Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of narrow-band digital camera imagery to plantation canopy condition assessment

Ensuring forest plantations remain in optimum health and condition is critical to minimizing adverse losses in productivity. A health monitoring program capable of accurately assessing the extent and severity of symptoms of canopy strain could permit forest managers to take a proactive course of action to minimize losses in productivity and tree mortality. Across a range of factors associated with tree stress and defoliation (a fungal pathogen Sphaeropsis sapinea, low soil nitrogen (N) availability, and an aphid Essigella californica), we compared field-based observations of canopy condition with coincident imagery obtained in September 2002 and 2003 from digital camera technology fitted with selected narrow-band (10 nm) spectral interference filters. From these wavelengths a number of chlorophyll and red-edge spectral indices were derived at 50 cm spatial resolution. In the case of S. sapinea where infection is significant and results in necrotic breakdown of needle tissue, the slope of the upper red-edge was the variable most highly correlated with crown attributes (r2 = 0.76 and 0.88 for the 2 years), with an independent classification accuracy of over 90%. Feeding by E. californica is commonly associated with needle chlorosis and defoliation and was predicted at a lower level of accuracy with a simple chlorophyll index (67% overall accuracy). The results indicate that narrow-band digital camera imagery can be used to derive indices of chlorophyll sensitivity and red-edge wavelengths. Comparison of predictions over a 2 year period indicate that the red-edge-based indicators can detect differences in canopy condition and that these relationships appear robust. The results indicate the chlorophyll-based indices were less robust through time, possibly due to interactions with needle defoliation.
PROGRAM ON HOUSING AND URBAN POLICY

Among the many sorting functions provided by institutions of higher education, there is a geographic dimension. During the years spent as students and residents of local communities, students develop specific networks and contacts, and perhaps their tastes change as well. After graduation, these students may be more likely to reside in the locality or region in which they have been educated. This paper presents evidence which suggests that the university is important in attracting human capital to the local area and in stimulating entrepreneurial talent in the region. We also measure the strength of the impact of the university on geographical location in one specific instance. For post-graduate professional business and engineering students at Berkeley, we compare the spatial distribution of residences before attending the university and again after graduation. The results are suggestive of the importance of academic institutions in the geographic pattern of agglomerations of footloose scientific firms, such as those in the Silicon Valley just south of San Francisco. The results also reinforce the self-interested reasons for government investment in high-quality educational institutions, as measured by the return on the augmented human capital stock in the region.
Changes in Pre-Service Teachers Perceptions' of Teacher Qualities: Development from Egocentric to Student Centric.

This study looks at pre-service teachers’ developing perceptions with a view to supporting teacher education practices. In determining and guiding program structures it is the opinions of the experts that are most often heard. Absent from this debate is an understanding of the changing perceptions of the pre-service teacher as they progress through their program. The purpose of this paper is to extend our understanding of pre-service teacher belief systems’ highlighting, the relevance this has for understanding and supporting pre-service teacher development. The perceptions of valued teacher qualities changed from ego-centric beliefs to student centric practices for the participants in this study. Effective teacher education makes connections between perceptions and new ideas, building on existing conceptual frameworks. Findings from this study contribute to the discourse on how pre-service teachers construct and reframe their beliefs about ‘good’ teachers as they progress from pre-service teacher to graduate teacher.
Condicionantes ecológicos de la distribución de anfibios en el Parque Nacional de Doñana

[ES] En esta tesis se analizan los requerimientos de habitat de las especies de anfibios en el Parque Nacional de Donana, prestando una atencion especial a los aspectos metodologicos que pueden sesgar los resultados inferidos. En particular, se ha tenido en cuenta la dinamica temporal del sistema y la fiabilidad de las ausencias, una consecuencia directa de la detectabilidad imperfecta de la especie en el area. Tambien se ha evaluado la utilidad de la teledeteccion en el estudio de la variacion espacial y temporal de los habitats reproductivos de los anfibios y en la elaboracion de modelos estadisticos de distribucion de las especies.
Detecting the warm core of a hurricane from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder

Warm core is a typical structure of hurricanes and typhoons. It is a result of huge release of latent heat from the warm and moist inflow near the surface to form clouds and precipitation during the upward movement. The anomalistic high temperature to the ambient environment and the area of warm core correlate to the precipitation of hurricanes. The larger area and the higher temperature anomaly of the warm core is, the more precipitation from hurricanes is produced. This study uses the fourth channel of the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS) onboard the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F16 satellite to study the warm core of hurricanes Katrina and Rita which occurred in the fall of 2005. The channel is sensitive to the atmospheric layer between upper and middle troposphere and the brightness temperature from this channel reflects the effective layer temperature there. By investigating a time series of the satellite observations for hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we show that the warm core strengthens when the hurricanes reach maturity and that the warm core spreads and weakens after the landfall of the hurricanes.
Markerless motion capture of man-machine interaction

This work deals with modeling and markerless tracking of athletes interacting with sports gear. In contrast to classical markerless tracking, the interaction with sports gear comes along with joint movement restrictions due to additional constraints: while humans can generally use all their joints, interaction with the equipment imposes a coupling between certain joints. A cyclist who performs a cycling pattern is one example: The feet are supposed to stay on the pedals, which are again restricted to move along a circular trajectory in 3D-space. In this paper, we present a markerless motion capture system that takes the lower-dimensional pose manifold into account by modeling the motion restrictions via soft constraints during pose optimization. Experiments with two different models, a cyclist and a snowboarder, demonstrate the applicability of the method. Moreover, we present motion capture results for challenging outdoor scenes including shadows and strong illumination changes.
Understanding the Two Components of Risk Attitudes : An Experimental Analysis by Jianying Qiu

Cumulative Prospect Theory (PT) introduced the weighting of probabilities as an additional component to capture risk attitudes. However, this addition would be a less significant challenge to expected utility theory (EU) if utility curvature and probability weighting showed strong positive correlation. In that case the utility curvature in EU alone, while not properly describing risky behavior in general, would still capture most of the variance of individual risk aversion. This study provides experimental evidence that such a strong and positive correlation does not exist. Although most individuals exhibit concave utility and convex probability weighting, the two components show no strong positive correlation. JEL classification: C91, D81 * We thank Peter Wakker for his detailed and valuable comments. We also thank Werner Güth, Michel Robe, Rupert Sausgruber, Christoph Vanberg, an anonymous associate editor, and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions. We also thank Han Bleichrodt for sharing some of his experimental data with us. This paper was presented at the APESA meeting 2009 in Haifa and at the SMYE 2009 in Istanbul. Comments and suggestions of participants are gratefully acknowledged.
CO2 degassing along the San Andreas Fault, Parkfield, California

The fluxes, concentrations, and carbon isotopic compositions of soil CO2 were measured along the Parkfield segment of the San Andreas fault (SAF). Single or double‐peak CO2 flux anomalies (> 18 g m−2 d−1) were observed along 12 of 16 fault‐crossing transects at five sites. Flux anomalies did not coincide with concentration anomalies. Flux anomalies paralleled the fault trace, suggesting zones of high diffusivity/permeability. One flux anomaly may have been accentuated by a 0.3 mm creep event. However, values of δ13C (‐23.7 to ‐21.6 ‰) and 14C (110.5 to 111.9 pmC) for soil gas CO2 are characteristic of CO2 of biogenic origin. The CO2 flux anomalies are therefore consistent with fault‐related biogenic gas flow and do not yield evidence for degassing of deeply derived CO2.
Response of Transport Parameters and Sediment Microbiota to Water Table Fluctuations in Laboratory Columns

Groundwater table fluctuations create a dynamic interface between the unsaturated and saturated zone with spatially as well as temporally changing water content and water fluxes. Our objective was to investigate the impact of periodic water table fluctuations on transport parameters, geochemical gradients, and bacterial abundance and community structure in groundwater sediments. We conducted tracer experiments in one‐dimensional column systems investigating vertical flow with static or fluctuating water tables, constantly infiltrated with groundwater and model dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Pore water sampling was performed throughout the experiments, and sediment bacteria of both systems were characterized after completion of the experiment. Our results indicate that neither the longitudinal dispersivity nor column geochemistry was affected by the applied water table fluctuations. However, water content and flow velocities varied dynamically over time and depth in the fluctuation zone. Depth‐resolved bacterial community composition was clearly distinct, with additional populations detected especially in the fluctuation zone. These were absent in the static column, while overall bacterial diversity was similar over depth in both columns. We assume that spatial and temporal changes in water content and/or flow velocities were driving these microbial distinctions. This implies that complex feedback mechanisms between local hydrology and sedimentary bacterial communities in porous media exist. These results are important for the understanding of transformation and biodegradation processes at groundwater tables under increased hydraulic forcing.
Coseismic Slip Distribution of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan Earthquake from Joint Inversion of GPS and InSAR Data

On 12 May 2008, the M w 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake occurred at the eastern margin of the Tibetan plateau along the Longmen Shan fault. Based on previous geological and geophysical studies and offset maps from Advanced Land Observing Satellite/Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar ALOS/PALSAR data, a layered crustal structure and a five-segment rupture model are established to study the coseismic deformation of this event. Using the constrained least-squares method, a preferred coseismic slip model is derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data. In particular, the Helmert variance component estimation (HVCE) method is used to determine the relative weight ratio between the GPS and InSAR data. In contrast to the initial weight ratio (0.752/0.246/0.002) among three-type observations (GPS horizontal, GPS vertical, and InSAR LOS displacement), the final optimal weight ratio is found to be 0.473/0.279/0.248, and the overall root mean square (rms) misfit for all three datasets decreases from 9.15 cm without HVCE to 5.46 cm with HVCE. As revealed by the preferred slip, the slip changes obviously along the strike direction from southwest to northeast and exhibits four asperities close to Hongkou town, Yuejiashan town, Beichuan County, and Nanba town, respectively. Two major asperities are located on the Hongkou and Beichuan segments with the maximum slip close to 10 m. The slips of Hongkou, Yuejiashan, and Beichuan segments are dominated by the thrust movement with a significant right-lateral strike-slip component. The Qingchuan segment experiences a dominant right-lateral strike slip with an average magnitude of 1–2 m. Most of the slip asperities are shallower than 10-km depth, except for the southwest part near the hypocenter where the slip may exceed 20 km. The seismic moment of the Wenchuan earthquake is 8.19×1020 N m ( M w 7.91) based on the layered crust model, which is slightly larger than that using a corresponding homogeneous crust model ( M w 7.87).
A study of the seasonal dynamics of grassland growth rates in Inner Mongolia based on AVHRR data and a light‐use efficiency model

Growth rate data for different pastures could provide important reference data for developing rotation grazing plans, for hay production, and for forage replenishment. Based on AVHRR NDVI data and a light‐use efficiency (LUE) model, we estimated absorbed photosynthetically active radiation and LUE (ε) by integrating air and soil temperature, precipitation and total solar radiation time series data from 1986 to 1999, and calculated the absolute growth rate (AGR) and cumulative absolute growth rate (CAGR) of aboveground biomass in each growing season in China's Inner Mongolia region. AGR and CAGR estimated by the LUE model were validated using monthly growth data obtained for the vegetation in desert steppe, typical steppe, and meadow steppe ecosystems from 1986 to 1995. The LUE model provided sufficiently good simulation accuracy that its use should permit improved livestock feed management in the study area. From 1986 to 1999, average CAGR of steppe vegetation during the growing season increased quickly in June and July, reached a maximum in July and August, and declined in September. In 1999, AGR reflected the pattern of seasonal vegetation dynamics during the growing season.
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in osteosarcoma: expression, function and interaction with noncoding RNAs – an updated review

ABSTRACT Osteosarcoma, originating from primitive bone-forming mesenchymal cells, is the most common malignant bone tumour among children and adolescents. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most ubiquitous type of posttranscriptional modification, is a methylation that occurs in the N6-position of adenosine. m6A dramatically affects the splicing, export, translation, and stability of various RNAs, including mRNA and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Increasing evidence suggests that ncRNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNA), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), regulate the m6A modification process by affecting the expression of m6A-associated enzymes. m6A modification interactions with ncRNAs provide new perspectives for exploring the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and progression. In the current review, we summarized the expression and biological functions of m6A regulators in osteosarcoma. At the same time, the present review systematically elucidated the functional and mechanical interactions between m6A modification and ncRNAs in osteosarcoma. In addition, we discussed the effect of m6A and ncRNAs in the tumour microenvironment and potential clinical applications of osteosarcoma.
On the joint distribution of surface elevation and slopes for a nonlinear random sea, with an application to radar altimetry

The work of Longuet-Higgins (1963) on the effects of wave nonlinearity on the statistics of the sea surface is extended here to obtain the joint distribution of surface elevation and slopes for a nonlinear random sea. The results are used to examine the effect of wave nonlinearity on the form of a radar altimeter pulse which is reflected from the sea surface. It is shown how wave information may be derived from the return pulse and how this can be used to correct errors in the altimeter mean sea level estimate (a problem known as “sea state bias”).
Internal Migration in the United States 1960-2000: The Role of the State Border

Using a new migration data set, I document the U.S. internal migration between the periods 1960-2000. I ﬁnd that the recent decline in migration is driven by lower migration across states, while within state migration has increased during the observed periods. Using a gravity framework, I estimate the eﬀect of the state borders in the United States. I ﬁnd that the border eﬀect is strongly signiﬁcant, and within state migration is 3.2 times higher than across state migration. Furthermore, the border eﬀect has increased from 2.7 in 1960 to 3.6 in 2000. By using spatial and temporal variations, I ﬁnd that the border eﬀect is smaller in areas with similar social and economic characteristics, and the increase in the border eﬀect can be attributed to the rising diﬀerences in house prices as states implement more restrictive land use regulations. I show that for high income destinations, the rise in regulations can explain all of the increase in the border eﬀect.
On the seasonality of droughts in the lowlands of Sarawak (Borneo)

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Opening the “Black Box”: Water Chemistry Reveals Hydrological Controls on Weathering in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory

We investigated variations of Mg concentration, δD and δO in precipitation, soil water along a planar hillslope, groundwater, and first‐order stream water at the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SSHO). Water flows vertically in the unsaturated zone of the hillslope, but hydrological saturation periodically causes lateral flow along interfaces of permeability contrast between the A–B and B–C soil horizons. Changes in soil water Mg concentration respond to hydrological changes and are ultimately controlled by the kinetics of clay mineral dissolution, but are buffered by the soil exchange capacity. Clay dissolution predominantly occurs within the A and B horizons, and Mg released from these zones of “low‐flow” diffuses or flows into the “high‐flow” zones at horizon interfaces. The Mg concentrations are low in these high‐flow zones because fresher (younger) water flows in through macropores. The amplitude of seasonal variations in water isotopes (data from 2008–2010) decreases in the following order: precipitation (δD: 286‰) >> soil water (δD: 86‰) > shallow groundwater (δD: 26‰), indicating water becomes progressively older along the flowpath. Fractures and preferential high‐flow paths make the watershed hydrologically responsive: the average time water stays in the shallow subsurface is inferred to be <2 yr. The stream water chemistry is affected by inputs of old groundwater that is relatively high in Mg concentration but relatively limited in range in δD, as well as by inputs from young soil water that is relatively low in Mg concentration with a wide range in δD. The relative contributions of these two sources to the stream change seasonally.
Low Winter Soil Temperature Affects Summertime Nutrient Uptake Capacity and Growth Rate of Mountain Birch Seedlings in the Subarctic, Swedisn Lapland

Effects of different winter soil temperature on summertime growth rate of individual seedlings of mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) were evaluated in an outdoor pot experiment in subarctic Sweden. The hypothesis tested was that low winter soil temperature could decrease growing-season nutrient uptake capacity and growth rate by injury of the root system; further, the root damage should stimulate growth of replacement roots, which should be reflected by increased summertime biomass allocation to roots. Mountain birch seedlings were exposed to two soil temperatures during wintertime by manipulation of snow depth that accumulated on top of the pots. Minimum soil temperature (hourly recordings) during winter was –1.7°C in the “protected” treatment (deep snow cover) and – 10.5°C in the “exposed” treatment (thin snow cover). The treatments simulated the soil temperature conditions of a local mountain birch forest and heath site, respectively. During June and July, the relative growth rate (RG) and nitrogen accumulation rate (RN) in the exposed treatment were lower compared to the protected treatment. In addition, the seedlings of the exposed treatment allocated a greater proportion of biomass to roots compared to the protected treatment. Thus, leaf growth was reduced in the exposed compared to the protected treatment. We concluded that lower winter temperature in soils can result in stronger root injury that stimulates the growth of replacement roots and reduces nutrient uptake capacity and growth rate during summer. In concert with other possible factors causing root disruption during winter, e.g., frequent freeze-thaw cycles, the mechanism identified here might be important for survival of tree seedlings in subarctic and alpine areas, especially near treelines. The implications are discussed specifically for mountain birch seedling growth and survival in treeless subarctic heath sites and above treelines in northern Europe.