Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Cloud/Rain Band Structures of Typhoon Muifa (2022) Revealed in FY‐3E MWHS‐2 Observations With All‐Sky Simulations

All‐sky simulations of brightness temperature (TB) at Microwave Humidity Sounder‐2 (MWHS‐2) channel 15 from Fengyun‐3E (FY‐3E) are generated based on the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis version 5 (ERA5) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) analysis for four typhoon cases. For Typhoon Muifa (2022), the MWHS‐2 TB observations have a strongest symmetric component within about 210‐km radial distances. Although much weaker, the symmetric component in the GFS all‐sky simulations compares more favorably with that of observations than the ERA5 all‐sky simulations. Due to ice scattering effects at 183.31 ± 7 GHz, spatial distribution patterns of TB observations and all‐sky simulations are quite similar to those of ice water path. The more cloud ice, the lower the TB. Deep convective systems within Muifa are captured by TB observations but not by simulations. Using an objective azimuthal‐spectral‐analysis based center‐fixing algorithm, the center positions of Typhoon Muifa can be well determined from both MWHS‐2 observations and GFS all‐sky simulations, but not from the ERA5 all‐sky TB simulations. Compared with the best track, the average center position errors for Muifa are 16.2, 24.9 and 74.4 km based on FY‐3E MWHS‐2 TB observations, the GFS all‐sky TB simulations, and the ERA5 all‐sky simulations, respectively. The conclusions of TC cloud/rain band structures and center positions of all‐sky simulations using the NCEP‐GFS analysis being better matching with those of FY‐3E MWHS‐2 observations than the ERA5 all‐sky simulations for Typhoon Muifa also hold true for three other typhoons.
A Fusion Model for Multimodal Biometric System

Biometrics is a science of recognizing an individual based on his / her behavioural or physiological features such as voice, face, fingerprint, iris, signature etc. Based on usage the number of traits biometric systems are categorized into two types. Unimodal systems are vulnerable to variety of problems such as Spoofing, noisy data, non universality, inter-class similarities, intra-class variations, etc. Inclusion of multiple sources of data for establishing identity can beat some of restrictions of unimodal systems. Biometric systems which permit the fusion of two or more types of biometric systems are known as Multimodal biometric systems. The sources of information from different characters are acquired, preprocessed, features extracted and compared with the stored templates in the database. Finally based on matching, decision about recognition is made. The fusing of information of biometric characters can take place in any of the levels. Various fusion techniques are available for multimodal biometrics such as sensor level, feature level, score level, rank level and decision
Social evolution and commitment: Bridging the gap between formal linguistic theories and language evolution research

This article argues based on some concrete empirical evidence that what is called “(social) commitment” is grammaticalized in human language at the latest stage in the evolution of syntax. It is further argued that as a result of this grammaticalization process, our ancestors acquired a way of making their linguistic communication sufficiently trustable/reliable, by encoding the signaler’s liability to the truthfulness of what is communicated. That is, the presence of commitment as a concrete grammatical element provided our species with a way of (indirectly) solving the problem of dishonesty of linguistic signals. The proposal is made in such a way that its validity can be tested by experimental means, and hence it is hoped that the model presented in this article facilitates important collaborative works among theoretical linguists, (evolutionary) biologists, and other experimentalists. Overall, the idea laid out here aims to bridge the gap between formal linguistics and language evolution studies.
The Effects of Interannual Precipitation Variability on the Functioning of Grasslands

Although projected increases in precipitation interannual variability are supported by recent climate-change assessments, effects of changes in the variance of annual precipitation have received considerable less attention than effects of changes in the mean state of climate. The effect of interannual precipitation variability on functional diversity and its consequences for ecosystem functioning are assessed here using a five-year long rainfall manipulation experiment. Five precipitation treatments were switched annually generating sequences of dry and wet years that resulted in five levels of precipitation variation. Functional diversity showed a positive response to increased interannual precipitation variability. Functional evenness showed a similar response resulting from changes in the relative abundance of plant-functional types including decreased grass and increased shrub productivity. Increased functional diversity ameliorated the negative effect of precipitation variance on aboveground net primary production and increased ecosystem stability.
New insights into the crust and lithospheric mantle structure of Africa from elevation, geoid, and thermal analysis

We present new crust and lithosphere thickness maps of the African mainland based on integrated modeling of elevation and geoid data and thermal analysis. The approach assumes local isostasy, thermal steady state, and linear density increase with depth in the crust and temperature‐dependent density in the lithospheric mantle. Results are constrained by a new comprehensive compilation of seismic Moho depth data consisting of 551 data points and by published tomography models relative to LAB depth. The crustal thickness map shows a N‐S bimodal distribution with higher thickness values in the cratonic domains of southern Africa (38–44 km) relative to those beneath northern Africa (33–39 km). The most striking result is the crustal thinning (28–30 km thickness) imaged along the Mesozoic West and Central African Rift Systems. Our crustal model shows noticeable differences compared to previous models. After excluding the Afar plume region, where the modeling assumptions are not fulfilled, our model better fits the available seismic data (76.3% fitting; root mean square error = 4.3 km). The LAB depth map shows large spatial variability (90 to 230 km), with deeper LAB related to cratonic domains and shallower LAB related to Mesozoic and Cenozoic rifting domains, in agreement with tomography models. Though crustal and lithosphere thickness maps show similar regional patterns, major differences are found in the Atlas Mountains, the West African Rift System, and the intracratonic basins. The effects of lateral variations in crustal density as well as the nonisostatic contribution to elevation in the Afar plume region, which we estimate to be ~1.8 km, are also discussed.
Relationship between body sway and body build in healthy adult men and women

Studies investigating the relationship between balance ability and body size, build and proportions tend to concentrate on body mass and height rather than breadth parameters or size of individual body segments. The purpose of this study was to determine a relationship between the ability to keep balance and the size, build and proportions, based on breadth and length dimensions of the body in healthy adult men and women during a position of free standing. This study also aimed to investigate how the lack of visual control affects the analyzed relationship. The study group consisted of 102 adults of both sexes. The investigations encompassed anthropometric measurements of the body and the ability to keep balance. The analysis covered a of series anthropometric parameters, 9 indices of body proportions, mean velocity of the COP movement (MV) and ellipse area (EA). A statistical analysis of the results was carried out taking into consideration the division into groups due to sexes. The results of the Pearson correlation have revealed that there is a statistically significant correlation (weak or moderate degree) between anthropometric parameters of the body and stabilographic values. Results differ between sexes and depend on whether Romberg’s test was performed with open or closed eyes. The obtained results showed that the surface area of ellipse significantly depends on the dimensions of these body elements which relate to the position of the centre of mass. The obtained results, which differ depending on sex, show that the values of the body sways in a position of free standing depend on breadth and length dimensions of the body, visual control and the analyzed parameter of balance.
The Impact of a Web-Based Educational Initiative in Malang Regency: Enhancing Late Onset Hypogonadism (LOH) Awareness Through Community Service

Late Onset Hypogonadism (LOH), commonly known as andropause, poses significant hormonal challenges for elderly men, impacting their overall quality of life. With testosterone levels naturally declining from the age of 30 and accelerating beyond 40, this hormonal imbalance can manifest in symptoms that degrade the well-being of men. This community service initiative aimed to improve understanding and early detection of LOH among the Indonesian male population. A web-based application, "Skrining Andropause" was developed, allowing individuals to self-assess their LOH risk through the validated Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire. The application included educational videos to enhance public awareness of andropause. Pre- and post-tests were conducted as success indicators, involving 40 male participants aged 40 and above in Malang Regency. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the impact on knowledge related to andropause across different educational backgrounds and age groups. Significant improvement in public understanding of andropause was observed (p=0.000). While educational backgrounds were not significantly associated with initial knowledge (p=0.100), nor with the increase in pre-to-post-test scores (p=0.100). When associating age groups with initial knowledge (p=0.308) and the increase in pre-to-post-test scores (p=0.308), results were not statistically significant. The observed substantial improvement in andropause understanding highlights the efficacy of our educational approach. Respondents, irrespective of educational background, shared a baseline understanding, with those with basic education showing the most significant improvement. Notably, the youngest age group displayed the highest baseline awareness. However, the oldest age group exhibited the least responsiveness to our educational media.
Magnitude and trends in inequalities in healthcare‐seeking behavior for pneumonia and mortality rate among under‐five children in Bangladesh: Evidence from nationwide cross‐sectional survey 2007 to 2017

Bangladesh did not have enough evidence on the current estimates and trend in inequities in the under‐five mortality rate (U5MR). There is also a shortage of evidence on trends and inequalities in healthcare‐seeking for pneumonia among under‐five children (U5C) in Bangladesh. Hence, this study investigated the inequalities in U5MR and health care seeking for pneumonia in U5C through socioeconomic and geographic disparities in Bangladesh between 2007 and 2017.
FIRST RECORD OF WEDGE SOLE, DICOLOGLOSSA CUNEATA (ACTINOPTERYGII: PLEURONECTIFORMES: SOLEIDAE), FROM THE LEVANT BASIN (EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN)

This paper reports the first record of a specimen of wedge sole, Dicologlossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881), from the Syrian coast, and also from the Levant Basin, constituting its easternmost extension range in the Mediterranean Sea. The specimen was examined, illustrated, measured, and weighed and the collected data are provided herein. This single capture of D. cuneata, however, cannot support a statement that a sustainable population of this fish has established itself in this area.
Human Brain Mapping

We evaluated the rapid changes in regional scalp EEG synchronization in normal subjects with spatial and temporal resolution exceeding prior art 10-fold with a high spatial density array and the Hilbert transform. A curvilinear array of 64 electrodes 3 mm apart extending 18.9 cm across the scalp was used to record EEG at 200/sec. Analytic amplitude (AA) and phase (AP) were calculated at each time step for the 64 traces in the analog pass band of 0.5–120 Hz. AP differences approximated the AP derivative (instantaneous frequency). The AP from unfiltered EEG revealed no reproducible patterns. Filtering was necessary in the and gamma ranges according to a technique that optimized the correlation of the AP differences with the activity band pass filtered in the alpha range. The sizes of temporal AP differences were usually within 0.5 radian from the average step corresponding to the center frequency of the pass band. Large AP differences were often synchronized over distances of 6 to 19 cm. An optimal pass band to detect and measure these recurring jumps in AP in the and ranges was found by maximizing the peak in the cospectrum of the correlation between unfiltered EEG and the band pass AP differences. Synchronized AP jumps recurred in clusters (CAP) at and theta rates in resting subjects and with EMG. Cortex functions by serial changes in state. The Hilbert transform of EEG from high-density arrays can visualize these state transitions with high temporal and spatial resolution and should be useful in relating EEG to cognition. Hum. Brain Mapping 19:000–000, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The retrieval model of soil salinization information in arid region based on MSAVI-WI feature space:A case study of the delta oasis in Weigan-Kuqa watershed

Soil salinization is one of the major causes for soil desertification and ecological degradation in arid region.Acquiring large-scale and high-precision soil salinization information in real or near-real time is critical for preventing and mitigating soil salinization.The study area is located in Weigan-Kuqa oasis on the northern margin of the Tarim Basin.By analyzing Landsat-TM satellite image and soil samples obtained from field survey,we intend to investigate the relationship between Wet Index(WI) and Modified Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index(MSAVI). These two indices are often regarded as very important land cover biophysical parameters that are strongly descriptive of soil salinization in a certain degree.The study proposes a concept of MSAVI-WI feature space and builds a soil salinity monitoring index(MWI) model based on the analysis.The results indicate that there is a strong correlation between the MWI and surface soil salinity(with an R-squared of 0.844). Monitoring soil salinization with MWI is more precise than the salt indexes commonly used in traditional remote sensing monitoring methods.Difference matrix analysis also suggests that MWI detects different degrees of soil salinity and the changes of different combination of the vegetation and soil moisture better in the study area.Additionally,this index has a clear biophysical meaning that is often well accepted and understood.The study suggests that MWI will be helpful to monitor and evaluate soil salinization in arid region on large scale.
The moderating effect of environmental turbulence on the relationship between core competences and firm performance of star rated hotels Nairobi City County, Kenya

Lawrence Abstract: The hotel industry in developing world has been promoting economic growth and providing jobs. In the Kenyan context, there has been great variation in firm performance of hotels with some exhibiting exceptional performance, other performing miserably and others closing down. Although core competences have received attention equally scholarly and in practice, its effect on star rated hotels remains uncertain. Specifically the study investigated the moderating effect of environmental turbulence on the relationship between core competences and firm performance of star rated hotels Nairobi City County. Underpinning theory of study independent and dependent variables were core competence theory, balance score card model and moderating variable was anchored on contingency theory. The study utilized positivism philosophy. Descriptive and explanatory research design was used. Moreover, the study utilized multistage sampling to select the respondent of the study. The target population was 112 star rated hotels in Nairobi City County with a sample sizes of 217 managers who were interviewed for the study. The study employed a semi-structured questionnaire to collect primary data. Content, construct, and criterion-related validity was tested, while the study reliability was assessed through a cronbach alpha coefficient achieving a threshold at 0.749 that assured the reliability of the questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze data. Descriptive statistics used mean standard deviation to explain data characteristics and inferential statistics used regression in testing the effects of variables on firm’s performance. Qualitative data was analyzed using themes presented in narrative form. Findings were presented in form of tables and charts. The study revealed that environmental turbulence had significant moderating effect on firm performance. Competition was found to be very intense among these hotels. This implies that hotels are required to develop a strategy to deal with stiff competition. The implication is that the hotels should advance a strategy in dealing with environmental turbulences.
Use of morphometric variables and self-organizing maps to identify clusters of alluvial fans and catchments in the north Peloponnese, Greece

Abstract We applied a computational method to aid in clustering 41 alluvial fans along the southern coast of the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. The morphology of the fans and their catchments was quantitatively expressed through 12 morphometric parameters estimated using geographical information system techniques and the relationships among the geomorphometric features of the fans and their catchments were examined. Self-organizing maps were used to investigate the clustering tendency of fans based on morphometric variables describing both the fans and their corresponding catchments. The results of unsupervised classification through the self-organizing maps method revealed correlations among the morphometric parameters and five groups of alluvial fans were identified. These groups had a clear physical explanation, showed a preferred geographical distribution and reflected the processes related to the development of the fans. The geographical distribution of the fan catchment groups was partially controlled by variations in the relative tectonic uplift rate, which was the main control on the accommodation space for the development and accretion of the fans. The smaller fans were located in the central part of the study area, where the uplift rates were higher, whereas larger fluvial-dominated fan deltas formed to the east and west of the central group, where the uplift rates were lower.
Habitats diversity as factor for the conservation significance of the area of Cape Emine in relation of the ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

The region of Cape Emine (the middle of the Bulgarian Black sea coast) is one of the most interesting, but not sufficiently investigated areas in relation to the carabid fauna. In 2010 and 2011 biological monitoring studies in the area were conducted including an assessment of the presented natural habitats. Species composition of the ground beetles communities was analyzed through terrestrial pit-fall traps. Connections of the carabids with specific habitats, affiliation to a certain zoogeographical complex, and the attachment to particular environmental conditions were established. The relationships of the ground beetles with the status of their environment were traced. Anthropogenic impact in the area was also assessed. The main threats and problems related to the degradation and destruction of natural habitats, and hence, decreasing the conservation significance of the area, were established.
Phosphorus bioavailability from land-applied biosolids in south-western Australia

iv The growth response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to increasing rates of biosolids and comparable rates of inorganic P as MCP, to a maximum of 150 mg P/kg soil was examined in the glasshouse. The percentage relative effectiveness (RE) of biosolids was calculated using fitted curve coefficients from the Mitscherlich equation: y = a (1-b exp) for dry matter (DM) production and P uptake. The initial effectiveness of biosolid P was comparable to that of MCP with the percentage RE of biosolids averaging 106% for DM production of wheat shoots and 118% for shoot P uptake at 33 days after sowing (DAS) over three consecutive crops. The percentage residual value (RV) declined at similar rates for DM production in MCP and biosolids, decreasing to about 33% relative to freshly applied MCP in the second crop and to approximately 16% in the third crop. The effectiveness of biosolid P was reduced significantly compared with inorganic P when applied to a field site 80 km east of Perth (520 mm annual rainfall). An infertile lateritic podsolic soil, consistent with the glasshouse experiment and representative of a soil type typically used for the agricultural application of biosolids in Western Australia was used. Increasing rates of biosolids and comparable rates of triple superphosphate (TSP), to a maximum of 145 kg P/ha were applied to determine a P response curve. The percentage RE was calculated for seasonal DM production, final grain yield and P uptake in wheat followed by lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) rotation for the 2001 and 2002 growing seasons, respectively. In the first year of wheat, the RE for P uptake in biosolids compared with top-dressed TSP ranged from 33% to 55% over the season and by grain harvest was 67%. In the second year, and following incorporation with the disc plough at seeding, the RE for P uptake by lupins in biosolids averaged 79% over the growing season compared with top-dressed TSP, and by grain harvest the RE was 60%. The residual value (RV) of lupins at harvest in biosolids compared with freshly applied TSP was 47%. The non-uniform placement of biosolids (i.e. spatial heterogeneity) was primarily responsible for the decreased ability of plant roots to absorb P. The P was more effective where biosolids were finely dispersed throughout the soil, less so when roughly cultivated and least effective when placed on the soil surface without incorporation. The RE for grain harvest of wheat in the field decreased from 67% to 39% where biosolids were not incorporated (i.e. surface-applied). The RE could also be modified by factors such as soil moisture and N availability in the field, although it was possible to keep these variables constant in the glasshouse. Consequently, absolute values determined for the RE need to be treated judiciously.