Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of Stable Isotopes (18O, D) and Geochemistry to Study Groundwater in Bahareya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract Bahareya Oasis is one of the five big oasis located in the Western Desert of Egypt. Seven water samples were collected from the study area. The isotopic composition reflects the paleo-meteoric continental origin of these waters. Deuterium and oxygen-18 results indicate that the groundwaters were recharged under cooler climatic conditions much lower than that of the present day Saharian climate. Salinity values range from 170 mg/l to 338 mg/l. The change in chemical water type from NaCl in El-Gedida area to MgSO4 in El-Bawiti area reflects environmental impact through leaching of saline soils and infiltration of agricultural drainage water containing dissolved sulphate salts. The groundwater quality in the area is found to be suitable for agricultural uses.
Vortex generation in oscillatory canopy flow

[1] In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time the generation of coherent vortices at the top of a canopy in oscillatory (i.e., wave-dominated) flow. Through a series of flow visualization experiments, vortex formation is shown to occur when two conditions described by the Keulegan–Carpenter (KC) and Reynolds (Re) numbers are met. First, the wave period must be sufficiently long to allow the generation of the shear-driven instability at the top of the canopy; this occurs when KC ≳ 5. Second, the vortex instability must be able to overcome the stabilizing effects of viscosity; this occurs when Re ≳ 1000. The vortices greatly increase the rate of vertical mixing within the canopy, such that any prediction of residence time in a coastal canopy requires an understanding of whether vortex generation is occurring.
Diffusion of hydrogen in diopside: Results of dehydration experiments

The kinetics of hydrogen diffusion in diopside single crystals have been investigated through dehydration experiments performed in air between 700° and 1000°C. Samples oriented along [001], [100]*, and [010] crystallographic directions were cut in thin slices of less than 1 mm thickness and about 4 × 4 mm2 across. The decrease, with time of heating, of the OH− concentration was measured from the integral of the OH− absorption bands of infrared spectra taken on a few millimeter per millimeter area at the center of the sample slices. The data show no significant effect of crystallographic orientation on the rates of dehydration, suggesting that hydrogen diffusion in diopside is isotropic. The simultaneous fit of diffusion data measured in the three directions to an Arrhenius law follows: ln D = ln D0 - exp[−136±27 kJ/mol/RT] with ln D0 = −14.5±2.8. The rates of dehydration of diopside are slower than the rates of dehydration of olivine. However, if olivine undergoes extensive dehydration during ascent within magma, dehydration of diopside may also be significant if we take into account the smaller grain size of this mineral, as observed in nodules.
A Review of Spectrophotometric Studies of Asteroids

It has long been realized that studies of the colors of asteroids provide useful clues to their composition. However, only since the development of photoelectric photometry have measurements of asteroid colors proven to be reliable. Recently, with advances in sensors and data systems, it has become possible to measure precisely the spectral reflectivity curves of asteroids from 0.3 to 1.1 jum with higher spectral resolution than that of the UBV system. Until recently, attempts to determine asteroid composition by comparing color indices for asteroids with spectral reflectivities or color indices for meteorites and terrestrial rocks have not been fruitful (Kitamura, 1959; Watson, 1938). It has been noted that the mean color indices for asteroids fall within the range for rocks and meteorites. However, there are far too many minerals for a one-dimensional characterization of asteroid color (color index) to suggest even a compositional class, let alone a specific composition. But when the full spectral reflectivity curve is well defined, for instance in the 24 narrowband interference filters we have been using, the measurements are considerably more diagnostic. Especially diagnostic are well-defined absorption bands as have been found for Vesta (McCord et al., 1970) and a few other asteroids. For instance, the position of the center of the prominent band near 0.9 /urn due to Fe + is dependent on mineralogy. Spectral reflectivity measurements of rocks and meteorites that have been published show a variety of spectral features ranging in strength from a percent to a few dozen percent that are repeatable for different rocks of identical mineralogy. An understanding of the basic physics of the production of absorption bands in solids is well developed, and it is possible to infer mineralogy from spectra containing such bands with considerable confidence. On the other hand, some solids show relatively featureless spectra, characterized only by their sloping trend and perhaps a few inflection points. Obviously such spectra cannot be uniquely
Relationships between circulation strength and the variability of growing-season and cold-season climate in northern and central Europe

This paper examines variability in surface climate and the relationship with two circulation indices using recently produced 200–250 year long European daily and monthly climatic series. Assessments are made of the influence of circulation indices (zonal over western Europe and average pressure over central Europe) on regional temperature, precipitation and drought series for northern and central Europe. Changes in the circulation are shown to be very important during the winter in northern Europe, but only over western and central Europe in summer. Circulation indices in winter, however, only explain up to 25% of surface-climate variability and, except for the British Isles, do not explain any decadal and longer timescale variability in summer. Extreme temperatures and growing-season and frost-season durations and degree-day series are calcu lated for four sites (Central England, Stockholm, Uppsala and St. Petersburg). Degree-day counts are shown to be very strongly correlated (r > 0.9) to average extended summer (‘growing’ season, May to September) and extended winter (‘frost’ season, October to April) temperatures. Durations of the growing and frost seasons are only weakly correlated (r ~ 0.2–0.4) with the appropriate extended seasonal temperatures or degree-day counts. Warmer growing/frost seasons, therefore, need not necessarily be longer/shorter. Counts of extremely warm days in each year are more highly correlated with the growing-season mean temperature than with coldseason temperature. Similarly, counts of extremely cold days in each year are more highly correlated with cold-season temperature than with growing-season temperature. Both the growing-season temperature and the corresponding degree-day counts clearly show warmer temperatures over all series in Fennoscandia before 1860. Over central Europe, and for the Central England temperature series, growing seasons now are of similar warmth to those before 1860. Annually averaged temperatures across the three regions indicate long-term warming which is, however, almost entirely the result of warming during the October to April period.
Early onset of drinking and risk of heavy drinking in young adulthood--a 13-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND Prevention programs often aim at preventing early onset of drinking (EOD) on the grounds that this may curb heavy drinking in adulthood. While many studies have shown an association between EOD and adult alcohol use disorders, these findings could be inflated by retrospective reports or insufficient control for confounders. This study examined the association between EOD behavior assessed in early adolescence and heavy drinking in adulthood, controlling for deviant behavior and parental heavy drinking. METHODS Data were collected prospectively over a 13-year period from 1,311 Norwegian school students. At t1 (ages 13 to 14 years), onset of drinking behavior (any drinking and heavy episodic drinking), conduct problems (CP), other problem behaviors, and parental heavy drinking were assessed. At t2 (ages 26 to 27 years), heavy drinking behavior was assessed in terms of heavy episodic drinking frequency and AUDIT score. RESULTS EOD behavior was associated with CP, other problem behaviors, and parental heavy drinking in early adolescence. A higher risk of heavy drinking in adulthood was found among those with EOD behavior, yet after control for CP, this association became small and statistically nonsignificant. Among low-risk individuals (i.e., those with no CP at t1), there was no association between EOD behavior and heavy drinking in adulthood, while there was a significant association among those with CP. CONCLUSIONS EOD behavior appears not per se responsible for heavy drinking in adulthood unless being part of a broader array of problem behaviors.
The burrowing sponges of Bermuda

Riitzler, Klaus. The Burrowing Sponges of Bermuda. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 165, 32 pages, 26 figures, 1 table, 1974 The systematic* and distribution of eight species of burrowing sponges found on the Bermuda platform are discussed. These sponges excavate limestone substrata to form burrows in which they live, thus participating in processes of erosion and sedimentation. Seven species belong to Cliona (Clionidae): C. caribbaea Carter, C. flavifodina, new species, C. paucispina, new species, C. vcrmifera Hancock, C. dioryssa (Laubenfels), new combination, C. lampa Laubenfels, and C. amplicavata, new species; one species belongs to Spheaosponfia (Spirastrellidae): S. othella Laubenfels. In addition to the three new species, two sponges are new records for Bermuda: C. caribbaea (not sensu Verrill, 1907, and Laubenfels, 1950) and C. vermifera. Among the C. lampa population three phenotypic forms are distinguished: formae lampa, occulta, and flavida. Appearance of live and preserved specimens, internal structure, spicules, and excavations are described in detail to permit field identification by nonspecialists. Scanning electron photomicrographs are used to clarify the fine structure of microscleres. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. SI PRESS NUMBER 4970. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Riitzler, Klaus, 1936The burrowing sponges of Bermuda. (Smithsonian contributions to zoology, no. 165) 1. Cliona. 2. Spheciospongia othella. 3. Sponges—Bermuda Islands. I. Title. II. Series: Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian contributions to zoology, no. 165. QLI.S54 no. 165 [QL373.D4] 591'. 08s [593'. 46] 73-12864 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 Price 80 cents (paper cover)
Wet aggregate stability as affected by excess carbonate and other soil properties

Aggregate stability is a fundamental property influencing soil erodibility and hydraulic characteristics. Knowledge of soil components controlling aggregate stability is very important to soil structure conservation. The objective of this study, which was carried out in surface soils from central Greece, was to relate wet aggregate stability to selected soil properties, with emphasis on excessive free carbonate content. The wet‐sieving technique of air‐dried aggregates was used for structural stability evaluation, according to a test that calculates an instability index. The soils studied were developed on Tertiary marly parent material and ranged in calcium carbonate content from 5 to 641 g kg−1. From the texture analysis before and after removal of carbonates, it was concluded that carbonates mainly contributed to total silt and sand fractions, that is to the mechanical fractions which, as a rule, negatively affect aggregate stability. The results of the correlation analysis showed that aggregate stability was positively affected by aluminosilicate clay content, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and Al‐containing sesquioxides. Clay fraction from carbonates and total sand and silt negatively affected aggregate stability. CEC has been proved a very significant determinant of aggregate stability, which in a hyperbolic form relationship with instability index explained 78·9 per cent of aggregate stability variation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate hydrological frequency analysis using copulas

This article presents the modeling of multivariate extreme values using copulas. Our approach allows us to model the dependence structure independently of the marginal distributions, which is not possible with standard classical methods. The methodology has been applied on two different problems in hydrology. The first application is concerned with the combined risk in the framework of frequency analysis. Four copulas have been tested on peak flows from the watershed of Peribonka in Québec, Canada. The second application relates to the joint modeling of peak flows and volumes. Three copulas have been applied to the watershed of the Rimouski River in Québec, Canada. This approach using copulas is promising since it allows us to take into account a wide range of correlation which can happen in hydrology.
CHANGING NEAR‐STREAM LAND USE AND RWER CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY IN THE VENEZUELAN ANDES 1

ABSTRACT: The shape of a river channel is linked to surrounding land use through interacting hydrologic and geologic processes. This study analyzes the relationship between the change in near‐stream land use and the shape of the adjacent river channel over time. Three watersheds in the foothills of the Venezuelan Andes that have experienced differing degrees of development were studied to determine river channel width, sinuosity, and position relative to surrounding land use. Change in land use over time was obtained from multiple‐date aerial photographs (1946 and 1980) referenced to 1996 Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite imagery, and verified by field inspection. Measurements of land‐use type and amount and river channel morphology from the two dates were made using geographic information system (GIS) methods. The three watersheds differed in the extent of deforestation, the location of remaining forested land, and how much land‐use change had already occurred by 1946. Change in river channel morphology was greatest at the most deforested sites. Valley shape and channel constraint also had a discernible effect on change in channel morphology. This study introduces a method for analyzing change in coupled terrestrial‐aquatic systems based on multiple‐date, remotely sensed data and GIS analysis of spatial properties. The results document human impacts on river channels through a comparison of multiple watersheds over a 35‐year time interval.
Soil moisture dynamics in coastal savanna soils in the tropics under different soil management practices

Abstract Soil moisture is important for crop cultivation and its adequacy to meet crop-water requirements is determined by the degree of soil management practised and the quantity of water applied to the soil. This study investigates soil moisture dynamics on three plots: Bare (clean, weeds removed), Weedy (kept weedy), and Mulched (cleared of weeds and fully covered with grass mulch) during rainy and dry periods at the Teaching and Research Farm at the University of Cape Coast, in the coastal savanna zone of Ghana. Soil moisture dynamics under different levels of soil compaction were also studied. A Massey Ferguson tractor (MF265) was used to compact the soil at various levels by making 0, 1, 5, 9 and 13 passes. During both the rainy and the dry periods, moisture retention in the soil under bare, weedy and mulched plots increased with depth. During the rainy period, the mean soil moisture retention was in the order: Mulched > Weedy > Bare at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths. Within a 7–day period, soil moisture measurements from a day after heavy rainfall (intensity > 7 mm h−1) gave mean moisture losses of 2.7, 4.1 and 3.9% for the Bare, Weedy and Mulched plots, respectively. During the dry period, however, the mean soil moisture retention was of the order: Mulched > Bare > Weedy at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths. Mean moisture loss during a 7–day dry period was 4.5, 2.9 and 3.4% for the Bare, Weedy and Mulched plots, respectively. Under different levels of soil compaction, the mean moisture retention in the soil increased from 8.3% at 0 pass to 17.8% at 13 passes within the 0–20 cm depth, whilst it decreased from 13.3 to 5.9% from 0 to 13 passes, respectively, within the 20–40 cm depth. It was realized that at less than two passes, the mean soil moisture retention within the 0–20 cm depth was less than the mean moisture retention within the 20–40 cm depth, but the converse happened for more than two passes. The study showed that mulching the soil surface helped to retain enough soil moisture during both the rainy and the dry seasons. Also, soil with high sand content required some sort of soil compaction in order to retain enough moisture at the crop rooting zone.
Channelized fluid flow and mass transfer along a rift-related detachment fault (Eastern Alps, southeast Switzerland)

Remnants of a rift-related, low-angle detachment system are spectacularly exposed in the continental Err nappe and occur discontinuously in the underlying oceanic Platta nappe in southeast Switzerland. Rocks along the detachment fault exhibit systematic changes in mineralogy, fabrics, and structures that are related to deformation and hydration of granite to form cataclasite and subsequent gouge. Structural, mineralogical, and geochemical data indicate a continuous evolution of fluid flow and mass transfer along the detachment fault. Mass-balance calculations together with stable isotope data suggest (1) an altered seawater source and local interaction with mantle rocks; (2) limited fluid-rock interaction and mass transfer during initial cataclasis at deeper crustal levels and temperatures of 150 to 200 °C; (3) increased fluid flux and mass transfer at slightly lower temperatures (100–150 °C) during gouge formation at shallower crustal levels; and (4) strongly localized fluid-rock interaction at low temperatures (65–80 °C) near the sea floor at a final stage of detachment faulting. We propose a model in which seawater-dominated fluids penetrated and locally interacted with mantle rocks before they were caught and channelized along large-scale detachment faults. Flow direction is upward along the detachment from higher to lower temperatures, suggesting that the driving force of fluid flow was thermal fluid convection associated with mantle exhumation. Our study suggests that this large-scale detachment fault is a good analog for extensional structures along present-day, nonvolcanic, rifted margins. Such structures along ocean-continent transitions are important in controlling fluid pathways and mass transfer between mantle and continental crust.
A resveratrol and polyphenol preparation suppresses oxidative and inflammatory stress response to a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal.

BACKGROUND High-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meals are known to induce oxidative and inflammatory stress, an increase in plasma endotoxin concentrations, and an increase in the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3). HYPOTHESIS The intake of a nutritional supplement containing resveratrol and muscadine grape polyphenols reduces HFHC meal-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress and stimulates the activity of the antioxidant transcription factor, NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2), and its downstream targets. METHODS Ten normal, healthy subjects were given a 930-kcal HFHC meal either with placebo or with the supplement. Indices of oxidative stress, inflammation, Nrf-2 binding activity, the concentrations of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) and lipoprotein binding protein (LBP), and the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), CD14, IL-1β, TNFα, SOCS-3, Keap-1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), and GST-P1 were measured. RESULTS The intake of the supplement suppressed the meal-induced elevations of plasma endotoxin and LBP concentrations, the expression of p47(phox), TLR-4, CD14, SOCS-3, IL-1β, and Keap-1, while enhancing Nrf-2 binding activity and the expression of NQO-1 and GST-P1 genes. CONCLUSION A supplement containing resveratrol and muscadine polyphenols suppresses the increase in oxidative stress, lipopolysaccharide and LBP concentrations, and expression of TLR-4, CD14, IL-1β and SOCS-3 in mononuclear cells after an HFHC meal. It also stimulates specific Nrf-2 activity and induces the expression of the related antioxidant genes, NQO-1 and GST-P1. These results demonstrate the acute antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of resveratrol and polyphenolic compounds in humans in the postprandial state.
Vegetation classification in the middle Mediterranean area by satellite data

Abstract The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index time series derived from NOAA satellite data relevant to the years 1986–1989 have been used to evaluate their usefulness for vegetation mapping purposes. Given the remote sensing information about all the available dates in a period, it is possible to define areas of homogeneous time NDVI profile through unsupervised classification procedures. In the discrimination process it is assumed that dynamic features of the vegetation with an evolution period shorter than one month can be neglected. Three different approaches are used: an unsupervised classification on Principal Components and on 6 and 12 months data. Maximum value composites of the NDVI profiles (in LAC format) in each area for each month of the four-year time frame have proved to be very useful to stress the various typologies of vegetation development and condition. The output vegetation map is characterized by regions of a similar vegetation composition and timing among the different dominant.
Nutrition policy: developing scientific recommendations for food-based dietary guidelines for older adults living independently in Ireland

Older adults (≥65 years) are the fastest growing population group. Thus, ensuring nutritional well-being of the ‘over-65s’ to optimise health is critically important. Older adults represent a diverse population – some are fit and healthy, others are frail and many live with chronic conditions. Up to 78% of older Irish adults living independently are overweight or obese. The present paper describes how these issues were accommodated into the development of food-based dietary guidelines for older adults living independently in Ireland. Food-based dietary guidelines previously established for the general adult population served as the basis for developing more specific recommendations appropriate for older adults. Published international reports were used to update nutrient intake goals for older adults, and available Irish data on dietary intakes and nutritional status biomarkers were explored from a population-based study (the National Adult Nutrition Survey; NANS) and two longitudinal cohorts: the Trinity-Ulster and Department of Agriculture (TUDA) and the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) studies. Nutrients of public health concern were identified for further examination. While most nutrient intake goals were similar to those for the general adult population, other aspects were identified where nutritional concerns of ageing require more specific food-based dietary guidelines. These include, a more protein-dense diet using high-quality protein foods to preserve muscle mass; weight maintenance in overweight or obese older adults with no health issues and, where weight-loss is required, that lean tissue is preserved; the promotion of fortified foods, particularly as a bioavailable source of B vitamins and the need for vitamin D supplementation.