Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution and inventory of anthropogenic CO2 in the Southern Ocean: Comparison of three data‐based methods

[1] The Southern Ocean is thought to play an important role in the context of global warming and anthropogenic emissions of CO2 due to its high sensitivity to both climate change and changes in the carbon cycle. Assessing the penetration of anthropogenic CO2 (Cant) into the Southern Ocean is therefore highly relevant to reduce the uncertainties attached to both the present knowledge of anthropogenic carbon inventories and predictions made by current ocean carbon models. This study compares different data-based approaches for estimating the distribution of Cant in the ocean: a recently developed method based on the composite Tracer Combining Oxygen, Inorganic Carbon, and Total Alkalinity (TrOCA) and the “historical” back-calculation methods (the so-called ΔC* and preformed dissolved inorganic carbon methods). Note that the back-calculation technique requires special care when used in the Southern Ocean, where surface oxygen can significantly deviate from equilibrium with the atmosphere. All three methods were applied to data collected at the Indian-Atlantic boundary (WOCE line I6), where significant transient tracer concentrations were observed in deep and bottom waters. North of 50°S, distribution and inventories of Cant are coherent with previous data-based and model estimates, but we found larger storage of Cant south of 50°S as compared to the midlatitude region. In that, our results disagree with most previous estimates and suggest that the global inventory of anthropogenic CO2 in the Southern Ocean could be much larger than what is currently believed.
Energy and Exergy Analysis and Optimization of a Double Flash Power Plant for Meshkin Shahr Region

One of the most influential improvements in geothermal industries has been the application of double flash power plants which can produce more power in comparison with single flash one. Although it is more expensive, however it is a reasonable option as the additional output power can justify the prices. The aim of this study is to represent a methodology in which a double flash power plant is thermodynamically designed and optimized in order to maximize the output power, and make a comparison with other possible type of geothermal power plant (single flash) for Meshkin Shahr region. Besides it represents the study of exergy and energy analysis for plant components through the optimization process, which can guide one to assess the operating status of plant components. It has been shown that flash vessels are the greatest exergy dissipaters and double flash power plant can be more efficient than single flash for this region.
Analysis of Student Satisfaction with Science Advisory Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aims to determine the level of student satisfaction with the services of FKIP HKBP Nommensen University thesis advisors during the Covid pandemic period 2020-2022. To obtain data on the level of student satisfaction with lecturer guidance services, an instrument was designed in the form of a student satisfaction questionnaire with lecturer guidance services using satisfaction indicators that had been assessed for validity and reliability prior to use. This type of research is descriptive quantitative, the results of the study were analyzed using the SKM method based on a student satisfaction survey. The data analysis carried out showed that the level of student satisfaction during the Covid pandemic was included in the very good and good categories. The results also show that forecasting student perceptions of lecturer guidance services with the assumption that perceptions increase, a satisfaction value of 3.5629 will be obtained in the "very good" category, and if it is assumed that it is still decreasing, the satisfaction value obtained is 3.4375, still in the the "good" category which states that the level of satisfaction of FKIP UHN students with the thesis guidance services provided by supervisors during the pandemic was still very good.
The Impact of prototyping on the survival chances of digital early-stage startups: Findings and insights from explorative expert interviews

The products of digital entrepreneurs are highly innovative, and their business models contribute to the prosperity and further development of the economy and society. However, studies indicate that most of all startups fail, particularly during the early stages of their business journey Prototyping as part of Lean Startup or Business Model Testing approaches, can assist digital early-stage startups in navigating uncertainty and achieving successful product launches. However, these methods are applied very individually and there is little empirical research on best practices. We therefore conducted 65 explorative expert interviews and asked successful startups about their prototyping practices. Our results include learnings on the prototyping process and the testing format, the role of the founding team during prototyping practices, the customer focus and the role of networks. Our study adds important details to theory and practice of the innovation and prototyping processes of digital early-stage startups. Our results offer actionable advice and guidance to any current and potential entrepreneur, but especially to first-time founders and less experienced executives in early stage-startups. Additionally, our contribution enhances the theoretical understanding of the Lean Startup approach and prototyping practices.
The effect of particle size on the rheology of liquid‐solid mixtures with application to lava flows: Results from analogue experiments

We investigate the effect of crystal size on the rheology of basaltic magmas by means of a rheometer and suspensions of silicon oil with natural magmatic crystals of variable size (from 63 to 0.5 mm) and volume fraction ϕ (from 0.03 to 0.6). At constant ϕ, finer suspensions display higher viscosities than coarser ones. Shear thinning (flow index n < 1) occurs at ϕ > 0.1–0.2 and is more pronounced (stronger departure from the Newtonian behavior) in finer suspensions. Maximum packing and average crystal size displays a nonlinear, positive correlation, while yield stress develops at ϕ > 0.2–0.3 irrespective of the crystal size. We incorporate our results into physical models for flow of lava and show that, with respect to lava flows containing coarser crystals, those with smaller crystals are expected to: 1) flow at lower velocity, 2) have a lower velocity gradient, and 3) be more prone to develop a region of plug flow. Our experimental results explain the observation that phenocryst‐bearing and microlite‐bearing lavas at Etna volcano (Italy) show smooth pahoehoe and rough aa' surfaces, respectively.
Modelling surface and shallow groundwater interactions in an ungauged subtropical coastal catchment using the SWAT model, Elimbah Creek, Southeast Queensland, Australia.

The study presented here applies the highly parameterised semi-distributed U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to an Australian subtropical catchment. SWAT has been applied to numerous catchments worldwide and is considered to be a useful tool that is under ongoing development with contributions coming from different research groups in different parts of the world. In a preliminary run the SWAT model application for the Elimbah Creek catchment has estimated water yield for the catchment and has quantified the different sources. For the modelling period of April 1999 to September 2009 the results show that the main sources of water in Elimbah Creek are total surface runoff and lateral flow (65%). Base-flow contributes 36% to the total runoff. On a seasonal basis modelling results show a shift in the source of water contributing to Elimbah Creek from surface runoff and lateral flow during intense summer storms to base-flow conditions during dry months. Further calibration and validation of these results will confirm that SWAT provides an alternative to Australian water balance models.
The effect of driving climate data on the simulated terrestrial carbon pools and fluxes over North America

Dynamic vegetation models provide the ability to simulate terrestrial carbon pools and fluxes and a useful tool to study how these are affected by climate variability and climate change. At the continental scale, the spatial distribution of climate, in particular temperature and precipitation, strongly determines surface vegetation characteristics. Model validation exercises typically consist of driving a model with observation‐based climate data and then comparing simulated quantities with their observation‐based counterparts. However, observation‐based datasets themselves may not necessarily be consistent with each other. Here, we compare simulated terrestrial carbon pools and fluxes over North America with observation‐based estimates. Simulations are performed using the dynamic vegetation model Canadian Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (CTEM) coupled to the Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS) when driven with two reanalysis‐based climate datasets. The driving ECMWF reanalysis data (ERA40) and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis I data (NCEP) show differences when compared to each other, as well as when compared to the observation‐based climate research unit (CRU) data. Most simulated carbon pools and fluxes show important differences, particularly over eastern North America, primarily due to differences in precipitation and temperature in the two reanalysis. However, despite very different gross fluxes, the model yields fairly similar estimates of the net atmosphere‐land CO2 flux when driven with the two forcing datasets. The ERA40 driven simulation produces terrestrial pools and fluxes that compare better with observation‐based estimates. These simulations do not take into account land use change or nitrogen deposition, both of which have been shown to enhance the land carbon sink over North America. The simulated sink of 0.5 Pg C year−1 during the 1980s and 1990s is therefore lower than inversion‐based estimates. The analysis of spatial distribution of trends in simulated carbon pools and fluxes shows that the simulated carbon sink is driven primarily by NPP enhancements over eastern United States. © 2013 The Authors and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. International Journal of Climatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the Royal Meteorological Society.
NHC-LIO: A Novel Vehicle Lidar-Inertial Odometry (LIO) With Reliable Nonholonomic Constraint (NHC) Factor

Current vehicle Lidar-inertial odometry (LIO) is prone to error accumulation, particularly when low-cost equipment is utilized in large-scale scenes without loop closure. In this article, we propose a novel approach to address this problem by introducing the ground nonholonomic constraint (NHC) and enhancing LIO with the NHC factor, referred to as NHC-LIO. The conventional NHC model assumes zero values for the lateral and vertical velocities, which proves to be challenging to adapt to complex and rapidly changing practical applications. Thus, we further design a convolutional neural network that applies a nine-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) to predict reliable NHC pseudo-observation in real-time. During the factor graph optimization stage, the NHC noises and the corresponding information matrix are calculated adaptively based on the prior vehicle motion state, further enhancing the robustness of the LIO assisted with the NHC factor. Extensive evaluation and verification of the NHC-LIO using the KITTI dataset demonstrates its state-of-the-art performance. The NHC factor effectively mitigates LIO drift, especially in the vertical direction when loop closure detection is not available.
Numerical modelling of fluid flow through unsaturated zone using a dual-porosity approach

In this study, an attempt has been made to model fluid flow through a geological unit consisting of sandy-clay and clayey soil with significant macro pores. Considering such a geological formation using a single-continuum approach may not always be justified as the porosity and permeability contrast between the soil matrix and macro pore vary by several orders of magnitude and not by a scale factor. Under such circumstances, deducing the mean values of parameters such as porosity and permeability using conventional Representative Elementary Volume from a single continuum becomes nearly impossible. For this purpose, a numerical model has been developed to investigate the consequences of applying both equilibrium model or Single-Porosity Medium (SPM) and non-equilibrium model or Dual-Porosity Medium (DPM) approaches for the same soil types. Numerical results suggest that the depths associated with soil moisture fronts are significantly different by applying a dual continuum approach with reference to the conventional single-continuum approach.
Holocene sea‐level change and Antarctic melting history derived from geological observations and geophysical modeling along the Shimokita Peninsula, northern Japan

A Mid to Late Holocene sea‐level record based on combined geomorphological, geological and micropaleontological observations was obtained from well‐developed wave cut benches subaerially exposed along the Shimokita Peninsula, northern Japan. Results indicate that the benches were formed during mid to late Holocene sea‐level transgressions, reaching a maximum highstand level of 2 m above present at about 4,000 years ago. This timing corresponds to an abrupt, order of magnitude decrease in sedimentation rate as recorded in a core recovered from proximal Mutsu Bay. In addition, glacio‐hydro‐isostatic adjustment due to crustal deformation in response to postglacial sea‐level rise was modeled, and results are consistent with the reconstructed local 2 m highstand. Given that meltwater contributions from the major North American and European ice sheets had largely ceased by 7,000 years ago, these independent lines of evidence, taken together, indicate that melting of the Antarctic ice sheet ended by 4,000 years ago.
Description of compression behaviour of structured soils and its application

One of the most distinct characteristics of structured soils is the nonlinearity in the normal compression lines in a plot of specific volume or voids ratio against logarithmic mean or vertical effective stresses, when compared with reconstituted soils. The change in the compressibility (or compression index) with loading is attributed to structure degradation and is expressed as a function of the plastic straining. A direct description of the compression behaviour of structured soil is then established. The validity of this approach is examined via merely incorporating the newly defined normal compression line into the modified Cam-Clay constitutive model. Comparisons against a series of experiments on different types of soils illustrate the feasibility and advantage of the adopted methodology. The dependence of shear strength on the compression behaviour considered initially in critical-state soil mechanics is reemphasized here for structured soils. Analysis also indicates that the stiffness sensitivity.
Using the urban landscape mosaic to develop and validate methods for assessing the spatial distribution of urban ecosystem service potential

The benefits that humans receive from nature are not fully understood. The ecosystem service framework has been developed to improve understanding of the benefits, or ecosystem services, that humans receive from the natural environment. Although the ecosystem service framework is designed to provide insights into the state of ecosystem services, it has been criticised for its neglect of spatial analysis. This thesis contains a critical discussion on the spatial relationships between ecosystem services and the urban landscape in Salford, Greater Manchester. An innovative approach has been devised for creating a landscape mosaic, which uses remotely-sensed spectral indices and land cover measurements. Five ecosystem services are considered: carbon storage, water flow mitigation, climate stress mitigation, aesthetics, and recreation. Analysis of ecosystem service generation uses the landscape mosaic, hotspot identification and measurements of spatial association. Ecosystem service consumption is evaluated via original perspectives of physical accessibility through a transport network, and greenspace visibility over a 3D surface. Results suggest that the landscape mosaic accuracy compares favourably to a map created using traditional classification methods. Ecosystem service patterns are unevenly distributed across Salford. The regulating services draw from similar natural resource locations, while cultural services have more diverse sources. The accessibility and visibility analysis provides evidence for the importance of urban trees as mitigators of ‘grey’ views, and urban parks as accessible producers of multiple services. Comprehensive ecosystem service analysis requires integration of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Evaluation of spatial relationships between ecosystem services and the physical landscapes in this thesis provides a practical method for improved measurement and management of the natural environment in urban areas. These findings can be used by urban planners and decision makers to integrate ecological considerations into proposed development schemes.
Cranial morphology of an Early Cretaceous Monjurosuchid (Reptilia: Diapsida) from Liaoning Province of China and evolution of the choristoderan palate

A new specimen of Philydrosaurus proseilus from the Early Cretaceous Chiufotang (Jiufotang) Formation preserves the first complete palate of a monjurosuchid choristodere. As in other choristoderes, the palate of Philydrosaurus is akinetic, extended by a broad contact between the vomer and maxilla, and equipped with multiple batteries of palatal teeth. This specimen provides phylogenetically significant information and clarifies the distribution of many apomorphies within Choristodera. Philydrosaurus is primitive relative to the Neochoristodera in that it exhibits only a moderate degree of posterior displacement of the choanae and retains a relatively large interpterygoid vacuity. However, Philydrosaurus also exhibits several derived features previously considered diagnostic of the Neochoristodera, including establishment of a long midline contact of the pterygoids and development of a distinct nasopalatal trough extending from the choana. The choristodere palate exhibits significant modification of the primitive diapsid condition, including elongation of the vomers, establishment of a vomer–maxilla contact, posterior displacement of the choanae, development of the nasopalatal trough, and reduction of the interpterygoid vacuity.
Program on Education Policy and Governance Working Papers Series

Recent studies conclude that teachers are important for student learning but it remains uncertain what actually determines effective teaching. This study directly peers into the black box of educational production by investigating the relationship between lecture style teaching and student achievement. Based on matched studentteacher data for the US, the estimation strategy exploits between-subject variation to control for unobserved student traits. Results indicate that traditional lecture style teaching is associated with significantly higher student achievement. No support for detrimental effects of lecture style teaching can be found even when evaluating possible selection biases due to unobservable teacher characteristics. JEL-Code: I21, C23.
Optical vortex pulse generation with reflective achromatic phase converter

Optical vortices carrying orbital angular momentum and with durations of femtoseconds recently have attracted great interest due to their potential applications in ultra-fast spectroscopy, high-intensity field physics and ultrafast optics through a new degree of freedom that they add to nonlinear optics.Thus, developing compact and efficient tools for their generation is required. Here, we present a reflective multi-material phase converter with high conversion efficiency over a broad wavelength range (over 200 nm) and high damage threshold that works directly with a Gaussian beam, common to most mode-locked lasers. Additionally the device allows to compensate dispersion previously acquired by the incident pulse. Spatio-spectro-temporal numerical simulations showing viability of the device are presented.
A Deep-Learning Model Based on Transfer-Learning Technique for Detecting and Classifying Anomalies in Lungs Images

— Over the past decade, there has been a marked increase in interest in the automated identification of malignant tumors, largely due to the demand for an early and precise diagnosis that would lead to the best available therapy for the impending risk. As part of this effort, a variety of machine-learning and artificially intelligent approaches have been used to produce reliable aiding tools. To improve the automatic recognition and diagnosis of problematic lung areas, a deep learning model relying on the transfer learning approach is constructed in this research. VGG16, VGG19, and Inception-V3 are employed for the extraction of features from the IQ-OTHNCCD lung cancer dataset. According to experimental findings, transfer-learning models employing the SVM classifier were more effective than those utilizing the softmax function classifier at classifying CT scan images of the used dataset, Results from experiments demonstrate that the VGG19 model is effective for diagnosing lung cancer exceeding other existing models utilizing the same dataset.
A meteorological overview of the Subsonic Assessment Ozone and Nitrogen Oxide Experiment (SONEX) period

Meteorological conditions are described during NASA's Subsonic Assessment (SASS) Ozone and Nitrogen Oxide Experiment (SONEX) that was conducted over the North Atlantic Flight Corridor (NAFC) during October and November 1997 to study the impact of aircraft emissions on atmospheric concentrations of NO x and ozone. The SONEX period exhibited frequent closed cyclones and anticyclones, as well as high-amplitude troughs and ridges. These flow patterns often caused aircraft exhaust from the NAFC to follow broad looping north-south trajectories, instead of more easterly routes that would have occurred if the flow had been more zonal. Mean meteorological conditions during SONEX include a pronounced long wave trough over the East Coast of the United States, as well as weaker low pressure over middle-latitude portions of the Atlantic Ocean. Conversely, a well-developed ridge was apparent over the North Atlantic near Iceland. Cloudiness exceeded climatology off the East Coast and the subtropical North Atlantic, with abundant lightning in these regions. There was less than average cloud cover over the middle latitudes between Newfoundland and central Europe. The tropopause was higher than climatology over much of the SONEX region, and the jet stream was located north of its typical position. These circulation features during SONEX are consistent with typical year-to-year variations. Meteorological conditions during individual SONEX flights also are described. Upper tropospheric flow patterns, 5-day backward trajectories from the flight tracks, tropopause heights, lightning data, and differential absorption lidar ozone imagery are employed. Effects of aircraft were observed on numerous flights. Stratospheric conditions were encountered during many flights, sometimes because the DC-8 passed through a tropopause fold. SONEX flight tracks frequently were downwind of regions of lightning, especially during flights from Bangor and the Azores. Finally, trajectories indicated that continental pollution signatures observed during some flights had originated over the United States.