Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Thermal Stability of Single-Mode VCSEL Under 96-Gbit/s OFDM Transmission

Thermal-dependent transmission performance and long-term stability of a single-transverse-mode (SM) vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with directly pre-leveled 16-quadrature amplitude modulation orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (16-QAM OFDM) data over 100 m OM4 multi-mode-fiber (MMF) are demonstrated. Although narrowing the oxide-confined aperture to 3 μm enables the SM VCSEL with low threshold current of 0.21 mA and high modulation bandwidth of 21.4 GHz, this technology also enlarges the insulating oxide area to accumulate the heat for raising core temperature. This induces a harsh environment as the core temperature persistently increases without dissipation even under the water-cooling control at 20 °C. As a result, the SM VCSEL can only guarantee a stable operation for 1.5 h under the encoding of QAM-OFDM data for transmission. After optimization, the SM VCSEL successfully supports a back-to-back transmission capacity as high as 96 Gbit/s. With the assistance of OFDM pre-leveling technique, the 96-Gbit/s QAM-OFDM data transmission is qualified over 100 m OM4 MMF with a receiving power penalty as low as 1.3 dB.
Comparison of Cold Pool Characteristics of Two Distinct Gust Fronts over Bohai Sea Bay in China

Previous studies have demonstrated that cold pools play a pivotal role in the initiation and organization of convection, yet their influence on the evolution of gust fronts (GFs) remains inadequately understood. A destructive wind event associated with a rearward gust front (RGF; 8 grade gale after passing GF) and a prior gust front (PGF; 10 grade gale before passing GF) over the north coast of China on 10 June 2016 was analyzed. Using multiple forms of observation data, as well as the four-dimensional Variational Doppler Radar Data Assimilation System (VDRAS), we found that the depth and intensity of the cold pool in RGF are relatively shallower and weaker, leading to a correspondingly reduced strength in both outflow and convergence. In contrast, the enhanced vertical shear and boundary northeaster inflow of PGF generate intensified and more organized downdrafts, resulting in a deeper cold pool, robust outflow, and convergence. Two schematic models were proposed to explain the discrepancy between GFs and associated cold pools. We further show that there is an internal correlation between meso-γ-scale vortices (MVs) and cold pools, the collision of MVs strengthened low-level convergence and updraft between these two GFs. Moreover, the consolidation of the two cold pools exacerbates low-layer instability and rotation, generating an intense horizontal vorticity that leads to rapid convective storm intensification. These findings offer novel insights into the diversity of GFs and associated cold pools.
Suitability of North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) output for hydrologic modelling and analysis in mountainous terrain

Meteorological observations at high elevations in mountainous regions are often lacking. One opportunity to fill this data gap is through the use of downscaled output from weather reanalysis models. In this study, we tested the accuracy of downscaled output from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) against high‐elevation surface observations at four ridgetop locations in the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. NARR model output was downscaled to the surface observation locations through three‐dimensional interpolation for air temperature, vapour pressure and wind speed and two‐dimensional interpolation for radiation variables. Accuracy was tested at both the 3‐hourly and daily time scales. Air temperature displayed a high level of agreement, especially at the daily scale, with root mean square error (RMSE) values ranging from 0.98 to 1.21 °C across all sites. Vapour pressure downscaling accuracy was also quite high (RMSE of 0.06 to 0.11 hPa) but displayed some site specific bias. Although NARR overestimated wind speed, there were moderate to strong linear relations (r2 from 0.38 to 0.84 for daily means), suggesting that the NARR output could be used as an index and bias‐corrected. NARR output reproduced the seasonal cycle for incoming short‐wave radiation, with Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiencies ranging from 0.78 to 0.87, but accuracy suffered on days with cloud cover, resulting in a positive bias and RMSE ranged from 42 to 46 Wm− 2. Although fewer data were available, incoming long‐wave radiation from NARR had an RMSE of 19 Wm− 2 and outperformed common methods for estimating incoming long‐wave radiation. NARR air temperature showed potential to assist in hydrologic analysis and modelling during an atmospheric river storm event, which are characterized by warm and wet air masses with atypical vertical temperature gradients. The incorporation of a synthetic NARR air temperature station to better represent the higher freezing levels resulted in increased predicted peak flows, which better match the observed run‐off during the event. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micropollutants, mixtures and transformation products in recycled water: how much do we really know?

In this study we propose for the first time an approach for the tentative derivation of effectbased water quality trigger values for an apical endpoint, the cytotoxicity measured by the bioluminescence inhibition in Vibrio fischeri. The trigger values were derived for the Australian Drinking Water Guideline and the Australian Guideline for Water Recycling as examples, but the algorithm can be adapted to any other set of guideline values. In the first step, a Quantitative StructureeActivity Relationship (QSAR) describing the 50% effect concentrations, EC50,was established using chemicals known to act according to thenonspecific modeof actionof baseline toxicity. ThisQSARdescribed theeffect ofmost of the chemicals in these guidelines satisfactorily, with the exception of antibiotics, which were more potent than predicted by the baseline toxicity QSAR. The mixture effect of 10e56 guideline chemicals mixed at various fixed concentration ratios (equipotentmixture ratios and ratios of the guideline values) was adequately described by concentration addition model of mixture toxicity. Tenwater sampleswere then analysed and 5e64 regulated chemicalswere detected (from a target list of over 200 chemicals). These detected chemicals weremixed in the ratios of concentrations detected and theirmixture effectwas predicted by concentration addition. Comparing the effect of these designed mixtures with the effect of the water samples, it became evident that less than 1%of effect could be explained by known chemicals,making it imperative to derive effect-based trigger values. The effect-basedwater quality trigger value, EBT-EC50, was calculated from themixture effect concentration predicted for concentrationadditive mixture effects of all chemicals in a given guideline divided by the sum of the guideline concentrations for individual components, and dividing by an extrapolation factor that accounts for the number of chemicals contained in the guidelines and for model uncertainties. While this concept was established using the example of Australian recycled water, it can be easily adapted to any other set of water quality guidelines for organic micropollutants. The cytotoxicity based trigger value cannot be used in isolation, it must be applied in conjunction with effect-based trigger values targeting critical specific modes of action such as estrogenicity or photosynthesis inhibition. a 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 0; fax: þ61 7 3274 9003. Tang), s.mccarty@uq.edu. au (S. McCarty), e.glenn@uq.edu. au (E. Glenn), p.neale@uq.edu. ia.qld. gov.au (M.St.J. Warne), b.escher@uq.edu. au, escher@eawag.ch (B.I. Escher). ier Ltd. All rights reserved. wat e r r e s e a r c h 4 7 ( 2 0 1 3 ) 3 3 0 0e3 3 1 4 3301
Tensor Ring Based Image Enhancement

Background: Image enhancement, including image de-noising, super-resolution, registration, reconstruction, in-painting, and so on, is an important issue in different research areas. Different methods which have been exploited for image analysis were mostly based on matrix or low order analysis. However, recent researches show the superior power of tensor-based methods for image enhancement. Method: In this article, a new method for image super-resolution using Tensor Ring decomposition has been proposed. The proposed image super-resolution technique has been derived for the super-resolution of low resolution and noisy images. The new approach is based on a modification and extension of previous tensor-based approaches used for super-resolution of datasets. In this method, a weighted combination of the original and the resulting image of the previous stage has been computed and used to provide a new input to the algorithm. Result: This enables the method to do the super-resolution and de-noising simultaneously. Conclusion: Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, especially in highly noisy situations.
Multi-Scale Analysis of Grain Size in the Component Structures of Sediments Accumulated along the Desert-Loess Transition Zone of the Tengger Desert and Implications for Sources and Aeolian Dust Transportation

Aeolian sediments accumulated along the desert-loess transition zone of the Tengger Desert include heterogeneous textures and complex component structures in their grain-size distributions (GSD). However, the sources of these aeolian sediments have not been resolved due to the lack of large reference GSD sample datasets from adjacent regions that contain various types of sediments; such datasets could be used for fingerprinting based on grain-size properties. This lack of knowledge hinders our understanding of the mechanism of aeolian dust releases in these regions and the effects of forcing of atmospheric circulations on the transportation and accumulation of sediments in this region. In this study, we employed a multi-scale grain-size analysis method, i.e., a combination of the single-sample unmixing (SSU) and the parametric end-member modelling (PEMM) techniques, to resolve the component structures of sediments that had accumulated along the desert-loess transition zone of the Tengger Desert. We have also analyzed the component structures of GSDs of various types of sediments, including mobile and fixed sand dunes, lake sediments, and loess sediments from surrounding regions. Our results demonstrate that the patterns observed in coarser fractions of sediments (i.e., sediments with a mode grain size of >100 μm) from the transition zone match well with the patterns of component structures of several types of sediments from the interior of the Tengger Desert, and the patterns seen in the finer fractions (i.e., fine, medium, and coarse silts with a modal size of <63 μm) were broadly consistent with those of loess sediments from the Qilian Mountains. The deflation/erosion of loess from the Qilian Mountains by wind was the most important mechanism underlying the production of these finer grain-size fractions. The East Asia winter monsoon (EAWM) played a key role in transportation of the aeolian dust from these source regions to the desert-loess transition zone of the desert.
Engaging Minority Students in Sustainable Bioenergy and Water Quality through an Education and Research Network

Growing energy demand is connected to water availability and climate change and it places additional stress on the environment. Thereby, It is critical to prepare the next generation of engineers and professionals to face the challenges in bioenergy, expand sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels1 and enable climate-smart agriculture2,3. To address this challenge, a career-oriented multidisciplinary educational model is being implemented at three minority-serving institutions. This paper discusses the foundation of this educational program, which provides a robust response to the current sustainability issues by conducting multidisciplinary coordinated education, mentoring, research and extension activities among multiple universities and laboratories. This educational program aims to accomplish the ultimate goal of increasing minority participation in pursuing advanced degrees in STEM and attaining a diverse highly trained and skillful workforce with a strong pragmatic, experimental, analytical and computational background as well as scientific literacy in sustainable energy and the energywater nexus. In this model, students are expected to gain knowledge and understanding of the operational complexity of sustainable energy systems from source-to-use. Students will be able to conduct research and discovery from the feedstock properties passing through the conversion technologies to the mathematical modeling and optimization of the whole bioenergy value chain. In addition, students will be able to translate their findings in the laboratory regarding water quality and treatment into operational parameters to be included in comprehensive water systems models.
Pretreatments Applied to Wheat Straw to Obtain Bioethanol

This work is a comprehensive study focusing on various methods for processing wheat straw to enhance its suitability for bioethanol production. It delves into mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological pretreatments, each aimed at improving the enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation processes necessary for bioethanol production. Mechanical and physical pretreatments involve reducing the size of wheat straw to improve enzymatic hydrolysis. Physical methods include heating and irradiation, which alter the structural properties of wheat straw. Chemical pretreatments involve using acids, alkalis, and organic solvents to remove lignin and hemicellulose, making cellulose more accessible for hydrolysis. Biological pretreatments utilize microorganisms and fungi to degrade lignin and other complex compounds, enhancing the breakdown of cellulose. The study presents data on the effectiveness of these treatments in terms of lignin removal, sugar yield, and overall bioethanol production efficiency. The research is aligned with the global move towards renewable energy sources and emphasizes the importance of utilizing agricultural waste, like wheat straw, for sustainable energy production.
Sex differences and age-related changes in vertebral body volume and volumetric bone mineral density at the thoracolumbar spine using opportunistic QCT

Objectives To quantitatively investigate the age- and sex-related longitudinal changes in trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and vertebral body volume at the thoracolumbar spine in adults. Methods We retrospectively included 168 adults (mean age 58.7 ± 9.8 years, 51 women) who received ≥7 MDCT scans over a period of ≥6.5 years (mean follow-up 9.0 ± 2.1 years) for clinical reasons. Level-wise vBMD and vertebral body volume were extracted from 22720 thoracolumbar vertebrae using a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based framework with asynchronous calibration and correction of the contrast media phase. Human readers conducted semiquantitative assessment of fracture status and bony degenerations. Results In the 40-60 years age group, women had a significantly higher trabecular vBMD than men at all thoracolumbar levels (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Conversely, men, on average, had larger vertebrae with lower vBMD. This sex difference in vBMD did not persist in the 60-80 years age group. While the lumbar (T12-L5) vBMD slopes in women only showed a non-significant trend of accelerated decline with age, vertebrae T1-11 displayed a distinct pattern, with women demonstrating a significantly accelerated decline compared to men (p<0.01 to p<0.0001). Between baseline and last follow-up examinations, the vertebral body volume slightly increased in women (T1-12: 1.1 ± 1.0 cm3; L1-5: 1.0 ± 1.4 cm3) and men (T1-12: 1.2 ± 1.3 cm3; L1-5: 1.5 ± 1.6 cm3). After excluding vertebrae with bony degenerations, the residual increase was only small in women (T1-12: 0.6 ± 0.6 cm3; L1-5: 0.7 ± 0.7 cm3) and men (T1-12: 0.7 ± 0.6 cm3; L1-5: 1.2 ± 0.8 cm3). In non-degenerated vertebrae, the mean change in volume was <5% of the respective vertebral body volumes. Conclusion Sex differences in thoracolumbar vBMD were apparent before menopause, and disappeared after menopause, likely attributable to an accelerated and more profound vBMD decline in women at the thoracic spine. In patients without advanced spine degeneration, the overall volumetric changes in the vertebral body appeared subtle.
Development of an Assessment Model for Measuring Mechanical Engineering Companies’ Circularity and Maturity Levels

The circular economy has gained significance in recent years due to its potential to achieve economic benefits and address ecological challenges. Mechanical engineering companies face the challenge of transitioning to a circular economy, which offers advantages like improved resource utilisation, reduced dependence on external suppliers, and enhanced production and supply chain efficiency. However, implementing circular economy principles proves difficult for manufacturing firms. Measuring circularity poses significant challenges, necessitating assessing methods' development, application, and validation. Industry-specific key indicators and data quality assurance are crucial in this regard. Existing models struggle to adapt to diverse contexts and industries. The outcome of this paper is the C-METRIC (Circular Manufacturing Evaluation and Rating for Industrial Circularity), an industry-specific method for assessing mechanical engineering companies' circularity and maturity level, developed using the Design-Science-Research Methodology. Based on the circular value chain, the method evaluates the maturity and circularity levels of the focused sector through 66 specific questions in 33 different areas of the company. The results are divided into the maturity and circularity levels of value-adding and strategic processes and are visualised using spider diagrams. The purpose of this model is to survey the circularity and circular economy maturity of mechanical engineering companies of specific regions and sectors.
Unlocking the Power of Health Safety and Welfare Practices: Exploring the Impact on Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Bangladesh’s Fish Processing Industry

Abstract Purpose: This study explores the relationship between Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices and Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) among fish processing workers in Bangladesh. It seeks to understand how OHS practices impact employees’ voluntary, extra-role behaviors and contribute to organizational well-being. Methods/Design/Approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a sample of fish processing workers in Bangladesh. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that assessed vital variables, including OHS practices, OCB, and demographic information. Statistical analyses, including correlation and multiple regression, were employed through SPSS to examine the associations between OHS practices and OCB. Findings: The findings of this study reveal several significant relationships; notably, health and safety policies and communication, health and safety rules, health and safety resource and training, and workplace welfare management were essential predictors of organizational citizenship behavior, highlighting the critical role of these organization health safety practices in fostering positive organizational citizenship behavior. Practical Implications: These findings hold valuable practical implications for organizations in the fish processing industry and beyond. Organizations can enhance their workplace safety policies, regulations, and training programs by recognizing the positive impact of OHS practices on OCB. Additionally, investing in workplace welfare measures can promote a culture of voluntary contributions to the organization, ultimately benefiting employees and employers. Originality: This study contributes to the literature by shedding light on the relationship between OHS practices and OCB in a specific and underexplored context: the fish processing industry in Bangladesh. It underscores the significance of OHS practices in driving positive workplace behaviors and organizational outcomes, enriching the body of knowledge on this subject.
Radio Environment Map Construction Based on Privacy-Centric Federated Learning

In today’s digital age, coverage prediction is essential for optimizing wireless networks and improving user experience. While numerous path loss models and advanced machine learning algorithms have been developed to achieve high prediction performance, they predominantly operate within a centralized learning paradigm. While effective, this conventional approach often suffers from scalability and privacy limitations that are critical to the successful deployment of wireless maps. Conversely, in this paper, we propose a novel decentralized approach based on a federated learning long short-term memory (LSTM) model to accurately predict network coverage in indoor environments. The proposed FedLSTM is a method that allows multiple users, or clients, to train the model without sharing their personal data directly with a central server. In an experimental setup, we used real data collected from numerous clients moving along different paths. The FedLSTM model is evaluated in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and R2. Furthermore, compared to a centralized counterpart, FedLSTM shows a slight increase in RMSE from 2.4 dBm to 2.5 dBm and an increase in MAE from 1.7 dBm to 1.9 dBm. In addition, we evaluate the proposed FedLSTM considering variations in the number of participating clients and the number of local training epochs. The results show that even devices with limited computational power can meaningfully contribute to the training of the federated model, with fewer epochs achieving competitive results. Graphical analyses of the radio environment maps (REMs) generated by both FedLSTM and the centralized LSTM highlight their similarities. However, FedLSTM provides client privacy while reducing communication overhead and server strain.