Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soft computing techniques in prediction Cr(VI) removal efficiency of polymer inclusion membranes

In this study soft computing techniques including, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) were investigated for the prediction of Cr(VI) transport efficiency by novel Polymer Inclusion Membranes (PIMs). Transport experiments carried out by varying parameters such as time, film thickness, carrier type, carier rate, plasticizer type, and plasticizer rate. The predictive performance of ANN and ANFIS model was evaluated by using statistical performance criteria such as Root Mean Standard Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Coefficient of Determination (R 2 ). Moreover, Sensitivity Analysis (SA) was carried out to investigate the effect of each input on PIMs Cr(VI) removal efficiency. The proposed ANN model presented reliable and valid results, followed by ANFIS model results. RMSE and MAE values were 0.00556, 0.00163 for ANN and 0.00924, 0.00493 for ANFIS model in the prediction of Cr(VI) removal efficiency on testing data sets. The R 2 values were 0.973 and 0.867 on testing data sets by ANN and ANFIS, respectively. Results show that the ANN-based prediction model performed better than ANFIS. SA demonstrated that time; film thickness; carrier type and plasticizer type are major operating parameters having 33.61%, 26.85%, 21.07% and 8.917% contribution, respectively.
The Attitude of Romanian Industrial Companies towards the Market during the Transition

The paper presents the evolution of the market orientation of Romanian industrial companies in the first two decades of the post-communism period. While in the first decade of transition the market orientation was almost in-existent, at the end of the second decade a strong commitment towards marketing performance has been identified. The dimensions of marketing performance that emerged as most important were market performance, customer performance and marketing’s financial performance. However the companies’ average ability to measure marketing performance was slightly less than adequate.
Models of civic responsibility : Korean Americans in congregations with different ethnic compositions

This article compares different discourses of civic responsibility for Korean American evangelicals in a second-generation Korean congregation and a multiethnic congregation located in the same impoverished ethnic minority community. Those in the second-generation church define civic responsibility through difference from immigrant Koreans. They stress caring for members of their local community and explicitly reject their parents' connection of Christianity to economic mobility. Yet, they find relating to other minorities in their local community difficult because of an implicit belief that the economically impoverished are not hardworking. Korean Americans in the multiethnic church connect Christianity to valuing diversity. A religious individualism that is used to justify diversity also helps Korean Americans stress their commonality with other ethnic minorities and legitimates commitment to community service. These results help researchers rethink how new groups of Americans might influence the relationship of evangelical Christianity to American civic life.
Retrieval of acoustic sources from multi-frequency phaseless data

This paper is concerned with the inverse source problem of reconstructing an unknown acoustic excitation from phaseless measurements of the radiated fields away at multiple frequencies. It is well known that the non-uniqueness issue is a major challenge associated with such an inverse problem. We develop a novel strategy to overcome this challenging problem by recovering the radiated fields via adding some reference point sources as extra artificial sources to the inverse source system. This novel reference source technique requires only a few extra data, and brings in a simple phase retrieval formula. The stability of this phase retrieval approach is rigorously analyzed. After the reacquisition of the phase information, the multi-frequency inverse source problem with recovered phase information is solved by the Fourier method, which is non-iterative, fast and easy to implement. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Evaluation and Comparison of Composting Rabbit Manure Mixed with Mushroom Residue and Rice Straw

The purpose of this study was to look for carbon materials for composting with rabbit manure. Rabbit manure was composted with rice straw and mushroom residues. During the composting process, different related parameters were evaluated. Results showed that the rabbit manure could be normally co-composted with rice straw or with mushroom residues. The GI value showed that both composts could help seed growth. By comparing the effects of the two composts, the rabbit manure co-composted with rice straw had a much greater effect on improving seed growth. The results showed that co-composting rabbit manure with rice straw and mushroom residues was a much more efficient method to utilize the material. Rabbit manure mixed with rice straw has also been shown to compost much more efficiently than with mushroom residues.
nIFTy galaxy cluster simulations – IV. Quantifying the influence of baryons on halo properties

Building on the initial results of the nIFTy simulated galaxy cluster comparison, we compare and contrast the impact of baryonic physics with a single massive galaxy cluster, run with 11 state-of-the-art codes, spanning adaptive mesh, moving mesh, classic and modern smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) approaches. For each code represented we have a dark-matter-only (DM) and non-radiative (NR) version of the cluster, as well as a full physics (FP) version for a subset of the codes. We compare both radial mass and kinematic profiles, as well as global measures of the cluster (e.g. concentration, spin, shape), in the NR and FP runs with that in the DM runs. Our analysis reveals good consistency ⪅20 per cent) between global properties of the cluster predicted by different codes when integrated quantities are measured within the virial radius R200. However, we see larger differences for quantities within R2500, especially in the FP runs. The radial profiles reveal a diversity, especially in the cluster centre, between the NR runs, which can be understood straightforwardly from the division of codes into classic SPH and non-classic SPH (including the modern SPH, adaptive and moving mesh codes); and between the FP runs, which can also be understood broadly from the division of codes into those that include active galactic nucleus feedback and those that do not. The variation with respect to the median is much larger in the FP runs with different baryonic physics prescriptions than in the NR runs with different hydrodynamics solvers.
Yields and sugar contents of sugar beet and fodder beet cultivars.

Two experiments at Templeton Research Station compared a total of seven sugar beet and twenty two fodder beet cultivars during the 1979-1980 season. Fresh weight yields of roots of sugar beet ranged from 50 to 63 t/ha, whilst for fodder beet the range was 50 to 130 t/ha. Dry matter and total sugar percentages were generally higher for sugar beet than fodder beet, ranging from 22.0 to 24.907o and 15.4 to 19.507o respectively for sugar beet, and from 12.3 to 22.8% and 8.4 to 16.60/o respectively for fodder beet. Sugar yields were similar for both types of beet, ranging from 7.8 to 11.5 t/ha for sugar beet, and 6.4 to 11.4 t/ha for fodder beet. Reducing sugars were only 1.1 to 4.30/o of the total sugars in the roots of both beet types.
The dynamics of biomass production in relation to foliar and root traits in a grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) plantation on abandoned agricultural land

Summary The dynamics of the above-ground biomass production of a grey alder plantation on abandoned farmland was investigated during 11 years after establishment. In the 12-year-old stand, the total biomass of the above-ground part of the stand was 68.8 t dry matter (DM) ha 1 and the current annual production (CAP ) was 14.0 t DM ha 1 year 1 . The predicted mean annual increment (MAI) reached is maximum at the age of 16 years, which indicates bulk maturity (the stand age when CAI = MAI) and appropriate rotation time for obtaining maximum biomass production. In the case of short-rotation forestry, initial stand density should not be higher than 6500 – 6000 trees per hectare. Below-ground biomass accounted for 18 and 16 per cent of total stand biomass at a stand age of 5 and 10 years, respectively. The biomass of the nodules was estimated at 155 ± 63 kg DM ha 1 and the biomass of the fi ne roots was estimated at 870 ± 130 kg DM ha 1 in the 10-year-old grey alder stand. Of the fi ne roots, 80 per cent and almost all nodules were located in the upper 0 – 20 cm soil layer in both the 5-year-old and the 10-year-old stand. The value of leaf area index increased with stand age, ranging between 1.38 and 5.43 m 2 m 2 during the development of the stand. Specifi c leaf area varied in different years from 11.1 to 13.5 m 2 kg 1 .
Fifty Years of Compositional Changes in U.S. Out-Migration, 1908-1957

Immigration authorities have seldom collected data on the out-migration of the foreign-born. As a consequence, several indirect approaches have been proposed to measure and study out-migration. This paper adds to the literature by using official statistics that directly identify the out-migration by demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Using time series and panel methods on the composition of U.S. out-migration between 1908 and 1957, the paper asks two questions. First, how did the out-migrants compare with in-migrants and permanent settlers? Second, did the economic and political events of the 1900s have any impact on the composition of this outflow? Results show that the out-migrants were primarily unskilled workers, but selection has become more positive over time. The economic and political shocks of the first half of the 20th century impacted the composition of the outflow, however, the more restrictive immigration policies have been associated primarily with longer stays. These findings complements the results based on indirect measures of out-migration, and are interestingly in line with analyses of out-migrant selectivity and impact of border controls on out-migrant behavior in later periods.
analysis of customer differentiation Between the t esco Brand and Manufacturer Brands In the Health and Beauty Product category

The aim of this exploratory research is to examine the extent to which supermarket shoppers differentiate between store brands and manufacturer brands in the health and beauty product category. Using 100 questionnaires conducted with customers at the Tesco Kingsway store, Dundee in 2008 the research found a high level of agreement towards statements suggesting that the quality and reliability of Tesco own brand was comparable to that of manufacturer branded health and beauty products. However the research found that performance levels between Tesco own brand and manufacturer brands were not comparable. Quality, price and value for money were found to be important factors in the purchasing of health and beauty products with the majority of the sample indicating that health and beauty products were high involvement purchases. Only the variables age and monthly spend were significant on more than one occasion. The results provide an initial indication as to how the Tesco brand is perceived by customers in the health and beauty category and was a pilot for a larger study into the Tesco brand and consumer behaviour due to begin in 2011.
Securitization of Syrian Refugees in 2015: A Comparative Analysis between the EU and Turkey

This paper attempts to examine the way in which the European Union (EU) and Turkey dealt with the Syrian refugees in 2015 by employing the securitization framework pioneered by the Copenhagen School. It is argued that while the EU and some of its member states attempted to securitize Syrian refugees in 2015-2016 in order to protect the Schengen Zone, Turkey, on the other hands, politicise the issue by framing Syrians as a guest in a humanitarian discourse. However, as critics argue, Turkish securitizing actors practically implemented securitization, as a result of the EU influence, through a number of measures in order to control the border security. The paper, therefore, seeks to compare and contrast the EU and Turkey’s ways of dealing with Syrian refugee crisis in 2015 and find out whether the different pattern of securitization matters for their positive and sustainable relationship. In doing so, it takes context, actor, securitizing move, policy output, and audience as points of comparison. The study unveils that their securitization undertakings that had been seen as discordant between two parties contributed to the volatility and unusual development of Turkey-EU relations in 2015-2016. Turkey did not and is unlikely to utilise the securitization policy until unless the refugee crisis moves beyond humanitarian limits and becomes connected to terrorism. Thus, the study suggests that humanitarian-based organisations should question the 2016 Turkey-EU deal and advocate the EU to prefer an open door and burden-sharing policy instead of its securitization. At the same time, they should also urge Turkey to facilitate safety for the refugees that are heading for their destinations instead of implementing destructive containment policy. (269 words)
The effect of the European Debt Crisis on Eurozone Cross-Border Acquisitions

Using event studies and difference-in-differences methodologies, applied to a sample of 313 deals announced by companies from the Eurozone between 2001 and 2016, this study provides empirical evidence on the impact of the latest financial crisis on the value creation of cross-border acquisitions, for the shareholders of the acquiring firm. Emphasis is given to the difference between the impact of the crisis upon Northern Eurozone companies and Southern Eurozone companies. We found that Eurozone Cross-Border Acquirers earn, statistically significant positive announcement returns and that these returns have become higher since the beginning of the crisis. Despite the general increase in announcement returns, we show that, within the two groups of countries there were countries in which the impact of the crisis was relatively more positive and others in which it was relatively more negative.
Preparation, characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of swietenia macrophylla nanoemulgel

The advances in knowledge about production and stability of dispersed systems enable the development of differentiated vehicles such as nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels, which have been effectively used to increase the bioavailability and improve the stability of the active ingredients. Nowadays there is an intensely usage of natural bioactive materials as medicinal agent in pharmaceutical industries. Swietenia macrophylla oil is used due to the bioactivity of different parts of the plant as anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenicity, anti-tumor. SM oil Nanoemulgels were prepared by incorporating nanoemulsion with hydrogel. First by preparing mixtures of oil, glycerol with sucrose ester (Laurate, Oleate and Palmitate) to produce pre-nanoemulsion using phase inversion technique, then nanoemulsion was produced using self-emulsification technique. After that, hydrogel was added to nanoemulsion to produce nanoemulgel. It was found that 50% oil with sucrose laurate 20% and 30% glycerol was able to produce pre-nanoemulsion, and then it was diluted with water under gentile agitation to produce nanoemulsion with droplets size 114 nm, low size distribution 0.163 and low zeta potential -43.1 mV. The optimal nanoemulsion formulation was mixed with different grades of hydrogel Carbopol 934 and 940 to produce nanoemulgels. It was found that Carbopol showed no influence on the oil droplets size with a range from 113 to 117 nm, size distribution from 0.155 to 0.163 and zeta potential range from -43.4 to -44.6 mV. In addition, it was able to produce a stable nanoemulgel at different temperatures 4°C, 25°C and 40°C when stored for one year and showed priority as thickening agent in relation to texture and rheological properties when compared to Carbopol 934. The anti-inflammatory test using carrageen an induced rat paw edema method for Swietenia macrophylla oil was carried and it was found that the inflammation inhibition of SM oil was higher for nanoemulgel compared to oil solution.
Dimensionality of trust: An analysis of the relations between propensity, trustworthiness and trust

Orientation: Research concerning trust relationships on the interpersonal level, particularly when studied in dyadic relationships from the follower’s point of view, is relatively scarce. Only a few researchers have attempted to link multiple dimensions of trust in the same study. Research purpose: This study examined the dynamic interplay between trust propensity, trustworthiness beliefs and the decision to trust, as perceived within dyadic workplace relationships. Motivation for the study: No studies, as far as the authors are aware, have ever attempted to use a combination of Mayer and Davis’s well-known assessment of trustworthiness and Gillespie’s measure of behavioural trust within the same study. By including measures of main antecedents and the actual decision to trust in the same study, the multidimensionality of trust can be established more concretely. Research approach, design and method: A cross-sectional survey design with a convenience sample ( N = 539) was used. The Behavioural Trust Inventory and the Organisational Trust Instrument were administered. Main findings: Results confirmed the distinctness of propensity, trustworthiness and trust as separate main constructs. Trust was strongly associated with trustworthiness beliefs. Trustworthiness beliefs fully mediated the relationship between propensity and trust. The observed relations between propensity and trustworthiness suggest that individuals with a natural predisposition to trust others will be more inclined to perceive a specific trust referent as trustworthy. Practical/managerial implications: Leaders should realise that their attitudes and behaviour have a decisive impact on trust formation processes: if they are being perceived as trustworthy, followers will be likely to respond by engaging in trusting behaviours towards them. Tools to assess followers’ perceptions of the trustworthiness of the leader may provide useful feedback that can guide leaders. Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to scientific knowledge regarding the influence of propensity to trust and trustworthiness on trust of leaders.
Kinetics of ethane oxidation

Ethane oxidation in jet-stirred reactor has recently been investigated at high temperature (800–1200 K) in the pressure range 1–10 atm and molecular species (H2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6) concentration profiles were obtained by probe sampling and GC analysis. Ethane oxidation was modeled using a comprehensive kinetic reaction mechanism including the most recent findings concerning the kinetics of the reactions involved in the oxidation of C1C4 hydrocarbons. The proposed mechanism is able to reproduce experimental data obtained in our high-pressure jet stirred reactor and ignition delay times measured in shock tube in the pressure range 1–13 atm, for temperatures extending from 800 to 2000 K and equivalence ratios of 0.1 to 2. It is also able to reproduce atoms concentrations (H,O) measured in shock tube at ≈2 atm. The same detailed kinetic mechanism can also be used to model the oxidation of methane, ethylene, propyne, and allene in similar conditions.
Maturation and Spawning Biology of a Hill Stream Major Carp Labeo dyocheilus (McClelland 1839) from Central Himalaya, India

Fishes adapt to reproduce under most variable environmental conditions. Teleost gonadal structure, function and reproductive processes are controlled by biological rhythms as well as various environmental factors. Study area was W. Ramganga, Chaukhutia (Latitude: 29°53'55"N and Longitude: 79°21'22"E), for a period of three years. GSI, an indicator of sexual maturity, reported in our experiment varied from 0.008 in October to 3.933 in July for male fish and from 0.099 in October to 10.508 in July for female. Thus, onset of rainfall (Aug-Sep) was considered as the breeding season. We also found out that the maturity of ovaries and testis exist in seven stages, namely Immature or Virgin, Maturing Virgin, Developing, Maturing, Ripening, Spawning or Running, and Spent. The spawning sites were found to be in the small patches of slow running water. Specific ranges of Physico-chemical parameter were found to be responsible for spawning in this study. The experimental fish was observed to show sexual dimorphism during breeding season. During this period, the male fish became slightly brighter in color while the female fish became darken in color. This study would helpful for productive aquaculture, scientific based fishery management, and commercial utilization.
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PARDUBICE Series A Faculty of Chemical Technology 14 ( 2008 ) WALL EFFECTS ON A SINGLE SPHERICAL PARTICLE MOVING THROUGH A POWER-LAW FLUID

The steady motion of solid spheres through a power-law fluid contained in a cylindrical tube has been solved numerically using a finite element method by means of the COMSOL software package for the steady non-Newtonian flows. From the resulting stress fields, the drag force on the sphere, drag coefficient, drag coefficient corrective jactor, and wall correction factor have been evaluated in dependence on the fluid power law index and the sphere-to-tube diameter ratio. The results of numerical computation are in very good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental literature data, which documents suitability of the computational method used.
On second order minimax estimation of invariant density for ergodic diffusion

There are many asymptotically first order efficient estimators in the problem of estimating the invariant density of an ergodic diffusion process nonparametrically. To distinguish between them, we consider the problem of asymptotically second order minimax estimation of this density based on a sample path observation up to the time T. It means that we have two problems. The first one is to find a lower bound on the second order risk of any estimator. The second one is to construct an estimator, which attains this lower bound. We carry out this program (bound + estimator) following Pinsker’s approach. If the parameter set is a subset of the Sobolev ball of smoothness k > 1 and radius R > 0, the second order minimax risk is shown to behave as −T−2k/(2k−1)Π(k,R) for large values of T. The constant Π(k,R) is given explicitly.
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS IN ONLINE LANGUAGE LEARNING

With the proliferation of online courses nowadays, it is necessary to ask what defines the success of teaching and learning in these new learning environments exactly. This paper identifies and critically discusses a number of factors for successful implementation of online delivery, particularly as far as online language learning is concerned. These include student and teacher characteristics, instructional design, provision of support to instructors and students, technology, and language skills characteristics. I argue that these factors need to be carefully considered when designing online language learning simply because they could potentially impinge on students’ learning and learning experience in these new learning environments.