Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of climate change and human activities on the organic and inorganic composition of peat during the ‘Little Ice Age’ (El Payo mire, W Spain)

The study of environmental change during the ‘Little Ice Age’ (‘LIA’) offers a great potential to improve our current understanding of the climate system and human–environment interactions. Here, a high-resolution multiproxy investigation of a Mediterranean mire from central-western Spain, covering the last ~700 years, was used to reconstruct peat dynamics and land-use change and to gain further insights into their relationship with ‘LIA’ climate (temperature and moisture). To accomplish this, concentrations and accumulation rates of major and minor lithogenic (Si, K, Ti, Rb and Zr) and biophilic (C and N) elements, as well as humification indices (UV-absorbance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)) and pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs, were determined. Peatland dynamics seems to have been coupled to changes in solar irradiance and hydrological conditions. Our results point to wetter conditions after the mid-16th century, although with high intra-annual fluctuations. At the late 18th century, when solar activity was systematically higher than before, peat carbon accumulation rates (PCAR) showed a continuous increase and the humification indices suggest a change towards more humified peat. Enhanced soil erosion occurred at ~AD 1660–1800 (SE1), ~AD 1830–1920 (SE2) and ~AD 1940–1970 (SE3), although a minor increase in Si fluxes was also detected by ~AD 1460–1580. All phases coincided with higher abundances of fire indicators, but the changes recorded during the ~AD 1460–1580 event and SE1 coincide with the Spörer and Maunder minima, so a climatic influence on soil erosion cannot be discounted. Changes in the sources of mineral matter to the catchment between ~AD 1550 and ~AD 1650 and since the mid-17th century were likely related to modifications of tree cover and/or variations in wind strength.
Assessment of Pollution in a Freshwater Lake at Fisher Island, Larsemann Hills over East Antarctica

Background and Objectives: The Larsemann Hills area (69°20'-69°28'S, 76°00'–76°30'E) is an ice-free oasis on the Ingrid Christensen Coast of Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica, that includes Bharti Island, Fisher Island, McLeod Island, Broknes Peninsula, Stornes Peninsula and several other islands, promontories and nunataks. The Larsemann Hills is an ice-free area of approximately 50 km, located halfway between the Vestfold Hills and the Amery Ice Shelf on the South-Eastern coast of Prydz Bay, Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica. The ice-free area consists of two major peninsulas (Stornes and Broknes), four minor peninsulas and approximately 130 near shore islands. The Larsemann Hills area contains more than 150 lakes at different islands and peninsulas. Methodology: Fisher Island of Larsemann Hills in east Antarctica was selected as a sampling site for the present study. Water sample was collected from a freshwater lake of Fisher Island during 30th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) and analysed for the physico-chemical parameters, major elements and trace metal in surface lake water. Physico-chemical parameters were analysed using standard methodology. Results: The concentrations of metals Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn and Cr were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Pesticide residues were also analysed using GC-MS and LC-MS. Radiation contamination was detected with the help of an automatic and handy radiation detector. Pesticide residues and radiation contamination was found below detection level of instruments in lake water sample. Conclusion: After evaluating general physico-chemical parameters, heavy metals and organic compounds in lake water, it has been observed that the lake water of lake has no pollution load and no impact of any anthropogenic activity.
Biomass Expansion Factors for Pinus koraiensis Forests in Korea

Biomass expansion factors that convert the timber volume (or dry weight) to biomass are used to estimate the forest biomass and account for the carbon budget on a national and regional scale. This study estimated the biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEF), root to shoot ratio (R), biomass expansion factors (BEF) and ecosystem biomass expansion factor (EBEF) of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) forests based on direct field surveys and publications in Korea. The mean BCEF, BEF, and R was 0.6438 Mg (n = 7, SD = 0.1286), 1.6380 (n = 27, SD = 0.1830), and 0.2653 (n = 14, SD = 0.0698), respectively. The mean EBEF, which is a simple method for estimating the understory biomass in Korean pine forest ecosystems, was 1.0218 (n = 6, SD = 0.0090). The values of the biomass expansion factors in this study estimated the Korean pine forest biomass with more precision than the default values given by the IPCC (2003, 2006).
Impact of a New Bias Correction Predictor for FY‐4A AGRI All‐Sky Data Assimilation on Typhoon Forecast

The all‐sky assimilation module for Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI) onboard the Chinese new generation of geostationary meteorological satellites Fengyun‐4A (FY‐4A) is constructed for the first time in Weather Research and Forecasting Model Data Assimilation (WRFDA) model with Radiative Transfer for the TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (RTTOV). Based on the characteristics of bias distribution, the cloud effect average is selected as a new bias correction (BC) predictor to remove cloud‐related biases in all‐sky conditions. The impact of the modified BC scheme and AGRI all‐sky assimilation on typhoon Lekima (2019) forecast is evaluated through a set of cycle assimilation experiments with WRFDA 3DVAR component. The result shows that, compared with other BC schemes, the modified BC scheme can effectively reduce the mean standard deviation, root mean square error, and absolute mean of observation departure in all‐sky conditions. Meanwhile, the AGRI all‐sky assimilation with the modified BC scheme obtains significant improvements in track prediction. Substantial error reductions in model variables, such as wind, temperature, and humidity, are also produced.
How availability of NSAIDs and public perception matters in Vulture conservation in the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, South India: An overt and covert survey approach

The vulture population in South Asia is under extinction threat due to the unprecedented use of the toxic non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac for livestock treatment over the last few decades. The subsequent ban in countries including India had stabilized the population at the declining level of some species of vultures, even though it was slightly significant. All the earlier assessments in India had excluded the viable breeding population of south India, including the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which comprises three states. To overcome the gap in these findings, we conducted repeated covert surveys for two years in six districts of three states covering the vulture foraging areas from the nearest nesting population in a 100 km radius to check availability, brands, secondary ingredients in formulations, whether bolus and injectable or both formulations of NSAIDs, and then documented. Apart from this we also had an open questionnaire survey during the second year with the pharmacy owners about their perception and attitude toward vulture conservation. The results are mixed, with some areas showing positive trends and other areas showing negative trends in NSAIDS and vulture conservation. Hence, we suggest the need for more corrective and legislative measures, including enforcement, that have to be strengthened.
Field relationships, petrology, age, and tectonic setting of the Late Cambrian-Ordovician West Barneys River Plutonic Suite, southern Antigonish Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada

The West Barneys River Plutonic Suite consists of gabbro, syenite-monzonite, alkali-feldspar syenite to quartz alkali-feldspar syenite, and alkali-feldspar granite outcropping in an area of ∼100 km 2 in the southern Antigonish Highlands. Magma mixing and mingling textures indicate a comagmatic relationship between some of the mafic and intermediate–felsic lithologies. However, nine U–Pb (zircon) ages, three by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and six by laser-ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS), from the West Barneys River suite and the lithologically similar Cape Porcupine Complex located 60 km to the east range from ca. 495 to 460 Ma, indicating that emplacement occurred over a significant span of time. Intermediate to felsic rocks consist mainly of perthitic K-feldspar and variable amounts of quartz; interstitial granophyre is present in some samples, consistent with shallow emplacement. Mafic phases are Fe-rich amphibole and clinopyroxene, and in some units, fayalite. Intermediate and felsic samples have chemical characteristics of within-plate ferroan A-type granitoid rocks. Gabbroic rocks consist of plagioclase (oligoclase–labradorite) and augite/diopside with less abundant orthopyroxene, olivine, biotite, and ilmenite/magnetite. Their chemical compositions are transitional from tholeiitic to alkalic and characteristic of continental within-plate mafic rocks. The e Nd values are similar in gabbroic, syenitic, and granitic samples, ranging between 0.9 and 4.9, consistent with a co-genetic origin for the mafic and intermediate/felsic components of the suite, and derivation from Avalonian subcontinental lithospheric mantle in an extensional environment.
Volcanology of the A154N kimberlite at Diavik: implications for eruption dynamics

ii Table of contents . iii List of figures. viii List of tables. x List of symbols. xi Acknowledgements . xiv Dedication . xvi Co-authorship statement . xvii
Caribbean-South America oblique collision model revised

Abstract The ‘Caribbean oblique collision model’ invokes a three-stage evolution for Ecuador–Colombia–Venezuela–Trinidad: (1) Jurassic rifting; (2) Oxfordian–Neogene passive margin subsidence beside the spreading (until Campanian) Proto-Caribbean Ocean; (3) Campanian to Miocene oblique collision of the Caribbean Arc from the west, producing a craton-verging thrust belt and foreland basin. The timing of these stages is incorrect. Rifting ended 70 Ma later (Coniacian), with Cuba breaking away from Venezuela–Trinidad. Brief Proto-Caribbean spreading (Santonian–Campanian) was followed by slow (amagmatic) subduction below Venezuela and Trinidad, driven by inter-Americas convergence, so the passive margin lasted just 10–15 Ma in eastern Venezuela, not 140 Ma (sic). Convergence changed from WSW to SSE in Paleocene time, causing Proto-Caribbean subduction under Colombia too. Subduction in Venezuela–Trinidad drove upper crustal nappes cratonward, metamorphosing overridden rift deposits of the Inner Nappe (Cordillera de la Costa) and feeding Campanian–Miocene olistostromes to a Proto-Caribbean ‘pre-arc’ foreland basin. The Caribbean Arc collided with Ecuador to Guajira from Campanian time and passed ‘Guajira corner’ in Early Oligocene time, not Paleocene, then migrated SE forming the Gulf of Venezuela–Falcón, diachronous (Oligo–Miocene), transform-related extensional basin, followed by oblique collision (obduction) in central Venezuela to Trinidad driving a Mio–Pliocene Caribbean foreland basin. Caribbean relative motion switched to eastward near 2.5 Ma, not 12 Ma as is widely believed. The new plate boundary follows the Eastern Cordillera–Mérida Andes–San Sebastián–El Pilar–Trinidad Central Range fault system. Pull-apart basins date from 2.5 Ma at the Cariaco and intra-Gulf of Paria stepovers. Elsewhere the boundary is characterized by transpressional uplift, overwhelmed in some areas (e.g. Gulf of Barcelona; greater Gulf of Paria) by subsidence due to dissolution of inferred, buried, Neocomian rift halite since the Middle Miocene (climate change). The revised timings of events, and the revival of the geosyncline-era concept of Late Cretaceous–Palaeogene orogeny in northern South America, will affect petroleum exploration.
Location-Based Downlink Transmission Scheme for IRS-Aided Integrated Satellite-Terrestrial Networks

This paper investigates a location-based downlink transmission scheme to provide diverse services for different users in an integrated satellite-terrestrial network (ISTN). Specifically, the satellite network employs multicast communication to disseminate information to multiple satellite users, while the terrestrial network incorporates non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) with intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) technology to serve terrestrial users. Given that the location information-based channel state information (LoI-CSI) of each user is available, we formulate an optimization problem to minimize the outage probability (OP) of the terrestrial network by optimizing the transmit power and beamforming (BF) weight vector at the base station, the IRS phase shift vector, and the power allocation factor, while meeting the quality-of-service (QoS) requirement of the satellite network. To make the optimization problem tractable, we first propose a low-complexity BF algorithm based on the LoI-CSI, which simplifies the optimization problem while guaranteeing the QoS requirement of the satellite network. Then, assuming that terrestrial links experience Rician fading, we derive an approximate yet accurate OP of the terrestrial network, which is explored to calculate the phase shift vector. Furthermore, we propose a novel power allocation method that employs an exponential-type approximation of the first-order Marcum Q-function, to obtain the power allocation coefficient. Finally, simulation results confirm the theoretical formulas’ validity and reveal the proposed algorithms’ superiority in system performance.
Deltaic Deposits in the Upper Cretaceous Ferron Sandstone, Utah

Abstract Deltaic deposits at the base of the Upper Cretaceous regressive clastic wedge known as the Ferron Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale are exposed in depositional dip section for more than 45 miles (72 km) along the southern part of the Castle Valley in eastcentral Utah. These deposits were formed as the Late Cretaceous Last Chance Delta prograded northward as a high-constructive lobate complex. In the relatively stable depositional basin the facies were dispersed laterally to produce a deltaic sequence that typically comprises 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 m) of siltstone, sandstone, and some coal. Thin prodelta deposits at the base are overlain by a thicker, laterally continuous sheet of delta front deposits, and these, in turn, are overlain by the coal-bearing delta plain facies. Delta front beds typically are horizontal or have slight primary inclination to the north, but several delta-front sequences are steeply inclined to the west or north-west. These inclined Gilbert-type deltaic sequences possibly developed as distributary channels issued into a less saline western embayment.
Industry-Sponsored Research Payments to Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists in the United States Between 2014 and 2021

Aim This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the scale and trends of industry-sponsored research payments to gastroenterologists and hepatologists in the United States from 2014 to 2021. Methods Using the Open Payments Database and the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), the study analyzed both grant and research payments made to individual gastroenterologists and associated payments made for research where gastroenterologists and hepatologists served as principal investigators. Results After adjusting for inflation, the study found that a total of $1.5 billion was allocated to gastroenterologists by 284 companies during this period. Only 15.9% of the 20,986 gastroenterologists received at least one research payment, with associated research payments accounting for 97.6% of all payments. The study also revealed a significant increase in the number of gastroenterologists receiving associated research payments and a more than twofold increase in payments for registered clinical trials from 2014 to 2021. Conclusion The healthcare industry allocated large amounts of research funding to gastroenterologists and hepatologists. The study underscores the critical role of industry-sponsored clinical trials in advancing gastroenterological research and treatments.
Investigating biomineralization using synchrotron based X‐ray computed microtomography

This work presents the results of a study where synchrotron based x‐ray computed microtomography (CMT) was used to investigate changes in pore morphology during calcium carbonate biomineralization. We simultaneously examine changes in pore microstructure and bulk permeability within glass bead columns during biogenic CaCO3 precipitation induced by Sporosarcina pasteurii. We observe a three order of magnitude reduction in permeability over relatively short time‐scales (∼60 hrs) during the carbonate precipitation process. The resulting precipitates were a micro‐porous composite of spherical and cubic CaCO3 precipitates. CMT images taken during precipitation were analyzed for effective pore radii, effective throat radii, and other pore‐scale characteristics using 3DMA‐ROCK. The Kozeny‐Carman relation provided a poor fit to the raw permeability data, however, once this function was augmented with geometric information extracted from CMT imagery a better fit was provided suggesting that pore geometry should be considered temporally variable when modeling permeability change during biomineralization.
External Forcings Caused the Tripole Trend of Asian Precipitation During the Holocene

To investigate the evolution of precipitation over Asian continent in the Holocene and the associated mechanisms, we used a set of simulations of the transient climate evolution over the past 21,000 years (TraCE‐21ka), multimodel results from the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project Phase 4 (PMIP4), and proxy records in Asia. The TraCE‐21ka results showed a tripole pattern in suborbital‐scale precipitation trends over the Asian continent during the Holocene, with a trend of increase over southern parts of the monsoon regions and arid Central Asia (ACA), and a trend of decline over northern parts of the monsoon regions and their areas of transition with ACA. This tripole pattern was corroborated by proxy records from multiple regions and multimodel results from the PMIP4. Further analysis based on single‐forcing simulations of TraCE‐21ka indicated that influences from different external forcings were different on the Asian precipitation in the main rainy seasons in the Holocene and that their combined effects shaped the tripole pattern. In summer, orbital forcing, by reducing solar radiation in mid‐to‐high latitudes and weakening the land‐sea thermal contrast, has been the dominant factor in the long‐term evolution of precipitation in the monsoon region and West Asia. In winter and spring, changes in meltwater flux played dominant roles in intensifying local water cycle and horizontal moisture advection, which drove the trend of increase in precipitation in ACA. Additionally, changes in greenhouse gas concentration and continental ice sheet forcings both also contribute to the increase in precipitation in ACA.
Sea-ice thickness and porosity from multi-frequency electromagnetic induction sounding: Application to the sub-ice platelet layer in Atka Bay, Antarctica

Characterization of the sea-ice cover is of great importance for understanding processes and feedback mechanisms and predicting the evolution of the polar-climate system. One important climate relevant parameter, which can be used for this characterization, is sea-ice thickness. It can be retrieved by a variety of methods, where the majority is based on indirect determination from related parameters such as sea-ice draft or freeboard. A direct method that can be applied on the ground or from airborne platforms is electromagnetic (EM) induction sounding. In this thesis, the potential of EM sensors with multiple frequencies was investigated in designated case studies for the retrieval of sea-ice thickness, but also for the porosity of sea ice. A unique EM dataset over fast ice at Atka Bay, Antarctica was analyzed with a laterally-constrained Marquardt-Levenberg inversion. The results provide evidence that in addition to sea-ice, also platelet-layer thickness retrieval is possible using a non-destructive method, a finding which is expected to significantly facilitate its volume estimation in the future. The developed methodology is a crucial step in determining the relative contribution of sub-ice shelf processes to sea-ice mass balance in the Southern Ocean, and hence a valuable tool to better understand ocean/ice-shelf interaction.
Effects of biofertilizer supplementation, Rhodopseudomonas spp., on nitrogen and phosphorus uptakes, growth, and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) on salt-affected soil

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) biofertilizers on soil properties, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptakes, growth, and grain yield of sesame cultivated on salt-affected soil. N2-fixing and P-solubilizing bacteria used as biofertilizers were PNSB Rhodopseudomonas palustris VNW64, VNS89, TLS06 and VNS02, and endophytic bacteria (EB) Enterobacter cloacae X4 and Burkholderia acidipaludis X5. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design, with 9 treatments (i) 100% N and 100% P of recommended fertilizer formula (RFF), (ii) 75% N and 50% P, (iii) 50% N and 50% P, (iv) treatment ii plus PNSB biofertilizers, (v) treatment iii plus PNSB biofertilizers, (vi) treatment ii plus EB biofertilizers, (vii) treatment iii plus EB biofertilizers, (viii) PNSB biofertilizers only, and (ix) carriers only, a rice straw and hush ash mixture. Results revealed that application of PNSB biofertilizers significantly improved soil fertility, nutrient uptakes, and yield as compared to treatments that used chemical fertilizers with or without EB biofertilizers at the same amount of N and P fertilizers applied. The use of 75% N and 50% P of RFF plus PNSB biofertilizers enhanced soil pHH2O, NH4 +, soluble P, and N, P uptakes in sesame as compared to 100% N and 100% P of RFF. PNSB biofertilizers not only reduced 50% N and 50% P of RFF, but also maintained yield as compared to the treatment using 100% N, P of RFF (6.06 and 6.09 g pot−1, respectively) and limited Na uptake in sesame and Na+ concentration in the soil.
Head‐of‐tide bottleneck of particulate material transport from watersheds to estuaries

We measured rates of sediment, C, N, and P accumulation at four floodplain sites spanning the nontidal through oligohaline Choptank and Pocomoke Rivers, Maryland, USA. Ceramic tiles were used to collect sediment for a year and sediment cores were collected to derive decadal sedimentation rates using 137Cs. The results showed highest rates of short‐ and long‐term sediment, C, N, and P accumulation occurred in tidal freshwater forests at the head of tide on the Choptank and the oligohaline marsh of the Pocomoke River, and lowest rates occurred in the downstream tidal freshwater forests in both rivers. Presumably, watershed material was mostly trapped at the head of tide, and estuarine material was trapped in oligohaline marshes. This hydrologic transport bottleneck at the head of tide stores most available watershed sediment, C, N, and P creating a sediment shadow in lower tidal freshwater forests potentially limiting their resilience to sea level rise.