Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upscaling of unsaturated flow in fractured porous media

In this work, we consider a mathematical model for flow in a unsaturated porous medium containing a fracture. In all subdomains (the fracture and the adjacent matrix blocks) the flow is governed by Richards' equation. The submodels are coupled by physical transmission conditions expressing the continuity of the normal fluxes and of the pressures. We start by analyzing the case of a fracture having a fixed width-length ratio, called $\varepsilon > 0$. Then we take the limit $\varepsilon \to 0$ and give a rigorous proof for the convergence towards effective models. This is done in different regimes, depending on how the ratio of porosities and permeabilities in the fracture, respectively matrix scale with respect to $\varepsilon$, and leads to a variety of effective models. Numerical simulations confirm the theoretical upscaling results.
Fate of phthalic acid esters during composting of both lagooning and activated sludges

Among the phthalic acid esters (PAEs) targeted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as priority pollutants, diethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP) is the major pollutant identified at high concentration level in lagooning sludge (LS), at about 28.67 mg/kg, and in activated sludge (AS), at about 6.26 mg/kg. Other phthalic acid esters, such as di-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-methyl phthalate (DMP) show very low concentrations. During sludge composting, after the stabilization phase, the subsequent appearance of DEP and then DMP occurred indicating that microbial metabolism begins by alkyl side-chain degradation before aromatic ring-cleavage. The appearance and accumulation of PAEs with a short alkyl side-chain in the last stages of AS and LS composting is suggested originating from the degradation of phthalates with a much long side-chain. The DEHP showed a rate of biodegradation that follows a first-order kinetic model during composting of both AS and LS. The calculated DEHP half-lives are 45.4 days for LS and 28.9 days for AS. The better DEHP biodegradation rate (2.4 10 2 day ) have been observed in the case of AS composting compared to LS compost (1.53 10 2 day ). The mono-ethylhexyl phthalates MEHP has been shown to follow the same order of biodegradation as DEHP indicating that the same mechanism is followed (hydrolysis or dealkylation of each DEHP side-chain). Composting could be suggested as a detoxification process for the removal of PAEs (mainly DEHP) from sludges after a sufficient time of treatment to provide a safe end product.
Effect of forage legume supplementation of maize cobs on the performance of West African Dwarf sheep.

The supplementation of maize cobs with forage legumes was used to evaluate the performance of sixteen West African Dwarf sheep aged 10-15 months and average weight of 18.01 ± 0.30 kg in a complete randomized design. The basal diet of maize cob plus 100 g of palm kernel cake was offered alone (control) or supplemented with 200 g on dry matter basis of forages of Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium, respectively. Data were taken on feed intake, body weight changes, feed conversion ratio, digestibility and haematological parameters. The result of the study showed that maize cobs supplemented with forage legume improved sheep performance with best (p<0.05) feed intake and weight gain observed in sheep supplemented with Leucaena (745 g.day -1 and 33.57 g.day -1 , respectively) and Gliricidia forage (720 g.day -1 and 30.89 g.day -1 , respectively) with best dry matter, crude protein and fibre digestibilities. Though, there were significant differences (P<0.05) observed in values of blood parameters with the exception of white blood cells, these values were within the normal range reported for healthy sheep production. It was therefore concluded that maize cobs supplementation with forage legumes can play an important role in improving the performance of sheep with the supplementation of Leucaena and Gliricidia forage producing the best performance.
When education isn’t enough: Labour market outcomes of ethnic minority graduates at elite universities

• Looking at the post-graduation outcomes of ethnic minority graduates from Russell Group Universities2 allows us to explore whether established ethnic inequalities in the labour market also apply to those graduating from ‘good’ universities. • Most ethnic minority groups, aside from Black Caribbean men, tend to be more often found pursuing their education 6 months after graduating from their first degree than their White peers, who tend to be more economically active (i.e. in work or unemployed). • Ethnic minorities who are economically active tend to follow two distinct paths: being in professional work, or being unemployed rather than entering non-professional work. This holds even after controlling for performance at the end of their degree and subject choice and shows consistent gender patterns. • These early unemployment spells, for which rationales need to be explored, might have an important impact on future occupational pathways. • Of those employed, however, the differences are not as marked. Some groups, such as Indians and Black Africans, manage to have higher earnings than their White peers. • Male graduates in many groups appear to have higher earnings difference with Whites than their female counterparts. • There are, thus, varying benefits to what is perceived as a typical way to achieve labour market success for ethnic minorities, which can vary for men and women.
Linguistic versus non‐linguistic processing of speech prosody in dichotic listening

Linguistic and non‐linguistic information processing of speech prosody are studied using two dichotic listening tasks, a Word task and a F0 task. During the Word task, subjects were required to identify either right‐ or left‐ear stimulus from two‐syllable homophonic words presented with different pitch accents. During the F0 task, subjects were required to identify either right‐ or left‐ear stimulus from F0 partials extracted from the words used in the Word task. The correct percent of responses was high and RT was short for high familiarity words presented to the right ear rather than the others under the Word task, while no such differences were found under the F0 task. RT of the Word task was shorter than the F0 task. These results suggest that the processing of linguistic speech prosody under dichotic listening conditions is based on the interactive auditory and linguistic neural resources with right‐ ear or left‐hemispheric dominance, and are faster than auditory F0 pattern identification. The tasks developed can be used to detect central auditory processing disorders.
Design Teams as an Organizational Intervention to Improve Job Satisfaction and Worker Turnover in Public Child Welfare

Recommended Citation Claiborne, Nancy; Auerbach, Charles; Lawrence, Catherine; McGowan, Brenda; Lawson, Hal; McCarthy, Mary; Strolin-Goltzman, Jessica; and Caringi, James (2014) "Design Teams as an Organizational Intervention to Improve Job Satisfaction and Worker Turnover in Public Child Welfare," Journal of Family Strengths: Vol. 14 : Iss. 1 , Article 12. Available at: https://digitalcommons.library. tmc.edu/jfs/vol14/iss1/12
Multi-Bid Auctions for Bandwidth Allocation in Communication Networks

In this paper, we design a handnidtli pricing mechanism that solves congestion pmhlems in comniunicatiun networks. The scheme is hased cm second-price auctions, which are known to he incentive cunipatihle when a single indivisihle item k to he sold (users have no interest to lie ahout the price they are willing to pay for the resource) and to lead to an efficient allocation of resources in the sen.= that it maximizes social welfare. We prove these properties when an infinitely divisihle resource (bandwidth on a comniunication link) is to he shared among users who are allowed to submit several hids when they want to establish a connection. Our sehenir is highly related to the Progressive Second Price Auction of Lazar and Semret where players hid seqnentially until an (optimal) equilibrium iq reached. While keeping their incentive compatihility and efficiency properties, our scheme presents the advantage that the multi-hid is submitted once only, saving P lot of signalization overhead.
Iranian Int. J. Sci. 3(2), 2002, p.135-154 Microcosm Experiment: The Relationship Between Salinity and Light on the Production of Extracellular Material by Synechococcus sp

Synechococcus sp. , the hypersaline Cyanobacterium form, produces extracellular products under high salinity and high intensity of light. The excretion of large amounts of extracellular material caused an additional increase in brine viscosity. An experiment was undertaken using twelve aquaria filled with brine. Measurements were made of salinity , viscosity and the amount of organic materials at the high and low light intensity . Relative viscosity and the amount of organic materials were higher in conditions of high salinity and high light intensity, because under these conditions Synechococcus produced more extracellular products. Therefore these can decrease the quality and quantity of salt produced in solar salt field which is economically important to understand the effect of these extracellular materials in these environments.
The Use of Credit Default Swaps by U.S. Fixed-Income Mutual Funds

We examine the use of credit default swaps (CDS) in the U.S. mutual fund industry. We find that among the largest 100 corporate bond funds the use of CDS has increased from 20% in 2004 to 60% in 2008. Among CDS users, the average size of CDS positions (measured by their notional values) has increased from 2% to almost 14% of a fund’s net asset value. Some funds exceed this level by a wide margin. CDS are predominantly used to increase a fund’s exposure to credit risks rather than to hedge credit risk. Consistent with fund tournaments, underperforming funds use multi-name CDS to increase their credit risk exposures. Finally, funds that use CDS underperform funds that do not use CDS. Part of this underperformance is caused by poor market timing.
γ-rays irradiation effect in DC performance of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors∗

Unpassivated/passivated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) were exposed to 1.25 MeV 60Co γ-rays at a dose of 1 Mrad(Si). The saturation drain current of the unpassivated devices decreased by 15% at 1 Mrad γ-dose, and the maximal transconductance decreased by 9.1% under the same condition; moreover, either forward or reverse gate bias current was significantly increased, while the threshold voltage is relatively unaffected. By sharp contrast, the passivated devices showed scarcely any change in saturation drain current and maximal transconductance at the same γ dose. Based on the differences between the passivated HEMTs and unpassivated HEMTs, adding the C–V measurement results, the obviously parameter degradation of the unpassivated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs is believed to be caused by the creation of electronegative surface state charges in source–gate spacer and gate–drain spacer at the low dose (1 Mrad). These results reveal that the passivation is effective in reducing the effects of surface state charges induced by the 60Co γ-rays irradiation, so the passivation is an effective reinforced approach.
The Effects of Retrograde Reactions and of Diffusion on 40Ar–39Ar Ages of Micas

The effects of metamorphic reactions occurring during decompression were explored to understand their influence on the Ar^Ar ages of micas. Monometamorphic metasediments from the Lepontine Alps (Switzerland) reached lower amphibolite facies during the Barrovian metamorphism related to the collision between European and African (Adria) continental plates. Mineral assemblages typically composed of garnet, plagioclase, biotite, muscovite and paragonite (or margarite) were screened for petrological equilibrium, to focus on samples that record a minimum degree of retrogression. X-ray diffraction data indicate that some mineral separates prepared for Ar^Ar stepwise heating analysis are monomineralic, whereas others are composed of two white micas (muscovite with paragonite or margarite), or biotite and chlorite. In monomineralic samples Ar/Ar and Ar/Ar (proportional to Ca/K and Cl/K ratios) did not change and the resulting ages can be interpreted unambiguously. In mineral separates containing two white micas, Ca/K and Cl/K ratios were variable, reflecting non-simultaneous laboratory degassing of the two heterochemical Ar reservoirs. These ratios were used to identify each Ar reservoir and to unravel the age. In a chlorite^margarite^biotite calcschist equilibrated near 5608C and 0·65 GPa, biotite, margarite, and muscovite all yield ages around 18Ma. At slightly higher grade (560^5808C, 0·8^0·9 GPa), the assemblage muscovite^paragonite^plagioclase is in equilibrium and remains stable during retrogression. In this case, muscovite and paragonite yield indistinguishable ages around 16·5Ma. Above 5908C, paragonite was mostly consumed to form plagioclase 45908C, whereby the relict mica yields an age up to 5·6 Ma younger than muscovite.This partial or total resetting of the Ar clock in paragonite is interpreted to reflect plagioclase growth during decompression. Where biotite is present within this same assemblage, it systematically yields a younger age than muscovite, by 0·5^2 Ma. However, these biotites all show small amounts of retrograde chlorite formation.We conclude that even very minor chloritization of biotite is apparently a more effective process than temperature in resetting the Ar clock, as is the formation of plagioclase from paragonite decomposition. Multi-equilibrium thermobarometry is an excellent means to ensure that equilibrium in investigated samples is preserved, and this helps to obtain geologically meaningful metamorphic ages. However, even samples passing such equilibrium tests may still show retrograde effects that affect the Ar retention of micas. A more robust interpretation of such Ar^Ar results may require use of a second geochronometer, such as U^Pb on monazite.
Intervening to Improve Teachers’ Need-supportive Behaviour Using Self-Determination Theory: Its Effects on Teachers and on the Motivation of Students with Deafblindness

Abstract Research on Self-Determination Theory has shown that teachers’ need-supportive behaviour is associated with student motivation and engagement. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at increasing the motivation of students with congenital and acquired deafblindness by enhancing teachers’ need-supportive behaviour. To assess the intervention effect, this study follows a multiple case-study design. Teacher questionnaires were administered and video observations of teacher–student interactions were made during pre-test, post-test and follow-up phases. The results showed that teachers provided involvement most, followed by structure and autonomy support. Teachers’ provision of structure and autonomy seems to improve most after the intervention. In general, teachers of students with congenital deafblindness showed larger intervention effects than teachers of students with acquired deafblindness. The results also provide indications that students’ levels of engagement improved after the intervention.
The Integrity of Information Received by Means of AIS During Anti-collision Manoeuvring

Radar and automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA) feature certain efficacy limitations due to weather conditions and target manoeuvres. Therefore, it appears rational to supplement the information derived from radar with additional information. A system which is claimed to be tailored to perform this task is the Automatic Identification System (AIS), delivering proper information automatically and continuously. However, in certain users' opinion, integrity of AIS data is still insufficient. In this paper, discussion concerning incompleteness and integrity of this type of data is presented. To prove effectiveness of AIS dynamic data in collision avoidance, detailed investigations have been conducted. Analysed data originate from the Gulf of Gdansk, dating back to the years 2006-2012. According to the research results, there are exceptional situations, when the information coming from the sensors cooperating with AIS is incomplete. This problem concerns information related to HDG and ROT, especially, when the vessels are not "on the way".
Determinants of dividends among Indian firms—An empirical study

Abstract The study aims to understand the determinants of dividend trends of Indian firms. The study was based on a sample of 31,234 firms representing 15 different industry sectors. Construction materials, machinery and transportation equipment sectors were the most dividend intensive sectors in India. Partial least square structural equation modeling methodology (PLS SEM) was employed to examine the determinants of the dividend intensity of Indian firms. Different schemes of path models were tested and the results show that the higher the financial leverage, the lower is the propensity to pay dividends. Firms with high intangibles are expected to have higher agency costs. High growth firms have low dividend payout policies. Dividend intensity of firms is directly related to the size of firm. Higher the R&D intensity of the firms, greater is the dividend intensity of the firms. Firms with higher agency costs tend to have higher dividend intensity. Higher agency costs lead to lower cash flows for Indian firms. Firms with higher liquidity tend to pay more dividends. Profitable firms tend to have higher dividend intensity.
Enhancing the tourist attraction visiting process with gamification: key concepts

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to describe key gamification techniques that can be applied to enhance the tourist attraction visiting process. The paper is based on the methodology of design patterns; particularly it adopts the definition and classification schemes originally proposed and developed in the context of gamification of work to specify gamification techniques related to various aspects of the tourist attraction visiting process. The main result is the selection of twelve gamification techniques for enhancing the tourist attraction visiting process, four for each of the three phases of the visiting process (before, during and after the visit). The paper shows that gamification techniques can be applied to enhance the tourist attraction visiting process. Implementation of the proposed gamification techniques is supposed to both improve visitor experience and give the tourist attraction managers a tool for boosting interest in less popular exhibitions and events.
CEO age and gender: Subsequent market performance

Abstract The issue of CEO age and gender vs. concurrent performance is extensively examined, but the association with subsequent performance has limited treatment in the financial literature, and with conflicting findings. In the current study, we examine the association between CEO age and gender, and subsequent company market performance using a more recent set of observations and the standard four-factor model to estimate future cumulative abnormal shareholder returns. We find that subsequent abnormal shareholder returns are marginally significantly higher for female CEOs than for their male counterparts, but no material pattern is observed between CEO age and subsequent abnormal shareholder return performance.
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This paper analyses the pattern and rate of adoption of mobile telephones by the Portuguese population. It is shown that the pattern of diffusion is S-shaped and is consistent with a logistic function, which describes a symmetrical growth process. Furthermore, it is found that about 67 percent of the population will likely adopt mobile phones, and that the levelling-off process in the diffusion of mobile phones has already begun. The analysis is intended to inform the larger discussion of managing the communications service, as well as to assist analysts concerned about assessing the impact of public policies in the evolution of communications sectors.
Some Technological Properties of Laminated Veneer Lumber Manufactured from Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Veneers with Melamine Added - UF Resins

The objectives of this study were to compare the modulus of elasticity, bending strength, shear strength and formaldehyde emissions of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) bonded with melamine added urea formaldehyde resin (UF+M) and produced with other resins such as urea-formaldehyde (UF), melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF), and to determine the effects of 2 different climate conditions on the bending strength and modulus of elasticity of pine LVL panels. After the panel production, the test specimens were divided into 2 groups for all tests. The first group of test specimens were conditioned at 20 °C and 45% R.H. , while the rest of the samples were conditioned at 20 °C and 65% R.H for about 2 weeks prior to testing. According to the test results, the bending strength and modulus of elasticity values of the specimens conditioned at 20 °C and 45% R.H. were higher than those of the specimens conditioned under the other climate condition. The increases in those strength values determined for the specimens bonded with PF adhesive were more obvious than those of the specimens bonded with other adhesives. Formaldehyde emission values decreased and shear strength values increased with the addition of melamine to the glue mixture.
Factors affecting the attack rate of Bemisia tabaci on cucumber

The objective of this work was to determine the effects of rainfall, temperature, predators, parasitoids, plant age, leaf chemical composition, levels of leaf nitrogen and potassium, besides density of leaf trichomes, on attack intensity of Bemisia tabaci biotype B on the Cucumis sativus. An increase in the number of whitefly adults and nymphs per leaf was observed with plant aging. A higher number of whitefly adults per leaf and eggs cm -2 was verified in the apical part than in the middle and bottom part of the plants canopy. However, the higher number of whitefly nymphs was observed in the mid-part than in the apical and bottom part of the plant canopy. The incidence of whitefly nymphs was negatively affected with foliar nitrogen. Pentacosane and octacosane positively affected whitefly adults and the first compound also affected the nymphs of this pest species.
Assessing the Habitat Requirements of Stream Fishes: An Overview and Evaluation of Different Approaches

Abstract With the widespread decline and endangerment of freshwater fishes, there is a need to clearly define habitat requirements for effective species management and habitat restoration. Fish biologists often infer habitat requirements on the basis of correlative habitat associations in the wild. This generates descriptive models that predict species presence or abundance at a hierarchy of scales: distributional (macrohabitat) models predict the presence/absence of species at large scales, capacity models predict the abundance at the reach or channel unit scale when a species is present, and microhabitat models predict the distribution of individual fish at smaller spatial scales (e.g., instream habitat suitability curves for velocity, depth, and substrate). However, relationships based on habitat associations in the wild rarely give definitive insight into the absolute requirement for a particular habitat (i.e., necessity of a habitat for the persistence of individuals and populations). The assumption .