Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long‐term variability and trends in meteorological droughts in Western Europe (1851–2018)

We analysed long‐term variability and trends in meteorological droughts across Western Europe using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Precipitation data from 199 stations spanning the period 1851–2018 were employed, following homogenisation, to derive SPI‐3 and SPI‐12 series for each station, together with indices on drought duration and severity. Results reveal a general absence of statistically significant long‐term trends in the study domain, with the exception of significant trends at some stations, generally covering short periods. The largest decreasing trends in SPI‐3 (i.e., increasing drought conditions) were found for summer in the British and Irish Isles. In general, drought episodes experienced in the last two or three decades have precedents during the last 170·years, emphasizing the importance of long records for assessing change. The main characteristic of drought variability in Western Europe is its strong spatial diversity, with regions exhibiting a homogeneous temporal evolution. Notably, the temporal variability of drought in Western Europe is more dominant than long‐term trends. This suggests that long‐term drought trends cannot be confirmed in Western Europe using precipitation records alone. This study provides a long‐term regional assessment of drought variability in Western Europe, which can contribute to better understanding of regional climate change during the past two centuries.
Mothering in the context of fathers’ problematic alcohol use

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to broaden the knowledge about how mothers are affected by the other parent’s problematic alcohol use. The study is qualitative and based on interviews with 23 mothers. Theories of motherhood are used in the analysis. Due to the fathers’ problematic alcohol use, the mothers are not only responsible for the child–father relationship, but also for all the practicalities concerning children and their safety. These responsibilities are, to a large extent, the same before and after a separation. For children growing up with a parent who has a problematic alcohol use, the other parent can be a protective factor. The results reveal how much stress and strain mothers face due to the other parents’ problematic alcohol use and also that they are in need of support to better handle their and their children’s situation. However, most of them experience lack of support. Support seems to be connected to the shared parenthood and therefore depending on fathers’ participation and social workers fail to acknowledge the mothers’ needs. Furthermore, the mothers’ ability to compensate for fathers’ flaws in fact plays a part in society not supporting the mothers.
Inertia and Droop Frequency Control Strategy of Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Based on Rotor Kinetic Energy and Supercapacitor

The large-scale application of wind power eases the shortage of conventional energy, but it also brings great hidden danger to the stability and security of the power grid because wind power has no ability for frequency regulation. When doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind turbines use rotor kinetic energy to participate in frequency regulation, it can effectively respond to frequency fluctuation, but has the problems of secondary frequency drop and output power loss. Furthermore, it cannot provide long-term power support. To solve these problems, a coordinated frequency control strategy based on rotor kinetic energy and supercapacitor was proposed in this paper. In order to ensure the DFIG provides fast and long-term power support, a supercapacitor was used to realize the droop characteristic, and rotor kinetic energy was used to realize the inertia characteristic like synchronous generator (SG). Additionally, the supercapacitor is also controlled to compensate for the power dip of the DFIG when rotor kinetic energy exits inertia support to avoid secondary frequency drop. Additionally, a new tracking curve of DFIG rotor speed and output power was adopted to reduce the power loss during rotor speed recovery.
Vergi Gelirlerini Etkileyen Bir Faktör Olarak Ekonomik Özgürlükler: OECD Ülkeleri Üzerinde Bir Analiz

Ekonomik olarak ozgur bir toplumun gelismis bir toplum oldugu ongorulur. Gelismis toplumlarda ise elde edilen vergi gelirlerinin ayni oranda yuksek oldugu gorulmektedir. Bu dogrultuda ekonomik ozgurlukler ile vergi gelirleri arasindaki iliski, vergi orani uygulamalarindan ziyade toplumdaki her bireyin adil bir sekilde vergilendirildiginin farkinda olarak iktisadi kararlarini hicbir mudahale ile karsilasmadan ozgurce almalarindan kaynaklanmak-tadir. Bu calismada 32 OECD ulkesinin 1996-2016 yillari arasindaki verileri kullanilarak vergi gelirleri ile ekonomik ozgurluk arasindaki uzun donem iliskisi, vergi gelirlerini belirleyen diger faktorlerle birlikte Pedroni (1999), Kao (1999) ve Johansen - Fisher panel es butunlesme testleri ve uzun donem esitligi tahmincileri FMOLS ve DOLS araciligi ile analiz edilmistir. Analiz sonuclarina gore ise ekonomik ozgurlukler ve vergi gelirleri arasinda uzun donemli bir iliski oldugu sonucuna ulasilmistir.
Determination and evaluation components affecting the characteristics of synthesized of Au nanorods by the UV–vis spectrophotometer, dynamic light scattering, and scanner

Abstract This manuscript reports an investigation on the effect of four major components CTAB, AgNO3, ascorbic acid, and seed content on three important characteristics of synthesized Au nanorods (Au-NRs), including aspect ratio (AR), monodispersity, and hydrodynamic diameter. Additionally, the effect of these major components on the mean intensity of color obtained by a scanner is investigated. Au-NRs were synthesized using the seed-mediated growth method. The results demonstrated that AR, hydrodynamic diameter, and a polydispersity index of Au-NRs could be satisfactorily predicted by the scanner.
Does financial development reduce the level of corruption? Evidence from a global sample of 140 countries

The current research explores the role of financial sector development on the control of corruption in a global sample of 140 countries. Using annual data from 1996 to 2015, this study makes use of system generalized method of moments technique to identify the determinants of corruption across the full sample, low and lower middle-income countries and, upper middle and high-income countries. Our empirical findings show that financial development plays an important role in controlling the growth of corruption across the full sample, low and lower middle-income countries and upper middle and high-income countries. Simi-larly, per capita income has a significant positive impact on control of corruption in upper middle and high-income countries, while education plays a similar role in low and lower middle-income countries. On the contrary, the per capita income, trade openness, government expenditure, political rights and civil liberty are the major factors, which promote the growth of corruption in low and lower middle-income countries, whereas trade and civil liberty play the same role in high-income countries. Given these findings, our study makes number policy recommendations and adds new knowledge to the empirical literature.
Impact of Eurasian Ice Sheet and North Atlantic Climate Dynamics on Black Sea Temperature Variability During the Penultimate Glacial (MIS 6, 130–184 ka BP)

Understanding hemisphere‐wide millennial‐scale temperature variability during past glacials in response to ice sheet dynamics and orbital forcing is one of the key targets for Quaternary climate research. While an inland propagation of abrupt temperature changes into Eurasia from the North Atlantic realm during the last glacial (Weichselian) receives increasingly broad support, much less is known regarding the penultimate glacial (Saalian) temperature variability, especially from a continental interior perspective. Here, we present a TEX86‐derived lake surface temperature (LST) record from the former Black Sea “Lake” covering nearly the entire Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6. While orbital‐scale LST cooling likely relates to meltwater discharge from the retreating Eurasian Ice Sheet during insolation maxima, millennial‐scale LST variability suggests interstadial warming in phase with Greenland and northern Mediterranean Sea temperature records during the first half of MIS 6. Although summer insolation reached an interglacial‐like level during this period, we propose that the reduced extent of the Eurasian Ice Sheet associated with northward shifted atmospheric fronts was ultimately responsible for the inland propagation of Dansgaard‐Oeschger‐like temperature variability. During the second half of MIS 6, temperature patterns across the North Atlantic‐Eurasian corridor were more variable and less comparable with each other, likely because of the larger continental ice sheet weakening northern hemisphere atmospheric teleconnections. Temperature records across the North Atlantic‐Eurasian realm suggest a weaker atmospheric teleconnection during MIS 6 compared to MIS 3, likely related to a stronger imprint of the Eurasian Ice Sheet on the continental and regional climate.
Multinational genetic connectivity identified in western Pacific hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata

Abstract Context. An understanding of the genetic stock structure of wide-ranging marine species is necessary for sound conservation management. Eretmochelys imbricata is Critically Endangered globally, but is among the least studied marine turtles. Reduced population sizes, its long-distance migratory nature between feeding and nesting habitats and poor understanding of its stock structure, biology and anthropogenic impact(s) pose challenges to developing effective conservation strategies for regional conspecifics. Aims. Quantification of the population connectivity between specific feeding areas and regional nesting populations is needed for threat assessment and development of mitigation actions. Methods. Here, we sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 91 immature and adult foraging E. imbricata individuals captured at the Howick Group of islands in the far-northern section of the Great Barrier Reef (nGBR), Queensland, Australia. We used a Bayesian mixed-stock analysis (MSA) approach to determine the contribution of nine regional genetically characterised breeding populations to this feeding aggregation. Key results. The MSA estimated that a majority (83%; 95% CI = 70–92%) of feeding E. imbricata had originated from nesting beaches in the Bismarck–Solomon Sea region, whereas only 15% (95% CI = 6–25%) had originated from nGBR rookeries. International reproductive migrations were also corroborated by the return of 18 uniquely numbered titanium flipper tags that had been applied to E. imbricata found foraging in the Howick Group and had swum to rookeries within the Bismarck–Solomon Sea region. These 18 turtles represent 86% of all migration tag–recaptures from the Howick Group. Conclusions. We postulate that recent increases in nesting populations within the Solomon Islands may be due to the high level of protection afforded to foraging turtles within the Great Barrier Reef. Implications. An understanding of the connectivity between specific feeding areas and nesting populations is necessary to determine threats to animals over their entire life history and, therefore, allow the development of sound conservation management actions.
Dual‐band circularly polarized MIMO DRA for sub‐6 GHz applications

In this article, a dual‐band circularly polarized multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is proposed for 3.5 and 5.5 GHz bands, both being located under 6 GHz. Known as sub‐6 (or as mid‐band), they provide good coverage and capacity in the newly targeted fifth‐generation (5G) systems. The proposed structure consists of two ring DRAs (RDRAs) etched on a 0.8 mm thick RT Duroid substrate. Measured impedance bandwidths in broadside direction are 3.1‐3.75 GHz (19%) and 5.3‐5.6 GHz (9.4%) and circular polarization (CP) bandwidths are 3.425‐3.6 GHz (5%) and 5.45‐5.55 GHz (2%), respectively. CP is achieved by exciting HE modes using two probes placed orthogonaly to each other, that is, at an azimuthal angular distance of 90∘. Varying the lengths of the probe allows achieving the necessary time‐phase quadrature between modes. Comparison between recent multiband circularly polarized MIMO DRAs and proposed prototype has revealed that CP bandwidth in both bands is one of the highlighting advantages of the present configuration.
Impact of climate change on rainfall over Chennai

Global warming and climate change are currently topics of importance in environmental studies. Climate change is predominantly contributed by human activities and it presents a serious threat to nature and people. Greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide trap heat in the atmosphere and regulate climate. In addition, rapid urbanization and industrialization add more greenhouse gases to atmosphere and increase overall global temperature and further change the weather patterns. The unexpected weather conditions in Chennai has gained wide attention, especially after 2015 flood, Vardah and Ocki cyclones. In this study, the possible impact of climate change on rainfall over Chennai city is analysed under various Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios. Simulations of a Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) Regional Climate Model (RCM) is downscaled using change factor method. The study results show that the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall over Chennai is likely to increase.
Calibration Optimization Methodology for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Model for Electric Vehicles in Mining Applications

Large-scale introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) to the market sets outstanding requirements for battery performance to extend vehicle driving range, prolong battery service life, and reduce battery costs. There is a growing need to accurately and robustly model the performance of both individual cells and their aggregated behavior when integrated into battery packs. This paper presents a novel methodology for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack simulations under actual operating conditions of an electric mining vehicle. The validated electrochemical-thermal models of Li-ion battery cells are scaled up into battery modules to emulate cell-to-cell variations within the battery pack while considering the random variability of battery cells, as well as electrical topology and thermal management of the pack. The performance of the battery pack model is evaluated using transient experimental data for the pack operating conditions within the mining environment. The simulation results show that the relative root mean square error for the voltage prediction is 0.7–1.7% and for the battery pack temperature 2–12%. The proposed methodology is general and it can be applied to other battery chemistries and electric vehicle types to perform multi-objective optimization to predict the performance of large battery packs.
Plant silicon as a factor in medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) invasion

Abstract Medusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski] is one of the most detrimental invasive annual grasses impacting the sustainability and function of rangeland in the western United States. This annual grass possesses high concentrations of tissue silicon (Si) that may facilitate invasion through key plant characteristics such as increased plant fitness, structure, and antinutritive qualities. These characteristics may affect known invasive processes such as increased plant productivity, slow litter decomposition, and decreased herbivory, facilitating a positive feedback cycle of invasion. However, Si is not considered an essential element and is often overlooked as a factor of T. caput-medusae invasion. Thus, this article provides a synthesis of plant Si, T. caput-medusae, and the self-reinforcing feedback cycle of invasion. We also discuss how current control strategies address plant characteristics determined by Si and suggest research avenues that may aid in novel or improved control strategies that target the T. caput-medusae–silica relationship.
Decidual Vasculopathy and Spiral Artery Remodeling Revisited III: Hypoxia and Re-oxygenation Sequence with Vascular Regeneration

Aim: Spiral artery remodeling at early pregnancy is characterized by two distinct mechanisms with two morphologic features, namely, trophoblastic-dependent vascular invasion with “plugging”, and trophoblastic-independent mural muscular hypertrophy/hyperplasia, both of which lead to the blocking or narrowing of the arterial lumen with the consequence of reduced maternal blood flow to the developing embryo. Methods: Review of historic literature in light of the new discovery of CD56 (NCAM) expression on endovascular trophoblasts at late gestation, in relation to placental lateral growth with vascular regeneration. Results: Reduced maternal blood flow to the embryo results in a hypoxic condition critical for trophectoderm differentiation and proliferation. Hypoxia is also important for the development of hemangioblasts of vasculogenesis, and hematopoiesis of the placental villi. Up to 13 weeks, both uteroplacental and fetoplacental circulations are established and hypoxic condition relieved for normal fetal/placenta development by ultrasonography. The persistence of trophoblastic plugging and/or mural muscular hypertrophy/hyperplasia leads to persistent reduced maternal blood flow to the placenta, resulting in persistent hypoxia and increased angiogenesis, with a constellation of pathologic features of maternal vascular malperfusion atlate gestation. Wilm’s tumor gene (WT1) expression appears to be central to steroid and peptide hormonal actions in early pregnancy, and vascular regeneration/restoration after pregnancy. Conclusions: Spiral artery remodeling at early pregnancy leads to hypoxia with vascular transformation, and the establishment of uteroplacental circulation results in relief of hypoxia. The hypoxia–re-oxygenation sequence may provide insights into the mechanism of normal fetal/placental development and associated pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia.
Phase Transformation, Optical and Emission Performance of Zinc Silicate Glass-Ceramics Phosphor Derived from the ZnO–B2O3–SLS Glass System

A new transparent zinc silicate glass-ceramic was derived from the 55ZnO–5B2O3–40SLS glass system via a controlled heat-treatment method. The precursor glass sample was placed through the heat-treatment process at different temperatures to study the progress in phase transformation, optical performance and emission intensity of the zinc silicate glass-ceramics. For this project, material characterization was measured through several tests using densimeter and linear shrinkage measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared reflection (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The density and linear shrinkage measurements show that the density of the particular glass-ceramic samples increases with the progression of heating temperature. The XRD analysis displays the result in which the zinc silicate crystal starts to grow after the sample was treated at 700 °C. In addition, the FTIR spectra indicated that the crystallization of the zinc silicate phase occurred with the appearance of SiO4, ZnO4 and Si-O-Zn bands. UV–visible exhibited the small changes when the value for the optical band gap decreased from 3.867 to 3.423 eV, influenced by the temperature applied to the sample. Furthermore, the PL spectroscopy showed an enhancement of broad green emission at 534 nm upon the increased heat-treatment temperature. Thus, it can be concluded there is the progression of crystal growth as the heat-treatment temperature increased; three emission peaks appeared at 529, 570 and 682 nm for the green, yellow and red emissions, respectively.
On the Fast Propagating Ultra-hot Disturbance Captured by SDO/AIA: An In-depth Insight into the Coronal Nonlinear Dynamics

The impulsive heating events and their corresponding nonlinear dynamics remain one of the most obscure physical processes in solar atmospheric physics. The complicacy of these processes together with limited observations have greatly hampered our understanding of them. Here, we present, for the first time, an unambiguous example of a nonlinear acoustic wave in a closed coronal loop or loop segment, which appeared as a fast propagating ultra-hot disturbance cohesively in an indistinguishable corona loop with a highly evolving emission intensity profile. Based on the theory of propagating nonlinear waves, we argue that this type of observation can provide further information for the disturbance during its propagation. With this information, we conclude that the propagating nonlinear disturbance can quickly heat the corona through the rarefaction wave, and the disturbance-induced magnetic reconnection should not happen in our observation. Besides, a convenient criterion has also been deduced for the existence of the disturbance-induced reconnection mechanism. All of this provides us with a new insight into the accompanying nonlinear dynamics of solar impulsive heating events, which can not only shed light on problems including coronal heating and the fast formation of hot coronal loops, but also show us a very novel and prospective seismology scheme for the diagnosis of coronal plasma properties.
An Adaptive Deep Transfer Learning Model for Rumor Detection without Sufficient Identified Rumors

With the extensive usage of social media platforms, spam information, especially rumors, has become a serious problem of social network platforms. The rumors make it difficult for people to get credible information from Internet and cause social panic. Existing detection methods always rely on a large amount of training data. However, the number of the identified rumors is always insufficient for developing a stable detection model. To handle this problem, we proposed a deep transfer model to achieve accurate rumor detection in social media platforms. In detail, an adaptive parameter tuning method is proposed to solve the negative transferring problem in the parameter transferring process. Experiments based on real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed model achieves more accurate rumor detection and significantly outperforms state-of-the-art rumor detection models.
Effects of Phosphorous Application on Growth Performance, Yield and Nutritional Value of Cockscomb (Celosia argentea L)

Effects of phosphorous (P) level on performance, yield and nutritional value of Celosia argentea L. were evaluated with the aim of determining the P level that supports the best growth, yield and nutritional qualities of the crop. The levels of P were: normal (1.348 mg·kg-1 of P/pot, NP), medium (6.743 mg·kg-1 of P/pot, MP), high (13.48 mg·kg-1 of P/pot, HP) and no P application (control, CP). The crop growth rate (CGR) increased with increase in phosphorus gradients (NP = 0.05 g/m2·d-1, MP = 0.09 g/m2·d-1 and HP = 0.12 g/m2·d-1). High and medium P rates increased the relative growth rate (RGR), HP had the highest RGR (0.05 g·g-1/day) followed by MP (0.04 g·g-1/day). Addition of P increased leaf area (LA) of C. argentea. Crude protein of the control was higher (5.56%) compared to the other P treatments (NP = 5.14, MP = 5.11 and HP = 5.03%). Phosphorus applications were beneficial for growth and enhancement of nutritional quality of C. argentea. NP and MP are recommended for growing this vegetablecrop. Keywords: Cockscomb, Chlorophyll, Crude fibre, Stress, Vegetable