Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How much is the Western Mediterranean really warming and salting

[1] Instrumental biases and data processing methods can modify temperature trend estimations and enhance decadal variability in the upper ocean. These questions have not been specifically addressed in the western Mediterranean (WMED), a region where warming and salting trends have been detected during the second half of the twentieth century. In this work we test the sensitivity of these trends and decadal variability in the WMED to the use of bathythermograph data and data processing methods. We analyze different subbasins in order to detect distinct local responses. Our results show that deep waters in the WMED are increasing their temperature and salinity at a rate of 0.002°C/yr and 9.2 × 10−4 yr−1, respectively, from 1943. These trends are spatially homogeneous, not affected by instrumental biases, data processing methods, or changes in the period of time analyzed. The heat absorbed by the whole WMED is equivalent to a surface heat flux of 0.29 ± 0.19 W/m2. This figure encloses recent estimates of 0.36 ± 0.06 W/m2 for the global ocean. The intermediate layer increased its salinity at a rate of 1.3 × 10−4 yr−1 and this result can also be considered as robust. The intermediate layer temperature and the upper layer salinity show strong time variability and in our opinion long-term changes cannot be statistically distinguished from decadal variability during the period 1943–2000. The upper layer shows a temperature and heat increase for the overall period, but it is caused by a steep warming trend initiated in the early 1980s.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Containerized Edge Intelligence Inference Request Processing in IoT Edge Computing

Edge intelligence (EI) refers to a set of connected systems and devices for artificial intelligence (AI) data collected and learned near the data collection site. The EI model inference phase has been improved through edge caching technologies such as intelligent models (IMs). IM inference across heterogeneously distributed edge nodes is worthy of discussion. The present focuses on software-defined infrastructure (SDI) and introduces a containerized EI framework for a mobile wearable Internet-of-Things (IoT) system. This framework, called the containerized edge intelligence framework (CEIF), is an inter-working architecture that allows the provisioning of containerized EI processing intelligent services related to mobile wearable IoT systems. CEIF enables dynamic instantiation of the inference services of AI models that have been pre-trained on clouds. It also accommodates edge computing devices (ECDs) running the container virtualization technique. Dynamic AI learning policies can also help with workload optimization, thereby reducing the response time of the requests of the EI inference. To stall the rapid increase in user workload when inferring the collected data for analysis, we then propose a deep q-learning algorithm in which the container cluster platform learns the varying user workload at the location of each ECD. The requests of the EI inference are scaled with the learned value and are processed successfully without overloading the ECD. When evaluated in a case study, the proposed algorithm enabled scaling of the processing requests of the EI inference in a containerized EI system while minimizing the number of instantiated container EI instances. The EI inference's requests are completed in an under-loaded container EI cluster system.
Engineering Characteristics of the Lightweight Air-Mixed Soil (LWS) Containing Silty Marine Sediment

This study was conducted to find out the characteristics of the lightweight air-mixed soil (LWS) used for a road embankment. Compressive strength, permeability, and capillary height of the LWS were studied, and to support these studies, its inside structure was analyzed in detail. Various size air pores exist in the LWS, and their distribution with a location is almost constant. Numerous tiny cracks formed by different grain sizes between in-situ soil (silty marine sediment) and solidificator exist inside the air pores so that the LWS can be affected by water. Peak strength of the LWS is found to be less dependent on the water, but the behavior of strength-strain was affected by water. Permeability is a little bit higher than clay's permeability. Capillary rise is rapid in the beginning of the test, and then slows down. The capillary rise can increase the density of the LWS, and thus requires special attention during design and maintenance of the structures, which were constructed with the LWS.
An experimental and numerical investigation on wave‐mud interactions

[1] Wave attenuation over a mud (kaolinite) layer is investigated via laboratory experiments and numerical modeling. The rheological behavior of kaolinite exhibits hybrid properties of a Bingham and pseudoplastic fluid. Moreover, the measured time-dependent velocity profiles in the mud layer reveal that the shear rate under wave loading is highly phase dependent. The measured shear rate and rheological data allow us to back-calculate the time-dependent viscosity of the mud layer under various wave loadings, which is also shown to fluctuate up to 1 order of magnitude during one wave period. However, the resulting time-dependent bottom stress is shown to only fluctuate within 25% of its mean. The back-calculated wave-averaged bottom stress is well correlated with the wave damping rate in the intermediate-wave energy condition. The commonly adopted constant viscosity assumption is then evaluated via linear and nonlinear wave-mud interaction models. When driving the models with measured wave-averaged mud viscosity (forward modeling), the wave damping rate is generally overpredicted under the low wave energy condition. On the other hand, when a constant viscosity is chosen to match the observed wave damping rate (inverse modeling), the predicted velocity profiles in the mud layer are not satisfactory and the corresponding viscosity is lower than the measured value. These discrepancies are less pronounced when waves become more energetic. Differences between the linear and nonlinear model results become significant under low-energy conditions, suggesting an amplification of wave nonlinearity due to non-Newtonian rheology. In general, the constant viscosity assumption for modeling wave-mud interaction is only appropriate for more energetic wave conditions.
Shortening of analogue models of the continental lithosphere: New hypothesis for the formation of the Tibetan plateau

Initial stages of compression produce periodic buckling of models analogous to a four-layer continental lithosphere. With further shortening, amplification of the buckles occurs by thrust faulting at inflection points in both brittle layers of the upper crust and upper mantle. The rescaled results suggest that a continental lithosphere under compression will buckle with a first-order wavelength of about 200 km and a second-order wavelength of 20–30 km. Continued shortening results in the amplification of undulations. Troughs sink and become compressional basins while deformation keeps going on major thrusts within the upper mantle, thus giving rise to an irregular topography of the Moho. Fifty percent shortening results in a 60-km-thick continental crust. We argue that this model history may explain the elevation and deep crustal structure of the Tibetan plateau.
Predicting long‐term carbon sequestration in response to CO2 enrichment: How and why do current ecosystem models differ?

Large uncertainty exists in model projections of the land carbon (C) sink response to increasing atmospheric CO2. Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments lasting a decade or more have investigated ecosystem responses to a step change in atmospheric CO2 concentration. To interpret FACE results in the context of gradual increases in atmospheric CO2 over decades to centuries, we used a suite of seven models to simulate the Duke and Oak Ridge FACE experiments extended for 300 years of CO2 enrichment. We also determine key modeling assumptions that drive divergent projections of terrestrial C uptake and evaluate whether these assumptions can be constrained by experimental evidence. All models simulated increased terrestrial C pools resulting from CO2 enrichment, though there was substantial variability in quasi‐equilibrium C sequestration and rates of change. In two of two models that assume that plant nitrogen (N) uptake is solely a function of soil N supply, the net primary production response to elevated CO2 became progressively N limited. In four of five models that assume that N uptake is a function of both soil N supply and plant N demand, elevated CO2 led to reduced ecosystem N losses and thus progressively relaxed nitrogen limitation. Many allocation assumptions resulted in increased wood allocation relative to leaves and roots which reduced the vegetation turnover rate and increased C sequestration. In addition, self‐thinning assumptions had a substantial impact on C sequestration in two models. Accurate representation of N process dynamics (in particular N uptake), allocation, and forest self‐thinning is key to minimizing uncertainty in projections of future C sequestration in response to elevated atmospheric CO2.
Rapid, large‐scale temperature changes in the polar mesosphere and their relationship to meridional flows

Mesospheric temperatures derived from spectroscopic measurements of the hydroxyl (OH) nightglow have been observed from Rothera (67.6°S, 68.1°W) and Halley (75.6°S, 26.6°W) stations in Antarctica during the 2002 austral winter season. In addition to the normal seasonal changes, the temperatures at both sites, separated by 1658 km, showed several simultaneous shifts in temperature of between 10 and 20 K. These changes abruptly occurred in the space of 2–3 days and lasted for several days. These rapid variations in temperature were associated with large swings observed in the meridional component of the mesospheric wind measured by the Rothera MF radar. As there appeared to be no phase shift between the temperature variations at the two longitudinally separated stations indicating that planetary‐waves caused the changes, these large‐scale changes have been interpreted as variations in the inter‐hemispheric meridional jet, and a corresponding modulation of the mesospheric descent and adiabatic heating rates over the polar region.
An early Paleogene sponge fauna, Chatham Island, New Zealand

Abstract A late Paleocene‐early Eocene (c. 60–53 Ma) poriferan fauna, comprising hexactinellids (Class Hexactinellida), astrophorids (Class Demospongiae: Family Astrophorida), and lithistids ("lithistid” Demospongiae) has been identified from the Tutuiri Greensand outcropping on the north coast of Chatham Island, New Zealand. Most of the fossils are hexactinellids, comprising extremely delicate siliceous networks embedded in friable sandstone. The sediment matrix within and around these skeletons contains numerous siliceous demosponge spicules, many of which are exceptionally well preserved. The soft friable matrix of the Tutuiri Greensand has made extraction a relatively simple process, making taxonomic identification of the material, and comparison with adjacent Recent and other New Zealand Eocene faunas possible. These sponge body fossils and spicule microfossils indicate a fauna that was once dominated by hexactinellids, lithistid, and astrophorid demosponges. A qualitative comparison of the abundance and diversity of the Tutuiri Greensand sponge fauna with the present‐day Chatham Rise sponge fauna indicates that the late Paleocene‐early Eocene fauna is as diverse as the Recent fauna, for the hexactinellid sponges and astrophorid demosponges, and much more diverse for lithistid sponges. The paleoecology of the Tutuiri Greensand has been interpreted as inner to mid shelf water depths (50–250 m) but the poriferan fauna described here is more like that of the present‐day soft sediment benthic environment of the Chatham Rise at 800–1200 m.
The Role of Meeting Exercise and Nutrition Guidelines on Sleep during Pregnancy

Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy. This study determined whether meeting physical activity or dietary guidelines during pregnancy was associated with improved sleep. Third trimester pregnant women (n = 49, 31.9 ± 4.1 years) completed physical activity and sleep questionnaires and then wore a wrist actigraph 24 h/day and completed three 24 h dietary recalls across two weeks. Participants who reported meeting physical activity guidelines (>150 min moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]/week, n = 23) or dietary guidelines (≥1.1 g protein/kg body weight/day, n = 26 or ≥25 g fiber/day, n = 16) were compared to those who were physically inactive (<90 min/week) or did not meet dietary guidelines, respectively. Multivariate ANOVAs and Mann–Whitney U tests compared groups and correlations were conducted between physical activity, diet, and sleep variables. Physical activity groups did not differ in objective sleep measures (ps > 0.05); however, the active group reported better sleep quality (p = 0.049). Those who met protein guidelines exhibited longer sleep duration and less wake-after-sleep-onset (ps < 0.05). Across all participants, higher weekly MET mins/week of MVPA associated with better sleep quality (p = 0.02), and a diet higher in fat and lower in carbohydrates associated with longer sleep duration (ps < 0.05). Meeting physical activity and nutrition guidelines positively associates with improved sleep, with protein associated with objective measures and physical activity with subjective measures.
Educational Modeling Drives Company Value Creation

This study aims to explore the connection between education and the creation of value within corporations. Education, as a value-driving factor, is measured in terms of human resource development across two variables: training & development and cost control. Research reveals that these variables have a significant impact on employee performance, which in turn plays a role in driving financial performance. Combining non-financial and financial perspectives, this creates a leading-lagging continuum. The research method is quantitative, utilizing a purposive sampling technique and panel data analysis through E-views10. Results demonstrate that employee performance is positively linked to profitability, which is achieved through increased revenue and controlled costs. The impact of human resource factors on financial performance is highly significant, ranging between 81.74 percent and 100 percent with a p-value of < 0.05. Apart from gross profit, net profit, and NOPAT, economic value added (EVA) also generates a positive impact. EVA stands as a true gauge of profitability, a crucial element that determines the success of corporate operations. By precisely calculating the cost of capital employed, EVA provides accurate profit figures. Moreover, it is a decisive factor in determining a company's stock price, making it an essential tool in creating and boosting company value.
Chemical composition of aerosol particles greater than 1‐μm diameter in the vicinity of Tasmania

Ring oven techniques have been used to analyze aerosol samples containing particles larger than 1-μm diameter which were collected with a specially designed impaction collector from aircraft at various altitudes above Tasmania. The collection and analyzing techniques allowed high temporal and spatial resolution, and sulfate, magnesium, calcium, copper, aluminum, and phosphate were found in the clean, background conditions. Sulfate is a major constituent of the aerosol below 1- to 2-km height, but calcium concentrations are higher than sulfate concentrations above the inversion. Both sulfate and magnesium appear to originate from the open sea. The aluminum is probably of continental origin and is a component of an omnipresent background concentration, whereas the calcium and copper concentrations at the lower altitudes are of marine origin. The Mg/SO4 and Ca/SO4 ratios indicate that magnesium and calcium arising from the ocean experience little enrichment. However, Cu/SO4 ratios are consistent with an enrichment of copper of 104.
Ionospheric and geomagnetic disturbances caused by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake: A revisit

Previous works have shown that coseismic ionospheric disturbances (CIDs) after the tsunamigenic 2011 Tohoku earthquake (Tohoku EQ, Mw9.1) covered a vast area and were observed thousands of kilometers away from the epicenter. For the purpose of making a comprehensive comparison between powerful oceanic and inland EQs, we conduct a retrospective investigation of CIDs and geomagnetic responses to the 2008 Wenchuan EQ (Mw7.9) using a combination of techniques, total electron content, HF Doppler, and ground magnetometer. It is the very first study to present CIDs recorded by different techniques at co‐located sites and profiled with regard to changes of both ionospheric plasma and current (geomagnetic field) simultaneously. The integrated observation also shows that (1) in the Wenchuan case, most of the ionospheric and geomagnetic disturbances were observed within 1000 km distance which is far less than the Tohoku case; (2) two groups of CIDs were found with maximum amplitudes in the direction of azimuth 150° and 135°, respectively; and (3) the geomagnetic changes were only registered by three magnetometers located to the east and southeast of the epicenter. All the facts indicate that the main directional lobe of Wenchuan EQ energy propagation is to southeast and perpendicular to the direction of the fault rupture, but this kind of directivity is not that distinct in the Tohoku case. We suggest that the different fault slip (inland or submarine) affecting the way of couplings of lithosphere with atmosphere may contribute to the discrepancies between the two events.
Assessment of lung involvement using HRCT among vaccinated and non-vaccinated elderly COVID-19 patients admitted in a designated hospital, Tamil Nadu – A retrospective study

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is considered one of the most devastating situations globally, the worst affected were the senior citizens. A number of initiatives were carried out to control the COVID-19 pandemic; one such important measure is the development of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent the disease. But the continuous emergence of new SARS-COV2 variants (antigenic drift) and its demographic variation in virulence makes the vaccine's efficacy questionable. This study is intended to evaluate the association between the degree of lung involvement and the effectiveness of vaccination against the disease in cases admitted to a designated hospital in Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: A hospital records-based-retrospective research was conducted among COVID-19 patients admitted from the 1st of April 2021 to the 31st of May 2021, and information was gathered regarding their vaccination status, comorbid conditions, and CT severity score (CTSS) in the HRCT lung report. A consecutive sampling technique was used to choose the study participants; about 120 participants were included in the study. The Chi-square test and Fisher's extract test were used to evaluate the hypothesis. The relationship between a dependent variable and independent factors was estimated using multiple linear regression. Results: Among 120 participants, about 60.2% were males and 39.8% were females. Vaccination status and comorbid conditions had a significant association with severe lung involvement in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Non-vaccinated patients had severe lung involvement based on the HRCT lung scan findings than the vaccinated patients. To reduce mortality, it is essential to ensure universal coverage of COVID-19 vaccination.
Deep Brain Stimulation Before Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for a Patient With Cervical Dystonia and Cervical Myelopathy: A Case Report

Cervical dystonia with concurrent cervical myelopathy is a challenging pathology that requires thoughtful management. A 46-year-old female was referred to our center with this presentation. We elected to perform bilateral globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation (DBS-GPi) prior to C5 to C7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to avoid the potential for dystonic movements to negatively impact cervical fusion. The patient was followed up at three months post C5 to C7 ACDF and nine months post DBS-GPi with complete control of tremor and no radiographic evidence of hardware loosening or malalignment. Though this strategy was successful in treating both our patient’s cervical myelopathy and cervical dystonia, larger studies need to be conducted to optimize the treatment of patients presenting with these concurrent pathologies.
Optimization of end‐members used in multiple linear regression geochemical mixing models

Tracking marine sediment provenance (e.g., of dust, ash, hydrothermal material, etc.) provides insight into contemporary ocean processes and helps construct paleoceanographic records. In a simple system with only a few end‐members that can be easily quantified by a unique chemical or isotopic signal, chemical ratios and normative calculations can help quantify the flux of sediment from the few sources. In a more complex system (e.g., each element comes from multiple sources), more sophisticated mixing models are required. MATLAB codes published in Pisias et al. ( ) solidified the foundation for application of a Constrained Least Squares (CLS) multiple linear regression technique that can use many elements and several end‐members in a mixing model. However, rigorous sensitivity testing to check the robustness of the CLS model is time and labor intensive. MATLAB codes provided in this paper reduce the time and labor involved and facilitate finding a robust and stable CLS model. By quickly comparing the goodness of fit between thousands of different end‐member combinations, users are able to identify trends in the results that reveal the CLS solution uniqueness and the end‐member composition precision required for a good fit. Users can also rapidly check that they have the appropriate number and type of end‐members in their model. In the end, these codes improve the user's confidence that the final CLS model(s) they select are the most reliable solutions. These advantages are demonstrated by application of the codes in two case studies of well‐studied datasets (Nazca Plate and South Pacific Gyre).