Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional variable viscosity convection of an infinite Prandtl Number Boussinesq fluid in a spherical shell

We investigate a three-dimensional, spherical-shell model of mantle convection with strongly temperature-dependent viscosity. Numerical calculations of convection in an infinite Prandtl number, Boussinesq fluid heated from below at a Rayleigh number of Ra = 10 5 are carried out for the isoviscous case and for a viscosity contrast across the shell of 1,000. In the isoviscous case, convection is time dependent with quasi-cylindrical upflow plumes and sheet-like downflows. When viscosity varies strongly across the shell, convection is also time dependent, but major quasi-cylindrical downflows with spider-like extensions occur at both poles and interconnected upflow plumes occur all around the equator. The surface expression of mantle convection in the Earth (downwelling sheets at trenches, upwelling plumes at hot spots, and upwelling sheets at midocean ridges) resembles structures seen in both the isoviscous and variable viscosity models. The dominance of spherical harmonic degree l = 2 in the variable viscosity model agrees with the l = 2 dominance in the Earth's geoid, topography, and seismic tomography. The overall pattern of convection in the variable viscosity case is similar to the distribution of major highlands and volcanic rises on Venus.
Time Domain Reflectometry Sensitivity to Lateral Variations in Bulk Soil Electrical Conductivity

It has been assumed, but not proved, that the spatial weighting and sample volume of Time domain reflectometry (TDR) regarding bulk soil electrical conductivity (EC b ) equal those determined for the relative dielectric permittivity (K). In this study, two types of experiments were carried out: (i) sensitivity experiments where the cumulative vertical weighting as a function of distance between the probe rods and the soil surface were determined for both K and EC b at two different soil water contents and (ii) solute diffusion experiments to evaluate the discrepancies between actual and TDR-measured relative EC h in the case where a steep gradient in EC b passes the probe. Three-rod TDR probes and a sandy loam soil were used in both experiments. The sensitivity experiments confirmed that TDR weights K and EC b equally in the transverse plane. Hence, previously established relationships to calculate the weighting function and sam ple area of a given TDR-probe geometry apply for both K and EC b , The diffusion experiments showed that if a steep vertical solute gradient passes a horizontally inserted TDR prohe, the TDR-measured EC b profile will be more spread than the actual profile passing the probe. This phenomenon of artificial (TDR-induced) diffusion is caused by (i) TDR probes not representing a point measurement, and (ii) the nonlinear weighting of K and EC b in the transverse plane. As the steepness of the solute concentration profile diminishes the TDR-induced diffusion decreases rapidly and becomes negligible for most applications. The effect of TDR-probe geometry on the discrepancy hetween actual and TDR-measured relative concentration was examined theoretically for selected two- and three-rod probe configurations.
mRuby, a Bright Monomeric Red Fluorescent Protein for Labeling of Subcellular Structures

A monomeric variant of the red fluorescent protein eqFP611, mRuby, is described. With excitation and emission maxima at 558 nm and 605 nm, respectively, and a large Stokes shift of 47 nm, mRuby appears particularly useful for imaging applications. The protein shows an exceptional resistance to denaturation at pH extremes. Moreover, mRuby is about ten-fold brighter compared to EGFP when being targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum. The engineering process of eqFP611 revealed that the C-terminal tail of the protein acts as a natural peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS). Using an mRuby variant carrying the eqFP611-PTS, we discovered that ordered inheritance of peroxisomes is widespread during mitosis of different mammalian cell types. The ordered partitioning is realized by the formation of peroxisome clusters around the poles of the mitotic spindle and ensures that equal numbers of the organelle are inherited by the daughter cells. The unique spectral properties make mRuby the marker of choice for a multitude of cell biological applications. Moreover, the use of mRuby has allowed novel insights in the biology of organelles responsible for severe human diseases.
Oil-Spill Monitoring in the Coastal Waters of Hong Kong and Vicinity

In this study, we applied the edge-detection method of oil-spill monitoring to extract oil-spill features observed by the ENVISAT Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) images over the coastal waters of Hong Kong and vicinity in northern South China Sea. Two examples in 2007 and 2008 over the coastal waters of the study area show that oil spills can be successfully detected by ASAR images at wind speeds around 4∼ 6 m/s independent of wind direction. The study also shows that it could be helpful for evaluating the potential impacts of oil spills on the coastal environment in Hong Kong and vicinity.
Comparative hydrology: analysis of a semiarid and a humid tropical watershed

This paper analyses measured data from two small tropical watersheds: one in a semiarid (Aiuaba, Brazil, 12·0 km2, 5 years of measurements) and another in a humid environment (Jaruco, Cuba, 43·5 km2, 21 years of measurements). The watersheds are similar with respect to catchment area (tens of km2), potential evaporation (2·1–2·6 m year−1), temperature (22–30 °C) and relief (mild hillslope steepness); but show considerable hydrological discrepancies: average precipitation in the humid watershed is two times higher; average river discharge (mm year−1) is five times higher; and surface water availability (mm year−1) is 14 times higher than in the semiarid watershed. Long-term operation of hypothetical surface reservoirs in both basins is simulated. The analysis shows that 73% of the average river discharge are available (with 90% annual reliability) in the humid watershed, against only 28% in the semiarid. The main cause of this difference is the excess evaporation, which consumes 55% of the stored water in the semiarid reservoir, but only 12% in the humid one. The research concludes that: (1) although precipitation indicators are higher in the humid area, they are of the same order of magnitude as in the semiarid; and (2) fluvial-regime and water-availability variables are more than one order of magnitude higher in the humid basin, which shows a multiplication effect of these hydrological processes. Such major hydrological differences, despite the similarities between the two tropical watersheds, show the importance of further investigations in the field of comparative hydrology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trachymolgus purpureus sp. n., an armored snout mite (Acari, Bdellidae) from the Ozark highlands: morphology, development, and key to Trachymolgus Berlese

Abstract Trachymolgus purpureus Fisher & Dowling sp. n. is described from the Ozark highlands of North America. A diversity of imaging techniques are used to illustrate the species including low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM), stereomicrography, compound light micrography, and digitally created line drawings. Developmental stages (larva, nymphs, and adult) and morphology are illustrated and discussed, and terminological corrections are suggested. Trachymolgus recki Gomelauri, 1961 is regarded as being described from tritonymphs. A key to Trachymolgus is presented.
Electrical resistivity tomography of vadose water movement

Cross borehole electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used to image the resistivity distribution before and during two infiltration experiments. In both cases water was introduced into the vadose zone, and the change in resistivity associated with the plume of wetted soil was imaged as a function of time. The primary purpose of this work was to study the capabilities and limitations of ERT to image underground structure and ground water movement in the vadose zone. A secondary goal was to learn specifics of unsaturated flow in a complex geologic setting. Tomographs of electrical resistivity taken before infiltration image coarser, well-drained soils (sands and gravels) as more resistive zones, whereas finer grained soils (silts and clays), which hold more water by capillarity, are imaged as more conductive. Images of changes in resistivity during infiltration show growth of the water infiltration plume with time that is consistent with known geology. In the ERT images we see the effects of capillary barriers and infer differences between capillary-driven flow through fine sediments and gravity-driven flow through very permeable sediments. Images are consistent with numerical flow simulations using hydrological parameter values consistent with soil types inferred from well logs. ERT can be a useful tool to monitor movement of circuitous moisture fronts in a heterogeneous field setting that would go undetected by borehole measurements.
Effect of biological amendments on soil microbial properties and performance of pome fruit trees

The long-term effect of continued applications of organic material (straw mulch, compost), various microbial inoculants (compost extract, Bacillus inoculants, Effective Microorganisms) and biostimulants (seaweed extracts, humates) on tree performance was investigated in a conventional management system. A field trial was conducted in a commercial ‘Early Bon Chretien’ (Williams) pear orchard established on BP1 rootstock (generally suffering from poor root development) in the Vyeboom region (34° 08' S; 019° 02' E), Western Cape, South Africa. The experimental layout was a split-plot design consisting of straw mulched and non-mulched plots (main treatments) and nine biological management practices (sub treatments). Organic material and biological amendments were applied from orchard establishment in 2002 and then every season up till the harvest of 2008. The effect of these biological management practices on nutrient availability, uptake and soil microbial properties was investigated in order to aid in the interpretation of tree performance effects. Soil microbial properties were measured by making use of soil enzyme activity assays (urease, acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase), conventional microbial plate counts (Bacillus spp. and actinomycetes) and community level physiological profiles (Biolog). Over the six year trial period maintaining a wheat straw mulch in the tree row showed few effects on nutrition and no effect on tree performance, despite significant changes in soil microbial functioning and activity. Annual compost applications improved soil microbial, as well as chemical properties. However, tree performance, in terms of vigour and yield, was only improved when in addition to compost, compost extract was applied monthly. It was suggested that monthly compost extract applications resulted in maximum efficiency of nutrient utilisation through synchronisation of nutrient release with plant demand. Results indicated that no simple relationship was apparent between yield and the parameters measured in this study.
Reference hydrologic networks II. Using reference hydrologic networks to assess climate-driven changes in streamflow

Abstract Reference hydrologic networks (RHNs) can play an important role in monitoring for changes in the hydrological regime related to climate variation and change. Currently, the literature concerning hydrological response to climate variations is complex and confounded by the combinations of many methods of analysis, wide variations in hydrology, and the inclusion of data series that include changes in land use, storage regulation and water use in addition to those of climate. Three case studies that illustrate a variety of approaches to the analysis of data from RHNs are presented and used, together with a summary of studies from the literature, to develop approaches for the investigation of changes in the hydrological regime at a continental or global scale, particularly for international comparison. We present recommendations for an analysis framework and the next steps to advance such an initiative. There is a particular focus on the desirability of establishing standardized procedures and methodologies for both the creation of new national RHNs and the systematic analysis of data derived from a collection of RHNs. Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor K. Hamed Citation Burn, D. H. , et al., 2012. Reference hydrologic networks II. Using reference hydrologic networks to assess climate-driven changes in streamflow. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 57 (8), 1580–1593.
Updated precipitation series for the UK derived from Met Office gridded data

This paper introduces new, homogenized UK national and regional rainfall series derived from 5‐km gridded daily and monthly precipitation data. These new series have the advantage that they are based on readings from a dense network of rain gauges rather than a maximum of seven per region. Series developed by alternative statistical methods are analysed and compared. Error estimates are derived for the series, based on linear regressive residuals. Using individual regressions for each calendar month, the monthly series are extended back to 1766 for monthly precipitation in England and Wales (EW), to 1873 for monthly values for each of the five EW sub‐regions, and to 1931 for daily values in all regions. A follow‐up paper will provide analysis of how mean precipitation totals and extremes have changed over the respective periods. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Beam attenuation by microorganisms and detrital particles in the equatorial Pacific

The transmissometer has been actively used to monitor the variability of particulate matter in the surface ocean. Attenuation due to water (c W ) is constant at a given wavelength, so variability in the signal is due primarily to particles (beam c P ). Most of the beam c signal appears to originate from particles < 20 μm, which, in the euphotic zone, are most likely to be microorganisms. However, how much of the beam c P (X = 660 nm) is attributable to any given organism category or the detrital component is poorly known. To answer this question, at least numerical abundances and optical (scattering) cross sections of each category are needed. During the two transect cruises (TT007 and TT011) of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) Equatorial Pacific (EqPac) program (12°N -12°S, 140°W), particulate matter attenuation (beam c p ) and abundances of four microorganism categories (heterotrophic bacteria, Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and small autotrophic eukaryotes) with their forward angle light scattering (FALS) information (flow cytometer) were simultaneously measured from the same water samples. The bulk scattering coefficients of each population and total scattering coefficients (b p ) of these four picoplankton populations (b p (PICO)) were calculated and compared with beam c p . In the equatorial Pacific, heterotrophic bacteria and Prochlorococcus were the most significant contributors to the beam c p (16 and 7% of beam c P , respectively) via scattering, and autotrophic eukaryotes and Synechococcus were less important contributors (2 and 1%, respectively) in the equatorial Pacific. If absorption was also included, ∼30% of the beam c p could be accounted for by these four populations in the euphotic zone, supporting the argument that a transmissometer at 660 nm is an effective tool in measuring the net biological processes in the open ocean. A rough estimate for the beam c p signal from nonliving detrital particles was also made in surface waters of the region.
Settling velocity of natural particles

Data from 14 previous experimental studies were used to develop an empirical equation that accounts for the effects of size, density, shape, and roundness on the settling velocity of natural sediment. This analysis was done in terms of four nondimensional parameters, namely, the dimensionless nominal diameter D*, the dimensionless settling velocity W*, the Corey shape factor, and the Powers roundness index. For high D* (large or dense particles), changes in roundness and shape factor have similar magnitude effects on settling velocity. Roundness varies much less for naturally occuring grains, however, and hence is a less important control than shape. For a typical coarse sand with a Powers roundness of 3.5 and a Corey shape factor of 0.7, the settling velocity is about 0.68 that of a sphere of the same D*, with shape and roundness effects contributing about equally to the settling velocity reduction. At low D* the reduction in settling velocity due to either shape or roundness is much less. Moreover, at low D*, low roundness causes a greater decrease in settling velocity at low shape factor values than at high shape factor values. This appears to be due to the increased surface drag on the flatter grains.
Early Stage Soliton Observations in the Sulu Sea

AbstractObservations of early stage, large-amplitude, nonlinear internal waves in the Sulu Sea are presented. Water column displacement and velocity profile time series show the passage of two solitary-like waves close to their generation site. Additional observations of the same waves are made as they propagate through the Sulu Sea basin. These waves of depression have an estimated maximum amplitude of 44 m. Observed wave amplitude and background stratification are used to estimate parameters for both a Korteweg–de Vries (K-dV) and a Joseph wave solution. These analytic model solutions are compared with a fully nonlinear model as well. Model wave half-widths bracket the observed wave, with the Joseph model narrower than the K-dV model. The modal structure of the waves change as they transit northward though the Sulu Sea, with higher mode features present in the southern Sulu Sea, which dissipate by the time the waves reach the north. Observed and modeled energies are roughly comparable, with observed pot.
Tourism Demand Forecasting with Different Neural Networks Models

This paper aims to compare the performance of different Artificial Neural Networks techniques for tourist demand forecasting. We test the forecasting accuracy of three different types of architectures: a multi-layer perceptron, a radial basis function and an Elman network. We also evaluate the effect of the memory by repeating the experiment assuming different topologies regarding the number of lags introduced. We used tourist arrivals from all the different countries of origin to Catalonia from 2001 to 2012. We find that multi-layer perceptron and radial basis function models outperform Elman networks, being the radial basis function architecture the one providing the best forecasts when no additional lags are incorporated. These results indicate the potential existence of instabilities when using dynamic networks for forecasting purposes. We also find that for higher memories, the forecasting performance obtained for longer horizons improves, suggesting the importance of increasing the dimensionality for long term forecasting.
Classifying countries according to leading causes of death in the world at the beginning of the 21st century

Cause mortality of a population is an important segment in the analysis of mortality, because it sums up all factors which influence death indicators on a certain territory in a direct way. At the beginning of the 21st century, the situation is not the same everywhere in the world and countries do not share a unique pattern of the causes of deaths. Infectious and parasitic diseases are still dominant in underdeveloped countries, while the leading causes of deaths in developed countries are circulatory disorders and neoplasm. Cardiovascular diseases are the cause of 29% of total mortality in the world, infectious cause 19%, tumors 13% and violent deaths about 9% (based on data from 2002). This paper gives an analysis of the spatial distribution of the leading causes of deaths using the geographic information system (Arc-View GIS), based on the ratio of total mortality and death rates of the population from a certain group of diseases. Based on data analysis, a hypothesis has been set on the significance of the regional factor in forming a picture of population mortality according to causes of death. A regional factor implies a set of physical geographical as well as general social specificities of a certain region which form a pattern of population behavior. Based on death rates, cardiovascular diseases are represented the most in the mortality rates of countries in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Infectious diseases imperil the population in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa; tumors are most common in Europe, North America and Japan. The highest rates of violent deaths are in countries of the former Soviet Union and the Sub- Saharan zone. Classifying death rates according to leading causes of death represents a prerequisite for forming a final picture of mortality according to causes of death in the world at the beginning of the 'new century'. The method of gathering together the causes of death is possible by applying a statistical model of classifying data (cluster analysis). The countries of the world have been classified into eight clusters according to the leading causes of death for the year 2002. Developed countries have been classified into three clusters based on this analysis. The Arab world has been singled out in a separate cluster, and the specific traits of Middle Asian countries also deserved separate classification. Countries of the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa and South America formed regions on the basis of a combination of the leading causes of death. As opposed to epidemic transition, which tried to determine a uniform trend of the causes of death for all countries of the world, the cluster data analysis shows the significance of the regional factor when forming the depiction on the leading causes of death. Modeling population mortality based on data on causes of deaths structure bears much information, primarily in which direction should the health policies of a country flow and what are the priorities for decreasing mortality and increasing life expectancy.
Genetic snakes for medical image segmentation

In this paper an approach is described for segmenting medical images. We use active contour model, also known as snakes, and we propose an energy minimization procedure based on Genetic Algorithms (GA). The widely recognized power of deformable models stems from their ability to segment anatomic structures by exploiting constraints derived from the image data together with a priori knowledge about the location, size, and shape of these structures. The application of snakes to extract region of interest is, however, not without limitations. As is well known, there may be a number of problems associated with this approach such as initialization, existence of multiple minima, and the selection of elasticity parameters. We propose the use of GA to overcome these limits. GAs offer a global search procedure that has shown its robustness in many tasks, and they are not limited by restrictive assumptions as derivatives of the goal function. GAs operate on a coding of the parameters (the positions of the snake) and their fitness function is the total snake energy. We employ a modified version of the image energy which consider both the magnitude and the direction of the gradient and the Laplacian of Gaussian. Experimental results on medical images are reported. Images used in this work are ocular fundus images, snakes result very useful in the segmentation of the Foveal Avascular Zone. The experiments performed with ocular fundus images show that the proposed method is promising in the early detection of the diabetic retinopathy.