Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the aerosol number concentration–wind speed relationship during a severe cyclonic storm over south Indian Ocean

[1] Measurements of the number concentration and size distribution of aerosols in the range of 0.5–20 μm diameter were made during a severe cyclonic storm in the Southern Hemisphere at 53.3°S, 52.5°E on 19 February 2004. Data were analyzed to study the aerosol number concentration–wind speed relationship. It was found that in conformity with past observations, total aerosol number concentration increases with increase in wind speed from 4 to 11 m s−1, measured at 10 m above sea level. However, contrary to most of the earlier studies, total aerosol number concentration decreases with increase in the wind speed from 16 to 22 m s−1 and then maintains an almost constant value up to the maximum wind speed of 33.1 m s−1. The total aerosol number concentration varies a little with wind speed in the range of 11–16 m s−1. While increase in the total aerosol number concentration corresponding to the increase in wind speed from 4 to 11 m s−1 is spread over the whole range of particle sizes, decrease in the aerosol number concentration associated with increase in wind speed from 16 to 22 m s−1 is mainly due to decrease in the concentration of particles of <1 μm. The increase in aerosol number concentration is well recognized as being due to the enhanced bubble-breaking activity at the sea surface and increased entrainment of sea-salt particles, once produced. We propose that decrease in the aerosol number concentration may possibly occur because of the scavenging of aerosols by larger seawater drops injected into the atmosphere at high wind speeds. This scavenging process may act as a built-in sink, which becomes operative at high wind speeds and restricts the enhancement in concentration of marine aerosols.
Casting the Net Wide and Deep: Lessons Learned in a Mixed-Methods Study of Poverty Dynamics in Rural Bangladesh

In this paper we reflect on lessons learned in developing a mixed-methods approach to the study of poverty dynamics in a three phase qual-quant-qual study of poverty dynamics in rural Bangladesh. We argue that a sequential but integrated approach has a number of advantages over single-method approaches or non-integrated studies. In particular, mixed-methods research strengthens our ability to make more reliable causal inferences, both in individual life trajectories, and in collective trends. We also examine how integrating qualitative and quantitative methods raises important issues for poverty dynamics research, including the way that concepts are developed and deployed, how field research is designed and conducted, how causation is identified, and how findings are analysed and presented. [Working Paper No. 155]
Michigan forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework project

Forests in northern Michigan will be affected directly and indirectly by a changing climate during the next 100 years. This assessment evaluates the vulnerability of forest ecosystems in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula to a range of future climates. Information on current forest conditions, observed climate trends, projected climate changes, and impacts to forest ecosystems was considered in order to draw conclusions on climate change vulnerability. Upland spruce-fir forests were determined to be the most vulnerable, whereas oak associations and barrens were determined to be less vulnerable to projected changes in climate. Projected changes in climate and the associated ecosystem impacts and vulnerabilities will have important implications for economically valuable timber species, forest-dependent wildlife and plants, recreation, and long-range planning.
The association of environmental heat stress with performance: analysis of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Objective The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil included 64 matches in temperate to tropical environmental conditions. We analysed performance data in relation to the environmental conditions to identify potential association. Methods Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) parameters were obtained at the centre of the field 1 h before the start of play. Environmental stress was estimated (low, moderate and high) for each match using WBGT and relative humidity. Various physical and technical performance indices were recorded during each match (average of both teams). Results Over the 64 matches, 28 were played under low, 20 under moderate and 16 under high environmental stress. There was no difference in actual playing time (p=0.517), total distance covered (p=0.491), number of goals scored (p=0.485) and number of cards (p=0.618) between the matches played under different environmental stress categories. The number of sprints was lower in high than in moderate or low environmental stress (−10%, p<0.05) but peak speed was unaffected. The distance covered at high intensity was also lower under high (24.8±2.8 m/min/player) than low environmental stress (26.9±2.3 m/min/player, p=0.02). Number of passes was not different but the rate of successful passes was higher under high (76.8±4.4%) than low (73.6±10.8%) environmental stress (p=0.031). Conclusions Top-level players seem to modulate their activity pattern during matches in a hot and humid environment (ie, less high-intensity but more low-intensity running and successful passes) to preserve the global match characteristics (ie, similar actual playing time, total distance covered, peak running speed and goals scored).
Formation et devenir des masses d'eau en Méditerranée nord-occidentale - Influence sur l'écosystème planctonique pélagique - Variabilité interannuelle et changement climatique

Notre objectif est de contribuer a la comprehension du fonctionnement du systeme Mediterraneen grâce a la modelisation. Nous nous interessons d'abord a la formation et au devenir des masses d'eau en Mediterranee nord-occidentale. L'influence de la resolution spatiale du modele oceanique est examinee lors de l'etude de la convection profonde au large pour une annee reelle. Le role essentiel joue par les structures de meso-echelle dans la formation et le devenir de l'eau profonde est mis en evidence. La comparaison de simulations effectuees avec differents forcages atmospheriques permet de montrer l'influence de la resolution spatiale de ce forcage sur la modelisation de la convection, liee a l'importance des extremes atmospheriques. Puis nous examinons l'impact de la variabilite interannuelle atmospherique et du changement climatique sur la formation d'eau dense sur le plateau du Golfe du Lion. Les volumes d'eau dense formee, exportee, et cascadant sont correles a la perte de chaleur atmospherique hivernale. L'intensification de la stratification de la colonne d'eau d'ici la fin du XXIeme siecle provoque une quasi-disparition du cascading. L'influence des processus physiques sur l'ecosysteme planctonique pelagique est examinee au moyen d'un modele couple hydrodynamique-biogeochimie. L'etude d'une annee de reference permet de valider le modele et d'en soulever les points faibles. Si les bilans de production presentent une faible variabilite interannuelle, celle de l'exportation de carbone et du metabolisme net est plus marquee. Le changement climatique provoque une augmentation de la production primaire et une intensification de la boucle microbienne.
Modeling the thermodynamics of a sea ice thickness distribution. 1. Sensitivity to ice thickness resolution

A one-dimensional ice thickness distribution model is presented to determine the minimum number of ice thicknesses necessary to resolve the area-averaged annual cycles of ice thickness and turbulent fluxes. The baseline case includes 40 ice thickness categories; ice thickness and area, meltwater ponds, ice salinity and age, snow cover, and surface albedo evolve independently for each ice category. A ridging and ice export parameterization, and a coupled one-dimensional ocean mixed layer model are also included. Sensitivity studies indicate that 16 ice thickness categories can accurately resolve the baseline annual cycles of area-averaged ice thickness and the summertime turbulent fluxes in this model, provided that one third of the thickness categories represent ice thinner than 0.8 m. Resolving the distribution of ice in this thickness range is important in simulating the area-averaged ice characteristics. Wintertime values of the turbulent fluxes differ from the baseline by up to 1 W m−2 for fewer than 40 ice thickness categories. The large difference in turbulent fluxes between open water and ice thicker than 1.6 m makes the area-averaged value sensitive to the number of ice thickness categories, since this number can affect the categories that are merged, the categories that melt completely, ice that is ridged, and the resolution of the ice thickness distribution. This makes an accurate simulation of the baseline wintertime turbulent fluxes difficult. Model simulations with fewer than 40 categories provide a reasonable estimate of the baseline response to a surface longwave heat flux perturbation of greater than 5 W m−2. The annually area-averaged ice thickness is within 10 cm. The model response to a heat flux perturbation of less than 5 W m−2 is similar for a wide range of ice thickness categories, since the thickness distribution of ice thinner than 1 m is not affected.
An Optical Flow Field Measurement Algorithm For Flir (Forward-Looking Infrared) Imagery

In this paper, a technique for measuring the optical flow field from forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery is presented. The optical flow field has many applications including scene tracking, registration, moving target identification (MTI) and occlusion detection. However, the lower resolution of FLIR imagery, as well as other considerations such as sensor artifacts and noise, makes it more difficult to accurately measure the flow vectors than is the case with normal visible imagery. We have developed an optical flow field measurement algorithm for FLIR imagery which is a correlation matching technique based on an approach developed by Barnard and Thompson [1]. Example results for FLIR images are shown demonstrating the capabilities of the algorithm.
Building community capacity for tourism development.

Part I: Improving Knowledge of Tourism Development and It's Impacts Community Capacity Building - An Emerging Challenge for Tourism Development G Moscardo Enhancing the Economic Benefits of Tourism at the Local Level N Stoeckl Understanding How Tourism can bring Socio-cultural Benefits to Destination Communities P Pearce Linking a "Sense of Place" with a "Sense of Care": Overcoming Sustainability Challenges Faced by Remote Communities K Walker Part II: Improving Community Knowledge of Tourism Development Community - based Tourism in Asia P Rocharungsat Examples of Effective techniques for Enhancing Community Understanding of Tourism J Sammy Tools to Enhance Community Capacity to Critically Evaluate Tourism Activities K Walker Part III: Improving Community Participation in Tourism Development Partnerships for Tourism Development Amanda Stronza Enhancing Participation of Women in Tourism Haretsebe Manwa Entrepreneurship and the Rural Tourism Industry: A Primer N G. McGehee and C S. Kline Perspectives on Leadership Coaching for Regional Tourism Managers and Entrepreneurs A Blackman Capacity Building Through Cooperation R Monypenny.
Modelling flow and nitrate transport in groundwater for the prediction of water travel times and of consequences of land use evolution on water quality

A two‐dimensional model representing flow and nitrate transport in groundwater was developed and applied to a hillslope of the Kervidy catchment. The objective of the modelling was: (1) to characterize better the flow and nitrate transport in the groundwater and to determine the characteristic times of the system; (2) to explore the consequences of changes in nitrate leaching to groundwater on nitrate concentration in stream water. The finite‐difference code MODFLOW was used to simulate the distribution of hydraulic head within the groundwater. Nitrate transport was described by the convection equation solved using MT3D. MODPATH was also used to analyse flow paths and travel times in the groundwater. Four units were considered in the model: (i) the plough layer, (ii) the soil, (iii) the weathered shale and (iv) the fissured shale. Autotrophic denitrification in the shale and partly in the weathered shale was represented, as well as heterotrophic denitrification in the upper horizon of bottom land. A steady‐state average flow was assumed with a spatially uniform groundwater recharge of 2 mm day−1, corresponding to the winter mean daily recharge observed in the Kervidy catchment. Nitrate recharge rate was fixed at 100 mg l−1, which is equivalent to a nitrogen flux of 165 kg ha−1 year−1. Six scenarios of nitrate leaching changes were analysed with the model. The first two correspond to spatially uniform decreases of the nitrate recharge rate to 80 and 60 mg l−1, respectively. In the other four scenarios, nitrate recharge rate was spatially distributed along the hillslope so that the average nitrogen flux remained equal to 165 kg ha−1 year−1. Simulated hydraulic heads were similar to observed values along the hillslope, except for the summit. The transport model reproduced the spatial pattern of nitrate concentrations observed in the weathered shale groundwater, a deviation appearing only in the nearest piezometer to the stream. Travel times within the groundwater appeared to be highly variable, from a few days up to 3 years. Scenario analysis showed that a significant decrease of stream nitrate concentration can be expected following a global decrease in nitrate leaching along the hillslope. However, the fall could be very gradual in time. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steady-state model of biota sediment accumulation factor for metals in two marine bivalves

A model of the biota sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) is developed to relate the ratio of metal concentrations in two marine bivalves (Crassostrea virginica and Mytilus edulis) to sediment metal concentration. A generalized metal BSAF can be approximated by a simple relationship that is a function of sediment to water column partitioning, the bioconcentration factor (BCF), the depuration rate, the metal assimilation efficiency from food, the bivalve feeding rate, and the growth rate. Analyses of “Mussel Watch” data indicate that the median BSAF across stations varies by about three orders of magnitude from Zn, Cd, and Cu at the highest levels of BSAF = 1 to 10, while Cr has the lowest BSAF at 0.01. Total Hg is about 1.0 and Ni and Pb are approximately 0.1. Calibration of the model indicates that the food route of metal accumulation is significant for all metals but especially for Zn, Cd, Cu, and Hg where virtually all of the observed BSAF is calculated to be due to ingestion of metal from food in the overlying water. These results indicate a potential significance of the metal-binding protein metallothionein, which results in relatively high binding of metal and resulting low depuration rates.
Urban albedo derived from direct measurements and landsat 4 TM satellite data

The main aim of this study is to examine the effect of urban structure on the albedo value. The urban area chosen for this study was Barcelona. On the basis of measurements made in July 1989, and without consideration of the urban structure, the albedo values of various urban structures was determined. Simultaneously, from analysis of Landsat 4 TM images, thus taking account of the urban effect, a method for the calculation of albedo was developed. These results are compared.
Evolution of coronal streamer structure during the rising phase of solar cycle 23

White‐light images of the outer corona recorded with the Large Angle Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) show a rapid widening of the streamer belt during 1998 and early 1999. The observed streamer structure and its evolution from rotation to rotation are reproduced with a model in which the Thomson‐scattering electrons are concentrated within a narrow layer centered around the heliospheric current sheet. The latitudinal spreading of the streamer belt is shown to be a consequence of the increased rate of magnetic flux emergence in the sunspot latitudes, which led to a weakening of the Sun's axisymmetric dipole moment, to a rapid growth in the nonaxisymmetric components of the coronal field, and hence to a strong tilting and warping of the plasma/current sheet.
Image segmentation for classification of vegetation using NOAA-AVHRR data

A classification procedure for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (NOAA AVHRR) data based on image segmentation following supervised classification by regions is presented. The procedure was appliedto channel 1 (0.58-0.68 mu m) and channel 2 (0.72-1.10 mu m) AVHRR mosaics composed of images acquired between 13 and 26 June 1993 for the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Eight vegetation classes were identified using this procedure. The result was compared with an existing vegetation map of Mato Grosso state for reference. The quantitative evaluation yielded a kappa coefficient of 0.4. The result indicate that image segmentation and supervised classification by regions is a procedure that is useful for mapping vegetation classes on a regional scale.
Chemical data bases for the Multimedia Environmental Pollutant Assessment System (MEPAS)

The Multimedia Environmental Pollutant Assessment System (MEPAS) was developed by Pacific Northwest Laboratory for the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environment, Safety, and Health. MEPAS, an enhancement of the Remedial Action Priority System, is a set of computer programs used to prioritize hazardous, radioactive, and mixed-waste sites based on their potential hazard to public health. MEPAS employs a simplified contaminant-transport and exposure model. It incorporates an interactive shell to assist the user in problem definition, data assembly and input, and report development. Two chemical data bases are used by MEPAS. These data bases contain necessary physical properties, toxicities, and transfer parameters for 394 potential pollutants. This report documents the sources of the values contained in Version 1 of the data bases, and the methods used to estimate parameter values are also discussed. 150 refs., 8 tabs.
Standard Shocks in the OECD Interlink Model

One of the OECD Economic Department’s key vehicles for analysing effects and international spillovers of macroeconomic policy as well as assessing risks to the global outlook is the macroeconometric model, INTERLINK. In the context of the Department’s regular projection exercises the model performs a variety of functions. These include 1) contributing to the construction and co-ordination of individual country projections; 2) the production of globally consistent trade projections; and 3) simulations to explore the short- to medium-term consequences of alternative economic conditions and policy assumptions. This paper briefly describes the main features of the current version of INTERLINK and presents the results of a number of standard macroeconomic shocks. These simulation results reflect the combination of unadjusted model properties and the specific stylised policy assumptions made. In the course of more routine policy analysis with the model at the OECD, these are augmented by . Le modele macro-econometrique INTERLINK est l’un des principaux outils du Departement des affaires economiques de l’OCDE pour analyser les effets directs et les repercussions internationales des politiques economiques et pour evaluer les risques pesant sur les perspectives globales. Dans le cadre des exercices reguliers de prevision, le modele remplit diverses fonctions parmi lesquelles : 1) contribuer a la construction et a la coordination des previsions de chaque pays; 2) produire des previsions du commerce international globalement coherentes; et 3) realiser des simulations pour explorer les consequences a court et a moyen terme de differentes hypotheses sur l’environnement economique et les politiques economiques. Ce document de travail decrit brievement les principales caracteristiques de la version actuelle d’INTERLINK et presente les resultats de chocs macro-economiques standards. Ces resultats de simulations refletent a la fois les proprietes intrinseques du modele et des .
Changes in temperature extremes over Italy in the last 44 years

Changes in temperature extremes over Italy from 1961 to 2004 were evaluated on the basis of minimum and maximum temperatures measured by 49 synoptic stations uniformly distributed over the country. A set of extreme temperature indices of the Commission for Climatology/Climate Variability and Predictability (CCl/CLIVAR) Working Group on Climate Change Detection was calculated and statistically analysed in order to detect the presence of trends and quantify the variations of the indices for different time periods. Most of the indices, averaged over all stations, show a cooling trend until the end of the 1970s followed by a more pronounced warming trend in the last 25 years. The net variation of the indices reflects an increase in the extremes of the temperature distribution. Among the most significant results, an average increase of 12.3 summer days and 12.4 tropical nights in the overall 44 years are estimated. No significant differences between northern, central and southern Italy are found for most indices, indicating that the trends originate from large‐scale climate features; however, the largest increase of tropical nights is observed at coastal stations. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Valuable Features in Mobile Health Apps for Patients and Consumers: Content Analysis of Apps and User Ratings

Background The explosion of mobile phones with app capabilities coupled with increased expectations of the patient-consumers’ role in managing their care presents a unique opportunity to use mobile health (mHealth) apps. Objectives The aim of this paper is to identify the features and characteristics most-valued by patient-consumers (“users”) that contribute positively to the rating of an app. Methods A collection of 234 apps associated with reputable health organizations found in the medical, health, and fitness categories of the Apple iTunes store and Google Play marketplace was assessed manually for the presence of 12 app features and characteristics. Regression analysis was used to determine which, if any, contributed positively to a user’s rating of the app. Results Analysis of these 12 features explained 9.3% (R 2=.093 n=234, P<.001) of the variation in an app’s rating, with only 5 reaching statistical significance. Of the 5 reaching statistical significance, plan or orders, export of data, usability, and cost contributed positively to a user’s rating, while the tracker feature detracted from it. Conclusions These findings suggest that users appreciate features that save time over current methods and identify an app as valuable when it is simple and intuitive to use, provides specific instructions to better manage a condition, and shares data with designated individuals. Although tracking is a core function of most health apps, this feature may detract from a user’s experience when not executed properly. Further investigation into mHealth app features is worthwhile given the inability of the most common features to explain a large portion of an app’s rating. In the future, studies should focus on one category in the app store, specific diseases, or desired behavior change, and methods should include measuring the quality of each feature, both through manual assessment and evaluation of user reviews. Additional investigations into understanding the impact of synergistic features, incentives, social media, and gamification are also warranted to identify possible future trends.