Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling streamflow and sediment using SWAT in Ethiopian Highlands

The coincidence of intensive rainfall events at the beginning of the rainy season and unprotected soil conditions after extreme dry spells expose the Ethiopian Highlands to severe soil erosion. Soil and water conservation measures (SWC) have been applied to counteract land degradation in the endangered areas, but SWC efficiency may vary related to the heterogeneity of the landscape. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to model hydrology and sediment dynamics of a 53.7 km2 watershed, located in the Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia. Spatially distributed stone bund impacts were applied in the model through modification of the surface runoff ratio and adjustment of a support practice factor simulating the trapped amounts of water and sediment at the SWC structure and watershed level. The resulting Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) for daily streamflow simulation was 0.56 for the calibration and 0.48 for the validation period, suggesting satisfactory model performance. In contrast, the daily sediment simulation resulted in unsatisfactory model performance, with the NSE value of 0.07 for the calibration and –1.76 for the validation period and this could be as a result of high intensity and short duration rainfall events in the watershed. Meanwhile, insufficient sediment yield prediction may result to some extent from daily based data processing, whereas the driving runoff events and thus sediment loads occur on sub-daily time scales, probably linked with abrupt gully breaks and development. The calibrated model indicated 21.08 Mg/hm2 average annual sediment yield, which is far beyond potential soil regeneration rate. Despite the given limits of model calibration, SWAT may support the scaling up and out of experimentally proven SWC interventions to encourage sustainable agriculture in the Ethiopian Highlands. Keywords: SWAT, streamflow, sediment dynamics, soil erosion, soil and water conservation, watershed hydrology DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe. 20160905.2483 Citation: Addis H K, Strohmeier S, Ziadat F, Melaku N D, Klik A. Modeling streamflow and sediment using SWAT in the Ethiopian Highlands. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2016; 9(5): 51－66.
Changes in latitudes, changes in aptitudes: Nucella canaliculata (Mollusca: Gastropoda) is more stressed at its range edge

A paradigm in biogeography is that organisms have 'abundant center' distributions, with abundances peaking at the range center and declining towards the range boundaries. One explanation for this pattern is that abundances are associated with organisms' physiological stress levels and performances, with organisms experiencing more stress at the range edges. Here we explored whether the intertidal dogwhelk Nucella canaliculata was distributed in an 'abundant center' pattern. We addressed the role of stress in setting the species' range limits. We determined dogwhelk abundances at range-center and range-edge sites and measured physiological stress levels by quantifying the 70 kDa heat-shock protein as a biochemical stress index. N. canaliculata was less abundant and more stressed at its southern range edge than at the range center, suggesting that populations at the range edge may be most impacted by global climate change.
A Partial Skeleton of a New Lamniform Mackerel Shark from the Miocene of Europe

Cenozoic lamniform sharks are mostly represented by isolated teeth and vertebrae, whereas articulated skeletal remains are usually very scarce. Here, we describe a partial skeleton of an extinct lamniform shark consisting of 42 slightly disarticulated teeth, 49 vertebrae, and additional unidentifiable cranial and postcranial remains. The specimen originates from the Miocene mica-clay of Groß Pampau (North Germany), which is of late Langenfeldian age (= Serravallian-Tortonian boundary; middle—late Miocene). A total of 13 measurements of each tooth, as well as morphological features, were used to reconstruct the dentition of this specimen and to provide detailed taxonomic information. Additionally, the total body size and age at death were established using methodologies based on vertebral and tooth measurements and vertebral centra growth ring counts, respectively. The specimen undoubtedly represents the most complete individual of “Carcharodon (= Isurus) escheri”, previously known only from a few isolated teeth. The dental pattern (e.g., marked dignathic and monognathic heterodonty patterns; only slightly labio-lingually compressed upper teeth; upper teeth slender with distally inclined or curved main cusps; massive, hook-like upper intermediate tooth; main cusps with crenulated cutting edges; lateral cusplets in teeth of all ontogenetic stages) clearly separates this shark from all hitherto known Cenozoic and Recent lamnids and a new genus, Carcharomodus, consequently is introduced. Carcharomodus escheri comb. nov. is a characteristic element of late early Miocene to the Pliocene Western and Central European fish faunas. All previously identified Pacific occurrences represent a different taxon. We estimate that the specimen had a total body length of about 4 m and that it was older than 10 years and thus might have reached maturity before death, as indicated by all available evidence.
Title: Targeted knockout of lhx1 via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in the Xenopus laevis

Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods 11 Hole, Massachusetts; Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson 12 Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tokyo 13 Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, 14 Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; The University of 15
Graphene-based Microbial Fuel Cell Studies with Starch in sub-Himalayan Soils

Microbial fuel cells with graphene based cathode and anode is the study of interest. Present work shows the capacity of sub-himalayan soil of Dehradun region of Uttarakhand, India holds potential to cater to power production from soil and organic waste matter. This can be speculated to power less energy intensive devices at the smallest level. Peak voltage of 0.69 V and current density datas are reported.Renewable energy utilization with such samples represents a sustainable usage. The soil bacterias are capable to metabolize the metal substances in the soil through symbiosis. Electric bacteria create conductive pili called nanowires enabling them to transfer electron and this can be utilized effectively.Direct electron transfer mechanisms have been investigated for this work. The biofilm developed by soil bacterias represent the central idea in making value from waste matter.
A Tale of Two Mergers: What We Can Learn from Agricultural Biotechnology Event Studies

This study employs event study analysis to examine two mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of publicly traded firms. The stock price effect of these combinations in the agricultural biotechnology industry indicates a market expectation of their profitability. The paper also discusses the broader context of agricultural biotechnology M&A activity in the 1990s, focusing on innovation and competition.
Blackberry decline: a major disease of Rubus anglocandicans in south-west Australia

Rubus anglocandicans is the most common species of European blackberry in Western Australia (WA) and one of the few weeds of national significance in the south-west of WA. It is a major weed of conservation areas, forestry and agriculture. Exotic strains of the blackberry rust Phragmidium violaceum have been introduced to WA as biological control agents, but in most areas it seems that they are not effective, possibly due to climate. In 2007 while monitoring establishment of the released rust strains, unexplained dead and diseased blackberry plants were discovered at two locations, along the Warren River near Pemberton and the Donnelly River near Manjimup in the south-west of WA. The extent of the disease, with noticeable landscape changes due to the removal of dense blackberry infestations, has lead to it being called ‘blackberry decline’. The organism or organisms responsible for killing the blackberry plants are so effective that within a couple of years previously impenetrable stands of well established blackberry have been completely killed for at least several kilometres from the initial sightings of disease symptoms. We outline the history of the ‘decline’ phenomenon on blackberry in the south-west of WA and discuss some of the possible causes.
Visual Intimacy on Social Media: From Selfies to the Co-Construction of Intimacies Through Shared Pictures

This article is based on a study that analyzes the use of pictures to build and convey intimacy through social media interactions across two platforms of different genres: Badoo (dating/hook-up platform) and Facebook. The study explores what kinds of pictures participants (aged 25–49 years) consider to be intimate and whether they disclose those kinds of images through these platforms. My discussion moves from the photographs (often portraits and selfies) that participants choose to disclose in order to (re)present themselves on the network to the topic of negotiating the publication of pictures with other users. Participants mainly identified as intimate sexy pictures and images showing sexual orientation or relationships status. In the context of Badoo, double sexual standards were found to be a key issue in the disclosure of sexy pictures. For Facebook, associated intimacy and censoring of images, with revelation of sexual orientation, publication of relationship status, and sharing of emotions with wider or unintended audiences, were the main topics discussed. Using in-depth interviews and user profile analysis, the aim of this article is to understand the roles of images within public intimacy practices in different types of relationships across two distinct social media platforms.
TravelSmart and TreeSmart: alternative ways of reducing greenhouse gas levels

One of the simplest methods of GHG removal is the planting of trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequester this carbon dioxide for long periods of time. These “TreeSmart” programs are not free of charge and require up-front investment in order to achieve the carbon sequestration. The cost-efficiency of a TreeSmart program will depend on the amount of investment involved, the carbon absorbing ability of trees and the nature of the financial arrangement entered into for a tree-planting exercise. This paper compares the cost efficiency of TravelSmart and TreeSmart projects in removing GHG from the atmosphere (in terms of dollars per tonne of carbon dioxide absorbed/reduced). The TravelSmart efficiencies are based on such projects recently conducted in Australia, while the TreeSmart efficiencies are based on a range of business models for eucalypt plantations in Victoria. The paper also identifies some other benefits that might be achieved by each type of program. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213716.
Tomographic imaging of the liquid and vapour fuel distributions in a single-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine

This article reports the application of optical tomography and chemical species tomography to the characterisation of the in-cylinder mixture preparation process in a gasoline, direct-injection, single-cylinder, motored research engine. An array of 32 near-infrared beams is transmitted in a horizontal plane across the cylinder bore near the top of the cylinder, through a circular quartz annulus. A novel approach to enable the optical alignment of the transmitting and receiving optics is utilised. The engine is operated at a stoichiometric condition at 1200 r/min, with negative valve overlap timing. Two tomographic measurement schemes (optical attenuation and chemically specific absorption) were used to acquire data on the spatial and temporal distribution of fuel throughout the engine cycle. Optimised data pre-processing methods are described for maximal beam count and data reliability. The presence of fuel during the intake stroke was detected by the optical beam attenuation due to scattering from the liquid gasoline droplets. Optical tomographic reconstruction of the spatial distribution of these droplets was achieved at an imaging rate of 7200 frames per second, revealing rapid intra-cycle spatial variations that were consistent between consecutive cycles. During the compression stroke, chemical species tomography images of fuel vapour were reconstructed from data acquired using chemically selective spectral absorption by the hydrocarbon molecules, at an imaging rate of 2400 frames per second. Later in the compression stroke, the temporal evolution of the fuel vapour distribution in the plane of observation is relatively slow and displays inhomogeneities that are consistent between consecutive cycles. This is the first report of the use of tomography to image, within individual engine cycles, the in-cylinder evolution of both fuel spray droplet distribution and fuel vapour distribution.
NONLETHAL REPELLENTS: THE DEVELOPMENT OF COST-EFFECTIVE, PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS

Author(s): Mason, J. Russell; Clark, Larry | Abstract: Repellents substances and devices cause pest species to avoid otherwise attractive or palatable materials. For birds, repellents can be visual, auditory, pyrotechnic, tactile, chemosensory, physiologic, or physical. Here, we consider chemical agents only. Few substances are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and thus legally available for use. This lack of available bird repellent technology reflects the small demonstrable economic impact of many agricultural bird damage problems. Accurate information about damage and market size is virtually nonexistent, and private companies are reluctant to invest resources in the unknown. To successfully commercialize new repellents, clearly lucrative markets must be identified. Efforts must be made to empirically quantify damage and to estimate whether control methods are economical relative to the protection that they confer. We intend the present manuscript as a first step in these directions.
A distance consensus method to aggregate viewpoints of different stakeholders for design alternative selection

Concept selection methods are commonly used throughout industry to determine which among several alternatives should be further developed. Choosing between different concept design alternatives is a complex task because of the presence of multiple conflicting criteria, multiple stakeholders which have diverse viewpoints, and incomplete information. A manufacturer should also pay attention to processes from the viewpoint of relevant criteria such as ease of production, ease of assembly and disassembly, ease of maintenance. Different stakeholders may choose different alternatives where their point of views should be aggregated to obtain the final design alternative. In this paper, a methodology has been developed involving two phases. The first phase of this method uses the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as a stand-alone methodology to obtain the alternative's final weights from the viewpoint of each individual stakeholder. The second phase aggregates the weights of alternatives from point of view of each individual stakeholder by a distance consensus method (DCM). This method will give the decision makers more relevant information in order to make the final decision. Key words: Design, selection, stakeholders, distance function, aggregation.
IMF Staff Papers - Volume 54, Number 1, 2007 - Grants vs. Loans by Tito Cordella and Hulya Ulku

Under what conditions should grants be preferred to loans? To answer this question, we present a simple model à la Krugman (1988) and show that, for any given level of development assistance, higher concessionality is good for growth if countries are poor, have bad policies, and have high debt obligations. We then test our model by estimating a modified growth model for a panel of developing countries, and find evidence supporting most of our predictions. [JEL F35, H63, O40] IMF Staff Papers (2007) 54, 139–162. doi:10.1057/palgrave.imfsp. 9450002
Effect of the Working Environment on Oculo-Visual Health of Some Sand and Stone Miners in Ghana

The health of the working population is an important prerequisite for productivity. The study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of the working environment on the oculo-visual health of some sand and stone mine workers in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey involving 247 sand and stone mine workers and 250 non-mine workers was conducted between February 2010 and May 2011. Structured interview was used to obtain information on demographics, ocular protective wear use, and ocular symptoms. External ocular assessments and distance visual acuity measurements were performed. While 45.7% of mine workers used either sunglasses or safety goggles, none of non-mine workers wore safety goggles; a few (8.8%) occasionally wore sunglasses. A significant proportion ( P ≤ 0.0001) of non-mine workers (59.2%) did not show ocular symptoms relative to the sand and stone miners. The vast majority (P ≤ 0.0001) of non-mine workers (75.2%) had no visible ocular findings compare to the sand and stone miners (32.4%). Among quarry workers, pterygium (24.3%), pingueculae (5.7%), inflammed eyes (18.2%), and scleral pigmentation 13.8% were significant (P ≤ 0.0001) findings which was not the case with non-mine workers. Visual acuity was however not significantly different (P > 0.05) with only approximately 5% from both categories recording moderate to very low (6/18 - 6/60) acuities. Although the working environment in the sand and stone mines seems to have no effect on visual acuity, it has detrimental effect on ocular structure which eventually could affect vision. Using appropriate ocular protectives and regular ocular examinations would be beneficial.
Moving vehicle target tracking based on improved Mean shift algorithm

This article proposes a tracking algorithm based on mean shift and particle filter according to the characteristics of moving vehicles. Firstly, the algorithms establish auto target motion model that the core is RGB color histogram. Secondly, using the Bhattacharyya distance measures similarity of particle region and the target model, and updating the weights of particles according to the similarity. Lastly, the measure improves the estimated position of the particle by using mean shift algorithm, which makes the candidate regions of these particles can be more close to the true target position. Experimental results show that the algorithm has good real-time performance and robustness, and can achieve stable tracking of target vehicle.
Quantitative single-particle analysis with the Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer: development of a new classification algorithm and its application to field data

Abstract. Single-particle mass spectrometry has proven a valuable tool for gaining information on the mixing state of aerosol particles. With the Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) equipped with a light-scattering probe, non-refractory components of submicron particles with diameters larger than about 300 nm can even be quantified on a single-particle basis. Here, we present a new method for the analysis of AMS single-particle mass spectra. The developed algorithm classifies the particles according to their components (e.g. sulphate, nitrate, different types of organics) and simultaneously provides quantitative information about the composition of the single particles. This classification algorithm was validated by applying it to data acquired in laboratory experiments with particles of known composition, and applied to field data acquired during the MEGAPOLI summer campaign (July 2009) in Paris. As shown, it is not only possible to directly measure the mixing state of atmospheric particles, but also to directly observe repartitioning of semi-volatile species between gas and particle phase during the course of the day.
Modified mercalli intensities for nine earthquakes in central and western Washington between 1989 and 1999

We determine Modified Mercalli (Seismic) Intensities (MMI) for nine onshore earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 and larger that occurred in central and western Washington between 1989 and 1999, on the basis of effects reported in postal questionnaires, the press, and professional collaborators. The earthquakes studied include four earthquakes of M5 and larger: the M5.0 Deming earthquake of April 13, 1990, the M5.0 Point Robinson earthquake of January 29, 1995, the M5.4 Duvall earthquake of May 3, 1996, and the M5.8 Satsop earthquake of July 3, 1999. The MMI are assigned using data and procedures that evolved at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its Department of Commerce predecessors and that were used to assign MMI to felt earthquakes occurring in the United States between 1931 and 1986. We refer to the MMI assigned in this report as traditional MMI, because they are based on responses to postal questionnaires and on newspaper reports, and to distinguish them from MMI calculated from data contributed by the public by way of the internet. Maximum traditional MMI documented for the M5 and larger earthquakes are VII for the 1990 Deming earthquake, V for the 1995 Point Robinson earthquake, VI for the 1996 Duvall earthquake, and VII for the 1999 Satsop earthquake; the five other earthquakes were variously assigned maximum intensities of IV, V, or VI. Starting in 1995, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) published MMI maps for four of the studied earthquakes, based on macroseismic observations submitted by the public by way of the internet. With the availability now of the traditional USGS MMI interpreted for all the sites from which USGS postal questionnaires were returned, the four Washington earthquakes join a rather small group of earthquakes for which both traditional USGS MMI and some type of internet-based MMI have been assigned. The values and distributions of the traditional MMI are broadly similar to the internet-based PNSN intensities; we discuss some differences in detail that reflect differences in data-sampling procedure, differences in the procedure used to assign intensity numbers from macroseismic observations, and differences in how intensities are mapped.
Molecular approaches for assessing fungal diversity in marine substrata

A range of molecular techniques is available to assess fungal diversity in natural environments. These include denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP), amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), amplified ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) and cloning. The techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for environmental work and their potential limitations are discussed in this review, together with applications for describing the diversity of filamentous marine fungi associated with their substrata. It is unlikely that a single technique can be used to assess all aspects of diversity, however the limited number of studies with a molecular approach has demonstrated that marine substrata contain a greater fungal diversity than previously recognised. These studies have also shown that it is important to combine mycological and molecular approaches to accurately assess diversity.