Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Market Opportunities and Consumer Heterogeneity in the U.S. Organic Food Market

This paper investigates what factors and characteristics of organic consumers affect annual organic food expenditure by using Nielsen’s consumer panel dataset from 2010 to 2014. To be specific, this paper explores new marketing opportunities by investigating organic consumer heterogeneity in different household income levels by utilizing the multilevel model. Findings in this study will contribute to the previous and existing literature in three-folds. First, we find that the organic consumers are more heterogeneous in the high-level of income groups (approximately above $60,000), as well as the low-income households between $35,000 and $45,000. This finding demonstrates that the income levels above $60,000 and around $40,000 have potential market segmentation. Second, we find that that annual organic expenditure is positively associated with consumers who consecutively repurchase organic food products compared to irregular organic consumers, supporting a different level of satisfaction. Third, we find that USDA organic labeling has a positive effect on annual organic expenditure compared to the organic labeling certified by private companies, implying the importance of credibility for the organic labeling.
Assessment Criteria and Capability Scores for Upper Extremity Functions from Inclusive Design Perspectives

Inclusive design is increasingly gaining attention, as some people find using products difficult after becoming physically impaired, despite daily use. However, making inclusive products is a challenge for designers or companies, as a lack of knowledge and tools stems their low involvement in it. Developing inclusive design tools is thus needed. This study developed criteria to assess upper extremity capabilities corresponding to specific daily activities. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 58 physiatrists and orthopedists. Non-parametric statistics were employed and medians were adopted as representative scores in the assessment criteria based on normality and reliability test results, non-normal data, and strong reliability of respondents in ranking. Consequently, an assessment tool was developed with 14 criteria (divided into range of motion and strength) and capability scores between 0 and 100, which discerned the moderately impaired from the severely disabled and fully capable. Since the doctors agreed to adopt the criteria but assign numeric values, especially for mild impairments, their capability assessment perception was likely influenced by dichotomy. To compensate for these deficits, qualitative or ergonomic approaches are considered simultaneously.
Aqueous-phase reactions occurred in the PM2.5 cumulative explosive growth during the heavy pollution episode (HPE) in 2016 Beijing wintertime

Abstract A heavy pollution episode (HPE) that lasted for seven days occurred over the North China Plain in December 2016. An in situ Ambient Ion Monitor was applied to analyze the chemical composition of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter with diameters less than 2.5 µm) and gaseous HONO concentration during that event. A representative explosive growth in the pollution cumulative stage was selected to investigate the pollution mechanism during the HPE in Beijing. PM2.5 cumulative explosive growth processes were observed to occur commonly under high relative humidity (RH) condition. Our results demonstrated that the aqueous-phase oxidation of SO2 by NO2 to sulfate could contribute to the cumulative explosive growth. Nitrate produced by secondary formation was another factor in the growth of PM2.5. Depending on the relative humidity, temperature, and chemical species, the deliquescence relative humidity was calculated to 82%, 81%, and 83% for (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3, and NH4Cl, respectively. The preexisting PM2.5 surface changed from solid to liquid when RH > 81%. Coincidentally, both the sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) and reaction product HONO displayed an evident exponential relationship with RH and increased more quickly when RH was larger than 80%. In addition, sufficiently excessive NO2 made the aqueous-phase oxidation of SO2 efficiently proceed even at relative low SO2 concentrations (below 15 µg m−3). Potential H+ in the reactions was neutralized by NH3, resulting in fully neutralized PM2.5 during HPE. The chemical evolution of these reactions was discussed in detail in this study.
Optimal Ridge–Furrow Ratio for Maximum Drought Resilience of Sunflower in Semi-Arid Region of China

Ridge–furrow planting is often applied in semi-arid regions to reduce the drought risk on crop yield under rain-fed conditions. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is widely planted in northern China and how to reduce the drought risk on sunflower production remains a significant issue. A three-year field experiment with seven treatments (a flat plot without mulching, three plastic film-mulching treatments and three non-film-mulching treatments with different ridge–furrow ratios (1.0 m:1.0 m, 1.0 m:0.5 m and 0.5 m:1.0 m)) was conducted to study the effects of the ridge–furrow rainwater harvesting system on the rain-fed sunflower. The results showed that the sunflowers in the film-mulched treatment with the larger ridge–furrow ratio (1.0 m:0.5 m) (M1R2) had greater growth advantage under drought conditions. In the dry year, M1R2 improved the yield and water use efficiency by 11.9%–107.5% and 13.8%–120.6%, respectively, and reduced the blight grain rate by 21.5%–32.5% with less evapotranspiration (ET) compared to other treatments. Based on the historical climatological data, the guarantee rate of sunflower water requirement for M1R2 was about 75%, while the guarantee rates for the other two film-mulched treatments were only about 40% and 50%. Based on the effects of drought resilience and the characteristics of precipitation, M1R2 is recommended to be the relatively optimal treatment for sunflower production in regions with similar climatic conditions to Wuchuan County in northern China.
Dynamic Linear Modeling estimates of long-term ozone trends from homogenized Dobson Umkehr profiles at Arosa/Davos, Switzerland

Six collocated spectrophotometers based in Arosa/Davos, Switzerland, have been measuring ozone profiles continuously since 1956 for the oldest Dobson instrument and since 2005 for the Brewer instruments. The datasets of these two ground-based triads (three Dobsons and three Brewers) allow continuous intercomparisons and derivation of long-term trend estimates. Mainly, two periods in the post-2000 Dobson D051 dataset show anomalies when compared to the Brewer triad time series: 5 in 2011-2013, an offset has been attributed to technical interventions during the renewal of the spectrophotometer acquisition system, and in 2018, an offset with respect to the Brewer triad has been detected following an instrumental change on the spectrophotometer wedge. In this study, the worldwide longest Umkehr dataset (1956-2020) is carefully homogenized using collocated and simultaneous Dobson and Brewer measurements. A recently published report (Garane et al., 2022) described results of an independent 10 homogenization of the same
A contract theory analysis to fiscal relations between the central and local governments in China

Abstract We use a contract theory/mechanism design framework to analyse the fiscal relations and reforms between the central and local governments in China, which are said to have made great contributions to economic growth since the ‘economic reform’. First, we present the mechanism (a fiscal incentive contract model), which has created incentives for the development agent (local government), and clarify theoretically how the concept of bao (contract) works. We then comprehend the concept of bisai (contest) within the framework of the yardstick competition between local governments, and review the mechanism which encourages proper information revelation through intergovernmental comparison and competition. Lastly, we make a theoretical comparative analysis on the fiscal system reform (from the fiscal contracting system to the tax sharing system), from the perspective of how much room was left for the ‘ratchet effect’ in the dynamic relation between the central and local governments, and how it was solved (or mitigated) in the two fiscal systems.
On-sun testing of a 1 MWt particle receiver with automated particle mass-flow and temperature control

This paper describes on-sun testing of an automated system that controls the particle mass flow and outlet temperature in a high-temperature falling particle receiver. A slide gate with a linear actuator was designed and implemented in a closed-loop feedback system that varied the particle mass flow rate to maintain a desired bulk particle outlet temperature. The system was designed to operate at high temperatures (>700 °C) and relatively large mass flow rates (∼1 - 10 kg/s and higher). On-sun tests were performed at different irradiances, particle inlet temperatures, and particle mass flow rates. Results showed that the automated system could maintain desired particle outlet temperatures from ∼300 – 650 °C for most test conditions. During significant flux perturbations, oscillations (or ringing) about the desired setpoint temperature was observed, which is common for simple proportional control systems. Future studies will investigate more advanced proportional integral derivative methods to dampen the oscillations and provide tighter controls. Particle temperature rise and thermal efficiency were also measured during the on-sun tests and are reported. Finally, the particle mass flow rate as a function of slide-gate aperture and particle temperature was measured, and a new correlation was derived.
3D Printing of polymer composites: A short review

Composite or reinforced materials, especially in the class of polymers, are becoming prominent materials for the diversified range of engineering and scientific utilities because of their physical, chemical, mechanical, and structural excellences. Indeed, the main credit for the widespread acknowledgment of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) goes to the various types of natural and synthetic reinforcements, which resulted in good interfacial chemistries. However, the intrinsic challenges of traditional manufacturing technologies always presented restrictions in the development of application specific PMCs. Report-edly, with an evolution of three ‐ dimensional printing (3DP) technologies, the applications of PMCs have been transformed as these enabled the production of near ‐ net shapes with high degree of control over the design, reinforcements, and processing parametric while maintaining the waste associated at minimal level. However, the industrial benefits of 3DP technologies for still limited owing to the lack of awareness among the young professionals and industrial-ists. Moreover, the literature available in this regard is either too scattered making it tedious for the professionals to go through or limited to only fundamental concepts. Therefore, the concept of this review paper is to provide brief research ‐ based insights of different 3DP technologies (namely, fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, stereolithography, laminated object manufacturing, and inkjet printing), material systems, applications, and the future paradigms of research as a short and precise document.
Modeling Time Table based Tram Traffic

In mid-sized cities, tram networks are major components of public service infrastructure. In those networks with their typically dense schedules, multiple lines share tracks and stations, resulting in a dynamic system behavior and mounting delays following even small disruptions. Robustness is an important factor to keep delays from spreading through the network and to minimize average delays. This paper describes part of a project on simulation and optimization of tram schedules, namely the development and application of a simulation model representing a tram network and its assigned time table. We begin by describing the components of a tram network, which consist of physical and logical entities. These concepts are then integrated into a model of time table based tram traffic. We apply the resulting simulation software to our hometown Cologne's tram network and present some experimental results.
The Role of Satellite-Based Remote Sensing in Improving Simulated Streamflow: A Review

A hydrological model is a useful tool to study the effects of human activities and climate change on hydrology. Accordingly, the performance of hydrological modeling is vitally significant for hydrologic predictions. In watersheds with intense human activities, there are difficulties and uncertainties in model calibration and simulation. Alternative approaches, such as machine learning techniques and coupled models, can be used for streamflow predictions. However, these models also suffer from their respective limitations, especially when data are unavailable. Satellite-based remote sensing may provide a valuable contribution for hydrological predictions due to its wide coverage and increasing tempo-spatial resolutions. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of satellite-based remote sensing in streamflow simulation. First, difficulties in hydrological modeling over highly regulated basins are further discussed. Next, the performance of satellite-based remote sensing (e.g., remotely sensed data for precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, snow properties, terrestrial water storage change, land surface temperature, river width, etc.) in improving simulated streamflow is summarized. Then, the application of data assimilation for merging satellite-based remote sensing with a hydrological model is explored. Finally, a framework, using remotely sensed observations to improve streamflow predictions in highly regulated basins, is proposed for future studies. This review can be helpful to understand the effect of applying satellite-based remote sensing on hydrological modeling.
Converting Zubair oil field permanent power generation from single cycle into combined-cycle with plant exergy analysis

The combined-cycle power plant is the effective way to increase power and thermal efficiency which can rise thermal efficiency up to 50% corresponding to low heat value of the fuel (LHV). This study focused on converting Zubair Oil Field Gas turbine (ALSTOM GT13E2) from single cycle into a combined cycle power plant. Models suggestion design have been presented with back-pressure steam turbine by Cycle-Tempo (5.1) thermodynamics simulation program, which presents value diagram and exergy flow diagram both are useful to understanding the thermodynamic performance of complicated systems.The result of exergy analysis explicate that huge amount of exergy loss firstly occurs in gas turbine combustor (about 60% due to high irreversibility), and heat recovery steam generation (HRSG) is the second major exergy loss in combined cycle power plant (about 30%) recently apparatus concepts less than 10% of exergy (like compressors and expanders). Also, in this study explained the effect of changing the ambient temperature on the performance of power plant by using four temperature parameters on the four simulation models at constant compression ratio. The results were the increase in gas turbine temperature inlet led to decrease the net power output of the CCPPs. Thermal and exergy efficiencies increase when ambient temperature increase due to growth turbine inlet temperature but this temperature restricted by creep rupture and thermal fatigue for combustor parts and turbine blades metal. Maximum thermal and exergy efficiencies can be reached to 55.74, 53.28% respectively at worst ambient temperature. The calculation results in this study were compared with two previous studies, with considerable differences in input parameters of the gas turbine and steam turbine also, the types of the gas turbine models. finally, the results showed acceptable agreement.
OBGYNs of TikTok and the role of misinformation in diffractive knowledge production

Health misinformation on social media has largely been examined from a harms-focused perspective, with scholars seeking to identify what impacts misinformation has on public health and a popular focus on removing it from platforms. The act of debunking is one response wherein misinformation is corrected with knowledge from scientific sources. To date, little research exists examining how experts and the public engage with misinformation beyond a focus on harm. Using Karen Barad's concept of diffraction, we examine the iterative relationships between misinformation, obstetrician-gynaecologists (OBGYNs) and the educational content they generate on the short-form video platform TikTok. Though misinformation and debunking content have been seen as oppositional, they are brought into productive dialogue with one another using diffractive techniques and platform affordances. We conclude that through the educational content created by the OBGYNs of TikTok, misinformation becomes diffractively integrated into debunking content and is generative of new knowledge, rather than cleansed away.
A comprehensive approach to evaluate presence and propagation of uncertainty in asphalt binder mastercurves

ABSTRACT Due to various practical issues, researchers have resorted experimental determination of dynamic shear modulus ( ), phase angle ( ) and conversion into unit response (shear creep compliance, and shear relaxation modulus, ) mastercurves through interconversion process. Despite strict quality control, scatter can be expected in these measured/predicted viscoelastic properties. Thus, it is inevitable to encounter significant uncertainty in unit response mastercurves. This work proposes a comprehensive framework to quantify, propagate and separate uncertainty in the finalized unit response mastercurves. For the demonstration of this uncertainty evaluation framework, a set of nine asphalt samples were taken from the same container, short term aged and tested for its viscoelastic properties. Subsequently, unit response mastercurves were constructed directly (using experimentally determined and values), and through numerical technique using interconversion approach. Further, uncertainty in mastercurves was evaluated using several statistical indicators. The numerical values of these statistical indicators reflected that higher uncertainty existed at extreme time/frequencies when compared to intermediate locations. Subsequently, uncertainty in and mastercurves was separated into epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty. The numerical values of statistical indicators reflected that uncertainty in mastercurves was dependent on testing condition, construction technique, chosen distribution function and sample size.
A knowledge database of hanging-wall traps that are dependent on fault-rock seal

Abstract Hanging-wall traps are successful trapping styles with discoveries made in many sedimentary basins worldwide. Examples of hanging-wall traps are documented in the literature but very few describe the role played by fault-rock seal on trap integrity. This contribution focuses on hanging-wall traps that are dependent on fault-rock seal. Analysis of 18 examples of hanging-wall traps has revealed that the hydrocarbon column height trapped by fault-rock seal is typically less than 190 m. Cross-plots of shale gouge ratio (SGR) and buoyancy pressure from hanging-wall traps have a similar data distribution to published SGR–buoyancy pressure calibration plots. The similarity in data distribution indicates a similarity in the overall fault-sealing mechanism: namely, the capillary fault sealing through the incorporation of clay/shale material into the fault zone. Published ‘global’ calibration plots of SGR v. buoyancy pressure can be used to evaluate the sealing or non-sealing risk of hanging-wall traps in the same manner as for footwall traps.
Impact of front line demonstration on production and productivity of Niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass] in western ghat zone of Maharashtra

Niger is an edible oilseed crop of tribal farmers of Western Ghat zone of Maharashtra. It supplements to the socio-economic condition and fulfils the requirement of cooking oil of the Indian tribal community. The production and productivity of Niger crop continues to be quite low due to socio-economic and agroecological situations, low levels of management in crop production, cultivation in poor marginal lands and repeated use of local cultivars and predominantly under marginal conditions of small-holder agriculture. Drought, broadcast sowing, improper plant population, low input management, cuscuta, lodging due to high wind and rain are the causes of low productivity. The yield of Niger can be increased by demonstrating the improved agronomic package of practices viz. timely sowing of the crop, proper nutrient management, weed management and need based plant protection measures at the farmer’s field under the keen supervision of concern scientists working in the operational area. Keeping in view, the front line demonstration was conducted on Phule Karala, Phule Vaitrana and Phule Sahyadri variety of Niger crop, under All India Coordinated Research Project on Niger operating at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), Igatpuri Dist. Nashik in farmer’s field for a consecutive year from 2012–13 to 2016–17. The increase in seed yield of 73.40%, 41.37% and 27.54% with cost benefit ratio of 1.75, 1.95 and 1.88 was obtained from front line demonstration on whole package, fertilizer application and line sowing over farmer’s practices respectively. It can be concluded that FLD programme on Niger effectively increase the production and productivity in the specific region of Maharashtra.
Political Skill and Role Overload as Antecedents of Innovative Work Behavior in the Public Sector

We draw upon the theory of Conservation of Resources (COR) in positing political skill and role overload as influencing perceptions of either resource loss or conservation not previously studied in innovative work behavior. Based on a survey of 249 junior doctors in the United Kingdom, we found that role overload not only had direct positive effects on innovative work behavior but also negatively affects innovative work behavior, mediated through its effects on perceived organizational support. Political skill was positively associated with innovative work behavior, mediated through role-breadth self-efficacy. Our findings support a growing body of literature suggesting that engaging in innovative work behavior is a problem-focused coping strategy to deal with job demands and stressors. Current theorizing that job demands can have positive effects on innovative work behavior needs to be reconsidered given alternative negative effects suggested by COR.
The impact of Sukuk on the insolvency risk of conventional and Islamic banks

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the impact of Sukuk market development on bank insolvency risk using a sample comprising 72 Islamic banks (IBs) and 145 conventional banks (CBs) spanning 15 countries over the 2003–2014 period. We measure bank insolvency risk using the z-score. Using the system-GMM estimator, we find that Sukuk market development adversely affects the insolvency risk of IBs, while that of the CBs remains unchanged. Moreover, our results point to a negative and significant effect of the size on the insolvency risk of both CBs and IBs, thus confirming the well-documented Too-Big-To-Fail hypothesis. This effect is more pronounced for IBs indicating that large IBs exhibit higher insolvency risk than their conventional counterparts. Finally, we show that the 2008 global financial crisis has exacerbated the negative effect of Sukuk market development on bank insolvency risk, as expected.