Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microdistribution of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Ba/Ca ratios in Pulleniatina obliquiloculata test by using a NanoSIMS: Implication for the vital effect mechanism

The Mg/Ca ratio within foraminiferal calcareous tests (shells) is widely used to reconstruct past seawater temperature. However, recent studies reported that the organic components within a test affect the Mg/Ca distribution. In this study, we have measured the Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Ba/Ca ratios within the planktonic foraminifera Pulleniatina obliquiloculata by using a NanoSIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS)), which has excellent spatial resolution (∼1 μm) and allows us to compare the distribution of chemical compositions with that of the organic components. Element compositions show banding distributions composed of alternately higher and lower values of those elemental ratios. The Mg/Ca ratios, previously considered to be mainly controlled by calcification temperature, show larger variations than the values expected from the seawater temperature at the habitat depth of P. obliquiloculata. Comparison of the elemental distribution with the test microstructure reveals that the bands of high Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios correspond with layers of the organic components. Such coincidence suggests that the organic components strongly affect the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios within a test. In spite of the heterogeneous distribution, temperature estimated from the averaged Mg/Ca ratio within a test is consistent with seawater temperature at the habitat depth of P. obliquiloculata, indicating that whole Mg/Ca ratio of foraminiferal test may be useful as paleotemperature proxy. In contrast to the Mg/Ca ratio the heterogenity in Ba/Ca ratio, which previously has been considered to be mainly controlled by the ambient seawater composition, is not fully matched with the layers of the organic compositions. Although the organic components concentrate Ba, other unknown factors appear to also cause heterogenity in Ba incorporation.
Bus Accessibility Planning in Iran: The Case of Mashhad

This paper describes how the planning of bus accessibility, due to the observing of social and economical matters and urban land use and the transport system, has an essential position in the planning and design process of the city. The importance of this matter has been highly recognized since the 1950's, especially after the criticism of the city design model based on the Auto City, because it caused the horizontal expansion of the cities (sprawl), environmental pollution, separation of the work place and houses and increasing transport costs. This paper evaluates accessibility based on the bus system in the City of Mashhad, in order to determine the direct inaccessible regions for citizens to the bus system and also to determine the ideal radius accessibility and to design the best route for buses. In order to achieve this purpose the reformed Hansen and Pooler model was used (Hansen 1959 and Pooler 1995), which was based on population variables, occupation and by calculating the potential attraction and the distance between different municipal regions in Mashhad (12 regions) which was completed with the help of a Geographical Information System (GIS). The results of the usage of this model in Mashhad indicate that after personal transportation (27% of all trips), buses are the main use for public transportation with which 24% of all daily trips are made, 88% of the expansion and 86% of the citizens have direct accessibility to buses, meaning that 25,49 square kilometers and 342987 of citizens do not have direct accessibility to the bus system. Also the accessibility coefficient shows differences in different regions of the city. It shows an increase from the populated, low-income regions in the north-east towards the developing regions in the south-west and west of the city. Finally, creating new bus lines and changing the current ones, to cover the regions without direct accessibility to buses, is an effective step towards creating the sustainable development of the city.
Headwater channel dynamics in semiarid rangelands, Colorado high plains, USA

Incised ephemeral channels provide a window into the fluvial processes that help sculpt rangeland landscapes. This paper presents observations of ephemeral channels and valley networks in the high plains of Colorado, USA, with an eye toward painting a picture of the ingredients that must be included in mathematical models of landscape evolution in such environments. Channel incision in the study area is driven by summer thunderstorms, which can with reasonable frequency (3–5 yr) generate boundary shear stresses high enough to penetrate the highly resistant vegetation armor, but only within erosional hot spots where hydraulic forces are amplified by channel constriction and locally steep gradients. Focusing of erosion at these hot spots (which correspond to knickpoints and channel heads) is amplified by the small areal footprint and short “erosional reach” of most convective storms. Upstream migration of knickpoints creates a pattern of short, active channel reaches separated by unchanneled or weakly channeled, fully vegetated stable reaches. Based on our observations, we interpret the necessary and sufficient conditions leading to the observed channel forms and dynamics as: (1) a resistant vegetation layer overlying an erodible substrate, which sets up a conditional instability through which erosional perturbations can grow by positive feedback; (2) high flow variability; (3) moderate to high substrate cohesion; and (4) a high volume fraction of fine-grained erodible material. Concave-upward valley long profiles are interpreted as a trade-off between downstream-increasing flood frequency and downstream-decreasing flood effectiveness. The observed process dynamics imply that long-term rates of valley incision should be especially sensitive to climatic oscillations between episodes of drought and warm-season convective rainfall.
Tourism and the environment; a sustainable partnership

ABSTRACT Sustainable development is now an established part of the rhetoric of government policy. In Scottish tourism this has been expressed through an initiative on tourism and the environment. Yet Scottish tourism may be more readily associated with scenery, nostalgia and a ‘tartan’ heritage. This paper discusses the potential for sustainable tourism to become but another part of the touristic portfolio of myths.
Flood hazard in Europe in an ensemble of regional climate scenarios

[1] We analyze changes in flood hazard in Europe by examining extreme discharge levels as simulated by the hydrological model LISFLOOD when driven by a multimodel ensemble of climate simulations. The ensemble consists of simulations from two regional climate models (RCMs), both run with boundary conditions from two global models, and for two scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions. In northeastern Europe, a general decrease in extreme river discharge is observed in the scenario period, suggesting a reduction in the hazard of extreme snowmelt floods. Elsewhere, we find a consistent tendency toward a higher flood hazard in the majority of the model experiments in several major European rivers. These changes can partly be attributed to large, decadal-scale variability in the simulated climate and can be expected to occur naturally when comparing two 30-year time periods, even without a change in greenhouse gas forcing. We furthermore find evidence for a considerable influence of especially the global model that is used to drive the RCMs. At the scale of individual river basins, using a different combination of climate models or assuming a different emissions scenario sometimes results in a very different or even opposite climate change signal in flood hazard. We therefore believe that a multimodel approach as adopted in the present paper provides the best way to address the various uncertainties in impact studies of hydrometeorological extremes. Probabilistic scenarios that consist of multiple realizations of the current and future climate state are indispensable to better identify the climate signal amidst large variability.
Stereo matching techniques for cloud-top height retrieval

This paper presents an ongoing study for the estimation of the cloud-top height by using only geometrical methods. It is based on the hypothesis that an infra-red camera is on board a satellite and pairs of images concern nearly the same scene. Stereo-vision techniques are therefore explored in order to test the methodology for height retrieval and in particular results of several techniques of stereo matching are evaluated. This study includes area-based matching algorithms by implementing the basic versions, without considering any further steps of optimisation to improve the results. Dense depth maps are the final outputs whose reliability is verified by computing error statistics with respect to a set of Digital Terrain Elevation Data, used as ground truth for a set of nearly cloud free images. A set of real pairs of images from the Along-Track Scanning Radiometer2 11μm data set, has been considered. The evaluated errors range between . 75 and . 80 km, that is not a particularly bad result if it is compared to the resolution of the ATSR2 pixel (1 km resolution).
Multidecadal to Centennial Variability of the AMOC: HadCM3 and a Perturbed Physics Ensemble

AbstractMultidecadal to centennial variability of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is investigated in a multi-thousand-year simulation of the third version of the Hadley Centre Coupled Model (HadCM3) and in an ensemble of general circulation models (GCMs) based on HadCM3 with perturbed physics. Large changes in the AMOC in the standard HadCM3 are strongly related to salinity anomalies in the deep-water formation regions, with anomalies arriving via two pathways. The first is from a coupled feedback in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, described previously by Vellinga and Wu, and the second is from variability in the Arctic Ocean, possibly driven by stochastic sea level pressure. The low-frequency variability of the AMOC in HadCM3 is well predicted from salinity anomalies from these two pathways. The sensitivity of these processes to model physics is investigated using a small ensemble based on HadCM3 where parameters relating to physical processes are varied. The AMOC responds consisten.
Usage and Diffusion of Cellular Telephony, 1998-2004

We study the dynamics of usage intensity of second-generation cellular telephony over the diffusion curve. Specifically, we address two questions: First, can we draw conclusions about the underlying drivers of technology diffusion by studying usage intensity? Second, what is the effect of high penetration of previous generations and competing networks on network usage intensity? Using an operator-level panel covering 41 countries with quarterly data over 6 years, we find that heterogeneity among adopters dominates network effects and that different technological generations are complements in terms of usage, but substitutes in terms of subscription.
AIRS impact on precipitation analysis and forecast of tropical cyclones in a global data assimilation and forecast system

The impact of assimilating quality‐controlled Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) temperature retrievals obtained from partially cloudy regions is assessed, with focus on precipitation produced by the GEOS‐5 data assimilation and forecasting system, for three tropical cyclones: Nargis (April 27 ‐ May 03, 2008) in the Indian Ocean, Wilma (October 15–26, 2005) and Helene (September 12–16, 2006) in the Atlantic. It is found that the precipitation analysis obtained when assimilating AIRS cloudy retrievals (AIRS) can capture regions of heavy precipitation associated with tropical cyclones much better than without AIRS data (CONTRL) or when using AIRS clear‐sky radiances (RAD). The precipitation along the storm track shows that the AIRS assimilation produces larger mean values and more intense rain rates than the CONTRL and RAD assimilations. The corresponding precipitation forecasts initialized from AIRS analysis show reasonable prediction skill and better performance than forecasts initialized from CONTRL and RAD analyses up to day‐2.
OPERATIONAL LEVEL STRATEGIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF FOUR-STAR HOTELS IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

Performance is the key indicator to access the growth, stability, and capacity of an organization in any industry. Performance in the competitive hospitality industry is attributed to the never-ending strategies put in place by the hotels to either maintain the competition advantage or penetrate the industry. Further, the four-star hotels in Mombasa County are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the international travel restrictions and advisories imposed by foreign countries to contain and curtail the spread of COVID-19. The travel bans and restrictions reduced drastically foreign tourists visiting Kenya and Mombasa to be specific. A number of hotels shut down while others operating at severely reduced capacity with high reliability on the local tourists who are equally affected by the advisories. To survive in the industry, four-star hotels in Mombasa County have employed operational level strategies to mitigate the problem of organizational performance. Performance of the four-star hotels in Mombasa County has declined steadily and the hotels that adopted the operational level strategies have re invented their businesses. The main objective of this research was to examine the effect of operational level strategies organizational performance of four-star hotels n Mombasa County. The specific objectives of this study were to examine the effect of human resource strategies, customer service strategies, information and communication strategies and marketing strategies on the organizational performance of four-star hotels in the County. The study was soundly informed by Resources Based Theory, Balance Scorecard, SERVQUAL Model and Competitive Advantage Theory. The study population was 55 operational managers from all the five four star-rated hotels. Census technique was used since the target population was small. The research used questionnaire with closed-ended questions to collect data. Validity and reliability of the study was determined through a pilot study. The researcher used Cronbach’s
An Estimation of Buoyancy Flux for a Mixture of Turbulence and Double Diffusion

Microstructure measurements were made in the Mixed Water Region of the Oyashio/Kuroshio/Tsugaru currents system where both turbulence and double diffusion are involved in mixing. While intense turbulence is observed near the front between the Oyashio and the Tsugaru Current, double diffusion occupies a noticeable fraction in both the Tsugaru Water and the Mixed Water between the Oyashio and the Kuroshio. After determining a criterion to distinguish double diffusion from turbulence, vertical diffusivities and buoyancy fluxes are estimated using microstructure data. When turbulence is weak, double diffusion is observed around temperature and salinity anomalies, partly due to interleaving, and dominates the buoyancy flux. Vertical diffusivities due to double diffusion are parameterized as a function of the 10-m-scale density ratio. The 10-m-scale diffusivity estimates are consistent with the microstructure data when an appropriate criterion to reproduce a probability density function for the Turner angle is applied. A weighted-average diffusivity model is proposed to account properly for turbulence and double diffusion simultaneously.
Modes of stepwise eastward migration of the northern Tyrrhenian Sea back‐arc extension: Evidences from the northern Latium offshore (Italy)

The structural architecture of a portion of the eastern side of the Tyrrhenian Sea back‐arc basin has been defined reinterpreting a public data set made up by seismic reflection profiles. A detailed reconstruction of the extensional front migration trough time across the area has been achieved. Migration has been defined by identifying the generation of unconformities in the graben‐like basins developed in the area, as due to the activation and deactivation of normal faults. Such phenomena are part of a tectonic process that also involved blocks rotation, crustal thinning, and stretching. Syn‐rift extension affected the area since the early to middle Miocene (our estimate), principally interesting the north‐westernmost sectors. During late Miocene and throughout the Plio‐Quaternary the extensional front moved stepwise toward the southeastern and eastern sectors. Widespread postrift conditions established over the whole area since the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene. Since the Quaternary, the locus of active extension further migrated toward the present onshore area, where a pronounced volcanic phase developed. In this evolutionary framework the rates of observed migration could be correlated with the acceleration of Calabrian slab rollback since Pliocene. Furthermore, direct evidences of magmatism were not recognized in the offshore. Although the observed crustal thinning, the absence of volcanic bodies in the study area could be related to normal faults which were unable to sufficiently extend the crust, in association with lower crust and mantle processes unable to produce melts.
A review of the potential impacts of climate change on surface water quality

Abstract It is now accepted that some human-induced climate change is unavoidable. Potential impacts on water supply have received much attention, but relatively little is known about the concomitant changes in water quality. Projected changes in air temperature and rainfall could affect river flows and, hence, the mobility and dilution of contaminants. Increased water temperatures will affect chemical reaction kinetics and, combined with deteriorations in quality, freshwater ecological status. With increased flows there will be changes in stream power and, hence, sediment loads with the potential to alter the morphology of rivers and the transfer of sediments to lakes, thereby impacting freshwater habitats in both lake and stream systems. This paper reviews such impacts through the lens of UK surface water quality. Widely accepted climate change scenarios suggest more frequent droughts in summer, as well as flash-flooding, leading to uncontrolled discharges from urban areas to receiving water courses and estuaries. Invasion by alien species is highly likely, as is migration of species within the UK adapting to changing temperatures and flow regimes. Lower flows, reduced velocities and, hence, higher water residence times in rivers and lakes will enhance the potential for toxic algal blooms and reduce dissolved oxygen levels. Upland streams could experience increased dissolved organic carbon and colour levels, requiring action at water treatment plants to prevent toxic by-products entering public water supplies. Storms that terminate drought periods will flush nutrients from urban and rural areas or generate acid pulses in acidified upland catchments. Policy responses to climate change, such as the growth of bio-fuels or emission controls, will further impact freshwater quality.
Inventory and Sediment Modeling of Unpaved Roads for Stream Conservation Planning

The streams and rivers of the Ozark Plateaus are an unrivaled natural resource for the region. They provide habitat to some of the North America’s most abundant and rich biodiversity, while also serving as water sources for human drinking, agricultural, and recreational needs. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has identified several priority watersheds through its Ozarks Ecoregional Conservation Assessment of 2003, where it focuses its on-the ground conservation planning and implementation efforts. Sedimentation from unpaved roads is a primary threat to water quality in Ozark streams. TNC has partnered with various organizations including the US Forest Service (USFS), the Watershed Conservation Resource Center (WCRC), and others to develop a multi-phased approach to address the impacts of unpaved roads on these priority watersheds. The first step in the approach utilizes advanced GIS/GPS technologies to develop a detailed vehicle-based road inventory of the target watershed or subwatershed. Sub-meter differential GPS with customized data dictionaries are used to characterize the location and function of sediment-producing and conveying features of the road infrastructure, including the road surface, prism and slope, ditches, bars, lead-offs, culverts, crossings, and outlets. The road inventory yields a comprehensive geodatabase and map series of the mapped features. A stratified random sample of the inventoried road network is then measured to generate sediment yield predictions on ten percent of the road network. Detailed field measurements are collected with differential GPS and customized data dictionaries. The data are entered into the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model, a process-based erosion prediction model developed by multiple federal agencies over the past 20 years. With sediment yields predicted for sample sites, erosion predictions are then extrapolated for the entire study watershed using the road inventory geodatabase. Once sedimentation yields are predicted for each road segment in the entire study area, priority sub-watersheds are identified in the GIS using watershed sediment accumulation tools. These sub-watersheds with high potential for sediment yield may be compared to species inventory data, stream bank erosion surveys, and other land use information to set priorities for conservation planning and prioritization efforts. Priority infrastructure maintenance improvements are also identified through features that were flagged in the road inventory geodatabase as needing repair or replacement. Road maintenance workshops are held with USFS engineers, county road crews, and other partners to transfer the inventory information, present the findings of the study and to demonstrate best management practices for road maintenance. Since 2004, TNC and its partners in the Arkansas have worked in three priority Ozark watersheds to inventory over 600 miles of unpaved roads and 3000 associated point features in an area greater than 900 square miles. The area comprises over thirty 6th level (12-digit) HUCs.
Cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis: Balancing risk management

In this narrative review of the current literature, we examine the traditional risk factors and patient profiles leading to cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. We discuss the interrelationships between risk factors and common pathophysiological mechanisms for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. We evaluate the increasing evidence that supports an association between these disabling conditions. We reveal that vascular health appears to have a strong effect on skeletal health, and vice versa. We highlight the importance of addressing the risk benefit of preventative interventions in both conditions. We discuss how both sexes are affected by these chronic conditions and the importance of considering the unique risk of the individual. We show that habitual physical activity is an effective primary and secondary preventative strategy for both cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. We highlight how a holistic approach to the prevention and treatment of these chronic conditions is likely warranted.