Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vertical transport of tropospheric aerosols as indicated by 7Be and 210Pb in a chemical tracer model

We use the natural radionuclides 7Be and 210Pb as aerosol tracers in a three‐dimensional chemical tracer model (based on the Goddard Institute for Space Studies general circulation model (GCM) 2) in order to study aerosol transport and removal in the troposphere. Beryllium 7, produced in the upper troposphere and stratosphere by cosmic rays, and 210Pb, a decay product of soil‐derived 222Rn, are tracers of upper and lower tropospheric aerosols, respectively. Their source regions make them particularly suitable for the study of vertical transport processes. Both tracers are removed from the troposphere primarily by precipitation and are useful for testing scavenging parameterizations. In particular, model convection must properly transport and scavenge both ascending 210Pb and descending 7Be. The ratio 7Be/210Pb cancels most model errors associated with precipitation and serves as an indicator of vertical transport. We show that over land the annual average 7Be/210Pb ratio for surface concentrations and deposition fluxes vary little globally. In contrast, the seasonal variability of the 7Be/210Pb concentration ratio over continents is quite large; the ratio peaks in summer when convective activity is maximum. The model overestimates 7Be in the tropics, a problem which we relate to flaws in the GCM parameterization of wet convection (excessive convective mass fluxes and no allowance for entrainment). The residence time of tropospheric 7Be calculated by the model is 23 days, in contrast with a value of about 9 days calculated for 210Pb, reflecting the high‐altitude versus low‐altitude source regions of these two tracers.
Local tsunami hazards in the pacific northwest from cascadia subduction zone earthquakes

Since the mid-1980s, there has been accumulating geologic evidence of large local tsunamis generated by earthquakes along the Cascadia subduction zone off the Pacific Northwest. Information from recent geophysical and geological investigations constrains the potential rupture-zone geometry and average repeat time of interplate thrust earthquakes. Based on this information, tsunami hazard maps have been prepared for coastal communities in the Pacific Northwest using sophisticated numerical models to simulate tsunami propagation and inundation. In this study, sources of uncertainty in tsunami hazard calculations are described and a probabilistic hazard analysis for tsunamis, similar to probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), is outlined. Though probabilistic tsunami hazard analysis (PTHA) shares many similarities with PSHA, there are specific issues unique to tsunami hazards that need to be accounted for in the probability calculations. For example, the possibility of rupture along splay faults from the Cascadia interplate thrust have a large effect on tsunami generation, but a relatively small impact on peak ground accelerations onshore. The largest sources of uncertainty include the average slip and downdip extent of rupture. Also, it is demonstrated that significant variations in nearshore tsunami amplitude are caused by uncertainty in slip distribution patterns. Correct identification of uncertainties related to tsunami generation and propagation is critical in performing the probability calculations. PTHA has the potential to provide an improved technique for evaluating local tsunami hazards in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere.
Towards Smart Healthcare: Patient Data Privacy and Security in Sensor-Cloud Infrastructure

Nowadays, wireless body area networks (WBANs) systems have adopted cloud computing (CC) technology to overcome limitations such as power, storage, scalability, management, and computing. This amalgamation of WBANs systems and CC technology, as sensor-cloud infrastructure (S-CI), is aiding the healthcare domain through real-time monitoring of patients and the early diagnosis of diseases. Hence, the distributed environment of S-CI presents new threats to patient data privacy and security. In this paper, we review the techniques for patient data privacy and security in S-CI. Existing techniques are classified as multibiometric key generation, pairwise key establishment, hash function, attribute-based encryption, chaotic maps, hybrid encryption, Number Theory Research Unit, Tri-Mode Algorithm, Dynamic Probability Packet Marking, and Priority-Based Data Forwarding techniques, according to their application areas. Their pros and cons are presented in chronological order. We also provide our six-step generic framework for patient physiological parameters (PPPs) privacy and security in S-CI: (1) selecting the preliminaries; (2) selecting the system entities; (3) selecting the technique; (4) accessing PPPs; (5) analysing the security; and (6) estimating performance. Meanwhile, we identify and discuss PPPs utilized as datasets and provide the performance evolution of this research area. Finally, we conclude with the open challenges and future directions for this flourishing research area.
Smart Defaults: From Hidden Persuaders to Adaptive Helpers

Defaults have such powerful, pervasive and unrecognized effects on consumer behavior that in some settings they may be considered 'hidden persuaders'. Looking at defaults from the perspective of consumer welfare, consumer autonomy and marketing ethics, this paper shows that ignoring defaults is not an option. It identifies three theoretical causes of default effects-implied endorsement, cognitive biases, and effort-to guide thought on the appropriate marketer response to the issues posed for consumer autonomy and welfare. We propose the concepts of "smart defaults" and "adaptive defaults" as welfare-enhancing and market-oriented alternatives to the current practice of generally ignoring default effects, in addition to other remedies. Our analysis highlights how an ethical market orientation would consider the process of consumer decision making as well as its outcomes: marketers bear responsibility for consumer buying mistakes arising from the marketer's inept neglect or misuse of defaults. As well as recommendations for marketing practice, we also identify policymaker and research implications of defaults and consider, more broadly, the ethics of using techniques that influence consumer choice without consumer awareness.
Predictors of Effective WorkingMemory Training in Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders

Background: Low working memory (WM) capacity is associated with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The importance ofWM to adaptive functioning has led to a recent influx of studies attempting to improve individual WM capacity using various cognitive training methods. The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of complex WM training for improving WM capacity among individuals with AUD. Methods: Individuals were randomized to complete either adaptive WM training or active control training. We applied a methodologically rigorous and structured approach, including a battery of near and moderate transfer measures in those with AUDs and a control group. Additionally, we examined cognitive factors (at baseline) and other predictors of adherence, training task improvement, and transfer. Results: Results suggest improved WM in individuals with AUDs and controls, as evidenced by improved scores on several transfer measures, after adaptive WM training. However, individuals with AUDs showed poorer adherence and less improvement on the training tasks themselves. Neither IQ, WM, sex, nor condition predicted adherence. Level of training task performance, baseline WM, and IQ predicted transfer task improvement. Conclusions: This is the first study to rigorously examine both the efficacy of WM training in those with AUDs, and predictors of successful training program adherence and transfer in a large sample. Among study completers, results suggest that AUD status does not predict training improvement and transfer. However, AUD status did predict lower program adherence. WM training was more effective in those with higher cognitive ability at baseline. This study provides direct translation to the development of cognitive interventions for treating AUD.
Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Asthma: A Better Understanding Yet to Yield Clinical Benefit

Airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness (AHR) are important features of asthma. Both inflammation and AHR are complex traits that can each originate from a plethora of factors, where every factor can be independent, interconnected and dispensable. This review examines the complexity of the indices that we use to assess airway responsiveness. These indices entail intricate information regarding the individual and the combined dynamic behavior of all the airways that constitute the tracheobronchial tree during the activation of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Because many factors other than ASM contractility can influence airway narrowing, the defects responsible for the manifestation of AHR are difficult to infer. New tests and technologies are being developed to decipher the meaning of the indices of airway responsiveness and have already leaped forward our understanding of AHR. This review also gives prominence to the concept of ASM plasticity.ASM mass and contractile capacity is not fixed over time. Several facets of inflammation can increase ASM force indirectly over a prolong period of time by causing tissue damage and repair, which ultimately leads of airway wall remodeling that embodies an enlargement of ASM mass. This could contribute to the fixed component of AHR. The gain of force due to inflammation can also be transient and conditional to the presence of inflammatory mediators that are capable of increasing the contractile capacity of ASM. This could contribute to the variable, and more readily modifiable, component of AHR. We are now aware that a multitude of muscle and non-muscle factors can contribute to AHR within an asthmatic individual, and that these factors are often times distinct between individuals. Consequently, the relative contribution of a single factor within a group of patients is usually very small. This is the reason why our ever-growing understanding of AHR in asthma does not quite yet avail patients.
Spatially extended OH + emission from the Orion Bar and Ridge. ⋆

Context. The reactive HnO+ ions (OH+, H2O+ and H3O+) are widespread in the interstellar medium and act as precursors to the H2O molecule. While HnO+ absorption is seen on many Galactic lines of sight, active galactic nuclei often show the lines in emission. Aims: This paper shows the first example of a Galactic source of HnO+ line emission: the Orion Bar, a bright nearby photon-dominated region (PDR). Methods: We present line profiles and maps of OH+ line emission toward the Orion Bar, and upper limits to H2O+ and H3O+ lines. We analyze these HIFI data with non-local thermodynamic equilibrium radiative transfer and PDR chemical models, using newly calculated inelastic collision data for the e-OH+ system. Results: Line emission is detected over ~1' (0.12 pc), tracing the Bar itself as well as a perpendicular feature identified as the southern tip of the Orion Ridge, which borders the Orion Nebula on its western side. The line width of ≈ 4 km s-1 suggests an origin of the OH+ emission close to the PDR surface, at a depth of AV ~ 0.3-0.5 into the cloud where most hydrogen is in atomic form. Steady-state collisional and radiative excitation models for OH+ require unrealistically high column densities to match the observed line intensity, indicating that the formation of OH+ in the Bar is rapid enough to influence its excitation. Our best-fit OH+ column density of ~ 1.0 × 1014 cm-2 is similar to that in previous absorption line studies, while our limits on the ratios of OH+/H2O+ (≳ 40) and OH+/H3O+ (≳ 15) are somewhat higher than seen before. Conclusions: The column density of OH+ is consistent with estimates from a thermo-chemical model for parameters applicable to the Orion Bar, given the current uncertainties in the local gas pressure and the spectral shape of the ionizing radiation field. The unusually high OH+/H2O+ and OH+/H3O+ ratios are probably due to the high UV radiation field and electron density in this object. In the Bar, photodissociation and electron recombination are more effective destroyers of OH+ than the reaction with H2, which limits the production of H2O+. The appearance of the OH+ lines in emission is the result of the high density of electrons and H atoms in the Orion Bar, since for these species, inelastic collisions with OH+ are faster than reactive ones. In addition, chemical pumping, far-infrared pumping by local dust, and near-UV pumping by Trapezium starlight contribute to the OH+ excitation. Similar conditions may apply to extragalactic nuclei where HnO+ lines are seen in emission.
Recurrent Deep Q-Learning for PAC-MAN

Classic Artificial Intelligence agents are limited by the creation of handcrafted features which include specific domain knowledge about the rules of the game which they are playing. In this project, we take the data-driven approach, and attempt to train deep neural networks to play the game PAC-MAN, using no specific game knowledge, only features extracted from raw-pixel images using a convolutional neural network paired with recurrent neural network layers. We experiment with several architectures and learning strategies, including supervised learning, transfer learning with an inception network, a small convolutional network, and a convolutional network combined with an LSTM unit.
Opposites attract: The case of Greek and Turkish financial markets

We investigate the presence of financial linkages between Turkey and Greece. In particular, we estimate bivariate vector error correction systems between the Greek and Turkish stock markets and then between the Greek Drachma and the Turkish Lira to test for long and short run causality and interdependence. The findings indicate that interdependence and a long-run causal relationship are indeed present. Given the apparent evidence for nominal linkages, we test a number of possible propagation mechanisms that could produce these linkages, such as real linkages, trade linkages, common balance of payments shocks, and contagion. Our findings suggest that the observed comovement of the two markets can be primarily attributed to the increased real integration of both countries, as well as the fact that they share a common set of trade and FDI partners. We also find evidence of contagion effects between the Drachma and Lira markets, but not between the stock markets. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings.
Local model uncertainty and incomplete-data bias

Summary. Problems of the analysis of data with incomplete observations are all too familiar in statistics. They are doubly difficult if we are also uncertain about the choice of model. We propose a general formulation for the discussion of such problems and develop approximations to the resulting bias of maximum likelihood estimates on the assumption that model departures are small. Loss of efficiency in parameter estimation due to incompleteness in the data has a dual interpretation: the increase in variance when an assumed model is correct; the bias in estimation when the model is incorrect. Examples include non-ignorable missing data, hidden confounders in observational studies and publication bias in meta-analysis. Doubling variances before calculating confidence intervals or test statistics is suggested as a crude way of addressing the possibility of undetectably small departures from the model. The problem of assessing the risk of lung cancer from passive smoking is used as a motivating example.
Detecting inherent bias in lexical decision experiments with the LD1NN algorithm

A basic assumption of the lexical decision task is that a correct response to a word requires access to a corresponding mental representation of that word. However, systematic patterns of similarities and differences between words and nonwords can lead to an inherent bias for a particular response to a given stimulus. In this paper we introduce LD1NN, a simple algorithm based on one-nearest-neighbor classification that predicts the probability of a word response for each stimulus in an experiment by looking at the word/nonword probabilities of the most similar previously presented stimuli. Then, we apply LD1NN to the task of detecting differences between a set of words and different sets of matched nonwords. Finally, we show that the LD1NN word response probabilities are predictive of response times in three large lexical decision studies and that predicted biases for and against word responses corresponds with respectively faster and slower responses to words in the three studies.
Genotoxic effects of electromagnetic fields from high voltage power lines on some plants.

Allium cepa bulbs were germinated in pots for three days on treatment area on which 380 kV high voltage power lines are passing. Ten bulbs were set up for each treatment area (0 m (meter), 10 m, 25 m, 50 m and 100+ m for control from power lines). Triticum baeoticum Boiss. subsp. baeoticum seeds were collected at same distance from power lines on planted field. Ten seeds from each area were germinated in Petri dishes for three days in laboratory. The treatment groups were compared with the control group for mitotic index and chromosome aberrations. Data obtained showed that electromagnetic fields from high voltage power lines increased the mitotic index and chromosome aberrations.
Simplifying the calculation of light scattering properties for black carbon fractal aggregates

Black carbon fractal aggregates have complicated shapes that make the calculation of their optical properties particularly computationally expensive. Here, a method is presented to estimate fractal aggregate light scattering prop- erties by optimising simplified models to full light scattering calculations. It is found that there are no possible spherical models (at any size or refractive index) that well represent the light scattering in the visible or near-thermal infrared. As such, parameterisations of the light scattering as a func- tion of the number of aggregate particles is presented as the most pragmatic choice for modelling distributions of black carbon when the large computational overheads of rigorous scattering calculations cannot be justified. This parameterisa- tion can be analytically integrated to provide light scattering properties for lognormal distributions of black carbon fractal aggregates and return extinction cross sections with 0.1 % ac- curacy for typical black carbon size distributions. Scattering cross sections and the asymmetry parameter can be obtained to within 3 %.
Causal Relations among Executive Functions and Academic Skills from Preschool to End of First Grade

In a sample of 87 children we tested whether executive functions (memory and inhibition) in preschool predict numeracy and literacy skills in first grade. We controlled for variation attributable to school level, several covariates, and preschool academic skills. The long-term findings indicated that early delays in executive functions are often temporary and not strong predictors of academic skills in Grade 1. Relating changes in executive functions to changes in numeracy and literacy skills, using a fixed effects analysis, we found support for the hypothesis that executive functions are causally related to academic skills. What this may mean and implications of this finding for the school curriculum and interventions are discussed.
Tree Establishment During Dry Spells at an Oak Savanna in Minnesota

Recent research has challenged the long-standing hypothesis that forests in the Upper Midwest of the United States developed during wetter periods and retreated during dry periods. We explored this debate by examining patterns of tree establishment on an oak savanna in east-central Minnesota within the context of variable moisture availability and fire suppression. We used superposed epoch analyses (SEA) to evaluate the mean moisture conditions for a 21-year window surrounding tree establishment dates. Before effective fire suppression (1809–1939), 24 of 42 trees with pith dates (62%) grew to 30-cm height during dry years (Palmer Drought Severity Index < −1), versus only 5 of 42 (12%) that established in wet years (PDSI > 1). Significantly more trees established during dry periods (negative PDSI values) than would be expected with the proportion of wet-to-dry years (χ2 = 10.738, df = 1, p-value = 0.001). Twenty of the complete sample of 74 trees with pith dates (27%) established during drought in the 1930s. We hypothesize that dry conditions limited plant productivity, which in turn decreased competition between grasses and tree seedlings and reduced rates of accumulation of fine fuels, enabling seedlings to grow tall enough to resist subsequent fires. We recommend SEA as a methodological approach to compare historical climate conditions with the timing of regeneration success in other regions of forest expansion.
Supplementary material for the manuscript entitled “Interpretable Functional Principal Component Analysis”

In this simulation study, 500 curves are simulated with the same settings as in the previous simulation study except that the three true FPCs, ξk(t), k = 1, 2, 3, are simulated as ξ1(t) = sin 2πt, ξ2(t) = sin 4πt, and ξ3(t) = sin 6πt, where t ∈ [0, 1]. All three of these FPCs are designed such that they are nonzero in almost the entire domain. We estimate the three FPCs using our iFPCA method and the classic regularized FPCA method. We use the same cubic B-spline basis functions and the same method to choose tuning parameters as in Simulation 1. The simulation is implemented with 100 simulation replicates. In this scenario, the iFPCA method is expected to not perform as well as the classic regularized FPCA method. But we will see that the iFPCA method is still quite competitive with the classic regularized FPCA method.
THRICE-PUNCTURED SPHERES IN HYPERBOLIC 3-MANIFOLDS

The work of W. Thurston has stimulated much interest in the volumes of hyperbolic 3-manifolds. In this paper, it is demonstrated that a 3-manifold M' obtained by cutting open an oriented finite volume hyperbolic 3-manifold M along an incompressible thrice-punctured sphere S and then reidentifying the two copies of S by any orientation-preserving homeomorphism of S will also be a hyperbolic 3-manifold with the same hyperbolic volume as M. It follows that an oriented finite volume hyperbolic 3-manifold containing an incompressible thrice-punctured sphere shares its volume with a nonhomeomorphic hyperbolic 3-manifold. In addition, it is shown that two orientable finite volume hyperbolic 3-manifolds Mx and M2 containing incompressible thrice-punctured spheres Sx and S¿, respectively, can be cut open along S; and Sj and then glued together along copies of Sx and S2 to yield a 3-manifold which is hyperbolic with volume equal to the sum of the volumes of M1 and M2. Applications to link complements in S3 are included.