Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lakes without Landsat? An alternative approach to remote lake monitoring with MODIS 250 m imagery

Abstract We evaluated use of MODIS 250 m imagery for remote lake monitoring in Maine. Despite limited spectral resolution (visible red and near infrared bands), the twice daily image capture has a potential advantage over conventionally used, often cloudy Landsat imagery (16 day interval) when short time windows are of interest. We analyzed 364 eligible (≥100 ha) Maine lakes during late summer (Aug–early Sep) 2000–2011. The red band was strongly correlated with natural log-transformed Secchi depth (SD), and the addition of ancillary lake and watershed variables explained some variability in ln(SD) (R2 = 0.68–0.85; 9 models). Weak spectral resolution and variable lake conditions limited accurate lake monitoring to relatively productive periods in late summer, as indicated by inconsistent, sometimes weak regressions during June and July when lakes were clearer and less stable (R2 = 0.19–0.74; 8 models). Additionally, SD estimates derived from 2 sets of concurrent MODIS and Landsat imagery generally did not agree unless Landsat imagery (30 m) was resampled to 250 m, likely owing to various factors related to scale. Average MODIS estimates exceeded those of Landsat by 0.35 and 0.49 m on the 2 dates. Overall, MODIS 250 m imagery are potentially useful for remote lake monitoring during productive periods when Landsat data are unavailable; however, analyses must occur when algal communities are stable and well-developed, are biased toward large lakes, may overestimate SD, and accuracy may be unreliable without non-spectral lake predictors.
Taxonomic status of Trapelus ruderatus (Olivier) and T. persicus (Blanford), and validity of T. lessonae (De Filippi)

The systematic status of the ground agamids (conventional) Trapelus ruderatus and Trapelus persicus is re-evaluated based on material collected by the author on the Iranian Plateau and material from various museum collections, including the type specimens of Trapelus ruderatus (Olivier), T. megalonyx Gunther, T. lessonae (De Filippi), T. persicus (Blanford) and T. ruderatus baluchianus (Smith). In conclusion, the holotype of Trapelus ruderatus is a subadult (conventional) T. persicus and that of T. lessonae is a typical (conventional) T. ruderatus ruderatus . Furthermore, T. megalonyx is a well-established species and T. r. baluchianus is not a valid taxonomic entity, being a junior synonym of T. megalonyx . So, some major nomenclatural changes are inevitable: Since T. lessonae is the oldest available name, it is revived for all populations of the (conventional) T. r. ruderatus , and the specific name “ ruderatus ” is, in turn, assigned for all populations of the (conventional) T. persicus (because of priority). Thus, the specific name “ persicus ” comes under the synonymy of “ ruderatus ” and is no longer available.
Ultrastructure of the extracellular matrix and taxonomy of Eudorina, Pleodorina and Yamagishiella gen. nov. (Volvocaceae, Chlorophyta)

Vegetative colonies of Pandorina unicocca Rayburn et Starr, four taxa of Eudorina [E. elegans Ehrenberg (type species), E. illinoisensis (Kofoid) Pascher, E. unicocca G.M. Smith var. unicocca andE.
Distribution changes and abundance of northern cod (Gadus morhua), 1981-1993.

Research vessel survey data for cod off Newfoundland (NAFO divisions 2J3KL) were used to examine changes in distribution of the northern cod ( Gadus morhua) population from 1981 to 1993. The area occupied by northern cod was positively correlated with stock abundance. That is, when more abundant, the stock occupied a larger area, and the observed stock decline was associated with a shrinkage of occupied range. This relationship was demonstrated using two different techniques: area occupied by 90% of the estimated biomass and a statistical ellipse technique describing the bivariate central tendency of the catch data. This latter technique is novel and allows straightforward quantification and visualization of distribution data. The declines in occupied area preceded declines in estimated biomass, confirming previous work which indicated a breakdown in population structure beginning in 1989. The analyses also confirm distribution changes both southward and offshore since 1988. We hypothesize that the cod concentrated in the southern range of the stock beginning in 1990, perhaps as a result of environmental factors, and resultant increases in local density led to increased catchability and
Estimation of the Thermal Niche of Drosophila melanogaster Using a Temperature-Sensitive Mutation

Little is known of the niche dimensions of Drosophila melanogaster in nature. We investigate the thermal niche of this species by releasing flies carrying a temperature-sensitive eye mutation into lowland and montane sites. Mutant expressivity in the recaptured offspring of these flies indicates the temperatures experienced during pupal development by individuals in a natural habitat. In the wild, D. melanogaster has a rather wide thermal niche, and behavioral responses to geographic changes in climate can modify the flies' exposure to extremes of temperature, which are potential agents of natural selection.
Statistical Commission and Conference of European Statisticians Unece Work Session on Statistical Data Editing Topic (iv): Impact of New Technologies on Statistical Data Editing First Results from the Euredit Project – Evaluating Methods for Data Editing and Imputation Contributed Paper

Abstract: This paper discusses the EUREDIT project, a large research project that involves twelve participating organisations in seven countries over a period of three years. Its aims include developing new methods that are faster, more efficient, and more flexible, and also a methodology for comparing methods so that informed choices can be made on the most appropriate methods to be used in a particular situation. A range of statistical criteria have been developed for comparing different edit and imputation methods that are appropriate for different types of analyses and data. The project and its methods are described, and progress is reported. The project has now entered its final year and some 32 papers on interim results were presented at the project meeting in March 2002. Experimentation on individual methods will continue until July, and subsequently methods will be compared according to the established criteria, with conclusions published in Spring 2003.
Isolation of Strain for the Preparation of the Fermented Antler and Its Physiological Activities

This study was conducted to isolate strain for the preparation of fermented antler (Cervus cornu parvum) and evaluate its physiological activities. The growth degrees of twenty-one samples from Bacillus sp. , Lactobacillius sp. and mushroom strain on antler extract agar were evaluated in this study, and Bacillus subtilis KH-15, SCB-3, Cordyceps militaris, Phellinus linteus, Inonotus obliquus 26136, and Inonotus obliquus 26147 were selected. The fermented antler extract by C. militaris had relatively higher contents of total sugar (1619.3 /mL), uronic acid (302.0 /mL), sulfated-glycosaminoglycan (S-GAGs) (119.9 /mL) and sialic acid (21.6 /mL) than any other extracts. The anti-complementary activities of all fermented antler extracts were higher than non-fermented antler extract, and among these samples, fermented antler extract by C. militaris showed the highest anti-complementary activity (inhibition of 50% total complement hemolysis, ; 50.1% at 1,000 /mL). The ability of fermented antler extract by B. subtilis KH-15 to scavenge 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical (; 4.97 mg/mL) was significantly the highest (p; 16.98 mg/mL) among all samples. The results of this study suggest that physiological effects including immuno-modulating and antioxidant activities of the antler may be increased through fermentation process.
New data on the Groeberiidae: unique late Eocene–early Oligocene South American marsupials

ABSTRACT We report here on newly collected materials comprising the best known remains of the extinct South American mammal Groeberia minoprioi. Comparison with the holotype of this species and that of Groeberia pattersoni, all of which are from the same Divisaderan (late Eocene or early Oligocene) locality and level, provides the following new conclusions: (1) A pair of elongated palatal vacuities, the cheektooth formula, and the macropodoid-like mandibular inflection are the most conclusive features of marsupial affinities for Groeberia. (2) The unique combination of autapomorphies present in this taxon justifies placement of the monotypic Groeberiidae in a new order, Groeberida. The most unusual of these autapomorphies is the presence of two pairs of somewhat gliriform incisors inserted in unusually developed premaxillae, together with the posterior projection of the mandibular symphysis, which forms a basal osseous floor for the co-ossified rami. This combination of features results in a skull archite.
Mechanisms of Ultraviolet Radiation Tolerance in the Freshwater Snail Physa acuta

Abstract: Identifying mechanisms of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) tolerance is an important step in understanding the direct and indirect effects of UVR exposure on aquatic organisms. We used laboratory exposure experiments and a solar exposure experiment to evaluate mechanisms of UVR tolerance in the freshwater snail, Physa acuta. Survival following short-wavelength UVB exposure was higher in the presence of simultaneous exposure to longer-wavelength UVA and visible light than with UVB alone, indicating that P. acuta possessed photoenzymatic repair. Survival also increased as a function of body size and shell thickness, suggesting that the shell provides photoprotection. Last, snails actively selected locations further below the water surface in the presence than in the absence of solar UVR, suggesting behavioral avoidance as another mechanism of UVR tolerance. These defense mechanisms can be influenced by environmental conditions, so effects of UVR exposure may vary widely among populations and will be strongest in systems with a combination of low temperature, high transparency, and low Ca concentrations.
PECTINESTERASE-CATALYZED FIRMING EFFECTS DURING PRECOOKING OF VEGETABLES

Many vegetables exhibit a firming effect after precooking at a temperature between 50 and 70C. This effect has generally been attributed to the action of endogenous pectinesterase which hydrolyzes the methyl ester linkages in pectin molecules. The resulting free carboxyl groups then form Ca-bridges between pectin molecules. We have shown, by using the pectinesterases of pea sprouts, that the enzymes catalyzed not only the hydrolysis of the methoxyl groups of pectin molecules, but also a transacylation reaction of the galacturonic acyl groups from methanol to other hydroxyl groups of pectin. The latter reaction results in the formation of new ester linkages between pectin molecules, which also contributes to the firming of the tissue. The pectinesterases have been separated into four isozymes, PE1, PE2, PE3, and PE5. The isozymes exhibited similar transacylation activity, with the exception of PE5 that did not catalyze transacylation.
CONVERGENCIA ECONOMIA: UNIT ROOT TESTS IN PANEL DATA

The transition process in the Central and Eastern E uropean (CEE) countries offers a unique opportunity to investigate whether these economies tend to eliminate economic disparities during the transition process. We carry out a quant itative analysis to test for Co-movements. This paper analyzes the performance of Co-movements in Growth of the Money Supply in the of the old members of the EU, CEE economies and cou ntries which are in the group of possible new-round EU candidate countries, in terms of their Co-movements in Growth of this aggregate. The analysis is carried out within a group of new EU members to reflect different institutional and geographical aspects of transition. We have found evidence of Comovements in Growth of the Money Supply among the C EE countries in general and have shown that common institutional attributes and econ omic policies tend to correlate with a higher degree of convergence. However, the strength of the results differs for particular variables as well as for groups of countries. A cer tain degree of Co-movements was achieved among CEE countries despite diverse starting condit i s at the beginning of transformation, different institutional features accompanying trans ition, and distinct privatization techniques adopted. This finding is in line with neoclassical growth theory that supports the occurrence of convergence among similar countries.
Creeping convection in a horizontally heated ellipsoid

Natural convection in horizontally heated ellipsoidal cavities is considered in the low Grashof number limit, solving the Laplace equation for steady thermal conduction in the unbounded solid exterior, the Oberbeck–Boussinesq equations in the ﬂuid-ﬁlled interior, and matching the temperature at the interface. In the hierarchy of equations governing the asymptotic expansion for small Grashof number, at each order a forced Stokes problem must be solved for the momentum correction. The creeping ﬂow is known for the sphere in closed form in terms of the toroidal and poloidal potentials, spherical coordinates, and spherical harmonics. Rather than attempting to generalize this to ellipsoidal coordinates, it is re-expressed in terms of the primitive pressure-velocity variables as polynomials in the Cartesian coordinates. This form, equivalent in the sphere, suggests solutions for the pressure in an ellipsoid, which can then be found together with the velocity in closed form by the method of undetermined coefﬁcients. Similarly, the perturbations to the temperature satisfy Poisson equations which can be solved by the same method. Polynomial formulæ are given for the creeping ﬂow and the ﬁrst-order correction to the temperature. In the limit as one of the axes of the ellipsoid tends to inﬁnity, the three-dimensional solution reduces to a two-dimensional solution for natural convection in a horizontal elliptical cylinder, tranversely horizontally heated. This exact solution is believed to be new too.
MP3603_03_Iorwerth 289..299

CLASSICAL MUSICIANS IN ENSEMBLES ARE accustomed to performing in the same physical space. However, situations such as networked music performance (NMP) require physical separation with audio and sometimes video links. Effects of latency on synchronization have been extensively studied; however, research is limited on the effects of physical separation on the subjective experience of musicians. This separation is likely to have an effect on interaction between musicians as usual channels of communication are interrupted. The impact of this physical separation on the experience of classical musicians in a woodwind soloist and piano accompanist setting was investigated. Three pairs of musicians were recorded in acoustically isolated spaces with audio and video links, and were then interviewed using semi-structured interview techniques. Five themes emerged from the data, namely: adaptability, communication, performance, impact on the musicians, and relationships. Within these themes, musical issues, communication, and social interactions were found to be most challenging for separated musicians, while adaptability helped the musicians in this situation. The video link was used rarely when playing. These issues are important in NMP and are related to the physical separation of the musicians, rather than problems such as latency, which are well documented.
Excess Financial Development and Economic Growth

This paper investigates possible negative inuence of nancial development on economic growth. It de nes excess nance as a level of the di¤erence between the growth in nancial sector and growth in productive sector of the economy, under which the aggregate output decreases. The existence of excess nancial development is justi ed by the theory of informational overshooting. It is shown, that for smooth economic development the equilibrated growth of both productive (real) and nancial sectors is required. Whenever nancial development exceeds the development of productive industries by 4.5% (when measured in terms of growth rates of the two sectors output), there is a thread of reaching the productive capacity bound of the economy, with consequent " nancial" crisis.
CATCHMENT SCALE COMPARISON ON LUMPED REPRESENTATION FOR A DISTRIBUTED SEDIMENT RUNOFF MODEL

This study analyses catchment scale effect to a lumped sediment runoff model performance derived from lumping a physically-based distributed sediment runoff model. The proposed lumped model takes into account the different sources of erosion and deposition processes on hillslopes. The eroded soils provided to river channel flow with sediment transport mechanism. To investigate catchment scale dependency of the new lumped sediment runoff model, sediment runoff simulations are conducted using different sizes of the catchment area and spatially averaged hourly rainfall. Four different sizes of catchment area are used, representing low-, medium-, and highresolution. Then, the lumped model is installed for each catchment size scenario. The proposed method is examined by comparing water and sediment discharges simulated by the lumped and the original distributed sediment runoff models in the Lesti River basin, East Java, Indonesia.
Passive Wireless Temperature Sensing in Extreme Harsh Environments

Passive Wireless Temperature Sensing in Extreme Harsh Environments Michael R. Comparetto As the technology in the fields of aerospace and the US power generation industry advances, there is a critical need for new extreme high temperature sensing / monitoring technologies to replace the current out-of-date sensing systems. As the operating temperatures of these jet and turbine engines continue to rise over 1000 C, it is vitally important to monitor the extreme high temperatures in these engines for system health monitoring and to achieve greater engine efficiencies. We propose a new passive wireless temperature sensor capable of sensing these extreme high temperatures. The sensor uses an LC resonance circuit to measure the temperature through passive wireless communications. A new novel method of capturing large quantities of frequency information from the sensor is proposed and allows for advanced signal processing methods form other applications areas like wireless communications, radar, and radio astronomy to be implemented. The passive wireless LC resonance high temperature sensor was successfully able to sense temperatures up to 700 C.
Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection (JCS 2011)

of the descending aorta. In addition, much about the relationship between aortic diseases and genetic abnormalities has become apparent, and new aspects of treatment have evolved. Chapters that address these new aspects of treatment in the present guidelines provide particularly detailed descriptions. These guidelines also indicate the difference between the interpretation of aortic dissection in Japan and that in Western countries. Accordingly, this update of the guidelines represents, in practical terms, a full-scale revision of the guidelines. Since the “Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection (JCS 2006)” were issued by the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) in 2006,1 we have seen advances in the treatment of aortic diseases, and partial revision of the Guidelines has thus been approved by the JCS Scientific Committee. Over the past 5 years, stent-grafting has rapidly become common in the treatment of aortic diseases in Japan, being employed in many institutions and becoming indispensable in the management of aortic diseases, particularly Introduction of the Revised Guidelines
The use of clove oil as an anaesthetic for the longfinned eel, Anguilla reinhardtii (Steindachner)

To handle large river eels during procedures such as measuring and tagging for field and aquaculture studies, they must be anaesthetized. During our initial biological studies of Anguilla reinhardtii (Steindachner) it was found that the anaesthetic benzocaine was relatively expensive and elicited a variable response, even when used at relatively high concentrations. Human health risks are also a concern when using benzocaine, as some of the eels may later be sold for human consumption. Therefore, experiments were done to evaluate the use of clove oil (a safe, naturally occurring product) for anaesthesia of this species at a range of temperatures (17 and 25 degrees C) and salinities (0-32 g L(-1)). It was found that clove oil provided a suitable anaesthetic response through this wide range of temperatures and salinities. Response times were found to be relatively variable for both benzocaine and clove oil. This variability may be related to stress, environmental factors, or the condition of the fish. Clove oil is recommended for anaesthesia of anguillid eels because it is effective, relatively inexpensive, and poses little risk to human health.
Two-phase and double machine learning for data editing and imputation

Machine learning (ML) is becoming increasingly popular and accessible with the increased capabilities of modern computing. We investigate the use of supervised ML in data editing and extend it to two-phase and double ML approaches. As an example of two-phase ML, a random forest (RF) is grown at phase-1 for classification (or imputation), and another RF is grown at phase-2 to classify when the phase-1 RF classification align with new observations. Whereas for double ML, at stage-1 several RFs are grown for different variables separately; the prediction results from stage-1 are then combined into a single dataset, on which a stage-2 RF is grown to learn the circumstances under which the stage-1 RFs perform best. We use data from the Norwegian labour force survey to explore and illustrate these concepts. The approaches presented provide some directions towards greater automization of data editing and imputation processes. Their applications could potentially both save resources and improve quality. Some topics are identified for future research and development.
Factors Impacting Link Travel Speed Reliability: A Case Study at Cairo, Egypt

Day-to-day and within-day fluctuations in traffic patterns in many traffic systems negatively impact the system reliability. Travel time reliability, which considers the probability that a trip is completed within a given traveltime range, is an important performance measure in travelrelated policy formulation. This research is focused on the assessment of factors impacting travel speed reliability. The study investigates the impact of specific factors (namely; land-use, road-class, congestion level, and time period) on travel speed reliability using probe data in Greater Cairo Region, Egypt. The GPS data was collected using a tailored Smart Mobile phone application. Testing results revealed the significant impact of all four factors on travel speed reliability, given appropriate disaggregation of factors' levels. The relationship between travel speed reliability (dependent variable) and identified impacting factors (predictors) is then formalized in a multiple linear regression model. The developed model returned an average root mean square error of 8.8%. 