Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HESS Opinions: Linking Darcy's equation to the linear reservoir

Abstract. In groundwater hydrology, two simple linear equations exist describing the relation between groundwater flow and the gradient driving it: Darcy's equation and the linear reservoir. Both equations are empirical and straightforward, but work at different scales: Darcy's equation at the laboratory scale and the linear reservoir at the watershed scale. Although at first sight they appear similar, it is not trivial to upscale Darcy's equation to the watershed scale without detailed knowledge of the structure or shape of the underlying aquifers. This paper shows that these two equations, combined by the water balance, are indeed identical provided there is equal resistance in space for water entering the subsurface network. This implies that groundwater systems make use of an efficient drainage network, a mostly invisible pattern that has evolved over geological timescales. This drainage network provides equally distributed resistance for water to access the system, connecting the active groundwater body to the stream, much like a leaf is organized to provide all stomata access to moisture at equal resistance. As a result, the timescale of the linear reservoir appears to be inversely proportional to Darcy's “conductance”, the proportionality being the product of the porosity and the resistance to entering the drainage network. The main question remaining is which physical law lies behind pattern formation in groundwater systems, evolving in a way that resistance to drainage is constant in space. But that is a fundamental question that is equally relevant for understanding the hydraulic properties of leaf veins in plants or of blood veins in animals.
Development and implementation of a senior care program for older hospitalized patients: Bridging the gap between research, education and clinical practice in an academic service partnership

Aim: To describe a best practice focused on improving hospital care for older patients. Background: 30%-60% of older patients will develop functional decline following hospital admission, resulting in increased dependency. In our ageing world the need to prevent functional decline is a priority for health care professionals. Methods: In an academic service partnership, in which participated a University Medical Center and a University of Applied Sciences, an evidence based program was developed: “Home Faster and Better” to prevent functional decline and to enhance safe care for older patients (≥70 years). Students of the Bachelor in Nursing Program developed the program, supervised by a clinical nurse specialist and a nurse scientist. Results: A three-step care program, the DEFENCE model, (risk assessment, comprehensive geriatric assessment and targeted interventions) was developed as a best practice. Conclusion: The partnership enhanced the transition of research into clinical practice, optimized the use of existing resources and created an inspiring learning environment for nursing professionals and students.
The high-resolution computer models and the information system in the heat balance of the city

The definition of principles, criteria and basic models to be used in energy planning is a scientific and technological perspective promising, because it leads to a general reflection on the assessment of the quality of urban environments and their production and functioning processes. A city becomes more sustainable if it reduces the consumption of resources and the production of waste (its "ecological footprint"), but at the same time improves its vitality, quality and livability. In this context, it is fundamental to carry out a mapping of the territory that can emphasize the changes in the urban environment, especially in terms of energy consumption. Therefore it is nec- essary to develop new computer methods for analyzing and monitoring useful for the choice of strategies and actions to obtain a careful planning. From this point of view, a complete analysis in the urban environment can be accomplished through GIS technologies which allow performing a real screening on a territorial level and through the software ENVI-met, that is a three-dimensional computer model designed to analyze the small scale interactions between urban design and the mi- croclimate. The objectives of the research were therefore the analysis of the urban fabric and the simulation of a number of scenarios in order to develop strategic actions for the prevention of ur- ban environmental damage and environmentally friendly technologies for process and product of the city components (buildings and open spaces) in relation to diseases of thermal pollution and diseases of the large urban settlements.
PRICE INTEGRATION OF COWPEA RETAIL MARKETS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated cowpea market integration in Niger State, Nigeria. Data was sourced secondarily. Multistage stratified random sampling was employed to select markets, a total of six (6) markets comprising Kontagora and Salka markets (from production strata); Minna and Bida markets (from consumption strata) and Sabon wuse and Mokwa markets (from transitory strata) were selected for the market integration study. Data was analysed variously through the use of the Augmented Dicky Fuller unit root test, Johansen co-integration test, Error correction model and Granger causality tests. Results from the market integration study revealed that markets in Niger State present a relatively long run integration in cowpea prices. A strong spatial price linkage exists between Kontagora vs. Sabonwuse and Bida vs. Sabonwuse markets. This was adduced to the ease, flow and use of market information, competition among market participants and the presence of arbitrage. Results from the Granger causality tests indicated both bidirectional and unidirectional causation. Recommendations from this study included the need for the provision of adequate market information on current price dissemination to market participants through government agencies. Creating an environment for competition amongst market participants to enhance integration of cowpea prices. Improve infrastructures, such as good and accessible roads and telecommunication network.
Structural breaks and testing for the random walk hypothesis in international stock prices

This paper examines whether stock prices for 16 countries are trend stationary or follow a random walk process using the (Zivot and Andrews, 1992) and (Lumsdaine and Papell, 1997) tests and monthly data (1987:12-2005:12). With one structural break, the ZA test results provide evidence in favour of random walk hypothesis in 14 countries. However, when two endogenously-determined structural breaks are considered, this hypothesis was rejected for only five countries, suggesting a robust conclusion regarding the non-stationarity of stock prices world wide. In addition, the dates of structural break in most cases point to the Asian crisis in the period 1996-1998.
Intra-genomic 16S rRNA gene heterogeneity in cyanobacterial genomes

The ability of the small ribosomal subunit (16S) rRNA to infer fine-scale phylogenetic relationships is, in principal, impaired by the presence of multiple and variable gene copies within the same genome. This study investigated the extent of intra-genomic 16S rRNA gene heterogeneity in cyanobacteria. Using bioinformatics, all available sequenced cyanobacterial genomes were screened for microheterogeneity between their paralogous ribosomal genes. As a result, cyanobacteria were found to commonly contain multiple ribosomal operons and the numbers of copies were relatively proportional to genome size. Moreover, intra-genomic paralogous 16S rRNA gene copies often contain point-mutations that were validated by secondary structure modeling to be true point mutations rather than sequencing errors. Although microheterogeneity between paralogous 16S rRNA genes is relatively common in cyanobacterial genomes, the degree of sequence divergence is relatively low. We conclude that cyanobacterial intra-genomic 16S rRNA gene heterogeneity generally has a relatively small impact on species delineation and inference of evolutionary histories of cyanobacteria.
A Rapid and Efficient Protocol for Clonal Propagation of Phenolic-Rich Lavandula multifida

Lavandula multifida (fernleaf lavender) grows in confined regions of Portugal. This species is known for its interesting chemical profile, rich in phenolic compounds, and significant antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an interesting plant for industrial exploitation and justifying alternative propagation methods. Therefore, the present study aims the development of an efficient protocol for large scale propagation of this species, assuring plant uniformity and aiming a sustainable industrial exploitation with preservation of natural resources. In vitro cultures were established on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with different concentrations of benzyladenine (BA) and zeatin (ZEA). Best multiplication rates (6.14 shoots per explant) were achieved using MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/L ZEA and rooting occurred spontaneously on the propagation medium avoiding additional rooting steps. Moreover, plants flowered during the acclimatization phase, confirming a more rapid in vitro development and shorter breeding cycle. This is a very interesting aspect for essential oil extraction. Trichome morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy and the secretion analyzed through histochemical tests. Trichomes of micropropagated plantlets were identical to those of field-growing plants, and essential oil production was observed at early stages of development. The present study confirms that micropropagation under controlled conditions could be an interesting alternative for field production of L. multifida, since higher amounts of plants can be obtained in less time with guarantee of genetic stability and phytossanitary quality, very important features regarding essential oil production and commercialization.
How Can We Design a More Intelligent Path-Planning?

We contemplate in this paper on how it would be intelligent when we say artifi cial intelligence. Human intelligence is not always effi cient, nor worthy enough to be called optimized but rather spontaneous or unpredictable more or less. Even when we come across a similar situation as before our behavior may be different than in the way we had reacted then. Aiming such a fl exibility in an artifi cial intelligent agent, we propose here a benchmark in which we have infi nite number of equally valuable solutions. And then we observe if an agent trained by some of the machine learning techniques will behave in such an intelligent way as human’s.
Simulating Exchange Rate Volatility in Iran Using Stochastic Differential Equations

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the exchange rate volatility in Iran in the time period between 2011/11/27 and 2017/02/25 on a daily basis. As a tradable asset and as an important and effective economic variable, exchange rate plays a decisive role in the economy of a country. In a successful economic management, the modeling and prediction of the exchange rate volatility is essential for economic policies. Therefore, modeling and forecasting the changes in exchange rates for economic policies is vital. Foreign currency has the particular property of stochastic volatility, which can be modeled as a stochastic differential equation. In order to provide the best model, first, we studied the effectiveness of different stochastic models, drew upon the daily price of the exchange rate, and investigated the performance of these models. Finally, the best model was achieved by taking into account the numerical simulation and the mean square error, Akaikes (AIC), Schwarzs Bayesian (SBIC), and the Hannan-Quinn (HQIC) criteria.
Dentelle de pédagogies féministes

“Pedagogie feministe” est d’abord definie comme une expression generique qui recouvre une multitude de pratiques pedagogiques qui ne sont pas toujours nommees ainsi. Cette approche permet d’examiner un courant de pedagogie feministe egalitaire ainsi que des pratiques d’intervention feministe que l’on retrouve chez des groupes de femmes. Les pedagogies feministes comme telles sont surtout le propre des Etudes sur les femmes et des Etudes feministes ou des courants de pensee feministe radicale soutendent la pensee et l’action des professeures. Une synthese des differentes caracteristiques de ces pedagogies feministes ainsi qu’une analyse de certaines de leurs limites completent la demarche de cet ecrit, qui propose des balises pour mieux cerner ce que sont les pedagogies feministes. “Feminist pedagogy” is a generic expression encompassing a range of pedagogi- cal practices, not all of which are so labelled. This definition allows me to discuss intervention practices among women’s groups, “egalitarian” feminist pedagogy, and feminist pedagogies as practiced and theorized in women’s studies and feminist studies. I describe these feminist pedagogies’ characteristics, analyse some of their limitations, and then propose criteria helpful in marking out feminist pedagogies.
Use of Neural Networks in archaeology: preservation of Assamese manuscripts

Historical documents are engraved as manuscripts ranging from palm leaf manuscripts, metal carvings to paper manuscripts. These manuscripts reveal significant information about yesteryear. Although, there are thousands of such manuscripts, the majority of them are not in good condition. Assam has one of the most ancient and largest collections of manuscripts. Assamese 'manuscripts are bound up with Srimanta Sankardeva (15th–16th century Assamese polymath) as well as his Neo Vaisnavite Movement as the manuscripts were the medium of transmission of the ideals of this religiocultural movement. At the same time, Assamese are grateful to Sankaradeva and his successors for manuscripts which displayed Assamese culture. This saint-scholar, poet and playwright wrote his compositions on these manuscripts. Assamese consider these manuscripts as objects of veneration. Over the years, manuscripts, especially those in print are prone to decay due to various reasons such as climate (light, heat, dust and humidity), pest attacks and theft. At present, Information Technology (IT) is used for preservation of cultural heritage including preservation of manuscripts, the primary source of historical information. Current methods include use of hyperspectral imaging and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to preserve and scan images to digital format. However, current technologies lack the capability to convert a manuscript to a digital artifact due to improper character identification methodology. As such, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) can be used for classification as well as pattern recognition functions. Therefore, this research paper introduces use of an ANN to identify sections of manuscripts obtained from the Assam region.
Trend differences in lower stratospheric water vapour between Boulder and the zonal mean and their role in understanding fundamental observational discrepancies

Abstract. Trend estimates with different signs are reported in the literature for lower stratospheric water vapour considering the time period between the late 1980s and 2010. The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) frost point hygrometer (FPH) observations at Boulder (Colorado, 40.0° N, 105.2° W) indicate positive trends (about 0.1 to 0.45 ppmv decade−1). On the contrary, negative trends (approximately −0.2 to −0.1 ppmv decade−1) are derived from a merged zonal mean satellite data set for a latitude band around the Boulder latitude. Overall, the trend differences between the two data sets range from about 0.3 to 0.5 ppmv decade−1, depending on altitude. It has been proposed that a possible explanation for these discrepancies is a different temporal behaviour at Boulder and the zonal mean. In this work we investigate trend differences between Boulder and the zonal mean using primarily simulations from ECHAM/MESSy (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Hamburg/Modular Earth Submodel System) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC), WACCM (Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model), CMAM (Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model) and CLaMS (Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere). On shorter timescales we address this aspect also based on satellite observations from UARS/HALOE (Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite/Halogen Occultation Experiment), Envisat/MIPAS (Environmental Satellite/Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) and Aura/MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder). Overall, both the simulations and observations exhibit trend differences between Boulder and the zonal mean. The differences are dependent on altitude and the time period considered. The model simulations indicate only small trend differences between Boulder and the zonal mean for the time period between the late 1980s and 2010. These are clearly not sufficient to explain the discrepancies between the trend estimates derived from the FPH observations and the merged zonal mean satellite data set. Unless the simulations underrepresent variability or the trend differences originate from smaller spatial and temporal scales than resolved by the model simulations, trends at Boulder for this time period should also be quite representative for the zonal mean and even other latitude bands. Trend differences for a decade of data are larger and need to be kept in mind when comparing results for Boulder and the zonal mean on this timescale. Beyond that, we find that the trend estimates for the time period between the late 1980s and 2010 also significantly differ among the simulations. They are larger than those derived from the merged satellite data set and smaller than the trend estimates derived from the FPH observations.
Nasal air-conditioning during breathing therapy

1 It has been reported that continuous positive airway pressure therapy introduces negative nasal side2 effects including sneezing, itching, nasal dryness, nasal congestion and/or a runny nose. As these 3 symptoms are suggestive of nasal dysfunction, heated humidification is often used to fully saturate and 4 heat the inhaled air to core body temperature. It is expected that this relieves the nasal mucosa from 5 having to supply, or recover, heat and moisture from inspired and expired air. This review summarizes the 6 current in vitro and in vivo knowledge relevant to nasal air-conditioning, and identifies further 7 investigations necessary to improve our understanding the changes that occur during nasal continuous 8 positive airway pressure therapy. Investigations into nasal airway fluid transportation, airflow regulation 9 and heat and fluid supply may lead to a therapy temperature/pressure/humidification algorithm that 10 optimizes these parameters for a prescribed therapy pressure. Optimization could lead to a reduction in 11 titration pressure and improved treatment compliance. 12 13
Small steps: effectiveness and feasibility of an incremental goal-setting intervention to reduce sitting time in older adults

Affiliations: a School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia. b Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. c Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester Diabetes Centre, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE5 4PW, United Kingdom. d National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), Leicester Diabetes Centre, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE5 4PW, United Kingdom. e The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Brisbane, Australia. f Mater Research Institute – The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. g Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
Sound production of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in relation to environmental factors

In September 2008 to January 2009, two Ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) were placed in Skjalfandi Bay in order to record marine sounds. In total 14381 single Atlantic cod sounds were detected in the recordings. Cod sounds in general consist of various numbers of grunts. The grunts in this study start usually at a frequency of around 5 Hz and go up to 200 Hz. They consist of pulses, which are very short in duration and only visible on an oscillogram. The highest amplitude was in all examined cases reached at a frequency level of 40 to 60 Hz and the grunts reached amplitudes with a power of 2000 mV. The Atlantic cod sound’s characteristics are similar but not identical to those described in earlier studies. The amount of recorded sounds between both EARs is different, they are however highly correlated (rs=0.45, p<0.001) and follow the same trend in activity in the course of the whole period. The data was divided into five research periods and a comparison of their means showed significant differences between single research periods. Pearson’s correlation was highly significant (p<0.001, rP=0.3533, n=87) for the relationship between sound production activity and intertidal changes in Skjalfandi Bay. Additionally a correlation between acoustic activity and other environmental factors such as wind speed (p< 0.001, rp=0.123, n=2088) and cloud cover (p<0.001, rp=0.428, n=87) was found. The frequency of sound production increased strongly in October and decreased again in November and December. Further increase in January had also been observed. In addition no differences in the activity during the course of a day were found in this study.
Supporting Diversity in Teams Through Asset Mapping

While industry values teamwork and research suggests that diverse teams are more creative [1], there is limited understanding of how to support students to learn to work in such teams. We conducted a design-based research study to investigate how an asset-mapping activity could help team members to value each other’s contributions in chemical engineering design projects. As part of our ongoing effort to redesign the curriculum to better support diverse students to persist in chemical engineering, we have been guided by the notion of building on students’ assets and seeing their potential, rather than focusing on their deficits [2], [3]. We extended this notion by investigating how to help students see the assets they and their teammates bring. We report on student progress in a sophomore-level material and energy balance course (n= 63 in 10 teams) and a capstone chemical engineering design course (n= 53 in 12 teams) at a large, Hispanic-serving research university in the Southwest. The sophomores had prior design experience, as they were in a cohort that began after the curriculum had been redesigned to incorporate design challenges throughout the core chemical engineering coursework. The seniors did not have prior design experience within the curriculum. Both courses stressed the importance of teamwork and engaged students in working on design challenges. Students completed a two-part activity: They first identified their own assets and the assets of their teammates. They were then guided to map the assets across their team members and critically evaluate areas of strength and weakness. To aid them on the second portion, we provided a list of specific skills valued in professional engineering practice. In this paper, we focus on professional communication, project management, and interpersonal / teamwork skills. We collected all student work related to the activity. We developed a coding scheme to analyze the qualitative data and conducted basic statistics (correlations and t-tests) to analyze quantitative data. The