Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of inertia gravity waves over the South Pacific as revealed by radiosonde observations

[1] Using horizontal wind and temperature data with fine vertical resolution obtained by radiosondes, we investigate the characteristics of parameters and propagation properties of inertia gravity waves in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere in the subtropics and extratropics over the South Pacific where very few observations have so far been done. Components extracted by a band-pass filter having cutoff vertical wavelengths of 0.5 and 5 km are analyzed as gravity waves. Gravity wave parameters such as intrinsic frequency , vertical and horizontal wavelengths, and phase and group velocities are estimated by hodograph analysis. The statistics on such parameters are presented for both the stratosphere and troposphere for the three latitudinal ranges 17°–24°S, 25°–33°S, and 34°–48°S. The horizontal wavelengths decrease and increases with increasing latitude south. The dominant values for the Coriolis parameter f divided by are ∼0.5 in the lower stratosphere and ∼0.3 in the troposphere, with little dependence on latitude. The dominant vertical wavelengths for upward propagating waves are longer in the troposphere than in the lower stratosphere. The most dominant direction of horizontal propagation is southward, with a little bias toward southeastward. A case study using ray tracing suggests that the major source of such southeastward waves is located in the upper troposphere. Notable northward propagation of gravity waves is also found in the subtropical lower stratosphere. The source of the gravity waves is considered to be a cutoff cyclone developing in the upper troposphere.
Validation of Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (TIMED/SABER) v1.07 ozone at 9.6 μm in altitude range 15–70 km

[1] The Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument operating onboard the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite since 2002 has provided day and nighttime measurements of ozone on a daily basis in the middle to upper atmosphere (15–100 km) using limb scanning in the 9.6-μm band. The focus of this paper is on validation of v1.07 O3 in the stratosphere and mesosphere region below 70 km. SABER v1.07 O3 measurements have a precision of ∼1–2% in the stratosphere and ∼3–5% in the lower mesosphere. A SABER positive bias exists in all regions other than the lower stratosphere. The positive biases in the stratosphere are within ∼5–12% in most cases except in the equatorial to middle latitudes in the altitude range ∼30–50 km, where they reach ∼15–17% and exceed the combined systematic error by ∼5–6%. The comparisons in the lower mesosphere indicate that SABER O3 captures the diurnal variability very well. The best agreement of ∼5–7% occurs for daytime comparisons with solar occultation measurements in the lower mesosphere. As with most large satellite data sets, a small portion of the O3 profiles show unrealistically large values. The occurrences of these profiles were revealed using a probability approach, which enabled the identification of the time frames and spatial regions where these anomalies occur.
Young dry grassland ecosystems in Denmark: development in soil nutrient pools and root characteristics

Abstract Dry grassland ecosystems are listed habitats in the EU Habitats Directive due to their high biodiversity. Such areas have declined drastically over the last 200 years but set-aside of agricultural areas in recent years has increased the extent of grassland areas with secondary succession. This paper explores the soil nutrient pools of 14 young dry grasslands and compares them to the nutrient pools on heathlands, forested and agricultural land. On two sites, the plant species composition is compared to characteristic species for the EU Habitats Directive in Denmark and the relationship between soil nutrient pools and underground biomass development is investigated. It was found that soil nutrient content was lower as compared to agricultural land but generally higher as compared to forested areas and heathland. The organic matter on the grassland sites after they have been laid fallow is becoming less decomposed and this indicates that an O horizon will eventually develop and hence provide an important nutrient pool as a replacement for the decline in nutrient content in the subsoil. Root density was high in this study and soil nutrient content appeared to be an important parameter determining root development.
Effects of hyporheic processes on streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity in three rivers of Nebraska

Streambed hydraulic conductivity is of great importance in the analysis of stream‐aquifer interactions and stream ecosystems. We investigated streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) with two connected depths in three rivers of Nebraska. Our results demonstrated that streambed Kv in the upper sediment layer was much higher than that in the sediment of the lower layer. We speculate that hyporheic processes can result in larger streambed Kv in the upper layer. Specifically, water exchange through upwelling and downwelling zones can lead to bigger pore spaces and a more unconsolidated structure of sediments in the upper layer. The upward movement of gas produced by redox processes can loosen the sediments and further enlarge pore spaces in the upper layers. Also, permeability can increase as a result of expanded pore spaces caused by invertebrate activities in the upper part of streambed. The higher Kv will likely enhance exchange processes between stream and sediments.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Flows around a Submerged Weir in a Channel Bendway

To improve navigation conditions for barges passing through river channels, many submerged weirs (SWs) have been installed along the bendways of many waterways by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This paper presents results from three-dimensional numerical simulations that were conducted to study the helical secondary current (HSC) and the near-field flow distribution around one SW. The simulated flow fields around a SW in a scale physical model were validated using experimental data. The three-dimensional flow fields around a SW, the influence of the SW on general HSC, and the implication of effectiveness of submerged weirs to realign the flow field and improve navigability in bendways were analyzed. The numerical simulations indicated that the SW significantly altered the general HSC. Its presence induced a skewed pressure difference cross its top and a triangular-shaped recirculation to the downstream side. The over-top flow tends to realign toward the inner bank and therefore improves conditions for navigation.
The orientation of sorted stripes in the maritime subantarctic, Marion Island

The orientation of sorted stripes developed in glacial deposits on Marion Island is examined. This study confirms earlier reports of preferential occurrence of sorted stripes on windward slopes. However, sorted stripes were also found to occur on low angle leeward slopes. Mechanisms for the orientation of sorted stripes by wind action are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MODIS polarization performance and anomalous four-cycle polarization phenomenon

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) will be one of the primary instruments observing the earth on the Earth Observing System (EOS) scheduled for launch in 1999. MODIS polarization performance characterization was required for the 0.4 to 0.6 micrometers (VIS), 0.6 micrometers to 1.0 micrometers (NIR), and 1.0 micrometers to 2.3 micrometers (SWIR) regions. A polarized source assembly (PSA) consisting of a collimator with a rotatable Ahrens polarizer was used to illuminate MODIS with a linearly polarized beam. MODIS signal function having two-cycles per 360 degrees prism rotation signal function was expected. However, some spectral bands had a distinct four-cycle anomalous signal. The expected two-cycle function was present in all regions with the four-cycle anomaly being limited to the NIR region. Fourier analysis was very useful tooling determining the cause of the anomaly. A simplified polarization model of the PSA and MODIS was generated using Mueller matrices-Stokes vector formalism. Parametric modeling illustrated that this anomaly could be produced by energy having multiple passes between PSA Ahrens prism and the MODIS focal plane filters. Furthermore, the model gave NIR four-cycle magnitudes that were consistent with observations. The IVS and SWIR optical trans had birefringent elements that served to scramble the multiple pass anomaly. The model validity was demonstrated with an experimental setup that had partial aperture illumination which eliminated the possibility of multiple passes. The four-cycle response was eliminated while producing the same two-cycle polarization response. Data will be shown to illustrate the four-cycle phenomenon.
Distribution and formation of the mesothermal structure (temperature inversions) in the North Pacific subarctic region

The distribution and formation of mesothermal structure (temperature inversions) in the North Pacific subarctic region are investigated through analysis of climatological hydrographic data. It is suggested that the heat and salt that maintain the mesothermal water and thus the halocline in the density range of 26.7–27. 2σθ are transported as a crossgyre flow from the transition domain just east of Japan, where the waters are influenced by the subtropical gyre water mass, to the eastern subarctic region. Along the transport route the isopycnal potential temperature and thus salinity are well conserved. In the western subarctic gyre, the Bering Sea, and the northern Gulf of Alaska, the temperature reaches its minimum at the surface in winter and the areal coverage agrees well with the distribution of the mesothermal structure. In the southeastern part of the zonally distributed mesothermal structure in the area of 170°E–150°W and 45°–50°N, where the winter sea surface temperature is higher than that in the deeper layer, dichothermal water is formed by subsurface intrusion of the low-temperature and low-salinity water that outcropped in the previous winter over the warm and saline water transported from the transition domain.
A Technology Acceptance Model For Unit Guide Information Systems

Curriculum mapping is an important task in implementing, embedding and monitoring the knowledge, skills and attributes that graduates must acquire in their program of study. Curriculum mapping ensures correspondence between learning outcomes, learning activities and assessments. To aid in performing this complex task, many higher education institutions are using unit/study guide tools or curriculum mapping tools. These tools may be known under different names in different institutions but we will refer to these tools as unit guide information systems. To evaluate the utilisation and acceptance of these tools, this research-in-progress paper draws on an extensive body of literature related to technology acceptance that includes social cognitive theory and model of PC utilization to explain the influence of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Our research extends the technology acceptance model by incorporating the external variables of self-efficacy, anxiety and social influence. The results are expected to indicate which of the external factors are most important in predicting and explaining attitude and intention to use unit guide information systems.
Hypogeal geological survey in the “Grotta del Re Tiberio” natural cave (Apennines, Italy): a valid tool for reconstructing the structural setting

As karst systems are natural windows to the underground, speleology, combined with geological surveys, can be useful tools for helping understand the geological evolution of karst areas.In order to enhance the reconstruction of the structural setting in a gypsum karst area (Vena del Gesso, Romagna Apennines), a detailed analysis has been carried out on hypogeal data. Structural features (faults, fractures, tectonic foliations, bedding) have been mapped in the ”Grotta del Re Tiberio” cave, in the nearby gypsum quarry tunnels and open pit benches. Five fracture systems and six fault systems have been identified. The fault systems have been further analyzed through stereographic projections and geometric-kinematic evaluations in order to reconstruct the relative chronology of these structures. This analysis led to the detection of two deformation phases.The results permitted linking of the hypogeal data with the surface data both at a local and regional scale. At the local scale, fracture data collected in the underground have been compared with previous authors’ surface data coming from the quarry area. The two data sets show a very good correspondence, as every underground fracture system matches with one of the surface fracture system. Moreover, in the cave, a larger number of fractures belonging to each system could be mapped. At the regional scale, the two deformation phases detected can be integrated in the structural setting of the study area, thereby enhancing the tectonic interpretation of the area (e.g., structures belonging to a new deformation phase, not reported before, have been identified underground). The structural detailed hypogeal survey has, thus, provided very useful data, both by integrating the existing information and revealing new data not detected at the surface. In particular, some small structures (e.g., displacement markers and short fractures) are better preserved in the hypogeal environment than on the surface where the outcropping gypsum is more exposed to dissolution and recrystallization.The hypogeal geological survey, therefore, can be considered a powerful tool for integrating the surface and log data in order to enhance the reconstruction of the deformational history and to get a three-dimensional model of the bedrock in karst areas.
Denitrification in Soil Profiles beneath Grassland and Cultivated Soils

The denitrification potential of subsoils and aquifers must be characterized to assess the ultimate fate of soil N. This experiment was conducted to study changes in the subsurface distribution and activity of denitrifying bacteria as a result of cultivation. We examined soil profiles for their capacity (N addition) and potential (N + C addition) to denitrify as well as for denitrifying bacterial numbers in a Reading silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudoll) soil under grassland and cultivation. Denitrifying enzyme activity was undetectable throughout the subsurface of soil profiles at both sites. Overall, the cultivated site had significantly higher NO 3 - concentrations, denitrifier populations, and denitrification potential. Denitrifying bacteria were stratified in the vadose zone at the prairie site, with lowest numbers and lowest denitrification potential occurring at the interface of the water table. Although C addition enhanced denitrifcation at this site, the profile was not nearly as limited by C as that of the cultivated site. The results demonstrated that increased N inputs and cultivation during approximately 50 yr changed the denitrifying population and denitrification potential in the vadose and saturated zones of soils.
Mobilised strength components in brittle failure of rock

In deep underground excavations in hard rocks where stresses easily exceed the micro-crack initiation stress level inside the rock mass, proper consideration of the behaviour of rockmass during the brittle fracturing process in constitutive modelling is of paramount importance. Current empirical and conventional experimental methods for obtaining the deformational behaviours of hard rocks under loading do not lead to results that can be matched with in situ failure observations. This paper demonstrates that this problem is not necessarily a matter of the general notion of size effect but rather can be related to the different circumstances under which the cohesive and frictional strength components are mobilized in laboratory compression tests and around underground openings. It is also demonstrated that the propagation of the failed or breakout zone (depth and extent) is a function of the strain-dependent brittleness index IBe introduced in this paper, which explicitly considers the relative delay in fri.
Characterizing carbon isotopic variability in Sphagnum

To understand more fully the nature of isotopic fractionation in mosses and to explore the potential of stable isotope analyses of selected peat constituents for palaeoenvironmental research, we present results from a study of inter- and intra-plant δ13C variability in Sphagnum spp. Subdivisions of stem, pendant and horizontal branch elements of modern Sphagnum capillifolium plants revealed consistent and statistically significant differences in their isotopic composition. Sequential (downstem) analysis of a further cohort of four modern Sphagnum capillifolium plants also reveals evidence of common forcing on the isotopic composition of sequentially formed stem and branch increments. This relationship was tested further by analysis of a series of branch and stem samples manually recovered from Sphagnum fuscum preserved within a late Holocene (AD 2003—1970) peat monolith from a European mire. The high degree of isotopic coherence observed between plants supports the analysis of Sphagnum in palaeoecological investigations. However inter- and intra-plant variability between both branch and stem sections emphasize the need for representative sampling, replication and sample homogeneity when conducting palaeoecological studies.
Histological Background of Susceptibility of Oculomotor Nerve to Ischemia

Although oculomotor nerve palsy, which is common in diabetes, is considered an ischemic mononeuropathy, the susceptibility of the oculomotor nerve to ischemic insult is not well understood. We analyzed the density of endoneurial microvessels of the oculomotor nerve and compared it with that of the sural nerve in non-diabetic patients. The mean vascular density of the oculomotor nerve (23 ± 8.4/mm2) was significantly smaller than that of the sural nerves (60 ± 29/mm2). The spatial distribution of the microvessels in the inner half (25.3 ± 6.7) was not different from that in the outer half (22.7 ± 9.4) in the oculomotor nerve. The lower density of microvessels in the oculomotor nerve might contribute to its susceptibility to ischemia.
Influence of Clastic Dikes on Vertical Migration of Contaminants at the Hanford Site

Clastic dikes are subvertical sedimentary features that cut through horizontally layered sediments, and they are common at the Hanford Site. Because of their cross‐cutting relationship with the surrounding matrix, they have been proposed as potential fast paths from former contaminant discharge sites at the surface to the water table. However, little was known of the detailed hydrogeologic properties of the dikes, and detailed modeling of flow and transport through the dikes had not been performed. We excavated a 2‐m‐wide clastic dike at the Hanford Site and characterized it using an air minipermeameter, infrared imagery, and grain size analyses. Field injection experiments were also used to characterize the system. The resulting data were used to prepare a detailed numerical model of the clastic dike and surrounding matrix for a portion of the excavation. Unsaturated flow through the system was modeled for several recharge rates. The highly heterogeneous nature of the system led to complex behavior, with the relative flux rates in the matrix and clastic dike being highly dependent on the recharge rates that were imposed on the system. The occurrence of saturation‐dependent complementary flow networks suggests that the contaminant release history may be important to the choice of remedial actions. Contaminants released under high flux conditions could be inaccessible under low fluxes, and vice versa. This phenomenon may also help explain the occurrence of complex breakthrough patterns of contaminants at compliance planes.
Oral Language Deficits in Dyslexic Children: Weaknesses in Working Memory and Verbal Planning

This paper focuses on the relationships among language processing (word- and sentence-level), working memory, and verbal/nonverbal linguistic output. The study examined oral language abilities in a group of 26 French-speaking dyslexic children, compared to two control groups (26 normally developing age-matched children and 26 normally developing younger children). The experimental procedure consisted of tasks involving auditory memory skills (digit span, unfamiliar word repetition, sentence repetition), word retrieval (with semantic, phonological and grammatical criteria), and sentence processing (with verbal and act-out production). The major findings reveal that (a) compared with their age-mates, the dyslexic children exhibited a significant deficit affecting all tasks; and (b) the dyslexic children and the younger controls performed similarly on several tasks. The results are consistent with the processing limitation hypothesis and suggest that the core deficit is the formulation of cognitive plans from auditory input to verbal output.