Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Periodic nanostructures for thermal engineering applications

Isotalo, Tero Jesse Periodic Nanostructures for Thermal Engineering Applications Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2014 (Research report/Department of Physics, University of Jyväskylä, ISSN 0075-465X; 1/2014) ISBN 978-951-39-5611-0 diss. This thesis is focused on periodic nanostructures and more specifically, the fabrication and characterization of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) periodic nanostructures designed to produce phononic band gaps at sub-kelvin temperatures. Understanding and controlling thermal transport are of great interest from both a fundamental science perspective and an application perspective. While periodic nanostructures have been studied for their useful optical properties, comparatively little research has focused on the use of such structures for thermal engineering applications. A method for producing 2D phononic crystals (PnCs) on suspended silicon nitride membranes is detailed in Chapter 2. This method includes the integration of superconducting tunnel junction devices within the PnC to function as thermometers and heat sources. Two square geometries, with lattice constants of 970 nm and 2425 nm, are investigated experimentally. The filling fraction of holes is fixed at 0.7 for both lattices. This gives a smallest feature size, at the narrowest point between holes, of 57 nm and 135 nm for the small and large lattice constant respectively. Thermal transport characteristics of these PnC membranes are compared to those of plain membranes at bath temperatures from 70 mK up to 1 K. An order of magnitude reduction in transmitted power is observed in the periodic structure compared to the unaltered membrane. Dispersion relations, calculated by finite element method (FEM), of the various geometries under study are presented. Using the dispersion relations, the ballistic thermal conductances were calculated and found to be in excellent agreement with the experimental results. It was also found, both experimentally and theoretically, that a wider phonon band gap does not necessarily correspond to lower thermal
Board of Directors and Risk-taking Behavior of Islamic Banks in South East Asia

Board of Directors (BODs) and Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) have a pivotal role to manage Islamic banks in Southeast Asia. The decision made by the BODs and SSB will directly affect to the risk-taking behavior performed by Islamic bank. This study aims to investigate the relationship among BODs, SSB and risk-taking behavior of Islamic banks in Southeast Asia. Adopting random effect model, this research utilizes 24 Islamic banks in Southeast Asia which observe over six periods from 2009 to 2014. By using unbalanced panel data, the result of the study reveals that independent director influences the risk-taking behavior positively while Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) affects it negatively. In addition, Board size has positive effect to the credit risk but negative to z-score.
Family Tax Policy in a Model with Endogenous Fertility à la Barro-Becker

This paper assesses quantitatively the effect of family fiscal policies on fertility, labour supply and parental childcare using a general equilibrium model with dynastic households. The introduction of time allocation decisions in the original Barro-Becker framework allows to reconcile the conclusion of the micro-econometric literature on pro-nativist fiscal policies, where such policies have a small effect on fertility, and the theoretical macroeconomic literature, where fertility is deemed to be elastic with respect to macroeconomic shocks. The use of indirect inference for calibrating the elasticity of fertility to fiscal subsidies enables the model to reproduce what observed in US data over the period 1905-2005.
Condition and future use of early age steel bridges in a historic city

Due to its location at the confluent of rivers Scheldt and Lys and the many canals and ditches, built to overcome flooding, the historic city of Ghent has many bridges. Their number decreased after covering many waterways. Presently, of the 124 left, the oldest are vaulted arches and in good condition. In addition, every 30 year period large refurbishments have been made and even total replacement according to original structures has occurred for 5 bridges. The condition of 2 early-age steel portal frame bridges, used by buses and tramways is the most critical. Possible design loading schemes, used at the time of their construction, are considerable lighter and do not comply with present codes. Careful numerical analysis and the use of realistic loading schemes, supplemented by detailed inspection, has allowed to establish a clear view on the remaining load carrying capacity. In spite of some heavy corrosion, reducing the dead load on the walkways may very well be sufficient to obtain sufficient load carrying capacity, without changes of the appearance and function of bridge parts, thus extending the life of these bridges.
Personality, Leadership Style, and Theoretical Orientation as Predictors of Group Co-Leadership Satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to predict group co-leader satisfaction using personality, leadership style, and perceived compatibility of theoretical orientation. Fifty-four co-leader pairs (n = 108 group leaders) completed the NEO–Five Factor Inventory, Leadership Characteristics Inventory, Co-Therapy Relationship Questionnaire, and Co-Therapist Inventory. Co-leaders’ perceptions of theoretical compatibility, and differences in co-leader confrontational style, best predicted co-leader relationship satisfaction. In addition, co-leaders who selected their own co-therapist and those in experienced pairs were significantly more satisfied. Implications and recommendations for future research and for selection of co-leadership pairs and supervision of co-led groups are discussed.
Comparison of Fracture Strength of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored with Two Different Cast Metallic Post Systems

Statement of Problem: Endodontically treated teeth are more prone to fracture. The post and core are often used to provide the necessary retention for prosthetic rehabilitation. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to: 1) compare the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth restored either with Nickel-Chromium (Ni- Cr) post or Non- Precious Gold-color alloy (NPG) post compared to the control group and 2) evaluate the fracture site in each group. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, endodontic treatment was carried out for 45 extracted maxillary premolars. The specimens were divided into 3 groups (n=15). Group1: restored with NPG post and core, group2: restored with Ni-Cr post and core, and group 3, no post and core were used after endodontic treatment and the access cavity was filled with amalgam. Failure force was recorded in Newton when root or remaining coronal structure fracture was occurred. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student t-test and Tukey HSD test to compare the three groups. Results: There was a statistically significant difference among all groups (P<0.05). Fracture resistance of the teeth restored by NPG posts was significantly higher than those restored by Ni- Cr (P<0.001). Results showed that the fracture mainly occurred in the root of the teeth restored with Ni- Cr and NPG post while fractures occurred in the core portion of the teeth restored with amalgam. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that the fracture strength of the teeth without using cast post and core was significantly lower than the teeth restored with cast post and core. Also the teeth restored by NPG post had a significantly higher fracture resistance than Ni-Cr posts.
The Balanced Scorecard: Suggestions for Rebalancing

Recently, evidence has been presented that, in use, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is not realizing its potential and thus is in need of refocusing. We offer two BSC enrichments to address the needed rebalancing: (1) a direct connection to shareholder wealth through specific financial market measures to address the critique that the BSC is too heavily focused on internal financial measures of performance and so lacks a connection to shareholder wealth, and (2) the incorporation of a stakeholder context to address the issue that the BSC needs to widen its scope to consider the societal context within which the organisation operates. We rationalize and illustrate these suggestions with a study of the market effects identified for selected KLD issue-screens that seem to be ideal market drivers. We used as our market measures: Jensen’s (cid:68) , The Sharpe Performance Index, The Treynor Performance Index, and comparisons relative to The CRSP Standard Devia-tion Peer Group and the CRSP ß Peer Group. We find for all five market measures that organisations scored by KLD as being socially responsible outperformed organisations scored by KLD as having a social responsibility profile that raised concerns. Further, in terms of relative risk, these socially responsible organisations did not have a higher risk profile as measured by ß .
Paranormal belief, infrasound, transliminality and anomalous perceptions

The present study investigated whether level of paranormal belief and transliminality, and the use of suggestion and infrasound, had an effect on participants’ expectations of the likelihood of paranormal phenomena and associated emotions. Participants were provided with a short written history of the building with either the suggestion that the building was haunted or that is was no simply disused. They then watched a short video walkthrough of the building and were then required to answer a series of questionnaires (Revised Paranormal Belief Scale; Exploring and Visiting; Environmental Perceptions and Phenomena; Opinions and Previous Experiences; Revised Transliminality Scale). Half of the participants were subject to a low level of infrasound played into the experiment room via equipment set up in an adjacent room. Results showed no significant effects for suggestion or infrasound, however, level of paranormal belief did show a significant effect on all scales. Paranormal belief is also shown to be a reliable predictor, whereas transliminality does not. Suggestions for future research are also discussed.
The relationships among lumbar region width, back muscling and musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis area in Blonde d’Aquitaine bulls and heifers during rearing period

Abstract. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of lumbar region width, measured with a tape (WT) and Wilkinson’s trammel (WW), and the ultrasounded musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT) area in the 1st lumbar vertebra , and back muscling (BM) in bulls and heifers of the Blonde d’Aquitaine (BA) breed during the rearing period for selection of breeding animals, concentrating on the MLLT area and muscling. Two generations of bulls ( n =63) and heifers ( n =68) of BA breed ( n =61) and crossbreds Czech Pied Cattle × Blonde d’Aquitaine (C×BA) ( n =70) born between December 2004 and June 2006 were included in the investigation. Measurements of the WT, the WW, the MLLT area and subjective judging of the BM were performed at 120, 210 and 365 days of age. The effects of lumbar region width in the 1st lumbar vertebra level, the level of back muscling and that of the MLLT area were used to determinate the relationships among dependent variables at the given ages of the animals. Better muscling of the back or a larger MLLT area during the entire period of rearing was determined in relation to a wider lumbar region ( P P 2 to 6.21 cm 2 . The values of the WT and the WW at 120, 210, and 365 days and level of the BM at 210 and 365 days of age can be also considered objective and acceptable characteristics for the selection of animals aimed at the MLLT area at the same age.
Differences in characteristics between people with lower limb amputations who died before 12 weeks and those who survived: Short Report

The baseline determinants of survival following a non-traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA) in participants in the Johannesburg metropolitan area are unknown.The aim of the study was to establish the characteristics of participants who had died by three months after LLAA longitudinal pre- test- post test study utilized participant interviews (n=73). Consecutive sampling was used to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. Ethical clearance was obtained. Permission was obtained from the hospitals. Participants gave consent before taking part in the study. A demographic questionnaire, the EQ-5D, the Modified Household Economic and Social Status Index (HESSI) and the Barthel Index (BI) were used, to collect data. Participants were interviewed preoperatively and then followed up three months post-operatively to establish survival/ existence. Twenty-four participants (33%) had died. The preoperative median Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of the EQ-5D was 60 and 70 showing no significant difference in quality of life (QOL) between those who survived and those who died respectively. The preoperative median total BI score was 20 and 19 showing significantly inferior function for the deceased (p=0.01). The deceased were significantly older (p=0.009) used alcohol (p=0.02) and smoked tobacco (p=0.03). Being older, having poorer function, being a smoker and drinking alcohol preoperatively seem to decrease the chance of survival following LLA in Johannesburg.
Examining the impact of heterogeneous nitryl chloride production on air quality across the United States

The heterogeneous hydrolysis of dinitrogen pen- toxide (N2O5) has typically been modeled as only produc- ing nitric acid. However, recent field studies have confirmed that the presence of particulate chloride alters the reaction product to produce nitryl chloride (ClNO2) which undergoes photolysis to generate chlorine atoms and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Both chlorine and NO2 affect atmospheric chemistry and air quality. We present an updated gas-phase chlorine mechanism that can be combined with the Carbon Bond 05 mechanism and incorporate the combined mechanism into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. We then update the current model treatment of het- erogeneous hydrolysis of N2O5 to include ClNO2 as a prod- uct. The model, in combination with a comprehensive in- ventory of chlorine compounds, reactive nitrogen, partic- ulate matter, and organic compounds, is used to evaluate the impact of the heterogeneous ClNO2 production on air quality across the United States for the months of February and September in 2006. The heterogeneous production in- creases ClNO2 in coastal as well as many in-land areas in the United States. Particulate chloride derived from sea-salts, an- thropogenic sources, and forest fires activates the heteroge- neous production of ClNO2. With current estimates of tro- pospheric emissions, it modestly enhances monthly mean 8-h ozone (up to 1-2 ppbv or 3-4 %) but causes large in- creases (up to 13 ppbv) in isolated episodes. This chemistry also substantially reduces the mean total nitrate by up to 0.8- 2.0 µg m 3 or 11-21 %. Modeled ClNO2 accounts for up to 6 % of the monthly mean total reactive nitrogen. Sensitivity results of the model suggest that heterogeneous production of ClNO2 can further increase O3 and reduce TNO3 if elevated particulate-chloride levels are present in the atmosphere.
Development of sensitive, specific, point of care enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay combined with DBS and hand-held ELISA reader for the rapid detection of hepatitis C virus in resource-limited settings

Background: Hepatitis C virus cause liver infection which can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Identification of hepatitis C virus infection initially depends on the antibody screening test. Aim and Objectives: We developed highly specific and sensitive recombinant protein-based HCV ELISA and combined the assay with Dried Blood Spot (DBS) assay and hand-held ELISA reader to establish its use in limited resource areas as well as in field level. Materials and Methods: A total of 610 specimens were collected for assay validation purpose. To check the proficiency of our diagnostic strategy, we compared our test results with standard HCV chemiluminescence enzyme immune assay. The Institutional Ethical Committee approved this study (IEC). NCSS 11 statistical software analysed all the data. The correlation-regression was done to compare the assay. The level of significance of this study was p<0.05. Results: Among 60 known reactive specimens, 59 showed reactive by HCV ELISA and chemiluminescence enzyme assay. Therefore sensitivity for both the assay recorded 98.33%. Out of 150 known non-reactive samples, both the method showed the nonreactive result. Thus specificity calculated 100%. While HCV ELISA tested with DBS, we found no significant difference in specificity and sensitivity of the assay (r2=0.9940). ELISA optical density value obtained by Hand-held ELISA reader showed better performance as compared to Tulip ELISA plate reader (r2=0.9921). While performed field study, out of 400 specimens, 6 showed reactive by both the methods. Therefore specificity and sensitivity was 100% for in-house HCV ELISA as compared to chemiluminescence assay. In this case, also we found a good performance of DBS assay (r2=0.9476). There was a good correlation between O.D. obtained by hand-held ELISA reader and Tulip ELISA plate reader (r2=0.9923). Conclusion: According to our study report, in-house HCV ELISA is highly specific and sensitive method. Addition of DBS assay and hand-held ELISA reader makes it possible to run the assay in limited resource settings as well as in field level or outside the standard laboratory setup. This unique HCV diagnostic strategy can reduce the global burden of HCV infection.
Economic Growth and Convergence in Latin America, 1950-2010

Latin America’s long-run economic growth is dealt with to prove conditional convergence in per capita GDP for two types of leading economies. Mixed empirical evidence in favor of economic convergence is found for the period 1950-1990, while conditional convergence toward both a region’s average and the US economy is shown to exist in the period 1990-2010. The possibility for units to exhibit cross-section dependency in heterogeneous panels is taken into account by the second generation tests here applied
Geographical variation of cshromosomal numberin Alouatta fusca damitans (Primates, Atelidae)

Abstract A variation in the karyotype of Alouatta fusca clamitam from different geographical ranges is presented. Blood samples of six captive specimens from different States of Brazil were analyzed. Distinct diploid numbers were found: 2n=52, 2n=45 and 46. The odd number was due to Y-autosome translocation. The comparison of the G-banding patterns with previous published reports of 2n=49 and 50 allowed us to identify Robertsonian rearrangements and pericentric inversions as the most important chromosomal rearrangements involved in the differentiation of the observed cytotypes. The finding of specific cytotypes associated to different geographical ranges suggests a northern-southern division of Alouatta fusca damitans,due to a possible reproductive isolation between different chromosomal complements.The fixation of such rearrangements could have occurred during the existence of the quaternary refuges, when the populations have been disrupted in smaller denies.
European CDS Premiums and Industrial Production

This paper aims to find the dependence of the important European corporate CDS (Credit Default Swaps) indices and some selected country CDS of industrial production. While the existing literature acknowledges the importance of macroeconomic factors in determining CDS spreads from a general perspective, the importance of economic growth for individual firms, banks, and countries has not been examined in detail. The main hypothesis of the paper claims that weaker ratings are more growth-sensitive than better ratings. This means that the CDS will react more strongly to the industrial production when the rating is weaker. The authors analyzed the European CDS indices of investment grade, high yield enterprises, senior bank debt, and subordinated bank debt with a linear OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) regression. While the authors had to reject their main hypothesis for the European indices, they could prove their hypothesis concerning the country perspective: The German CDS has the weakest relation to industrial output, and the authors’ hypothesis can be confirmed tendentially concerning the correlations of the more weakly rated countries (European periphery), which are much better. Surprisingly the correlation between peripheral country CDS and industrial production is much stronger than the correlation of corporate and bank CDS and industrial production.
IMPACT OF THE ASIAN CRISIS ON TRADE FLOWS: A FOCUS ON INDONESIA AND AGRICULTURE

In the recent Asian crisis, large exchange rate adjustments and, for the case of Indonesia, a currency depreciation occurred that dwarfs most previous depreciations observed under conditions of modest inflation levels. From its value prior to the onset of the Asian crisis in June 1997 (Rp. 2400 per U.S. dollar) to its March 1999 level (Rp. 8800), the Indonesian Rupiah lost almost 80 percent of its value. At its low point it had lost about 85 percent (Rp. 15,000 in July/August 1998). This caused an increase in traded goods prices of 3.7 times or 270 percent at the March exchange rate. Furthermore, this depreciation was abrupt in its timing in that most of the fall took place from October 1997 to May 1998. Devaluation was experienced under conditions of relative balance in the prior macroeconomic situation which is not only unusual in historical context but is somewhat unique among other Asian countries experiencing this crisis.
Characterisation of the Major Prolamins of Tef (Eragrostis tef) and Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana)

The major prolamins of tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn subsp. coracana) were purified and characterised by SDS‐PAGE, amino acid analysis and N-terminal amino acid sequencing. These studies indicate that the major prolamins of tef and finger millet are similar to the a-prolamins of the Panicoideae (maize, sorghum and Coix), although they are classified in a separate sub-family of the Poaceae, the Chloridoideae. ” 1996 Academic Press Limited