Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Groundwater-level Variation during Semidiurnal Spring Tidal Cycles on a Sandy Beach

Observations of two-dimensional variations in groundwater level on beach profiles at South Beach, Wollongong, support and extend observations previously reported. Time-series curves showing water-level change at individual wells along the profiles are markedly asymmetrical and their ranges of oscillation are dependent on tidal range and distance landward of the beach face. The asymmetry is attributed to filtering processes at the beach face and in the beach, that separate the various tidal constituents. Tidally induced groundwater changes are superimposed on a three-dimensional water-table surface that is tied to the beach morphology and to groundwater recharge from the backshore zone. The three-dimensional flow net is raised and lowered as the tide rises and falls. although with some time lag between change in level of ocean water and groundwater response. The groundwater rise begins earliest in shoreline embayments and spreads landwards and outwards to higher water-table surfaces near shoreline salients and in the backshore zone. Groundwater responses, therefore. differ on the salients and in the embayments: a landward water-table slope prevails in the embayments and a seaward slope characterizes the salients.
European climate‐change oscillation (ECO)

We identify a latitudinal/seasonal oscillation in the 21st century climate change pattern over Europe (the European Climate‐change Oscillation, or ECO) from the CMIP3 ensemble. The ECO is found in the temperature and precipitation mean and variability change fields, suggesting that it might be a fundamental feature of European climate change. It is associated with a north‐south see‐saw in the location of an area of increased anticyclonic circulation over the northeastern Atlantic, which induces a seasonally varying northward displacement of the Atlantic storm track. We also define two ECO Indices to measure the ECO based on latitudinal and seasonal climate change gradients. The ECO carries important information on the characteristics of European climate change. It can also be used for regional climate change detection purposes and we find indications of ECO behavior in the temperature change pattern for the latest decades of the 20th century.
Human tracking with thermal omnidirectional vision

In this paper, we explore a new tracking system for human tracking in thermal catadioptric omnidirectional vision. Due to very limited features can be adopted in thermal image except for contour information, we proposed to use Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) feature to represent the contour information and employ Support Vector Machine (SVM) to classify the foreground and background. In this paper, there are three novel points. First, the classification posterior probability of SVM will be adopted to relate the observation likelihood of particle filter to guide the particles for tracking purpose instead of neglect in previous tracking method. Second, due to no existing thermal catadioptric omnidirectional vision database available in public, a thermal catadioptric omnidirectional video database and extracted human samples have been established for academic studies. Third, tracking window distribution of particle filter has been adjusted to fit the characteristic of catadioptric omnidirectional vision on account of the size of target in image is varying when the distance between target and omni-sensor changed in world coordinate. In addition, the catadioptric omnidirectional imaging is different with traditional imaging for inherent distortion, so the polar coordinate will be used. The experimental results show that the proposed tracking approach has a stable performance.
Coordinated changes of sea ice over the Beaufort and Chukchi seas: regional and seasonal perspectives

One outstanding feature of the recent Arctic climate is the contrast of the changes of sea ice concentration and thickness between the Beaufort Sea and the Chukchi Sea. Since the Arctic Oscillation (AO) plays a critical role in driving Arctic sea ice changes and the Beaufort and Chukchi seas have been hypothesized as a region in which sea ice anomalies originate, we employed a coupled sea ice–ocean model and carried out simulations forced by the AO signal to examine sea ice changes in these regions, focusing on seasonality. With the AO phase transition from negative to positive, anticyclonic windstress weakens broadly in both winter and summer; however, the surface air temperature response shows remarkable seasonal dependence. Positive temperature anomalies spread over the entire domain in winter, while negative anomalies occur in the shelf seas in summer, although positive anomalies remain in the deep-water portion. The simulated sea ice concentration resembles the observed concentration. The strong seasonality of sea ice concentration changes suggests that accumulation of sea ice concentration in the Beau fort Sea and reduction in the Chukchi Sea are mainly produced in sum mer. Changes of ice thickness are robust through the seasonal cycle. Generally, sea ice dynamics play a critical role in creating the anomalous sea ice pattern and sea ice thermodynamics partially compensate the dynamically-driven changes. However, considerable seasonal differences occur.
Breeding Rice for Drought-Prone Environments

A large portion of the world’s poor farm in rainfed systems where the water supply is unpredictable and droughts are common. In Asia, about 50% of all the rice land is rainfed and, although rice yields in irrigated systems have doubled and tripled over the past 30 years, only modest gains have occurred in rainfed rice systems. In part, this is because of the difficulty in improving rice varieties for environments that are heterogeneous and variable, and in part because there has been little effort to breed rice for drought tolerance. Information available for other cereals (for example, maize, Banziger et al 2000) and for wheat and the limited or circumstantial evidence available for rice indicate that we can now breed varieties that have improved yield under drought and produce high yields in the good seasons. This manual aims to help plant breeders develop such varieties. While the manual focuses on drought tolerance, this must be integrated with the mainstream breeding program that also deals with agronomic adaptation, grain quality, and pest and disease resistance. Mackill et al (1996) have written a guide to the overall improvement of rice for rainfed conditions. This manual should be seen as an amplification of and updating of the section on drought tolerance in that book. Because final proof of many approaches for breeding drought-tolerant rice is not yet available, and because some aspects may not work in all environments and germplasm, we recommend that you use this manual with caution. Test the suggested approaches and only implement them on a large scale if they are effective and realistic for your own situation
Visually Tracking Football Games Based on TV Broadcasts

This paper describes ASPOGAMO, a visual tracking system that determines the coordinates and trajectories of football players in camera view based on TV broadcasts. To do so, ASPOGAMO solves a complex probabilistic estimation problem that consists of three subproblems that interact in subtle ways: the estimation of the camera direction and zoom factor, the tracking and smoothing of player routes, and the disambiguation of tracked players after occlusions. The paper concentrates on system aspects that make it suitable for operating under unconstrained conditions and in (almost) realtime. We report on results obtained in a public demonstration at RoboCup 2006 where we conducted extensive experiments with real data from live coverage of World Cup 2006 games in Germany.
Cooling and internal waves on the Continental Shelf

Abstract : The evolution of a coastal ocean undergoing uniform surface heat loss is examined. The dynamics of this ocean are initially modulated by the intense vertical mixing driven by surface cooling. The strong vertical mixing prevents the formation of geostrophic flows and inhibits the cross-shelf flux of heat. The vertical mixing is eventually suppressed by the advective transport of cold, dense water offshore. Once this happens, alongshore geostrophic flows form, and become baroclinically unstable. The surface heat flux is then balanced by a cross-shelf eddy heat flux. Scales are found for the cross-shelf density gradient which results from this balance. Solutions for linear internal waves are found for a wedge-shaped bathymetry with bottom friction. Bottom friction is capable of entirely dissipating the waves before they reach the coast, and waves traveling obliquely offshore are reflected back to the coast from a caustic. The internal wave climate near two moorings of the Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment observation program is analyzed. The high frequency internal wave energy levels were elevated above the Garrett and Munk spectrum, and the spectrum becomes less red as one moves to the shore. The wave field is dominated by vertical-mode one waves, and internal wave energy propagates shoreward.
First 40Ar/39Ar age constraints for the Caledonian evolution of the Trans–European Suture Zone in NE Germany

From three Rügen boreholes (G14, Rügen 5, Loissin 1) across the Caledonian deformation front four Lower Palaeozoic slate samples and three detrital muscovite concentrates from associated sandstones have been analysed by 40Ar/39Ar analysis. Microprobe analysis of the detrital muscovites show homogeneous, but distinct chemical compositions for each concentrate. Particulate organic matter reflectance and illite crystallinity indicate that all the analysed whole–rock samples have experienced anchizonal metamorphic conditions. 40Ar/39Ar analysis of the samples from the G14 and Loissin 1 wells give almost identical results. Muscovite concentrates define plateau ages of c. 830 Ma and show an isotopic rejuvenation of low–temperature increments around 440 Ma. Whole–rock slate samples give plateau ages of c. 440 Ma and c. 427 Ma. Isotopic rejuvenation in the low–temperature increments prior to 350 Ma in the Loissin 1 sample can be attributed to the Permo–Carbonifereous volcanism which is known from this borehole. In contrast, samples from the borehole Rügen 5 show a different isotope pattern. A muscovite concentrate defines a plateau age of 609 Ma. Two whole rock slate samples give internally discordant but identical 40Ar/39Ar spectra with consistent isotopic rejuvenation from high– to low–temperature increments from 510 Ma to 420 Ma. While for the G14 and Loissin 1 sandstone samples a Baltica–derived provenance can be assumed, greywackes of Rügen 5 indicate a Cadomian–influenced Perigondwanan detrital source. According to the results of whole–rock slate samples the main Caledonian tectonothermal event in NE–Germany occurred around the Ordovician–Silurian boundary or in the early Silurian (450–425 Ma). From these data the Rügen Palaeozoic appears as an allochthonous Caledonian nappe complex which has been thrust much further onto the Baltic shield than previously thought.
Fractures and Breakouts Analysis from Borehole Image Logs: Preliminary Results for Interpretation of Stress History and In Situ Stress State

Fractures and borehole breakouts from image data acquired from Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) were identified and analyzed using GMI Imager software. Conductive (e.g., dark-colored images) and resistive fractures (e.g., light-colored images) were identified on the images. Breakouts occurring along the borehole wall in the direction of the minimum horizontal stress were also investigated. For fracture analysis, we investigated dip and direction of fractures on the resistivity images acquired from two sites in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea. Dip angles at two sites are 42° and 62.5° on average, respectively. Dip direction shows preferred orientation northerly. From fracture analysis, the maximum horizontal stress direction may be the NW-SE direction. This pattern likely reflects regional stress regime of this area. We also analyzed borehole breakouts on the LWD image data (borehole radius and density data) acquired from Site U1378, IODP Exp. 334 off Costa Rica. We estimated present-day in situ stress orientation from borehole breakouts. Breakout orientation of slope sediments at Site U1378 indicates that maximum horizontal principal stress direction is oriented northwest-southeast. This direction is probably related to plate motion in this area. This study presents preliminary results in order to interpret not only stress history of the Ulleung Basin but also in situ stress state of continental slope off Costa Rica in near future.
Growth and reproductive post-fire responses of two shrubs in semiarid Patagonian grasslands

Variation in fire intensity affects the post-fire survival and growth of shrubs. We examined effects of maximum fire temperature (a proxy for fire intensity) on the survival, growth and reproductive performance of the shrubs Mulinum spinosum and Senecio bracteolatus at 1 and 2 years post-fire in north-west Patagonian grasslands. We applied two fire temperature treatments to plants of each species. All M. spinosum plants survived fire treatments but high fire temperature notably decreased survival of S. bracteolatus. Bud position and plant architecture probably influenced shrub survival. During the first growing season, M. spinosum did not produce seeds whereas S. bracteolatus plants burned at low temperature produced three times more seeds and bigger seeds than unburned plants. Also, seeds from burned plants of S. bracteolatus had higher germinability than seed from unburned plants. High survival and resprouting capacity of M. spinosum even after high fire intensity indicate that this species might be less affected by changes in fire regime.
Rodent obesity models: An overview

Animal obesity models differ widely in type and extent of obesity. They are either based on environmental factors (eg. high fat diet induced obesity), spontaneous mutants (i.e. ob/ob mice), genetically engineered animals (eg. mice with melanocortin receptor subtype-4 gene disruption (knock-out)) or mechanical intervention (eg. chemical lesion of the ventromedial hypothalamus). This article reviews available rodent models to study obesity and attempts to highlight the greatest utility for each model.
Methods in Quaternary Ecology #2. Palynology

Palynology is the study of organic-walled microfossils which include pollen, spores, dinoflagellates, acritarchs, tasmantids, and chitinozoa. Quaternary palynology is concerned predominantly with the paleoecological analysis of fossil pollen and spores. Palynology is one of the most widely used technique in Quaternary paleoecology. Fossil pollen and spores (palynomorphs) can be found in a wide variety of deposits. Recovery of the fossils from sediment samples is relatively easy. Transmitted light microscopy is sufficient for routine identification and counting of palynomorphs. Their occurrence in large quantities makes fossil pollen and spores amenable to numerical and statistical analysis. Interpretation of fossil samples in North America is aided by a large data-base of modern pollen and spore samples taken from various depositional environments and different vegetation types. Despite the long history and wide application of fossil pollen analysis in Quaternary studies, significant methodological and interpretive problems remain to be resolved. In this paper, I outline the basic principles and methods of Quaternary palynological analysis and review some representative examples of contemporary research in Canada.
Imaging supershear rupture for the 2014 Mw 6.9 Northern Aegean earthquake by backprojection of strong motion waveforms

The seismic source spatiotemporal evolution of the Mw 6.9 event on 24 May 2014 in Northern Aegean is imaged by backprojection of strong motion envelopes. The results indicate that the event ruptured on two different fault segments. In the first one, rupture propagated from the hypocenter westward for ∼20 km. In the second delayed segment to the east, rupture propagated eastward for ∼65 km with a supershear velocity (∼5.5 km/s). At the end of this rupture the largest stacking amplitudes are imaged, associated with possible stopping phases from the abrupt cessation of a fast slip. Low‐aftershock seismicity on the supershear segment implies a simple and linear fault geometry there. This is the third large event in the Northern Aegean Trough‐Northern Anatolian Fault zones that has ruptured with supershear speed. This characteristic should be taken into account in studying past events and estimating seismic hazard in this area.
Controls on erosional retreat of the uplifted rift flanks at the Gulf of Suez and northern Red Sea

The Gulf of Suez and Red Sea rifts are currently bordered by large asymmetric uplifts that are undergoing erosion. We find that the amount and timing of erosion vary systematically along the strike of the margin and have been controlled by variations in the prerift stratigraphy. The prerift strata are composed of cliff-forming Eocene-Cretaceous carbonates overlying the easily eroded Cretacous-Cambrian "Nubian" sandstone. This lithologic succession promotes scarp retreat of the sedimentary section, followed by dissection of the underlying basement. The prerift section thins from over 2000 rn at the northern end of the rift to less than 400 rn at its junction with the Red Sea. Thus, at the northern part of the Gulf of Suez, the Nubian sandstone is minimallyexposed, and the carbonates form a scarp at the rift border fault. Farther south, undercutting of the carbonates by erosion of the sandstone has resulted in scarp retreat. The escarpment cuts diagonally away from the border fault and is over 100 km inland from the border fault at the southernmost Gulf of Suez. The amount of retreat varies inversely with the sediment thickness. Exposure and erosion of basement are initiated by the retreat of the escarp- ment, and the depth of erosion, as indicated by fission track ages, increases with distance from the escarpment. These observations are explained by a model in which erosion along the Gulf of Suez is initiated as rift flank uplift becomes sufficiently large to expose the friable sandstones. Undercutting of the escarpment and exhumation of basement has been propagating northward and westward for at least 20 m.y. The average rate of scarp retreat has been 6 km/m.y. and the along-strike propagation of the erosion has been 12 km/m.y. The diachronous erosion of the the rift flanks at the Gulf of Suez highlights the importance of distinguishing between the timing of uplift and of erosion. Both thermochronometric and stratigraphic data primarily indicate the timing of erosion, which may differ significantly from the timing of the uplift that initiates it. They must be interpreted carefully to avoid erroneous conclusions about rift tectonics.
Geotechnical properties of Quaternary deposits in the Belfast area

Abstract Soils deposited during the Quaternary era occur widely in Northern Ireland. Those in the Belfast area pose particular Engineering problems owing to their wide Variation, and the increasingly diverse range of construction activities in this major city. The soil types identified in the city area include two cohesive till sheets, separated by laminated clays and glacial sands. Overlying the glacial deposits is a soft, sensitive, post-glacial, estuarine clay known locally as Sleech. A field and laboratory-based programme of research has been conducted with the aim of improving understanding of the geotechnical behaviour of these deposits, and of identifying relevant Engineering properties. This paper presents results from this research, describing the soil types, common Engineering problems associated with them, and laboratory measured properties. The properties investigated relate to strength and deformation, including elastic yield parameters derived from stress path tests, and consolidation characteristics. The results show that the measured parameters depend on sampling techniques and preparation, as well as sample size and test procedure adopted. Thus any results require careful Interpretation and the practical applications of the findings are discussed in the paper.
An investigation of novel approaches for optimising retail shelf space allocation

This thesis is concerned with real-world shelf space allocation problems that arise due to the conflict of limited shelf space availability and the large number of products that need to be displayed. Several important issues in the shelf space allocation problem are identified and two mathematical models are developed and studied. The first model deals with a general shelf space allocation problem while the second model specifically concerns shelf space allocation for fresh produce. Both models are closely related to the knapsack and bin packing problem. The thesis firstly studies a recently proposed generic search technique, hyper-heuristics, and introduces a simulated annealing acceptance criterion in order to improve its performance. The proposed algorithm, called simulated annealing hyper-heuristics, is initially tested on the one-dimensional bin packing problem, with very promising and competitive results being produced. The algorithm is then applied to the general shelf space allocation problem. The computational results show that the proposed algorithm is superior to a general simulated annealing algorithm and other types of hyper-heuristics. For the test data sets used in the thesis, the new approach solves every instance to over 98% of the upper bound which was obtained via a two-stage relaxation method. The thesis also studies and formulates a deterministic shelf space allocation and inventory model specifically for fresh produce. The model, for the first time, considers the freshness condition as an important factor in influencing a product's demand. Further analysis of the model shows that the search space of the problem can be reduced by decomposing the problem into a nonlinear knapsack problem and a single-item inventory problem that can be solved optimally by a binary search. Several heuristic and meta-heuristic approaches are utilised to optimise the model, including four efficient gradient based constructive heuristics, a multi-start generalised reduced gradient (GRG) algorithm, simulated annealing, a greedy randomised adaptive search procedure (GRASP) and three different types of hyper-heuristics. Experimental results show that the gradient based constructive heuristics are very efficient and all meta-heuristics can only marginally improve on them. Among these meta-heuristics, two simulated annealing based hyper-heuristic performs slightly better than the other meta-heuristic methods. Across all test instances of the three problems, it is shown that the introduction of simulated annealing in the current hyper-heuristics can indeed improve the performance of the algorithms. However, the simulated annealing hyper-heuristic with random heuristic selection generally performs best among all the other meta-heuristics implemented in this thesis. This research is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) grant reference GR/R60577. Our industrial collaborators include Tesco Retail Vision and SpaceIT Solutions Ltd.