Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential impacts of specific global warming levels on extreme rainfall events over southern Africa in CORDEX and NEX‐GDDP ensembles

This study examines the potential impacts of specific global warming levels (GWLs) on extreme rainfall events in southern Africa and over 12 major cities in the region. We analysed two regional climate simulation datasets: the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) and the NASA Earth eXchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX‐GDDP, hereafter referred to as NEX), which used different methods (dynamical and statistical, respectively) in downscaling several global climate model (GCM) simulations from CMIP5. Twenty simulations were used from each dataset. The simulated rainfall indices for the reference period (1971–2000) were compared with eight observation datasets. The projected changes in rainfall indices were examined at four GWLs under the RCP8.5 climate forcing scenario. The projections from the CORDEX and NEX ensembles were compared and the self‐organizing map (SOM) analysis was used to classify the projected changes from the simulations into 12 groups, based on their similarities. There is a good agreement among the eight observation datasets, albeit with some differences. The two simulation datasets (CORDEX and NEX) capture the climatology of rainfall indices over southern Africa and, in some cases, the simulation errors fall within the observation uncertainties. CORDEX and NEX datasets agree on fewer rain days but more intense rainfall events over southern Africa in the future and indicate that the magnitude of these changes increases with the GWLs. They also agree on a future increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events north of 20°S and a decrease south of 20°S. However, CORDEX indicates that the rainfall deficit from the fewer rain events may exceed the rainfall surplus from the more intense rain events, but NEX indicates the opposite. In the SOM classification, while some simulations project a decrease in tropical temperate trough (TTT) rainfall, some project an increase, and some indicate an equatorward shift of the TTT rainfall. The simulations project a decrease in annual rainfall over five cities, an intensification of extreme rainfall over five cities and more frequent extreme rainfall events over four cities. The results of this study have application in mitigating the future impacts of extreme rainfall events over southern Africa, especially in the cities.
Watching the Swiss: Lessons for public transport and density in peri-urban Australia

According to conventional wisdom, small towns and settlements on the fringes of Australian cities are impossible to serve by public transport. Low population densities mean that public transport cannot attract enough passengers to be viable, let alone have any significant impact on levels of car use. The case of semi-rural Switzerland challenges this consensus. Villages around ZurichWinterthur have population densities comparable to semi-rural Australia, but journeyto-work figures show their public transport mode share exceeding those of most Australian capital cities. While there are obvious differences in urban form, the greatest contrast may be in public transport planning methods and supply policies. This paper compares the settlements in Zurich's Weinland region with those on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula, focussing in particular on population density and journey-to-work mode shares. In analysing the similarities and differences, it also introduces the Weinland’s transport planning methods (explored in greater detail in Petersen 2009) which appear to be critical to its success. It therefore challenges Australian transport policy makers to reconsider the traditional approach to public transport planning in the commuter belts of Australian cities.
Post hoc power analysis.

The objective of a post hoc review of statistical power is to determine the average power of tests used in a particular field. Because most theories in psychology are not sufficiently advanced to provide an exact prediction of effect size, post hoc reviews invariably calculate the power of a test in terms of the test's ability to detect the expected effect size as estimated from the data. However, to achieve their stated objective, such reviews should instead compute the expected power of a test over the range of likely effect sizes. That is, current practice commits the statistical error of confusing a function of an expectation with the expectation of a function. In consequence, post hoc power reviews overestimate the average power of statistical tests, often by a substantial margin
Monitoring soil organic carbon in alpine soils using in situ vis‐NIR spectroscopy and a multilayer perceptron

Soil quality in alpine ecosystems requires regular monitoring to assess its dynamics under changes in climate and land use. Visible near‐infrared (vis‐NIR) spectroscopy could offer an option, as sampling and transporting large numbers of soil samples in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau is extremely difficult. However, the potential for in situ vis‐NIR spectra and the optimal algorithms need to be defined in this region. We have therefore evaluated the performance of a deep learning method, multilayer perceptron (MLP), for in situ spectral measurement of soil organic carbon (SOC) with in situ vis‐NIR spectroscopy in southeastern Tibet, China. A total of 39 soil cores (maximum depth 1 m), including 547 soil samples taken from each 5‐cm depth interval, were collected. The spectra were also measured at each 5‐cm depth interval accordingly. After spectral preprocessing, 4,096 MLP models were generated by taking all the combinations from six parameters defined in the MLP. The 10‐fold‐core cross‐validation showed that MLP had a good performance for in situ SOC prediction, and the best MLP model had an R2 of . 92, which were much better than those of the partial least squares regression model (R2 = .80). The results also suggested that the number of epochs, number of neurons, and dropout rate were the most important parameters in the MLP model. We concluded that in situ vis‐NIR spectroscopy coupled with an MLP model has high potential for large‐scale SOC monitoring in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Our results also provide a reference for rapid hyperparameter optimization using MLP for future soil spectroscopic modeling.
The Warped Heliospheric Current Sheet

The global shape of the intersection of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) with the heliospheric equatorial plane is usually considered to be an Archimedean spiral, however, so far this has not been measured directly. We used multi‐spacecraft measurements to determine its global shape. The time‐shifted measured locations are fitted with Archimedean spirals. In most cases, the locations are fitted very well with Archimedean spirals, in addition to the direction of HCS determined by the Minimum Variation Analysis. However, there is one case in which the direction of the HCS does not fit well with the Archimedean spiral and therefore we fit it with a sinusoidal function in addition to an Archimedean spiral. The result showed that in some cases, the HCS is better described with an Archimedean spiral, superposed by small‐scale ripples.
Data‐Driven Modeling of the Distribution of Diazotrophs in the Global Ocean

Diazotrophs play a critical role in the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen, carbon, and other elements in the global ocean. Despite their well‐recognized role, the diversity, abundance, and distribution of diazotrophs in the world's ocean remain poorly characterized largely due to limited observations. Here we update the database of diazotroph nifH gene abundances and assess how environmental factors may regulate diazotrophs at the global scale. Our meta‐analysis more than doubles the number of observations in the previous database. Using linear and nonlinear regressions, we find that the abundances of Trichodesmium, UCYN‐A, UCYN‐B, and Richelia relate differently to temperature, light, and nutrients. We further apply a random forest algorithm to estimate the global distributions of these diazotrophic groups, identifying undersampled potential hot spots of diazotrophy in the South Atlantic and southern Indian Ocean, and in coastal waters. The distinct ecophysiologies of diazotrophs highlighted here argue for separate parameterizations of different diazotrophs in model simulations.
Review of Sexual Maturity in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract The age of sexual maturity of the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; ABFT) is a reference point for stock assessment and management. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) recognizes a western and an eastern Atlantic ABFT stock, based on the assumptions of separate, exclusive spawning grounds, i.e., the northern Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea, with different ages of sexual maturity, 8–12 years vs 3–5 years, respectively. Multiple line of evidences indicate that spawning is not restricted to the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea, and reconsideration of historical documents, as well as results from recent studies, indicate that sexual maturation schedules of the two proposed stocks are similar (3–5 years). The present review of classical and recent literature suggests that ABFT have more complex reproductive behavior than previously considered: on eastern spawning grounds 50% of ABFT females reproduce at 3 years of age and 100% are sexually mature at 5 years of age. In the western management area, younger adults (age ≥ 5 years) and some larger adults apparently spawn in the northwest Atlantic Ocean across the Slope and Caribbean Seas, whereas the Gulf of Mexico spawners are mostly large adults (age ≥ 8 years).
Determination of Soil Properties and Fungal Interrelations Influenced by Forest Restoration on a Contaminated Zinc Mining Area

Forest restoration in a contaminated zinc mining area must take into account the environmental soil properties. This study aimed to analyze the soil properties from the three different stages of restored forests, at 3, 7 and 17, focusing on the impact on soil microorganisms and availability of fungal species. Three study sites were selected, all located in a zinc mining area in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. The results showed that observed soil properties especially soil texture, moisture and nutrients differed between stand initiation and regrowth forests and affected the distribution of fungal species. Soils in older forest stands up to 17 years old showed higher sand content and reduced soil moisture, SOM, and certain nutrients. Forest restoration was found to favour development of a range of soil properties, some of which were suitable for fruiting in nine fungal species from the following families: Agaricaceae, Psathyrellaceae, Cantharellaceae, Phallacae, Coprinaceae, Sclerodermataceae, Lycoperdaceae, Marasmiaceae, and Clavariaceae.
Soil Acidity and its Management Options in Ethiopia: A Review

Soil acidity is one of the chemical soil degradation problems which affect soil productivity in the Ethiopian highlands. This paper tries to put together soil acidity concept, causes, extent and management practices. Soil acidity is the problem of agricultural activities in Ethiopian highlands (cultivated lands) and is getting an increase. Farmers require simple and sustainable techniques to amend acid soils and improve yields of crops of their choices. Recommendations on reclamation of acid soils need to change with new developments, such as liming, use of acid-tolerant crop varieties, integrated soil fertility management, and using of organic fertilizers. Liming has played an important role in raising soil pH and enhancing crop productivity. In Ethiopia, the gap between potential and actual yield is very wide because of soil acidity and associated nutrient availability. Acidic soils are not responsive to the application of inorganic fertilizers without amendments-it is simply wastage of resources. Thus, developing effective and efficient acid soil management practices is indispensable for enhancing crop productivity and thereby sustaining yield gains. This review focuses on the causes and managements of soil acidity and its subsequent effect on soil fertility and crop yield. It also provides important information on management options to amend soil acidity and improve the entire fertility of soils, and other organic amendments that can be applied to remedy soil acidity to the desired pH level and improve soil quality. Integrated acid soil management enhances the stability of yields and maximizes nutrient use efficiency.
Excavation of a settlement and souterrain at Newmill, near Bankfoot, Perthshire

The accidental discovery of a souterrain beside the A9 road 14 km (8–7 miles) N of Perth led to its complete excavation and the investigation of several hundred square metres of the settlement with which it was associated. A single grave of the Beaker period was also discovered during excavation and is reported elsewhere in this volume. The souterrain was a massive example of the ‘southern Pictland’ group, and the settlement consisted of timber-framed circular houses of the familiar British Iron Age tradition. Little material cultural remains were recovered, but a series of radiocarbon dates places the souterrain's construction in the last century or so be, its use contemporary with the timber houses alongside, its destruction around 200 AD, and the continued use of the site into the 9th century at least.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Seston C:N:P Stoichiometry in a Large Eutrophic Floodplain Lake (Lake Taihu): Do the Sources of Seston Explain Stoichiometric Flexibility?

Although sources of seston are much more complicated in lakes compared to oceans, the influences of different sources on the spatiotemporal variations in seston stoichiometry are still underexplored, especially in large eutrophic floodplain lakes. Here, we investigated seston stoichiometric ratios across a typical large eutrophic floodplain lake (Lake Taihu, East China) over one year. In addition, we used the n-alkane proxies to examine the influence of the seston source on seston stoichiometry variation. Throughout the study, the average value of the C:N:P ratio of 143:19:1 across Lake Taihu was close to the canonical lake’s ratios (166:20:1). Similar to other eutrophic lakes, seston C:N ratios varied the least across all environments, but C:P and N:P ratios varied widely and showed a strong decreasing trend in ratios of N:P and C:P from growing season to senescence season. This seasonal change was mainly associated with the decreasing contribution from algal-derived materials in seston pools because the non-algal dominated seston exhibited significantly lower ratios than algal-dominated seston. Furthermore, the spatial heterogeneity of stoichiometric ratios was also related to the seston source. During the senescence season, the terrestrial-dominated seston from agricultural watershed exhibited the lowest ratios in estuary sites compared with other areas. Statistically, the predictive power of environmental variables on stoichiometric ratios was strongly improved by adding n-alkanes proxies. Apart from source indicators, particulate phosphorus (PP) contents also partly explained the spatiotemporal variations in stoichiometric ratios. This study, thus, highlights the utility of multiple-combined n-alkane proxies in addition to simple C:N ratios to get more robust source information, which is essential for interpreting the spatiotemporal variations in seston stoichiometric ratios among eutrophic floodplain lakes and other freshwater ecosystems.
Seismicity, Minerals, and Craton margins: The Lake Eyre Basin Seismic Deployment

Summary The deployment of new AuScope passive seismic experiments in 2019 are transforming seismic data coverage across South Australia and Lake Eyre Basin, coinciding with additional geophysical surveys in the region such as AusLAMP. The array of 40 seismometers will eradicate a major gap (or blind spot) in the national seismic network. A range of seismic imaging techniques will be applied allowing for the nature of a suspected continental weak zone between the Gawler Craton and Lake Eyre Basin to be determined. Not only is this weak continental boundary associated with a recent surge of seismic activity, but is also home to some of the most valuable mineral resources in Australia (e.g. Olympic Dam, the world’s largest uranium deposit, and the 4th largest copper deposit).
Carbon Isotopic Research of Pinus Sylvestris L. Growing in the Southern Poland (near Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Dąbrowa GÓrnicza Katowice and Olesno)

ABSTRACT In this paper we present data from the measurements of carbon isotopes (Δ14C and δ13C) from α-cellulose extracted from pine tree-rings. The samples were collected in four forests located in the most industrialized part of Poland, where coal mining and coal-based energy are an important branch of industry. The investigated period of time (1975–2012) covers the period of development in coal mining and other industry sectors. Stable isotope composition has been determined with using IRMS and radiocarbon concentration was determinate by AMS.
Feasibility of the quantitative time-lapse seismic characterisation of a heterogeneous CO2 injection

Summary CO2 injection into clastic brine-saturated reservoirs leads to a detectable reduction of the elastic moduli of the reservoir rocks. However, quantitative interpretation of the time-lapse seismic anomalies obtained for CO2 storage projects is challenging, because the injected gas can form thin plumes with low saturated narrow streaks. That is why, the time-lapse interpretation is often limited to qualitative detection of CO2 leakages. This paper is concerned with two questions: what CO2 plume parameters can be estimated from realistic bandlimited seismic data and how noise in the data affects the quality of the estimates. To this end we perform stochastic rock physics simulations of the injection reservoirs. The reservoir realisations differ in thickness, net-to-gross, contrast between the permeable and impermeable sediments and vertical distribution of the CO2. The rock physics analysis suggests that maximum and integral value of the relative acoustic impedance changes are most sensitive to the parameters of the plume. The remainder of the analysis of the noise focuses on the survey repeatability and errors in the wavelet estimation. We show that both of the noise types strongly affect the accuracy of the timelapse inversion. The proposed workflow provided rigorous means to estimate limitations of the time-lapse seismic inversion for CO2 storage projects. It may be easily adapted to real projects and guide the monitoring system design or optimisation of data analysis workflows.
Therapeutic effects of baicalin on encephaledema followed by the laboratory brain blood swelling in neonatal rats

Objective To explore the effects of chinese herb baicalin on the neonatal rats laboratory encephaledema following brain hematom.Methods Thirty-nine healthy Sprague-Dawley(SD) neonatal rats were randomly assigned into three groups:the brain hematom group (BS,n=15),baicalin-treated group (BC,n=14),the normal control group (NC,n=10). Both the rat encephaledema of BS and BC were developed by intracranial injection of sludged blood to lead to hematom for observing the changes of the brain coefficient,water containing amount determined by dry-wet assay and the Glu and GABA contents in homogenized brain tissue by the high performance liquid chromatognahy (HPLC) assay aftev brain edema induced by injection of sludged blood.Results Both brain coefficient and water content of brain were significantly increased in the BS group as compared with the BC group and the NC group (P0.01),the brain coefficient and water content of brain were more significantly reduced in the BC group than the BS group (P0.01),between BC group and the NC group no significantly difference was found (P0.01);The concentration of Glu in the BS group were significantly increased as compared with the BC group and NC group (P0.01),but in Glu concentrations in the BC and the NC groups P0.05,there was no signicantly difference.BC group had no significantly difference (P0.05);The concentration of GABA in the BS group and the BC group were significantly increased as compared with the NC group (P0.01),but the BC group was more significantly increased than the BS group (P0.01). Conclusion Baicalin has a protective effect against the neonatal rat laboratory encephaledma follwing brain hematom and the protective effect was correlated to reduced Glu and the increased content of GABA in the brain tissue in rats.
Effects of artificial irrigation on grasslands production in different types of inner-Mongolia steppe

Soil water is a major limiting factor to determine the grassland productivity in temperate grassland of China. Artificial irrigation is a useful way to increase the grassland productivity to improve the grassland service. However, the irrigation effects might be different among different grassland types including desert, typical, and meadow steppes across the Chines North Temperate grassland due to the variation in water limitation among them. To test it, three controlled water addition experiments were conducted in three steppe types including a desert, a typical, and meadow grassland, respectively. In each steppe, 18 plots with 1 m were setup, and six treatments (i.e. added none, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 percent of annual mean annual precipitation) were supplied during growth season. We assessed the biomass production of each plot at the end of growth season. We found artificial irrigation had strong positive effects on grassland productivities of the three steppes. However, as expected, the effects of irrigation differed among the three different grassland types. The effect was stronger for typical steppe than for other two steppe types. In the meadow steppe, the grassland productivity did not increase anymore after the irrigation more than 40% of the local annual mean precipitation, possibly because the source limitation from water to nutrient. Further studies are still needed to test to improve the grassland management and service.
The detailed aerosol properties derived using GRASP Algorithm from multi-angular polarimetric POLDER/PARASOL observations

The presentation introduces a new aerosol product derived from multi-angular polarimetric POLDER/PARASOL observations using recently developed GRASP algorithm The GRASP (Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties) algorithm described by Dubovik et al. (2011, 2014) derives an extended set of aerosol parameters including detailed particle size distribution, spectral refractive index, single scattering albedo and the fraction of non-spherical particles. Over land GRASP simultaneously retrieves properties of both aerosol and underlying surface. The robust performance of algorithm was illustrated in a series of numerical tests and real data case studies. However, the algorithm is significantly slower than conventional look-up-table retrievals because it performs all radiative transfer calculations on-line. This is why the application of the algorithm for processing large volumes of satellite data was considered as unacceptably challenging task. During two last years GRASP algorithm and its operational retrieval environment has been significantly optimized, improved and adapted for processing extended set of observational data. Hence, here we demonstrate the first results of GRASP aerosol products obtained from large data sets of PARASOL/POLDER observations. It should be noted that in addition the core retrieved aerosol and surface parameters GRASP output may include a variety of user-oriented products including values of daily fluxes and aerosol radiative forcing.