Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A conceptual model of the dehydration of air due to freeze‐drying by optically thin, laminar cirrus rising slowly across the tropical tropopause

In this study, we use a cloud model to simulate dehydration which occurs due to formation of optically thin, laminar cirrus as air rises slowly across the tropopause. The slow ascent and adiabatic cooling, which balances the radiative heating near the tropopause, drives nucleation of a very small number of ice crystals (<1 L−1). These crystals grow rapidly and sediment out within a few hours. The clouds never become optically thick enough to be visible from the ground. The ice crystal nucleation and growth prevents the relative humidity with respect to ice (RHI) from rising more than a few percent above the threshold for ice nucleation (RHInuc ≃ 110–160%, depending upon the aerosol composition); hence, laminar cirrus can limit the mixing ratio of water vapor entering the stratosphere. However, the ice number densities are too low and their sedimentation is too rapid to allow dehydration of the air from RHInuc down to saturation (RHI = 100%). The net result is that air crosses the tropopause with water vapor mixing ratios about 1.1 to 1.6 times the ice saturation mixing ratio corresponding to the tropopause temperature, depending on the threshold of ice nucleation on aerosols in the tropopause region. If the cross-tropopause ascent rate is larger than that calculated to balance radiative heating (0.2 cm s−1), then larger ice crystal number densities are generated, and more effective dehydration is possible (assuming a fixed temperature). The water vapor mixing ratio entering the stratosphere decreases with increasing ascent rate (approaching the tropopause ice saturation mixing ratio) until the vertical wind speed exceeds the ice crystal terminal velocity (about 10 cm s−1). More effective dehydration can also be provided by temperature oscillations associated with wave motions. The water vapor mixing ratio entering the stratosphere is essentially controlled by the tropopause temperature at the coldest point in the wave. Hence, the efficiency of dehydration at the tropopause depends upon both the effectiveness of upper tropospheric aerosols as ice nuclei and the occurrence of wave motions in the tropopause region. In situ humidity observations from tropical aircraft campaigns and balloon launches over the past several years have provided a few examples of ice-supersaturated air near the tropopause. However, given the scarcity of data and the uncertainties in water vapor measurements, we lack definitive evidence that air entering the stratosphere is supersaturated with respect to ice.
Changing Slash-and-Burn Cultivation in Xishuangbanna, Southwestern China

Slash-and-burn cultivation (Swidden) formerly occurred Japan and Europe too, but today we can find it only in the Tropics which abound in forest resources. This study discusses slash-and-burn cultivation by analyzing the characteristics and recent changes among the minorities, especially the Jinuo, in Xishuangbanna Dai Nationality Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Xishuangbanna is located at the southwestern end on the borders of Burma (Myanmar) and Laos. The minorities in the mountainous regions place slash-and burn cultivation at the centre of their living. Their agricultural systems, however, have been obliged to change because of the population growth since the 1950s. The decrease of the forest rate in Xishuangbanna has been caused by the population growth and the increase of the area used for slash-and-burn cultivation in the minority societies. The population growth is destructive to the sustainability of slash-and-burn cultivation, along with the introduction of the Responsibility System for Agricultural Production in the 1980s. Today, the minorities are keen on introducing cash crops on a large scale such as natural rubber, tea and herbs for Chinese medicines. Slash-and-burn cultivation is declining and the fields will change to permanently cultivated land in the near future.
Water Flow, Trophic Depletion, and Benthic Macrofauna Impoverishment in a Submarine Cave from the Western Mediterranean

Biotic zonation and severe impoverishment of benthic macrofauna are two of the most conspicuous features of submarine caves. The prevailing explanation assumes trophic depletion caused by reduction of water flow. However, no isolation of water was found in the studied Catalan submarine cave, even in the wall microlayer. Fluorescein diffusion was so fast that it was detectable everywhere in the cave already only a few minutes after the injection. The rate of dissolution of plaster spheres was even greater in the cave than in a nearby tunnel – without benthic macrofauna impoverishment – showing a considerable water flow. The oxygen concentration of water in dialysis bags placed at varying distances from the cave walls showed that no wall microlayer gradients were present. Biochemical gradients did not indicate any decrease in food supply. Although photosynthetic pigment concentration generally decreased inside the cave, and although the gradients were not linear but formed different patterns throughout the cave, the BOD5, the POM, the C:N ratio, the [3H]-thymidine incorporation rate, and the ETS activity were higher in the inner part of the cave. There was an accumulation of detritic material and bacteria in the inner parts that constitute a plausible food supply for benthic macrofauna. If neither water motion nor food supply can be invoked, research into the causes of zonation and disappearence of benthic macrofauna is proposed to be carried out on biotic interactions and behavioural processes.
Aegean Sea Water Masses during the Early Stages of the Eastern Mediterranean Climatic Transient (1988–90)

Abstract The Aegean water masses and circulation structure are studied via two large-scale surveys performed during the late winters of 1988 and 1990 by the R/V Yakov Gakkel of the former Soviet Union. The analysis of these data sheds light on the mechanisms of water mass formation in the Aegean Sea that triggered the outflow of Cretan Deep Water (CDW) from the Cretan Sea into the abyssal basins of the eastern Mediterranean Sea (the so-called Eastern Mediterranean Transient). It is found that the central Aegean Basin is the site of the formation of Aegean Intermediate Water, which slides southward and, depending on their density, renews either the intermediate or the deep water of the Cretan Sea. During the winter of 1988, the Cretan Sea waters were renewed mainly at intermediate levels, while during the winter of 1990 it was mainly the volume of CDW that increased. This Aegean water mass redistribution and formation process in 1990 differed from that in 1988 in two major aspects: (i) during the winter of.
Most stony meteorites come from the asteroid belt

The presence of trapped solar gas in stony meteorites places their origin in the regoliths of asteroidal-type bodies. The most plausible sources are the C (carbonaceous) and S (siliceous) asteroids, in spite of the differences between the spectra of S asteroids and ordinary chondrites. This problem is a central one for the interpretation of both astronomical observations and dynamical theory.
Mapping insect‐induced tree defoliation and mortality using coarse spatial resolution satellite imagery

Insect‐induced defoliation causes significant timber and carbon losses in many forested countries. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the potential use of coarse spatial resolution satellite imagery for mapping tree defoliation and mortality caused by a large insect infestation. We examined 1 km multi‐temporal SPOT Vegetation (VGT) data over a coniferous forest region in Quebec, Canada that was severely defoliated during 1998–2000 by the eastern hemlock looper. A logistic regression model based on satellite change metrics was developed to map defoliation and mortality. The results suggest that coarse imagery is effective for mapping large‐scale conifer forest mortality caused by insects, and could also be useful for near real‐time monitoring of severe defoliation, although with 2–3 times greater errors of commission.
Holocene river floods in the upper Glomma catchment, southern Norway: a high-resolution multiproxy record from lacustrine sediments

The Glomma catchment in east-central southern Norway has a discharge dominated by a general spring-flood regime with episodic large river floods In this study, the instrumental records (from AD 1871) and documentary evidence (back to the seventeenth century) have been extended for about 10 000 years by reconstructing episodes of palaeofloods as recorded by sedimentological depositional indicators. A record of Holocene flood events has been established based on a lake-fill sedimentary succession in a small basin in the upper Glomma catchment. The flood events as deposited in Lake Butjonna are discrete, sharp-bounded, normal graded units of silt-sized sediments characterized by low organic and water content. The reconstruction of individual palaeofloods is based on loss-on-ignition, dry bulk density, grain-size analyses and several mineral magnetic analyses: initial susceptibility, bulk susceptibility (X), anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM). Based on 13 14C AMS dates, the age-depth model covers the Holocene from c. 9800 cal. yr BP until present. About 115 discrete flood events (ranging from 1 to 620 mm in thickness) have been detected. The recurrence interval is about 90 years with an occurrence probability of about 1%. Important results include: (1) a weak increasing trend of higher river flood activity toward the end of the Holocene; (2) an early-Holocene calm (low or no river flood activity) period with subsequent onset of flood activity around 7600 cal. yr BP; (3) a pronounced and well-defined river flood event correlated to the ‘Stor-Ofsen’ disaster that occurred in July AD 1789; (4) enhanced southerly winds that bring moist air from the Atlantic Ocean apparently lead to periods of higher river flood frequency.
Rainfall variability from a dense rain gauge network in north-western Italy

The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall in Piedmont, a region in north-western Italy, in order to evaluate the high intensity precipitation events that occurred in the 2004−2016 period. A daily precipitation series of 211 ground stations, belonging to 2 different meteorological monitoring networks, were analysed. As at first step, a quality control was performed on the daily precipitation series to evaluate the homogeneity of the series. The annual rainfall events were spatialised, using the ordinary kriging method, considering the whole set of weather stations. Moreover, 5 climatic areas were identified through a cluster analysis method. In order to better understand the extreme rainfall events, the main climatic precipitation indices were calculated, using ClimPACT2 software, and the thresholds by percentile were calculated for each cluster on a daily scale to identify the different precipitation types (weak, medium, heavy, very heavy [R95p]). Non-parametric (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Wilcoxon) and parametric (Student’s t-test) tests were applied to the annual and seasonal number of events observed for each rainfall class in order to study the statistical relationship between the clusters. The results lead to the conclusion that the investigated area is characterised by an increase in precipitation. Considering the extreme events, this methodology shows that even though the north sector is the wettest, central Piedmont is the area in which the highest number of extreme events was recorded.
The results of a gravity survey in the country between the Clee Hills and Nuneaton

Summary Gravity observations have been made in te country between the Clee Hills and Nuneaton. It is found that the change of anomaly over the Warwickshire Coalfield is closely correlated with the thickness of Coal Measures, and over the Forest of Arden it is less closely correlated with the thickness of Trias. The corresponding differences of density agree with densities of rocks measured at the surface. Data are insufficient to establish definite correlations elsewhere. The remaining anomalities indicate a considerable thickness of rather light rocks, probably Coal Measures, amounting to 4000 feet below the Trias in the Forest of Arden and a considerable thickness of Trias, about 2500 feet with perhaps also some Coal Measures, at Kidderminster.
Estimation of Soil Material Transportation by Wind Based on in Situ Wind Tunnel Experiments

Abstract 25% and 40% of territory of Hungary is moderate to highly vulnerable to deflation. However, precise estimates about the soil loss and related losses of organic matter and nutrients due to wind erosion are missing in most cases. In order to determine magnitudes of nutrient masses removed at wind velocities that frequently occur in SE Hungary, in-situ experiments using a portable wind tunnel have been conducted on small test plots with an erosional length of 5.6 m and a width of 0.65 m. The wind tunnel experiments have been carried through on a Chernozem which is typical for this region. In order to compare the effects of soil coverage on the masses of blown soil sediment and adsorbed nutrients, two soil surface types have been tested under similar soil moisture und atmospheric conditions: (1) bare soil (dead fallow) and (2) bare soil surface interrupted by a row of maize plants directed downwind along the center line of the test plots. The results of our experiments clearly show that a constant wind velocity of 15 m s-1 (at a height of 0.3 m) lasting over a short time period of 10 minutes can already cause noticeable changes in the composition and size of soil aggregates at the top of the soil surface. Due to the grain size selectivity of the erosive forces the relative share of soil aggregates comprising diameters > 1 mm increased by 5-10% compared with the unaffected soil. Moreover it has shown that short time wind erosion events as simulated in this study can result in erosion rates between 100 and 120 g m-2, where the erosion rates measured for bare soils are only slightly, but not significantly higher than those of the loosely vegetated ones. Soil samples taken from sediment traps mounted in different heights close to the outlet of the wind tunnel point to an enrichment of organic matter (OM) of about 0.6 to 1 % by mass referred to the control samples. From these findings has been calculated that the relocation of organic matter within short term wind erosion events can amount to 4.5 to 5.0 g OM m-2. With the help of portable field wind tunnel experiments we can conclude that our valuable, high quality chernozems are struck by wind erosion mainly in drought periods.
Self-Directed Learning in Chemistry Laboratory via Simulations

Self-directed learning is seen as a key competence for survival in the twenty-first century. Self-directed learning is not about learning; instead, it is a meta-theory about learning how to learn. During the pandemic process, many theoretical and applied courses were conducted via distance education. One of these courses is the general chemistry laboratory. While the laboratory course was conducted with distance education, simulation applications were used. For the general chemistry laboratory experiments, first of all, theoretical lectures were made over zoom. Afterwards, the students performed experiments using simulation. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of the general chemistry laboratory conducted with distance education and simulations on the chemistry laboratory self-efficacy. The research was designed in a quasi-experimental design model. The sample group of the research consists of 25 pre-service chemistry teachers studying at a state university. Data were collected with the chemistry laboratory self-efficacy scale. The data obtained from the chemistry laboratory self-efficacy scale were analyzed. As a result of the research, it was determined that the simulation-supported laboratory application had a significant effect on the psychomotor self-efficacy and cognitive self-efficacy of the pre-service teachers. According to the results of the research, pre-service teachers are worried and afraid that they will not be able to do the experiment in the laboratory, so simulations are effective in increasing psychomotor and cognitive self-efficacy as they are very useful for preparation for the experiment.
Scaling of near‐saturated hydraulic conductivity measured using disc infiltrometers

A function relating unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity K and soil water pressure head h is most important for understanding water flow and chemical transport in the vadose zone. Furthermore, the K(h) function near saturation is critical for describing flow in macropores and other structural voids. The usefulness of similar media scaling and functional normalization to describe the near‐saturated hydraulic conductivity function K(h) measured in situ at 296 spatial locations across a heterogeneous agricultural field was tested. Disc (ponded and tension) infiltrometers were used to measure K(h) at different field positions (corn row, no traffic interrow, and traffic interrow) cutting across different soil types (Nicollet and Clarion loam derived from glacial till material). The K(h) data ranged several orders of magnitude for different field positions and soil types and were found to be statistically different between different field positions. Using a Gardner type K(h) function, relative hydraulic conductivity values, and a hybrid of similar media scaling and functional normalization concepts, all disc infiltrometer data sets were coalesced to a single reference curve. Poor to moderately correlated K and h scale factors did not show any significant spatial structure across the field. A novel finding is that saturated hydraulic conductivities (Ksat) could be successfully used as the scale factor for the near‐saturated K(h) functions (e.g., 0–15 cm soil water tension) under all field positions and soil types at the experimental field.
Rainfall–runoff relationship over encrusted dune surfaces, Nizzana, Western Negev, Israel

A thin microbial crust covers the lower part of longitudinal dunes in the western Negev, where average annual rainfall is 95 mm. In order to study the effect of the microbial crust on rainfall–runoff relationships under natural rainfall conditions, runoff plots equipped with pressure gauges were established on opposite north- and south-facing slopes that differ in their vegetal cover and crust properties. The study covered four years (1990–94). The first two years were wet and the following two years relatively dry. One to five flow events were recorded per year. No correlation was found between runoff yield, rain amount and rain intensity. Unlike many microbial crusts reported in the literature, the microbial crust in the western Negev is not hydrophobic. Infiltration rate is high under dry surface conditions and of the order of 9–12 mm h−1 when the crust is saturated. The high final infiltration rate is explained by the occurrence of large pores that do not seal when the crust is saturated. Typical hydrographs have very steep rising and falling limbs, pointing at a limited contributing area. Most flows last less than 10 min and runoff volumes collected are, on the whole, very small. Owing to differences in crust properties, runoff is higher on north- than on south-facing slopes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin of Decadal-Scale, Eastward-Propagating Heat Content Anomalies in the North Pacific*

AbstractUpper ocean heat content (OHC) is at the heart of natural climate variability on interannual-to-decadal time scales, providing climate memory and the source of decadal prediction skill. In the midlatitude North Pacific Ocean, OHC signals are often found to propagate eastward as opposed to the frequently observed westward propagation of sea surface height, another variable that represents the ocean subsurface state. This dichotomy is investigated using a 150-yr coupled GCM integration. Simulated OHC signals are distinguished in terms of two processes that can support eastward propagation: higher baroclinic Rossby wave (RW) modes that are associated with density perturbation, and spiciness anomalies due to density-compensated temperature and salinity anomalies. The analysis herein suggests a unique role of the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension (KOE) region as an origin of the spiciness and higher mode RW signals. Wind-forced, westward-propagating equivalent barotropic RWs cause meridional shifts of the sub.
Standardization of Pre-operative Evaluation to Improve the Outcome of Arteriovenous Fistula for Vascular Access of Hemodialysis: A Review of 700 Cases

Background With the advent of COVID-19, mortality rates of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) rose by 37% which makes its treatment an important part of healthcare. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is linked to higher patient survival rates. Cimino-Brescia fistula is the most effective vascular access technique, but it has a high rate of primary failure (PF) and a several-week maturation period before it can be used. The current study aims to verify the preoperative evaluation in improving survival among AVF patients. Methodology The current study is a retrospective analysis of the hospital database from Jan 2022 to July 2023, with patients of a mean age of 60.2 years. The sample size was around 700, including the patients indicated for long-term hemodialysis (HD) with an estimated GFR of less than 20 mm/min/1. 73m². Following AVF surgery, post-operative outcomes, PF, and maturation time were considered. Results Among the 757 AVF procedures, 588 (82%) were new cases, and 112 (16%) had prior AVF history on the same side. PF was observed in 126 (18%) AVFs, while 574 (84%) achieved maturation. Age at surgery did not correlate with PF. Male sex and brachiocephalic AVF (BCAVF) had lower PF rates, while female gender, non-BCAVF, and vascular chronic kidney disease (CKD) were independent predictors. Proximal fistulas had a higher failure risk (32%). During surgery, the PF occurred six times more frequently in patients with veins and arteries under 2 mm and without a bruit. Conclusion AVF maturation aims to achieve a functional AVF for easy dialysis, requiring meticulous vein selection, doppler vascular mapping, and a standardized process to reduce PF rates. Factors determining PF include thrill and bruit, flow rates, and comorbidities. These findings can help clinicians make informed decisions and improve outcomes for patients undergoing fistula surgery.
Hydrodynamic escape of nitrogen from Pluto

Hydrodynamic escape of nitrogen from Pluto is studied by solving time‐dependent hydrodynamic escape equations that treat the spatial distribution of EUV energy deposition realistically. Simulations show that the N2 hydrodynamic escape rate is ∼1 × 1028 molecules s−1 when Pluto is at 40 AU (its average orbital location) and solar activity level is at minimum. The N2 hydrodynamic escape rate is ∼2 × 1028 molecules s−1 when Pluto is at its perihelion (30 AU) and solar activity level is at maximum. Through hydrodynamic escape, Pluto may have lost ∼0.5% of its total mass over the age of the solar system. Comet‐like interactions may occur between Pluto's atmosphere and the solar wind flow, which may be observed by the New Horizon mission.