Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adapting the thermal-based two-source energy balance model to
estimate energy fluxes in a complex tree-grass ecosystem

Abstract. The thermal-based Two-Source Energy Balance (TSEB) model has successfully simulated energy fluxes in a wide range of landscapes. However, tree-grass ecosystems (TGE) have notably complex heterogenous vegetation mixtures and dynamic phenological characteristics presenting clear challenges to earth observation and modeling methods. Therefore, the TSEB model was adapted here to consider these significant seasonal changes. To ensure this and understand model dynamics, sensitivity analyses (SA) were conducted on both inputs (local SA) and parameters (global SA). Furthermore, a more physically based wind attenuation sub-model was applied and compared against the classical exponential wind attenuation law. The model was subsequently modified (TSEB-2S) and evaluated against eddy covariance (EC) flux measurements and lysimeters over a TGE experimental site in central Spain. TSEB-2S vastly improved modeled fluxes decreasing the mean bias and RMSD of LE from 34 and 77 W m-2 to 4 and 56 W m-2, respectively during 2015. TSEB-2S was further validated for two other EC towers and for different years (2015, 2016 and 2017) obtaining similar error statistics. The results presented here demonstrate the important role that vegetation, through its structure and phenology, has in controlling ecosystem level energy fluxes, which become important considerations for the modeling procedure. Additionally, TSEB showed to be more sensitive to correctly partitioning incoming radiation, such as characterizing vegetation clumping, compared to accurately modeling the wind profile through the canopy or the aerodynamic roughness.
Increase in Compliance with Weekly Iron Supplementation of Adolescent Girls by An Accompanying Communication Programme in Secondary Schools in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania

Insufficient compliance has been identified as a major contributing factor to the low effectiveness of iron-supplementation programmes. An experimental community trial was conducted to observe the effect of a communication programme on compliance with weekly iron supplementation in urban Tanzanian adolescent schoolgirls. A sample of 237 girls aged 14 to 17 years was randomly recruited from five schools in Dar-es-Salaam, and randomly assigned to three groups. Group A (schools 1 and 2) received one tablet weekly containing 65 mg of elemental iron with 0.25 mg of folic acid for eight consecutive weeks and participated in weekly communication sessions. Group B (school 3) received the same supplementation without communication sessions. Group C (schools 4 and 5) served as the control group, without supplementation or communication. Reported and observed compliance was checked by pill counting and stool analysis. Haemoglobin levels were determined by the cyanmethaemoglobin method before and after intervention. A knowledge test on iron-deficiency anaemia (causes, effects, and treatment) was carried out before and after intervention. Venn diagrams were drawn to identify the most influential persons. Three focus group discussions with the girls and the teachers were conducted at different stages during the study. in the group receiving supplementation and communication, the prevalence of anaemia decreased significantly (p < .001) from 49% to 5% in school 1 and from 54% to 23% in school 2. the prevalence of anaemia did not change significantly in schools 3 and 4 but increased significantly in school 5. the reported and observed compliance was 90% and 94%, respectively, in school 1, 89% and 75% in school 2, and 48% and 50% in school 3. the participants’ knowledge of iron-deficiency anaemia increased significantly in all schools after the intervention (p < .001) but was highest in schools 1 and 2, which received supplementation and communication. It is concluded that comprehensive communication strategies can influence the ingestion of iron supplements and therefore help to reduce anaemia in adolescents.
Performance Assessment of Biological Wastewater Treatment at WUPA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Abuja, Nigeria

Biological treatment of wastewater from Wupa Wastewater Treatment Plant, Abuja was investigated. Wastewater samples were collected from the inlet and effluent point (before and after the ultra violet radiation unit) of the treatment plant. The physicochemical parameters; temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS) and dissolved oxygen (DO) were measured. The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were obtained from samples collected from the influent and effluent points using Standard methods specified by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The water samples were also analysed for the presence of bacterial organisms via Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Bacteriological Count (TBC) and Faecal Count (FC). At the end of the analysis, the percentage removal efficiency of the ultra violet radiation for TCC, TBC and FC were calculated. Results showed that the mean removal efficiency for TCC, TBC and FC were 99.6% , 89.9% and 98.9% respectively; all within the permissible limit of World Health Organization and Federal Ministry of Environment. There was a reduction of 81.5% in COD, 98.9% in BOD which met the required effluent standards. There was significant differences between the pH, TSS, DO, COD and BOD of the influent and effluent (P<0.05). These results showed that there is an urgent need for appropriate steps to be taken for proper management and sanitation of the wastewater before discharging it to the stream, to ensure total conformity with the approved standards.
The Influence of Bottom Sediments and Inoculation with Rhizobacterial Inoculants on the Physiological State of Plants Used in Urban Plantings

Bottom sediments accumulate rapidly in urban reservoirs and should be periodically removed. Their high organic matter content makes them valuable fertilizers, but they often contain toxic substances. The present study compares the responses of the dicotyledonous Tagetes patula and monocotyledon Festuca arundinacea to the presence of such sediments in soil and to soil inoculation with two rhizobacterial strains (Massilia niastensis p87 and Streptomyces costaricanus RP92) isolated from contaminated soil. Total soluble protein, total chlorophyll content, as well as chlorophyll a/b ratio, degree of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), α-tocopherol content, total phenolic compounds (TPC) content and anthocyanins content were examined in the leaves of investigated plants. T. patula was more sensitive to the toxic substances in the sediments than F. arundinacea. Rhizobacterial inoculation reduced the toxic effect of the sediment. RP92 has a more favorable effect on the condition of T. patula than p87. F. arundinacea was not adversely affected by the addition of sediments or inoculation with the p87 or RP92 strains. Both tested plant species are suitable for planting on soils enriched with urban sediments, and the addition of bacterial inoculums promote plant growth and reduce the damage caused by the xenobiotics contained in the sediments.
Phomopsis azadirachtae - The Die-Back of Neem Pathogen

Neem (Azadirachta indica) commonly known as ‘Indian lilac’ or ‘Margosa’, is a native tree to India. Neem finds very wide application and both wood as well as non-wood products are utilized in many ways. Neem products have antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal and other versatile biological activities. However, neem is not free from microbial diseases though having biological activity against various microorganisms. Many bacteria and fungi are known to infect neem. A new fungus Phomopsis azadirachtae was reported on neem causing die-back. The fungus infects the neem trees of all age and size. The symptoms of the disease are twig blight, inflorescence blight and fruit rot. The disease results in almost 100% loss of fruit production.
“From Beach Nymph to Gridiron Amazon”: Media Coverage of Women in American Football, 1934–1979

Although American football has primarily been a sport populated by boys and men, girls and women have participated for over 100 years. The media have covered these stories since the turn of the 20th century. Informed by feminist sport studies literature, this research examines media coverage of women footballers in the United States by conducting a textual analysis of over 100 articles from 1934 to 1979. Journalists who covered women encroaching on conventional men’s space (i.e., American gridirons) simultaneously attempted to demonstrate women’s athleticism and reified dichotomies between feminine and masculine norms and values in U.S. society. Our research suggests that representations of women in football align with gendered hierarchies of sport cultures.
Ducted Wind Turbines in yawed flow: A numerical study

Abstract. Ducted Wind Turbines (DWTs) can be used for energy harvesting in urban areas where non-uniform flows are caused by the presence of buildings or other surface discontinuities. For this reason, the aerodynamic performance of DWTs in yawed flow conditions must be characterized. A numerical study to investigate the characteristics of flow around two DWT configurations using a simplified duct-actuator disc (AD) model is carried out. The analysis shows that the aerodynamic performance of a DWT in yawed flow is dependent on the mutual interaction between the duct and the rotor; an interaction that changes with duct geometry, AD loading and operating conditions. It is found that the duct cross-section camber not only offers insensitivity to yaw, but also a gain in performance up to a specific yaw angle; thereafter any further increase of yaw results in a performance drop.
Placebo and pain : from bench to bedside

The placebo effect continues to fascinate scientists, scholars, and clinicians, resulting in an impressive amount of research, mainly in the field of pain. While recent experimental and clinical studies have unraveled salient aspects of the neurobiological substrates and clinical relevance of pain and placebo analgesia, an authoritative source remained lacking until now. By presenting and integrating a broad range of research, Placebo and Pain enhances readers' knowledge about placebo and nocebo effects, reexamines the methodology of clinical trials, and improves the therapeutic approaches for patients suffering from pain. Review for Placebo and Pain: "This ambitious book is the first comprehensive and unified presentation of the placebo and nocebo phenomena in the area of pain. Written by the international leading experts in the field, the book provides an accurate up-to-date [work] on placebo and pain dealing with current perspectives and future challenging issues. --Ted Kaptchuk, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School * Contains historical aspects of the placebo effect * Discusses biological and psychological mechanisms of placebo analgesic responses* Reviews implications of the placebo effect for clinical research and pain management* Includes methodological and ethical aspects of the placebo effect
Providing for the Casualties of War: The American Experience Through World War II

Abstract : The current and future care of the casualties of war -- those who have been wounded or injured or who are mentally or physically ill -- is of primary importance to the military and civilian leadership of the military services, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review Report highlighted the care of wounded warriors as a major, high-priority initiative. As with every other aspect of the military, the relevant policies have evolved over time, and having a basic grasp of their roots and evolution should improve understanding of today's policies. This volume begins with the ancient and European roots of care for fallen soldiers. It continues through America's own wars, describing how the U.S. Government has arrived at its current set of policies for caring for its injured and ill soldiers and veterans. For each historical example, the discussion addresses the nature of the conflict, combat casualties, and the way in which both soldiers and veterans were treated. It addresses such questions as who were able to remain in the service and who had to separate, either through discharge or retirement, and what roles their families, their communities, or (more recently) the Department of Veterans Affairs played in their care. The focus is on the U.S. Army because, throughout U.S. history, it has suffered the most war casualties of all the services. While all the services share some common history, they are distinct organizations with their own stories to tell. Sorting out the areas of overlap and paying each service the same degree of attention as is given to the Army here was beyond the scope of this effort. A planned second volume will pick up from June 25, 1950, the start of the Korean War, and continue forward to today's conflicts.
Comparison of stable isotope values of Quaternary calcretes from Adana and Mersin provinces: implications on controlling factors

: Calcretes are widespread in Adana and Mersin provinces and form under different morphologies. Most calcrete profiles comprise a hard laminated crust/hardpan at the top, gradually intergrading into the nodular and/or tubular/columnar horizon with depth. This study compares the δ 18 O and δ 13 C values of calcretes from both provinces and discusses the controlling factors and environmental conditions. The δ 18 O and δ 13 C values are characteristic for the pedogenic calcretes. The Adana calcrete mean δ 18 O values of the hardpan, nodules and tubes, and fractures-infills are 0.69‰, 0.77‰, and 1.04‰ PDB heavier than those of the Mersin calcretes, respectively. The overall difference between the two groups is 0.78‰ PDB. The differences are related to the high evaporation rate in Adana province in respect to Mersin province under similar climatic conditions, except for the evaporation rate. The high evaporation rate in Adana province is due to higher ventilation. The δ 13 C values of both provinces are almost the same, reflecting calcrete formation in soil with abundant C 3 vegetation similar to contemporary vegetation. In addition, the mean δ 18 O and δ 13 C values of the hardpan calcretes slightly differ from those of the columnar horizon, showing a depletion in heavy isotopes. The depletion in the mean δ 18 O values of hard laminated crust in respect to the columnar horizon is 0.09‰ PDB for Adana calcretes and 0.12‰ PDB for Mersin calcretes. This is related to the relatively thick water film from which the calcretes formed by precipitation and displacive replacement processes. The difference in the mean δ 13 C values is 0.32‰ PDB for the Adana calcretes and 0.11‰ PDB for the Mersin calcretes, and the depletion in δ 13 C values of the hard laminated crust reflects proximity of the bioactive horizon in the soil.
Enterprise LST Algorithm Development and Its Evaluation with NOAA 20 Data

Satellite land surface temperatures (LSTs) have been routinely produced for decades from a variety of polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites, which makes it possible to generate LST climate data globally. However, consistency of the satellite LSTs from different satellite missions is a concern for such purpose; an enterprise satellite LST algorithm is desired for the LST production through different satellite missions, or at the least, through series satellites of a satellite mission. The enterprise LST algorithm employs the split window technique and uses the emissivity explicitly in its formula. This research focuses on the enterprise LST algorithm design, development and its evaluations with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 20 (N20) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data available since 5 January 2018. In this study, the enterprise LST algorithm was evaluated using simulation dataset consisting of over 2000 profiles from SeeBor collection and the results show a bias of 0.19 K and 0.34 K and standard deviation of 0.48 K and 0.69 K for nighttime and daytime, respectively. The in situ observations from seven NOAA Surface Radiation budget (SURFRAD) sites and two Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) sites were used for LST validation. The results indicate a bias of −0.3 K and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.06 K for SURFRAD stations and a bias of 0.2 K and a RMSE of ~2 K for BSRN sites. Further, the cross-satellite analysis presents a bias of 0.7 K and an RMSE of 1.9 K for comparisons with AQUA MODIS LST (MYD11_L2, Collection 6). The enterprise N20 VIIRS LST product reached the provisional maturity in February 2019 and is ready for users to use in their applications.
Numerical Analysis of the Deposit Shape of Debris Flow using Eddy Viscosity

Recently, the increase in heavy rainfall has led to an increase in damage due to debris flow, and thus, interest in accurate debris-flow prediction has increased. In this regard, understanding the behavior of debris flow is necessary. Whereas many studies have been carried out to improve the prediction accuracy of debris-flow movements, relatively few studies have focused on debris-flow deposits. Therefore, investigating the possibility of accurate numerical simulation is necessary, and we performed simulation of deposits using Urban Debris Simulator (UDS). Before the simulation of the deposits, the optimum conditions were derived from the sensitivity analysis of the time step and grid size of the United States Geological Survey debris flume. Because the deposit shape of a debris flow is asymmetrical and irregular, reproducing it using the rheological models whose viscosity is in the scalar form is difficult. The deposit experiments performed in USGS debris flume were reproduced in UDS, which had a tensor-type eddy viscosity, and numerical simulations were carried out under varying eddy viscosity values. As a result, the optimal eddy viscosity was obtained, and we confirmed that the accurate deposit shape of the debris flow can be simulated using eddy viscosity.
Phanerozoic plate history and structural evolution of the Tarim Basin, northwestern China

ABSTRACT As the largest inland oil-bearing basin in China, the Tarim Basin is a large-scale composite basin that has experienced a complex tectonic evolutionary history from the Ediacaran to the Cenozoic. From the Ediacaran to the Ordovician, the Tarim Basin was in an extensional tectonic environment. From the Silurian to the Devonian, the Tarim Block switched from the presence of passive margins to active margins along its northern and southern edges, eventually colliding with the North Kunlun Terrane in the Silurian. From the Carboniferous to the Triassic, the transition of the Tarim Block from an independent landmass to an internal component of the Eurasian Plate resulted from collisions with the Yili-Central Tianshan Terrane to the north during the Late Carboniferous and the Qiangtang Terrane to the south during the Triassic. From the Jurassic to the Paleogene, several unconformities developed because of the subduction of the Meso-Tethys oceanic plate during the Late Jurassic and the Neo-Tethys oceanic plate during the Paleogene. After the Neogene, as a rejuvenated foreland basin, the Tarim Basin was activated along its margins and became an intermountain basin due to the intense regional compression induced by the Indian Plate. Based on a seismic profile cross-section of the basin, we conclude that the extension and shortening in the profile reflects the block amalgamation history and the structural evolution of the Tarim Basin. The structural-sedimentary evolution of this basin is closely related to the movement of the peripheral plates.
Application of Geospatial Technologies for Land Use Analysis and Soil Science Education

Adaptation of Soil Judging to Libya involves tailoring Soil Judging materials to local context of the country. The objectives of this study were to adapt Soil Judging to Libya and evaluate it in various locations in Libya. Various soil judging handbooks from the United States (US) were used to develop teaching materials for Libya (including tables of soil physical and chemical properties, topographic maps, and scorecards). The soil judging scorecard was enhanced by adding more specific information relevant to Libya (e.g. soil salinity, calcium carbonate etc.). Libyan users were asked to complete a survey consisting of questions related to the usefulness of Soil Judging in Libya. Eighty-two percent of those surveyed were not aware of Soil Judging prior to this study. After completing Soil Judging trials in various locations in Libya, 95% of those surveyed indicated that Soil Judging is useful to natural science education in Libya. Future improvements to Soil Judging should include better equipment and explanation.
Spatial monitoring of drought in the Khatun Abad basin using SPI and remote sensing technique

Drought is a natural and recurrent phenomenon. It is considered ‘a natural disaster’ whenever it occurs intensively in highly populated regions, resulting in significant damage (material and human) and loss (socioeconomic). In this regard, this research aims to evaluate the drought of the Khatun Abad basin using the combination of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and LST (Land surface temperature) MODIS sensors and an SPI indicator. For this purpose, the VHI index was calculated from the combination of VCI and TCI indices based on the 18-year time series (2000-2017) in June. Finally, drought zoning maps based on the VHI index were produced in five classes: very intense, intense, median, and mild and without drought. The evaluation of the time series derived from the VCI and TCI indices shows that there is a significant relationship between NDVI and LST variations. The results show that an extreme drought class is observed in 2017, covering an area of 46 km² from the plain involved with the extreme drought. This is despite the fact that the highest levels of severe drought class occurred in 2008 with an area of approximately 900 km². The total severe and extreme drought classes are observed in 2007, 2008 and 2017. In 2017, a total area of approxiamtely 844 km² from the Khatun Abad basin was involved with the drought, reaching 902 km² in 2008 and 809 km² in 2007. According to the results, the lowest level of drought in Khatun Abad in 2009 was 34 km² classified as a severe and extreme drought. Additionally, the results of the data analysis using the index SPI show that, the most severe drought in the region occurred in 2008. As a result, 33% of the area was severely subjected to drought, and 65% was placed in the middle class drought. In general, the research results indicate that drought changes in the Khatun Abad plain are not logical, and in different years, different drought intensities have been observed.