Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managers' Views on Environmental Management: An Examination of the Taiwanese Airline Industry

Air transport has made a major contribution to globalization and world economic growth. However, aircraft operations inevitably have a serious impact on the environment. Leading airlines have established policies, goals, and action plans on environmental management. This study uses a questionnaire survey to gain an understanding of the views and attitudes of airline managers in Taiwan toward environmental management. The results show that airline managers mostly have a positive and supportive attitude regarding environmental management, and believe that airlines can play an important role in environmental protection. The most important motivations for promoting environmental management are improving company image, reducing harm to the natural environment, and fulfilling corporate social responsibility, while the main obstacles to the development of environmental management are insufficient government grants, subsidies, and incentives, investment capital too high, and inadequate aviation environmental regulations. This study also reveals that the government should take a more proactive role in the development of Taiwanese airlines’ environmental management.
Bounds on canonical Green's functions

A fundamental object in the theory of arithmetic surfaces is the Green's function associated to the canonical metric. Previous expressions for the canonical Green's function have relied on general functional analysis or, when using specific properties of the canonical metric, the classical Riemann theta function. In this article, we derive a new identity for the canonical Green's function involving the hyperbolic heat kernel. As an application of our results, we obtain bounds for the canonical Green's function through covers and for families of modular curves.
Explaining, modelling and measuring the heterogeneity in shipper's value of time

The intention of the present article is to shed light on the heterogeneity of value of time among shippers. In order to deal with this issue, we first look at the reasons for which different shippers may value a time saving differently. This analysis makes use of a distinction between generic goods and specific (tailor made) goods. Subsequently, we analyse how this heterogeneity could be represented in the framework of Mixed Logit which is increasingly popular among the Transport Science research community. We concentrate on the issue of the selection of an adequate distribution for the random coefficients of time and costs attributes. In the final part of this article, we make an estimate of the value of time heterogeneity using data collected from shippers in Italy.
Fatigue damage propagation in unidirectional glass fibre reinforced composites made of a non-crimp fabric

Damage progression in unidirectional glass fibre reinforced composites manufactured of a non-crimp fabric subjected to tension-tension fatigue is investigated, and a quantitative explanation is given for the experimentally observed stiffness degradation. The underlying damage-mechanisms are examined using three distinct microscopic analyses, and the transverse crack density is measured. It is documented that the stiffness loss in fatigue is directly related to fibre fractures in the load-carrying axial fibre bundles, initialised by interface debonding and cracking in the transverse backing bundles. A simple stiffness spring model validates the stiffness loss observed. A fatigue damage scheme is presented, which suggests that damage initiates due to failure of the backing bundle causing a stress concentration in the axial load-carrying fibres. This stress concentration, along with fretting fatigue, gives rise to axial fibre fractures and a loss of stiffness, eventually leading to final failure. The uniqueness of the present work is identification of the mechanisms associated with tension fatigue failure of unidirectional non-crimp fabrics used for wind turbine blades. The observed damage mechanisms need further attention and understanding in order to improve the fatigue life-time of unidirectional glass fibre reinforced non-crimp fabrics.
Antioxidative egg: high MUFA:PUFA and antioxidants reduce LDL oxidation.

High egg consumption has been long suggested to affect plasma cholesterol levels but only recently suggested also to increase LDL oxidation. As oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is considered a patho-physiologically relevant process in atherogenesis, a question raised regarding egg composition Vs. LDL oxidation. The effect of 2 regular eggs/day for 3 weeks on blood cholesterol, LDL and LDL oxidation was tested on two groups of 20 healthy adults each. Egg consumption significantly increased LDL oxidation, in average by 20% in the two groups, as shown by reduced lag time for oxidation, whereas plasma and LDL cholesterol were not increased significantly The possibilities of reducing the egg-induced increase in LDL oxidation by modifying egg composition, i.e. by increasing antioxidants, and MUFA:PUFA ratio was tested in different group of healthy adults that fed for periods of 3 weeks each, 2 regular eggs/ day, 2 high-antioxidants (HAOX) eggs enriched with vitamin E and carotenoids, and 2 HAOX eggs, that are also high in MUFA and MUFA:PUFA ratio (HAOX-HMUFA eggs). A significant reduction in LDL oxidation (p<0.01) was observed following 2 HAOX-HMUFA eggs/day, but not following HAOX eggs. The significant physiological effect of eggs high in antioxidants, MUFA and MUFA:PUFA ratio HAOX-MUFA eggs, in spite of the minor impact on daily nutritional intake i.e. only 1-2 g extra MUFA from 2 eggs, suggests that the egg’s fatty acid composition has a functional effect beyond its nutritional significance. Thus the composition of the egg should be considered. Especially with regard to LDL oxidation and its health implication. This strongly supports the notion that not all the eggs are the same and the advantage of applying functional health considerations, to the egg industry.
The development of highly-performing open-pollinated maize lines via single-plant selection in the absence of competition

Selfing and high selection pressures under ultra-low plant densities that ensure absence of competition have been recommended as a means to exploit the additive genetic effects and develop maize (Zea mays L.) lines approaching the yield performance of hybrids. Additionally, low plant densities could promote self-pollination due to the better synchronization of pollen and silk emergence. To address these hypotheses selection was applied for three generations using as starting material the F2 of the maize hybrid 'Costanza' under open-pollination conditions and a density of 0.74 plants m -2 . The selection was based on two equations: one to estimate the yield genetic potential of single plants and the other the yield genetic potential of entries/ lines. The results were promising in terms of enhanced gene fixation and exploitation of additive gene action. The high selection pressures applied led to fairly homogeneous half-sib lines that approximate the productivity and stability levels of 'Costanza'. Utilization of such lines in the production of hybrids is expected to increase the crop yield potential, while progressive line improvement could ultimately reduce the line-to- hybrid gap. Concluding, progressive replacement of less by more favorable additive alleles is accomplishable when ultra-low plant densities are used so as to maximize pollen production and diminish the anthesis-to-silking interval, thus promoting selfing. The application of the procedure in commercially successful hybrids is recommended in order to develop highly homogeneous lines of superior performance; the hybridization between such lines is bound to lead to less heterogeneous hybrids and reduced seed cost.
Oviposition choice and larval survival of an obligately pollinating granivorous moth

Animal species not investing in parental care can nevertheless influence the success of their progeny by actively selecting sites that are most favourable for their growth and survival. Primarily through the study of phytophagous insects, it has become clear that oviposition behaviour, and choice of oviposition sites in particular, can increase the performance and survival of insect progeny. Such oviposition behaviour is largely driven by variation in the environment. In this study, we examined oviposition choice and larval survival of the senita moth (Upiga virescens), which is an obligately pollinating granivore of a single host plant, the senita cactus (Lophocereus schottii). Although senita moths oviposit only on open flowers of senita cacti, eggs are laid among four relatively discrete sites on flowers: between or underneath petals, on the outward-facing side of petals, on anthers and within the corolla tube. In a population of senita cacti in southern Arizona, we quantified the distribution of eggs among flowers and plants, the distribution of eggs among oviposition sites, and larval (egg-to-pupa) survival among oviposition sites. Eggs were evenly distributed among flowers, but plants with more flowers had greater numbers of eggs than plants with few flowers. On the other hand, eggs were unevenly distributed among oviposition sites within flowers. Eggs were most frequently laid on petals, and least frequently laid on anthers and corolla tubes. Inconsistent with this result, larval survival was greater for anthers and corolla tubes than for petals. However, taking into account differences in surface area among oviposition sites, anthers and corolla tubes received disproportionately greater numbers of eggs than expected by chance, while petals received slightly fewer eggs than expected given surface area. This result is consistent with larval survival being greater for anthers and corolla tubes. We discuss potential ecological and evolutionary reasons for why selection has apparently favoured an even distribution of eggs among flowers, but has not more strongly favoured ovipositing into corolla tubes and anthers where progeny survival is greatest.
Apparent 14C Ages of Marine Mollusk Shells from a Greek Island: Calculation of the Marine Reservoir Effect in the Aegean Sea

The excavation of the Cyclope cave, situated on the deserted island of Youra in the Northern Sporades (39°22'N, 24°10'E), revealed material of marine and terrestrial origin in undisturbed layers, suitable for radiocarbon dating. In some cases, material from different reservoirs was found together in the same archaeological layer. This research had two aims. The first was the dating of charcoal-seashell pairs in order to determine the marine reservoir effect in this region, based on samples with ages spanning from the end of the 8th millennium to the beginning of the 7th millennium bc. The second aim was dating the stratigraphy of this site, by using the calculated δR value in conjunction with the marine calibration curve. This enabled the accurate calibration of the 14C ages of marine samples found in layers without charcoal pieces. The results show that this is the oldest human settlement ever found on an island in the Aegean Sea.
Sustainability Reporting out of a Prisoner's Dilemma

Listed firms increasingly strive for a sustainable appearance, which has made sustainability reporting very popular in recent years. This would be completely rational if sustainability reporting could enhance shareholder value. This paper investigates from a theoretical perspective which conditions are sufficient for the individual and collective rationality of sustainability reporting. The analysis leads to the conclusion that, due to the competition between firms, sustainability reporting generates a separation equilibrium as long as the reporting costs are proportional to the reported level and the marginal costs of reporting differ with the true level of sustainability. Although it might be preferable, a pooling equilibrium with no sustainability reporting cannot be sustained, which is a result of the so-called prisoner's dilemma that firms find themselves caught within. The most important practical implication of the model is a call for external auditing with high assurance levels to ensure an efficient separation of highly and weakly sustainable firms.
Modelling wet snow avalanche runout to assess road safety at a high-altitude mine in the central Andes

Abstract. Mining activities in cold regions are vulnerable to snow avalanches. Unlike operational facilities, which can be constructed in secure locations outside the reach of avalanches, access roads are often susceptible to being cut, leading to mine closures and significant financial losses. In this paper we discuss the application of avalanche runout modelling to predict the operational risk to mining roads, a long-standing problem for mines in high-altitude, snowy regions. We study the 35 km long road located in the "Cajon del rio Blanco" valley in the central Andes, which is operated by the Codelco Andina copper mine. In winter and early spring, this road is threatened by over 100 avalanche paths. If the release and snow cover conditions can be accurately specified, we find that avalanche dynamics modelling is able to represent runout, and safe traffic zones can be identified. We apply a detailed, physics-based snow cover model to calculate snow temperature, density and moisture content in three-dimensional terrain. This information is used to determine the initial and boundary conditions of the avalanche dynamics model. Of particular importance is the assessment of the current snow conditions along the avalanche tracks, which define the mass and thermal energy entrainment rates and therefore the possibility of avalanche growth and long runout distances.
Growth and Chemical Composition of Dill Affected by Nitrogen and Bio-Fertilizers

A field experiment was carried out during two successive seasons to investigate the effect of nitrogen and bio-fertilization on growth, yield and chemical composition of Anethum graveolens L. plants. Plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, fresh and dry weights of herb g/plant and chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, carbohydrates and nitrogen contents of dill herb were studied. The effect of Nitrogen or bio-fertilizers was significantly increased plant height, number of branches, herb fresh and dry weights. The highest values of branches number, fresh and dry weights were recorded by using 60 kg N/feddan. In the same time, the combined treatment between bio-fertilizer and 80 kg N/feddan gave the largest values of plant height. Using nitrogen or bio-fertilizers increased chlorophyll a, b and total carotenoids compared unfertilized plant. The highest values of chlorophyll a, b; total carotenoids and total flavonoids were resulted by plants fertilized with 60 kg N/fed. , with or without biofertilizer. The treatments of 40 kg N/fed. , or 60 kg N/fed. , combined with bio-fertilizer gave the highest total flavonoids content. Using bio-fertilizer or nitrogen fertilizer up to 60 kg N/fed. , in fertilizing dill plants increased total carbohydrate content. The results of the used 60 kg N/fed. , alone or 40 kg N/fed. , combined with bio-fertilizer were the best affected. Using bio-fertilizer or nitrogen fertilizer increased the percentage values of N compared to control ones. Moreover, the combination treatments between 40 or 60 kg N/fed. , with bio-fertilizer or 60 kg N/fed. , alone more effective in increasing N content.
Structures and reaction rates of the gaseous oxidation of SO 2 by an O 3 − (H 2 O) 0-5 cluster – a density functional theory investigation

Based on density functional theory calculations we present a study of the gaseous oxidation of SO2 to SO3 by an anionic O 3 (H2O)n cluster, n = 0-5. The configurations of the most relevant reactants, transition states, and products are discussed and compared to previous findings. Two dif- ferent classes of transition states have been identified. One class is characterised by strong networks of hydrogen bonds, very similar to the reactant complexes. The other class is characterised by sparser structures of hydration water and is stabilised by high entropy. At temperatures relevant for at- mospheric chemistry, the most energetically favourable class of transition states vary with the number of water molecules attached. A kinetic model is utilised, taking into account the most likely outcomes of the initial SO2O 3 (H2O)n collision complexes. This model shows that the reaction takes place at collision rates regardless of the number of water molecules involved. A lifetime analysis of the collision complexes sup- ports this conclusion. Hereafter, the thermodynamics of wa- ter and O2 condensation and evaporation from the product SO 3 O2(H2O)n cluster is considered and the final products are predicted to be O2SO 3 and O2SO 3 (H2O)1. The low de- gree of hydration is rationalised through a charge analysis of the relevant complexes. Finally, the thermodynamics of a few relevant reactions of the O2SO 3 and O2SO 3 (H2O)1 complexes are considered.
The Impact of Intellectual Capital, Social Capital and Psychological Capital on Competitive Advantage of Vehicle Industries in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC), social capital and psychological capital (PC) on competitive advantage of vehicle industries in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). Considering the features of today world, increasing competitive advantage is absolute challenge of firms because more emphasis on natural resources and relative advantages may not lead to value creation. In this regard, firms should consider competitive advantage and the factors of its creation. The research method of this study is correlation and population consists of four vehicle companies of Bahman Group, Saypa, Irankhodro and Tractorsazi. SPSS software and Pierson coefficient of correlation and multiple regressions are used to test hypotheses. The results of the study show that there is not a significant relationship between IC and competitive advantage. However, there is positive and weak relationship between social capital and competitive advantage. In addition, our findings show that PC explains 13 percent of competitive advantage.
The interaction between the Catalan and Balearic currents in the southern Catalan Sea

Le courant Liguro-Provencal-Catalan, associe au front permanent plateau continental-talus, arrive a son terme pres du canal d'Eivissa, dans la partie sud du bassin Catalan. La se forme le front nord - Baleares, associe a des eaux plus legeres d'origine Atlantique recente. En mai-juin 1991, des sondages CTD ont ete effectues dans toute la region au cours de la campagne FE' 91. Les resultats de l'analyse des masses d'eau et la circulation geostrophique sont presentes dans cet article; l'interaction entre le courant Catalan et celui du nord des Baleares y est decrite et discutee.
Radio spectra of the low-luminosity active galactic nucleus NGC 266 at centimetre-to-submillimetre wavelengths

We report multi-frequency and multi-epoch radio continuum observations with multi-spatial resolution for the low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (LLAGN) NGC 266. In the centimetre regime, we find diffuse components with Very Large Array (VLA) observations, and a variable compact core with a rising spectrum with Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations. Although the spectral index of the rising spectrum is consistent with the prediction of the simple advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) model, the observed radio power is slightly high compared with that of the model prediction. A spectral break at centimetre-to-millimetre wavelengths is inferred from the upper limits of flux densities from Nobeyama Millimetre Array (NMA) and James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) data at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths, respectively. More complicated considerations are required for the theoretical model to interpret such observed radio properties.
The spatial order of European cities under conditions of contemporary globalisation

Using the concept of world city formation to identify 53 European cities, a typology is produced through a principal components analysis of the locations of 46 global firms providing advanced producer services. The typology is based on grouping cities in terms of similar mixes of service firms. The geography of the typology defines a specific spatial order with two components measuring 'spine cities', minor and major respectively, and three components measuring outer regions, a 'far east' (ex-Soviet bloc), a 'far west' (British Isles), and a triangular combination of north, south-east and south-west. This spatial order is related to previous similar depictions of the distribution of European cities; our contribution is in the derivation of the pattern through a theoretically-informed, multivariate analysis. Among the findings is that London is neither very British nor very European. This relates to its global role and we conclude that while there is a spatial order to European cities there can be no 'Europe of cities' in any systemic sense under conditions of globalisation. Copyright Royal Dutch Geographical Society 2000.
Essential oil extract from Moringa oleifera roots as cowpea seed protectant against cowpea beetle

Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers), is an important food legume in drier regions of the world, which is threatened by cowpea weevil ( Callosobruchus maculatus ), which is a cosmopolitan field-to-store pest of cowpea with infestation usually starting from the field. Cowpea weevil causes quantitative and qualitative losses, manifested by seed perforation, reductions in seed weight, reduced income to households, reduced market value and low seed germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) roots essential oil extract on the survival of Callosobruchus maculatus . Behaviour of Hexane extract of powdered Moringa oleifera roots was obtained by the Soxhlet extraction method. Moringa roots oil extract was applied at dosages of 0.5 l, 1.0 l, 1.5 and 2.0 ml per 20.0 g of Ife Brown Peduncle cowpea (susceptible variety) seeds. Dichlorvos (DDVP: 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate) was included as a check. It was applied at dosage of 2.0 ml per 20.0 g cowpea seeds. Moringa roots oil extract at 2.0 ml per 20 g cowpea seeds resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher mortality of 98.1% compared with Dichlorvos (89.9%). Also, 2.0 ml of root extract applied on the dorsum of adult insects (topical application) resulted in the highest mortality (100%) at 72 hours after application, compared with Dichlorvos (99.2%). There were significant reductions in the number of eggs laid in the order of 7.5 (0.5 ml), 8.0 (1.0 ml), 11.8 (1.5 ml) and 6.5 (2.0 ml); compared with Dichlorvos (20.8). Significantly fewer adults emerged from 0.5 ml (20.3), 1.0 ml (15.5), 1.5 ml (11.8) and 2.0 ml (9.0) root extracts than with Dichlorvos (37.0). Similarly, oviposition, contact toxicity and mortality were dose dependent; and higher concentrations significantly protected cowpea seeds against damage by C. maculatus . There was no significant difference in seed weight loss. Also, cowpea seeds coated with moringa roots oil extract germinated normally. The roots oil extract at 2.0 ml per 20.0 g cowpea seeds reduced damage by C. maculatus and was effective in controlling C. maculatus infestation on stored cowpea seeds. Keywords: 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate, contact toxicity, Moringa oleifera , oviposition, Vigna unguiculata