Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global scale estimates of aerosol particle characteristics.

Abstract : It has been popular to blame weather patterns and their changes on a wide range of events. Some of these events are ridiculous, such as blaming floods on man's first landing on the moon, while others merit serious attention, such as an El Nino-Southern Oscillation and it's effect upon global weather patterns. One source that has received serious attention in the last two decades is the effect that aerosol particles are having on the global climate. NOAA-7 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data from April 1982 and 1983 were used to perform a global scale analysis of aerosol particle characteristics. Several improvements were incorporated into an AVHRR multichannel satellite data technique developed by Pfeil (1986). This included better cloud and sunglint discrimination, removal of Rayleigh radiance and accounting for ozone absorption. The characteristics analyzed were optical depth and Aerosol Particle Size Index (S12). S12 provides the slope of the aerosol particle size distribution curve. Both of these parameters were evaluated during several naturally occurring events, foremost of which were the 1982 El Chicon eruption and the 1982-1983 El Nino-Southern Oscillation event. The results provided evidence that a significant amount of aerosol particles over marine regions are from land-derived sources. However, the results also provided evidence that some marine aerosol particles may be of biogenic origins. Keywords: Pacific ocean, Remote sensing, Theses.
Ozone Depletion and Global Warming

This thesis examines global warming and the possible contribution that ozone depletion provides to this warming. An examination is performed to determine the extent of any warming/cooling events within the Earth–atmosphere system. The change in energy corresponding to this warning of the Earth– atmosphere system is estimated as being equivilent to an increase of mean solar input of 0.22 W/m. This is compared to the predicted changes of solar input for the two most common global warming scenarios: greenhouse gases and solar irradiance variance; and for a less well explored scenario, snow-ice albedo change. Examination of ozone depletion data shows that an absence of ozone in the stratosphere produces an increase in UV-B radiation at the surface of the Earth. This increase in UV-B light has not previously been thourougly examined in any of the global warming scenarios. This is presented as a fourth scenario for global warming. An analytical three layer model of the Earth–atmosphere, based on an earlier two layer model, is developed. Using this model it is determined that greenhouse gases, solar irradiance, snow-ice albedo feedback and ozone depletion can cause warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. After comparison with other models, a snow-ice albedo mechanism is incorporated into the three layer model. This produces an amplification effect of any warming that occurs. Compared to the observed increase of surface temperature between 1975–2000 of 0.55 K, the model using a snow-ice albedo feedback, produced an increase of temperature of 1.4 K for greenhouse gases, 0.294 K for a solar irradiance increase and 0.119 K caused by a decrease in the ozone layer. Of the greenhouse gas, solar irradiance and ozone depletion scenarios, ozone depletion demonstrates the most realistic relative changes with a cooling of the stratosphere and a warming of the troposphere and Earth’s surface as has been observed. It is concluded that ozone depletion is likely for a reasonable part of observed global warming.
A Pitch-Matched High-Frame-Rate Ultrasound Imaging ASIC for Catheter-Based 3-D Probes

This article presents an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for catheter-based 3-D ultrasound imaging probes. The pitch-matched design implements a comprehensive architecture with high-voltage (HV) transmitters, analog front ends, hybrid beamforming analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and data transmission to the imaging system. To reduce the number of cables in the catheter while maintaining a small footprint per element, transmission (TX) beamforming is realized on the chip with a combination of a shift register (SR) and a row/column (R/C) approach. To explore an additional cable-count reduction in the receiver part of the design, a channel with a combination of time-division multiplexing (TDM), subarray beamforming, and multi-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) data transmission is also included. This achieves an 18-fold cable-count reduction and minimizes the power consumption in the catheter by a load modulation (LM) cable driver. It is further explored how common-mode interference can limit beamforming gain and a strategy to reduce its impact with local regulators is discussed. The chip was fabricated in TSMC 0.18-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> HV BCD technology and a 2-D PZT transducer matrix of 16 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 18 elements with a pitch of 160 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and a center frequency of 6 MHz was manufactured on the chip. The system can generate all required TX patterns at up to 30 V, provides quick settling after the TX phase, and has an reception (RX) power consumption of only 1.12 mW/element. The functionality and operation of up to 1000 volumes/s have been demonstrated in electrical and acoustic imaging experiments.
Etude de l'émission et de la propagation du Continuum terrestre à partir des données des satellites Cluster

Le Continuum est une onde electromagnetique de faible intensite et observee sur de grandes echelles de temps. Cette onde a ete observee dans toutes les regions de la magnetosphere et dans le vent solaire. Des missions comme Voyager ou Ulysses ont montre que le Continuum existait dans les magnetospheres de toutes les planetes magnetisees explorees, ce qui en fait un phenomene astronomique classique. Cette these presente une etude de l'emission et de la propagation du Continuum terrestre, essentiellement faite a partir des donnees de la mission Cluster, et plus particulierement des mesures de l'instrument WHISPER. Cette mission est composee de quatre satellites identiques qui orbitent ensemble sous la forme d'un tetraedre. La disposition tetraedrique des satellites permet pour la premiere fois une etude spatiale et temporelle des structures traversees et des phenomenes rencontres. L'utilisation de quatre satellites orbitant ensemble apporte de nouvelles informations, en particulier sur la stabilite de l'emission, la taille du faisceau et la position de la source emettant la radiation. Ces nouvelles informations permettent de tester de facon originale les mecanismes de generation existant. Les caracteristiques spectrales donnent acces a la formeet a la stabilite temporelle de la surface emettrice. La resolution temporelle et frequentielle de l'instrument WHISPER permettent enfin une etude des caracteristiques spectrales du Continuum et de leur evolution au cours de la propagation. En resume, cette these apporte de nouvelles informations sur le mecanisme de generation, l'extension et la position des sources, la forme de la surface emettrice, et enfin sur l'evolution de la signature spectrale du Continuum au cours de la propagation.
AN ADVANCED REDUCTION AND CALIBRATION FOR PHOTOGRAMMETRIC CAMERAS

Abstract : In order to fully exploit recent advances in photogrammetric technology it has been necessary to develop a comprehensive plate reduction appreciably more powerful than any hitherto employed. In addition to factors considered in previous plate reductions, an advanced reduction must treat with full physical and statistical rigour such factors as: random errors in catalogued stellar positions; atmospheric refraction (particularly at great zenith distances); higherorder symmetric radial distortion; tangential distortion and asymmetric radial distortion resulting from imperfectly centered optics; differential bias between measurements of different types of images; effective utilization of uncatalogued stars for photogrammetric control; introduction of a priori constraints on any of the parameters of the reduction. Such a reduction is developed in this paper and illustrations of its practical application are provided. Special attention is given to decentering distortion, a topic inadequately treated in the photogrammetric literature.
Effects of Dietary Plant-Derived Low-Ratio Linoleic Acid/Alpha-Linolenic Acid on Blood Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of low-ratio linoleic acid/alpha-linolenic acid (LA/ALA) supplementation on the blood lipid profiles in adults. We conducted a systematic search for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of low-ratio LA/ALA using databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, as well as screened related references up until February 2023. The intervention effects were analyzed adopting weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The meta-analysis indicated that low-ratio LA/ALA supplementation decreased total cholesterol (TC, WMD: −0.09 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.17, −0.01, p = 0.031, I2 = 33.2%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, WMD: −0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.13, −0.02, p = 0.007, I2 = 0.0%), and triglycerides (TG, WMD: −0.05 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.09, 0.00, p = 0.049, I2 = 0.0%) concentrations. There was no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (HDL-C, WMD: −0.00 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.02, 0.02, p = 0.895, I2 = 0.0%). Subgroup analysis showed that low-ratio LA/ALA supplementation significantly decreased plasma TC, LDL-C, and TG concentrations when the intervention period was less than 12 weeks. In the subgroup analysis, a noteworthy decrease in both TC and LDL-C levels was observed in individuals receiving low-ratio LA/ALA supplementation in the range of 1–5. These findings suggest that this specific range could potentially be effective in reducing lipid profiles. The findings of this study provide additional evidence supporting the potential role of low-ratio LA/ALA supplementation in reducing TC, LDL-C, and TG concentrations, although no significant impact on HDL-C was observed.
Length-weight and length-length relationships and condition factor of Alburnus mossulensis (Heckel, 1843) from the Persian Gulf basin.

The length-weight and length-length relationships and condition factor for Alburnus mossulensis is described from 325 specimens collected between January 2011 and December 2011 in Gamasiab River, the Tigris River drainage, the Persian Gulf basin, west of Iran. The maximum standard length recorded for males and females were 14.5 cm and 15.5 cm, respectively. The length-length relationship between the total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) for A. mossulensis was found to be highly significant (r>0.96, p<0.001). The value of “b” of the length-weight relationship was 3.172 which indicated a positive isometric growth trend of this species. The males and females condition factors (K) varied from 0.32±0.02 to 2.01±0.14 and 0.20±0.02 to 2.51±0.21, respectively. The means of the K value were significantly high in April, May and Jun. The two-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in K value among months.
Militant or Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) During/After The Resolution of The Bakassi Conflict

The Bakassi peninsula conflict and its resolution had absorbed most of Cameroon and Nigeria's socio-political and economic oxygen and the international community in the 80s, 90s, and the first decade of the 21st century. Following military clashes between Cameroon and Nigeria over the peninsula, the conflict was finally resolved through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict in 2002 and the Green Tree Agreement (GTA) 2006. The main thrust of this paper is to examine some militant or Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) that operated during and after the resolution of the Bakassi conflict. This paper also aims to examine the reasons why these NSAGs emerged briefly. This paper applied the qualitative research method and, from it, historical consolidation, content analyses and case studies. The study's results revealed seven prominent NSAGs that emerged during/after the resolution of the Bakassi conflict. The ICJ verdict of 2002 and the GTA of 2006 were one of prominent reasons why these NSAGs emerged. The study also found that the desire to control the area's natural resources, fight against Cameroon gendarme brutality, and the poor resettlement of the Bakassi returnees also served as springboards for the emergence of these NSAGs. Through its recommendations, this paper will help the Cameroon government redefine its policies toward ensuring and maintaining lasting peace in the Bakassi peninsula- understanding the reason for the emergence of the NSAGs, its trends, and how best to handle them.
Bioinformatics and Expression Analyses of miR-639, miR-641, miR-1915-3p and miR-3613-3p in Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis

Objectives: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important function in cancer development and progression. This study aims to determine the expression levels of miR-639, miR-641, miR-1915-3p, and miR-3613-3p in tissues of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and the role of these miRNAs in the CRC pathogenesis. Methods: Tumor and non-tumor tissues were collected from a total of 59 CRC patients. qRT-PCR was used to identify the expressions of miR-639, miR-641, miR-1915-3p and miR-3613-3p. Through bioinformatics analysis, the target genes of miRNAs were identified by using DIANA mirPath v.3. Signaling pathways were generated using KEGG pathway database. Biological pathway, cellular component analysis, and analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) Networks were performed using FunRich and STRING database. Results: Our findings revealed that miR-639, miR-641 and miR-3613-3p were significantly downregulated, and miR-1915-3p was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared to non-tumor tissues (p˂0.05). Furthermore, MAPK signaling pathway was the most enriched KEGG pathway regulated by miR-639, miR-641, miR-1915-3p and miR-3613-p. According to the FunRich, it was demonstrated that the targeted genes by miRNAs related to the cellular component and biological pathways such as beta-catenin-TCF7L2, axin-APC-beta-catenin-GSK3B complexes, Arf6 signaling, Class I PI3K signaling, etc. And, by the PPI analysis, it was established that the target genes were clustered on CTNNB1 and KRAS. Conclusions: These outcomes imply that miR-639, miR-641 and miR-3613-3p have tumor suppressor roles, while miR-1915-3p has an oncogenic role in the pathogenesis of CRC. According to the results of the current study, dysregulated miR-639, miR-641, miR-1915-3p, and miR-3613-3p might contribute to the development of CRC.
Water Quality Aspects of an Intermittent Stream and Backwaters in an Urban North Texas Watershed

Pecan Creek flows southeast through the City of Denton, Texas. Characterized as an urban watershed, the basin covers approximately 63.5 km2. Pecan Creek is an intermittent stream that receives nonpoint runoff from urban landuses, and the City of Denton's wastewater treatment plant, Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant, discharges effluent to the stream. Downstream from the City of Denton and the wastewater treatment plant, Pecan Creek flows about 6,000 m through agricultural, pasture, and forested landscapes into Copas Cove of Lake Lewisville, creating backwater conditions. Pecan Creek water quality and chemistry were monitored from August 1997 to October 2001. Water quality was influenced by seasonal, spatial, climatic, and diurnal dynamics. Wastewater effluent discharged from the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant had the greatest influence on water quality of the stream and backwaters. Water quality monitoring of Pecan Creek demonstrated that dissolved oxygen standards for the protection of aquatic life were being achieved. Water quality modeling of Pecan Creek was completed to assess future increases in effluent flow from the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant. Water quality modeling indicated that dissolved oxygen standards would not be achieved at the future effluent flow of 21 MGD and at NPDES permitted loadings. Model results with application of a safety factor indicated that the maximum allowable concentrations for a 21 MGD discharge would be 2.3 mg/L of ammonia and 7.0 mg/L of biochemical oxygen demand at summer conditions. Drought conditions that occurred from 1998 to 2001 reduced water levels in Lake Lewisville and impacted dissolved oxygen water quality in Pecan Creek. Water quality observations made during the period of drought allowed for the development of a model to estimate the zone of the dissolved oxygen sag in Pecan Creek based on reservoir elevation. Finally, monitoring results were analyzed with nonparametric statistical procedures to detect water quality changes in the backwater area of Pecan Creek, as influenced by storm events.
Review of infrared object detection algorithms for low-light background

At present, object detection algorithm using artificial intelligence technology plays an increasingly important role in the field of computer vision, and plays an extremely important role in such practical application scenarios as automatic driving, urban monitoring, national defense, military and medical assistance. Different from visible light imaging, infrared imaging technology uses detectors to measure the infrared radiation difference between the object itself and the background, overcoming the difficulty of low light intensity and realizing infrared object detection in the low-light scene. In this paper, the traditional infrared object detection algorithm for low light background and infrared object detection algorithm based on deep learning are reviewed, and the current representative classical algorithms are compared, and the characteristics of the model combined with the actual application scenarios are analyzed. Finally, the difficulties and challenges that the current infrared object detection task facing are described, and the research direction of infrared object detection is prospected.
Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B and C Viruses Revealed by Continuous Surveillance from 2015 to 2021 in Gabon, Central Africa

Viral hepatitis remains one of the largest public health concerns worldwide. Especially in Central Africa, information on hepatitis virus infections has been limited, although the prevalence in this region has been reported to be higher than the global average. To reveal the current status of hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections and the genetic diversity of the viruses, we conducted longitudinal surveillance in Gabon. We detected 22 HBV and 9 HCV infections in 2047 patients with febrile illness. Genetic analyses of HBV identified subgenotype A1 for the first time in Gabon and an insertion generating a frameshift to create an X-preC/C fusion protein. We also revealed that most of the detected HCVs belonged to the “Gabon-specific” HCV subtype 4e (HCV-4e), and the entire nucleotide sequence of the HCV-4e polyprotein was determined to establish the first reference sequence. The HCV-4e strains possessed resistance-associated substitutions similar to those of other HCV-4 strains, indicating that the use of direct-acting antiviral therapy may be complex. These results provide a better understanding of the current situation of hepatitis B and C virus infections in Central Africa and will help public health organizations develop effective countermeasures to eliminate chronic viral hepatitis in this region.
Combined Infrared-Ultrasonic Positioning System to Improve the Data Availability

Many indoor positioning applications related to accurate monitoring and tracking targets require centimeter precision. Infrared (IR)- and ultrasound (US)-based systems represent a feasible approach providing high robustness against interference. Furthermore, their combination may achieve better performance by mitigating their complementary drawbacks, covering larger areas, and improving the availability of positioning measurements. In this context, this work presents the proposal and experimental evaluation of a tightly coupled fusion method that uses an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to merge an IR- and a US-based positioning system. An outlier detection method is considered to select measurements with an adequate performance. Experimental results reveal that the IR and US systems are unable to position in 4.08% and 26.06% of locations, whereas the combined IR -US system has 100% of availability. In addition, the merged solution achieves less than 4 cm of positioning error in 90% of cases, outperforming the IR and US systems when they work independently.
Spatial differentiation of air temperature and humidity on western coast of Spitsbergen in 1979-1983

ABSTRACT: Spatial differentiation of temperature and relative humidity of air on western coast of Spitsbergen in 1979—1983 is presented. Applying the author's classification of types of atmospheric circulation in the studied area, its influence on distribution of these elements is shown. Air temperature in the area is related more to the degree of climate continentality than to its latitude. The lowest mean 5—year temperatures were calculated for stations with highest degrees of thermic continentality (Svea Gruber and Svalbard Lufthavn). The highest thermic differentiation occurs from November to March (1 —4"C) and the lowest in May—June and August—October (0.0— 1.5°C). It is opposite if relative humidity is concerned: the highest differences occur in summer (10—15%) and the lowest in winter (0—9%). Influence of atmospheric circulation on air temperature is larger during a polar night than a polar day. Again, it is opposite in the case of relative humidity. In both analyzed seasons the highest thermic differentiation occurred at the circulation type C„. However, it was the lowest during a polar night at advection of air from northern and southern sectors, and during a polar day at advection from a northern sector and at the type C c .