Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An analysis of temporal scaling behaviour of extreme rainfall in Germany based on radar precipitation QPE data

Abstract. We investigated the depth–duration relationship of maximum rainfall over all of Germany based on 16 years of radar-derived quantitative precipitation estimates (namely, RADKLIM-YW, German Meteorological Service) with a space–time resolution of 1 km 2 and 5 min. Contrary to the long-term historic records that identified a smooth power law scaling behaviour between the maximum rainfall depth and duration, our analysis revealed three distinct scaling regimes of which boundaries are approximately 1 h and 1 d. A few extraordinary events dominated a wide range of durations and deviate to the usual power law. Furthermore, the shape of the depth–duration relationship varied with the sample size of randomly selected radar pixels. A smooth scaling behaviour was identified when the sample size was small (e.g. 10 to 100), but the original three distinct scaling regimes became more apparent as the sample size increases (e.g. 1000 to 10 000). Lastly, a pixel-wise classification of the depth–duration relationship of the maximum rainfall at all individual pixels in Germany revealed three distinguishable types of scaling behaviour, clearly determined by the temporal structure of the extreme rainfall events at a pixel. Thus, the relationship might change with longer time series and can be improved once available.
Model independent phase equilibrium constraints on the ferrosilite activity in the binary Fe-Mg orthopyroxene solid solution

Abstract Compositional reversals of orthopyroxene solid solution (Opx) on the enstatite (En, MgSiO3)-ferrosilite (Fs, FeSiO3) join equilibrated with hematite (Hm, Fe2O3), magnetite (Mt, Fe3O4), and quartz (Qz) were obtained in piston-cylinder apparatus in the pressure range 10-25 kbar at temperatures of 800 and 950 °C. A double-capsule technique with the Hm-Mt external buffer was employed to ensure the presence of both Fe oxides in the run products. Starting materials were crystalline mixtures of synthetic Opx with XFs [=Fe/(Fe+Mg)] = 0.05 and 0.45, reagent Mt, Hm, and natural Qz. Run products were carefully examined using optical microscopy, back-scattered (BSE) imaging, and wavelength dispersive electron microprobe analysis. Despite the differences in the rates of forward and backward reactions Fs (in Opx) + Hm = Mt + Qz (1), very tight compositional brackets (less than 0.01 XFs) were obtained at each P-T. At 800 °C, midpoints of the compositional brackets are: 0.195/10 kbar, 0.24/15, 0.29/20, and 0.34/25; at 950 °C: 0.21/15 kbar, 0.25/20, and 0.295/25 kbar. Activities of Fs, recalculated from these compositions using either Berman and Aranovich (1996) or Holland and Powell (1998) data sets for the pure end-member reaction (1), show negative deviation from ideal mixing. Strongly temperature dependent enthalpy of mixing is required to make these activity values consistent with the configurational entropy of the solid solution deduced from the site occupancy measurements. A simple mixing model with a linearly varying temperature-dependent W term, similar to that of Berman and Aranovich (1996), adequately reproduces the experimental data.
Phase‐Resolved Wave Boundary Layer Dynamics in a Shallow Estuary

We present in situ observations of near‐bed velocity profiles with high temporal and spatial resolution from a Nortek Vectrino Profiler deployed in South San Francisco Bay. Using Hilbert analysis, we ensemble‐averaged near‐bed velocity profiles by wave phase and calculated wave phase‐dependent boundary layer thickness for varying wave and current conditions. We also applied mixing length relationships to derive a boundary layer thickness‐based eddy‐viscosity and compared this estimate to one obtained from the k–ɛ turbulence model. From the eddy viscosity estimates, we find that while turbulence responds instantaneously to shear, boundary layer thickness lags by a scaling estimate based on the turbulence response timescale. This analysis provides a method for wave phase decomposition of field‐based velocity profile time series and shows that there is a finite‐time response between turbulence dissipation and boundary layer thickness.
Description of the NASA GEOS Composition Forecast Modeling System GEOS‐CF v1.0

The Goddard Earth Observing System composition forecast (GEOS‐CF) system is a high‐resolution (0.25°) global constituent prediction system from NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). GEOS‐CF offers a new tool for atmospheric chemistry research, with the goal to supplement NASA's broad range of space‐based and in‐situ observations. GEOS‐CF expands on the GEOS weather and aerosol modeling system by introducing the GEOS‐Chem chemistry module to provide hindcasts and 5‐days forecasts of atmospheric constituents including ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The chemistry module integrated in GEOS‐CF is identical to the offline GEOS‐Chem model and readily benefits from the innovations provided by the GEOS‐Chem community. Evaluation of GEOS‐CF against satellite, ozonesonde and surface observations for years 2018–2019 show realistic simulated concentrations of O3, NO2, and CO, with normalized mean biases of −0.1 to 0.3, normalized root mean square errors between 0.1–0.4, and correlations between 0.3–0.8. Comparisons against surface observations highlight the successful representation of air pollutants in many regions of the world and during all seasons, yet also highlight current limitations, such as a global high bias in SO2 and an overprediction of summertime O3 over the Southeast United States. GEOS‐CF v1.0 generally overestimates aerosols by 20%–50% due to known issues in GEOS‐Chem v12.0.1 that have been addressed in later versions. The 5‐days forecasts have skill scores comparable to the 1‐day hindcast. Model skills can be improved significantly by applying a bias‐correction to the surface model output using a machine‐learning approach.
Modified embedded atom method with application to vacancy diffusion mechanism

In dieser Diplomarbeit beschaftigen wir uns mit der “Modified Embedded Atom“ Methode (MEAM) mit dem Hauptaugenmerk auf ihrer Anwendbarkeit auf Leerstellendiffusion in Legierungen, besonders in dimensional beschrankten Situationen. Als Testsystem haben wir L1_2 FePt_3 gewahlt, um auf den Ergebnissen von Jaesong Kim, Yangmo Koo, and Byeong-Joo Lee aufzubauen. Unter diesen Voraussetzungen haben wir Simulationswerkzeuge entwickelt, die auch weiterfuhrende Untersuchungen ermoglichen. Der Quellcode der Simulationswerkzeuge befindet sich im Anhang.
Dynamics of Stress-Driven Two-Phase Elastic Beams

The dynamic behaviour of micro- and nano-beams is investigated by the nonlocal continuum mechanics, a computationally convenient approach with respect to atomistic strategies. Specifically, size effects are modelled by expressing elastic curvatures in terms of the integral mixture of stress-driven local and nonlocal phases, which leads to well-posed structural problems. Relevant nonlocal equations of the motion of slender beams are formulated and integrated by an analytical approach. The presented strategy is applied to simple case-problems of nanotechnological interest. Validation of the proposed nonlocal methodology is provided by comparing natural frequencies with the ones obtained by the classical strain gradient model of elasticity. The obtained outcomes can be useful for the design and optimisation of micro- and nano-electro-mechanical systems (M/NEMS).
Guest Essay Global hosts and global pathogens: a perspective

Plant species are assailed by a remarkable diversity of pathogens, and these and other pests pose a serious direct risk to collections in botanic gardens as well as a potential source of pathogen escape. The high diversity of species in gardens combined with low population numbers minimises the likelihood of disease spread of specialist pathogens, but importation of novel pathogens is a constant concern. In parallel with natural systems, there is little data on pathogen loads in botanic gardens, on what accession policies minimise these and if such loads are likely to differ by country of origin or plant life form. Nevertheless, commonsense measures such as prohibiting the importation of plants in soil, shifting to seed and in vitro propagation, and inspection and quarantine on receiving and transferring plants should be implemented.This edition of Sibbaldia explores a variety of directions for improving our ability to develop strategies for dealing not just with pathogen threats, but with a more rational approach to pests and to microbial interactions that are a natural part of a plant’s heritage.
The Effect of Early Post Hatch Feeding Times on the Growth and Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Mule Ducklings to Five Days of Age

17/September/2020 Approved: 09/December/2020 ABSTRACT The present study evaluated the effects of early post-hatch feeding on the growth and development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mule ducks reared in the humid tropics to five days of age. A total of 120 newly hatched mule ducklings were selected and randomly assigned to four treatment groups. Each with 30 birds, (T1, T2, T3, and T4) is based on four feeding regimes (feed accessed at 3, 24, 36, and 48 hours post-hatch) for five days. The ducklings were euthanized each day and the parameters: small intestinal samples were processed for histological analysis and histometrical parameters including villi length and width, crypt width and depth, and the number of goblet cells per villus was measured, statistically analyzed using ANOVA and tabulated. The results of this study indicated that the earliest post-hatch feeding (at 3 hours post-hatch) showed the highest body weight (99.65 g), heavier (GIT) organ ( p <0.05), highest duodenal length (120.71 cm), than other feeding times. The villi height of the three segments of the GIT increased ( p >0.05) continuously regardless of the post-hatch feeding times. Based on the results, it was concluded that feeding at 3 hours post-hatch promoted the growth and development of the GIT faster than 24, 36, and 38 hours
Synthesis, Characterization and Performance of Superplasticizer with a Multi-Arm Structure

A novel superplasticizer with a multi-arm structure, i.e., a “core” connected with multiple copolymer “arms”, was synthesized through two steps including an esterification reaction between polyhydric alcohols and acrylic acid and a copolymerization reaction in an aqueous solution among the esterification product, isobutenyl polyethylene glycol and acrylic acid. The reaction conditions were determined, and the results showed that the esterification rate can reach above 95% with a water-carrying agent of 70g, a catalyst/alcohol molar ratio of 0.07, an inhibitor/monomer molar ratio of 0.03, and a reaction time of 7 hrs. The reaction products were characterized by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It is confirmed to be the multi-arm structure, and the self-synthesized superplasticizer with a multi-arm structure exhibited higher energy efficiency, which was in accordance with its excellent paste fluidity performances and adsorption behavior in cement paste
The four stages of the knowledge sharing process in SMEs

This paper takes an exploratory and qualitative stance to investigate and understand how employees within SMEs share their knowledge in a dyadic situation. The research is set in an Indian context. Through participant observation and interviews with both supervisors and employees, we unmask the four essential stages of the dyadic process through which knowledge sharing occurs: identification, medium selection, engagement, and feedback. Based on our findings, we highlight theoretical and practical implications for SME business leaders.
Spatio-temporal variation of water quality variables and hydrography in a seabream cage culture farm off the coast of Oman

Mariculture cage farming in Oman is in its infancy stage. This study provides important baseline information about the initial state of mariculture in Oman and for the sustainable management of future local cage farming. Our main objective was to evaluate the spatio-temporal variations of water quality and hydrography around a gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) cage farm in Quriyat (Sea of Oman). Starting in July 2018, we conducted a monitoring program over one year in which physico-chemical variables and nutrient levels were regularly measured at the farm cages and at reference sites away from the farm. Vertical flow profiles were recorded at the farm and analysed together with remotely sensed data. The results showed no significant differences among physico-chemical variables and nutrient levels between cages and reference sites. However, there were clear seasonal as well as significant short-term variations in the measurements. Winter conditions are usually homogeneous over the water column without reaching extremes. In summer we recorded surface temperatures of up to 32 °C and extended periods of hypoxia below 35 m depth. Periods of pronounced stratification were interrupted by energetic irregular flow pulses that triggered short up or down-welling events which lead to strong variations of temperature and oxygen. We did not measure a significant impact of the cage farm on the local environment. Our results rather point to the particular importance of monitoring temperature and oxygen levels. Both variables can approach threshold levels for fish farming, especially during summer. We determined the relevant characteristics of the local system and defined requirements for adequate monitoring. The findings of this study provide a timely baseline for future research on the interactions between local cage farms and the marine ecosystem and will assist in the planning and management of mariculture in Oman.
A Risk Assessment Approach of Hypertension Based on Mobile Crowd Sensing

Mobile crowd sensing (MCS) makes full use of the sensing and wireless communication capabilities of smart mobile devices to collect real-time information effectively. It makes it possible to monitor people's health condition in real time. Our health information collected through MCS can be used to improve healthcare service. Hypertension is a widespread chronic disease, and preventing hypertension can effectively reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we propose a hypertension risk assessment approach based on mobile crowd sensing, which allows for real time health monitoring and warning. In order to stimulate the enthusiasm of MCS volunteers, optimized communication model is used to reduce the communication cost of non-data-users. Additionally, the current hypertension risk status of patients will be feed back to them in real time. In our approach, binary logistic regression is used to select risk factors of hypertension, and then the risk factors are used as the inputs of BP neural network to construct the risk prediction model. Furthermore, the hypertension risk is further divided into low risk, medium risk and high risk through cumulative distribution function. 4498 samples from a community health service center in Hefei area were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can provide real-time, effective monitoring and dynamic feedback of the hypertension risk, offering a novel clinical tool for the early warning of hypertension. The proposed approach also provides a general framework for risk assessment of other chronic diseases.
Predicting disclosure and help-seeking in university students with psychosocial problems based on stigma and attitudes towards disclosure and help-seeking

Despite high prevalence of mental health problems among university students, there’s a gap between the need for help and the actual treatment received. This study investigated disclosure on distress and hazardous alcohol use and help-seeking behavior in a sample of 1,791 students of a Dutch university of applied sciences. Students’ perceived public and personal stigma, and attitudes towards disclosure and help-seeking were assessed as possible predictors of disclosure and help-seeking behavior. Results of the analysis of variance and logistic regression analysis indicated that perceived public and personal stigma did not predict disclosure and helpseeking behavior, but that attitudes towards disclosure and help-seeking did. Students with both distress and hazardous alcohol use have the least tendency to disclose their problems to family, friends or classmates, but at the same time they do tend to seek help. Disclosure and seeking help for mental health challenges are health promoting competencies that seem to need more attention in university students. Although further research needs to validate these findings, it is recommended to promote disclosure and help-seeking among students by investing in mental health literacy programs, to educate students about mental health issues, raise awareness on available mental health services and their potential benefits.
Attitudes of Senior High School Students towards Research: An Exploratory Study

Research is the foundation of knowledge and innovation. In the Philippine basic education landscape, “research-infused” curriculum was implemented in the senior high school to inculcate research culture among learners. Thus, this convergent parallel mixed-method study explored the attitudes of Grade 12 senior high school students towards research and its relationship to their academic performance. Papanastasiou’s (2014) Revised Attitude towards Research (R-ATR) scale was administered to 100 randomly-selected Grade 12 senior high school students to gather quantitative data. Open-ended questionnaire was utilized to gather qualitative data from ten (10) senior high school students. Data were analysed using Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient. Excerpts from the qualitative data were provided to support the statistical analysis of data. Results revealed that the students have a generally positive attitude towards research albeit the high level of anxiety that they experience. RATR scale attitude domains showed low to high degree of relationship with each other. Conversely, students’ attitudes towards research did not show significant relationship with students’ academic performance in Practical Research 2. The results yielded by this research may be used as a basis for a more efficient delivery of research-related courses in the senior high school.
Corporate risk-taking behaviour: Corporate governance perspective

This study examines the effect of corporate governance which represented by board of directors, audit committee, managerial compensations, and ownership concentration toward corporate risk-taking behaviour in manufacturing companies during the period of 2013-2017. Samples were collected using a purposive sampling method with a total of 69 companies, thus there were 345 observations over 5 years. Regressioon analysis shows that managerial compensations and ownership concentration are positively affect the corporate risk-taking. The members of board of directors are negatively affect the corporate risk-taking. Meanwhile, the audit committee size is insignificantly affect the corporate risk-taking behaviour in manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia.
Teachers’ Reflection towards Current Issues on Grammar Teaching and Learning: EFL Teachers Voices

This study aimed to explore EFL teachers‟ beliefs towards teaching and learning grammar with the help of some reflective questions. Reflection is alleged to be the utmost beneficial tool to help teachers to discover their beliefs; it is thought to be able to improve their classroom practices as well. In this study, the participants were 30 teachers teaching English at some senior high schools in Bandung. The data collections were gathered through questionnaires and interviews. The initial consisted of 20 statements concerning grammar teaching and the latter has conducted in the form of an in-depth interview to gain more information from the participants. The finding indicates that the participants did well in reflecting on the issue of grammar teaching and they were able to articulate their beliefs on the matters being investigated; the choices whether to choose explicit grammar teaching or implicit grammar teaching differ among participants. Based on these findings, the teachers should be able to create meaningful practices such as combining both implicit and explicit grammar teaching so that the students can always be motivated to learn due to the diverse ways of delivering materials.
Cereus jamacaru DC. and Pilosocereus pachycladus F. Ritter (Cactaceae) in the Northeast region of Brazil: future perspectives and distribution

The Caatinga covers 912,529 km² throughout most of the Northeast region of Brazil and accounts for 28.6 million people. This region is characterized by high aridity and long drought periods. In 2013, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that tropical regions, including the semi-arid region of Brazil (mostly covered by Caatinga), will be affected by global climate change. Species of ecological and socio-cultural importance may be impacted by climate change, culminating in a local vulnerability scenario. Our goal was to elaborate maps to predict the future distribution of Cereus jamacaru DC. subsp. jamacaru and Pilosocereus pachycladus F. Ritter subsp. pernambucoensis (F. Ritter) Zappi as a function of climatic changes. The results indicate that C. jamacaru will increase its distribuition in 2050 (in the RCP8.5 scenario) while P. pachycladus will decrease in suitable habitat These findings reaffirm the prediction of desertification in the Caatinga. The interrelationship between man and the studied species, as plant resources, should also be considered to evaluate the social impact and vulnerability conditions of populations that depend on plant resources. Cereus jamacaru DC. E Pilosocereus pachycladus F. Ritter (Cactaceae) na regiao Nordeste do Brasil: perspectivas e distribuicao futuras R E S U M O A Caatinga ocupa 912.529 km² abrangendo grande parte da regiao nordeste do Brasil onde habitam 28,6 milhoes de pessoas. Esta regiao e caracterizada por altas temperaturas e longos periodos de seca. Em 2013, o Painel Internacional sobre Mudancas Climaticas (IPCC) alertou que as regioes tropicais, incluindo a regiao semiarida do Brasil (principalmente a parte coberta pela Caatinga), serao afetadas pelas mudancas climaticas globais. Especies de importância ecologica e sociocultural podem ser impactadas pelas mudancas climaticas, culminando em um cenario de vulnerabilidade local. Nosso objetivo foi elaborar mapas para prever a distribuicao futura de Cereus jamacaru DC. subsp. jamacaru e Pilosocereus pachycladus F. Ritter subsp. pernambucoensis (F. Ritter) Zappi em funcao das mudancas climaticas. Os resultados indicam que C. jamacaru aumentara sua distribuicao em 2050 (no cenario RCP8.5) enquanto diminuira habitat adequado para P. pachycladus . Esses achados reafirmam a previsao de desertificacao na Caatinga. A inter-relacao entre o homem e as especies estudadas, como recursos vegetais, tambem deve ser considerada para avaliar o impacto social e as condicoes de vulnerabilidade das populacoes que dependem dos recursos vegetais.