Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unveiling aerosol–cloud interactions – Part 2: Minimising the effects of aerosol swelling and wet scavenging in ECHAM6-HAM2 for comparison to satellite data

Abstract. Aerosol–cloud interactions (ACIs) are uncertain and the estimates of the ACI effective radiative forcing (ERFaci) magnitude show a large variability. Within the Aerosol_cci project the susceptibility of cloud properties to changes in aerosol properties is derived from the high-resolution AATSR (Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer) data set using the Cloud–Aerosol Pairing Algorithm (CAPA) (as described in our companion paper) and compared to susceptibilities from the global aerosol climate model ECHAM6-HAM2 and MODIS–CERES (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer – Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System) data. For ECHAM6-HAM2 the dry aerosol is analysed to mimic the effect of CAPA. Furthermore the analysis is done for different environmental regimes. The aerosol–liquid water path relationship in ECHAM6-HAM2 is systematically stronger than in AATSR–CAPA data and cannot be explained by an overestimation of autoconversion when using diagnostic precipitation but rather by aerosol swelling in regions where humidity is high and clouds are present. When aerosol water is removed from the analysis in ECHAM6-HAM2 the strength of the susceptibilities of liquid water path, cloud droplet number concentration and cloud albedo as well as ERFaci agree much better with those of AATSR–CAPA or MODIS–CERES. When comparing satellite-derived to model-derived susceptibilities, this study finds it more appropriate to use dry aerosol in the computation of model susceptibilities. We further find that the statistical relationships inferred from different satellite sensors (AATSR–CAPA vs. MODIS–CERES) as well as from ECHAM6-HAM2 are not always of the same sign for the tested environmental conditions. In particular the susceptibility of the liquid water path is negative in non-raining scenes for MODIS–CERES but positive for AATSR–CAPA and ECHAM6-HAM2. Feedback processes like cloud-top entrainment that are missing or not well represented in the model are therefore not well constrained by satellite observations. In addition to aerosol swelling, wet scavenging and aerosol processing have an impact on liquid water path, cloud albedo and cloud droplet number susceptibilities. Aerosol processing leads to negative liquid water path susceptibilities to changes in aerosol index (AI) in ECHAM6-HAM2, likely due to aerosol-size changes by aerosol processing. Our results indicate that for statistical analysis of aerosol–cloud interactions the unwanted effects of aerosol swelling, wet scavenging and aerosol processing need to be minimised when computing susceptibilities of cloud variables to changes in aerosol.
Immobilization and bacterial utilization of dissolved organic carbon entering the riparian zone of the alpine Enns River, Austria

In order to understand the factors controlling the removal of riverine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the riparian zone of an alpine river, concentrations of DOC and dissolved oxygen, as well as bacterial abundance and production, were determined in interstitial waters of an experi- mental bank filtration site of the Enns River, Austria. Four porewater stations exhibiting differing sedimentologic and hydrologic characteristics were sampled over an annual cycle. We found that concentrations of DOC, oxygen, bacterial biomass and production decreased significantly within the first meter from the sediment-water interface. Differences in the grain size distribution among the sampling stations led to spatial heterogeneity in the permeability of the riparian sediments and in the hydraulic residence time of the infiltrating river water, resulting in specific patterns in DOC immobilization and microbial respiration. Porewater bacterial abundance and production and apparent microbial oxygen consumption were positively correlated with the hydraulic residence time of the infiltrating water. DOC occasionally accumulated in the shallow porewater layers during the winter. During the summer, DOC infiltrating from the river surface potentially explained only 36 ± 25% of the apparent interstitial oxygen consumption. This suggests that particulate organic car- bon (POC) contributes substantially to the microbial organic carbon supply in the hyporheic zone. We conclude that the availability of POC rather than DOC infiltration determines hyporheic micro- bial metabolism.
Big Data as a Source for Official Statistics

Abstract More and more data are being produced by an increasing number of electronic devices physically surrounding us and on the internet. The large amount of data and the high frequency at which they are produced have resulted in the introduction of the term ‘Big Data’. Because these data reflect many different aspects of our daily lives and because of their abundance and availability, Big Data sources are very interesting from an official statistics point of view. This article discusses the exploration of both opportunities and challenges for official statistics associated with the application of Big Data. Experiences gained with analyses of large amounts of Dutch traffic loop detection records and Dutch social media messages are described to illustrate the topics characteristic of the statistical analysis and use of Big Data.
TRACKING OF STRENGTH TRAINING: VALIDATION OF A MOTION-RECOGNITION ALGORITHM & A PILOT TOWARDS 1RM, MUSCLE LOADING AND FATIGUE INDEX USING A SMARTWATCH APP

Ubiquitous wrist-worn devices have become a noteworthy research topic in motion recognition of strength training exercises. This study was designed to develop a watchOS and iOS application and assess its exercise recognition and repetition counting accuracy. As a pilot, a method to estimate the 1 repetition maximum and muscle stress and fatigue was explored. To test the exercise recognition and repetition counting accuracy, a workout consisting of nine sets with five randomly ordered resistance training exercises and repetition amounts was conducted when wearing an Apple watch. Overall mean %error in exercise recognition was 3.5% and 0.92% in repetition counting. In the future this app can also be used for estimation of 1 repetition maximum, muscle stress and fatigue.
Anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri ( Fabaceae ) SORO

Daniellia oliveri is a common plant in Africa and widely used by the population. It is found in the wooded savannahs as well as in dry forests. The medicinal properties of Daniellia oliveri are attributed to its different parts. Thus the leaves are used to treat various diseases such as inflammation, fever and pain. The comparative study of the aqueous extract of leaves Daniellia oliveri and the indomethacin (INDOCID) on inflammation induced by carrageenan on the right hind paw of the rats showed antiinflammatory properties of this extract. The phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of leaves Daniellia oliveri showed the presence of flavonoids which could cause anti-inflammatory properties of this extract. The toxicological study of aqueous extract of leaves of Daniellia oliveri allowed to determine an LD50 = 436.51 mg/kg body weight. According Classification of Diezi this plant is toxic. These results justify the traditional use of leaves of Daniellia oliveri as anti-inflammatory.
Refining Receptive Field Estimates using Natural Images for Retinal Ganglion Cells

Determining the structure and size of a retinal ganglion cell’s receptive field is critically important when formulating a computational model to describe the relationship between stimulus and response. This is commonly achieved using a process of reverse correlation through stimulation of the retinal ganglion cell with artificial stimuli (for example bars or gratings) in a controlled environment. It has been argued however, that artificial stimuli are generally not complex enough to encapsulate the full complexity of a visual scene’s stimuli and thus any model formulated under these conditions can only be considered to emulate a subset of the biological model. In this paper, we present an investigation into the use of natural images to refine the size of the receptive fields, where their initial location and shape have been pre-determined through reverse correlation. We present findings that show the use of natural images to determine the receptive field size provides a significant improvement over the standard approach for determining the receptive field.
Calibration of the equations of Hargreaves and Thornthwaite to estimate the potential evapotranspiration in semi–arid and subhumid tropical climates for regional applications

EL METODO FAO PENMAN (PM), ES EL MAS CONFIABLE PARA ESTIMAR LA EVAPOTRANSPIRACION DE REFERENCIA (ETO) Y ES RECOMENDADO POR LA FAO COMO ESTANDAR PARA VERIFICAR OTROS METODOS EMPIRICOS. EN SU UTILIZACION ES NECESARIA INFORMACION DE CUATRO PARAMETROS METEOROLOGICOS: TEMPERATURA DEL AIRE, HUMEDAD RELATIVA, VELOCIDAD DEL VIENTO Y RADIACION NETA. LA POCA DISPONIBILIDAD DE ESTOS PARAMETROS LIMITA EL USO DEL METODO EN MUCHOS LUGARES; POR LO QUE LOS MODELOS THORNTHWAITE (TM) Y HARGREAVES (HM) SON USADOS CON FRECUENCIA, YA QUE UNICAMENTE SE BASAN EN MEDIDAS DE TEMPERATURA DEL AIRE, MEDIDAS COMUNES EN MUCHAS ESTACIONES METEOROLOGICAS EN TODO EL MUNDO, POR LO QUE SON UNA OPCION PARA ESTIMAR LA ETO. SIN EMBARGO, CON EL OBJETIVO DE OBTENER RESULTADOS APROPIADOS DE ETO, LOS MODELOS HM Y TM DEBEN SER CALIBRADOS DE ACUERDO CON LAS CONDICIONES LOCALES. EN EL PRESENTE ESTUDIO, LOS COEFICIENTES ORIGINALES DE TM Y HM SON MODIFICADOS PARA UNA CALIBRACION LOCAL EN CLIMAS SEMI-ARIDOS Y TROPICALES SUB-HUMEDOS DEL ESTADO DE YUCATAN, MEXICO, USANDO COMO ESTANDAR LA ECUACION PENMAN-DE FAO. SE USARON DATOS METEOROLOGICOS DE DOS ESTACIONES EN EL ESTADO DE YUCATAN, MEXICO QUE CORRESPONDEN A UN CLIMA COSTERO SEMI-ARIDO (PROGRESO) Y A UN CLIMA TROPICAL SUB-HUMEDO TIERRA ADENTRO (MERIDA). EN LA COMPARACION SE ANALIZARON LOS INDICES DE CONCORDANCIA (D), CONFIANZA (C), CORRELACION (R) Y REGRESION (R2), ASI COMO INDICADORES DEL SESGO MEDIO DEL ERROR (MBE), RAIZ CUADRADA MEDIA DEL ERROR (RMSE), ERROR RELATIVO (RE) Y EL COCIENTE ENTRE AMBAS ESTIMACIONES PROMEDIO DE ETO ( R). USANDO HM SIN AJUSTE SE OBTUVIERON BUENAS ESTIMACIONES DE ETO EN MERIDA Y PROGRESO, CON VALORES DE C DE 0.825 Y 0.816, RESPECTIVAMENTE. NO SE RECOMIENDA EL USO DE TM SIN AJUSTE EN NINGUNA DE LAS ESTACIONES METEOROLOGICAS ESTUDIADAS. SIN EMBARGO, EN AMBAS ESTACIONES, EL MODELO TM ESTIMA MEJOR LA ETO DURANTE LOS MESES LLUVIOSOS (DE JUNIO A OCTUBRE). EN AMBAS ESTACIONES METEOROLOGICAS, COSTERA Y DE TIERRA ADENTRO, SE OBTUVIERON MEJORES ESTIMACIONES ANUALES DE ETO CON EL USO DE HM SIN AJUSTE (VALORES DE C DE 0.906 Y 0.917, RESPECTIVAMENTE).
JPE 10-3-9 Current Mode Integrated Control Technique for Z-Source Inverter Fed Induction Motor Drives

This paper presents a current mode integrated control technique (CM-ICT) using a modified voltage space vector modulation (MSVM) for Z-source inverter (ZSI) fed induction motor drives. MSVM provides a better DC voltage boost in the dc-link, a wide range of AC output voltage controllability and a better line harmonic profile. In a voltage mode ICT (VM-ICT), the outer voltage feedback loop alone is designed and it enforces the desired line voltage to the motor drive. An integrated control technique (ICT), with an inner current feedback loop is proposed in this paper for the purpose of line current limiting and soft operation of the drive. The current command generated by the PI controller and limiter in the outer voltage feedback loop, is compared with the actual line current, and the error is processed through the PI controller and a limiter. This limiter ensures that, the voltage control signal to the Z-source inverter is constrained to a safe level. The rise and fall of the control signal voltage are made to be gradual, so as to protect the induction motor drive and the Z-source inverter from transients. The single stage controller arrangement of the proposed CM-ICT offers easier compensation. Analysis, Matlab/Simulink simulations, and experimental results have been presented to validate the proposed technique.
A Modular Readout System For A Small Liquid Argon TPC

A dual-FET preamplifier and a multi-channel waveform digitizer form the basis of a modular readout system for a small Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber. Simulated signals typical of a minimum ionizing particle sampled on a 5 mm pitch can be reliably detected with a simulated detector capacitance of at least 600 pf. Introduction Our group is performing R&D to demonstrate the feasibility of a large multikiloton Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) for neutrino oscillation, proton decay, and other experiments. The chamber will image charged particle tracks by drifting the ionization through the cryogenic liquid to a stereoscopic set of three wire planes. The track of a minimum ionizing particle in liquid Argon sampled by wires on a 5 mm pitch generates a signal corresponding ~22,000 electrons, assuming a charge collection efficiency of 90%. We wanted to show that the noise of an existing low-noise hybrid preamplifier was sufficiently low that this signal could be reliably detected under optimum conditions. To create an efficient detector, however, all external sources of noise on the signal wires, such as from HV leakage, must be held to values well below the intrinsic noise of the preamplifier studied here. Though not optimized for this application, we used a preamplifier identical to one used by the D-Zero Tevatron Collider Run II experiment for readout of the liquid argon calorimeter. Another module used in the D0 trigger system for Run II was configured to perform a 10-bit waveform digitization and store a defined time interval of digitized data for later readout. Under construction is a 50 liter LArTPC that will allow observation and analysis of cosmic ray muon tracks. A sufficient number of preamplifier and waveform digitizer channels are available to readout the wire planes. Preamplifier The ICARUS collaboration has developed many techniques that are essential for successful operation of a LArTPC. In their current readout electronics, signals on the wires are received by preamplifiers with an FET based front end. For the warm electronics being considered, we believe that this is still the best solution and is the one found in the low noise D-Zero dual-FET hybrid preamplifier, as pictured in Figure 1, with a circuit schematic as shown in Figure 2. Given Fig. 1. LAr calorimeter preamplifier Fig. 2. Run II preamplifier circuit schematic
Statistical Testing of DeMark Technical Indicators on Commodity Futures

We examine the performance of three DeMark indicators (Sequential, Combo and Setup Trend), which constitute specific implementations of Technical Analysis often used by practitioners, over 21 commodity futures markets and 10 years of data. Our backtests characterise the predictive power of these indicators. Market entry signals are tested by comparing conditional returns (i.e. conditioned on the entry signals) to unconditional returns. For the analysis of trades, which also comprise market-exit signals, randomization tests have been performed for benchmarking. We generate the distributions of three performance metrics (mean return, profit factor and risk-return ratio) over different trade holding horizons and compare them with their randomized versions. We have further checked the impact of the rolling strategy of future contracts on the performance of the DeMark indicators. For the period from Jan. 2004 to Jan. 2014, our results suggest statistically significant predictive power on a wide range of commodity futures.
Procurement auctions and unit-price contracts

In competitive procurement auctions, bids often have the form of unit-price contracts (UPCs). We show that optimal bidding behavior in UPC auctions is typically nonmonotonic and therefore may lead to inefficient allocations. However, UPC auctions may still be desirable for the buyer when compared to efficient mechanisms such as the first-price auction. In a UPC auction, low types are subsidized, and the resulting stronger competition reduces the winning bidder's informational rent, which overcompensates the efficiency loss. Copyright 2003 by the RAND Corporation.
A method for selecting standards for software engineering

The paper describes early experience with the Standardization Framework for Software Engineering, developed for use in the international and European software engineering communities. The paper introduces the application of the Framework as part of a method for the evaluation and selection of existing standards, the identification of requirements for new standards, the planning of standards development in a complex international environment, and the control and assessment of quality during standards development. <<ETX>>
Two-color, nonlocal vector solitary waves with angular momentum in nematic liquid crystals

The propagation and interaction of two solitary waves with angular momentum in bulk nematic liquid crystals, termed nematicons, have been studied in the nonlocal limit. These two spinning solitary waves are based on two different wavelengths of light and so are referred to as two-color nematicons. Under suitable boundary conditions, the two nematicons can form a bound state in which they spin about each other. This bound state is found to be stable to the emission of diffractive radiation as the nematicons evolve. In addition this bound state shows walk-off due to dispersion. Using an approximate method based on the use of suitable trial functions in an averaged Lagrangian of the two-color nematicon equations, modulation equations for the evolution of the individual nematicons are derived. These modulation equations are extended to include the diffractive radiation shed as the nematicons evolve. Excellent agreement is found between solutions of the modulation equations and full numerical solutions of the nematicon equations. The shed diffractive radiation is found to play a much lesser role in the nonlocal limit than in the local limit.
Sensitivity improvement of a laser interferometer limited by inelastic back-scattering, employing dual readout

Inelastic back-scattering of stray light is a long-standing and fundamental problem in high-sensitivity interferometric measurements and a potential limitation for advanced gravitational-wave (GW) detectors. The emerging parasitic interferences cannot be distinguished from a scientific signal via conventional single readout. In this work, we propose the subtraction of inelastic back-scatter signals by employing dual homodyne detection on the output light, and demonstrate it for a table-top Michelson interferometer. The additional readout contains solely parasitic signals and is used to model the scatter source. Subtraction of the scatter signal reduces the noise spectral density and thus improves the measurement sensitivity. Our scheme is qualitatively different from the previously demonstrated vetoing of scatter signals and opens a new path for improving the sensitivity of future GW detectors and other back-scatter limited devices.
Body fat content, composition and distribution in Landrace and Iberian finishing pigs given ad libitum maize- and acorn-sorghum-maize-based diets

We aimed to determine whether the dietary carbohydrate source altered body fat composition and distribution in finishing lean (Landrace) and obese (Iberian) swine. To this end, twenty-four finishing castrated male pigs (12 Iberian and 12 Landrace; 108 kg live weight) were offered two diets differing in the main carbohydrates source, maize (diet M) or acorn-sorghum-maize (diet A). Diets were formulated to have the same nutrient content, except for carbohydrate fractions : diet M contained higher amount of starch (537 v.389 g/kg) but less non-starchpolysaccharides (118 v.148 g/ kg) than diet A. At an average weight of 133 kg live weight pigs were slaughtered and their carcasses were sampled to study lipogenesis, backfat and intramuscular fat composition. Iberian pigs showed a higher voluntary food intake than Landrace pigs (3•6 v.2•4 kg/day; P< 0•001) but no significant differences in the daily weight gain. Diet M tended to promote the highest food intake (P= 0•09). Iberian pigs showed higher (P< 0•01) lipogenic enzyme activities, backfat thickness (71•7v.31•9 mm) and intramuscular fat content (40 to 95 g/kg fresh muscle) than Landrace pigs, which was associated with their higher food intake. Furthermore, fat depots from Iberian pigs had higher (P< 0•001) monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and lower (P< 0•05) polyunsaturated (PUFA) proportions than those from Landrace pigs. The backfat thickness of pigs given diet M tended to be higher (P= 0•07) than that of pigs given diet A, without differences in the intramuscular fat content. The higher backfat thickness found for diet M was correlated with a lower PUFA proportion in diet than for diet A (P< 0•001). we conclude that body fat content, composition and lipogenic enzyme activities are markedly influenced by the animal breed and to a lesser extent by dietary characteristics.
BinStat Tool for Recognition of Packed Executables

The quantity of malicious artifacts (malware) generated by the combination of unique attack goals, unique targets and various tools available for the developers, demands the automation of prospecting and analysis of said artifacts. Considering the fact that one problem handled by experts in analysis of executable code is packing, this paper presents a method of packing detection through the appliance of statistical and information theory metrics. The tool developed in this study, called BinStat, generated a high recognition rate of executable packing status within the test samples, proving its effectiveness.
Physical Review A : in press Double Ionization of Helium by Electron-Impact in the Impulsive Regime

The dynamics of helium double ionization by 2 keV electron impact has been investigated experimentally and theoretically at large momentum transfer of |q| = 2 a.u. Fully resolved fivefold differential cross sections (FDCS) are presented for symmetric and asymmetric energy sharing between the two ejected electrons at excess energies from 10 eV to 40 eV, and for the coplanar as well as the out-of-plane scattering geometries. Experimentally, a multielectron – recoil-ion coincidence technique has been applied and a large part of the final-state momentum-space has been mapped. The presently employed theoretical model treats the interaction between the two slow ejected electrons nonperturbatively using the convergent close coupling (CCC) method, whereas the projectile-target interaction is described in the first Born approximation. The experimental and theoretical FDCS agree well in shape. The cross section is dominated by two pairs of strong peaks. From this pattern it can be concluded that the two-step 1 mechanism which is due to interelectron interaction after a single ionizing collision is the dominant ionisation process for the present kinematics.
A Battle of Taste and Environmental Convictions for Ecolabeled Seafood: A Contingent Ranking Experiment

Consumers face pressure from environmental groups to modify their seafood purchase decisions based on concerns about fisheries' production practices. Existing research provides little information indicating whether seafood consumers are willing to change purchasing behavior based on a product's environmental attributes, to the exclusion of other attributes. We describe a contingent ranking experiment addressing preferences for fresh seafood, allowing for choices among different species, some displaying an ecolabel. Results suggest consumers consider overfishing sufficiently important to contemplate changing the species of fish they buy; however, they are unwilling to choose a less-favored species based solely on the presence of an ecolabel.