Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing SEBAL ET with Lysimeter Data in the Semi-Arid Texas High Plains

SEBAL (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land), a spatial evapotranspiration (ET) estimation method, has been applied with Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data throughout the world. However, it has never been tested for semiarid conditions of the Texas High Plains. In this study, SEBAL algorithm was applied to a Landsat TM image acquired on July 10, 2007 covering a major portion of the Texas High Plains. Performance of SEBAL was evaluated by comparing estimated ET with measured ET data on four large monolithic lysimeters at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX. Comparison of SEBAL-estimated instantaneous ET values with lysimetric measurements indicated that SEBAL may provide better ET estimates for irrigated fields. However, it performed poorly in predicting ET for fields under dryland management. This result may indicate that SEBAL might be sensitive to errors in the selection of the hot/dry pixel. Overall, SEBAL is a promising tool for mapping ET in the extensively irrigated Texas High Plains. However, more evaluation is needed for different agroclimatological conditions in the region.
A pilot rehabilitation program based on cueing for Freezing of Speech

Background: Freezing of speech (FoS) and other repetitive speech behaviours can frequently occur in parkinsonian syndromes, worsening the efficacy of language functioning, hampering social interactions, and thus reducing quality of life. Pharmacological treatment are ineffective and other interventions have not specifically developed so far. Aim: To test the efficacy on a pilot rehabilitation program for freezing of speech based on cueing. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Population: Single­case. Methods: We developed a pilot rehabilitation program based on visual, auditory and sensory cueing. The patient underwent the protocol for a 6­month period (1­hour sessions, 3 times weekly). Perceptual This document is protected by international copyright laws. No additional reproduction is authorized. It is permitted for personal use to download and save only one file and print only one copy of this Article. It is not permitted to make additional copies (either sporadically or systematically, either printed or electronic) of the Article for any purpose. It is not permitted to distribute the electronic copy of the article through online internet and/or intranet file sharing systems, electronic mailing or any other means which may allow access to the Article. The use of all or any part of the Article for any Commercial Use is not permitted. The creation of derivative works from the Article is not permitted. The production of reprints for personal or commercial use is not permitted. It is not permitted to remove, cover, overlay, obscure, block, or change any copyright notices or terms of use which the Publisher may post on the Article. It is not permitted to frame or use framing techniques to enclose any trademark, logo, or other proprietary information of the Publisher. COPYRIGHT© 2013 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA ! 4
Secular non-linear trends and multi-timescale oscillations of regional surface air temperature in eastern China

ABSTRACT: Secular trends and multi-timescale oscillations of global and regional surface airtemperature (SAT) have been widely investigated in recent decades. In this paper, the method ofensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) is first used to decompose 18 station SAT anom-alies in eastern China from 1921 to 2011; 16 stations are then grouped into 4 regions based on thesecular non-linear trend and multi-timescale oscillations longer than 10 yr in these SAT anomalyseries. The analysis showed that multi-timescale oscillations commonly exist in eastern China,while the 2 largest regional warming trends of 3.3 and 1.21°C per century exist in Northeast Chinaand North China, respectively. Four regional secular non-linear trends and multi-timescale oscil-lations were explained and used in the extrapolation for the coming 2 decades. Although there isa secular warming trend, the predicted SAT anomaly for Northeast China is expected to continuethe recent warming slowdown in this decade and then a new warm flat in the following decade.For other regional SAT anomaly predictions, North China will have a slight warming trend in thecoming 2 decades, central China will have a warming process in this decade then a new warmspell in the 2020s, and South China will maintain the current level in this decade then have aquick warming process in the 2020s.KEY WORDS: Secular trend · Multi-timescale variability · Surface air temperature · Eastern China ·Climate prediction
A Survey of Research on Cloud Robotics and Automation

The Cloud infrastructure and its extensive set of Internet-accessible resources has potential to provide significant benefits to robots and automation systems. We consider robots and automation systems that rely on data or code from a network to support their operation, i.e., where not all sensing, computation, and memory is integrated into a standalone system. This survey is organized around four potential benefits of the Cloud: 1) Big Data: access to libraries of images, maps, trajectories, and descriptive data; 2) Cloud Computing: access to parallel grid computing on demand for statistical analysis, learning, and motion planning; 3) Collective Robot Learning: robots sharing trajectories, control policies, and outcomes; and 4) Human Computation: use of crowdsourcing to tap human skills for analyzing images and video, classification, learning, and error recovery. The Cloud can also improve robots and automation systems by providing access to: a) datasets, publications, models, benchmarks, and simulation tools; b) open competitions for designs and systems; and c) open-source software. This survey includes over 150 references on results and open challenges. A website with new developments and updates is available at: http://goldberg.berkeley. edu/cloud-robotics/.
The relationship between the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and temperature variability in China during the last millennium

Using a large number of temperature‐sensitive proxy records, we investigated the relationship between the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and temperature variability in China during the last millennium. The results indicate a relatively homogeneous pattern of cold/warm anomalies in East, West and the whole of China (EC, WC and WOC). The six major AMO cold phases coincided with cold conditions over EC, WC and WOC, while warm conditions across China occurred during the two major AMO warm phases. This close similarity between the AMO and multi‐decadal temperature variability in China is supported by climate model simulations and emphasizes the critical role of surface heating over the Asian continent in linking the AMO and the Indian summer monsoon. The mid‐latitude westerly anomalies and the propagation of Rossby waves related to the AMO may be two channels linking sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Atlantic and temperature variability over East Asia. Additionally, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation may play an important role in transmitting the AMO signal over the globe. We recommend further climate model studies on the mechanisms responsible for the connection between the AMO and regional to global climate changes.
In piscibus diversis; the Bone Evidence for Fish Consumption in Roman Britain

Fish bone assemblages from 109 sites were analysed for evidence of Roman influence on fish consumption. Temporal divisions within the period were not informative, but sites were divided by region. Secondary evidence, including amphorae and fishing tackle, was also considered. Eel was most common overall but some species were regionally important, e.g. salmon. Towns and villas showed the greatest range of fish, from freshwater and inland marine fisheries and also imported salted fish and fish-sauce. Native sites continued to show restricted fish consumption from very local sources, while Roman sites suggested an increase in variety and some evidence for status, which may result from cultural change in culinary practices.
Imputing the Missing Y ’ s : Implications for Survey Producers and Survey Users

Multiple imputation is a popular technique used to handle item-level missing data. Recent studies, however, have generated serious concerns about the best practices for statistical analysis with an imputed dependent variable. We use an example from observed data to examine three multiple imputation strategies: (1) excluding the dependent variable from the imputation model, (2) multiple imputation then deletion, and (3) including the dependent variable in the imputation model and retaining the imputed values in the subsequent analysis. Consistent with previous research, our results suggest that the dependent variable should be included in the imputation model. Under conditions where it is most practical to do so, survey users may be able to retain the imputed values in their analysis, provided that a sufficient number of datasets was generated.
RAPID IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF ACACIA AURICULIFORMIS ON SOLID AND LIQUID MEDIA : ROLE OF ORGANIC ADDITIVE , ANTIOXIDANT AND PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS *

Acacia auriculiformis, one of the short rotation and fast growing tree species is known for its pharmacological properties notably anti-helminthic, antifilarial, microbicidal, spermicidal activity etc. Conservation of Acacia auriculiformis is essential via ex situ plantation as the seed germination rate of this plant species has been reported very poor around 20-28%. Clonal multiplication forms an alternative means of propagating elite trees by preserving their desirable characters intact. Cotyledon explants of Acacia auriculiformis were cultured on MS solid and liquid media supplemented with 15% CW, ascorbic acid and different cytokinins like (Δ 2 isopentenyl) adenine, benzylaminopurine and kinetin in varying concentrations for shoot bud regeneration. Among the different PGRs tested, (Δ 2 isopentenyl) adenine (2iP) proved best in terms of the shoot bud regeneration directly from de-embryonated cotyledon. Napthalene acetic acid at lower level combined with various levels of 2iP was applied for differentiation of shoot buds from intermediary callus phase. The response of the explants was always higher in liquid cultures compared to semi-solid medium. More than 90% of the transplanted plants were survived. Transplanted plants showed normal seedling morphology and growth.
Neurotransmitter : Release

The nervous system is composed of networks of cells that engage in coordinated circuits to permit neural function. Within these precise neural circuits, communication between individual cells is primarily chemical in nature. Neurotransmitter release via exocytosis of neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles is a fundamental step in this process. Here we overview the biochemical processes that regulate exocytotic neurotransmitter release by focusing on three key stages: 1) loading of neurotransmitter into synaptic vesicles, 2) synaptic vesicle docking and priming reactions, and 3) calcium triggering of the vesicle fusion reaction. We also introduce the controversial topic of fusion-pore modulation as it pertains to the release of neurotransmitter. Lastly, we discuss current methods for detecting and quantifying neurotransmitter release.
Remoção de Lodo de Lagoas de Estabilização e seu Acondicionamento em bag

Este trabalho propoe estudar a remocao de lodo de lagoas de estabilizacao, avaliar a reducao da carga patogenica, custos de transporte para disposicao e checar a viabilidade de disposicao final agricola , promovendo assim a reciclagem dos nutrientes aos ciclos biogeoquimicos. Entre as opcoes para a remocao, optou-se pelo sistema combinado de dragagem com aplicacao de polimero, seguido de acondicionamento e desaguamento do lodo em “BAG” de polipropileno de alta resistencia. Definiu-se por esta combinacao para o estudo da remocao do lodo na Unidade de Negocio do Alto Paranapanema – Sabesp, devido as dificuldades operacionais e em virtude de longas distâncias para disposicao do residuo em aterros licenciados, o que representa elevados custos, uma vez que os aterros da regiao nao sao autorizados para receberem este tipo de residuo. Outra via de disposicao, o co-processamento em industria cimenteira foi analisada como economicamente inviavel, principalmente devido a elevada quantidade de agua do residuo. Na impossibilidade da reutilizacao na agricultura, o lodo devera sofrer uma reducao na quantidade de agua, viabilizando assim o transporte a longas distâncias e outros usos. A avaliacao desta metodologia ( remocao de lodo ), foi feita com analises semanais do lodo acondicionado nos BAGs.Seis meses apos a operacao de desaguamento do lodo acondicionado em BAG, constatou-se ausencia de ovos de helmintos viaveis, salmonellas, protozoarios e coliformes termotolerantes < 103 NMP. g-1¹. MS. Estes resultados indicaram que o processo removeu a patogenicidade do lodo adequando-o para disposicao no solo, quanto aos parâmetros avaliados.O lodo no BAG atingiu teor de solidos totais de 34,10% apos 374 dias e foi classificado como Classe IIA - Nao perigoso e nao inerte. O custo de remocao de 2000 m3 de lodo com teor medio de solidos totais de 12%, por meio do sistema dragagem e acondicionamento em BAG foi de USD 4,67 hab-1.ano -1.
The Measurement of Sap Tension in the Petioles of Apple, Raspberry and Black Currant Leaves

SummaryThe pressure chamber technique has been used for rapid measurement of sap tension in the petioles of apple, raspberry and blackcurrant leaves in the field.When the soil moisture tension was relatively low, the diurnal trend in sap tension in the petioles of apple leaves followed very closely the relative evaporation rate.
Experimental investigation of propeller wake velocity field for the major factors affecting propeller wake wash

The propeller jet from a ship has a significant component directed upwards towards the free surface of the water, which can be used for ice management. This paper describes a comprehensive laboratory experiment where the influences of operational factors affecting a propeller wake velocity field were investigated. The experiment was done on a steady wake field to investigate the characteristics of the axial velocity of the fluid in the wake and the corresponding variability downstream of the propeller. The axial velocities and the variability recorded were time-averaged. Propeller rotational speed was found to be the most significant factor, followed by propeller inclination. The experimental results also provide some idea about the change of the patterns of the mean axial velocity distribution against the factors considered for the test throughout the effective wake field, as well as the relationships to predict the axial velocity for known factors.
No Growth in Total Global CO2 Emissions in 2009

In 2009, for the first time since 1992, there was no growth in global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel use, cement production and chemicals production. The recent credit crunch drove many industrialised economies into recession, particularly OECD countries and Russia, and led to a dramatic decrease in CO2 emissions of 7% in 2009 in these countries. This drop of 800 million tonnes in emissions has compensated for the continued strong increase in CO2 emissions in China and India of 9 and 6%, respectively. In the same year, emissions in other developing countries did not vary as much. These preliminary estimates have been made by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) on the basis of energy data for 2008 and 2009 recently published by BP (British Petroleum) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). The estimates are also based on production data on cement, ammonia and steel and emissions per country from 1970 to 2005 from the joint EDGAR project of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL).
Government Assistance and Total Factor Productivity: Firm-level Evidence from China, 1998-2007

The provision of large-scale assistance to industry is very important in China. The major contribution of this paper is to use Chinese firm-level panel data for 1998-2007 to introduce measures of assistance received by each firm directly into industry-level production functions determining firm output. Our results indicate inverted U-shaped gains from assistance: across the 26 industries considered, firms receiving assistance rates of 1-10%, 10-19%, 20-49% and 50+% experienced on average 4.5%, 9.4%, 9.2% and -3% gains in TFP, respectively. We also provide a simple agency model that justifies such a result
ICSV 14 Cairns • Australia 9-12 July , 2007 DERIVATIVE FREE OPTIMISATION IN ENGINEERING ACOUSTICS

This paper describes recent work on the optimisation of very complex or computationally expensive systems such as those found in many engineering acoustics applications. It uses optimisation techniques that require no knowledge of the derivative of the objective function with respect to the input variables, and hence is suitable for application to problems where the derivative is potentially noisy or expensive to calculate by a finite difference approximation, difficult to calculate analytically, or simply unavailable as is the case in many commercial codes. The paper begins with a brief review of optimisation methods as applied to acoustic problems, and discusses the limitations of traditional techniques. The theory of two derivative free optimisation methods, a parallel genetic algorithm and a surrogate optimisation technique called Efficient Global Optimisation (EGO) are then described. Two example cases are then discussed: the optimisation of the position and design parameters of vibroacoustic absorbers mounted on the interior of a rocket payload bay to reduce the payload interior pressure fluctuations on launch; and the shape optimisation of an audio loudspeaker to improve sound quality. Finally future directions and challenges in this field are discussed.
Competencias clave como tendencia de la política educativa supranacional de la Unión Europea Key competences as a trend in the supranational educational policies of the European Union

The key competences proposed by the European Union are one of the most important education policies stemming from the work done by this supranational organization, first, because the key competences measure has a real impact on the educational policies of Member States and, secondly and more importantly, because this new educational approach aims to respond more adequately to the main challenges of contemporary society (something that other international organizations and institutions have been insisting on for years). Analysis of the original EU documents on this topic provides much food for thought that has only rarely been reflected in educational, academic and political discussions. This paper offers a thoughtful synthesis of the concept and implications of competence-based learning in general and the key competences in particular. Placing this new approach within the framework of today’s society and the lifelong learning approach is the first objective the authors propose; this would facilitate a deeper understanding of the competence-based learning approach, its significance and its relevance and above all would help to overcome the widespread idea in education that the competence-based approach involves no major changes from the status quo. The authors warn again pedagogical idealism: There are risks and challenges in this new educational proposal that must be considered. Altogether, the authors argue that we must not waste any further opportunities to really adjust our educational system to competence-based learning and, above all, the acquisition of key competences by all citizens of the European Union at the end of their compulsory education.
HUOM! Tämä on alkuperäisen artikkelin rinnakkaistallenne. Rinnakkaistallenne saattaa erota

The increased attractiveness of knowledge work offerings in cost competitive countries has pushed companies to seek for even more intensive forms of outsourcing. Striving for higher competitiveness and productivity, companies are looking beyond their current ways of outsourcing to create partnerships related to their core operations like research, development and innovation (RDI). Today and in future the success of distribution of knowledge intensive efforts in globally operated businesses is dictated by game changing capabilities such as quality of services, dynamic competence building of individuals and teams, as well as management of decentralized work. Yet, these are just examples of a larger spectrum of factors manifesting the dynamism of distributed software development. The DD‐SCALE research program (2014‐2016) has been targeted at investigating especially the aforementioned matters. The lack of feasible evaluation practises for explaining productivity of knowledge organizations in a comprehensive way has been an important driver. Managing and measuring productivity in the global settings of knowledge work has been in the focus of the program. Thus far, a baseline concept of the DD‐SCALE evaluation framework, containing some 90 aggregated indicators, has been constructed. These Capability Indicators are related to individual, team and organizational capabilities, aiming to explain productivity in software engineering organizations. The development work was supported by context related theories concerning distributed knowledge work and Intellectual Capital (IC), which has been a key in capturing the less visible elements of productivity. Intellectual capital lenses were utilized in analysing interviews and workshops conducted with managerial level software RDI professionals in two globally operating case‐companies. The contribution of this study is finding new dimensions for complementing the rather short‐term input‐output approach in assessing productivity. Also further elaboration about factors underpinning productivity in building a comprehensive evaluation framework is exercised. Eventually, the emphasis of this article is to bring forth the practical uses for the DD‐SCALE evaluation framework. Initial instantiations of the framework include assessing 1) the influence a change in an organization’s operation model has on software developers’ perceptions, and 2) organizational impacts of technology transfer activities. As further research, the plan is to evaluate the comprehensiveness of the framework and advance its development into an actual tool to support managerial decision making.
A whole-cortex probabilistic diffusion tractography connectome 1 2

16 The WU-Minn Human Connectome Project (HCP) is a publicly-available dataset containing 17 state-of-art structural, functional, and diffusion-MRI for over a thousand healthy subjects. While 18 the planned scope of the HCP included an anatomical connectome, resting-state functional19 MRI forms the bulk of the HCP’s current connectomic output. We address this by presenting a 20 full-cortex connectome derived from probabilistic diffusion tractography and organized into the 21 HCP-MMP1.0 atlas. Probabilistic methods and large sample sizes are preferable for whole22 connectome mapping as they increase the fidelity of traced low-probability connections. We 23 find that overall, connection strengths are lognormally distributed and decay exponentially with 24 tract length, that connectivity reasonably matches macaque histological tracing in homologous 25 areas, that contralateral homologs and left-lateralized language areas are hyperconnected, and 26 that hierarchical similarity influences connectivity. We compare the diffusion-MRI connectome 27 to existing resting-state fMRI and cortico-cortico evoked potential connectivity matrices and 28 find that it is more similar to the latter. This work helps fulfill the promise of the HCP and will 29