Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Great Plains Low-Level Jet on Summertime Precipitation and Moisture Transport over the Central United States

Abstract The influence of the Great Plains low-level jet (LLJ) on summertime precipitation and moisture transport over the central United States is examined in observations and in assimilated datasets recently produced by the NCEP/NCAR and the NASA/DAO. Intercomparisons between the assimilated datasets and comparisons with station observations of precipitation, winds, and specific humidity are used to evaluate the limitations of the assimilated products for studying the diurnal cycle of rainfall and the Great Plains LLJ. The winds from the reanalyses are used to diagnose the impact of the LLJ on observed nocturnal precipitation and moisture transport over a multisummer (JJA 1985–89) period. The impact of the LLJ on the overall moisture budget of the central United States is also examined. An inspection of the diurnal cycle of precipitation in gridded hourly station observations for 1963–93 reveals a well-defined nocturnal maximum over the Great Plains region during the spring and summer months consistent .
Tropical Forests and Climate Change Mitigation: The Global Potential and Cases from the Philippines

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC Fourth Assessment report has highlighted the role of tropical forests in mitigating climate change. Deforestation, especially in tropical countries, contributes about 20 percent to total global greenhouse gas emissions. Development projects geared to reduce the rate of deforestation and forest degradation, and to establish forest plantations will help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and significantly contribute to mitigating climate change. Three cases of forestry carbon projects underway in the Philippines are presented to illustrate the constraints facing project developers in undertaking these climate change mitigation efforts. Among the key lessons identified are: the difficulty in establishing land eligibility, the need for partners or buyers from industrializedÂ countries to shoulder the transaction costs, and the crucial role of the local communities, including indigenous peoples, in the development effort.
Empirical Analysis of Intraseasonal Climate Variability over the Greater Horn of Africa

Abstract This study examines the intraseasonal climate variability over the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) during the rainy season of October–December (OND). The investigation is primarily based on empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the pentad Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) data for the period 1979–2001. The EOF analysis reveals two dominant modes of intraseasonal variability for the OND season: mixed El Nino–Southern Oscillation–Indian Ocean dipole (ENSO-IOD) and a decadal mode. The leading mode is associated with ENSO–IOD covariability. Case studies of several intraseasonal ENSO–IOD events within the recent decades indicate that during the warm (positive) events pentad rainfall is consistently above normal during the entire season despite fluctuations between pentads. However, case study analyses of negative ENSO–IOD events show that the negative cases are not mirror images of the warm events. The negative events exhibit pronounced wet and dry spells superim.
Large (1000 to 4000 km) northward movements of tectonic domains in the northern Cordillera, 83 to 45 Ma

Using paleomagnetically derived estimates of latitudinal displacement, within the northern Cordillera we identify two major tectonic domains that were active during Late Cretaceous through Eocene time (roughly 83 to 45 Ma). At 100 to 90 Ma, the Interior Domain (comprising much of interior British Columbia, central Yukon, and eastern and central Alaska) was situated in the latitudes of Oregon and northern California, and the Coast Domain (southeastern Alaska, much of the Coast Ranges and islands of British Columbia, and the Cascade Mountains of Washington) was in latitudes similar to those of northern Mexico. Subsequently, both domains moved northward, reaching their present positions before 45 Ma. Within each domain, displacement estimates from northern locations are greater than those from southern locations, as if the domains had been elongated in an orogen-parallel sense. Evidently, during the latest Cretaceous through Eocene, the Cordillera was a huge dextral shear system, which (83 to 65 Ma) carried the Coast Domain about 2000 km northward until it combined with the Interior Domain and then (65 to 45 Ma) drove the combined domains an additional 1000 to 2000 km north northwestward, spreading them out along the continental margin. Following previous workers, we ascribe these motions to the rapid oblique subduction of the oceanic Kula Plate beneath the continental western margin of the North American Plate, and derive a model based, in part, on comparisons with the oblique subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the central Andes. Between the Interior Domain and the craton, geologic evidence in the north has been interpreted as indicating displacements comparable in magnitude to paleomagnetic estimates; in the south, the record has been obscured by Eocene extension. Between the Interior and Coast Domains, geological relationships are complex, and most current geologically based interpretations propose that post-mid-Cretaceous relative motions between them did not exceed a few hundred kilometers, whereas paleomagnetic evidence indicates 2000 km. Our reading of the geologic evidence is that it neither requires nor precludes the very large displacements inferred from paleomagnetic observations. Hence we argue that although the paleomagnetically derived displacements far exceed those proposed by geologic interpretations, they are not inconsistent with the geologic evidence itself.
ALH84001, a cumulate orthopyroxenite member of the martian meteorite clan

ALH84001, originally classified as a diogenite, is a coarse-grained, cataclastic, orthopyroxenite meteorite related to the martian (SNC) meteorites. The orthopyroxene is relatively uniform in composition, with a mean composition of Wo3.3En69. 4Fs27.3. Minor phases are euhedral to subhedral chromite and interstitial maskelynite, An31.1Ab63. 2Or5.7, with accessory augite, Wo42.2En45. 1Fs12.7, apatite, pyrite and carbonates, Cc11.5Mg58. 0Sd29.4Rd1. 1. The pyroxenes and chromites in ALH84001 are similar in composition to these phases in EETA79001 lithology a megacrysts but are more homogeneous. Maskelynite is similar in composition to feldspars in the nakhlites and Chassigny. Two generations of carbonates are present, early (pre-shock) strongly zoned carbonates and late (post-shock) carbonates. The high Ca content of both types of carbonates indicates that they were formed at moderately high temperature, possibly approximately 700 C. ALH84001 has a slightly LREE-depleted pattern with La 0.67x and Lu 1.85x CI abundances and with a negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Sm 0.56x CI). The uniform pyroxene composition is unusual for martian meteorites, and suggests that ALH84001 cooled more slowly than did the shergottites, nakhlites of Chassigny. The nearly monomineralic composition, coarse-grain size, homogeneous orthopyroxene and chromite compositions, the interstitial maskelynite and apatite, and the REE pattern suggest that ALH84001 is a cumulate orthopyroxenite containing minor trapped, intercumulus material.
Magnetic polarization of tertiary rocks in Japan

The direction and intensity of magnetic polarization of Tertiary sediments and volcanic rocks in various localities in Japan were measured. Samples were collected from Upper Miocene to the recent beds in Kanto, Toyama, and Kinki districts. A series of samples of sedimentary strata in Kanto, ranging from the lowest bed of Upper Miocene to the uppermost layer of Pleistocene, were examined especially in detail. The declination of magnetic polarization of the whole section, more than 4,000 meters in thickness, is nearly the same as that of the present earth's magnetic field, while the inclination gradually decreases from the mean value of 25° in Miocene to 50° in Pleistocene beds. The reverse polarization was found only in the cases of pyroclastic (volcanic) sediments in the upper part of Upper Neogene and volcanic lavas of the same geological age in Kinki district.
Reduced-Scale Shaking Table Tests on Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Walls with Modular Facing

AbstractReduced-scale shaking table testing is a useful tool for understanding the seismic behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced soil walls. This paper presents the results from a series of reduced-scale shaking table tests on eight different configurations. The effects of change in peak ground acceleration, reinforcement length and spacing, model scale, treatment of the top two facing block layers on the accelerations on a wall face, maximum displacements of the wall face during shaking, permanent displacements, and strains in reinforcement are investigated. Maximum accelerations measured on the wall face during shaking increased from bottom to top. Geotextile length and spacing did not affect the maximum accelerations and face displacements when the geotextile length met the minimum requirements of established design procedures. No significant permanent displacements were observed. Decreasing the geotextile length and increasing the geotextile spacing increased the geotextile strains when the geotextile w.
The roles of cloud drop effective radius and LWP in determining rain properties in marine stratocumulus

Numerical simulations described in previous studies showed that adding cloud condensation nuclei to marine stratocumulus can prevent their breakup from closed into open cells. Additional analyses of the same simulations show that the suppression of rain is well described in terms of cloud drop effective radius (re). Rain is initiated when re near cloud top is around 12–14 μm. Cloud water starts to get depleted when column‐maximum rain intensity (Rmax) exceeds 0.1 mm h−1. This happens when cloud‐top re reaches 14 μm. Rmax is mostly less than 0.1 mm h−1 at re < 14 μm, regardless of the cloud water path, but increases rapidly when re exceeds 14 μm. This is in agreement with recent aircraft observations and theoretical studies in convective clouds so that the mechanism is not limited to describing marine stratocumulus. These results support the hypothesis that the onset of significant precipitation is determined by the number of nucleated cloud drops and the depth (D) above cloud base within the cloud that is required for cloud drops to reach re of 14 μm. In turn, this can explain the conditions for initiation of significant drizzle and opening of closed cells providing the basis for a simple parameterization for GCMs that unifies the representation of both precipitating and non‐precipitating clouds as well as the transition between them. Furthermore, satellite global observations of cloud depth (from base to top), and cloud‐top re can be used to derive and validate this parameterization.
Central-to-peripheral blood pressure amplification: role of the recording site, technology, analysis approach, and calibration scheme in invasive and non-invasive data agreement

Background Systolic blood pressure amplification (SBPA) and pulse pressure amplification (PPA) can independently predict cardiovascular damage and mortality. A wide range of methods are used for the non-invasive estimation of SBPA and PPA. The most accurate non-invasive method for obtaining SBPA and/or PPA remains unknown. Aim This study aims to evaluate the agreement between the SBPA and PPA values that are invasively and non-invasively obtained using different (1) measurement sites (radial, brachial, carotid), (2) measuring techniques (tonometry, oscillometry/plethysmography, ultrasound), (3) pulse waveform analysis approaches, and (4) calibration methods [systo-diastolic vs. approaches using brachial diastolic and mean blood pressure (BP)], with the latter calculated using different equations or measured by oscillometry. Methods Invasive aortic and brachial pressure (catheterism) and non-invasive aortic and peripheral (brachial, radial) BP were simultaneously obtained from 34 subjects using different methodologies, analysis methods, measuring sites, and calibration methods. SBPA and PPA were quantified. Concordance correlation and the Bland–Altman analysis were performed. Results (1) In general, SBPA and PPA levels obtained with non-invasive approaches were not associated with those recorded invasively. (2) The different non-invasive approaches led to (extremely) dissimilar results. In general, non-invasive measurements underestimated SBPA and PPA; the higher the invasive SBPA (or PPA), the greater the underestimation. (3) None of the calibration schemes, which considered non-invasive brachial BP to estimate SBPA or PPA, were better than the others. (4) SBPA and PPA levels obtained from radial artery waveform analysis (tonometry) (5) and common carotid artery ultrasound recordings and brachial artery waveform analysis, respectively, minimized the mean errors. Conclusions Overall, the findings showed that (i) SBPA and PPA indices are not “synonymous” and (ii) non-invasive approaches would fail to accurately determine invasive SBPA or PPA levels, regardless of the recording site, analysis, and calibration methods. Non-invasive measurements generally underestimated SBPA and PPA, and the higher the invasive SBPA or PPA, the higher the underestimation. There was not a calibration scheme better than the others. Consequently, our study emphasizes the strong need to be critical of measurement techniques, to have methodological transparency, and to have expert consensus for non-invasive assessment of SBPA and PPA.
Zoo: A History of Zoological Gardens in the West

Wild animals have fascinated human observers since time immemorial. The story of our interest in collecting, classifying and dominating Nature looms large; thus it is surprising that the history of menageries, zoological gardens and zoos as we know them today has been so poorly documented. This gap is addressed by "Zoo". In the Renaissance, wealthy aristocrats showcased exotic beasts in private menageries. Safely caged, animals inspired the interest of naturalists and fed the curiosity of the masses. By the nineteenth century, increased urbanization and colonization aided the expansion of zoos in which animals were tamed to serve as domesticated livestock. Nowadays, with many natural habitats under threat of extinction, the social function of zoos is less clear. Such institutions both present the illusion of wild animals in a natural state to a nostalgic public and find themselves justifying their existence as saviours of endangered species.
Genomic Insights into Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci and Mammaliicocci from Bulk Tank Milk of Dairy Farms in Serbia

The potential risk to human and animal health provides a rationale for research on methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) and mammaliicocci (MRM) in dairy herds. Here, we aimed to estimate their occurrence in the bulk tank milk (BTM) samples collected in 2019–2021 from 283 bovine dairy farms in the Belgrade district. We used whole-genome sequencing to characterize the obtained isolates and assess their genetic relatedness. A total of 70 MRS/MRM were recovered, most frequently Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Mammaliicoccus sciuri. Five clusters of 2–4 genetically related isolates were identified and epidemiological data indicated transmission through, e.g., farm visits by personnel or milk collection trucks. Most MRSA isolates belonged to the typical livestock-associated lineage ST398-t034. One MRSA isolate (ST152-t355) harbored the PVL-encoding genes. Since MRS/MRM isolates obtained in this study frequently harbored genes conferring multidrug resistance (MDR), this argues for their role as reservoirs for the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. The pipeline milking system and total bacterial count >100,000 CFU/mL were significantly associated with higher occurrences of MRS/MRM. Our study confirms that BTM can be a zoonotic source of MRS, including MDR strains. This highlights the urgent need for good agricultural practices and the continuous monitoring of MRS/MRM in dairy farms.
First 100 ms of HF modification at Tromsø, Norway

[1] Experiments were performed with the high-power, high-frequency (HF) facility at Tromso, Norway to test theoretical predictions for the excitation of ion and Langmuir oscillations in the ionosphere. The principal diagnostic of wave-plasma interactions was the VHF radar at the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) facility. This radar is collocated with the HF facility. High-resolution radar techniques were used to monitor the temporal development of the ion and Langmuir oscillations. HF pulses 100 ms in duration were periodically transmitted into a smooth background F region plasma. Measurements of the radar backscatter spectra show that all key spectral features predicted by strong Langmuir turbulence theory are simultaneously present in the plasma and that their evolution is in agreement with theoretical expectations. However, several new features have been observed that are not anticipated by current theory. The experimental results reinforce the notion that new theoretical developments are needed to accommodate the large HF electric fields produced at Tromso and treat the electron acceleration process in a self-consistent fashion.
Capturing the Distance Learning in Indonesian Higher Education: Lecturers and Students’ Perspectives during Pandemic for Post-Pandemic

Since the pandemic, some universities can act swiftly to develop distance learning mechanisms, but others organize distance learning sporadically by allowing each lecturer to manage without standards. This research used a qualitative survey involving 66 students and 57 lecturers from various universities in Indonesia. It delivered dual perspectives between students and lecturers to improve previous research that did one perspective only. Most recognized the benefits of time and location flexibility when participating in distance learning but were dissatisfied with its implementation. During the pandemic, students were forced to explore independently by reading slides, listening to lecturers, watching videos, discussing in the online room, and doing independent assignments without any preparation. The pandemic also significantly changed the lecturers' teaching styles. They performed several variations in delivering material, increasing interaction in discussion forums, and evaluating the learning. Generally, distance learning without complete preparation since the pandemic was relatively good, as indicated by (1) lecturers' satisfaction with the course material delivery, (2) students' activeness according to the lecturer, and (3) learning outcomes achievement. These findings become insight for university stakeholders to enhance distance learning processes in the post-pandemic era since students and lecturers have felt its benefits but require many improvements.
Examining the Trust Index Gap between Australia and the Philippines: Evidence from WVS Data

This study investigates the vast gap between the interpersonal trust index of Australia and the Philippines by evaluating their respective radius and spheres of trust. The study shows that existing determinants—such as socio-demographic characteristics—are not enough to explain the gap in interpersonal trust between Australia and the Philippines. Results suggest the gap between these two countries’ interpersonal trust could stem from differences in localised and generalised trust, people’s confidence towards existing institutions, and perception of how wealth should be distributed.
Teleseismic Tomography of the Compressional Wave Velocity Structure beneath the Long Valley Region

In 1982 and 1984 the U.S. Geological Survey used several seismic networks, totaling over 90 stations, to record teleseismic P waves and measure travel time residuals in an area centered on the Long Valley caldera. We inverted the travel time residuals to obtain a three-dimensional image of the velocity structure with resolution of 5–6 km to depths of 70 km beneath the array. Direct inversion of these data indicates that the 2- to 4-km-thick low-velocity caldera fill contaminates the signal from any midcrustal velocity anomalies beneath the caldera. Thus two methods were used to strip the effects of the upper crust from the travel time residuals: (1) ray tracing through upper crustal velocity models provided by seismic refraction experiments and gravity surveys, and (2) an iterative stripping scheme using the inversion itself. The methods produce essentially identical results and adequately remove the effects of the shallowest crustal structures, including the caldera fill and hydrothermal alteration effects. The resulting “stripped” models show two well-resolved midcrustal low-velocity bodies in the Long Valley region. The first body is centered between 7 and 20 km depth beneath the resurgent dome of the Long Valley caldera and has a volume of 150–600 km3. The second, with a similar volume, is centered between 10 and 20 km depth beneath the Mono Craters, about 10 km north of Long Valley. Velocity contrasts in both of these bodies are about 6–10%, and the features are interpreted as silicic magma chambers. This experiment does not preclude the presence of additional pockets of magma smaller than 5 km across in the upper crust, particularly beneath the resurgent dome of the caldera (which would be removed with the stripping methods). It is likely that the midcrust anomaly beneath the resurgent dome is a remnant of the caldera forming magma chamber. Upper mantle velocities are lower than average beneath Mono Craters and higher than average beneath Long Valley. We tentatively interpret these anomalies as mantle partial melt beneath the Mono Craters and refractory upper mantle residuum beneath Long Valley. The high eruptive rate of the Mono Craters and these upper mantle structures suggest that the focus of volcanism is shifting north from Long Valley to the Mono Craters.
Prevalence of Tuberculosis Among High Altitude Residents of Nepal

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a global health concern, and its prevalence can vary widely from one region to another. Factors such as altitude, climate, population density, and healthcare infrastructure can all influence the dynamics of Tuberculosis in a particular area. This study aimed to provide insights into whether altitude played a role in the occurrence of tuberculosis and its different forms in the specific region of Jumla the western rural district of Nepal. Methods: Jumla is a high-altitude mountainous region ranging from 915m- 4679 m with a population of 119,337 (2021) having 8 municipalities. Data were collected from all the municipalities over a period starting from July 15th2021-July 14th2022 and were compared with prior years in number and diagnosis with national data of Nepal. Results: A total of 84 cases were recorded of which 52.4% (n=44) were females. The group affected most was between the ages 16-30 years (34.5%) and 61-75yr (22.6%). The cases detected by the sputum Xpert MTB/RIF testing were 54.7%, with positive sputum Acid-fast bacilli being 27.4%. Most of the patients were diagnosed to have pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed (PBC) tuberculosis 52.4%, PCD (Pulmonary clinically diagnosed) 16.7%, Extra-pulmonary 28.6% with one case of each multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and Pre-XDR (Extensive drug resistant) TB. Among them, 12% of people had a history of TB undergone ATT (anti-tuberculosis drugs) in the past with 6% having a close contact history. Conclusions: Tuberculosis infection, disease, and mortality seem to be less common at high than low altitudes. As in Karnali Province, Humla with the second being Jumla has the lowest number of TB patients than other parts of Nepal, affecting younger people.