Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating The Environmental and Avi-Values and Birding Behaviour of Gauteng’s Youth

South Africa, specifically Gauteng has a rich bird biodiversity, making it an ideal ecotourism destination, which can foster local economic development and create job opportunities. Yet birding habitats are under severe threat in this province. Thus, enthusiasm for birds amongst the residents of this province is touted as a means to promote a groundswell of support for preserving bird habitats in Gauteng. As such, it is crucial to encourage support for birds, bird habitats and avitourism within the youth of the province. Therefore, this research study sought to determine if environmental and avi-values, alongside promoting pro-environmental behaviour could encourage Gauteng’s youth to adopt pro-bird behaviours. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to collect data from 5 488 secondary school learners (aged 13–17 years). Exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed to test these relationships. The SEM-results revealed that enjoyment of birds and the natural environment is a critical focus area that enhances the likelihood of pro-environmental and avi-behaviour. Environmental education in the form of an intervention programme amongst the youth is recommended for bird biodiversity, bird habitats and, therefore, avitourism in the province to be fostered.
Ocean Bottom Array Probes Stagnant Slab Beneath the Philippine Sea

Global seismic tomography has revealed the existence of a now-stagnant subducted slab (Figure 1c, inset) in the mantle transition zone (MTZ) of the western Pacific Ocean [e.g., Fukao et al., 2001], where the old Pacific plate subducts at the Kuril/Japan/Mariana Trench system. Fukao et al. [2001] showed that a stagnant slab is a common feature of many subduction systems around the world, although it is still not well understood why and how a subducted slab may or may not become stagnant. In addition to a subducted slab itself, water entrained with the slab may also accumulate in the MTZ in association with stagnation. The MTZ has been thought to play a key role in the Earth's water cycle, with water transported to the MTZ possibly being released and supplied to the upper mantle to drive back-arc volcanism [e.g., Ichiki et al., 2006].
Assessment of lake–groundwater interactions and anthropogenic stresses, using numerical groundwater flow model, for a Rift lake catchment in central Ethiopia

A steady-state groundwater flow model (MODFLOW) was used to study lake and groundwater interactions in a complex rift volcanic catchment. It also was used to assess the effects of water pumping from wells, and of variable recharge rates associated with climate and lake level changes, on the dynamics of the volcanic aquifers surrounding Lake Awassa. The model simulations were made after first developing a reasonable conceptual model, on the basis of conventional hydrogeological mapping, pumping test and hydrometeorological data analyses, and from ancillary information obtained from hydrochemical and isotope techniques. The model results indicated that the lakes and Rift aquifers are fed by large groundwater inputs that originate in the highlands. The lakes and rivers have important roles in recharging the aquifers in some locations. Lake Awassa receives a major groundwater inflow from its southern and eastern shorelines, while substantial water leakage from the lake occurs along the northern shoreline. The annual groundwater outflow from the catchment is estimated to 52.5 × 106 m3. Scenario analyses revealed that increasing the current pumping rate from wells by fourfold will substantially reduce the groundwater level substantially, although the regional flow pattern would remain the same. There appears to be no immediate danger to the Rift aquatic environment from the current water pumping rate. Drying the small Lake Shalo and associated swamps, however, will cause a large change in the water balance of the larger Lake Awassa. Slight changes in groundwater recharge can cause large differences in groundwater levels for most of the Rift caldera floor far from the lake shores. This study provides a reasonable foundation for developing detailed transient predictive models, which can then readily be used as a decision support tool for development and implementation of sustainable water resources practices.
Identification of Recurrence Related microRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Surgical Resection

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive human cancers with a high frequency of post-surgical recurrence. It is very critical to diagnose HCC recurrence at an early stage for a better therapeutic treatment. In this study, we examined the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling in tumor tissues obtained from early and late recurrent HCC patients post-resection, using a microarray assay. A total of 32 miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed during the progression of recurrence. Among these, 16 miRNAs were upregulated and 16 were downregulated. In addition, this miRNA expression signature was further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Moreover, functional annotation of predicted target genes of these recurrent HCC-related miRNAs indicates that multiple biological pathways (i.e., focal adhesion pathway, cancer-related pathways and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling) that are all critical for cancer development and progression, may participate in the recurrence of HCC. Our data suggest potential molecular mechanisms underpinning miRNA-controlled HCC recurrence, and support the notion that miRNA expression signature and miRNA-based therapy can be useful tools for a better diagnosis and treatment stratification of this disease.
Evaluation of the hydrological cycle in the ECHAM5 model

Abstract This study investigates the impact of model resolution on the hydrological cycle in a suite of model simulations using a new version of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). Special attention is paid to the evaluation of precipitation on the regional scale by comparing model simulations with observational data in a number of catchments representing the major river systems on the earth in different climate zones. It is found that an increased vertical resolution, from 19 to 31 atmospheric layers, has a beneficial effect on simulated precipitation with respect to both the annual mean and the annual cycle. On the other hand, the influence of increased horizontal resolution, from T63 to T106, is comparatively small. Most of the improvements at higher vertical resolution, on the scale of a catchment, are due to large-scale moisture transport, whereas the impact of local water recycling through evapotranspiration is somewhat smaller. At high horizontal a.
Differential Effects of Glyphosate and Roundup on Human Placental Cells and Aromatase

Roundup is a glyphosate-based herbicide used worldwide, including on most genetically modified plants that have been designed to tolerate it. Its residues may thus enter the food chain, and glyphosate is found as a contaminant in rivers. Some agricultural workers using glyphosate have pregnancy problems, but its mechanism of action in mammals is questioned. Here we show that glyphosate is toxic to human placental JEG3 cells within 18 hr with concentrations lower than those found with agricultural use, and this effect increases with concentration and time or in the presence of Roundup adjuvants. Surprisingly, Roundup is always more toxic than its active ingredient. We tested the effects of glyphosate and Roundup at lower nontoxic concentrations on aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen synthesis. The glyphosate-based herbicide disrupts aromatase activity and mRNA levels and interacts with the active site of the purified enzyme, but the effects of glyphosate are facilitated by the Roundup formulation in microsomes or in cell culture. We conclude that endocrine and toxic effects of Roundup, not just glyphosate, can be observed in mammals. We suggest that the presence of Roundup adjuvants enhances glyphosate bioavailability and/or bioaccumulation.
A new satellite deep convective ice index for tropical climate monitoring: Possible implications for existing oceanic precipitation data sets

The tropical atmosphere is continually overturning, with deep moist convective cloud systems exporting energy from the subcloud layer and depositing it in the upper troposphere. A new satellite index of this deep convective activity is based upon measurements of large ice particles in the upper portions of tropical convective complexes. This 20‐year record reveals a strong signal of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), with 10 to 15% upward (downward) swings in the deep convective index during El Niño (La Niña). Warming of tropical sea surface temperatures (SST), whether from anthropogenically‐produced greenhouse gases or natural climate variability, is expected to be associated with more convective overturning of the atmosphere. While other tropical precipitation climatologies vary dramatically in their support of this relationship, the present deep convective ice (DCI) index shows a strong correlation between interannual variations of tropical convection and SST.
Evidence of non‐LTE effects in mesospheric water vapor from spectrally‐resolved emissions observed by CIRRIS‐1A

Evidence of non‐LTE effects in mesospheric water vapor as determined by infrared spectral emission measurements taken from the space shuttle is reported. A cryogenic Michelson interferometer in the CIRRIS‐1A shuttle payload yielded high quality atmospheric infrared spectra. These measurements demonstrate the enhanced daytime emissions of H2O (020→010) which are the result of non‐LTE processes and in agreement with non‐LTE models. The radiance ratios of H2O (010→000) and (020→010) Q(1) transitions during daytime are compared with non‐LTE model calculations to assess the vibration‐to‐vibration exchange rate between H2O and O2 in the mesosphere. An exchange rate of 1.2×10−12 cm³ s−1 is derived.
Neutron powder diffraction of minerals at high pressures and temperatures some recent technical developments and scientific applications

The application of neutron powder diffraction to the study of mineral behaviour at high temperature and high pressure is reviewed. The characteristics of neutrons that make them particularly amenable to such studies are outlined, and recent techno- logical developments in the attainment of extreme sample environments are discussed. These developments include the design of new high-pressure cells, hydrothermal cells, and furnaces that allow in situ diffraction under extreme conditions. The application of this technology to problems of order-disorder in minerals is illustrated in a series of recent examples.
Ultraviolet absorption cross sections of hydrogen peroxide

Absorption cross-sections of hydrogen peroxide vapor and of neutral aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide were measured in the wavelength range from 195 to 350 nm at 296 K. The spectrophotometric procedure is described, and the reported cross-sections are compared with values obtained by other researchers. Photodissociation coefficients of atmospheric H2O2 were calculated for direct absorption of unscattered solar radiation, and the vertical distributions of these coefficients are shown for various solar zenith angles.
Wavemaker Curves for Tsunamis Generated by Underwater Landslides

A nondimensional wavemaker curve of a characteristic water wave amplitude is constructed from the landslide length, the initial landslide submergence, the incline angle measured from the horizontal, the characteristic distance of landslide motion, and the characteristic duration of landslide motion. This wavemaker curve applies broadly to water waves generated by unsteady motion of a submerged object, provided the motion is governed by only one characteristic distance scale and one characteristic time scale. An analytical solution of solid block motion provides the characteristic distance scale and time scale. Two-dimensional experimental results on a 45° incline confirm that a wavemaker curve for solid block landslides exists as a function of the nondimensional initial submergence and what is called the Hammack number. Water wave amplitudes generated by solid block landslides can be predicted from the wavemaker curve if the solid block motion is known. Criteria for the generation of linear water waves are given.
Fractured shale description using isotropic seismic analysis

AbstractDirect methods for fracture detection using P-wave seismic data typically require an azimuthal analysis of the reflected wavefield. However, conventional data acquisition practices often lack sufficient azimuthal coverage for proper application of these techniques. In such cases, alternative methods become necessary. We investigated the use of subsurface properties estimated from seismic data under isotropic assumptions to delineate fracture systems in the Second White Speckled Shale of Alberta, Canada. We implemented two methodologies for fracture detection. (1) Using seismic attributes sensitive to the structure of the seismic image, structural changes such as folds were identified, from which the associated fracture systems can be inferred. (2) For fractures not directly correlated to such structural changes, analysis of the effective elastic properties of fractured media proved useful. In particular, failure criteria and effective-medium theories were used to investigate fracture phenomena and.
Seismic Search For Underground Anomalies

Historically, detection of anomalies using seismic methods has relied heavily on wavefield interference and point source radiation phenomena (Rechtien et al., 1995; Miller and Steeples, 1991; Steeples and Miller, 1988; Cook, 1965; Fisher 1971; Watkins et al., 1967). This approach can be effective in some situations, but considering the wealth of information contained in the wavefield, it is at best a cursory use of the information available in the wavefield. Recent development of surface seismic techniques designed to provide a quantitative measure of key seismic properties for each 3-D cell of a specified earth volume from a single shot gather by analyzing individual components of the wavefield has shown great promise (Miller et al., 2001). This project proved an incremental step in the evaluation of the potential of these seismic imaging and sampling techniques for shallow tunnel detection. Geologic or anthropogenic underground anomalies have been successfully identified using various components of the seismic wavefield and empirical correlations, some of these include: bedrock karst feature in southern Alabama and eastern Kansas (Miller and Xia, 1999; Miller et al., 1999), faulted and/or mined out zones in southern Illinois, buried pipes at Lawrenceville, Illinois (Miller et al., 2000) and San Jose, California, and a tunnel at 35 ft below ground surface at Otay Mesa, California (Miller et al., 2002).
Magnetostratigraphy Across the Wasatchian/Bridgerian Nalma Boundary (Early to Middle Eocene) in the Western Green River Basin, Wyoming

New paleomagnetic and biostratigraphic data from the western Green River Basin of Wyoming provide a magnetobiostratigraphic framework to correlate the late Wasatchian through early Bridgerian North American Land Mammal Ages (NALMA) to the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale (GPTS). Three‐hundred and twelve paleomagnetic samples were collected from 73 sites within a 350‐m continuously exposed flat‐lying section. The section is characterized by alternating packages of well‐developed paleosol mudstone horizons (Wasatch Formation) and lacustrine shale/limestone horizons (Green River Formation). Fossil mammal assemblages are known from various levels within the section and constrain the location of the Wasatchian/Bridgerian NALMA boundary to lie between 60 and 120 m. Paleomagnetic results of paleosol horizons are generally characterized by two components, a present‐day field component with low unblocking temperatures up to 400°C, and a characteristic component with unblocking temperatures up to 680°C. Characteristic magnetizations have either N‐NW and steeply down directions or antipodal S‐SE and up directions. The characteristic component is interpreted as primary based on antipodal polarity directions and congruence with the expected Eocene direction for western Wyoming. Results indicate that the first 30 m of section are characterized by normal polarity, the next 230 m by dominantly reversed polarity, followed by a 70 m interval of alternating polarity. Given radiometric ages for the late Wasatchian (early Lostcabinian “subage”) and middle Bridgerian, as well as previous Wasatchian and Bridgerian magnetostratigraphic results, two potential correlations to the GPTS are possible. Correlation 1 places the Wasatchian/Bridgerian NALMA boundary within Chron C23r at about 52 Ma. Correlation 2 places the boundary within Chron C22r at about 50.5 Ma. Correlation 2 is tentatively preferred as it agrees most closely with previous estimates for the age of the boundary and assumes more uniform sediment accumulation rates.
A VS30 Map for California with Geologic and Topographic Constraints

Abstract For many earthquake engineering applications, site response is estimated through empirical correlations with the time‐averaged shear‐wave velocity to 30 m depth ( V S 30 ). These applications therefore depend on the availability of either site‐specific V S 30 measurements or V S 30 maps at local, regional, and global scales. Because V S 30 measurements are sparse, a proxy frequently is needed to estimate V S 30 at unsampled locations. We present a new V S 30 map for California, which accounts for observational constraints from multiple sources and spatial scales, such as geology, topography, and site‐specific V S 30 measurements. We apply the geostatistical approach of regression kriging (RK) to combine these constraints for predicting V S 30 . For the V S 30 trend, we start with geology‐based V S 30 values and identify two distinct trends between topographic gradient and the residuals from the geology V S 30 model. One trend applies to deep and fine Quaternary alluvium, whereas the second trend is slightly stronger and applies to Pleistocene sedimentary units. The RK framework ensures that the resulting map of California is locally refined to reflect the rapidly expanding database of V S 30 measurements throughout California. We compare the accuracy of the new mapping method to a previously developed map of V S 30 for California. We also illustrate the sensitivity of ground motions to the new V S 30 map by comparing real and scenario ShakeMaps with V S 30 values from our new map to those for existing V S 30 maps. Online Material: California statewide V S 30 and ShakeMaps for Loma Prieta.
Impact evaluation

Dollar Works 2 education is effective for money behaviors, financial satisfaction, and access to financial information when delivered in a six-hour dosage. The impact evaluation study was with community participants who are considered high risk in the financial education field. If financial education can be effective for this population, it will be effective with groups that have fewer problems and tend to seek solutions to their financial problems. This study was conducted during a time when the economic environment was difficult for many people including those who participated in the study. Dollar Works 2 is a personal financial education program that was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension.
Magnetic hysteresis parameters and Day plot analysis to characterize diagenetic alteration in gas hydrate-bearing sediments

[1] The J meter coercivity spectrometer is a machine capable of rapid and simple measurement of magnetic hysteresis, isothermal remanence acquisition and magnetic viscosity of rocks and sediments. The J meter was used to study a suite of samples collected from strata in the gas hydrate-bearing JAPEX/JNOC/GSC Mallik 5L-38 well (69.5°N, 134.6°W) in the Mackenzie Delta of the northwestern Canadian Arctic. The Day plot of magnetic hysteresis ratios for these samples is exotic in that the points do not plot along a hyperbola as is usually observed. Rather, they plot as a scatter which is shown to contour into vertical slices using coercivity field (HC) or saturation magnetization (JS), and horizontal slices using the relative quantity of superparamagnetism (JSPM/JS). Optical microscopy reveals that the magnetic minerals are detrital magnetite and authigenic greigite. Greigite is dominant in sands which in situ had >70% gas hydrate saturation and in silts in which gas hydrate growth was blocked by insufficient porosity. We infer that the silts were the accumulation sites for solutes which had been excluded from the pore waters in neighboring coarser-grained sediments during the course of gas hydrate formation. Consequently, we conclude that magnetic properties are related to gas hydrate-related processes, and as such, may have potential as a method of remote sensing for gas hydrate deposits.
Mesoscale spectral analysis of in situ horizontal and vertical wind measurements at 6 km

As part of the ALOHA/ ANLC-93 campaign to investigate atmospheric dynamics, in situ wind measurements collected at 6 km with the gust probe sensor attached to the National Center for Atmospheric Research Electra aircraft were analyzed for 16 flight segments between 61°N and 14°S and between 92°W and 170°W over land and water. Horizontal wavenumber spectra for the vertical wind and both zonal and meridional horizontal-wind components were calculated. The zonal and meridional wavenumber spectra exhibited a decrease in the spectral slope from ∼−1.98±0.02 for wavelengths between 2 km and 100 km to ∼−3.18±0.06 for the longer wavelengths between ∼100 km and ∼330 km. The wavenumber spectrum for the vertical wind component showed a −2 power law dependence for wavelengths in excess of 5 km and a generally flat shape at shorter wavelengths. An increase in power at the wavelength of ∼10 km was detected for the meridional wavenumber spectrum. These results were compared with predictions from two spectral models and with spectral results from other observations.
CHARACTERIZATION OF HETEROGENEOUS SOILS USING SURFACE WAVES: HOMOGENIZATION AND NUMERICAL MODELING

Seismic surface waves are well adapted to study the elastic parameters, and hence the mechanical properties, of soils. The aim herein is to evaluate whether Rayleigh waves in heterogeneous soils may be used to estimate average elastic parameters and to determine how these parameters are influenced by heterogeneities. The heterogeneous medium, underlain by a homogeneous half-space, is considered as a homogeneous matrix with 1 or several types of randomly distributed inclusions (with a normal distribution) in the matrix. Seismic waves generated by surface loads and propagating in this medium were calculated using finite element method (FEM) and compared with single- and multiple-scattering homogenization methods. For the FEM calculation, special care was taken to reduce numerical dispersion through the use of elements smaller than 1/20 of the dominant wavelength. The group and phase velocity dispersion curves were measured and inverted in order to obtain the effective shear wave velocity of the heterogeneous medium. Results show a clear dependence of the wave velocity with respect to the nature, concentration, and size of the inclusions. The dependence with respect to the nature and concentration of inclusions coincides with that obtained by a multiple-scattering homogenization method up to an inclusion concentration of ~50%.