Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinct Impacts of Light and Heavy Precipitation on PM2.5 Mass Concentration in Beijing

Using hourly observation data of precipitation and PM2.5 at 12 sites in Beijing from 2015 to 2017, this study investigates the impacts of different types of precipitation on PM2.5 mass concentration, along with the characteristics of precipitation and PM2.5. There were totally 91–123 precipitation events annually, 69.7–79.4% of which has precipitation amount less than 5 mm. By investigating the differences of PM2.5 mass concentration between 1 hr after and before the precipitation events, this study finds distinct impacts of different types of precipitation on PM2.5 mass concentration. For precipitation events with amount of 0.1–0.5 mm, PM2.5 mass concentration increased with precipitation amount with a rate of 0.85 μg/m3 per 0.1 mm. For precipitation events with amount of 0.5–10 mm, there was no clear relationship between precipitation amount and PM2.5 mass concentration. For precipitation events with amount larger than 10 mm, PM2.5 mass concentration decreased with precipitation amount with a rate of 0.17 μg/m3 per 1 mm. Further analysis shows that weak precipitation less than 10 mm increased PM10, and heavy precipitation larger than 10 mm decreased PM10. The aerosol amount also affects the response of PM2.5 to precipitation, with weak pollution prone to increase with precipitation and heavy pollution prone to decrease with precipitation. Likely mechanisms are discussed, which include the aerosol hygroscopic growth and gas‐particle conversion that increase aerosol amount and precipitation scavenging that decreases aerosol amount. Shortly, the mechanisms that increase (decrease) aerosol amount more probably dominate when precipitation is light (heavy).
El género Zygia P. Browne (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae: Ingeae) en Colombia: análisis de distribución y clave actualizada para su identificación

A taxonomic list of the species of the genus Zygia (Leguminosae) from Colombia is presented, including an analysis of their geographical and altitudinal distribution, their distribution in the Natural Regions of Colombia, and the vegetation types associated with each one of the species of the genus. Similarly, data on the phenology, vernacular names, uses and an updated dichotomous key for the identification of the Colombian species of Zygia is presented. To study the distribution, common names, uses and morphology of Zygia in Colombia, scientific collections deposited in 16 national and foreign herbaria were studied. In Colombia, the genus Zygia is represented by 21 species, of which 8 are endemic to the country. The greatest species richness was found in the Andean (76,2 %) and Amazon (66,66 %) regions, while the departments with the highest number of species are Amazonas (12) and Caqueta (11). In Colombia, the species of Zygia occupy an altitudinal range between 0 to 2800 m, with the highest concentration of species below 1000 m. Members of Zygia prefer environments corresponding to humid forests associated with watercourses or located on riverine plains.
A clinical and molecular genetic investigation of x-linked congenital stationary night blindness.

Aims: This study examines the clinical and molecular genetic features of X-linked Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (XLCSNB). The aims are to accurately document the phenotype of affected subjects by investigating functional visual deficit, to evaluate possible disease mechanisms and to confirm or refute the veracity of the "complete" and "incomplete" descriptions of phenotype in common clinical usage. In addition, by identifying causative gene mutations in the pedigrees studied, the study investigates the possibility of a genotype-phenotype correlation. ;Methods: Members of fifteen families previously diagnosed as having XLCSNB underwent standardised clinical, psychophysical and electrophysiological phenotypic testing. Comprehensive mutation screening of the genes ATX and CACNAlFwas performed for each pedigree. ;Results: Seven different loss-of-function mutations in the NYX gene were identified in 11 families and three mutations in the CACNA1F gene were identified in another three pedigrees. No mutations were detected in members of the remaining pedigree and this family was excluded from further study. Electrophysiological and psychophysical evidence of a functioning but impaired rod system was present in subjects from each genotype group, although scotopic responses tended to be more severely affected in subjects with NYX gene mutations. Scotopic oscillator potentials were absent in all subjects with AYXgene mutations whilst subnormal OFF responses were specific to subjects with CACNA IF gene mutations. ;Conclusions: NYX gent mutations were a more frequent cause of XLCSNB than CACNA IF gene mutations in the 15 British families studied. Since evidence of a functioning rod system was identified in the majority of subjects tested, the clinical phenotypes "complete" and "incomplete" do not correlate with genotype. Instead, electrophysiological indicators of inner retinal function, specifically the characteristics of scotopic oscillatory potentials, 30Hz flicker and the OFF response may prove more discriminatory.
Application of an Adaptive “Neuro-Fuzzy” Inference System in Modeling Cutting Temperature during Hard Turning

The machining of hard materials with the most economical process is a challenge that is the aim of production systems. Increasing demands of the market require a hard processing hardened steel in order to avoid finishing grinding. This research considers the turning of hardened steel without cooling with two types of tools: cubic boron nitride (CBN) and hard metal (HM) inserts. To estimate the influence of machining conditions on cutting temperature, a central composition design with three factors on five levels was used. The development of advanced models allows one to meet the accelerated demands in terms of productivity, product quality, and reduced production costs. Based on experimental data, three input regimes (cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut), and one attributive factor (tool material) were used as input variables, while cutting temperature was used as the output of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS). The model was trained, tested, and validated with a combined input/output data set. The obtained ANFIS model could be applied with high precision to determine the cutting temperature in machining of hardened steel. From an economic point of view, the obtained model can directly affect the cost of processing because cutting temperature and tool life are directly relieved.
Doctors with Learning Disabilities: Prescription for Success.

Several years ago, if someone had told us that as much as 5% of the medical school population had learning disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), we would have found that very hard to believe. Today, however, after we have worked with more than 400 people in this gifted population, it is less difficult to believe.
The Eating Behavior and Food Preference of Preschool Children in Sungnam Day Care Facilities

The purpose of this study was to investigate the eating behavior and food preference of preschool children in day care facilities. Subjects of this study were 192 young children who lived in Sungnam city, Gyeonggi-Do. The results are summarized as follows: The parents reported that 34% of the children ate 'unbalanced diet'. And 16% of the children ate small portions of food. The parents picked up several reasons for their children's 'unbalanced diet' such as 'dislike of the tastes(29.2%), 'texture in the mouth(28.6%)', 'smell of food(18.2%)' Fifty-six percent of parents took 'to change the cooking methods' as the best way to make their children have good eating habits in their home. The highest score of preference among the children was noodles with bean sauce and kimbab for staple food, stews seaweed soup for soups and stews, bulgogi and fried chicken for side dish. The young children's preference score fur side dish made with meats were higher than made with vegetables. This study made a suggestion to parents of children ages 4 to 6 and to teachers in preschool that they prepare for foods made with vegetables.
Homes and Health: How Housing and Health Interact

Acknowledgements. The legacy of the past. Before World War I. 1914-1945. The last 50 years. Around the world. Current concerns. Unfit housing. Health-threatening features of housing. Health inequalities in housing. Moving home. The high-rise experiment. Housing and the environment. Living on the margins. The frail elderly. The mentally ill. Mentally handicapped people. The physically disabled. The terminally ill. The bureaucratically homeless. People living on the streets. Residents in hostels for the destitute. Travellers and others. Conclusions. The influence of housing on physical health. The influence of housing on mental and emotional health. Health-related housing design. Association of housing and poverty. Housing for disadvantaged groups. Blurring distinctions between owners and renters. Growing awareness of health issues in housing. Changing role of public health agencies. References and further reading. Index.
FARMAKOLOGIJA BIOLOŠKIH LIJEKOVA

Razumijevanje patofiziologije upalnih bolesti crijeva doprinosi stalnom razvoju bioloskih lijekova. Oni mogu selektivno djelovati na određenu molekulu ili signalni put te ispraviti neravnotežu proinflamatornih i antinflamatornih medijatora. Antagonisti cimbenika nekroze tumora (anti-TNF-α) prvi su razvijeni i znacajno su poboljsali lijecenje. U toj skupini postoje dvije podskupine lijekova; solubilni receptori poput etanercepta, onercepta, pegsunercepta i monoklonalna TNF-α antitijela poput infliksimaba i adalimumaba. Zbog antitijela na spomenuta monoklonalna protutijela i moguceg povecanja ucinkovitosti lijecenja razvijaju se i drugi lijekovi; inhibitori receptora proinflamatornih citokina, blokatori selektivnih adhezijskih molekula i inhibitori Th1 polarizacije. Ucinkovitost i sigurnost tih lijekova jos se istražuje. U ovom radu donosimo farmakologiju bioloskih lijekova, pri cemu je bitno napomenuti da su u Hrvatskoj registrirana dva bioloska lijeka za lijecenje upalnih bolesti crijeva – infliksimab (Remicade®) i adalimumab (Humira®) te se nalaze na listi lijekova Hrvatskog zavoda za zdravstveno osiguranje.
Uma abordagem para mapeamento e localização simultâneos utilizando informação topológica

A exploracao de ambientes nao conhecidos e um campo muito estudado na robotica movel. Assumindo que o robo nao esta ciente da sua posicao inicial no ambiente, se faz necessario que o mesmo seja capaz de locomover-se produzindo um mapa do ambiente ao mesmo tempo em que se localiza nesse mesmo mapa. Esse processo e geralmente chamado de SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). Esta dissertacao apresenta uma nova abordagem para o mapeamento e a localizacao simultânea de robos moveis em ambientes desconhecidos que utiliza planos simples de forma a guiar a exploracao do ambiente. Sao utilizados mapas topologicos, gerados de forma dinâmica, em conjunto com uma funcao de utilidade para decidir quais acoes o robo deve executar para melhorar a eficiencia do mapeamento. Foram realizados simulacoes e experimentos reais de forma a avaliar a abordagem proposta e os resultados apresentam um ganho significativo na eficiencia do mapeamento, tanto em termos da qualidade do mapa, como em termos do desempenho de execucao quando comparado com uma exploracao aleatoria. Ainda foram feitos testes para testar cada termo da funcao de utilidade, demonstrando a importância de cada um deles para a exploracao e a qualidade do mapa
Modulation transfer function characterization for GOES-16 advanced baseline imager using lunar observations

GOES-16 is a geostationary satellite with a number of Earth- and Sun-observing instruments. Among these, the primary Earth-imaging instrument is the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), which contains 16 spectral bands that range in wavelength from 0.47 um to 13.3 um. In addition to Earth-observations, ABI also performs special data collects which observe the Moon for radiometric calibration validation and spatial characterization performance assessments. In this work, we use lunar images in order to calculate the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the optical systems of GOES-16 ABI for bands 1 − 6. The lunar limb against the dark background of space provides a good data set for performing a modified slanted-edge MTF calculation on-orbit. Using the location of the lunar day/night terminator, we select illuminated regions of the image near the lunar limb in both the North-South and East-West directions to calculate the MTF. For this work, we combine the edge profiles from successive lunar images on the same date in order to maximize the number of edge profiles used in the calculation. We also compare the MTF results for lunar observations throughout the GOES-16 mission to assess the stability of the MTF over time.
Corrections to “Fast Complementary Filter for Attitude Estimation Using Low-Cost MARG Sensors”

In the reference by the authors <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1">[1]</xref>, the quaternion fusion from accelerometer and magnetometer measurements does not have proper mathematical form. The presented equation (43) in <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1">[1]</xref>, actually takes a unit quaternion for attitude representation with a direction vector <bold>n</bold> followed by a scalar <italic>s</italic>, which reads <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2">[2]</xref>
Analysis of heat exchange in the powertrain of a road vehicle with a retarder

The paper presents a heat exchange model for the cooling system of any complex, physical system. Verification of the correctness of the theoretical model was carried out on the example of a vehicle with a combustion engine and additionally equipped with a hydraulic retarder. The results of laboratory tests, which were carried out on an engine test bench, were also performed for the above mentioned powertrain, so as to compare the results of modelling with the results of the tests. Determining the operating parameters of the components of the cooling system aimed at protecting the entire powertrain against overheating is a key task. Theoretical analysis of heat exchange in the powertrain of a road vehicle was carried out, with particular emphasis on the hydraulic retarder (a device braking the vehicle during a descent on roads with a high gradient of the road, mandatory according to the ADR convention). The subject of the study was a mathematical model of a complex cooling system developed by the authors, described by means of balance equations and differential equations. This model was tested with the use of the Matlab-Simulink suite for given load parameters of the cooling system, which were used in tests on an engine test bench. The values of coefficients describing the thermal state of the powertrain were obtained. Simulations were performed for different variants of technical parameters of the expanded cooling system. In this way, individual units and components of the cooling system were optimized so that it fulfilled its role in the assumed operating conditions and the ecologization of emission of energy sources (fuel) and harmful substances.
Significant multidecadal variability in German wind energy generation

Abstract. Wind energy has seen large deployment and substantial cost reductions over the last decades. Further ambitious upscaling is urgently needed to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach. While the variability in wind power generation poses a challenge to grid integration, much progress in quantifying, understanding and managing it has been made over the last years. Despite this progress, relevant modes of variability in energy generation have been overlooked. Based on long-term reanalyses of the 20th century, we demonstrate that multidecadal wind variability has significant impact on wind energy generation in Germany. These modes of variability can not be detected in modern reanalyses that are typically used for energy applications because modern reanalyses are too short (around 40 years of data). We show that energy generation over a 20-year wind park lifetime varies by around ±5 % and the summer-to-winter ratio varies by around ±15 %. Moreover, ERA-Interim-based annual and winter generations are biased high as the period 1979–2010 overlaps with a multidecadal maximum of wind energy generation. The induced variations in wind park lifetime revenues are on the order of 10 % with direct implications for profitability. Our results suggest rethinking energy system design as an ongoing and dynamic process. Revenues and seasonalities change on a multidecadal timescale, and so does the optimum energy system layout.
The Norwegian forecasting and warning service for rainfall- and snowmelt-induced landslides

Abstract. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) have run a national flood forecasting and warning service since 1989. In 2009, the directorate was given the responsibility of also initiating a national forecasting service for rainfall-induced landslides. Both services are part of a political effort to improve flood and landslide risk prevention. The Landslide Forecasting and Warning Service was officially launched in 2013 and is developed as a joint initiative across public agencies between NVE, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET), the Norwegian Public Road Administration (NPRA) and the Norwegian Rail Administration (Bane NOR). The main goal of the service is to reduce economic and human losses caused by landslides. The service performs daily a national landslide hazard assessment describing the expected awareness level at a regional level (i.e. for a county and/or group of municipalities). The service is operative 7 days a week throughout the year. Assessments and updates are published at the warning portal http://www.varsom. no/ at least twice a day, for the three coming days. The service delivers continuous updates on the current situation and future development to national and regional stakeholders and to the general public. The service is run in close cooperation with the flood forecasting service. Both services are based on the five pillars: automatic hydrological and meteorological stations, landslide and flood historical database, hydro-meteorological forecasting models, thresholds or return periods, and a trained group of forecasters. The main components of the service are herein described. A recent evaluation, conducted on the 4 years of operation, shows a rate of over 95 % correct daily assessments. In addition positive feedbacks have been received from users through a questionnaire. The capability of the service to forecast landslides by following the hydro-meteorological conditions is illustrated by an example from autumn 2017. The case shows how the landslide service has developed into a well-functioning system providing useful information, effectively and on time.
The future of forecasting for renewable energy

Forecasting for wind and solar renewable energy is becoming more important as the amount of energy generated from these sources increases. Forecast skill is improving, but so too is the way forecasts are being used. In this paper, we present a brief overview of the state‐of‐the‐art of forecasting wind and solar energy. We describe approaches in statistical and physical modeling for time scales from minutes to days ahead, for both deterministic and probabilistic forecasting. Our focus changes then to consider the future of forecasting for renewable energy. We discuss recent advances which show potential for great improvement in forecast skill. Beyond the forecast itself, we consider new products which will be required to aid decision making subject to risk constraints. Future forecast products will need to include probabilistic information, but deliver it in a way tailored to the end user and their specific decision making problems. Businesses operating in this sector may see a change in business models as more people compete in this space, with different combinations of skills, data and modeling being required for different products. The transaction of data itself may change with the adoption of blockchain technology, which could allow providers and end users to interact in a trusted, yet decentralized way. Finally, we discuss new industry requirements and challenges for scenarios with high amounts of renewable energy. New forecasting products have the potential to model the impact of renewables on the power system, and aid dispatch tools in guaranteeing system security.
Improved Clutter Removal in GPR by Robust Nonnegative Matrix Factorization

The clutter encountered in the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system severely decreases the visibility of subsurface objects, thus highly degrading the performance of the target detection algorithms. This letter presents a new clutter removal method based on nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF). The raw GPR data are represented as the sum of low-rank and sparse matrices, which correspond to the clutter and target components, respectively. The low-rank and sparse decomposition is performed using a robust version of NMF called RNMF. Although similar to the robust principal component analysis (PCA) (RPCA), which is recently widely used in image processing applications as well as in GPR, the proposed method is faster and has enhanced results. The state-of-the-art clutter removal methods, morphological component analysis (MCA), RPCA, besides the conventional PCA, have been included for comparison for both simulated and real data sets. The visual and quantitative results demonstrate that the proposed RNMF method outperforms the others. Moreover, it is 25 times faster than the RPCA for the given regularization parameter values.
In Search of Cultural Competence in Evaluation: Toward Principles and Practices

Editors' Notes (Melva -Thompson-Robinson, Rodney Hopson, Saumitra SenGupta). 1. Cultural Competence in Evaluation: An Overview (Saumitra SenGupta, Rodney Hopson, Melva -Thompson-Robinson). In laying the groundwork for the entire volume, the authors define culture, cultural competence, and culturally competent evaluation.2. A Journey to Understand the Role of Culture in Program Evaluation: Snapshots and Personal Reflections of One African American Evaluator (Stafford Hood). An African American evaluator examines and builds a case for incorporating culture into evaluation theory and practice.3. Culturally Competent Evaluation in Indian Country (Joan LaFrance). A case study of culturally competent evaluation in Indian Country and the particular nuances of working in Indian Country, as well as advice for evaluators, are presented.4. Developing and Implementing Culturally Competent Evaluation: A Discussion of Multicultural Validity in Two HIV Prevention Programs for Latinos (Ross F. Conner). Multicultural validity, used to make evaluations more culturally competent, is defined and explored in the light of two case studies from evaluations of HIV prevention programs with Latinos.5. Lessons for Culturally Competent Evaluation from the Study of a Multicultural Initiative (Jean A. King, Julie E. Nielsen, Jeanette Colby). This chapter presents lessons learned and guiding principles that are the result of conducting a culturally competent evaluation for a multicultural education initiative.6. A Focus on Cultural Variables in Evaluating an Upward Bound Program (Rebecca A. Zulli, Henry T. Frierson). Cultural factors are often not addressed in program planning. This chapter suggests factors that facilitate not only program planning but also evaluation.7. Walking Pathways Toward Becoming a Culturally Competent Evaluator: Boundaries, Borderlands, and Border Crossings (Hazel Symonette). The journey of one evaluator toward implementing more culturally responsive evaluations is explored.Index.