Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mycotoxin Decontamination of Foods Using Nonthermal Plasma and Plasma-Activated Water

Mycotoxins are food safety and public health concerns due to their widespread contamination in agricultural products and adverse health effects on humans. Several decontamination techniques, including physical-, chemical-, and thermal-based treatments, are employed to minimize the levels of mycotoxins in food. However, these treatments present disadvantages, such as negative impacts on the quality and leftover chemical residues on the treated food after physicaland chemical-based treatments. Furthermore, mycotoxins are resistant to heat, thus contributing to the insufficiency of thermal treatments for complete mycotoxin degradation. The use of alternative nonthermal-based treatments, such as nonthermal plasma (NTP) and plasma-activated water (PAW) for mycotoxin degradation in food, have been recently explored to overcome these limitations. NTP and PAW treatments are known to minimize the unfavorable changes in food quality while ensuring safety from food contaminants. The basics of NTP and PAW technologies, their mycotoxin decontamination efficiencies, their underlying mechanisms of action, effects on food quality, and the safety of mycotoxin degradation byproducts and treated food are hereby discussed in this chapter.
Critical reflection workshops and knowledge exchange: Findings from a Scottish project

In 2013, academics from a Scottish university came together with social work managers and practitioners from two local authorities (LAs) in Scotland to run a knowledge exchange (KE) project co-sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council and the LAs. The project's aim was an ambitious one: to contribute to culture change in the children and families' departments in the two partner agencies. The project grew out of an earlier KE venture that had explored ways of engaging better with involuntary service users in social work; it thus both anticipated and reflected wider concerns about services for children that were also demonstrated in Munro's Review of Child Protection. The KE project had three components: training for managers, practitioner research projects and critical reflection workshops. Whether, and to what degree, the KE project changed culture is not the focus of this paper, which is written jointly by academic researchers and practitioners. Instead, one element of the KE project, namely the critical reflection workshops, is discussed. Findings provide strong evidence of the pressures currently experienced by children and families' services in the UK public sector. They also indicate how important good relationships are in building meaningful KE.
Stochastic analysis of transient flow in unsaturated heterogeneous soils

A stochastic unsaturated water flow model is developed for heterogeneous soils subject to a transient flow regime. Equations are developed for a fully three‐dimensional soil profile, and results are presented for an example one‐dimensional problem. The model predicts the mean and covariance of the soil water content, Darcy's flux, and pore water velocity as a function of the boundary flux and saturated hydraulic conductivity statistics. The statistics of the pore water velocity can be used to predict solute transport in soils, as shown by Foussereau et al. [this issue]. Approximate flow‐related moment equations are solved analytically in the Laplace domain. Then, the analytical results are numerically inverted using a modified fast Fourier transform algorithm. The model predictions are compared to results obtained from Monte Carlo simulations for two different boundary flux patterns characteristic of humid climates and two different soil types (a fine sand and a sandy loam). Comparing the approximate solutions of the statistical moments to the outputs of the Monte Carlo simulations shows (1) the dominance of the boundary flux variability over that of the saturated conductivity on the overall prediction uncertainty, particularly at shallow depths, and (2) the good performance of the stochastic unsaturated flow model, particularly for fine‐textured soils subject to boundary fluxes with coefficients of variation up to ∼1.5. As the boundary flux coefficient of variation increases and the soil becomes coarser, the model performance deteriorates because the flow system becomes significantly more nonlinear.
Equatorial fountain effect and dynamo drift signatures from AE-E observations

Vertical and horizontal ion drift velocities for 1977-1979 from the Unified Abstract files of the satellite Atmosphere Explorer E were used in preliminary studies of the behavior of the low-latitude ({minus}20{degree} to 20{degree} dip latitude) F region. Sample diurnal variations obtained during 1978-1979 equinox time periods are very similar to those measured by the incoherent scatter radar at Jicamarca, Peru. Latitude profiles of the vector drift values clearly show the classic fountain effect responsible for the Appleton anomaly during the day. Investigation of longitude effects revealed that the average perpendicular (approximately vertical) drift velocity V{sub perp} is independent of longitude, implying that the average east-west electric field is proportional to B and thus is likely derived from classical dynamo winds.
ANISOTROPY OF THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY IN OLIVINE, PYROXENE AND DUNITE

The thermal diffusivities along three crystallographic orientations are measured for olivine and pyroxene up to 1250K. The result shows that the anisotropy amounts to about 70%. The anisotropy is attributed mostly to anisotropy of mean free path of phonon. The anisotropy of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity in dunite is measured and is discussed on the basis of preferred orientation and the anisotropy of constituent minerals.
Use of satellite data to constrain the model-calculated atmospheric lifetime for N2O - Implications for other trace gases

The source gases, such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are released into the atmosphere at the Earth's surface and are removed mainly by photolysis in the stratosphere. The atmospheric abundance of a source gas is proportional to its emission rate and atmospheric lifetime. The lifetime is, in turn, determined by the local photochemical removal rate of the gas and the efficiency of transport that carries the gas from where it is emitted to the dominant photochemical removal region. The latter is particularly important for source gases for which the removal is restricted to the tropical stratosphere, a region where both the photolysis rates and concentrations are highest. We calculate that approximately 80% Of N2O is removed in the stratosphere between 30°N and 30°S. Using the data for N2O obtained from the stratospheric and mesospheric sounder (SAMS) instrument on the Nimbus 7 satellite to constrain the model-calculated distributions, we concluded that previous models may have underestimated the magnitude of vertical transport over the tropics and that the calculated lifetimes for N2O and CFC source gases could be 30% shorter than previously reported values. The calculated lifetime for N2O of 110 years would imply a source strength of 13×106 tons (N) yr−1, compared to a source strength of 9.2×106 tons (N) per year for a lifetime of 160 years. A shorter lifetime for the CFCs (47 years for CFC-11 and 95 years for CFC-12) would imply a more rapid decrease in the atmospheric chlorine content once the CFC emissions are stopped, making it possible to reach the pre-ozone hole value of 2 ppbv as early as 2045. Accurate determination of the lifetime of CFC-11 is particularly important, since the lifetime is used in the definitions of the ozone depletion potentials (ODP), chlorine loading potentials (CLP), and greenhouse warming potentials (GWP) of the replacement chemicals for the CFCs. A shorter lifetime for CFC-11 would elevate the magnitudes of ODP, CLP, and GWP for these chemicals.
Role of suction dynamics in evolution of intertidal sandy flats: Field evidence, experiments, and theoretical model

[1] In this paper we present and discuss the role of the dynamics of suction, that is, negative pore water pressure relative to atmospheric air pressure, in the evolution of intertidal sandy flats. This is done through the combined use of field evidence, laboratory experiments, and a theoretical model. Field observations were performed in the estuary of Obitsu River located in the east coast of Tokyo Bay, Japan. Laboratory experiments were performed in a calibration chamber as well as in a laterally scaled model flat subjected to water/groundwater level variations. The present study demonstrates that the suction dynamics associated with the tide-induced groundwater level variations play a substantial role in the temporospatial evolutions of voids, stiffness, and surface shear strength in cyclically exposed and submerged soil. The suction-induced void state changes are a consequence of cyclic elastoplastic contraction of the soil and are accompanied by distinct morphological changes, despite the lack of significant surface shear stresses acting on the soil. Such soil behavior occurs in regions where suction develops above the groundwater level during low tides and strongly depends on the way in which such suction develops. Discussions are made on how these suction dynamics effects could contribute, via feedback involved in surface transport processes, to the overall morphological evolution of cross-shore intertidal flat soils.
A Biodegradation Assessment Tool for Decision on Beach Response

ABSTRACT Oil from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) blowout was deposited during May-July 2010 in the supratidal zone (i.e., landward of the high tide line) of beaches during major storms in the Gulf of Mexico, then became buried during beach accretion. As of winter 2010, there were still significant amounts of buried oil in the supratidal zone because of the lack of large, erosive storm waves. One of the questions posed within the Gulf Coast Unified Command was “If no action is taken, how long would it take for the oil left behind to be removed by biodegradation? ” If the duration is too long, then aggressive mechanical removal would be adopted. Otherwise, one would consider leaving the oil in place as the mechanical removal has the adverse effects of disturbing habitats, altering beach geomorphology, and generating waste that need to be treated off-site. We addressed the question by measuring indicators of biodegradation activity under field environmental conditions at three sand beaches and by predicting oil .
Conservation Effects on Soil Quality and Climate Change Adaptability of Ethiopian Watersheds

This study analyzes effects of soil and water conservation (SWC) on soil quality and implications to climate change adaptation and mitigation in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin of Ethiopia by using the Anjeni watershed as a case study site. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from two sub‐watersheds of Anjeni: the Minchet sub‐watershed (with SWC measures) and the Zikrie sub‐watershed (without SWC measures). Soil samples were taken from 30‐cm depth from five representative landscape positions and analyzed following the standard soil lab analysis procedures. The results show that soils from the conserved sub‐watershed had improved quality indicators compared with those from the non‐conserved site. Significant improvement due to SWC measures was observed in the soil hydrological [total moisture content (+5·43%), field capacity (+5·35%), and available water capacity (+4·18%)] and chemical [cation exchange capacity (+4·40 cmol(+) kg−1), Mg2+ (+1·90 cmol(+) kg−1), Na+ (+0·10 cmol(+) kg−1)] properties. SWC interventions significantly reduced soil erosion by 57–81% and surface runoff by 19–50% in the conserved sub‐watershed. Reduction in soil erosion can maintain the soil organic carbon stock, reduce the land degradation risks, and enhance the C sequestration potential of soils. Therefore, adoption of SWC measures can increase farmers' ability to offset emissions and adapt to climate change. However, SWC measures that are both protective and sufficiently productive have not yet been implemented in the conserved sub‐watershed. Therefore, it is important that SWC structures be supplemented with other biological and agronomic measures in conjunction with soil fertility amendments appropriate to site‐specific conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of spatial variations of land surface parameters on regional evaporation: a case study with remote sensing data

Most precipitation in watersheds is consumed by evaporation, thus techniques to appraise regional evaporation are important to assess the availability of water resources. Many algorithms to estimate evaporation from remotely sensed spectral data have been developed in the recent past. In addition to differences in the physical parameterization of surface fluxes, these algorithms have different solutions for describing spatial variations of the parameters in the soil–vegetation–atmosphere–transfer (SVAT) continuum. In this study, the necessity to spatially distinguish SVAT parameters for computing surface heat fluxes is analysed for the Naivasha watershed in the Kenyan Rift Valley. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) spectral data have been used to first delineate the watershed into 15 hydrological units using surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index and surface albedo as attributes. Thereafter, semi‐empirical relationships between these TM‐based parameters and other SVAT parameters have been applied to compute the spatial variation of SVAT parameters and the associated evaporation from the different hydrological units. The impact of using watershed‐constant or watershed‐distributed SVAT parameters on the fluxes is analysed. The determination of watershed averaged evaporation with area‐aggregated SVAT parameters is feasible without significant loss of accuracy. Distributed evaporation in heterogeneous watersheds, however, can be investigated only with remote sensing flux algorithms that can account for spatially variable air temperature, surface roughness, surface albedo and the stability correction of the temperature profile due to buoyancy. Erroneous results can be expected if area‐aggregated SVAT parameters are used to calculate local evaporation. As most of the recently developed remote sensing flux algorithms are based on areal constant SVAT parameters, direct applications in watersheds are still limited. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of Respiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Pulmonary Function, and Respiratory Complications in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Stroke is the most common leading cause of mortality and related morbidities worldwide. After stroke, the motor function of extremities and spinal muscles is significantly impairment, but not only this, it also has attributable factors leading to respiratory dysfunction. Nevertheless, to the extent of the authors’ knowledge, there is a dearth of conclusive studies which examined the effectiveness of RMT on muscle strength, pulmonary function, and respiratory complications of individuals after stroke. Objective The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and respiratory complications in patients after stroke. Methods An electronic database search of HINARI, PEDro, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google scholar was used to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training in patients with stroke. Articles published from 2010 to 2019 were included. The quality of the articles was assessed using PEDro scale. Articles with abstract only, PEDro scores less than 5, published in non-English language, not freely available articles, and quasi experimental studies were excluded from this study. Results The literature search yielded a total of 7 articles (6 randomized controlled trials with 1 pilot randomized controlled trial) which met inclusion criteria despite their heterogeneity. The methodological quality of all studies ranged from 6 to 8 in Pedro score. Most of the articles reported a significant increase in respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle function, and reduced risk of complications with a p value <0.05. Conclusion Respiratory muscle training could potentially improve muscle strength and pulmonary functions of subjects after stroke. Thus, it may reduce stroke-related respiratory complications in subjects after stroke. However, further study is warranted with high quality RCTs and pooled synthesis of results.
Geomorphic‐Ecological Relationships Highly Variable between Headwater and Network Mountain Streams of Northern Idaho, United States 1

Abstract: Headwater streams are critical repositories of biodiversity and are important sources of water, nutrients, and energy to downstream rivers. I investigated relationships between stream geomorphology and habitat, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish assemblages between headwater and network streams (n = 18) of mountain drainages in northern Idaho, United States. I found that a stream geomorphic condition assessment (rapid geomorphic assessment, RGA) designed to evaluate channel adjustment explained more variation in habitat assessment scores in headwater (R2 = 0.79) than in larger streams (R2 = 0.51). Results from redundancy analysis indicated that geomorphic‐biotic relationships were stronger in headwater than in network streams. For aquatic macroinvertebrates, relationships in headwaters were largely related to sediment size and slope. Fish‐geomorphic associations in both headwater and network streams were quite variable, although the RGA was correlated with fish diversity in both systems. Large wood was related to macroinvertebrate and fish descriptors in both headwater and network streams, but in distinct ways. This work supports an ecogeomorphic approach to the conservation of headwater streams including the use of tailored stream geomorphic assessment protocols.
CO2 emissions from a tropical hydroelectric reservoir (Balbina, Brazil)

[1] Hydroelectric reservoirs can release significant quantities of CO2, but very few results are available from the tropics. The objective of the present study was to estimate the emission of CO2 from the Balbina hydroelectric reservoir in the central Brazilian Amazon. Diffusive and ebullitive emissions were estimated at regular intervals, both above and below the dam, using a combination of static chambers and submerged funnels. Gas releases immediately below the dam were calculated as the difference between gas flux at the entrance and the outflow of the hydroelectric turbines. An inundation model derived from a bathymetric map and daily stage readings was used for spatial and temporal interpolation of reservoir emissions. Annual emissions of CO2, upstream and downstream of Balbina dam for 2005, were estimated as 2450 and 81 Gg C, respectively, for a total annual flux of 2531 Gg C. Upstream emissions were predominantly diffusive with only 0.02 Gg C yr−1 resulting from ebullition. On average, 51% of the downstream emission was released by degassing at the turbine outflow, and the remainder was lost by diffusion from the downstream river. The total annual greenhouse gas emission from Balbina dam, including the CO2 equivalent of previously estimated CH4 emissions, was 3 Tg C yr−1, equivalent to approximately 50% of the CO2 emissions derived from the burning of fossil fuels in the Brazilian metropolis of Sao Paulo.
Reservoir Fluctuation Effects on Seismic Response of High Concrete Arch Dams Considering Material Nonlinearity

Reservoir fluctuation effects on seismic response of concrete arch dams are investigated. Structure nonlinearity is originated from material nonlinearity due to tensile cracking and compression crushing of mass concrete using William-Warnke failure surface in principal stress state and reservoir is assumed compressible. An arch dam is selected as case study and TABAS earthquake record is used to excite the finite element model of dam-reservoir-foundation. It is found that principal stresses on upstream and downstream faces increase significantly with reservoir dewatering. Responses of dam in nonlinear model have special intricacies, but the extension of cracked areas develops meaningfully with decreasing reservoir water.
Use of drought indices in climate change impact assessment studies: an application to Greece

This paper presents a framework for making use of drought indices in climate change impact assessment studies. To achieve this goal: (1) linear relationships between drought indices and satellite soil moisture information, derived from the ERS scatterometer [Soil Water Index, (SWI)] for the years 1992–2000, are developed by employing [analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)] and (2) the vulnerability of soil water content to climate change is assessed using regional climate model (RCM) projections. Several drought indices are evaluated for their abilities to monitor SWI, on a monthly basis, at nine locations in Greece. The original Palmer Drought Severity Index (Orig‐PDSI) and its self‐calibrated version (SC‐PDSI) correlated best with SWI in three stations each and precipitation in two. The degree of agreement, however, varies substantially among the sites. Seasonality has a significant effect on the relationship between the SWI and the two aforementioned drought indices (Orig‐PDSI, SC‐PDSI), presenting a bimodal pattern that fluctuates markedly during the year. ANCOVA has proved to be a useful method for measuring the agreement between SWI and the drought indices (r2 ranged from 46.2% to 79.9%), implying that drought indices can be an important information source for detecting and monitoring drought. 11 different RCM runs are compared for their abilities to reproduce present climate mean and variability of temperature and precipitation. Orig‐PDSI is not sensitive to the much warmer future climate change scenarios constructed and, therefore, is not suggested for climate change impacts assessment studies. SC‐PDSI, on the other hand, has the potential to be used; however, its responses depend on the time period on which the climate characteristics and duration factors are computed from. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Water Mass Export from Drake Passage to the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans: A Lagrangian Model Analysis

Abstract The northward export of intermediate water from Drake Passage is investigated in two global ocean general circulation models (GCMs) by means of quantitative particle tracing diagnostics. This study shows that a total of about 23 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) is exported from Drake Passage to the equator. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are the main catchment basins with 7 and 15 Sv, respectively. Only 1–2 Sv of the water exported to the Atlantic equator follow the direct cold route from Drake Passage without entering the Indian Ocean. The remainder loops first into the Indian Ocean subtropical gyre and flows eventually into the Atlantic Ocean by Agulhas leakage. The authors assess the robustness of a theory that relates the export from Drake Passage to the equator to the wind stress over the Southern Ocean. Our GCM results are in reasonable agreement with the theory that predicts the total export. However, the theory cannot be applied to individual basins because of interocean exchanges through the “super.
Lasanius and the Problem of Vertebrate Origin

Lasanius, first described by R. H. Traquair in 1898, has since evoked many opinions in regard to both its systematic position and its morphology. On the basis of some new material collected last summer from the Scottish Downtonian, the author has attempted a detailed anatomical reconstruction, and proposed a theory concerning the origin of the visceral skeleton. As the Anaspida are the oldest and most primitive fishlike animals yet discovered, their place in the chain of evolution is exceedingly important In them we appear to approach nearer than ever before to the connecting link between the vertebrates and the invertebrates.