Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling yearly flooding extent of the Waza-Logone floodplain in northern Cameroon based on MODIS and rainfall data

The Sahelian floodplains are of high ecological and economical importance, providing water and fresh pasture in the dry season. A spatial model is presented to predict the yearly flooding extent of the Waza-Logone floodplain based on cumulative runoff in the catchment area and estimations of the soil moisture prior to the flooding. Observations of flooding extent were based on thresholding 16-day composite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) shortwave infrared (SWIR) images. The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method was used to calculate cumulative runoff within the Logone catchment area based on rainfall estimates (RFEs) for Africa. MODIS SWIR images acquired prior to the flooding were used as indicators for soil moisture. The mean observed flooding extent of the Waza-Logone floodplain during the period 2000–2005 was 6747 km2 with a standard deviation of 1838 km2. Multiple regression analysis was performed to create a predictive model forecasting flooding extent 1.5 months in advance with a coefficient of determination (R 2) equal to 0.957. Multiple regression modelling was also performed for three subregions separately. The 1.5-month forecast model for the Waza subregion resulted in the highest accuracy (R 2 = 0.950). A floodwater distribution map was created for this subregion model, allowing determination where the flooding occurs for an estimated flood size. The average additional error caused by the mapping procedure was 138 km2, which is relatively small compared to an average flooded area of 3211 km2 for the Waza subregion. As the flooding extent in the Waza-Logone floodplain is highly correlated to the amount of natural resources available in the dry season, the model may be a valuable tool for sustainable management of these resources.
Development of a rule-based algorithm for rice cultivation mapping using Landsat 8 time series

In the framework of ERMES project (FP7 66983), an algorithm for mapping rice cultivation extents using mediumhigh resolution satellite data was developed. ERMES (An Earth obseRvation Model based RicE information Service) aims to develop a prototype of downstream service for rice yield modelling based on a combination of Earth Observation and in situ data. The algorithm was designed as a set of rules applied on a time series of Landsat 8 images, acquired throughout the rice cultivation season of 2014 from the plain of Thessaloniki, Greece. The rules rely on the use of spectral indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and the Normalized Seasonal Wetness Index (NSWI), extracted from the Landsat 8 dataset. The algorithm is subdivided into two phases: a) a hard classification phase, resulting in a binary map (rice/no-rice), where pixels are judged according to their performance in all the images of the time series, while index thresholds were defined after a trial and error approach; b) a soft classification phase, resulting in a fuzzy map, by assigning scores to the pixels which passed (as ‘rice’) the first phase. Finally, a user-defined threshold of the fuzzy score will discriminate rice from no-rice pixels in the output map. The algorithm was tested in a subset of Thessaloniki plain against a set of selected field data. The results indicated an overall accuracy of the algorithm higher than 97%. The algorithm was also applied in a study are in Spain (Valencia) and a preliminary test indicated a similar performance, i.e. about 98%. Currently, the algorithm is being modified, so as to map rice extents early in the cultivation season (by the end of June), with a view to contribute more substantially to the rice yield prediction service of ERMES. Both algorithm modes (late and early) are planned to be tested in extra Mediterranean study areas, in Greece, Italy, and Spain.
Efficacy of patterned scan laser in treatment of macular edema and retinal neovascularization

Purpose: To analyze the benefits, efficacy, and complications of the PASCAL ® photocoagulation laser system (OptiMedica, Santa Clara, CA, USA) in patients treated at our institution. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 19 patients (28 eyes) who underwent laser treatment using the PASCAL ® photocoagulation system from November 2006 to November 2007. These 28 eyes were divided into two groups; group 1 eyes underwent macular grid laser and group 2 eyes underwent panretinal photocoagulation. Treatment was performed for macular edema or for iris or retinal neovascularization. Outcomes measured included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), efficacy of laser treatment, complications, duration of the procedure, and pain perception, which were noted in the charts for panretinal treatments. Results: Follow-up was 5.9 ± 2.6 months for group 1 and 5.9 ± 4.0 months for group 2. In group 1, 9/28 eyes required a second treatment for remaining edema. BCVA was stable or better in 66% (14/21) and average central foveal thickness on ocular coherence tomography improved in 71% (15/21). Time to completion for a number of laser patterns for grid photocoagulation was felt to be too long for completing the total pattern safely, although we have not noted any related complications. In group 2, the neovascularization regressed at least partially in 3/7 patients. Patient-reported pain perception was 3.6 on a scale of 1 to 10 for group 2. Occasional hemorrhages occurred secondary to irregular laser uptake at different spots in the patterns. We observed no visual outcome consequences because of these hemorrhages during follow-up. Conclusions: Retinal photocoagulation by the PASCAL ® laser has comparable efficacy to historical results with conventional retinal photocoagulation in short-term follow-up. PASCAL ® photocoagulation can be performed quicker with less discomfort for patients.
Average plasma and magnetic field variations in the distant magnetotail associated with near-Earth substorm effects

Examination of many individual event periods in the ISEE 3 deep tail data set collected in 1982–1983 has suggested that magnetospheric substorms produce a characteristic pattern of effects in the distant magnetotail. ISEE 3 data are appropriate for the study of these effects, since the spacecraft remained relatively fixed within the nominal tail location for long periods. Using auroral electrojet indices (AE and AL) and geostationary orbit particle data to time substorm onsets at earth, we have performed superposed epoch analyses of ISEE 3 and near-earth data prior to and following substorm expansive phase onsets. Individual events illustrate the wide range of variations possible throughout the magnetosphere, while epoch-averaged results illustrate the general properties of the deep tail pattern of response to global substorm-induced dynamical effects. During the growth, or tail energy storage, phase of substorms the distant magnetotail appears to grow diametrically in size, often by many earth radii. Subsequently, about 20–40 min after the substorm expansive phase onset at earth the distant tail undergoes a repeatable sequence of plasma, field, and energetic particle variations as large-scale plasmoids move rapidly down the tail following their disconnection from the near-earth plasma sheet.
Consistency between variations of ozone and temperature in the stratosphere

We compare time series of monthly mean total ozone values, provided by the Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Radiometer (SBUV), with temperatures derived from the operational stratospheric analyses produced by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Climate Prediction Center (NCEP/CPC). Results generally substantiate the expectancy of positive correlations between variations of ozone and temperature in the lower stratosphere, and negative correlations between the two in the upper stratosphere. It is found that the correlations did not behave in the expected manner during the periods immediately after the eruptions of El Chichon (April 1982) and Mt.Pinatubo (June 1991). Possible problems are also pointed out for other time periods, when the anticipated correlations are not indicated. In some of the cases, the evaluations lead to recommendations for continued investigation, in order to determine whether some values might be erroneous and should be removed to improve consistency within the datasets. In a few cases it is found that real variations can be mistakenly identified as errors.
Calcretes, Palycretes and Silcretes in the Paleogene Detrital Sediments of the Duero and Tajo Basins, Central Spain

Abstract Three duricrust types (calcretes, palycretes and silcretes) have been distinguished in the Lower Paleogene arkosic materials from the margins of the Duero and Tajo basins (central Spain). In the calcretes the cements are composed of calcite plus palygorskite, whereas palygorskite is the only cement in the palycretes. In the silcretes, the cement consists chiefly of opal and chalcedony, with minor quartz. The important duricrust development in the Paleogene detrital materials can be correlated with a drastic climatic change towards colder and more arid conditions during this time, as inferred from the sedimentological features and the clay mineral evolution. The origin of calcretes and palycretes is related to the movement of alkaline phreatic waters generated from dolomitic rocks of Cretaceous age cropping out in the near surroundings. Silcretes originated from the vertical transfer of silica from supersaturated groundwaters, from the Hercynian granitic rocks, up to the surface. Silcretes are developed either on unconsolidated arkosic materials or replace previous calcrete or palycrete levels.
Safety of Retrograde Flow of Internal Mammary Vein: A Cadaveric Study and an Anatomical Evidence

more in the subpectoral group (P = 0.03). There were no differences in cost for complications, readmissions, or revisions between cohorts. Six (50%) prepectoral patients and 9 (22%) subpectoral patients had ≥1 reoperation (P = 0.06). Four (33%) prepectoral patients and 9 (22%) subpectoral patients had ≥1 readmission (P = 0.42). Among bilateral reconstructions, the TCR at follow-up was $240,000 for the prepectoral cohort and $220,000 for the subpectoral cohort (P = 0.19) The average cost of initial operation was $27,000 more for the prepectoral group (P < 0.01), and the average cost of implant exchange was $11,000 more in the subpectoral group (P = 0.01). There were no differences in costs for complications, readmissions, or revisions between cohorts. Ten (63%) prepectoral patients and 31 (58%) subpectoral patients had ≥1 reoperation (P = 0.78). Two (13%) prepectoral patients and 17 (32%) subpectoral patients had ≥1 readmission (P = 0.12). Subpectoral patients trended toward more admissions for pain control following any surgical procedure at 25% versus 6% (P = 0.11).
North Pacific response to millennial‐scale changes in ocean circulation over the last 60 kyr

Foraminifera-based sea surface temperature estimates in the northwest Pacific (Ocean Drilling Program Site 883; 51°N) varied by 4°C on millennial timescales over the last 60,000 calendar (cal) years, with the most prominent amplitudes during marine isotope stage 3. Age control is based on benthic δ18O records, 14C ages, and on geomagnetic intensity variations at Site 883 tuned to the North Atlantic paleointensity stack since 75 ka (NAPIS-75), in turn, tied to the Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) ice core chronology. On the basis of this tuning, northwest Pacific warm phases parallel Greenland cold stadials and viceversa. This contrasts with atmospheric heat transfer, expected to produce quasi-coeval signals across the Northern Hemisphere. The antiphasing may instead stem from variations in global thermohaline circulation. At its North Pacific terminus in the subarctic gyre, any slowdown or shutoff of North Atlantic Deep Water formation during Dansgaard-Oeschger stadials led to a turnoff or reduction of the upwelling of cold Pacific deepwater and thus, to striking, instantaneous, short-term warmings of surface water.
Context modeling for joint spectral and radiometirc distortion minimization in pyramid-based fusion of MS and P image data

Data fusion based on multiresolution analysis requires the definition of a proper model establishing how the missing highpass information to be injected into the resampled multispectral (MS) bands is extracted from the panchromatic (P) band. Such a model can be global over the whole image or depend on the spatial context. Goal of the model is to make the fused bands the most similar to what the MS sensor would image if it had the same resolution as the broadband one. In this perspective, both radiometric and spectral distortions are jointly considered in the proposed model which has been set up through simulated SPOT 5 data (XS + P) of an urban area including vegetation. A space-varying equalization of sensors is achieved by multiplying the highpass pixel detail extracted from the P image by the ratio between the pixel values in the expanded XS and and in the lowpass version of the P band. Radiometric distortion (RMSE between true and fused XS bands) is abated by almost 20 with respect to the case in which as many scalar cross-gain factors as are the bands are employed. Spectral distortion is measured as the absolute angle between a pixel vector in the reference and fused bands. It can be perceived a change in color hues between the true and fused color-composite images. Thanks to the proposed injection model, the spectral angle of the fused product is identical to that measured between the true and resampled original data. Besides spectral distortions, also spatial distortions, e.g., ringing artifacts and aliasing impairments, which are typical of critically-subsampled multiresolution fusion schemes, are completely missing in this pyramid approach.
A spatial analysis of hydro‐climatic and vegetation condition trends in the Yellow River basin

Stream‐gauge data indicate that the flow of the Yellow River has declined during the past several decades. Zero flow in sections of the river channel, i.e. the Yellow River drying‐up phenomenon, has occurred since the 1970s. In this paper we present an analysis of changes in the spatial patterns of climatic and vegetation condition data in the Yellow River basin based on data from meteorological stations and satellites. The climatic data are from 1960 to 2000 and the vegetation condition data are from 1982 to 2000. The angular‐distance‐weighted interpolation method is used to get climatic data coverage from station observations. The spatial distribution of tendency is detected with Student's t‐test. The spatial patterns of climatic and vegetation condition change was analysed together with the statistical data on human activities. The analysis indicates that the precipitation decreases and temperature increases in most parts of the Yellow River basin, the evaporative demand of the atmosphere decreases in the upper reaches and increases in the lower reaches, and human activities have improved the vegetation condition in the irrigation districts. The Loess Plateau, the Tibetan Plateau, and the irrigation districts are respectively suggested as precipitation, temperature, and human activity hot spots of the Yellow River drying‐up phenomenon. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biogenic sedimentation in the equatorial Pacific: Carbon cycling and paleoproduction, 12–24 Ma

[1] The equatorial Pacific is an important part of the global carbon cycle and has been affected by climate change through the Cenozoic (65 Ma to present). We present a Miocene (12–24 Ma) biogenic sediment record from Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 574 and show that a CaCO3 minimum at 17 Ma was caused by elevated CaCO3 dissolution. When Pacific Plate motion carried Site 574 under the equator at about 16.2 Ma, there is a minor increase in biogenic deposition associated with passing under the equatorial upwelling zone. The burial rates of the primary productivity proxies biogenic silica (bio-SiO2) and biogenic barium (bio-Ba) increase, but biogenic CaCO3 decreases. The carbonate minimum is at ∼17 Ma coincident with the beginning of the Miocene climate optimum; the transient lasts from 18 to 15 Ma. Bio-SiO2 and bio-Ba are positively correlated and increase as the equator was approached. Corg is poorly preserved, and is strongly affected by changing carbonate burial. Terrestrial 232Th deposition, a proxy for aeolian dust, increases only after the Site 574 equator crossing. Since surface production of bio-SiO2, bio-Ba, and CaCO3 correlate in the modern equatorial Pacific, the decreased CaCO3 burial rate during the Site 574 equator crossing is driven by elevated CaCO3 dissolution, representing elevated ocean carbon storage and elevated atmospheric CO2. The length of the 17 Ma CaCO3 dissolution transient requires interaction with a ‘slow’ part of the carbon cycle, perhaps elevated mantle degassing associated with the early stages of Columbia River Basalt emplacement.
Tracer model identification using artificial neural networks

The derivation of transport parameters from tracer tests conducted in geothermal systems will depend strongly on the conceptual and mathematical model that is fitted to the data. Depending on the model employed the estimation of transport parameters (porosity and dispersivity of the fracture network, porosity of the matrix) may result in a significant variation in dispersivity. If the results from such tracer tests are to be used in parameter selection for larger‐scale models, it is crucial that the tracer test is itself interpreted with an appropriate model. In order to tackle this problem, artificial neural network (ANN) technology is proposed. A dual‐layer neural network model was trained using synthetic tracer test data generated using analytical one‐dimensional homogeneous, double‐porosity pseudosteady state, multifracture, and fracture matrix models. The developed model was then used to identify several actual tracer tests conducted in various geothermal reservoirs reported in the literature. In most cases it was observed that the model successfully identified a wide variety of reservoir models. In some cases the model decreased the number possible models to two. It was also observed that ANN results were in accord with least squares analysis.
Quantification of black carbon in urban soils

Black carbon (BC), which comprises partially combusted organic material such as char and soot, is a hazardous pollutant and contributor to global warming, but is also highly stable, and once deposited in soil contributes to long-term stocks of sequestered carbon. The effects of land use and proximity to emission sources on the quantities of BC stored in soil have heretofore received little scientific attention. Quantification of BC in soils has proven problematic as it is difficult to chemically or physically distinguish between thermally altered (BC) and unaltered organic carbon fractions. This thesis presents studies leading to the development of an improved method for soil BC measurement, employing chemooxidation, which was rigorously tested using additions of a range of major types of BC to soil. The method was applied to measure soil BC in gardens and non-domestic greenspaces, under grass and tree cover in a representative UK city (Leicester), and in agricultural land within 7.5 km of the city. Soil BC was also measured in transects away from one of the main roads in the city, to determine whether vehicle emissions interacting with tree cover, potentially intercepting particles, can locally affect BC concentrations. BC provided 28.1 % of the total soil carbon in the city, twice the concentration found in agricultural land. Soil BC was negatively correlated to distance from the main road, implicating vehicle emissions as important local sources, but effects of trees on this relationship were inconclusive. Positive correlations were found between soil BC and non-pyrogenic soil organic carbon concentrations, soil nitrogen, and the soil carbon to nitrogen ratio, suggesting that BC may increase recalcitrance and sequestration of organic carbon. It is concluded that BC represents a significant and distinct carbon pool in urban soils, and may have a considerable influence on soil biogeochemical cycling and carbon sequestration.
Trends in total rainfall, heavy rain events and number of dry days in Australia, 1910–1990

Trends in heavy rainfall, total rainfall and number of dry days in Australia have been analysed using daily rainfall records at 125 stations. Summer and winter halves of the year were considered separately for the period 1910–1990. The summer half-year is defined as November–April, while the winter-half is May–October. Heavy rainfall is defined as the 90th and 95th percentiles of daily rainfall in each half-year. The magnitude of trends was derived from linear regression while statistical significance was determined by Kendall-Tau and field significance tests. Increasing trends in heavy rainfall and total rainfall have occurred during the summer half-year, but only 10–20% of stations have statistically significant trends. During the winter half-year, heavy rainfall and total rainfall have also increased, except in far southwest Western Australia and inland Queensland. There has been a reduction in the number of dry days in both halves of the year, except in far southwest Western Australia and at a few stations in eastern Australia where there has been an increase in the number of dry days in the winter half-year. Changes in the number of dry days were statistically significant at over 50% of stations. Hence there are regions showing coherent increases and decreases in rainfall which may be due to systematic changes in climate during the last century. Trends were averaged over three broad regions with adequate station coverage. There has been a general decrease in dry days with an increase in total and heavy rainfall intensity in the northeast and southeast, and a decrease in total and heavy rainfall in the southwest. These rainfall changes are related to changes in other climate variables such as temperature and cloud cover in Australia. © 1998 Royal Meteorological Society
Study on the Characteristics of the Korea Internet AS-Level Topology Using Node Degree and Node Connectivity Metrics

The Korea Internet AS-level topology was constructed using three data sources: Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) trace collector, Internet Routing Registry (IRR), and Internet Exchange Point (IXP). It has 685 nodes and 1,428 links. The Korea Internet AS-level topology is a small regional subgraph of the massive global one. We investigate how well the Korea Internet preserves the topological characteristics of the global one or how different they are. We carefully select several topology metrics that can analyze the characteristics of the Korea Internet AS-level topology. We also investigate how well Internet topology generators can represent the characteristics of the Korea Internet AS-level topology.