Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The pollen stratigraphy of a dated section of Late Pleistocene lake sediment from central Alberta

A 5.5 m section of limnic sediment from Lofty Lake in the Mixedwood Section of the Boreal Forest in central Alberta has yielded the first complete Late Pleistocene pollen stratigraphy for the province. The basal organic sediment was radiocarbon dated at 11 400 ± 190 y (GSC-1049) and a layer of Mount Mazama type ash was recognized at the 398 cm level. This represents the furthest extension into Canada of Mazama ash records. Five pollen assemblage zones have been identified—at the base, a Populus – Salix – Shepherdia – Artemisia assemblage, which is unique in the Late Pleistocene of N. America, and is interpreted as a pioneer forest and shrub community which occupied the area immediately following deglaciation. This is succeeded by a spruce dominated assemblage which conforms in general to many early Late Pleistocene Picea assemblages from western Canada and adjacent United States, interpreted as a pioneering version of the boreal forest. There follows a tree birch-dominated assemblage with poplar and hazel.
Effects of Rainfall and Ground‐Water Pumping on Streamflow in Mākaha, O’ahu, Hawai’i 1

Abstract: Land‐use/land‐cover changes in Mākaha valley have included the development of agriculture, residential dwellings, golf courses, potable water supply facilities, and the introduction of alien species. The impact of these changes on surface water and ground water resources in the valley is of concern. In this study, streamflow, rainfall, and ground‐water pumping data for the upper part of the Mākaha valley watershed were evaluated to identify corresponding trends and relationships. The results of this study indicate that streamflow declined during the ground‐water pumping period. Mean and median annual streamflow have declined by 42% (135 mm) and 56% (175 mm), respectively, and the mean number of dry stream days per year has increased from 8 to 125. Rainfall across the study area appears to have also declined though it is not clear whether the reduction in rainfall is responsible for all or part of the observed streamflow decline. Mean annual rainfall at one location in the study area declined by 14% (179 mm) and increased by 2% (48 mm) at a second location. Further study is needed to assess the effect of ground‐water pumping and to characterize the hydrologic cycle with respect to rainfall, infiltration, ground‐water recharge and flow in the study area, and stream base flow and storm flow.
Effect of Ultraviolet Irradiation on Vitamin D in Commonly Consumed Mushrooms in Thailand

This study examined the effect and stability of ultraviolet B (UV-B) irradiation and subsequent cooking on vitamin D content in commonly consumed mushrooms in Thailand. Eight varieties of mushrooms were exposed to two-sided UV-B lamps for up to 3 h in a patented cabinet, followed by vitamin D content analysis. Thereafter, the four mushroom varieties with the highest vitamin D content were exposed to UV irradiation, cooked, and analyzed for various forms of vitamin D using LC-MS-MS. The results showed that vitamin D2 in all varieties of mushrooms significantly increased (p < 0.05) after UV-B irradiation according to the exposure time. The highest level of vitamin D2 was found in enokitake mushrooms. In addition, 25-OH D2 and vitamin D4 contents increased after UV-B irradiation in enokitake mushrooms. The vitamin D2 true retention in all cooked mushrooms ranged from 53 to 89% and was highest in stir-fried mushrooms. With economic investment, the two-sided UV-B cabinet has the potential to increase the vitamin D content in commercial mushroom production.
Application of Improved Q-Learning Algorithm in Dynamic Path Planning for Aircraft at Airports

Guiding and controlling aircraft within an airport is a decision-making process based on safety and efficiency in a highly dynamic and stochastic environment. Currently, many airports rely on manual monitoring and command to provide appropriate taxiing paths for aircraft. With the increasing complexity of airport structures and flight volumes, there is a need for an algorithm that can autonomously search for the shortest taxiing paths while satisfying the specific taxiing regulations and maintaining safe separations between aircraft in a dynamic scenario. We propose an improved approach based on the Q-Learning algorithm, a reinforcement learning method, to provide taxiing path guidance for aircraft. The Q-Learning algorithm exhibits adaptability in dynamic and stochastic environments. However, the traditional Q-Learning algorithm lacks the iteration stability and computational efficiency required in high-dynamic scenarios, and the shortest paths found often fail to meet the requirements due to the specific regulations of airport control. We first make three improvements to the Q-Learning algorithm to address these challenges. These improvements include optimizing Q-table exploration, resetting initial Q-table values, and introducing a dynamic exploration factor to enhance the algorithm’s computational efficiency and accuracy. We also incorporate conflict avoidance strategies related to civil aviation regulations to ensure that the final path adheres to airport control regulations. Finally, we validate the fused and improved algorithm in a gridded airport environment model. Compared to traditional methods, the results demonstrate that the improved algorithm provides more efficient taxiing guidance for aircraft while ensuring operational safety. Furthermore, the algorithm strategically avoids conflicts with other moving aircraft, thereby increasing the utilization of airport taxiing resources.
Use of etorphine hydrochloride for immobilisation of Nubian giraffe for wire snare removal: a retrospective study

high incidence of reported complications, including mortality during giraffe immobilisations, there is a need for developing and refining techniques and sharing information to facilitate widespread application. This retrospective study utilised immobilisation data acquired during wire snare removals from 80 Nubian giraffe induced with intramuscular etorphine hydrochloride. Recorded data included age (adult, subadult), sex, estimated weight, body condition score, induction and reversal drug dosage, induction time, quality of induction, duration of the procedure, time to reversal administration, and snare wound characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences between males and females for induction quality ( p > 0.99), induction time ( p = 0.72), and procedure time ( p = 0.18). No significant differences were noted between adults and subadults for induction quality ( p = 0.16) and procedure time ( p = 0.35). There was a significant difference in induction time between adults (7.58 ± 0.42 minutes) and subadults (5.65 ± 0.56 minutes) ( p < 0.01). On average, adults received 12.4 mg etorphine while subadults received 11.6 mg. Wound severity did not have a significant impact on induction quality. No mortality was observed. Based on these data, etorphine hydrochloride, followed by rapid reversal, was safe for induction of Nubian giraffe presenting for snare removal and should be considered in similar circumstances.
Two Methods For Measuring Internal Velocity OfDebris Flows In The Laboratory

The velocity of debris flows is a very important parameter for debris flow research and design of debris flow control works. The velocity of debris flows can be divided into surface velocity and internal velocity. The surface velocity of debris flows has been researched widely while the internal velocity is minimally researched because there is no available method for measuring internal velocity. In this paper, we developed two methods for measuring the internal velocity of debris flows in laboratory. One method is using impact pressure detecting, and the other is using shear forces detecting. In the former method, the internal velocity is calculated by the impact pressure detected by pressure sensors according to the relationship between velocity and kinetic pressure. In the later method, the internal velocity is calculated using the distance between two detecting sections and the time difference between the two waveforms of shear forces measured at both sections.
Tropical-extratropical cloudband climatology based on satellite data

A global tropical-extratropical cloudband (TECB) climatology, using a clear definition of TECBs, and based on NOAA IR satellite imagery for the period 1979–1983, is presented. It is shown that on a global scale we can distinguish between 14 different TECBs, seven of them in each hemisphere. The cross-correlations of the TECB frequency anomalies with tropical pressure and sea-surface temperature anomalies indicate that the activity of these phenomena can respond strongly to tropical forcing from different parts of the world. Whereas only 10 TECBs show a significant response in their activity to the Southern Oscillation, the frequency anomalies of all 14 TECBs correlate significantly with other pressure anomaly indices.
Interpretive Qualitative Evaluation Informs Research Participation and Advocacy Training Program for Seniors: A Pilot Study

Background: An 8-week educational intervention co-taught by medical students and faculty was designed to foster communication between clinical researchers and populations of interest to ultimately increase participation in clinical research by older adults, including underrepresented groups. Weekly topics focused on age-related changes and health conditions, socio-contextual factors impacting aging populations, and wellness strategies. Objectives: To evaluate the successes and weaknesses of an educational intervention aimed at increasing the participation of older adults in clinical research. Design: A focus group was assembled after an 8-week educational intervention, titled DREAMS, to obtain participants’ feedback on the program, following a pre-formulated interview guide. Settings: Participants were interviewed in a health center office environment in the United States of America in April of 2016. Participants: A post-intervention focus group was conducted with a group of eight older adults (mean age = 75.8 ± 11.4 years) from 51 total participants who completed the intervention. Methods: The focus group was interviewed loosely following a pre-formed question guide. Participants were encouraged to give honest feedback. The conversation was recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analyses. Results: While participants viewed most aspects of the study as a success and stated that it was a productive learning experience, most participants had suggestions for improvements in the program content and implementation. Specifically, the composition of and direction to small breakout groups should be carefully considered and planned in this population, and attention should be paid to the delivery of sensitive topic such as death and dementia. A clear main benefit of this programmatic approach is the development of a rapport amongst participants and between participants and clinical researchers. Conclusions: The results provide useful insights regarding improving participation among hard-to-reach and historically underrepresented groups of older adults in clinical research. Future iterations of this program and similar educational interventions can use these findings to better achieve the programmatic objectives.
Geology and Mineralization at the Dajing Tin‐polymetallic Ore Deposit, Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract: Dajing is a large‐scale tin–polymetallic ore deposit in north China with Sn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, and minor elements such as Co and In. The deposit is controlled by a passage‐host structure system. Two groups of NE direction faults such as F2 and F1 are characterized by sinistral and multiphase activities, and the syn‐ore NE faults with their derivative faults nearly in N‐S direction constitute an important structure system as channelway for ore fluid. Around F2 fault (mineralization center), metallic elements display horizontal zoning outwards from Sn, Cu to Cu, Sn, Pb, Zn, Ag and to Pb, Zn, Ag. Controlled by sinistral pull‐apart vein system, the WNW direction host structure yielded the ore vein to “W” shape on horizontal plan while to staircase shape on vertical profile. Multiperiodic activities of the host structures system lead to multistage of ore mineralization. Four mineralization stages are recognized in the main mineralization, i.e. 1) cassiterite–arsenopyrite–quartz stage, 2) cassiterite‐sulfide (or Cu–poly–metallic mineralization) stage, 3) massive pyrite stage, and 4) galena‐sphalerite stage. Besides, fluid activities are identified here at the pre‐mineral stage of the formation of quartz veins and sheared deformation, and at the post‐mineral stage of quartz–calcite–fluorite deposition.
Atmospheric aerosol characterization combining multi-wavelength Raman lidar and MAX-DOAS measurements in Gwanjgu

Integrated approach has been adopted at the ADvanced Environmental Research Center (ADEMRC), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Korea for effective monitoring of atmospheric aerosol. Various active and passive optical remote sensing techniques such as multi-wavelength (3β+2α+1δ) Raman LIDAR, sun-photometry, MAX-DOAS, and satellite retrieval have been utilized. This integrated monitoring system approach combined with in-situ surface measurement is to allow better characterization of physical and optical properties of atmospheric aerosol. Information on the vertical distribution and microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosol is important for understanding its transport characteristics as well as radiative effect. The GIST multi-wavelength (3β + 2α+1δ) Raman lidar system can measure vertical profiles of optical properties of atmospheric aerosols such as extinction coefficients at 355 and 532nm, particle backscatter coefficients at 355, 532 and 1064 nm, and depolarization ratio at 532nm. The incomplete overlap between the telescope field-of-view and beam divergence of the transmitting laser significantly affects lidar measurement, resulting in higher uncertainty near the surface where atmospheric aerosols of interest are concentrated. Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) technique is applied as a complementary tool for the detection of atmospheric aerosols near the surface. The passive Multi-Axis DOAS (MAX-DOAS) technique uses scattered sunlight as a light source from several viewing directions. Recently developed aerosol retrieval algorithm based on O4 slant column densities (SCDs) measured at UV and visible wavelengths has been utilized to derive aerosol information (e.g., aerosol optical depth (AOD) and aerosol extinction coefficients (AECs)) in the lower troposphere. The aerosol extinction coefficient at 356 nm was retrieved for the 0-1 and 1-2 km layers based on the MAX-DOAS measurements using the retrieval algorithm. Ground-based measurements of tropospheric aerosol using multi-wavelength Raman lidar system and a mobile MAX-DOAS system had been carried out at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST). To evaluate the performance of the integrated measurement system (Lidar + MAX-DOAS), an aerosol retrieval method called STAR (satellite aerosol retrieval) has been applied to compare the satellite AOD products with those based on the Raman lidar and MAX-DOAS measurements. It allows complete monitoring of atmospheric aerosols' vertical profiles for better estimation of their radiative effects on atmospheric environment and climate change.
THE NEAR-FIELD LOVE WAVES BY THE EXACT RAY METHOD

We have synthesized near-field Love waves by the exact ray method. The near-field Love waves are defined, in the present paper, as long-period seismic SH waves, which consist of waves reflected and/or refracted a small number of times at shallow boundaries in the crust such as the Mohorovicic and Conrad discontinuities. The long-period records obtained at the Abuyama Seismological Observatory of Kyoto University (φ-N85°W, Δ-301km) at the time of the Off-Izu-Peninsula earthquake of May 9, 1974 (M=6.8 after JMA) have been analyzed. As the Abuyama station is located almost west of the epicenter, the NS component seismogram of the records scarcely includes any seismic waves other than Love waves (SH waves). By comparing the NS record with the synthesized near-field Love waves, we have identified the first three longperiod (15-20 seconds) predominant phases on the record with head S waves, direct S waves and the S waves totally reflected once at the Moho. A method is proposed for determining an average S wave velocity structure by fitting peak-arrivals of some of the characterized phases of the synthesized near-field Love waves to those of the record. By applying this method, we have obtained the structure along the south coast of the Tokai district in central Japan with a satisfactory accuracy: the thickness of the crust is 30±5km, the S wave velocity in the crust and upper mantle are 3.5±0.05km/sec and 4.6-4.7km/sec, respectively. The lowest crustal layer with P wave velocities of 6.6-6.8km/sec may not exist or may be thin if it exists. We have also synthesized the normal mode Love waves and compared them with the near-field Love waves synthesized by the exact ray method. The agreement is excellent except for the head wave portion.
Surface water temperature changes in the high latitudes of the southern hemisphere over the Last Glacial‐Interglacial Cycle

A set of numerical equations is developed to estimate past sea surface temperatures (SST) from fossil Antarctic diatoms. These equations take into account both the biogeographic distribution and experimentally derived silica dissolution. The data represent a revision and expansion of a floral data base used previously and includes samples resulting from progressive opal dissolution experiments. Factor analysis of 166 samples (124 Holocene core top and 42 artificial samples) resolved four factors. Three of these factors depend on the water mass distribution (one Subantarctic and two Antarctic assemblages); factor 4 corresponds to a “dissolution assemblage”. Inclusion of this factor in the data analysis minimizes the effect of opal dissolution on the assemblages and gives accurate estimates of SST over a wide range of biosiliceous dissolution. A transfer function (DTF 166/34/4) is derived from the distribution of these factors versus summer SST. Its standard error is ± 1°C in the −1 to +10 °C summer temperature range. This transfer function is used to estimate SST changes in two southern ocean cores (43°S and 55°S) which cover the last climatic cycle. The time scale is derived from the changes in foraminiferal oxygen and carbon isotopic ratios. The reconstructed SST records present strong analogies with the air temperature record over Antarctica at the Vostok site, derived from changes in the isotopic ratio of the ice. This similarity may be used to compare the oceanic isotope stratigraphy and the Vostok time scale derived from ice flow model. The oceanic time scale, if taken at face value, would indicate that large changes in ice accumulation rates occurred between warm and cold periods.
Reduced tillage systems as economical dust mitigation strategies

Arizona is one of the first states in the nation to regulate agricultural practices in order to reduce dust emissions near urban areas. This best management practice program requires dust mitigation actions in some combination of tillage and harvest, cropland, and noncropland activities. Single pass multiple operation equipment represents a viable best management practice to reduce dust emissions from agricultural tillage operations. Partial budgeting and contingent valuation methods were used to estimate the potential profitability and willingness-to-adopt reduced tillage equipment, respectively. At $39 to $64 ha-1 ($16 to $26 ac-1) in long-term net benefits associated with single pass multiple operation equipment, we estimate that adoption will occur on approximately 10% to 35% of the cotton hectares. However, uncertainty over operating costs and yield variability associated with single pass multiple operation equipment may reduce this rate of adoption. As a result, most dust mitigation may occur through the reduction of the number of conventional tillage operations due to global competitive pressures and the urbanization of agricultural lands.
Development of the Norwegian diet index and the Norwegian lifestyle index and evaluation in a national survey

Background Dietary and lifestyle indices are composite tools that are used to estimate risk of health outcomes. Objective We aimed to develop a diet and a lifestyle index assessing adherence to the national guidelines in Norway, and to investigate adherence in a nationwide survey of healthy subjects (Norkost3). Design Cut-off values for the indices were based on the Norwegian food based dietary guidelines and national lifestyle guidelines. Adherence was evaluated in the Norkost3 (n = 1,787). Results Twelve dietary components were included in the diet index 1) fruit and berries, 2) vegetables, 3) whole grains, 4) unsalted nuts, 5) fish, 6) low-fat dairy products, 7) margarine/oils, 8) red meat, 9) processed meat, 10) foods rich in sugar and fat, 11) drinks with added sugar, and 12) dietary supplements. Each of the components was assigned a value of 0, 0.5 or 1 corresponding to low, intermediate and high adherence, except for plant-based foods, which were assigned a value of 0, 1.5 or 3, providing a composite diet index ranging from 0 to 20 points. The five components in the lifestyle index (i.e. diet, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, tobacco and alcohol) was assigned a value of 0, 0.5 or 1, giving a final score ranging from zero to five points. In Norkost3, 49% (95% CI: 47, 52) of the participants had low adherence to the diet component, whereas only 2% (95% CI: 2, 3) achieved high adherence, although most of the subjects had high educational level. High adherence to the recommendations of BMI, tobacco and alcohol intake was observed in 50% (95% CI: 47, 52), 72% (95% CI: 70, 74) and 68% (95% CI: 66, 70) of the participants, respectively. Due to the lack of data on physical activity, adherence to this component in the lifestyle index is not presented in this study. Conclusion The new diet and lifestyle indices assess adherence to the Norwegian food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) and other national lifestyle guidelines. In this study, half of the subjects had low diet and lifestyle index scores. There is a need to implement interventions to improve this by focusing on the specific lifestyle components with low adherence.
Effect of the Visual Landscape and Soundscape Factors on Attention Restoration in the Public Space of Old Residential Areas by VR

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the visual landscape and soundscape factors of the public spaces in old residential areas and their attention restoration benefits for residents and to determine the main influencing factors. In this paper, the public spaces of six typical old residential areas in Tianjin were selected as the research object, and the restorative benefits of the respondents were analyzed through virtual reality environment, subjective evaluation, and attention testing methods. The results showed that the attention restoration benefits of the central square in the old residential area were better than those of the public space along the street. Second, greenery satisfaction, environmental cleanliness, architectural aesthetics, sky visibility, and soundscape evaluation are all significantly positively correlated with the attention restoration level. Finally, a "visual landscape and soundscape perception evaluation-attention restoration level" structural equation model was constructed. According to the model, both the visual landscape factors and soundscape evaluation factors in old residential areas had a direct positive impact on the attention restoration level, with a greater impact exerted by visual landscape factors than by soundscape evaluation factors. The findings from this study can provide significant information for the renewal of old residential areas.