Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A variational approach to splitting schemes, with applications to domain decomposition integrators

Nonlinear parabolic equations are frequently encountered in applications and approximating their solutions require large scale computations. In order to obtain efficient numerical approximations, it is crucial to design and analyze schemes that can be implemented on parallel and distributed hardware. To this end, we introduce a general framework of non-autonomous, inhomogeneous evolution equations in a variational setting, and show convergence of the sum operator splitting scheme. We exemplify the usage to a $p$-Laplacian type problem with a possibly time depending domain decomposition.
Modeling non-point source pollutants in soil: Applications to the leaching and accumulation of pesticides and cadmium

The general objective of the present study was to contribute to a justified application of plot-scale developed models of non-point source pollutants on a regional-scale. Two environmental issues were studied, i.e. the leaching of pesticides to the shallow groundwater and the accumulation of cadmium in the topsoil and leaching into the groundwater. These two issues were chosen because they required entirely different model approaches. Pesticide leaching was calculated with a detailed, numerical, multi-layer model with a high temporal resolution (PESTRAS). Processes included were transient flow, convection, hydrodynamic dispersion, equilibrium sorption, degradation, uptake by plant roots and volatilization. In the heavy metal accumulation study two models were used: A comprehensive, multi-layer, numerical model (METRAS), which was applicable at the plotscale, and a simple analytical, one-layer model with a lower temporal resolution (SOACAS), which was used for the regional-scale assessments. Processes included in SOACAS are steady-state waterflow, convection, equilibrium sorption, complexation, and plant-uptake.
Evaluating Different Methods for Determining the Velocity-Dip Position over the Entire Cross Section and at the Centerline of a Rectangular Open Channel

The velocity profile of an open channel is an important research topic in the context of open channel hydraulics; in particular, the velocity-dip position has drawn the attention of hydraulic scientists. In this study, analytical expressions for the velocity-dip position over the entire cross section and at the centerline of a rectangular open channel are derived by adopting probability methods based on the Tsallis and general index entropy theories. Two kinds of derived entropy-based expressions have the same mathematical form as a function of the lateral distance from the sidewall of the channel or of the aspect ratio of the channel. Furthermore, for the velocity-dip position over the entire cross section of the rectangular open channel, the derived expressions are compared with each other, as well as with two existing deterministic models and the existing Shannon entropy-based expression, using fifteen experimental datasets from the literature. An error analysis shows that the model of Yang et al. and the Tsallis entropy-based expression predict the lateral distribution of the velocity-dip position better than the other proposed models. For the velocity-dip position at the centerline of the rectangular open channel, six existing conventional models, the derived Tsallis and general index entropy-based expressions, and the existing Shannon entropy-based models are tested against twenty-one experimental datasets from the literature. The results show that the model of Kundu and the Shannon entropy-based expression have superior prediction accuracy with respect to experimental data compared with other models. With the exception of these models, the Tsallis entropy-based expression has the highest correlation coefficient value and the lowest root mean square error value for experimental data among the other models. This study indicates that the Tsallis entropy could be a good addition to existing deterministic models for predicting the lateral distribution of the velocity-dip position of rectangular open channel flow. This work also shows the potential of entropy-based expressions, the Shannon entropy and the Tsallis entropy in particular, to predict the velocity-dip position at the centerline of both narrow and wide rectangular open channels.
Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic study of forearc basin sediments: Lower to Upper Cretaceous Budden Canyon Formation (Great Valley Group), northern California, USA

The results of a calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic investigation of the North Fork Cottonwood Creek section of the Budden Canyon Formation (BCF; Hauterivian–Turonian) in northern California are summarized using the Boreal – cosmopolitan Boreal Nannofossil Biostratigraphy (BC) – Upper Cretaceous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy (UC) nannofossil zonal schemes of Bown et al. and Burnett et al. Sixteen intervals, ranging from the BC15 to UC8 zones, were established in the section. Combined biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic studies suggest a Hauterivian to mid‐Turonian age for the studied sequence. The Hauterivian–Barremian, Barremian–Aptian, Aptian–Albian, Albian–Cenomanian, and Cenomanian–Turonian stage boundaries were delineated near the top of the Ogo Member, below the Huling Sandstone Member, within the upper Chickabally Member, in the upper portion of the Bald Hills Member and within the Gas Point Member, respectively. Unconformities probably exist at the base of the Huling Sandstone Member and the upper part of the upper Chickabally Member. The nannofossil assemblage in the North Fork Cottonwood Creek suggests that the study area was under the influence of cold‐water conditions during the Barremian to Lower Aptian interval, shifting to tropical/warm‐water conditions during the Albian to Turonian interval as a result of the mid‐Cretaceous global warming. Although oceanic anoxic events have not yet been reported in the BCF, preliminary total organic carbon, along with nannofossil data, suggest the presence of the global Cenomanian–Turonian boundary oceanic anoxic event 2.
Simulating high‐redshift galaxies

Recent observations have gathered a considerable sample of high-redshift galaxy candidates and determined the evolution of their luminosity function (LF). To interpret these findings, we use cosmological SPH simulations including, in addition to standard physical processes, a detailed treatment of the Pop III−Pop II transition in early objects. The simulated high-z galaxies match remarkably well the amplitude and slope of the observed LF in the redshift range 5 9.4) start of their star formation activity; the specific star formation rate is almost independent of galactic stellar mass. These objects are enriched rapidly with metals and galaxies identified by HST/WFC3 () show metallicities ≈0.1 Z⊙ even at z= 7–8. Most of the simulated galaxies at z≈ 7 (noticeably the smallest ones) are virtually dust-free, and none of them has an extinction larger than E(B−V) = 0.01. The bulk (50 per cent) of the ionizing photons is produced by objects populating the faint end of the LF (), which JWST will resolve up to z= 7.3. Pop III stars continue to form essentially at all redshifts; however, at z= 6 (z= 10) the contribution of Pop III stars to the total galactic luminosity is always less than 5 per cent for (). The typical high-z galaxies closely resemble the GRB host galaxy population observed at lower redshifts, strongly encouraging the use of GRBs to detect the first galaxies.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Arbutus andrachne leaf extract and its antimicrobial activity

Purpose : To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Arbutus andrachne leaf water extract (LE) and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of both LE and AgNPs. Methods : The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using the following techniques: ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and analysis of particle size (PS) and zeta potential (ZP). The antimicrobial activities of LE and NPs were assessed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion (DD) and broth microdilution (MD) methods according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). LE and AgNPs were examined against fresh cultures of four Gram-positive and five Gram-negative bacteria, and three yeast strains. Results : AgNPs were successfully synthesized and characterized using Arbutus andrachne LE. The AgNPs showed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538p, S.epidermidis ATCC 12228, Escherichia coli ATCC 29998, Klebsiella pnemoniae ATCC 13883 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and also antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10239 and C. krusei ATCC 6258. Conclusions : Due to the potent activity of AgNPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast strains, it is suggested that AgNPs are potential broad spectrum antimicrobial agents. Keywords : Arbutus andrachne, Silver nanoparticles, Antimicrobial activity
Anthropogenic fine particulate matter pollution will be exacerbated in eastern China due to 21st century GHG warming

Abstract. China has experienced a substantial increase in severe haze events over the past several decades, which is primarily attributed to the increased pollutant emissions caused by its rapid economic development. The climate changes observed under the warming scenarios, especially those induced by increases in greenhouse gases (GHGs), are also conducive to the increase in air pollution. However, how the air pollution changes in response to the GHG warming has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. We investigate this change using the century-long large ensemble simulations with the Community Earth System Model 1 (CESM1) with the fixed anthropogenic emissions at the year 2005. Our results show that although the aerosol emission is assumed to be a constant throughout the experiment, anthropogenic air pollution presents positive responses to the GHG-induced warming. The anthropogenic PM2.5 concentration is estimated to increase averaged over eastern China at the end of this century, but varying from regions, with an increase over northwestern part of eastern China and a decrease over southeastern part. Similar changes can be observed for the light air pollution days. However, the severe air pollution days are reported to increase across eastern China at the end of this century, particularly around the Jing–Jin–Ji region. Further research indicates that the increased stagnation days and the decreased light precipitation days are the possible causes of the increase in PM2.5 concentration, as well as the anthropogenic air pollution days. Estimation shows that the effect of climate change induced by the GHG warming can account for 11 %–28 % of the changes in anthropogenic air pollution days over eastern China. Therefore, in the future, more stringent regulations on regional air pollution emissions are needed to balance the effect from climate change.
Short communication: flow as distributed lines within the landscape

Abstract. Landscape evolution models (LEMs) aim to capture an aggregation of the processes of erosion and deposition within the earth's surface and predict the evolving topography. Over long timescales, i.e. greater than 1 million years, the computational cost is such that numerical resolution is coarse and all small-scale properties of the transport of material cannot be captured. A key aspect, therefore, of such a long timescale LEM is the algorithm chosen to route water down the surface. I explore the consequences of two end-member assumptions of how water flows over the surface of an LEM – either down a single flow direction (SFD) or down multiple flow directions (MFDs) – on model sediment flux and valley spacing. I find that by distributing flow along the edges of the mesh cells, node to node, the resolution dependence of the evolution of an LEM is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the flow paths of water predicted by this node-to-node MFD algorithm are significantly closer to those observed in nature. This reflects the observation that river channels are not necessarily fixed in space, and a distributive flow captures the sub-grid-scale processes that create non-steady flow paths. Likewise, drainage divides are not fixed in time. By comparing results between the distributive transport-limited LEM and the stream power model “Divide And Capture”, which was developed to capture the sub-grid migration of drainage divides, I find that in both cases the approximation for sub-grid-scale processes leads to resolution-independent valley spacing. I would, therefore, suggest that LEMs need to capture processes at a sub-grid-scale to accurately model the earth's surface over long timescales.
Relieved drought in China under a low emission pathway to 1.5°C global warming

Drought is detrimental to both natural systems and human societies. Although definitions of drought vary among different indices, the frequency of drought is likely to enhance in a strong warming climate either because of increased temperature or decreased precipitation. However, for a low warming target such as 1.5°C, drought tendency is uncertain as it depends on the competition between evapotranspiration and precipitation, both of which may show only moderate changes. In this study, future changes of self‐calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI) in China are projected for the periods of 1.5°C global warming under two different scenarios based on outputs from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). Compared to present day, national average scPDSI decreases by 0.04 ± 0.53 at a high emission scenario but increases by 0.20 ± 0.60 at a low emission scenario to the same 1.5°C global warming. Even with large uncertainties, the multi‐model ensemble scPDSI significantly increases by 0.52 ± 1.07 in the Southeast from the high to low emission scenarios. Such relieved drought is mainly attributed to the increased regional precipitation, which is likely caused by reductions in aerosols following emission regulations. Consequently, an associated control of both carbon and air pollution emissions helps retain the warming target globally and relieve drought risks regionally.
Finding the future in policy discourse: an analysis of city resilience plans

ABSTRACT Managing future uncertainty is the essence of planning. How planners conceptualize the future therefore has important practical and normative implications as contemporary decisions have long-term impacts that may be irreversible and distribute costs and benefits across society. A discourse analysis of strategies prepared under the 100 Resilient Cities programme reveals that while they are ostensibly forward-looking and cognizant of uncertainty, most presume a knowable future (epistemic certainty) and focus on well-understood or recently experienced risks. Few acknowledge the future’s inherent unknowability (ontic uncertainty). Those that do emphasize community self-help; others describe top-down, government-led initiatives. Most strategies also present an image of societal consensus, downplaying the potential for legitimate disagreement over means and ends (discursive uncertainty). These findings suggest that new conceptualizations of future uncertainty have had limited impacts on planning practice.
Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Diagnosed by Controlled Attenuation Parameter on Transient Elastography and Its Predisposing Factors in Psoriasis

Background: Psoriasis patients have an increased risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) on transient elastography is more sensitive than abdominal ultrasonography in detecting liver steatosis. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NAFLD in psoriasis and to identify its predisposing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed involving 109 psoriasis patients aged > 18 years in two tertiary dermatology clinics in Kuala Lumpur. Patients on hepatotoxic drugs, had excessive alcohol intake, and other secondary causes of chronic liver diseases were excluded. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), liver function test, lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose were obtained. CAP on transient elastography was performed to diagnose NAFLD. The clinical characteristics of psoriasis patients were compared between patients with and without NAFLD. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 85.3%. NAFLD in psoriasis patients was associated with a higher weight (P < 0.0005), body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.0005), waist circumference (P < 0.0005), and metabolic syndrome (P = 0.002). Fasting blood glucose (5.3 [1.8] mmol/L, p=0.010), triglyceride (1.4 [0.8] mmol/L, P < 0.0005), and alanine transaminase (28.5 [26] U/L, P = 0.001) were higher in patients with NAFLD compared with those without it. PASI and systolic blood pressure correlated significantly with NAFLD severity. BMI (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.127 - 2.357, P = 0.009), triglyceride level (OR = 130.74, 95% CI = 2.94 - 812, P = 0.012), and PASI (OR = 1.138, 95% CI = 1.004 - 1.290, P = 0.043) were the significant predictors of NAFLD. Conclusions: NAFLD should be screened in all psoriasis patients, especially in patients with high BMI, metabolic syndrome, and severe psoriasis, despite having a normal biochemical profile. Early detection of asymptomatic NAFLD is essential for preventive management, including to reduce hepatotoxicity risk of psoriasis pharmacotherapy.
XMM–Newton EPIC and OM observation of Nova Centauri 1986 (V842 Cen)

We report the results from the temporal and spectral analysis of an XMM–Newton observation of Nova Centauri 1986 (V842 Cen). We detect a period at 3.51 ± 0.4 h in the EPIC data and at 4.0 ± 0.8 h in the Optical Monitor (OM) data. The X-ray spectrum is consistent with the emission from an absorbed thin thermal plasma with a temperature distribution given by an isobaric cooling flow. The maximum temperature of the cooling flow model is keV. Such a high temperature can be reached in a shocked region and, given the periodicity detected, most likely arises in a magnetically channelled accretion flow characteristic of intermediate polars. The pulsed fraction of the 3.51-h modulation decreases with energy as observed in the X-ray light curves of magnetic cataclysmic variables, possibly due either to occultation of the accretion column by the white dwarf body or phase-dependent to absorption. We do not find the 57-s white dwarf spin period, with a pulse amplitude of 4 mmag, reported by Woudt et al. in either the OM data, which are sensitive to pulse amplitudes ≳0.03 mag, or the EPIC data, sensitive to pulse fractions p≳ 14 ± 2 per cent.
A Review on the Pathways of the Improved Structural Characteristics and Photocatalytic Performance of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Thin Films Fabricated by the Magnetron-Sputtering Technique

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films are used for a broad range of applications such as wastewater treatment, photocatalytic degradation activity, water splitting, antibacterial and also in biomedical applications. There is a wide range of synthesis techniques for the deposition of TiO2 thin films, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD), both of which are well known deposition methods. Layer by layer deposition with good homogeneity, even thickness and good adhesive nature is possible by using the PVD technique, with the products being used for photocatalytic applications. This review studies the effects of magnetron sputtering conditions on TiO2 films. This innovative technique can enhance the photocatalytic activity by increasing the thickness of the film higher than any other methods. The main purpose of this article is to review the effects of DC and RF magnetron sputtering conditions on the preparation of TiO2 thin films for photocatalysis. The characteristics of TiO2 films (i.e., structure, composition, and crystallinity) are affected significantly by the substrate type, the sputtering power, the distance between substrate and target, working pressure, argon/oxygen ratio, deposition time, substrate temperature, dopant types, and finally the annealing treatment. The photocatalytic activity and optical properties, including the degree of crystallinity, band gap (Eg), refractive index (n), transmittance (T), and extinction coefficient (k), of TiO2 films are dependent on the above- mentioned film characteristics. Optimal TiO2 films should have a small particle size, a strong degree of crystallinity, a low band gap, a low contact angle, a high refractive index, transmittance, and extinction coefficient. Finally, metallic and nonmetallic dopants can be added to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films by narrowing the band gap.
Children’s and Adults’ Processing of Variable Agreement Patterns: Agreement Neutralization in English

Language acquisition and language processing are inextricably linked (e.g., Omaki & Lidz, 2015). At a minimum, infants and children must process their input in order to learn from it, and as researchers, processing is often our window onto children’s linguistic knowledge. But many accounts also suggest that key aspects of processing (e.g., prediction) may drive language learning (e.g., Chang, Dell & Bock, 2006; Saffran, 2001; Ramscar, Dye & McCauley, 2013). On these accounts, children build expectations based on incoming linguistic information, and then compare those expectations to their observations. They use mismatches to help them update their system to predict better in the future. On such accounts, the types of cues that drive prediction and the types of predictions they permit govern what this process can be used to learn (for discussion, see Rabagliati, Gambi & Pickering, 2016; Lukyanenko & Fisher, 2016). Ample evidence shows that adults and children process language incrementally, integrating incoming linguistic material with the preceding context to build a representation of the utterance thus far and to anticipate what might be coming next (see Federmeier, 2007; Rabagliati, Gambi & Pickering, 2016). Studies show that adults and children use many types of cues in processing: They can use syntactic structure to anticipate likely upcoming arguments (Kukona, Fang, Aicher, Chen & Magnuson, 2011; Gambi, Pickering & Rabagliati, 2016), they can use the semantic constraints of content words to predict upcoming referents (e.g., eat the cake; Altmann & Kamide, 1999; Mani & Huettig, 2012), and they can use morphological information including grammatical gender, case, and number marking to help them make diffuse predictions about the features of upcoming words (e.g., Lew-Williams & Fernald, 2007; Lukyanenko & Fisher, 2016, Szewczyk & Schriefers, 2013). Comprehenders rely most heavily on cues that are reliable and readily available (e.g., Beyer & Hudson Kam, 2009; Choi & Trueswell, 2010; MacWhinney, Bates & Kliegl, 1984), but not all cues are reliable. Studies have shown that agreeing verbs facilitate the processing of following subject nouns with matching number features (Deevy, Leonard & Marchman, 2017; Lukya-