Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting monthly and seasonal rainfall, onset and cessation of the rainy season in West Africa using only surface data

New empirical long-range schemes for the prediction of dates of onset and cessation and of the monthly and annual amounts of rainfall are developed for Kano, in the West African Sahel, using only surface synoptic data. They are based on variations in equivalent potential temperature, θe, which occur as a result of the seasonal, monthly and daily variations of moisture in the summer monsoon flow over West Africa. Agricultural activities may begin about 72 days after the day the anomalies of θe (i.e. θ') first become positive for at least 15 days, essentially signifying the beginning of adequate moisture supply associated with a well established monsoon flow. The new schemes ensure that both the cessation date and the annual amount of rainfall can be predicted prior to the onset of the rains, thus providing, in conjunction with the onset date, very important and useful information for reliable and effective planning of agricultural and water resource activities. Performance tests using an 11-year independent data set indicate that the schemes possess reliable skill. Because the weather over Nigeria is very typical of the entire West African region, being affected by the same wind regime and weather phenomena, these prediction schemes will provide tremendous assistance for enhanced and sustainable agriculture, as well as for efficient water resources management, if extended to the whole area. Furthermore, the methods have the important advantage that, bearing in mind the fact that the majority of West African countries have very sparse, if indeed, any upper-air data, the surface synoptic data needed for their use are readily available in all of the countries. Copyright © 2000 Royal Meteorological Society
Stabilizing leaning postures with feedback controlled functional neuromuscular stimulation after trunk paralysis

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause paralysis of trunk and hip musculature that negatively impacts seated balance and ability to lean away from an upright posture and interact fully with the environment. Constant levels of electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves can activate typically paralyzed muscles and aid in maintaining a single upright seated posture. However, in the absence of a feedback controller, such seated postures and leaning motions are inherently unstable and unable to respond to perturbations. Three individuals with motor complete SCI who had previously received a neuroprosthesis capable of activating the hip and trunk musculature volunteered for this study. Subject-specific muscle synergies were identified through system identification of the lumbar moments produced via neural stimulation. Synergy-based calculations determined the real-time stimulation parameters required to assume leaning postures. When combined with a proportional, integral, derivative (PID) feedback controller and an accelerometer to infer trunk orientation, all individuals were able to assume non-erect postures of 30–40° flexion and 15° lateral bending. Leaning postures increased forward reaching capabilities by 10.2, 46.7, and 16 cm respectively for each subject when compared with no stimulation. Additionally, the leaning controllers were able to resist perturbations of up to 90 N, and all subjects perceived the leaning postures as moderately to very stable. Implementation of leaning controllers for neuroprostheses have the potential of expanding workspaces, increasing independence, and facilitating activities of daily living for individuals with paralysis.
Combating Loneliness in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Volunteer-Based Program in Greece

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the feeling of loneliness, especially among older adults. This study aims to investigate any association between COVID-19 cases in Greece and the number of Loneliness Helpline calls at the Friendship at Every Age program and to assess whether the interconnection part of the program, which interconnects older adults with volunteers, can combat loneliness/social isolation in older adults. This is a supportive, volunteer-based, social intervention program. A total of 4033 calls were collected from July 2020 to November 2022, in Greece. Older adults who participated in the interconnection part completed baseline (n = 275) and follow-up questionnaires (n = 168), including the UCLA Loneliness Scale. A time-series analysis revealed a positive association in the number of calls with COVID-19 cases (Incidence Rate Ratio per 100 new COVID-19 cases = 1.012; Confidence Interval (95% CI) [1.002, 1.022]). A significant decrease in the Loneliness Scale was observed at follow-up [difference = −0.85; 95% CI (−1.16, −0.54)], with similar results by sex, educational level, and area of living. Loneliness Helpline calls increased during COVID-19 outbreaks, while the interconnection part had a positive impact on older adults, reducing their feeling of loneliness. Similar initiatives are required to better address the needs of the ageing population during and after health crises.
Chlorine isotopic composition of marine aerosols: Implications for the release of reactive chlorine and HCl cycling rates

We have determined the elemental and the stable chlorine isotopic composition of size‐segregated aerosols collected in the marine boundary layer. All size fractions have chlorine deficiencies. Mid‐size aerosols are isotopically enriched in δ37Cl and contain significant quantities of non‐sea‐salt‐SO42− and NO3−. This is consistent with the acid displacement of HCl from the aerosols. Coarse aerosols tend to be isotopically depleted and have Cl deficiencies that are not charge balanced by MSA−, SO42− and NO3− with Cl volatilization by a different mechanism. The isotope systematics imply a fractionation factor, α, of 1.00306±0.0005 if the volatilization mechanism is first order with respect to Cl or 1.00280±0.0005 if the volatilization mechanism is zeroth order with respect to Cl. Our data are consistent with the efficient recycling of aerosol Cl through the gas phase.
High serum miR-223-3p expression level predicts complete response and prolonged overall survival in multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Introduction AHSCT is the treatment of choice for newly diagnosed patients with transplant-eligible multiple myeloma (MM). However, considerable variability in response to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) results in only 50% of patients achieving complete response (CR) after AHSCT, which is directly associated with improved progression-free and overall survival (OS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential predictive role of selected serum miRNAs in MM patients who underwent AHSCT. Patients and methods Serum expression level of 6 miRNAs: miR-221-3p, miR-15b-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-320c, miR-361-3p, and miR-150-5p was evaluated in 51 patients who underwent AHSCT. Blood samples were collected at two time points: before conditioning chemotherapy (T1) and fourteen days after transplant (+14) (T2). Results All selected miRNAs significantly changed their expression level across the procedure- two were up-regulated after AHSCT: hsa-miR-320c (FC 1.42, p<0.0001) and hsa-miR-361-3p (FC 1.35, p=0.0168); four were down-regulated: hsa-miR-15b-5p (FC 0.53, p<0.0001), hsa-miR-221-3p (FC 0.78, p=0.0004), hsa-miR-223-3p (FC 0.74, p=0.0015) and hsa-miR-150-5p (FC 0.75, p=0.0080). Notably, before AHSCT, hsa-miR-223-3p was down-regulated in International Staging System (ISS) III patients (FC=0.76, p=0.0155), and hsa-miR-320c was up-regulated (FC=1.27, p=0.0470). These differences became non-significant after AHSCT. Eight (15.69%) patients achieved CR before AHSCT and 17 patients (33.33%) at +100 days after AHSCT. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, achievement of CR after induction and hsa-miR-223-3p at T1 were independent predictors of CR after AHSCT. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, hsa-miR-223-3p at T1 expression level was associated with prolonged OS (HR 0.06, 95%CI: 0.00 - 0.99, p=0.0488). Conclusion Serum expression of has-miR-223-3p is a predictor of CR and prolonged OS in MM patients undergoing AHSCT.
A Dual-frequency L1/E5a Galileo Test Receiver

The date is fast approaching for the first Galileo signals to be broadcast from space. In anticipation of this event, NovAtel has undertaken various Galileo related projects over the past three years. Projects have included sample level software simulations sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and a single frequency BOC(1,1) receiver prototype sponsored by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
A contour‐based topographic model for hydrological and ecological applications

Abstract A digital model for discretizing three‐dimensional terrain into small irregularly shaped polygons or elements based on contour lines and their orthogonals is described. From this subdivision the model estimates a number of topographic attributes for each element including the total upslope contributing area, element area, slope, and aspect. This form of discretization of a catchment produces natural units for problems involving water flow as either a surface or subsurface flow phenomenon. The model therefore has wide potential application for representing the three‐dimensionality of natural terrain and water flow processes in the fields of hydrology, sedimentology, and geomorphology. Three example applications are presented and discussed. They are the prediction of zones of surface saturation, the prediction of the distribution of potential daily solar radiation, and the prediction of zones of erosion and deposition in a catchment.
Efficient Free-surface Kirchhoff Modeling

The aim of this work is to introduce a new scheme to apply Kirchhoo modeling eeciently to a 2-D acoustic model with a free surface and with irregular source and receiver locations. We consider as data all the traveltimes and amplitudes of each ray connecting points below some datum depth and points over this depth. We derive a new expression for the Kirchhoo formula which uses these computed traveltimes and amplitudes only. Given accurate components, the primary reeection seismograms computed via this new approach for the Kirchhoo method is remarkably accurate and less expensive than the usual technique. We also compare Kirchhoo seismograms with those produced from the same model by nite-diierence solution of the linearized acoustic wave equation.
A Deep Learning Approach for Precision Viticulture, Assessing Grape Maturity via YOLOv7

In the viticulture sector, robots are being employed more frequently to increase productivity and accuracy in operations such as vineyard mapping, pruning, and harvesting, especially in locations where human labor is in short supply or expensive. This paper presents the development of an algorithm for grape maturity estimation in the framework of vineyard management. An object detection algorithm is proposed based on You Only Look Once (YOLO) v7 and its extensions in order to detect grape maturity in a white variety of grape (Assyrtiko grape variety). The proposed algorithm was trained using images received over a period of six weeks from grapevines in Drama, Greece. Tests on high-quality images have demonstrated that the detection of five grape maturity stages is possible. Furthermore, the proposed approach has been compared against alternative object detection algorithms. The results showed that YOLO v7 outperforms other architectures both in precision and accuracy. This work paves the way for the development of an autonomous robot for grapevine management.
Optical Hybrid Navigation and Station Keeping around Itokawa

Hayabusa has performed a proximity operation including station keeping and hovering around Itokawa. In order to navigate and to guide the spacecraft to Itokawa, it made highly use of optical hybrid navigation technique combined with the radiometric information obtained on the ground. Hayabusa is also equipped with a sophisticated autonomous navigation and guidance function including onboard image processing and the like. Although one of three reaction wheels failed in late July of 2005, and the second wheel failed in early October, we had succeeded to continue the technology demonstrations and the science observations. This paper presents how those navigation and guidance in proximity phase were carried out, showing flight results.
Seismic response of Gulf of Mexico reservoir rocks with variations in pressure and water saturation

The reservoir in this study is a massive turbidite in the Gulf of Mexico. A very generalized north-south cross-section (Figure 1) shows the three wells used in this study. Of particular importance are (1) the 2530 ft (TVD) between the top of the reservoir and the lower oil-water contact and (2) the perched water table on the south end of the structure. The discovery well (well 1) was drilled with water-based mud. Subsequent wells were drilled with synthetic oil-based mud. The importance of this lies in the variations in well-log response due to differences in invasion and physical characteristics of the mud filrate and the mud effects on dehydration of the clays. Continuous core was cut in well 3 from above the reservoir to 20 ft below the oil-water contact (300 ft). Detailed thin section work and special core analysis indicated a well sorted clean sand with a porosity of 27–29 pu and a permeability of 1–3 Darcys, which is typical of sands in the area. Figure 1. Generalized cross-section of the reservoir with the location of the wells used in this study. The three wells were drilled under 2700 ft of water and are scheduled for subsea completion with a tieback to a platform to the north. As a result, there will be very limited re-entry potential to run production or cased hole logs to monitor reservoir dynamics. The aquifer to the north is quite extensive and is believed to be able to provide adequate pressure for the production life of the reservoir. The current deep oil-water contact is quite apparent on both the raw 3-D seismic data and the inverted acoustic impedance cube. This study was undertaken to (1) better understand the variations in the sonic log responses in the reservoir and (2) determine if changes in reservoir pressure and …
Motion of Air Bubbles in a Cement Slurry

The dynamics of air (gas) bubbles in a column of cement slurry is examined numerically. The air injected at the bottom of a laboratory-scale column through a porous distributor plate spatially distributes and migrates as a swarm of bubbles throughout the slurry toward the freeboard. The two-phase system of the cement slurry and the air bubbles is modeled using the conservation equations of mass and linear momentum in the framework of the volume-of-fluid (VOF) approach. The cement slurry is modeled using the Herschel–Bulkley and Bingham fluid models. Results show that the mean Sauter diameter and the mean rise velocity of the bubbles decrease with the gas flow rate. Meanwhile, it is found that the rising of the bubbles is controlled by breakup events, along with relatively weak path instabilities of the bubbles resulting in relatively straight trajectories, independent of the gas flow rate. The extent of the yielded region appears larger for the Herschel–Bulkley model compared to the Bingham fluid model (by approximately 10%).
Redescription of Upper Devonian conodont genera and species proposed by Ulrich and Bassler in 1926

__________________________________________ Introduction. ______________________________________ Localities and geologic ages of the Ulrich and Bassler conodont collections. ______________________________ Rhinestreet Shale Member of the West Falls Formation. _____________________________________ "Hardin sandstone" of Ulrich and Bassler. ________ Gassaway Member of the Chattanooga Shale_ ______ Systematic paleontology. ____________________________ Ancyrodella Ulrich and Bassler, 1926. _____________ Ancyrognathus Branson and Mehl, 1934____________ Angulodus Huddle, 1934_________________________ Apatognathus Branson and Mehl, 1934_____________ Aphelognathus Branson, Mehl, and Branson, 1951___ Bryantodus Bassler, 1925_________________________ Diplododella Bassler, 1925_ _______________________ Hibbardella Bassler, 1925_ _______________________ Page
The Effect of Monetary Policy on Inflation in Ghana

: Ghana is working to reduce the inflation rate, which has become a burden. This study especially focuses on the short-and long-term effects of monetary policy on inflation in order to determine how it affects inflation in Ghana. The scope of the study was expanded to look at how responsive inflation is to monetary policy shocks and the relationship between monetary policy and Ghana's inflation rate. The vector error correction model was utilized as an estimation technique in the study
Glacial recession 2001-2006 and its landscape effects in the Lindströmfjellet−Håbergnuten mountain ridge, Nordenskiöld Land, Spitsbergen

The current climate warming results in a quick recession of glaciers on the north− ern slopes and valleys of the Lindstromfjellet−Habergnuten mountain ridge in Nordenskiold Land. The equilibrium line altitude has risen from c. 500-550 m in 1936 to 750 m in 2001 and c. 800 m in 2006. The slopes, almost completely glaciated during the Little Ice Age, and even in 1936, have mostly been abandoned by glaciers afterwards. The upper parts of the glaciers undergo a clear retreat diminishing their accumulative (firn) fields. The lower parts of the active glacial tongues have been transformed into marginal zones built of dead ice covered with morainic and glacifluvial deposits. The surfaces of the marginal zones are pro− gressively lowered due to ablation of dead ice. The state of the described glaciers is not bal− anced under the current climatic conditions. Thus, the landscape transformation of the mountain ridge will most certainly continue.
Bulk and Surface Electrical Properties of BiSb on Flat and Ion‐Beam Nano‐Patterned InP Substrates

One route to the improvement of thermoelectric material performance is nanostructuring. Herein, BiSb thin films are grown by molecular‐beam epitaxy on two types of InP(001) substrate: flat epiready wafer, and nano‐patterned by ion bombardment and annealing (IBA). The effects of IBA on InP substrate are presented, and the structural and electrical properties of the BiSb films are measured. BiSb films on flat substrates are highly textured with (003) orientation, while films on IBA‐patterned substrates are less well ordered with mainly (012) orientation. A simple calculation method for nonplanar Hall measurements is proposed to explain the electrical conduction in rough films. The effects of BiSb film texture, roughness, and thickness on carrier density and mobility are provided. Sheet carrier density is independent of thickness at 77 K, which suggests conduction via surface states. Topological protection of such states may support nano‐patterning as a route to reducing thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical conductivity.
Spatial simulation modelling of land use/land cover change scenarios in northeastern Thailand: a cellular automata approach

The cultivation of upland field crops, primarily cassava and sugar cane, in Nang Rong district, northeast Thailand, beginning in the mid- to late 1960s, has helped transform a once forest-dominated landscape to one dominated by agriculture. Today, paddy rice is cultivated throughout the lowlands, field crops and a fragmented forest matrix comprise the uplands, and fruit trees, rubber plantations, and vegetable gardens are among the crops dispersed around nuclear villages. Distributed along a topographic terrace system, upland and lowland crops are cultivated relative to environmental and economic opportunities and geographic access, although crops grown in marginal settings may not be sustainable. Relying upon a remote sensing image time-series, a longitudinal social survey, and GIS coverages, a cellular automata (CA) model is described that is used to characterize land use and land cover (LULC) change patterns through specified initial conditions, neighbourhood associations, and transition or growth rules. Results of four scenarios or experiments are described that perturb the base LULC change model of cassava, forest, and rice by imposing production quotas in the cultivation of cassava. Derived for the period 1972–2001, CA model results for the scenarios are compared to a time-series of Landsat satellite classifications of LULC using images of simulation runs and plots that describe trends in the composition and spatial organisation of cassava, forest, and rice for each scenario. Results are interpreted within a population-environment context in which people, place, and environment are integrated in complex ways. The demise of forest at the expense of expanded lowland paddy rice and upland field crops is a central story of the region. Quotas on the production of cassava alter the trajectories of forest change and result in more consolidated forest stands over the period of the simulations. Cassava consolidation and in-filling in the extensive uplands of the southwest portion of Nang Rong district is a persistent outcome of the simulations for the various scenarios tested.
The Status of Creative Teaching in Medical Classes and Solutions for its Promotion

Background: Nowadays, creativity is emphasized in different aspects of teaching and learning. Different educational conditions, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have directed attention to this issue. Objectives: The current study was an attempt to investigate creative teaching behaviors in medical classrooms and propose solutions for its promotion. Methods: This mixed-method study was conducted at the Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (2020 - 2021). It was conducted in two phases, including quantitative (to determine the status quo) and qualitative (to provide solutions for its promotion). In the quantitative phase, 168 students were selected by simple random sampling. The data collection instrument was a standard creative teaching questionnaire. The qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and parametric tests. Results: The mean scores of creative teachings in higher-grade classes were significantly higher (P = 0.001). The highest mean score was reported for the fourth year (204.6 ± 0.58). The fourth-year students also had the highest mean scores in each component compared to other years. Except for the freedom component, the highest score was related to the third-year students (21.42 ± 0.89). In the qualitative phase, the strategies were classified into two categories: developing software factors (3 subcategories) and upgrading and developing hardware factors (2 subcategories). Conclusions: According to the current study, a creative class will provide an appropriate environment for fostering creativity in students. Therefore, the use of appropriate instructional designs and motivational models that are compatible with the educational environment can be a suitable strategy.
Veterans Treatment Courts: An Exploratory Analysis of the Effect of Veteran Mentors

Few studies have investigated the effect of mentorship on participants’ clinical or criminal justice outcomes in veterans treatment courts (VTCs). This study is an exploratory analysis of a VTC in Hillsborough County, Florida. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine behavioral health changes between baseline and follow-up and compare participants with/without a mentor. Post hoc analyses explored the effect of mentorship on graduation and re-arrest rates. Participants with a mentor had significant improvements in mental health, trauma, substance use, and social support; and significantly higher levels of positive social interaction than those without a mentor. Mentor status was not meaningfully related to graduation and re-arrest rates in bivariate analyses, but post hoc analyses found that social support mediated the relationship between mentor satisfaction and re-arrest and graduation rates.