Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurements of carbon dioxide fluxes and concentrations at multiple scales in Vancouver, Canada

Global carbon dioxide (CO2) atmospheric mixing ratios and near-surface air temperatures are projected to rise for the foreseeable future. Given that human populations and activity are concentrated in urban areas, knowledge and quantification of CO2 emissions and uptake processes is important for urban sustainable development applications and emission reduction efforts. Atmospheric measurements of CO2 in Vancouver, BC were conducted from 2008-2012 to improve spatial resolution of emissions monitoring techniques and advance understanding of urban CO2 atmospheric transport processes. Three datasets representative of three urban climate scales were collected. At the neighborhood-scale, four years (2008-2012) of eddy covariance (EC) net CO2 emissions measurements were analyzed with spatial turbulent flux source area models. This allowed high-resolution spatial attribution of the net flux to individual source/sink processes and reduced spatial bias in EC-measured annual net emissions totals. Empirical models developed from three years of hourly EC data (2008-2011) were used to predict net emissions for a fourth year (2011-2012) with errors of 6.7% compared to direct EC measurements on daily timescales. At the micro-scale, high-resolution spatial variations in CO2 mixing ratios measured at 2 m height from a mobile, vehicle-mounted platform were observed. Nighttime CO2 mixing ratio patterns were correlated with potential air temperature, suggesting micro-scale advective processes are an important determinant of UCL pollutant transport. Micro-scale observations are linked to local-scale EC flux measurements through consideration of the EC storage flux term (FS). Uncertainties in hourly FS calculated from a single observation height at EC level are caused by flushing of CO2 from the UCL shortly after sunrise and from CO2 buildup in
amelioration of collagen-induced arthritis using antigen-loaded dendritic cells modified with nF- κ B decoy oligodeoxynucleotides

: Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in the initiation of autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); therefore, the use of DCs needs to be explored to develop new therapeutic approaches for RA. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of bovine type II collagen (BIIC)-loaded DCs modified with NF- κ B decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and explored the underlying mechanisms. DCs treated with BIIC and NF- κ B decoy ODNs exhibited features of immature DCs with low levels of costimulatory molecule (CD80 and CD86) expression. The development of arthritis in rats with CIA injected with BIIC + NF- κ B decoy ODN-propagated DCs (BIIC–decoy DCs) was significantly ameliorated compared to that in rats injected with BIIC-propagated DCs or phosphate-buffered saline. We also found that the BIIC–decoy DCs exerted antiarthritis effects by inhibiting self-lymphocyte proliferative response and suppressing IFN- γ and anti-BIIC antibody production and inducing IL-10 antibody production. Additionally, antihuman serum antibodies were successfully produced in the rats treated with BIIC–decoy DCs but not in those treated with NF- κ B decoy ODN-propagated DCs; moreover, the BIIC–decoy DCs did not affect immune function in the normal rats. These findings suggested that NF- κ B decoy ODN-modified DCs loaded with a specific antigen might offer a practical method for the treatment of human RA.
Investigating the consistency between proxies and between proxies and models using data assimilation: a mid-Holocene case study

The mid-Holocene (6 thousand years before present) is a key period to study the consistency between model results and proxy data as it corresponds to a standard test for models and a reasonable number of proxy records are available. Taking advantage of this relatively large amount of information, we have ﬁrst compared a compilation of 5 50 air and sea surface temperature reconstructions with the results of three simulations performed with general circulation models and one carried out with LOVECLIM, a model of intermediate complexity. The conclusions derived from this analysis con-ﬁrm that models and data agree on the large-scale spatial pattern but underestimate the magnitude of some observed changes and that large discrepancies are observed 10 at the local scale. To further investigate the origin of those inconsistencies, we have constrained LOVECLIM to follow the signal recorded by the proxies selected in the compilation using a data assimilation method based on a particle ﬁlter. In one simulation, all the 50 proxies are used while in the other two, only the continental or oceanic proxies constrains the model results. This assimilation improves the consistency be- 15 tween model results and the reconstructions. In particular, this is achieved in a robust way in all the experiments through a strengthening of the westerlies at mid-latitude that warms up the Northern Europe. Furthermore, the comparison of the LOVECLIM simulations with and without data assimilation has also objectively identiﬁed 16 proxies whose reconstructed signal is either incompatible with the one recorded by some other 20 proxies or with model physics.
USENIX Association Proceedings of HotOS IX : The 9 th Workshop on Hot Topics in Operating Systems

Traditional hierarchical namespaces are not sufficient for representing and managing the rich semantics of today’s storage systems. In this paper, we discuss the principles of semantic-aware file stores. We identify the requirements of applications and end-users and propose to use a generic data model to capture and represent file semantics. A distinct challenge that we face is to handle dynamic evolution of the data schemas. Further, we outline a framework of basic relations and tools for generating and using semantic metadata. The proposed data model and framework are aimed to be more generic and flexible than what is offered by existing semantic file systems. We envision a range of applications and tools that will exploit semantic information, ranging from personal storage systems with features for advanced searching and roaming access, to enterprise systems supporting distributed data location or archiving.
Forecasting Storm Surge, Inundation, and 3D Circulation along the Florida Coast

An integrated storm surge modeling system, CH3D-SSMS, based on the CH3D (Curvilinear-grid Hydrodynamics in 3D), has been further enhanced to enable simulation of storm surge, wave, inundation, and 3D circulation along Florida coasts during recent tropical cyclones. Until recently, CH3D was coupled to a barotropic basin-scale model to simulate 2D/3D barotropic response of coastal and estuarine waters to tropical cyclones. In this study, CH3D is coupled to a 3D baroclinic circulation model HYCOM which covers the North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico to enable simulation of salinity, temperature, and currents in addition to water level in coastal waters. Tidal open boundary condition is obtained from ADCIRC. The CH3D is also coupled to a coastal wave model SWAN which receives open boundary condition from the basin-scale WAVEWATCH- III model. The 3D baroclinic CH3D-SSMS is used to simulate the surge, inundation, and salinity in the NE Florida coast, including St. Johns River and Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM-NERR) near St. Augustine, during Tropical Storm Fay in 2008. The slow moving storm with heavy precipitation caused significant inundation in St. Johns River while lowering salinity inside the GTM-NERR. While the water level during Fay was accurately simulated, accurate salinity simulation required the use of precipitation forecasts from HYCOM and river flow forecasts from NWS' AHPS. Inadequate river flow forecast results in salinity simulation errors.
PPP process models for service provision PPP performance process model

PPPs (Public Private Partnerships) have been conducted as a practical form of cooperation between the public sector and the private economy since the 1940s. As science only started focusing on this issue at a much later date, the theoretical design of PPPs and in particular the corresponding processes are extensively unstructured. In practice this leads to PPPs being conducted with considerable effort und improvisation. To reduce the complexity of PPPs and prevent opportunistic attitudes within the partnership, structuring, scientifically based models are needed that can serve as recommendations for actions for the participants of a PPP. Through the application of process models, PPPs can be incorporated into a wider spectrum of public works thus increasing efficiency. With the main objective of structuring PPP processes, this paper presents a PPP performance process model for structuring the functional-operative processes of a service provision PPP (tasks of a whole public division).
Reconstruction of Mesoscale Precipitation Fields from Sparse Observations in Complex Terrain

Abstract The feasibility of a statistical reconstruction of mesoscale precipitation fields over complex topography from a sparse rain gauge network is examined. Reconstructions of gridded monthly precipitation for the European Alps (resolution 25 km, 1202 grid points) are derived from rain gauge samples (70–200-km interstation distance, 25–150 stations). The statistical model is calibrated over a 15-yr period, and the reconstructed fields are evaluated for the remaining 5 yr of the period 1971–90. The experiments are used to define the statistical setup, to assess the data requirements, and to describe the error statistics of a centennial reconstruction to be used in a forthcoming study. Reduced-space optimal interpolation is employed as the reconstruction method, involving data reduction by empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) and least squares optimal estimation of EOF coefficients. Also, a procedure to define covariance-guided station samples with a “representative” spatial distribution for the recons.
Paleoseismicity of the Southern End of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, Northwestern California

The southern end of the Cascadia subduction zone (CSZ) in northwestern California poses a high seismic hazard. This study uses the Quaternary stratigraphy of the bays and estuaries to reconstruct coseismic subsidence caused by strong to great earthquakes. We used lithology, macrofossils, and microfossils to estimate the amount of relative sea‐level change at contacts caused by coseismic subsidence. Our paleoseismic record contains evidence of four to six earthquakes over the past 2000 years. Using the pattern and magnitude of submergence and other paleoseismic information (trenches and other sites), we determine whether the earthquakes were local or regional. We found that the record contained evidence for both smaller strong to major earthquakes on local structures ( M w 6.5–7.2) and larger regional subduction‐zone‐related great earthquakes ( M w>8.2). We compared our record to other records from Oregon and Washington and found three earthquakes likely caused by the rupture of the entire CSZ around approximately 230–270 (the A.D. 1700 event), 1150–1400, and 1750–1900 cal B.P. In addition, two other local earthquakes likely occurred around 500–600, 1000–1250, and possibly 1500–1650 cal B.P. Online Material: Table of radiocarbon ages obtained in the study.
LID-SWM Practices as a Means of Resilience to Climate Change and Its Effects on Groundwater Recharge

Many surface water bodies have been severely degraded by runoff from the centuries of continuous human development without regard to the impacts of stormwater. Local governments are beginning to responsibly respond to the need for action about increased imperviousness by adopting local Low Impact Development (LID) ordinances. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hydrologic abilities of LID development to: reduce peak runoff flow rates to the pre-development values; to infiltrate the recharge volumes mandated by current criteria; and to attenuate the impacts of extreme storm events. A numerical simulation was performed on a 4-hectare site for pre-development as well as residential development with Conventional and LID stormwater management design scenarios. Research results from four years of intense monitoring of LID systems at the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center were integrated into these hydrologic models. Analyses were performed for hydrologic soil types A and C, for storms with recurrence intervals of 0.17-, 2-, 10-, and 100-years, as well as 2-, 10-, and 100-years adjusted for climate change. The results show that the LID site design: generated much lower runoff volumes than the Conventional and Pre-development site conditions; infiltrated more than the recharge volumes required by current regulations; and attenuated the impacts of extreme storms modified for climate change.
Measuring Health: A Guide to Rating Scales and Questionnaires

This is a convenient guide to the health measurement methods used in health and social surveys, epidemiological studies, and clinical trials. It describes the theory and the leading methods of measurement, all of which rely on subjective judgments in questionnaires and rating scales. The authors discuss the validity and reliability of each method, showing readers how to select the most suitable one, apply it, and score the results. Epidemiologists and health care researchers; social scientists; health care planners and analysts.
18. Environmental Psychology

Environmental psychology is the study of transactions between individuals and their physical settings (Gifford, 2007a ). In these transactions, individuals change their environments, and their behavior and experiences are changed by their environments. It includes theory, research, and practice aimed at making the built environment more humane and improving human relations with the natural environment. Considering the enormous investment society makes in the physical environment (including buildings, parks, streets, the atmosphere, and water) and the huge cost of misusing nature and natural resources, environmental psychology is a key component of both human and environmental welfare. Environmental psychologists work at three levels of analysis: (a) fundamental psychological processes like perception of the environment, spatial cognition, and personality as they fi lter and structure human experience and behavior, (b) the management of social space: personal space, territoriality, crowding, and privacy, and the physical setting aspects of complex everyday behaviors, such as working, learning, living in a residence and community, and (c) human interactions with nature and the role of psychology in climate change (e.g., Gifford, 2008a ). The history of environmental psychology has been reviewed elsewhere (see Bechtel & Churchman, 2002 ; Bell, Greene, Fisher, & Baum, 2001 ; and Gifford, 2007a ). But, for perspective, we note that early 20th century psychologists studied the effect of noise (United States) and heat (England) on work performance, while scholars in Germany and Japan explored concepts and moral philosophy related to environmental psychology. By mid century, environmental psychology was a clearly established discipline with work on topics such as sensory isolation, personal space, and building design. Journals devoted to the fi eld were established; the most prominent of these are the Journal of Environmental Psychology and Environment and Behavior .
Willingness to treat drug dependence and depression: comparisons of future health professionals

Purpose: Stigma-related feelings, including degree of enthusiasm and willingness to work with alcohol, drug, and mental disorder (ADM) patients, as well as anticipated success in such work, will be required for the United States to be successful in its new initiatives for ADM screening, brief intervention, and effective referral to treatment and rehabilitation services (SBIRT). This study investigates students of medicine and social work with respect to their stigma-related feelings and degree of enthusiasm or willingness to treat patients affected by alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence, or major depression. Inference is strengthened by an anonymous online survey approach, with use of randomized reinforcers to gain at least partial experimental control of nonparticipation biases that otherwise are present in student survey data. Material and methods: All students on required course rosters were asked to participate in a two-part in-class and online assessment; 222 participated, with a gradient of participation induced via randomly drawn reinforcers for online survey participation. Between-group comparisons were made with a multivariate generalized linear model and generalized estimating equations approach that adjusts for covariates. Results: Medical and social work students did not differ from each other with respect to their willingness to treat patients affected by major depression, alcohol dependence, or nicotine dependence, but together were less willing to treat nicotine and alcohol dependence-affected patients as compared to depression-affected patients. Personal history was not associated with the students’ willingness to treat, but men were less willing to treat. Drawing strength from the randomized reinforcer experimental design nested within this survey approach, the study evidence suggests potential nonparticipation bias in standard surveys on this topic. Conclusion: These results indicate that future health professionals may prefer to treat depression as opposed to drug dependence conditions. For SBIRT success, curriculum change with educational interventions may be needed to increase willingness to treat patients with neuropsychiatric conditions such as drug dependence. Future research requires attention to a possible problem of nonparticipation bias in surveys of this type.
of a Cybernetic Society

In this paper, we describe Lichtsuchende , an interactive installation, built using a society of biologically inspired, cybernetic creatures who exchange light as a source of energy and a means of communication. Visitors are invited to engage with the installation using torches to inﬂu-ence and interact with the phototropic robots. As well as describing the ﬁnished piece, we explore some of the issues around creating works based on biologically inspired robots. We present an account of the development of the creatures in order to highlight the gulfs between conceptual ideas of how to allow emergent behaviours and the manners in which they are implemented. We also expose the interrelations and tensions between the needs of the creatures as they emerge and the needs of the creators, to understand the duet between the cyber-organisms and their initiators. Finally, we look at the ways in which creators, robots and visitors are enrolled to perform their functions, so that the network of activity can be woven between all parties.
Tilburg University Semiparametric duration models

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MULTIPROXIES (BENTHIC FORAMINIFERA, OSTRACODS AND BIOPOLYMERS) APPROACH APPLIED TO IDENTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PARTITIONING OF THE GUADIANA RIVER ESTUARY (IBERIAN PENINSULA)

The Guadiana River is the fourth longest river in Europe and is a natural frontier between southern Portugal and Spain. This river was historically used to transport minerals exploited in the region since the Roman Empire and therefore suffered human interventions that have been intensified after the industrial revolution. The Guadiana River has in its limits the Guadiana Valley Natural Park, which is of great value for the Conservation of Geobiodiversity. This study mainly aims to identify zones with the environmental characteristics in the estuarine area of the Guadiana River based on the distribution and ecology of microorganisms (ostracods and foraminifera) associated with physicochemical parameters and sedimentological and geochemical (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, total organic carbon and total sulfur) data. Fifty-five foraminifera taxa were identified along the estuary with dominance of Ammonia tepida and Miliammina fusca and 13 ostracods taxa with dominance Leptocythere lacertosa and Loxoconcha elliptica . Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) performed using biotic and abiotic variables indicated that pH, grain size, total organic carbon (TOC) and lipids were the most influent factors in the distribution of these organisms. Four zones were identified in the Guadiana River estuary: i) Low estuary - region with the largest marine influence with sandy sediment, higher salinity and total sulfur and mainly represented by the dominance of estuarine species of foraminifera ( Ammonia tepida and Cribroelphidium vadescens ) and by the ostracods ( Darwinula stevensoni , Semicytherura sulcate and Urocythereis oblonga ); ii) Intermediate estuary - region characterized by neutral pH and sandy sediment enriched in carbohydrates; this region is characterized by the presence of the ostracods species Cytherois fischeri and Neocytherideis subulata and by calcareous and agglutinated species in foraminiferal assemblages; iii) Upper estuary - silt, high TOC, proteins and lipids content, and by the presence of Loxoconcha elliptica ; iv) Freshwater environment - has similar characteristics to the upper estuary, but do not display foraminifera and was composed of ostracod species such as Cyclocypris ovum , Heterocypris incongruens and Ilyocypris sp. These species are commonly found in freshwater environments or in waters with very low salinity. The predetermined limit in previous studies for the intermediate/upper estuary shifted approximately 5 km further north. This effect may be due to human influence, since a dam was built on the river decreasing the freshwater flow and allowing marine water entrance to an inner area of the estuary. doi: 10.12957/jse.2016. 22534
Valuing ecosystem services : A shadow price for net primary production

Article history: Received 28 August 2006 Received in revised form 8 March 2007 Accepted 8 March 2007 We analyze the contribution of ecosystem services to GDP and use this contribution to calculate an empirical price for ecosystem services. Net primary production is used as a proxy for ecosystem services and, along with capital and labor, is used to estimate a Cobb Douglas production function from an international panel. A positive output elasticity for net primary production probably measures both marketed and nonmarketed contributions of ecosystems services. The production function is used to calculate the marginal product of net primary production, which is the shadow price for ecosystem services. The shadow price generally is greatest for developed nations, which have larger technical scalars and use less net primary production per unit output. The rate of technical substitution indicates that the quantity of capital needed to replace a unit of net primary production tends to increase with economic development, and this rate of replacement may ultimately constrain economic growth. Published by Elsevier B.V.