly as those in the southern (predominantly black) suburbs show considerable evidence of spatial mismatch, whereas the northern (predominantly white) suburbs show no such evidence. *I am grateful to Luke Marzen, Joe Weber, and five anonymous reviewers for their valuable feedback that has substantially improved this paper.
Brief computerised self-help interventions, the “Miracle Question,” and the moderating effects of openness-to-experience

Brief, self-help positive psychology interventions (PPIs) have certain advantages over longer, guided interventions (e.g. higher completion rates). The “Miracle Question(s)” – the most famous intervention in solution-focused therapy and coaching – appears to be a promising brief, self-help PPI. However, very little experimental research on the “Miracle Question” has been conducted. The present study investigated the effects of a brief self-help MQ intervention on several aspects of wellbeing, including hope, expectancy, goal clarity and affect. The MQ intervention was compared against both a problem-focused and neutral coaching approach. Three online experiments were conducted with participants aged 18-76 across the world. Two experiments focused on “life problems” whilst the third focused on problems in interpersonal relationships. Results suggested that all three interventions raise expectancy in the context of life (but not relationship) problems. However, as hypothesised, the relative effects of such interventions may depend on openness-to-experience. At high[low] levels of openness-to-experience, the MQ technique was more[less] effective than the problem-focused or neutral coaching interventions, at least for some aspects of wellbeing. The study sheds much-needed light on the MQ technique and on brief self-help interventions. Widely recommended as a means of enhancing wellbeing, the MQ technique may not be universally effective (in a self-help format) and requires further investigation. On the other hand, the study suggests that brief self-help computerized PPIs may indeed be enthusiastically adopted, especially when compared with longer interventions.
Study of colors and degrees of weathering of granitic rocks by visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and colorimetry have been applied to study the colors of powdered granitic rocks with different degrees of weathering. As a result, FeO(OH) was considered to be the source of the yellow-brownish color of the weathered rock powders. FeO(OH) contents were determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy based on the Kubelka-Munk function and found to increase during weathering. The FeO(OH) contents can be hence taken as a quantitative indicator of the degree of weathering.
The 300‐ to 900‐Å spectrum of a nightside aurora

Results of a satellite observation of the nighttime auroral emission spectrum between 300 and 900 A at 8-A resolution are presented. The spectrum was taken from a 600-km altitude looking down on a bright, well-defined auroral arc located near the midnight meridian in the north polar region on March 10, 1979, when AE = −500γ (Kp = 4). The most prominent features in this wavelength range are identified as the O II 538-, 617-, 718-, and 834-A emission lines, which have intensities exceeding 50 R. A number of weaker O II (and possibly N II and O III) lines are found widely scattered from 430 to 800 A at intensity levels of ≃ 10–40 R. As in the dayglow, the measured intensity ratio of the 540 to 585 A features r ⩾ 4.1 is discrepant with laboratory measurements of the O II 538/581-A line ratio. Since He I, 537-A contamination is probably negligible, this result indicates that at least 70% of the observed 540-A feature is due to the O II 2p³ 4S0-3s 4P transition multiplets at 539 A.
EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF OIL SATURATION AND LOSSES DURING SECONDARY MIGRATION

Accurate estimates of losses occurring during secondary petroleum migration are of vital importance for valid petroleum systems assessments. In this paper, we discuss the development of migration pathways and the corresponding hydrocarbon losses using data from laboratory experiments based on diphasic immiscible draining processes. These experiments permitted us to study the formation of migration pathways, the distribution of non‐wetting oil along these pathways, and the re‐utilization of existing pathways by later pulses of migrating oil.
Deglaciation-Induced Spatially Variable Sea Level Change: A Simple-Model Case Study for the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets

Some studies on deglaciation-induced sea level change provide only a global average change, thus neglecting the fact that sea level change is spatially variable. This is due mainly to the gravitational and visco-elastic feedback effects of the changing surface mass loads. In order to address this apparent misconception and raise further awareness, we provide a conceptual example based on a simulated total melt of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. This would give a global average sea level change of about 64 m. However, due to the changed distribution of gravitating masses, the sea-level change depends on location, with a range of about −27 m to +79 m (i.e., sea-level will even fall in some places). This spatial dependency has several implications, such as >10% biases in global average sea-level change estimates based only on tide-gauge records, flooding of almost 10% of current land areas, an increase of the length of day by almost a half a second and a northward move of the centre of mass (geocentre) by about 20 m.
Conservation gaps identification through patterns of species richness established from species niche models of mammals in a sector of Chaco Seco ecoregion

The identification of biodiversity conservation priority sectors that are not formally protected, have an essential part of conservation strategies and goals at global and local scale. Ecological niche modeling is a relevant and important tool for analysis and distribution of species, also is used to determine the biodiversity patterns through the regions. The main objective of this work was to identify the sites with high biodiversity patterns in a sector of Chaco Seco ecoregion that haven’t been protected with environmental legislation. Through biodiversity sampling with foot transects, camera traps and interviews, it was registered the presence of large and medium mammals in Santiago del Estero Province. Biodiversity pattern maps were then developed from potential distribution models (SDMs) of 5 mammalian species selected for being relevant for conservation. To define zones that could be characterized like conservation gaps, pattern maps were contrasted with protected areas layers and legal schemes of land use planning and also, protected forest. For the SDM, 171 records were used, 43 for M. gouazoubira, 40 for P. concolor, 20 for M. trydactila, 43 on P. tajacu and 25 on C. wagneri. Three models were used to make the biodiversity patterns, one of these, Fuzzy union, were used for the subsequent calculation. The total area of high biodiversity increases to 39.486 km², which represents the 29% of provincial area. In consequence the 81% remaining represents the conservation gaps areas for that sector of the ecoregion.
The Potential Impact of GNSS/INS Integration on Maritime Navigation

A version of this paper was presented at ENC-GNSS 2007, Geneva. Its reproduction was kindly authorised by the ENC-GNSS 07 Paper Selection Committee. The General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK & Ireland commissioned an assessment of the impact that the integration of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) with Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) would have on the aids to navigation (AtoN) services currently provided, and those to be provided in the future. There is concern about the vulnerability of GNSS, and the provision of complementary and backup systems is seen to be of great importance. The integration of INS could provide an independent and self-contained navigation system, for a limited time period, invulnerable to external intentional or unintentional interference, or the influences of changes in national policies. The study included an analysis of the potential use of GNSS-INS in three of the four phases of a vessel's voyage: coastal, port approach and docking. The project consisted of a technology assessment, looking at the different inertial technologies that might be suitable for each phase. This was followed by a technology proving stage, evaluating suitable equipment using simulation and field trials to prove that the claimed performance could be achieved in practice. The final stage of the project was to assess the effects of the availability of such systems on existing and planned aids to navigation services.
Birds of Malagos Watershed, Southeastern Philippines

Mindanao is considered one of the richest islands in the Philippines, due to high avifaunal biodiversity. Birds play a vital role in determining the condition of certain areas. The study is a morphological assessment of birds in Malagos watershed, Baguio District, Davao City. It sought to identify and classify the birds’ species; determine the distribution and compare the taxonomic listing of birds with previous avian surveys in the area. Using point count and mist netting effort, 54 species were identified belonging to 27 families. Three (3) new families were added to the list of previous studies. It included twelve Philippine endemic species, seven Mindanao endemic species, 32 resident species and four species of birds assessed as vulnerable and endangered. The area was also usually found in open and cultivated areas. A comparative study of three other avian surveys showed a steady increase in the population from 1994 to 2002 but a decline in the number of avian species was observed in the present study, a negative trend which is associated with habitat destruction and anthropogenic activities. Keywords - biodiversity, birds, Malagos watershed, avifaunal
Magnetic screening and heavy metal pollution studies in soils from Marambio Station, Antarctica

Abstract Magnetic screening as a cost-effective and non-time-consuming approach has been successfully carried out in Marambio soils and seems to be a suitable method for contamination assessment in Antarctic areas. Ferromagnetic minerals are found in most samples, and magnetite-like carriers are especially dominant in samples collected near pollution sources. Lead and zinc are the main trace elements that have adversely impacted on some areas in this station, both are end products from different pollution sources derived from fuel combustion and residues, solid waste, paints, etc. The correlation results between magnetic and chemical variables show moderate relationships varying from 0.409 to 0.663; this fact supports the use of magnetic parameters, such as magnetic susceptibility and bivariate ratios, for pollution monitoring. The magnetic properties, heavy metal contents, and related maps of these soils can be considered as a reference in the area for future temporal and/or spatial work.
Mechanisms of Tropical Atlantic SST Influence on North American Precipitation Variability

Abstract The dynamical mechanisms associated with the impact of year-to-year variability in tropical North Atlantic (TNA) sea surface temperatures (SSTs) on North American precipitation, during the cold and warm halves of the hydrological year (October–September) are examined. Observations indicate that during both seasons warmer-than-normal TNA SSTs are associated with a reduction of precipitation over North America, mainly west of ∼90°W, and that the effect can be up to 30% of the year-to-year seasonal precipitation RMS variability. This finding confirms earlier studies with observations and models. During the cold season (October–March) the North American precipitation variability associated with TNA fluctuations is considerably weaker than its association with ENSO. During the warm season (April–September), however, the Atlantic influence, per one standard deviation of SST anomalies, is larger than that of ENSO. The observed association between TNA SST anomalies and global and North American precipita.