Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in Tropical Pacific Thermocline Depth and Their Relationship to ENSO after 1999

AbstractThe characteristics of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability have experienced notable changes since the late 1990s, including a breakdown of the zonal mean upper-ocean heat content as a precursor for ENSO. These changes also initiated a debate on the role of thermocline variations on the development of ENSO events since the beginning of the twenty-first century. In this study, the connection between thermocline variations and El Nino and La Nina events is examined separately for the 1980–98 and 1999–2012 periods. The analysis highlights the important role of thermocline variations in modulating ENSO evolutions in both periods. It is found that thermocline variation averaged in the central tropical Pacific, including both equatorial and off-equatorial regions, is a good precursor for ENSO evolutions before and after 1999, while the traditional basinwide mean of equatorial thermocline variation is a good precursor only before 1999. The new precursor, including both high-frequency variabili.
Finite-difference Migration of 3-D Seismic Data With a Parallel Algorithm

We designed and implemented a production-scale 3-D poststack reverse-time migration RTM) algorithm with ll finite-difference solution to the fu acoustic wave equation on the Cray T3D massively parallel processors. The algorithm is based on finite-difference operators that are accurate to second order in time and fourth order in space and uses a novel approach for the stability condition. We applied this algorithm to several data sets from salt/subsalt plays in the Gulf of Mexico and compared the results with the outputs obtained from a 3D prestack Kirchhoff migration and poststack split-step Fourier depth migration. We show that our implementation of RTM produces good quality images comparable to 3-D prestack depth migration around salt structures but runs in only a few hours on the T3D. We also make a comparison between RTM and split-step Fourier migration on a T3E.
Stakeholders' Perceptions about Fire Impacts on Lithuanian Protected Areas

The aim of this work is to study Lithuanian stakeholders' perceptions of fire impacts in protected areas. For this study, the stakeholders consisted of foresters, ecologists and farmers. A clear understanding of the opinions of stakeholders about fire effects on environmental, social and economic aspects of Lithuanian protected areas will allow an assessment of the stakeholders' reaction to fire policy, including government measures towards fire prevention, suppression and application of prescribed fire to landscape management. The results showed that stakeholders in general think that fire is not a threat to Lithuania and to the ecological processes in the protected areas. However, they agree that fires have negative impacts on soil properties and fertility but are not to an irremediable or irrecoverable extent. Stakeholders disagree that fire has positive consequences for agricultural and cattle activities but agreed that vegetation recovers quickly. They do not see fire as a social and economic problem, do not agree that prescribed fire could be used to landscape management, and believe that mechanical thinning is a better management tool than prescribed fire. Stakeholders agree that fire does not have negative impacts on the biodiversity. These opinions depended on the age group of the respondent but especially on the respondent's professional occupation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sea Ice-Albedo Climate Feedback Mechanism

Abstract The sea ice-albedo feedback mechanism over the Arctic Ocean multiyear sea ice is investigated by conducting a series of experiments using several one-dimensional models of the coupled sea ice-atmosphere system. In its simplest form, ice-albedo feedback is thought to be associated with a decrease in the areal cover of snow and ice and a corresponding increase in the surface temperature, further decreasing the areal cover of snow and ice. It is shown that the sea ice-albedo feedback can operate even in multiyear pack ice, without the disappearance of this ice, associated with internal processes occurring within the multiyear ice pack (e.g., duration of the snow cover, ice thickness, ice distribution, lead fraction, and melt pond characteristics). The strength of the ice-albedo feedback mechanism is compared for several different thermodynamic sea ice models: a new model that includes ice thickness distribution, the Ebert and Curry model, the Maykut and Untersteiner model, and the Semtner level-3 an.
Relationship between mass extinction and iridium across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary in New Jersey

We directly link iridium (Ir) anomalies in New Jersey to the mass extinction of marine plankton marking the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. We confirm previous reports of an Ir anomaly 20 cm below the extinction of Cretaceous macrofauna (the “ Pinna ” bed) with new results from a muddy sand section from Tighe Park, Freehold, New Jersey (United States), but we also show that Ir anomalies correlate with marine mass extinctions at three other clay-rich New Jersey sections. Thus, we attribute the anomaly at Freehold to the downward movement of Ir and reaffirm the link between impact and mass extinction.
GOCI, the world's first geostationary ocean color observation satellite, for the monitoring of temporal variability in coastal water turbidity

[1] The primary advantage of the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI), the world's first geostationary ocean color observation satellite, over other ocean color satellite imagers is that it can obtain data every hour during the daytime, allowing ocean monitoring in near real time. Here, we investigated temporal variation in turbidity along a coastal region. To estimate suspended sediment concentrations (SSC), water samples and radiometric data were collected from waters in the Mokpo coastal area, located along the west coast of Korea. GOCI images acquired on the same day as the samples were used to generate a map of turbidity and to estimate the differences in SSC displayed in each image. Hourly GOCI images successfully identified the temporal variation in turbidity, which is mainly driven by the tidal cycle. A hydrodynamic model also showed that the GOCI-derived turbidity variation was reliable. This study shows that the GOCI can be effectively used to monitor the temporal dynamics of the turbidity of coastal waters, i.e., sediment movements driven by the tidal cycle along the west coast of the Korean Peninsula.
The land surface‐atmosphere interaction: A review based on observational and global modeling perspectives

This review discusses the land-surface-atmosphere interaction using observations from two North American field experiments (First International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project Field Experiment (FIFE) and Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)) and the application of research data to the improvement of land surface and boundary layer parameterizations in the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) global forecast model. Using field data, we discuss some of the diurnal and seasonal feedback loops controlling the net surface radiation and its partition into the surface sensible and latent heat fluxes and the ground heat flux. We consider the impact on the boundary layer evolution and show the changes in the diurnal cycle with soil moisture in midsummer. We contrast the surface energy budget over the tropical oceans with that over both dry and wet land surfaces in summer. Results from a new ECMWF model with four predicted soil layers illustrate the interaction between the soil moisture reservoir, evaporation and precipitation on different timescales and space scales. An analysis of an ensemble of 30-day integrations for July 1993 (the month of the Mississippi flood) showed a large sensitivity of the monthly precipitation pattern (and amount) to different initial soil moisture conditions. Short-range forecasts with old and new land surface and boundary layer schemes showed that the new scheme produced much better precipitation forecasts for the central United States because of a more realistic thermodynamic structure, which in turn resulted from improved evaporation in an area that is about 1-day upstream. The results suggest that some predictability exists in the extended range as a result of the memory of the soil moisture reservoir. We also discuss briefly the problem of soil moisture initialization in a global forecast model and summarize recent experience with nudging of soil moisture at ECMWF and improvements in the surface energy budget coming from the better prediction of clouds.
CONSTREÑIMIENTOS, VARIACIÓN EVOLUTIVA Y PLANOS CORPORALES

In this article we propose a revision of the concepts of developmental constraints and variation , in consideration of recent empirical and theoretical work, particularly on Hox genes, phylotypic stage, and morphogenesis. We argue that the notion of isotropic and unlimited variation associated to Darwinian and Neo Darwinian theories must be rethought in the light of recent contributions that come from developmental biology. In this view, variation would be constrained and biased. This conceptual reformulation of variation goes in hand with a reformulation of the concept of developmental constraints : they should be understood as positive causal factors in evolution, in contrast with the way they are usually understood in biology.
DETERMINANTS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES IN OIL AND GAS SECTOR IN KENYA. (A CASE OF KENYA PIPELINE)

: The aim of the study was to find out the factors influencing adoption of sustainable procurement practices in the energy sector particularly oil and gas sector in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effects of resource capacity, legal & regulatory framework, supplier participation and management commitment. The study used a target population of 150 employees from the procurement department while the sample size of 45 employees was determined by 30%, since it has been argued that such a sample size is adequate for a descriptive survey study (Patton, 2002). Stratified random sampling technique was also used to select respondents in the study population since it ensured that all the respondents had an equal and unbiased chance of participating in the study. A descriptive research design as well as use of questionnaires was also used in order to acquire the findings. Quantitative data was analyzed using tally sheet and presented by use of tables. In addition the study used multiple regression analysis to analyze the data. Regarding resource capacity, the study indicates that resource capacity significantly and positively influenced on the implementation of sustainable procurement in oil and gas sector in Kenya. The study further concluded that legal & regulatory framework have a significant and a positive effect on the implementation of sustainable procurement in oil and gas sector in Kenya. The study further concluded that supplier participation had significant and a positive effect on the implementation of sustainable procurement in oil and gas sector in Kenya. The study finally concluded that management commitment had a significant and positive effect on the implementation of sustainable procurement in oil and gas sector in Kenya.
Atomically Mixed Fe-Group Nanoalloys: Catalyst Design for the Selective Electrooxidation of Ethylene Glycol to Oxalic Acid

Please note that technical editing may introduce minor changes to the text and/or graphics, which may alter content. The journal’s standard Terms & Conditions and the Ethical guidelines still apply. In no event shall the Royal Society of Chemistry be held responsible for any errors or omissions in this Accepted Manuscript or any consequences arising from the use of any information it contains. Accepted Manuscript
Gradation of complexity and predictability of hydrological processes

Quantification of the complexity and predictability of hydrological systems is important for evaluating the impact of climate change on hydrological processes, and for guiding water activities. In the literature, the focus seems to have been on describing the complexity of spatiotemporal distribution of hydrological variables, but little attention has been paid to the study of complexity gradation, because the degree of absolute complexity of hydrological systems cannot be objectively evaluated. Here we show that complexity and predictability of hydrological processes can be graded into three ranks (low, middle, and high). The gradation is based on the difference in the energy distribution of hydrological series and that of white noise under multitemporal scales. It reflects different energy concentration levels and contents of deterministic components of the hydrological series in the three ranks. Higher energy concentration level reflects lower complexity and higher predictability, but scattered energy distribution being similar to white noise has the highest complexity and is almost unpredictable. We conclude that the three ranks (low, middle, and high) approximately correspond to deterministic, stochastic, and random hydrological systems, respectively. The result of complexity gradation can guide hydrological observations and modeling, and identification of similarity patterns among different hydrological systems.
Classical Ayurvedic Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Case Report

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilo-sebaceous unit, characterized by papules, pustules and often scarring, mainly on the face, upper trunk and back. Acne vulgaris is a nearly universal skin disorder affecting 79 to 95% of youths. In today's era, stress, increasing pollution, changes in diet, lifestyle changes, hormonal changes and the number of youths suffering from acne vulgaris problem is increasing. In Ayurveda it can be called as Mukhadushika. It is otherwise called as Yuvanpidika (Acne vulgaris). In Sushruta Samhita, Mukhadushika is mentioned under the kshudraroga. Acharya Sushruta has described Mukhadushika as a particularly thorn-like eruption on the face of adolescents. According to Ayurveda, mukhadushika occurs due to vitiation of kapha dosha, vata dosha and raktadushti . In present case study, there is kaphavata dominancy with involvement of raktadosha. Patient was prescribed the Ayurvedic medicines Lodhradi lepa, Mahatiktaka ghritam, Dashamoola kwath churna on OPD basis. From this case study it can be concluded that Ayurvedic formulations are effective in the mukhadushika (Acne vulgaris).
The behaviour of 39 pesticides in surface waters as a function of scale

A portion of applied pesticides runs off agricultural fields and is transported through surface waters. In this study, the behaviour of 39 pesticides is examined as a function of scale across 14 orders of magnitude from the field to the ocean. Data on pesticide loads in streams from two US Geological Survey programs were combined with literature data from field and watershed studies. The annual load as percent of use (LAPU) was quantified for each of the fields and watersheds and was used as the normalization factor across watersheds and compounds. The in‐stream losses of each pesticide were estimated for a model stream with a 15 day travel time (similar in characteristics to the upper Mississippi River). These estimated in‐stream losses agreed well with the observed changes in apparent LAPU values as a function of watershed area. In general, herbicides applied to the soil surface had the greatest LAPU values and minimal in‐stream losses. Soil‐incorporated herbicides had smaller LAPU values and substantial in‐stream losses. Insecticides generally had LAPU values similar to the incorporated herbicides, but had more variation in their in‐stream losses. On the basis of the LAPU values of the 39 pesticides as a function of watershed area, a generalized conceptual model of the movement of pesticides from the field to the ocean is suggested. The importance of considering both field runoff and in‐stream losses is discussed in relation to interpreting monitoring data and making regulatory decisions. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drainage skeletonization from flow-accumulated area without the use of threshold

This study presents a method of automatic drainage skeletonization from flow-accumulated area without the use of threshold which conserves drainage geometry at chosen digital elevation model (DEM) scale. To get all possible drainage at the chosen scale, stream order raster is generated by incorporating flow accumulation and flow direction raster derived from corresponding DEM. This allows generation of drainage network without the use of threshold. Resultant stream order raster, termed as raw stream order raster (RSOR), is tested against threshold defined stream order raster to evaluate its efficiency. Use of RSOR allows extraction of stream heads to greater stream head extent. Again, DEM downscaling takes care of overestimation in number of streams. So, the proposed technique is effective in controlling two basic aspects of drainage characteristics – stream number and extent. In our case, drainage estimated from re-sampled medium-scale DEM has the closest matching with that of the reference topographical map.
On the nature of cartographic text

AbstractAn examination of the purpose of text on the face of the map results in a taxonomy of text symbols used by cartographers. Text can be 'designative', reflecting the features portrayed by other map symbols, 'analytical' linking features on the map with their attributes and analysing relationships amongst features; 'positional' describing or confirming the location of features; and 'informative', giving a description of the nature of the source data. Map design aspects are considered in relation to text portrayal.
Carbon and nitrogen dynamics in an eastern corn belt soil: nitrogen source and rotation.

Soil C sequestration may mitigate increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. This study was conducted to assess chemical and physical fractions of total organic C (TOC) and total N (TN) as affected by land use, N fertilizer source, and rotation. Particulate organic matter (POM) and non-hydrolyzable C (NHC) fractions were measured in Drummer (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquoll) silty clay loam and Raub (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Aquic Argiudoll) silt loam soil series during two growing seasons. Agroecosystems evaluated were continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CC) and corn grown in rotation with soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr. ] (CS) both with urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN), CC with either spring or fall liquid swine manure (CCSM and CCFM, respectively), soybean in rotation with CSUAN (SC), and restored prairie grass (PG). In general, CCFM exhibited the largest soil C and N pools. In corn-soybean rotations, the TOC declined roughly 10% following SC but increased a comparable amount following CSUAN. The 2-yr corn-soybean rotation (SC and CSUAN) had a similar overall effect as CCUAN on TOC (ranging from 22 to 24 g C kg -1 soil). When compared with CCUAN, PG soils were enriched in TOC, fine POM-C and NHC but not in N pools, reflecting soil C and N dynamics dominated by fine root turnover without fertilization and tillage. Comparison of soil C pools between treatments that differed in TOC revealed that newly sequestered C was preferentially allocated into POM supporting this fraction as an indicator of management effect on C sequestration.
Tropospheric low‐level temperature inversions in the Canadian Arctic

Abstract Climatological characteristics of the low‐level tropospheric temperature inversion in the Canadian Arctic are examined using 10–40 year records of upper‐air meteorological data. Inversions at the northern sites are primarily surface‐based in winter, and elevated from mid‐spring through summer. At the southern sites, a bimodal pattern is observed with surface‐based inversions occurring during late summer, as well as during winter. From comparisons of our results with other published climatologies, it appears that this bimodal pattern reflects interactions between short‐ and long‐wave radiation, synoptic activity and snowmelt. Maxima in inversion depth and temperature difference across the inversion layer occur in February and March; minima occur in August and September. The annual progression of inversion characteristics closely follows the annual pattern of clear‐sky percentages, reflecting the controlling influence of cloud and clear‐sky radiative forcings on the inversion layer.
Subseafloor Ocean Crust Microbial Observatories: Development of FLOCS (FLow-through Osmo Colonization System) and Evaluation of Borehole Construction Materials

Although oceanic crust is the largest contiguous, hydrologically active environment on Earth, very little is empirically known about crustal habitability due to obstacles faced in scientific sampling, especially in basaltic crust. Geologically young, chemically reduced basaltic crust is not in thermodynamic equilibrium with seawater or hydrothermal fluids; exploitation of the inherent thermodynamic disequilibrium may fuel microbial ecosystems in subsurface environments. One avenue to explore the basaltic deep biosphere is through the deployment of microbial observatories at seafloor exposures and inside boreholes drilled into the crust. We report the design and field-testing of flow-through microbial observatories for use in deep biosphere studies conducted in boreholes within oceanic crust. We also evaluate the suitability of borehole construction materials in order to inform the development of the next generation of observatories for microbial studies, with attention towards minimizing in situ leaching of (potentially) growth-inducing substrates (i.e., carbon, nitrogen, iron).
Mantle-Lherzolite Xenoliths from Eastern China: Petrogenesis and Development of Secondary Textures

Spinel-lherzolite xenoliths in alkali basalts from eastern China have porphyroclastic to equigranular textures displaying varying degrees of deformation and subsolidus re-equilibration. The proportions of minerals in these xenoliths vary from 52 to 72% homogeneous olivine (Fo88-91); 11 to 26% orthopyroxene (Wo0.9.1.6; En88-90; Fs8.7.10.7), with minor discontinuous variations of Al2O3, FeO, and CaO; 6 to 19% clinopyroxene (Wo43.47; En49.51; Fs3.7.6.7); and 1 to 5% spinel, with similar Mg# (79.6 to 82.6), but wider variations of Al2O3 and Cr2O3 (100Cr/(Cr + Al + Fe3+) = 8.1 to 23.6). Although previous trace-element and isotopic studies have shown that at least two distinctly different mantle sources were sampled by Cenozoic basalts, mineralogical heterogeneities seem to be minor within the spinel-peridotite-facies lithosphere beneath eastern China. These xenoliths experienced limited interaction with the host basaltic magma during eruption. Symplectites of secondary, minute silicates, titanomagnetite, and s.