Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Size-dependent characterization of embedded Ge nanocrystals: Structural and thermal properties

A combination of conventional and synchrotron-based techniques has been used to characterize the size-dependent structural and thermal properties of Ge nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in a silica $(a{\text{-SiO}}_{2})$ matrix. Ge NC size distributions with four different diameters ranging from 4.0 to 9.0 nm were produced by ion implantation and thermal annealing as characterized with small-angle x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The NCs were well represented by the superposition of bulklike crystalline and amorphous environments, suggesting the formation of an amorphous layer separating the crystalline NC core and the $a{\text{-SiO}}_{2}$ matrix. The amorphous fraction was quantified with x-ray-absorption near-edge spectroscopy and increased as the NC diameter decreased, consistent with the increase in surface-to-volume ratio. The structural parameters of the first three nearest-neighbor shells were determined with extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and evolved linearly with inverse NC diameter. Specifically, increases in total disorder, interatomic distance, and the asymmetry in the distribution of distances were observed as the NC size decreased, demonstrating that finite-size effects govern the structural properties of embedded Ge NCs. Temperature-dependent EXAFS measurements in the range of 15--300 K were employed to probe the mean vibrational frequency and the variation of the interatomic distance distribution (mean value, variance, and asymmetry) with temperature for all NC distributions. A clear trend of increased stiffness (higher vibrational frequency) and decreased thermal expansion with decreasing NC size was evident, confirming the close relationship between the variation of structural and thermal/vibrational properties with size for embedded Ge NCs. The increase in surface-to-volume ratio and the presence of an amorphous Ge layer separating the matrix and crystalline NC core are identified as the main factors responsible for the observed behavior, with the surrounding $a{\text{-SiO}}_{2}$ matrix also contributing to a lesser extent. Such results are compared to previous reports and discussed in terms of the influence of the surface-to-volume ratio in objects of nanometer dimensions.
Obesity and Its Relationship with Occupational Injury in the CanadianWorkforce

Objectives. To examine associations between obesity and occupational injury. Methods. Participants consisted of a representative sample of 7,678 adult Canadian workers. Participants were placed into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories based on their body mass index. Different injury types, location, and external causes were measured. Logistic regression was used to estimate relationships. Results. By comparison to normal weight workers, obese workers were more likely to report any occupational injuries (odds ratio (OR) 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98–1.99) and serious occupational injuries (1.49, 0.99–2.26). These relationships were more pronounced for sprains and strains (1.80, 1.04–3.11), injuries to the lower limbs (2.14, 1.12–4.11) or torso (2.36, 1.13–4.93), and injuries due to falls (2.10, 0.86–5.10) or overexertion (2.08, 0.96–4.50). Female workers, workers ≥40 years, and workers employed in sedentary occupations were particularly vulnerable. Increased risks were not identified for overweight workers. Conclusions. Obese workers experienced 40–49% higher risks for occupational injury.
The linear sampling method in a waveguide: a modal formulation

This paper concerns the linear sampling method used to retrieve obstacles in a 2D or 3D acoustic waveguide. The classical mathematical results concerning the identifiability of the obstacle and the justification of the inverse method are established for this particular geometry. Our main concern is to derive a modal formulation of the linear sampling method that is well adapted to the waveguide configuration. In particular, thanks to such formulation, we highlight the fact that finding some obstacles from remote scattering data is more delicate in a waveguide than in free space. Indeed, the presence of evanescent modes increases the ill posedness of the inverse problem. However, we show that the numerical reconstruction of obstacles by using the far field is feasible, even by using a few incident waves.
Comparative Study of Neem Seed Oil and Watermelon Seed Oil as Quenching Media for Thermal Processing of Steel.

In this work, comparative analysis of two biodegradable oils (neem seed oil and watermelon seed oil) were compared with conventional quenching oil (mineral oil) for heat treatment of steel. The plain carbon steel of 0. 37%C of 25 mm diameter was austenitized at different temperatures (800, 830, 850, 880, and 900 0 C) for 1 hr, quenched separately in these respective oils and tempered at different tempering temperatures (250, 270, 300, 330, 350 and 400 0 C) for 1 hr, thereafter cooled to room temperature in these oils. The microstructure resulted by different conditions have been correlated with mechanical properties through optical microscopy. The results indicate that the mechanical properties and microstructural features are affected by tempering temperature and austenitizing temperature on both quenchants. The tensile strength, hardness and retained austenite of tempered samples drop as the tempering temperature increased. However, the impact strength increases with increasing tempering and austenitizing temperature, indicating improvement of ductility. Microstructural observations reveal that the carbide precipitates have a plate-like structure at lower tempering temperatures, but are spheroid-like at high temperatures on both quenchants, but less pronounced on
Acoustic and Dielectric Properties of Polypropylene-Lignocellulosic Materials Composites

In recent years, one can observe the tendency to replace the thermoplastic polymers by the composite materials in several branches of industry, e.g. automotive and building engineering (Peijs, 2003), aviation and packaging industry (Bledzki & Gassan, 1999). The composite materials obtained by reinforcement of the polypropylene with lignocellulosic fillers are known to show improved mechanical and physical properties in comparison with the pure propylene (Averous & Le Digabel, 2006; Bhattacharyya et al., 2003; Mohanty et al., 2000). Composites made from polypropylene and wood fibre are characterized by significantly higher stiffness than unreinforced polypropylene (Bhattacharyya et al., 2003). The loading of the polypropylene with rice husk powder increases Young’s modulus and flexural modulus of the composite, compared with those of the polypropylene (Hattotuwa et al., 2002). The studies of the fire behavior (Borysiak et al., 2006) revealed a significant decrease of such an essential parameter as the heat release rate (HRR) peak, especially low value of HRRmax in comparison with those of the polypropylene. Moreover, very important feature of the composites with lignocellulosic materials is their partial biodegradability as the filler materials come from natural resource. In this chapter we would like to point out to improved acoustic and dielectric properties of the polypropylene-lignocellulosic materials composites in comparison with the pure polypropylene based on our measurement results.
Relation between the mineral nutrients and the Vitamin C content in camu-camu plants ( Myrciria dubia ) cultivated on high soils and flood soils of Ucayali, Peru

Camu-camu is a native plant of the Peruvian Amazon. It is noted for its high concentration of ascorbic acid, however this feature varies widely from one location to another due to genetic and environmental factors. In order to determine the relationship between mineral nutrients and the concentration of ascorbic acid in camu-camu plants, a study was conducted in three camu-camu producing areas in flood-prone soils and soils on dry land conditions in the Ucayali Region. For this purpose, soil samples and camu-camu were collected. The content of following macronutrients was analyzed: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium; also was determined the concentration of aluminum, pH, organic matter and ascorbic acid. The results show that the camu-camu plantations located in upland soils had lower concentrations of ascorbic acid and lower natural fertility, than soils prone to flooding. Ascorbic acid is negatively related to the concentration of aluminum and positively to the concentration of magnesium and phosphorus in the camu-camu producing areas. It is concluded that the concentration of ascorbic acid in camu-camu plants is best expressed when soils have better chemical attributes and good conditions of natural fertility.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING FIRMS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF LEARNING ORGANIZATION

A review of empirical literature demonstrates the link between learning organization and firm performance. However, mediating role of learning organization in the relationship between knowledge management and firm performance has not been established using large manufacturing firms. This study was motivated by the desire to fill this gap in knowledge. The study examined mediating role of learning organization in the relationship between knowledge management and non-financial measures of performance. The empirical results demonstrated following: (i) Influence of knowledge management on non-financial performance was statistically significant (ii) Knowledge management positively influences learning organization (iii) Learning organization is a mediator between knowledge management and non-financial performance. The results revealed that knowledge management and learning organization have a direct and significant influence on firm performance. We recommend that manufacturing firms should align knowledge management and learning organization practices to attain and sustain superior performance.
Top Managers & Information Systems: ‘Crossing the Rubicon’!

In reviewing the influence of information systems on today’s organisations, it becomes evident that top managers play a critical role in their inevitable success or failure. Yet, despite these systems strategic relevance many studies reveal a dichotomous relationship between ‘management’ and ‘information systems’, a relationship kept polarised by organisational myths resulting in the emergence of differing community perspectives. Such division is borne out in the increasingly high rates of information systems failure within practice. As strategic stewards of the organisation, top managers are noted to play a vital role in supporting information systems. Support is said to be a multifaceted concept requiring both thought and action. This paper in reviewing the information systems management literature attempts to unravel the mystery that has shrouded this topic over the past five decades. The journey seeks to provide top managers with a roadmap before ‘Crossing the Rubicon’ to support the introduction of information systems.
The Relationship among Interactional Justice, Manager Trust and Teachers' Organizational Silence Behavior

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the manager trust and interactional justice perceptions and organizational silence behaviors of those teachers who work in primary and secondary schools. The research is based on the survey model and the population consists of 4761 teachers who worked in Samsun, Turkey. The sample of the study was chosen from 195 primary and secondary schools through a multi-stage sampling method. The study findings revealed that there exists a positive and highly significant relationship among teachers' interactional justice and their manager trust; a negative and mid-level significant relationship between their manager trust and their interactional justice; and a negative and mid-level significant relationship between their interactional justice and their manager trust, respectively. To list in order of importance, interactional justice and manager trust variables were found to be predictor variables for silence behavior and to represent 17% of change in the organizational silence behavior.
Habit as a moderator and exogenous predictor of social networks : the case of online social networking

This paper tests the factors likely to impact continuance intentions through the medium of online social networks (OSN) for business transactions. The expectation-confirmation theory (ECT) from the consumer behaviour literature is made use of; to forward a set of theories that validate a prior model from IS usage research. Eight research hypotheses, after a field survey of OSNs participants for business transactions were conducted are empirically validated. 300 useable responses from LinkedIn and Twitter social networking platforms users for business transactions were analysed with the WarpPLS 4.0 bootstrapping technique. The study results provide significant evidence in support of perceived trust and user satisfaction, as determinants of the continuance intention of people using OSN platforms for business transactions. Above all, the research model was tested for the moderating effects of usage habit, which was found to impact relationships between continuance intention and perceived trust, resulting in an improved predictive capability of (R2=0.55) as compared to base model of (R2=0.52). The moderating result indicates that a higher level of habit increases the effect of perceived trust on continuance intention.
Mechanical behaviour of phenolic coated Finnish birch plywood with simulated service damage

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the mechanical behaviour of Finnish birch (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens) plywood commonly used in road freight trailer decking. A series of tests have been performed to characterize the mechanical performance of the material and the effect of in-service damage that is likely to occur when the material is used in this application. Moisture damage, indentation damage, and abrasive wear are all recreated in the laboratory and the severity of each is assessed. In particular, the effect of indentation damage on flexural properties is compared against the effect of moisture damage. It is found that while indentation damage can often appear more severe during a visual inspection, it generally has a lesser effect on flexural stiffness and strength compared to moisture damage. While the effect of moisture damage on flexural properties is well documented, the effect of indentation damage is previously less well understood. Both indentation damage and moisture damage significantly increase variance in flexural stiffness, but not flexural strength. This work provides a practical insight into whether damaged road freight trailer decking can still withstand in-service loadings. It also provides a benchmark for the performance of novel deck systems such as composite sandwich panels and glass-fibre pultrusions.
Antidiabetic effects of methanolic extract of Centella asiatica ( Linn . ) on induced hyperglycemic rats

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of Centella asiatica (Linn) on induced hyperglycemic rats. The results of the present study indicates that methanolic extract of Centella asiatica significantly reduce the blood glucose and plasma levels in Streptozotocin induced hyperglycemic rats both in acute and chronic cases.
DISSIMILARITY FOCUS AS AN ATTENTIONAL MODE OF BIS-RELATED COMPARATOR FUNCTION

The notion of a comparator has been popular in behavioral psychology, especially in accounts couched in terms of a cybernetic system. The function of a comparator is to control processes related to the regulation of behavior. This takes the form of comparing input states with desired reference states, and when a discrepancy is detected the system switches to control mode and activates cognitive processes designed to reduce disparity (Carver & Scheier, 1998; Corr, 2010). This chapter is concerned with the comparator function of the behavioral inhibition system (BIS). To date the postulated comparator function of the BIS (i.e., conflict detection and resolution) has been largely dedicated to theoretical speculation rather than empirical validation (a few exceptions are Amodio, Master, Yee, & Taylor, 2008; Leue, Lange, & Beauducel, 2012; Moore, Mills, Marshman, & Corr, 2012). Moreover, sufficient empirical validation—especially of those parts of the model that postulate the cognitive processes and mechanisms underlying the BIS comparator function—is lacking.
Time series modeling for an adaptive visibility improvement of the outdoor image sequences in wavelet domain

Under a complex atmosphere, the visibility of images captured by a moving camera needs to be enhanced so as to overcome various atmospheric perturbations. To achieve a stable and robust performance, in this paper, we propose to build a time series based model in wavelet domain by employing both spatial and temporal information of the sequential images. First, we set up a blind evaluation criteria of the Image Quality (IQ). Second, to each frame of the sequence, we utilize an adaptive computation framework to improve the performance of the wavelet based algorithm, which is controlled by the criteria above. After that, we build two time series models separately, i.e., an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and an Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (ARCH) model to fit the parameters change of the complex atmosphere. Finally, we utilize these two models to guide and improve the adjustment of the adaptive calculation. Experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our solution in many outdoor applications.
Who Should Be Running Ahead? The Roles of Two Types of Entrepreneurship in China's Contemporary Economy

One of the most important transitions of China from a centrally planned economy to a market-based economy was the emergence of entrepreneurship in two different forms of private enterprise, viz. getihu and siyingqiye. Using a unique database for 31 Chinese regions over the period 1997-2009, we investigate the economic antecedents of regional rates of getihu and siyingqiye, and find that the antecedents of these rates are substantially different. We also investigate the mutual interactions between getihu and siyingqiye at the regional level. Our analysis suggests that both types of entrepreneurship play important but distinct roles in stimulating China's economic development.
Recursive prosodic phrasing in Japanese *

A key result of studies in phrasal phonology since the 1970s has been the finding that, cross-linguistically, phrase-level phonological processes do not make use of the vast set of potential domains that are in principle made available by grammatical (i.e., syntactic and morphological) structure. Rather, they are localized in a small set of domains that are phonological in nature, even though defined in reference to grammatical structure, and that turn out to play a decisive role in language after language. The model that developed in response to this central finding is prosodic hierarchy theory (Selkirk, 1978; Nespor and Vogel, 1983; Inkelas, 1989: 4, etc.), building on key insights in earlier work (such as Halliday, 1960 and Pike, 1967): Speech is organized into a set of prosodic domains that form a hierarchy of containment, with each non-terminal constituent made up of a sequence of constituents at the next level down (the Strict Layer Hypothesis, see Selkirk, 1984 and Nespor and Vogel, 1986, among others). The hierarchy comprises two groups of categories, as shown in (1 ). The word-internal units (syllable, foot, and perhaps mora) are intrinsically defined in terms of sonority-related phonetic factors and speech rhythm, whereas the parsing of higher-level units (prosodic word, phonological phrase, intonational phrase, etc.) is regulated by constraints, alignment-based and other, on the correspondence between syntactic/morphological and phonological
Poultry Litter Affects Forage Dry Matter Yield and Total N and P Uptake

Forage crops play an important role in removing P and N from poultry litter-amended soils there byminimizing environmental pollution. A three year study was conducted at Crossville, AL to compare dry matter yield and total P and N removal efficiencies by forage crops from a poultry litter-amended soil. Forage crops including alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L.), rye (Secalecereale, L.), corn (Zea mays, L.), sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor, L.) cv. Unigraze II, tall fescue (Festucaarundinacea, L.) cv. KY31, and Russell bermudagrass (Cynodondactylon, L.) were investigated. The soil type at the site was a Hartsells fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic TypicHapludults). The highest dry matter yield in 2001 was observed with sorghum-sudangrass and in 2002 and 2003 it was observed with Russell bermudagrass, respectively. In 2001, the lowest dry matter yield was observed with alfalfa, in 2002 it was observed with corn, and in 2003 it was observed with sorghum-sudangrass, alfalfa, and Russell bermudagrass, respectively. Sorghum-sudangrass showed the highest N uptake in 2001, alfalfa and Russell bermudagrass showed the highest N uptake in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Tall fescue showed the highest P uptake in the three-year study. Russell bermudagrass appears to be the most effective forage crop for removal of N and tall fescue for the removal of P from soils amended with poultry litter.
An Assessment of Nigerian Stakeholders' the Perception of Environmental Offset as Mitigation Measures and Its' Implication for Sustainable Industrial Development in Nigeria

An important tool for sustainable development in any country is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and an important component of EIA is impact mitigation. In most cases, certain unwanted impacts of development projects are left without mitigation thereby reducing the gains of such developments. Thus, emerging in current literature is the concept of Environmental offset which provides a leeway for residual impacts of development projects. This study therefore assesses the perception and level of application of the environmental offset strategy by EIA Practitioners and other stakeholders in the mitigation of negative environmental impacts of developments in the Niger Delta, Nigeria as that would have significant implication for sustainable development efforts in Nigeria. The study found out that there is negative perception among the host communities about the suitability of offset as mitigation measure. Even though the EIA practitioners considers Environmental offset as a viable option, its adoption has been marred by the misgiving of the local people. This misgiving could be attributed to the long period of neglect and abandonment which has led to abject poverty in the region and loss of confidence in any institutional frameworks. Thus, this study concludes that the drive towards sustainable Development in Nigeria would remain a mirage unless the local people are properly integrated in the scheme of things.
Microsatellite heterozygosity and phenotypic quality in bluethroats

4 Introduction.5 Materials and methods.9 Study area and species.9 Field methods.9 Plumage measurements.10 Genetic analyses.10 Parentage.11 Heterozygosity.12 Heterozygosity and extra-pair paternity.13 Statistical analyses.13 Results.14 Parentage.14 Heterozygosity.14 Heterozygosity fitness related traits.15 Heterozygosity and paternity.16 Discussion.17 References.21 Tables and figures.25