Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary study of CO2 variations at Amsterdam Island (Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises)

The preliminary measurements of atmospheric CO2 concentrations performed at Amsterdam Island between April and the end of 1980 showed two kinds of short-term variations. The first one, attributed to local effects of the photosynthesis of the island vegetation, does not seem considerably to affect the monthly mean CO2 concentrations. The second one has been attributed to long range transport phenomena. That corresponds to large scale meteorological perturbations and generally is correlated with variations of the atmospheric radon concentrations. Therefore, the existence of regional CO2 sources and sinks in the southern hemisphere can be felt at a very large distance. Consequently, isolated measurements of geographical gradients, could correspond to a transitory situation and should not be utilized for the determination of these sources and sinks.
A weak convergence approach to large deviations for stochastic approximations

Large deviations for stochastic approximations is a well-studied field that yields convergence properties for many useful algorithms in statistics, machine learning and statistical physics. In this article, we prove, under certain assumptions, a large deviation principle for a stochastic approximation with state-dependent Markovian noise and with decreasing step size. Common algorithms that satisfy these conditions include stochastic gradient descent, persistent contrastive divergence and the Wang-Landau algorithm. The proof is based on the weak convergence approach to the theory of large deviations and uses a representation formula to rewrite the problem into a stochastic control problem. The resulting rate function is an action potential over a local rate function that is the Fenchel-Legendre transform of a limiting Hamiltonian.
HEC‐RPT — Software for Facilitating Development of River Management Alternatives

The Regime Prescription Tool (RPT) is a software program designed to help groups of scientists, engineers, and water managers access hydrologic data and draft flow recommendations while formulating different ways to manage rivers. It is a communications tool and contributes in the early stages of planning by formalizing ideas and expert knowledge into a structure easily visualized and considered in more detailed analytical tools. Applying RPT helps organize and focus group conversations that seek to create consensus‐based alternatives for water management. This paper introduces the software and its role in water resources planning. An RPT application used in the definition of environmental flows for the McKenzie River, Oregon, USA, is presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A GIS network analysis for the City of Stockholm

This thesis study assesses the accessibility of green spaces with recreational values in Stockholm. Urban green spaces are considered beneficial for human well-being and for mitigating the negative effects of climate change and increased urbanisation. However, the specific social values that green spaces can provide are often overlooked in green space policies, which tend to focus on proximity and size. Access to urban green spaces with the four specific recreational values greenery, play, tranquillity, and walks, was assessed using a network analysis based on a sociotope map that indicates the social value of all public green spaces in Stockholm. Moreover, the accomplishments of the city's greenery goals have been examined. The study has identified differences in accessibility between areas with different qualities and identified focus areas that require improvements. Differentiation between the qualities has led to more accurate information about the accessibility of green spaces. It can provide a basis for more effective measurement to improve accessibility in the municipality. Since the method is tied to the sociotope map as a data basis, further research is needed to make the method applicable to other municipalities. Moreover, the results can be applied in multi-criteria analyses of urban development scenarios to incorporate the social significance of green spaces and user perspectives into planning practices.
Three-dimensional Structure and Kinematics of the Piedras-Girardot Fold Belt: Surface Expression of Transpressional Deformation in the Northern Andes

This paper presents a new kinematic model for the structure and tectonic evolution of part of the northern Andes of Colombia based on detailed geologic mapping, strain analysis, seismic interpretation, and 3-D forward modeling. This model indicates that the oblique convergence vector imposed by the Caribbean Plate is not fully partitioned in space, but instead must be distributed in a diffuse zone of transpressional deformation spanning the Cordilleras Oriental and Central. The Piedras-Girardot fold belt, located between the two cordilleras, contains the termination of two regional scale structures of the northern Andes: the Ibagu fault and the Guaduas syncline. The Ibagu fault, with a minimum dextral displacement of 30 km, is the southern boundary of a rigid indenter that was inserted to the east-northeast, causing contrasting deformation styles in the Mesozoic sedimentary sequence to the east and to the south of it. South of the rigid indenter, a complex array of diverging north- to northeast-trending faults and folds delineate a sigmoidal stepover to the left with faults verging outwardly in opposite directions that define the Piedras-Girardot fold belt. The kinematics of deformation indicate that this fold belt is a dextral transpressional system where oblique contraction is accommodated along north- and northwest-trending segments of faults, dextral strike-slip along their northeast-trending segments, and extension along the east-trending faults. This doubly vergent system has northwest-verging thrust faults with oblique displacements approximately parallel to the Ibagu fault (17-km Cambao fault; 7-km Camaito fault), as well as a southeast-verging roof thrust with approximately 8 km of oblique displacement to the east-northeast (Cotomal fault). A geometric fit constrained with a stratigraphic piercing point also requires counterclockwise rotation of the easternmost two thrust sheets by 7 and 13. A three-dimensionally admissible and valid palinspastic restoration of this fold belt requires approximately 52% east-northeast contraction (about 32 km), which is consistent with the minimum displacement of the Ibagu fault and other estimates of shortening in the eastern margin of the Cordillera Oriental. This component of deformation had not been previously identified and quantified in the northern Andes.
Isolation of partial β-tubulin gene from Balakka (Phyllanthus emblica L.)

Balakka is a medicinal plant with the ability to thrive in arid environments. Despite its potential, Balakka has not been fully utilized in Indonesia due to a lack of information about the plant, including the β-tubulin gene. The β-tubulin gene is a crucial gene in living organisms, frequently used as an internal control or as one of the housekeeping genes that maintain stable expression throughout development. The objective of this study was to isolate and determine the sequence of the β-tubulin gene in Balakka (Phyllanthus emblica L.). Total RNA was extracted from Balakka and converted into cDNA, which was then amplified using β-tubulinG primers. The amplification resulted in a fragment of 252 bp. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a 92% nucleotide similarity with the β-tubulin gene 5 of Ricinus communis, and the fragment was referred to as the partial β-tubulin gene from Phyllanthus emblica (PeTUB). A phylogenetic relationship analysis based on the nucleotide sequence indicated that the partial PeTUB gene grouped with β-tubulin gene 5 from other plants in GenBank, with a genetic distance of 0.082.
Recent Trends on MOSFET based Cascode Current Mirrors: An Analytical Survey

To produce copy of current flowing through active devices, from one end to other end of the circuit, current mirrors (CM) are used irrespective of loading effect. It’s indispensable part of an analog and mixed signal system including wide range of applications. In this paper various cascode current mirror circuits such as, an ultra-high compliance current mirror with low power consumption, a CM with extensive swing, a self-biased CM, and quasi-floating CM circuits are analyzed which includes: speed, power, input and output resistance, bandwidth etc. The comparison shows that ultra-high compliance cascode current mirror utilizes low voltage with relatively high frequency response and consumes less power while super cascode configuration is a good choice to obtain high output impedance for better performance, whereas quasi-floating gate MOS current mirror with resistive compensation can be used to enhance the circuit bandwidth. The various circuits are designed at 250 nm, 180 nm, and 130 nm CMOS technologies for justification of performance.
Energy Harvesting Using Piezoelectric Materials

The need for new energy sources has been growing as a result of the rise in energy consumption and the depletion of non-renewable energy sources. One such method is the use of piezoelectric sensors, which can provide valuable electrical energy by converting mechanical stress into electric potential when pressure is applied to the sensors. The main challenges in designing the system are selection of the materials to be used, environmental that it is being used the type of pressure being applied are all the factors that play vital role in the result. Thus, all these factors should be taken into consideration while developing the system. A sophisticated simulator was used to create the system’s proportions and shape. The system’s chosen model is unimorph; to create potential, a force is applied to the surface. For the harvester to provide output electric potential, the pressure applied needs to be dynamic (i.e., continually changing). The rectified voltage can be used to power electronics, recharge batteries, or store energy in capacitors.
Low‐water maps of the groundwater table in the central Amazon by satellite altimetry

Groundwater plays a fundamental role in rainforest environments, as it is connected with rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and helps to support wildlife habitat during dry periods. Groundwater reservoirs are however excessively difficult to monitor, especially in large and remote areas. Using concepts from groundwater‐surface water interactions and ENVISAT altimetry data, we evaluated the topography of the groundwater table during low‐water periods in the alluvial plain of the central Amazon. The water levels are monitored using an unprecedented coverage of 491 altimetric stations over surface waters in the central Amazon. The groundwater table maps interpolated at spatial resolutions ranging from 50 to 100 km are consistent with groundwater wells data. They provide evidence of significant spatiotemporal organization at regional scale: heterogeneous flow from the hillslope toward the main rivers is observed, as well as strong memory effects and contrasted hydrological behaviors between the North and the South of the Amazon.
Identification of qPCR reference genes suitable for normalising gene expression in the developing mouse embryo [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Background : Progression through mammalian embryogenesis involves many interacting cell types and multiple differentiating cell lineages. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of gene expression in the developing embryo is a valuable tool for deciphering these processes, but normalisation to stably-expressed reference genes is essential for such analyses. Gene expression patterns change globally and dramatically as embryonic development proceeds, rendering identification of consistently appropriate reference genes challenging. Methods : We have investigated expression stability in mouse embryos from mid to late gestation (E11.5–E18.5), both at the whole-embryo level, and within the head and forelimb specifically, using 15 candidate reference genes ( ACTB, 18S, SDHA, GAPDH, HTATSF1, CDC40, RPL13A, CSNK2A2, AP3D1, HPRT1, CYC1, EIF4A, UBC, B2M and PAK1IP1 ), and four complementary algorithms (geNorm, Normfinder, Bestkeeper and deltaCt). Results : Unexpectedly, all methods suggest that many genes within our candidate panel are acceptable references, though AP3D1 , RPL13A and PAK1IP1 are the strongest performing genes overall. HPRT1 and B2M are conversely poor choices, and show strong developmental regulation. We further show that normalisation using our three highest-scoring references can reveal subtle patterns of developmental expression even In this manuscript, the authors tried to identify the stably expressed genes as normalizing controls in E11.5-E18.5 mouse embryos for future studies. It is interesting and important for some researchers. This study validates potential reference genes for gene expression studies in the developing mouse embryo from E11.5 to E18.5. Authors investigated expression of 15 candidate genes in whole embryos, heads and forelimbs, and suggested AP3D1 , RPL13A and PAK1IP1 as the most suitable ones for normalising gene expression in the developing mouse embryo. The manuscript is overall well written and structured, the methods are transparent, however there are several points that must be considered before indexing: Abstract: "Unexpectedly, all methods suggest that many genes within our candidate panel are acceptable references, though AP3D1 , RPL13A and PAK1IP1 are the strongest performing genes overall. HPRT1 and B2M are conversely poor choices and show strong developmental regulation. We further show that normalization using our three highest-scoring references can reveal subtle patterns of developmental expression even in genes ostensibly ranked as acceptably stable ( CDC40 , HTATSF1 ). " Rather than saying here that HPRT1 and B2M are conversely poor choices (in general, we are not interested in what is the poor choice, but what is the best choice), I would say which genes performed best specifically for the overall embryo level and specifically for head and forelimbs, because some future studies might focus only on head or forelimbs.
Performance of Vegetative Treatment Systems for CAFOs in a northern subhumid climate

Abstract. A vegetative treatment system (VTS) may be a viable alternative to a basin for controlling and managing feedlot runoff. The objective of this research was to measure the performance of a VTS for controlling runoff from two feedlots. Each VTS consisted of a solids settling basin and a vegetative treatment area (VTA). The inlet to the VTA was actively controlled at each site. Rainfall and VTA inflow were measured at each site. Short crop reference evapotranspiration (ET o ) was used as an estimate of VTA ET c . Total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were measured in samples of the VTA inflow. Total nitrogen, nitrate-N, and Olsen P were measured in soil samples collected from the VTA near the end of each monitoring season. Biomass yield in the VTA was measured and N and P concentrations were measured in the harvested biomass. Three of the six site-years had above-average rainfall and provided strong tests of the VTS. There were no surface water releases at either site during any of the monitoring periods. Phosphorus accumulated in the top 0.6 m of the soil profile. Total N and nitrate-N contents in the soil varied from year to year but did not accumulate. Harvested biomass removed some N and P each year but much more was added to the VTA in the inflow water. These results show that a well-designed and well-managed VTS can be a viable system for managing feedlot runoff and can prevent surface water release.
Late Carboniferous-Permian tectonics and magmatic activity in the Skagerrak, Kattegat and the North Sea

Abstract This study focuses on Late Carboniferous-Permian tectonics and related magmatic activity in NW Europe, and specifically in the Skagerrak, Kattegat and North Sea areas. Special attention is paid to the distribution of intrusives and extrusives in relation to rift-wrench geometries. A large database consisting of seismic and well data has been assembled and analysed to constrain these objectives. The continuation of the Oslo Graben into the Skagerrak has been a starting point for this regional study. Rift structures (with characteristic half-graben geometries) and the distribution of magmatic rocks (intrusives and extrusives) were mapped using integrated analyses of seismic and potential field data. For the analysis of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone and the North Sea, seismic and well data were used. The rift structures in the Skagerrak can be linked with extensional structures in the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone in which similar fault geometries have been observed. Both in the Skagerrak and in the Kattegat, lava sequences were erupted that generally parallel the underlying Lower Palaeozoic strata. This volcanic episode, therefore, pre-dates main fault movements and the development of half-grabens filled with Permian volcaniclastic material. Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian extrusives and intrusives have also been found in wells in the Kattegat, Jutland and the North Sea (Horn and Central grabens). Especially in the latter area, the dense seismic and well coverage has allowed us to map out similar Upper Palaeozoic geometries, although the presence of salt often conceals the seismic image of the underlying strata and structures. From the results, it is assumed that the pre-Jurassic structures below large parts of the Norwegian-Danish Basin and northwards into the Stord Basin on the Horda Platform belong to the same tectonic system.
Optimal targeting of interventions uses estimated risk of infectiousness to control a pandemic with minimal collateral damage

In this paper, we present a simple model that shows how to optimally target interventions based on the estimated risk of infectiousness of individuals. Our model can help policymakers decide when to use different types of interventions during a pandemic, depending on their precision, which is the fraction of positive predictions that are true positives. We show that targeted interventions, even with very low precision, can impose a much smaller overall burden on the population than non-targeted alternatives, such as lockdowns or mass testing. To illustrate this, we use data from the NHS contact tracing system in the UK to construct a risk function based on second degree contact tracing, which is similar to the strategy used by Vietnam in 2020. We find that with moderate precision (greater than 1/1000) and sufficient sensitivity (greater than 1-1/R0), countries can cope with a large number of imported cases without resorting to social distancing measures, while keeping the per-person probabilities of both infection and quarantine very low. We also show that targeted strategies are often orders of magnitude better than default strategies, making them robustly beneficial even under significant uncertainty about most parameters.
Improvement of PM2.5 analysis by using AOT and lidar data

Concentration of suspended particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is a representative parameter of air quality. Simultaneous measurements of PM2.5 and the column aerosol optical thickness (AOT) have been performed at a NASA/AERONET station, Higashi-Osaka, Japan since March 2004. They successfully provide a linear correlation between PM2.5 and AOT. A Mie scattering lidar instrument was deployed at the same observational site in April, 2008. It provides us with the attenuated backscattering coefficients of aerosols at wavelengths of 0.532 and 1.064 μm, which indicate the vertical distribution of aerosols. This work intends to improve the correlation between AOT and PM2.5 by using the measurements of lidar.
Parameterization of PAR vertical profile within horizontally uniform forest canopies for use in environmental modeling

The radiation transfer within the forest canopy plays crucial role in energy balance and turbulent transfer processes. Objective of this study is to suggest a new relation for vertical profile of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in case of horizontally uniform forest canopy. It is based on (i) the Lambert‐Beer law relationship and (ii) new parameterization of leaf area density (LAD) profile. We have supposed that absorption coefficient μ varies with height and depends on LAD distribution. To check validity of the relation proposed, we have compared calculated values with the observations using data sets assimilated during Anglo‐Brazilian Amazonian Climate Observation Study experiment at two observational sites located in Reserva Jaru and Reserva Ducke (Brazil) with different types of forest. Among all available measurements, 615 profiles observed between 08 and 18 local mean time for 72 days at 2 locations were selected. For comparison study, two more profiles based on constant‐ and variable‐LAD approximation were introduced. Obtained results indicate that suggested relation: (i) well reproduces PAR profile within the forest in comparison with observations and (ii) shows better agreement with observations in comparison with two other profiles used in this study.
Orally administered Chinese herbal therapy to assist post-surgical recovery for chronic rhinosinusitis—A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to: assess the effectiveness and safety of orally administered Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) as adjuncts to the post-surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS); inform clinicians of the current evidence; identify the best available evidence; and suggest directions for further research. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from searches of nine databases plus clinical trial registries. Participants were adults and/or children diagnosed with sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, who had received surgery. Interventions were CHMs used orally following surgery for CRS as additions to conventional post-surgical management. Controls received conventional post-surgical management without CHMs. Studies reported results for Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT), visual analogue scales (VAS), Lund-Mackay computed tomography score (LM), Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (LK), mucociliary transport time (MTT), mucociliary transport rate (MTR), mucociliary clearance (MC) or quality of life (QoL). Twenty-one RCTs were included. All used oral CHMs following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The pooled results showed no significant difference between groups for SNOT-20 at the end of treatment (EoT) but there was a significant difference at follow up (FU) in favour of additional CHMs. The VAS for total nasal symptoms (VAS-TNS) showed greater improvements in the CHM groups at EoT and FU. Only FU data were reported for LM which showed greater improvement in the CHM groups. LK showed greater improvements at EoT and FU. The measures of mucociliary transport (MTT, MTR, and MC) each showed significantly greater improvement at EoT in the group that received additional CHMs. No study reported QoL. Adverse events were not serious, but reporting was incomplete. The meta-analyses suggested the addition of oral CHMs to conventional management following FESS may improve recovery. However, most studies were not blinded, and substantial heterogeneity was evident in some meta-analyses. Blinded studies are required to further investigate the roles of oral CHMs in post-surgical recovery. Systematic review registration number: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019119586).