Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of rain‐origin nitrate patches at the nutrient‐depleted surface in the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea during summer

[1] Nutrient concentrations at the nanomolar level were monitored in the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea during summer using a continuous underway system with a highly sensitive colorimetric method. Concentrations of both nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) varied generally at 1000 nM at a horizontal scale of <10 km to tens of kilometers compared with neighboring waters. These nitrate patches were grouped into three types according to the associated environmental conditions with (1) lowered salinity and no changes in SRP and in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence, (2) lowered temperature and elevations of SRP and in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence, and (3) no consistent environmental variations. The first type was ascribed to rainfall, which is rich in nitrate but phosphate free. The second type was formed near islands/landmasses and was ascribed to upwelling or intense vertical mixing. The third type was not characterized and was considered to include several sources. Nine out of 20 nitrate patches belonged to the first type. Within each of these nine patches, nitrate concentration was negatively correlated with salinity. By extrapolating this correlation, nitrate concentrations in the rainwater were estimated to be within 0.14–6.2 μM, which is well within the reported concentrations of nitrate in rainwater. On the basis of the estimated nitrate concentrations and amount of precipitation, nitrogen supply from rainfall in the study area was evaluated to be in the same order as that of diffusive upward flux and N2 fixation in summer.
Information content of the 95‐GHz cloud radar signals: Theoretical assessment of effects of nonsphericity and error evaluation of the discrete dipole approximation

[1] The applicability of the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) is examined to estimate backscattering signatures of ice crystals randomly oriented in horizontal plane (2-D) and oriented in three-dimensional space (3-D) for various sizes and aspect ratios at the frequency of 95 GHz (3.16 mm). Previous studies have shown that accurate estimation of the backscattering properties seem to be problematic for particles with sharp edges and fixed in one orientation with respect to the incident radar wave. Contrary, the errors in the backscattering calculations for 2-D and 3-D orientations are drastically reduced and turn out to be less than 10% for both radar reflectivity factor Ze and linear depolarization ratio (LDR). Exception is the LDR for hexagonal plates with 2-D orientation, where it is not possible to achieve a converging solution. Then the size-averaged Ze and LDR for various aspect ratios are estimated as a function of effective radius reff, for the first time, with a confidence of accuracy. The differences in Ze for different shapes or orientations are within 2 dB (40%), and thus the size is a control parameter for reff 100 μm, Ze and LDR show strong dependence on shape as well as size. Due to the fact that the local minimum and maximum of Ze and LDR occur at different reff depending on the shape, nonsphericity plays a major role for reff > 100 μm, where the maximum differences between Ze for the different shapes are 8 dB and those for LDR are 14 dB. For reff > 1000 μm, the maximum differences between the LDRs for the different shapes are 5 dB, while the effect of orientations becomes comparable, although such larger particles are rare in cirrus clouds.
ASIAEX Scattering Strength and Subbottom Geoacoustic Inversions

Abstract : The long-term goals of this work are to develop processing approaches that enable the estimation of both seafloor scattering strength and subbottom geoacoustic parameters from monostatic and bistatic scattering observations. The objectives of this research are to develop inversion procedures for the estimation of both seafloor scattering strength and subbottom geoacoustic parameters based on both forward propagation data and monostatic backscatter (reverberation) and to demonstrate their use in the analysis of data collected during the East China Sea component of ASIAEX.
Trace‐element analysis of native copper: The view from Northern Minnesota, USA

Native copper, both finished artifacts and worked pieces, are relatively common in pre‐Contact sites of northeastern Minnesota. Fifteen artifact samples and seven sources of native copper were submitted for trace‐element analysis as a test of the procedures developed by G. Rapp, Jr. and colleagues (2000). Although the specific sources chosen had high typicality probabilities, very low posterior probabilities preclude confidence that the artifacts were accurately sourced. Potential problems include incomplete characterization of several sources, as well as the limited number of sources in the database. Of more interest than identification of specific sources is the selection of apparent source pairs. Michipicoten (eastern Lake Superior) and Isle Royale (western Lake Superior) are often chosen together; Weyerhauser Mine (Wisconsin) and the Champion Mine (Keewenaw Peninsula) may form another pair. Future research should concentrate on identifying patterns of sources in the region rather than focusing on specific mines. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitivity of multiangle remote sensing observations to aerosol sphericity

Multiangle, multispectral remote sensing observations, such as those anticipated from the Earth Observing System (EOS) multiangle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR), can distinguish spherical from nonspherical particles over calm ocean for mineral-dust-like particles with the range of sizes and column amounts expected under natural conditions. The ability to make such distinctions is critical if remote sensing of atmospheric aerosol properties is to provide significant new contributions to our understanding of the global-scale, clear-sky solar radiation balance. According to theoretical simulations the measurements can retrieve column optical depth for nonspherical particles to an accuracy of at least 0.05 or 10%, whichever is larger. In addition, three to four distinct size groups between 0.1 and 2.0 microns effective radius can be identified at most latitudes.
Bribery and Public Procurement Performance at Mbarara City, Uganda

The study investigated the effects of bribery on public procurement performance in Uganda with a focus on Mbarara City. Specifically, the study examined how monetary bribery and non-monetary bribery influence public procurement performance at Mbarara City. A cross-sectional design adopting a quantitative approach was applied. Quantitative data was analyzed using inferential statistics (Spearman correlation, coefficient of determination and regression). Qualitative data on the other hand was analyzed using content and thematic analysis. The findings revealed a strong negative influence of bribery on public procurement performance whereby more bribery contributed to poor public procurement performance and less bribery contributed to better public procurement performance. The study recommended that municipal councils should develop mechanisms for strengthening and operationalizing available measures to combat bribery to improve public procurement performance. Such mechanisms may include encouraging whistle blowers, selection of professional and competent members on evaluation committees and reducing the bureaucracy.
Freqüência cardíaca em homens imersos em diferentes temperaturas de água

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o comportamento da freqüência cardíaca de indivíduos imersos na posição vertical, na profundidade entre apêndice xifóide e ombros, em três temperaturas de água (27, 30 e 33oC). A amostra foi composta por 14 indivíduos do sexo masculino, praticantes de atividades aquáticas, na faixa etária de 18 a 35 anos. A freqüência cardíaca foi verificada através de sensores de batimentos cardíacos da marca Polar, modelo Beat. O comportamento da freqüência cardíaca foi determinado através das variações existentes entre a freqüência cardíaca dos indivíduos na posição vertical fora de água e durante a imersão, em repouso. A análise dos dados foi feita utilizando-se estatística descritiva, análise de variância (ANOVA), com teste post-hoc de Bonferroni (p≤ 0,05). Verificou-se que houve bradicardia durante a imersão, nas três temperaturas aquáticas. A bradicardia média na temperatura de 33oC foi 17,85±10,67 bpm; em 30oC, foi 24,14±11,16 bpm; em 27oC, foi 33,75±11,27 bpm. As diferenças entre as médias mostraram-se estatisticamente significativas somente entre a temperatura de 27oC e a temperatura de 33oC. Conclui-se que, durante a imersão aquática em temperaturas variando entre 27 e 33oC, a bradicardia tende a aumentar com a diminuição da temperatura.
A Model for Oceanic Crystal Structure Developed

Summary The plastic upward flow of asthenosphere at mid-ocean ridge crests implies a linear basaltic magma chamber at the base of the ocean crust at ridge crests. This in turn implies a mature oceanic crust composed of a unit of lavas and dykes, overlying a unit of isotropic gabbro, formed by upward cooling of the magma chamber, overlying a unit of cumulate gabbros and ultramafics, overlying residual mantle from which the basaltic magma has been removed. Analysis of this structure shows that it is asymmetric, with lavas and cumulates dipping towards the spreading centre, and dykes predominantly chilled away from the spreading centre. Increase in spreading rate leads to an increase in lava dips, to a separation of lavas and dykes into distinct units, to a thinning of the dyke unit, and to a narrowing of individual dykes. Metamorphic facies and seismic layering may, but do not necessarily, correspond with this lithological layering. The degree of rifting of oceanic crust and the depth of the median valley are related to an interplay of spreading rate and viscosity of the rising asthenospheric material. Measurement of such parameters as direction and extent of one-way chilling of dykes, dyke thickness, lava dip, and degree of separation of lavas and dykes, in sequence-type ophiolite complexes should allow the determination of direction and rate of spreading at the mid-ocean ridges at which they were formed. The model implies cogenetic liquid-solid relationships between ocean-floor rocks, and suggests changes in the shape of the liquid-solid phase diagram over the pressure range 0.5–2 kb, as well as extensive development of ocean-floor metamorphic rocks.
Feature-aided JBPDAF group tracking and classification using an IFFN sensor

Recent work has been conducted to develop group tracking algorithms that identify and track multiple targets. One of the characteristics of the group tracking algorithms is the ability to correctly identify the target. If enough evidence has been accumulated to identify the target, the algorithms perform well. However, in the case of spurious measurements and obscured targets, the target identity may not be completely realizable. For the case in which the target identity is not discerned, it is important to classify the target based on some methodology to aid the user. Such a classification could be an allegiance so that when the algorithm groups targets, the information is useful to the human. One sensor that is ideal for the scenario is an Identify Friend Foe Neutral (IFFN) sensor which can classify the target allegiance. By incorporating an IFFN sensor in the GRoup IMM-JBPDAF Tracker (GRIT) algorithm, results show that when identity information is not available, target classification is realizable with allegiance features. Results are simulated for a high-range resolution radar (HRR) and an IFFN sensor and a 29% reduction in the computational classification due to the presence of clutter.
Designing Microfluidic PCR Chip Device Using CFD Software for the Detection of Malaria

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique is one of the molecular methods in amplifying DNA for the detection of malaria. However, the collection and transportation of samples and the processing and dissemination of results via conventional PCR, especially when used for routine clinical practice, can hamper the technique’s sensitivity and specificity. The rampancy of such disease in the Philippines is aggravated by the limited supply of medical machinery and the poor economic state of the country; thus, the need to innovate a device for the early detection of malaria is necessary. With that, this study focuses on designing a microfluidic device that will mimic the function of a conventional genus-specific PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene to detect malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum) at low-grade parasitemia. The design was intended to be portable, accessible, and economical, which none from past literature has dealt with specifically for malaria detection. This in silico design is a first in the country specially crafted for such reasons. The proposed device was developed and simulated using ANSYS software for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses. The simulation shows that adding loops to the design increases its relative deviation but minimally compared to having only a straight path design. This indicates that looping is acceptable in designing a microfluidic device to minimize chip length. It was also found that increasing the cross-sectional area of the fluid path decreases the efficiency of the design. Lastly, among the three materials utilized, the chip made of polypropylene is the most efficient, with a relative deviation of 0.94 compared to polycarbonate and polydimethylsiloxane, which have relative deviations of 2.78 and 1.92, respectively. Future researchers may mesh the 44-cycle microfluidic chip due to the limitations of the software used in this study, and other materials, such as biocomposites, may be assessed to broaden the application of the design.
Centrifuge modelling of tower structures on saturated sands subjected to earthquake perturbations

The dynamic behaviour of a tower structure founded on a saturated sand bed subjected to model earthquakes was investigated using the bumpy road-shaking system of the Cambridge centrifuge. Excess pore pressure was generated and effective stress reduced. When the initial natural frequency of the tower–soil system exceeded the driving frequency of the earthquake, the reduction in effective stress caused a degradation in the soil stiffness and a lowering of the natural frequency. The generation of excess pore pressure caused a jump in the natural frequency of the tower-soil system to a discrete frequency at which the energy of the earthquake was concentrated. When the initial natural frequency was either equal to or less than the driving frequency of the earthquake, the excess pore pressure did not cause any change in the natural frequency of the tower–soil system. Le comportement dynamique de la structure d'une tour fondee sur un lit de sable sature et soumise a des simulations seismiques a ete etudie a l'ai.
Contactless and short‐range vital signs detection with doppler radar millimetre‐wave (76–81 GHz) sensing firmware

Vital signs such as heart rate (HR) and respiration rate (RR) are essential physiological parameters that are routinely used to monitor human health and bodily functions. They can be continuously monitored through contact or contactless measurements performed in the home or a hospital. In this study, a contactless Doppler radar W‐band sensing system was used for short‐range, contactless vital sign estimation. Frequency‐modulated continuous wave (FMCW) measurements were performed to reduce the influence of a patient's micromotion. Sensing software was developed that can process the received chirps to filter and extract heartbeat and breathing rhythm signals. The proposed contactless sensing system eliminates the need for the contact electrodes, electric patches, photoelectric sensors, and conductive wires used in typical physiological sensing methods. The system operates at 76–81 GHz in FMCW mode and can detect objects on the basis of changes in frequency and phase. The obtained signals are used to precisely monitor a patient's HR and RR with minimal noise interference. In a laboratory setting, the heartbeats and breathing rhythm signals of healthy young participants were measured, and their HR and RR were estimated through frequency‐ and time‐domain analyses. The experimental results confirmed the feasibility of the proposed W‐band mm‐wave radar for contactless and short‐range continuous detection of human vital signs.
Nitrous acid at Concordia (inland site) and Dumont d'Urville (coastal site), East Antarctica

[1] During the austral summer 2010/2011, nitrous acid (HONO) was investigated for the first time at Concordia (75°06′S, 123°33′E) and Dumont D'Urville (66°40′S, 140°01′E), two sites located in East Antarctica. Hereby, for the first time in Antarctica, HONO was measured by deploying a long path absorption photometer (LOPAP). At Concordia, HONO mixing ratios at 1 m above the snow surface ranged between 5 and 60 pptv from end of December 2010 to mid January 2011. Lowest levels were observed under cloudy conditions. Levels exhibit a diurnal cycle with a maximum in the morning (around 06:00) and in the evening (around 21:00). At Dumont d'Urville, background mixing ratios remained close to 2 pptv in February 2011. No clear diurnal cycles were detected at that site but several events of air masses export from inland Antarctica were encountered with enhanced HONO levels (10 pptv) at night. These first HONO data gained in East Antarctica are discussed in terms of sources and sinks along with synoptic weather conditions.
Multi-particle three-dimensional coordinate estimation in real-time optical manipulation

We have previously shown how stereoscopic images can be obtained in our three-dimensional optical micromanipulation system [J. S. Dam et al, Opt. Express 16, 7244 (2008)]. Here, we present an extension and application of this principle to automatically gather the three-dimensional coordinates for all trapped particles with high tracking range and high reliability without requiring user calibration. Through deconvolving of the red, green, and blue colour planes to correct for bleeding between colour planes, we show that we can extend the system to also utilize green illumination, in addition to the blue and red. Applying the green colour as on-axis illumination yields redundant information for enhanced error correction, which is used to verify the gathered data, resulting in reliable coordinates as well as producing visually attractive images.
Redistribution of black carbon in aerosol particles undergoing liquid‐liquid phase separation

Atmospheric black carbon (BC) is a major anthropogenic greenhouse agent, yet substantial uncertainties obstruct understanding its radiative forcing. Particularly debated is the extent of the absorption enhancement by internally compared to externally mixed BC, which critically depends on the interior morphology of the BC‐containing particles. Here we suggest that a currently unaccounted morphology, optically very different from the customary core‐shell and volume‐mixing assumptions, likely occurs in aerosol particles undergoing liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS). Using Raman spectroscopy on micrometer‐sized droplets, we show that LLPS of an organic/inorganic model system drives redistribution of BC into the outer (organic) phase of the host particle. This results in an inverted core‐shell structure, in which a transparent aqueous core is surrounded by a BC‐containing absorbing shell. Based on Mie theory calculations, we estimate that such a redistribution can increase the absorption efficiency of internally mixed BC aerosols by up to 25% compared to the core‐shell approximation.
Do Performance-Based Measures and Behavioral Ratings of Executive Functioning Complement Each Other in Predicting Reading and Mathematics in Chinese?

We examined what executive functioning (EF) components predict reading and mathematics within the same study and whether the effects of behavioral ratings of EF overlap or complement those of performance-based measures. One hundred and nine Grade 2 Mandarin-speaking Chinese students from Chengdu, China (55 girls, 54 boys, Mage = 8.15 years), were assessed on measures of EF (planning, inhibition, shifting, and working memory), speed of processing, reading and mathematics. Parents also rated their children’s EF skills using the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory. Results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that only working memory among the performance-based EF measures predicted reading and mathematics. In addition, none of the behavioral ratings of EF made a significant contribution to reading and mathematics after controlling for mother’s education and speed of processing. Taken together, these findings suggest that working memory is a domain general predictor of academic achievement, but only when measured with cognitive tasks.
School Turnarounds: Evidence from the 2009 Stimulus

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) targeted substantial School Improvement Grants (SIGs) to the nation's "persistently lowest achieving" public schools (i.e., up to $2 million per school annually over 3 years) but required schools accepting these awards to implement a federally prescribed school-reform model. Schools that met the "lowest-achieving" and "lack of progress" thresholds within their state had prioritized eligibility for these SIG-funded interventions. Using data from California, this study leverages these two discontinuous eligibility rules to identify the effects of SIG-funded whole-school reforms. The results based on these "fuzzy" regression-discontinuity designs indicate that there were significant improvements in the test-based performance of schools on the "lowest-achieving" margin but not among schools on the "lack of progress" margin. Complementary panel-based estimates suggest that these improvements were largely concentrated among schools adopting the federal "turnaround" model, which compels more dramatic staff turnover.
Title: Liquid-liquid phase separation and viscosity in biomass burning organic aerosol and climatic impacts

Smoke particles generated by burning biomass consist mainly of organic aerosol, referred to as biomass-burning organic aerosol (BBOA). BBOA influences the climate by scattering and absorbing solar radiation or acting as nuclei for cloud formation. The viscosity and the phase behavior (i.e. the number and type of phases present in a particle) are properties of BBOA that are expected to impact several climate-relevant processes but remain highly uncertain. We studied the phase behavior of BBOA using fluorescence microscopy, and showed that BBOA particles comprise two organic phases (a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic phase) across a wide range of atmospheric relative humidity (RH). We determined the viscosity of the two phases using a photobleaching method, and showed that the two phases possess different RH-dependent viscosities. The viscosity of the hydrophobic phase is largely independent of the RH from 0 to 95%. For temperatures less than 230 K, the hydrophobic phase is glassy (viscosity > 10 12 Pa s) at RHs below 95%, with possible implications for heterogeneous reaction kinetics and cloud formation in the atmosphere. Using a kinetic multi-layer model (KM-GAP), we investigated the effect of two phases on the atmospheric lifetime of brown carbon within BBOA, which is a climate-warming agent. We showed that the presence of two phases can increase the lifetime of brown carbon in the planetary boundary layer and polar regions compared to previous modelling studies. Hence, liquid-liquid phase separation can lead to an increase in the predicted warming effect of BBOA on climate.