Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Emissions Model Intercomparison Project (Emissions-MIP): quantifying model sensitivity to emission characteristics

Abstract. Anthropogenic emissions of aerosols and precursor compounds are known to significantly affect the energy balance of the Earth–atmosphere system, alter the formation of clouds and precipitation, and have a substantial impact on human health and the environment. Global models are an essential tool for examining the impacts of these emissions. In this study, we examine the sensitivity of model results to the assumed height of SO2 injection, seasonality of SO2 and black carbon (BC) particulate emissions, and the assumed fraction of SO2 emissions that is injected into the atmosphere as particulate phase sulfate (SO4) in 11 climate and chemistry models, including both chemical transport models and the atmospheric component of Earth system models. We find large variation in atmospheric lifetime across models for SO2, SO4, and BC, with a particularly large relative variation for SO2, which indicates that fundamental aspects of atmospheric sulfur chemistry remain uncertain. Of the perturbations examined in this study, the assumed height of SO2 injection had the largest overall impacts, particularly on global mean net radiative flux (maximum difference of −0.35 W m−2), SO2 lifetime over Northern Hemisphere land (maximum difference of 0.8 d), surface SO2 concentration (up to 59 % decrease), and surface sulfate concentration (up to 23 % increase). Emitting SO2 at height consistently increased SO2 and SO4 column burdens and shortwave cooling, with varying magnitudes, but had inconsistent effects across models on the sign of the change in implied cloud forcing. The assumed SO4 emission fraction also had a significant impact on net radiative flux and surface sulfate concentration. Because these properties are not standardized across models this is a source of inter-model diversity typically neglected in model intercomparisons. These results imply a need to ensure that anthropogenic emission injection height and SO4 emission fraction are accurately and consistently represented in global models.
Analysis of insoluble particles in hailstones in China

Abstract. Insoluble particles influence weather and climate by means of heterogeneous freezing process. Current weather and climate models face considerable uncertainties in freezing-process simulation due to limited information regarding species and number concentrations of heterogeneous ice-nucleating particles, particularly insoluble particles. Here, for the first time, the size distribution and species of insoluble particles are analyzed in 30 shells of 12 hailstones collected from China using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. A total of 289 461 insoluble particles were detected and divided into three species – organics, dust, and bioprotein – utilizing machine learning methods. The size distribution of the insoluble particles of each species varies greatly among the different hailstones but little in their shells. Further, a classic size distribution of organics and dust followed logarithmic normal distributions, which could potentially be adapted in future weather and climate models despite the existence of uncertainties. Our findings highlight the need for atmospheric chemistry to be considered in the simulation of ice-freezing processes.
Preprint -learning unions of orthonormal bases with thresholded singular value decomposition

We propose a new method to learn overcomplete dictionaries for sparse coding. The method is designed to learn dictionaries structured as unions of orthonormal bases. The interest of such a structure is manifold. Indeed, it seems that many signals or images can be modeled as the superimposition of several layers with sparse decompositions in as many bases. Moreover, in such dictionaries, the ef ﬁ cient Block Coordinate Relaxation (BCR) algorithm can be used to compute sparse decompositions. We show that it is possible to design an iterative learning algorithm that produces a dictionary with the required structure. Each step is based on the coef ﬁ cients estimation, using a variant of BCR, fol-lowed by the update of one chosen basis, using Singular Value Decomposition. We assess experimentally how well the learning algorithm recovers dictionaries that may or may not have the required structure, and to what extent the noise level is a disturbing factor.
A hybrid top-down, bottom-up approach for 3D space parsing using dense RGB point clouds

the information on clusters is used for disjointing the spaces. The position of common walls in interconnected spaces can express the topological relationships between the spaces in a simple or complex building environment. Due to the complexity of 3D scenes, the extraction of wall elements using previously developed methods has always been associated with challenges such as gaps and noise in the output results. To address this problem, we propose a bottom-up approach to extract the footprints of walls in
Coccolithus pelagicus subsp. braarudii morphological plasticity in response to variations in the Canary region upwelling system over the past 250ka

Coccolith size matters on routine identification of calcareous nannofossil species. But morphometry can also be a tool to study their morphological plasticity and adaptations to environmental patterns. Most current studies are limited in extracting morphological plasticity data, with most statistical methods varying from histogram analysis to mixture analysis, or even multistatistical analysis, allowing the identification of morphotypes but with significant assumptions (e.g., normal 15 distribution) on the morphological pattern of the potential different morphotypes within a population. To address this limitation a multivariate statistical morphometrical tool, Integrated Multivariate Morphon Analysis (IMMA), was developed to identify different placolith morphotypes regarding maximum coccolith length and applied to Quaternary GeoB5559-2 samples, using morphometry data of C. p. braarudii . The results show that IMMA and morphometry microvariations can be used to extract variations in upwelling intensity and primary productivity, extracting the morphological plasticity of C. p. braarudii as a 20 response to primary productivity variations. Thus, IMMA has great potential for studies on the effects of climatic events on coastal upwelling regions during the Quaternary.
High-resolution global map of closed-canopy coconut palm

Abstract. Demand for coconut is expected to rise, but the global distribution of coconut palm has been studied little, which hinders the discussion of its impacts. Here, we produced the first 20 m global coconut palm layer using a U-Net model that was trained on annual Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 composites for the year 2020. The overall accuracy was 99.04 ± 0.21 %, which was significantly higher than the no-information rate. The producer's accuracy for coconut palm was 71.51 ± 23.11 % when only closed-canopy coconut palm was considered in the validation, but this decreased to 11.30 ± 2.33 % when sparse and dense open-canopy coconut palm was also taken into account. This indicates that sparse and dense open-canopy coconut palm remains difficult to map with accuracy. We report a global coconut palm area of 12.66 ± 3.96 × 106 ha for dense open- and closed-canopy coconut palm, but the estimate is 3 times larger (38.93 ± 7.89 × 106 ha) when sparse coconut palm is included in the area estimation. The large area of sparse coconut palm is important as it indicates that production increases can likely be achieved on the existing lands allocated to coconut. The Philippines, Indonesia, and India account for most of the global coconut palm area, representing approximately 82 % of the total mapped area. Our study provides the high-resolution, quantitative, and precise data necessary for assessing the relationships between coconut production and the synergies and trade-offs between various sustainable development goal indicators. The global coconut palm layer is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8128183 (Descals, 2023).
A cross-sectional survey measuring effectiveness of fuel subsidy restructure in Malaysia [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background: Out of the MYR 14 billion of fuel subsidy, the top 20% households (T20) in the country enjoy MYR 8 billion compared to MYR 6 billion of the fuel subsidy restructure enjoyed by the low income (B40) households. As the Malaysian government has started to restructure the fuel subsidy scheme in December 2022 when the national economy began to recover post coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study is in need as it highlights the key concerns of B40 and middle 40% (M40) households to the government. This research aims to determine key factors affecting fuel subsidy restructure effectiveness from the perspective of B40 and M40 households in Malaysia post COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 150 questionnaires were disseminated to Malaysia B40 and M40 households. The questionnaire was completed by 105 households with no missing value. This paper utilized cross-sectional design to examine factors that contribute to fuel subsidy restructure in Malaysia post COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Efficient targeting and social protection were the most important factor that contribute to the effectiveness of fuel subsidy restructure in Malaysia. Conclusions: This research serves as the pioneer research to provide valuable insights to the Malaysian government to effectively restructure fuel subsidy initiative towards creating greater social protection, efficient targeting and better governance and administrative capacity in improving the quality of life of the B40 and M40 households.
Reply to comments on “In−situ observation for RH−dependent mixing states of submicron particles containing organic surfactants and inorganic salts ” by

1) The research provides direct observation and analysis of the dynamic mixing state and phase transitions of submicron particles containing inorganic and surface-active organic constituents in response to relative humidity (RH) cycling. The research also conducted on the interaction between phase transitions of aerosol particles and related hygroscopicity, and CCN activity which could make a significant contribution to the field. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic evolution of inorganic-organic particles under fluctuating atmospheric conditions. This study fits within the scope of the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. However, after carefully examining and revising this article in light of the comments below, it could be considered for publishing in ACP.
Lessons Leanrt Of The First Public Sector ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory In Ghana

Background: Accreditation of public sector medical laboratories in developing countries such as Ghana have been described as an almost impossible task despite major efforts to establish and maintain efficient quality laboratory management systems. The Pathology Division of the 37 Military Hospital provides evidence of an efficient approach to accreditation to ISO 15189 in Ghana and the need to make medical laboratory accreditation an integral part of the national healthcare delivery system.Methods: The laboratory adopted the Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA) programme. After implementation the laboratory accelerated the process towards accreditation using an approach involving senior management in allaccreditation activities, use of specific teams to focus on key improvement projects coordinated by an efficient mentorship programme. The laboratory was finally assessed by the Southern African Development Community for Accreditation Services to meeting the requirement of ISO 15189.Results: The Pathology Division of the 37 Military Hospital attained accreditation for its Haematology and Chemical Pathology departments making it the first public sector laboratory in Ghana to meet the requirement of ISO 15189. There has been an observedimprovement in confidence of personnel and a culture for quality and meeting standards in support of quality healthcare delivery.Conclusion: ISO 15189 accreditation of medical laboratories is possible for all public sector laboratories in Ghana and the approach is scalable scalable especially for tertiary level laboratories. Accreditation ensures a culture for quality which is critical in supportof quality patient care and must be an important aspect of national healthcare delivery systems.
The Consequences of a Strengthened Newtonian Gravity at Short Distances

A central interaction of bodies which at short distances is stronger than Newtonian is considered. It is shown that the escape velocity from a body is essentially more than the escape velocity given by Newton’s theory. The connection of the new central interaction with the gravitational radius of a black hole is found. It is shown that the gravitational radius of a black hole may be arbitrarily large.
Study of the accuracy of the color peak signal-to-blur ratio (CPSBR)

The most critical issue in the restoration of color pictures from noise is the preservation of the useful information embedded in the image data. The Color Peak Signal-to-Blur Ratio (CPSBR) is a new full-reference method that measures the color/detail preservation yielded by a color image denoising filter. The approach is based on a simple and effective algorithm for the estimation of the filtering blur that operates in the RGB color space. An extensive study of the accuracy of the CPSBR is provided in this paper focusing on two key paradigms for image denoising: the family of order-statistics smoothers and the class of nonlinear weighted average filters. In this framework, the exact values of color distortion and detail blur produced by weighted vector medians, scalar and vector bilateral filters are theoretically evaluated and used for a comparison in order to validate the method. Results of many computer simulations dealing with color images corrupted by different amounts of Gaussian and impulse noise show that the novel CPSBR is a very accurate measure of color/detail preservation. Keywords—Color images, image denoising, image filtering, image analysis.
The Zimbabwe Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA) Analysis. Stakeholders’ Perceptions in Cluster 35 of Nyajena in Masvingo District. A Phenomenological Approach.

According to the dictates and resolutions that emanated from the Incheon Declaration and Framework for Action in 2015, a new vision for education made a bench mark for sustainable inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all by 2030. Enshrined in this philosophical provisions are pedagogical strings that should equate and in commensurate to the needs of all learners meaning no one will be omitted from learning. More so, encapsulated in the 2015 gathering is a progressive trajectory underpinned by interconnected targets set to realize it. In response to the call for this education for all agenda, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education (MoPSE) through the former Minister of the Ministry in 2015 quickly ingested the idea and made hast decisions without making informed consultative analytical and critical perspectives pertaining to curriculum innovation. To this end, the Zimbabwe Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) was adopted for the sole purpose of revamping the education outcomes of learners which include among others the following; cognitive domain (looking at knowledge domain), and also the psycho-motor and effective domain. CALA is part of the Competence Based Curriculum which has completed its seven year cycle. During the period of its existence, there were challenges and disparities in its implementation in schools. Notwithstanding the Government efforts to reform the curriculum and provide an economically transformative education, key stakeholders that include parents, teachers and learners perceive CALA as a burden with more challenges than benefits. The CALA did not live up to the expectations of the stakeholders although its planners had envisioned that it would be both a means and process to extricate the graduates at whatever point of exit out of poverty through active participation that could ultimately bear innovativeness.
Evidence of Strain Accumulation and Coupling Variation in the Himachal Region of NW Himalaya From Short Term Geodetic Measurements

Himachal region of Northwest Himalaya exhibits the widest structural re‐entrant in Kangra region and significant strain partitioning along the frontal and hinterland out‐of‐sequence faults. We report results of continuous GPS measurements from 10 new sites in the region and analyze them along with the previously published results to constrain the ongoing arc‐normal and arc‐parallel convergence rates at 16.5 ± 1.1 and 4–5 mm/yr respectively. Thus, the ongoing convergence is oblique by 15°–20°. The Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) is strongly coupled up to ∼100 km from the Main Frontal Thrust but displays significant variation in coupling in the transition zone across the Kangra re‐entrant and the adjoining western salient. Joint analysis of the coupling variation, the geologically inferred MHT geometry variations and the local topographic anomaly pattern strongly suggest the possibility of a potentially active, strain accumulating segment of MBT along the southern margin of Dhauladhar ranges in Western Himachal region, which is also proposed to be influencing the long‐term topographic growth in the region. Although a general agreement is observed between the long‐term shortening rates along the active faults and the estimated geodetic convergence in this region, the ensuing discussion highlights their complex relationship in terms of temporal and spatial variability in the fault activity and elastic‐inelastic deformation. We use the fault orientation and the estimated convergence rate to geometrically constrain a mean dextral slip‐rate of 4.4–5.7 mm/yr along a recently discovered Khetpurali‐Taksal fault, which is proposed to partition the majority of ongoing arc‐parallel deformation along it.
Estudio de la productividad total de los factores de las entidades de la región mar de cortés de México: 1993-2018

El objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar el desempeño de la productividad total de los factores (PTF) a nivel manufacturas de la región mar de cortés y el grado de contribución de cada una de las entidades que la conforman en el periodo 1993-2018. Para ello, las metodologías usadas son el modelo del Residuo de Solow mediante una función de tipo Cobb-Douglas y los diagramas sunrise/sunset de Harberger. Los resultados obtenidos muestran un crecimiento significativo de la PTF en la región para el periodo de estudio aunque claramente diferenciado ya que Baja California y Sonora son las entidades “ganadoras” al registrar el mejor comportamiento en términos de producción, empleo y productividad mientras que Sinaloa, Baja California Sur y Nayarit son las entidades “perdedoras” al mostrar avances muy limitados en el crecimiento de la PTF. Lo anterior precisa la implementación de estrategias regionales que favorezcan la integración de las entidades rezagadas y que promuevan el fortalecimiento de las manufacturas mexicanas.
A multivariate mixed hidden Markov model for blue whale behaviour and responses to sound exposure

Characterization of multivariate time series of behaviour data from animal-borne sensors is challenging. Biologists require methods to objec-tively quantify baseline behaviour, and then assess behaviour changes in response to environmental stimuli. Here, we apply hidden Markov models (HMMs) to characterize blue whale movement and diving behaviour, identifying latent states corresponding to three main underlying behaviour states: shallow feeding, travelling, and deep feeding. The model formulation ac-counts for inter-whale differences via a computationally efﬁcient discrete random effect, and measures potential effects of experimental acoustic disturbance on between-state transition probabilities. We identify clear differences in blue whale disturbance response depending on the behavioural context during exposure, with whales less likely to initiate deep foraging behaviour during exposure. Findings are consistent with earlier studies using smaller sam-ples, but the HMM approach provides a more nuanced characterization of behaviour changes.
One-Cycle-Startup Relaxation Oscillator Using Ratiometric Threshold-Referenced and Self-Synchronized Power Gating Techniques

This brief presents a one cycle startup relaxation oscillator (RO) suitable for resource-constrained wearable and implantable applications. For improving energy efficiency without relying on a low supply voltage, we propose a self-synchronized power gating technique to completely shut down almost all the analog building blocks except near the clock toggling moment. We further relax the system startup energy and size by introducing the ratiometric threshold-referenced technique and deadlock avoidance circuit to quickly pre-bias the internal RC network without using extra on-chip references. The proposed RO is designed and fabricated in standard 0.18- $\mu \text{m}$ CMOS, with four distinct implementations at 1kHz, 10kHz, 100kHz, and 1MHz. Measurement results show that all the ROs can achieve one-cycle startup operation. The 100kHz RO, which occupies an active area of only 0.041mm2, achieves a line sensitivity of ±1.14%/V from 1.7 to 1.9V while exhibiting an energy efficiency of 2.7nW/kHz. After trimming on-chip resistors with complementary temperature coefficients (TCs), the 1MHz RO attains a measured TC of 82ppm/°C from–25 to 100°C, as well as a noise-power figure-of-merit (FoM) of 149 dBc/Hz@100kHz.
Criteria for Nonsingular H-tensors

Tensor is a high-level extension of the matrix, H-tensor is a special tensor and it is a new developed concept in tensor analysis. In this paper, we introduce some definitions and theorems firstly, then establish some implementable criteria in identifying nonsingular H-tensor, and at last give two numerical examples to prove the criteria are reliable.
Radiografía de un mito: la representación estereotipada de los videojugadores puesta a prueba en Chile

Los jugadores de videojuegos han sido representados en medios de comunicación y en productos culturales como niños u hombres jóvenes con escasa vida social, sin participación en la vida comunitaria, sedentarios y con poco interés por el trabajo o los estudios. Desde la perspectiva teórica de la representación social, y analizando datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Uso de Tiempo realizada en Chile, este estudio pone a prueba la relación entre el uso de videojuegos y el aparente desinterés en actividades sociales, laborales, comunitarias y recreativas. Los resultados indican que, aunque los hombres jóvenes efectivamente tienen mayor probabilidad de ser gamers, no existe relación entre jugar videojuegos y la satisfacción con la vida personal o la participación en actividades laborales, de la vida social, comunitarias o políticas. Asimismo, los hallazgos sugieren que quienes juegan también practican deporte, lo cual derriba múltiples mitos sobre jugadores de videojuegos.