Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in the effects of fuel price and income on private car use in Sweden 1999-2008

The objective of this paper is to analyse how the use of privately owned cars in Sweden varies across a number of background parameters including fuel price, disposable income, car purchase cost index, children over 18, employment and the car owners’ distance to work. These factors are analysed separately for men and women, individuals living in urban, rural and sparsely populated areas as well as disposable income quartiles. In particular the adaptation of car use of low income car owners in rural and sparsely populated areas to fuel cost and disposable income variations is analysed. Register data of the whole population in Sweden taken from the Swedish tax authorities for 1999-2008 as well as kilometre readings from the National Vehicle Inspection is used. This allows tracking individual changes in car use over ten years as well as to contrast car use in rural and sparsely populated areas to car use in urban areas. Car use is modelled with a dynamic panel data specification, permitting proper methods to deal with endogeneity problems. Small geographical differences in the sensitivity to variations in disposable income are found. For fuel cost on the other hand, there is a tendency towards higher price sensitivity in rural areas especially in the two lowest income quartiles. In sparsely populated areas, there is no higher sensitivity of fuel price compared to urban areas. The income elasticity of car use is fairly small and decreases with increasing disposable income. This latter finding is compatible with the hypothesis of car driving saturation in the rich countries around the world. The car travel elasticity with respect to fuel price is estimated to be between -0.2 and -0.4 in the short run. Here the pattern is as expected with decreasing fuel-price elasticity with increasing income.
Phytoplankton size-fractionated chlorophyll-a off Baja California during winter, spring, and summer 2008

Spatial and temporal size-fractionated phytoplankton chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) variability as pico-nanoplankton (PN, 0.48.0 µm) and nano-microplankton (NM, >8.0 µm) off Baja California is shown. Chl-a samples from the upper 200 m were obtained from nearshore, offshore, and intermediate locations during winter, spring, and summer 2008. PN-Chl-a contribution to phytoplankton biomass was ~4 times higher than NM fraction. Chl-a PN/NM ratio increased toward offshore, while total Chl-a (PN + NM) decreased. Seasonally, offshore phytoplankton cells abundance had a comparable contribution for both size-fractions, without an apparent change by the integrated water-column total Chl-a (60 mg m −2 ). Vertical Chl-a profiles were similar for winter and summer seasons. The highest Chl-a concentration and phytoplankton-cells abundance arose in spring, predominantly for NM at nearshore locations, reaching from 2.7-fold (nearshore: middle) to 4.2-fold (middle: offshore) ratios. Phytoplankton Chl-a increased from winter to spring (5.4 times), with maximum contribution of NM (6.6 times) at nearshore zones. Water-column integrated phytoplankton abundance was 5-fold higher in spring than winter, and 2-fold over summer. Using optical microscopy, dinoflagellate cells were the most abundant and variable phytoplankton recognizable group at intermediate zone. Smaller phytoplankton cells sustained approximately continuous biomass off Baja California. The spatial and temporal phytoplankton biomass variability was mainly influenced by an increase of larger cells as result of spring coastal upwelling events.
Scaling the benefits of agri-environment schemes for biodiversity

A large-scale biodiversity monitoring program examining the response of herpetofauna to the Australian Government’s Environmental Stewardship Program is taking place in southeastern Australia within the critically endangered Box Gum Grassy Woodland vegetation community. Field surveys involve counting reptiles in areas under Environmental Stewardship management. These “Stewardship” areas have been matched with areas managed for primary production (domestic livestock grazing). We list reptiles recorded during surveys conducted between 2010 and 2012. We recorded sixty-nine species from ten families. The list will be useful for workers interested in the zoogeographical distribution of reptiles and amphibians in fragmented agricultural woodland ecosystems. Introduction Reptiles and amphibians have experienced unprecedented levels of population decline and extinction on a global scale (Alford and Richards 1999; Gibbons et al. 2000, Houlahan et al. 2000, Araujo et al. 2006). This trend has sparked widespread concern over the cause and effect of this global decline (Gibbons et al. 2000, Blaustein and Kiesecker 2002, Whitfield et al. 2007) and has led to the recognition that baseline distribution data are fundamental for resolution of this issue (McDiarmid et al. 2012). However, such data are lacking for many taxa (Foster et al. 2012), particularly on private-tenure land, and this is of major concern given the impact of agricultural practices on herpetofaunal diversity (Michael and Lindenmayer 2010).
Scalable Interframe Wavelet Coding with Low Complex Spatial Wavelet Transform

In the decoding process associated with interframe wavelet coding, the inverse wavelet transform requires high computational complexity. However, as video technology starts to pervade all aspects of our lives, decoders are becoming required in various devices such as PDAs, notebooks, PCs, and set‐top boxes. Therefore, a decoder's complexity needs to be adapted to the processor's computational power, and consequently a low‐complexity codec is also required for scalable video coding. In this paper, we propose a method of controlling and lowering the complexity of the spatial wavelet transform while sustaining the same coding efficiency as that currently afforded. In addition, the proposed method may alleviate the ringing effect for slowly changing image sequences.
Electrochemical Techniques for the Characterization of Redox Polymers

areas in electroanalytical chemistry for the past two decades has been modification of electrode properties by the immobilization of redox-active species onto the electrode surface by their incorporation into a polymer (1-3). For example, one common application has been the immobilization of enzymes (together with mediators) for the electrochemical detection of biologically important species (e.g., glucose) (4). This article will discuss the electrochemical techniques that are used to characterize these redox polymers. It is important at this stage to differentiate between redox polymers and conducting polymers. Redox polymers contain spatially and electronically localized redox sites. These can be either covalently bound to the polymer (e.g., polyvinyl-pyridine or polymerized metal bipyridine complexes) or electrostatically bound (e.g., negatively charged metal chloride or cyanide complexes in protonated poly [vinylpyridine] or positively charged metal bipyridine complexes in Nafion). In contrast, conducting polymers (which will not be discussed in this article) contain delocalized electronic states. The current response of redox polymer films depends upon the relative sizes of the diffusion layer δ (the layer adjacent to the electrode surface where the concentrations differ from those in the bulk polymer) and the film thickness φ. There are two limiting cases to consider— semi-infinite diffusion (φ>>δ) and thin-layer behavior (φ<<δ). The current responses for semi-infinite diffusion are well-known from studies of solution redox species, although the mechanism for diffusion in polymer films is different (vide infra), and the diffusion coefficients for polymer films generally a few orders of magnitude smaller than those for species in solution. In contrast, diffusion is not important for systems exhibiting thin layer behavior, since the electroactive material immobilized on the electrode surface is electrolyzed very rapidly when the applied potential is changed. Many redox polymers exhibit behavior that is intermediate between these two limiting cases. This behavior is referred to as finite diffusion. As discussed above, the important parameters in determining the extent of diffusion effects are the thickness of the diffusion layer δ and the film thickness φ. δ depends upon the diffusion coefficient (D) and the experimental time scale te. The effects of D, δ, and φ can all be expressed using the dimensionless variable Dte/φ. If this is much larger than 1 (large D, a long experimental time scale, and/or a thin film), then thin layer behavior will be observed, whereas if it is much less than 1 (small D, a short experimental time scale, and/or a thick film), the system will exhibit semi-infinite behavior. In redox polymer films, D is related to charge transfer through the polymer; for example, the rate of Electrochemical Techniques for the Characterization of Redox Polymers
Spin-Dependent Currents in Magnet/Normal Metal Based Magnetic Nanostructures

The spin transport through and near interfaces have been studied in magnet/normal metal based multilayer magnetic nanostructures in magneto-static and magneto-dynamic cases. Its features and accompanying effects, such as the magnetoresistance or the magnetic precession induced spin pumping and spin accumulation in adjacent normal metal are determined by the spin-dependent scattering on the interface. These effects are governed by the entire spin-coherent region that is limited in size by spin-flip relaxation processes and can be controlled by the spin-polarized current of different origin including the spin Hall effect. Conditions of realization of the mentioned spin currents in the multilayer magnetic nanostructures are studied.
The PalermoSwift-BAT hard X-ray catalogue: II. Results after 39 months of sky survey

Aims. We present the Palermo Swift-BAT hard X-ray catalogue obtained from the analysis of data acquired during the first 39 months of the Swift mission. Methods. We developed a dedicated software to perform the data reduction, mosaicking, and source detection of the BAT survey data. We analyzed the BAT dataset in three energy bands (14-150 keV, 14-30 keV, 14-70 keV), obtaining a list of 962 detections above a significance threshold of 4.8 standard deviations. The identification of the source counterparts was pursued using three strategies: cross-correlation with published hard X-ray catalogues, analysis of field observations of soft X-ray instruments, and cross-correlation with SIMBAD databases. Results. The survey covers 90%-of the sky down to a flux limit of 2.5 x 10-11 erg cm -2 s -1 and 50% of the sky down to a flux limit of 1.8 × 10- 11 erg cm -2 s -1 in the 14-150 keV band. We derived a catalogue of 754 identified sources, of which ~69% are extragalactic, ~27% are Galactic objects, and ~4% are already known X-ray or gamma ray emitters, whose nature has yet to be determined. The integrated flux of the extragalactic sample is ~1% of the cosmic X-ray background in the 14-150 keV range.
Synchronous mother and calf foraging behaviour in humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae: insights from multi-sensor suction cup tags

Previously, all inferences regarding fine-scale baleen whale mothercalf relation- ships have come from surface observations, aerial surveys, or underwater video recordings. On May 19, 2010, we attached high-resolution digital acoustic recording tags (Dtags) to an adult female humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae and her calf in Wilhelmina Bay (Western Antarctic Peninsula) to examine their concurrent diving and foraging behaviour. The Dtags logged ~20 h of concurrent recordings. We used cross-correlation analyses to quantify synchrony between the pair. Dive depth was positively correlated for the duration of the concurrent record and was highest when the calf's track lagged behind the mother's by 4.5 s, suggesting that the calf was 'following' its mother. Pitch and heading were positively correlated but to a lesser degree. Both animals executed feeding lunges; however, the mother foraged more intensively than the calf (792 and 118 lunges over 246 and 30 feeding dives, respectively). Also, the mother fed consis- tently once she initiated feeding at 16:22:00 h until the tag came off, whereas the calf executed 95.76% of its lunges between 17:00:08 and 19:28:21 h, local time. Correlation coefficients calcu- lated per dive were highest when both animals were feeding and lowest when only the mother was feeding. In addition, 84.26 and 79.63% of the calf's lunges were performed within ±20 s and ±20 m of its mother's lunges, respectively. Our work describes the first record of a long-term con- tinuous underwater relationship and foraging behaviour of a humpback mothercalf pair.
Cultural Bequest Values for Ecosystem Service Flows Among Indigenous Fishers: A Discrete Choice Experiment Validated with Mixed Methods

Perhaps the most understudied ecosystem services are related to socio-cultural values tied to non-material benefits arising from human–ecosystem relationships. Bequest values linked to natural ecosystems can be particularly significant for indigenous communities whose livelihoods and cultures are tied to ecosystems. Here we apply a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to determine indigenous fishers' preferences and willingness-to-pay for bequest gains from management actions in a locally managed marine area in Madagascar, and use our results to estimate an implicit discount rate. We validate our results using a unique rating and ranking game and other mixed methods. We find that bequest is highly valued and important; respondents were willing to pay a substantial portion of their income to protect ecosystems for future generations. Through all of our inquiries, bequest emerged as the highest priority, even when respondents were forced to make trade-offs among other livelihood-supporting ecosystem services. This study is among a relative few to quantify bequest values and apply a DCE to model trade-offs, value ecosystem service flows, and estimate discount rates in a developing country. Our results directly inform coastal management in Madagascar and elsewhere by providing information on the socio-cultural value of bequest in comparison to other ecosystem service benefits.
Adaptation of Thai Insurance in Light of Natural Disasters: an Investigation of Developments in Major Rice Crop Insurance Applying the Area-Yield Approach

Thailand has the fifth largest harvested area of rice of any country in the world. Growing rice depends mainly on weather-related factors and it appears that the number of natural disasters has been increasing every year, having a key impact on Thai farmers. In this study, we investigate a potential risk mitigation approach for major rice insurance to protect their interests, namely the area-yield index, specifically applying a weather variable, and culminating in a rate-making process. Historical data covering the years 1995-2011 for crop rice from six provinces - LOEI, NAKHONPHANOM, NONGBUALAMPHU, NONGKHAI, SAKONNAKHON and UDONTHANI - in the northeast of Thailand are assessed. The results show the function of the expected yields for the provinces in question. On the basis of trigger yields generated at four distinct levels of coverage (80%, 85%, 90% and 95%) and two protection scales (100% and 150%), we found that there was a remarkably wide range of different premium rates for the provinces being examined. Keywords: Area-Yield Index Insurance, Thai Rice, Weather-related Factors
Nb Solution within Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 Substructure in the Intergrowth Bismuth-layered Compound Bi 7 Ti 4 NbO

In intergrowth bismuth-layered compound Bi7Ti4NbO21, growth defects, such as disordered intergrowth with extra layers of Bi4Ti3O12 or Bi3NbTiO9 constituent sub-structures, or as the co-growth of Bi7Ti4NbO21 onto Bi4Ti3O12 grains, were frequently observed using high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). In order to further find evidence to support the re-ordering picture that was proposed to explain formation of the intergrowth and associated defects, we employ the lowand medium-resolution high-angle annular-dark-field (HAADF) imaging combined with the quantitative energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDXS) analysis to probe into a heavily defected intergrowth structure. A gradual transformation from the ordered intergrowth of both sub-structures to the dominance of Bi4Ti3O12 sub-structure was observed. A substantial level of Nb solution could be detected in n-layered (n≥2) Bi4Ti3O12 sub-structure by spatially-resolved compositional quantification to differentiate the contribution from the adjacent single Bi3NbTiO9 layer. The presence of a finite Nb concentration in the Bi4Ti3O12 sub-structure indicates a substantial and uniform cations inter-change occurred between the two sub-structures, which is inherited most likely from the parent phases via the partially dissolved sintering melts.
Interactive comment on “ Evaluation of the WRF lake module ( v 1 . 0 ) and its improvements at a deep reservoir ” by F .

The base version of the model used is WRF-Lake, used in a number of studies during recent years (Gu et al., 2015; Gu et al., 2016; Xiao et al., 2016). The authors introduce into the model physical parameterizations already tested in other 1D models, especially CLM4-LISSS (Subin et al., 2012). Increasing the vertical resolution of the model is rather a technical improvement, as it is quite evident a-priori, that having 10 numerical layers is a rough resolution for deep lakes, where only 2-3 layers would cover the mixed layer. The authors follow the same approach as in (Gu et al., 2015; Gu et al., 2016;
In situ cleaning of diagnostic first mirrors: an experimental comparison between plasma and laser cleaning in ITER-relevant conditions

This paper presents an experimental comparison between the plasma cleaning and the laser cleaning techniques of diagnostic first mirrors (FMs). The re-deposition of contaminants sputtered from a tokamak first wall onto FMs could dramatically decrease their reflectance in an unacceptable way for the proper functioning of plasma diagnostic systems. Therefore, suitable in situ cleaning solutions will be required to recover the FMs reflectance in ITER. Currently, plasma cleaning and laser cleaning are considered the most promising solutions. In this work, a set of ITER-like rhodium mirrors contaminated with materials tailored to reproduce tokamak redeposits is employed to experimentally compare plasma and laser cleaning against different criteria (reflectance recovery, mirror integrity, time requirement). We show that the two techniques present different complementary features that can be exploited for the cleaning of ITER FMs. In particular, plasma cleaning ensures an excellent reflectance recovery in the case of compact contaminants, while laser cleaning is faster, gentler, and more effective in the case of porous contaminant. In addition, we demonstrate the potential benefits of a synergistic solution which combines plasma and laser cleaning to exploit the best features of each technique.
BeppoSAX, the wide band mission for X-ray astronomy

The X-ray satellite SAX, a major program of the Italian Space Agency with participation of the Netherlands Agency for Aereospace Programs, was launched on April 30 1996 from Cape Canaveral. After launch it was renamed BeppoSAX in honour of Giuseppe (Beppo) Occhialini. The payload is characterized by a very wide spectral coverage from 0.1 to 300 keV, with well bal- anced performances both from its low and high energy instrumentation. Its sensitivity will allow the exploitation of the full band for weak sources (1/20 of 3C 273), open- ing new perspectives in the study of spectral shape and variability of several classes of objects. Furthermore, the presence of wide eld cameras will allow monitoring of the long term variability of sources down to 1 mCrab and the discovery of X-ray transient phenomena. In this paper we describe the main aspects of the mission, the operations, the scientic capabilities of the instruments and the sci- entic objectives.
LEAF PROTEOME ANALYSIS OF CLEMATIS CHINENSIS: A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) BY TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELECTROPHORESIS TECHNIQUE

Leaf proteome of Clematis chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) technique. The samples were extracted by phenol-SDS method (PSM) with high protein quantity i.e. 2.35±0.345 mg/g (yield/dw). Proteins were visualized by staining of gels by silver stain and CBB. The gel images of each species were compared by Image Master 2D Platinum software for analytical purpose. The 2-DE profile depicted distribution of 1085 spots and out of these only 255 protein spots (23.5%) were common to all analyzed taxa. The visualized protein spots showed pI range from 3.0 to 10.0 (pH) and Mr of 7 kDa to 70 kDa. Twelve proteins were exclusively specific to C. chinensis when compared with its allies, C. finetiana and C. armandii, which may be used as biomarkers. Thirteen proteins were up-regulated in C. finetiana (0.75-0.95 fold) and twelve proteins in C. armandii (1.05-1.66 fold) whilst seven proteins down-regulated (0.66-0.94 fold) in former and three proteins (1.07-1.20 fold) in later one in comparison with C. chinensis. Twenty five differential and similar protein spots were picked and analyzed by LC-MS/MS technique. Identified proteins are related to energy metabolism (ATP synthesis), photosynthesis, environmental stimuli, regulating RNA metabolism, growth hormone regulators, evolutionary trends and gene expression. The efficiency and applicability of proteomic approach as biomarker for identification of C. chinensis is discussed in its quality control (QC) perspectives. Leaf proteins of Clematis plants are explored for the first time by 2-DE technique and debated for their metabolic role.
OPTIMAL DESIGN OF JACKET SUPPORTING STRUCTURES FOR OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES USING ENHANCED COLLIDING BODIES OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM

Structural optimization of offshore wind turbine structures has become an important issue in the past years due to the noticeable developments in offshore wind industry. However, considering the offshore wind turbines’ size and environment, this task is outstandingly difficult. To overcome this barrier, in this paper, a metaheuristic algorithm called Enhanced Colliding Bodies Optimization (ECBO) is utilized to investigate the optimal design of jacket supporting structures for offshore wind turbines when a number of structural constraints, including a frequency constraint, are considered. The algorithm is validated using a design example. The OC4 reference jacket, which has been widely referenced in offshore wind industry, is the considered design example in this paper. The whole steps of this research, including loading, analysis, design, and optimization of the structure, are coded in MATLAB. Both Ultimate Limit States (ULS) and frequency constraints are considered as design constraints in this paper. Huge weight reduction is observed during this optimization problem, indicating the efficiency of the ECBO algorithm and its application in the optimization of offshore wind turbine structures.