Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flame balls in non-uniform mixtures: existence and finite activation energy effects

The paper's broad motivation, shared by a recent theoretical investigation [Daou and Daou, “Flame balls in mixing layers,” Combustion and Flame, Vol. 161 (2014), pp. 2015–2024], is a fundamental but apparently untouched combustion question; specifically, ‘What are the critical conditions insuring the successful ignition of a diffusion flame by means of an external energy deposit (spark), after mixing of cold reactants has occurred in a mixing layer? ’ The approach is based on a generalisation of the concept of Zeldovich flame balls, well known in premixed reactive mixtures, to non-uniform mixtures. This generalisation leads to a free boundary problem (FBP) for axisymmetric flame balls in a two-dimensional mixing layer in the distinguished limit β → ∞ with εL = O(1); here β is the Zeldovich number and εL is a non-dimensional measure of the stoichiometric premixed flame thickness. The existence of such flame balls is the main object of current investigation. Several original contributions are presented. First, an analytical contribution is made by carrying out the analysis of Daou and Daou (2014) in the asymptotic limit εL → 0 to higher order. The results capture, in particular, the dependence of the location of the flame ball centre (argued to represent the optimal ignition location which differs from the stoichiometric location) on εL. Second, two detailed numerical studies of the axisymmetric flame balls are presented for arbitrary values of εL. The first study addresses the infinite-β FBP and the second one the original finite-β problem based on the constant density reaction–diffusion equations. In particular, it is shown that solutions to the FBP exist for arbitrary values of εL while actual finite-β flame balls exist in a specific domain of the β–εL plane, namely for εL less than a maximum value proportional to ; this scaling is consistent with the existence of solutions to the FBP for arbitrary εL. In fact, the flame ball existence domain is found to have little dependence on the stoichiometry of the reaction and to coincide, to a good approximation, with the domain of existence of the positively-propagating two-dimensional triple flames in the mixing layer. Finally, we confirm that the flame balls are typically unstable, as one expects in the absence of heat losses.
Modeling the three-dimensional pair cascade in binaries. Application to LS 5039

Context. LS 5039 is a Galactic binary system emitting high and very-high energy gamma rays. The gamma-ray flux is modulated on the orbital period and the TeV lightcurve shaped by photon-photon annihilation. The observed very-high energy modulation can be reproduced with a simple leptonic model but fails to explain the flux detected by HESS at superior conjunction, where gamma rays are fully absorbed. Aims. The contribution from an electron-positron pair cascade could be strong and prevail over the primary flux at superior conjunction. The created pairs can be isotropized by the magnetic field, resulting in a three-dimensional cascade. The aim of this article is to investigate the gamma-ray radiation from this pair cascade in LS 5039. This additional component could account for HESS observations at superior conjunction in the system. Methods. A semi-analytical and a Monte Carlo method for computing three-dimensional cascade radiation are presented and applied in the context of binaries. The cascade is decomposed into discrete generations of particles where electron-positron pairs are assumed to be confined at their site of creation. Both methods give similar results. The Monte Carlo approach remains best suited to calculation of a multi-generation cascade. Results. Three-dimensional cascade radiation contributes significantly at every orbital phase in the TeV lightcurve, and dominates close to superior conjunction. The amplitude of the gamma-ray modulation is correctly reproduced for an inclination of the orbit of ≈40 ◦ . Primary pairs should be injected close to the compact object location, otherwise the shape of the modulation is not explained. In addition, synchrotron emission from the cascade in X-rays constrains the ambient magnetic field to below 10 G. Conclusions. The radiation from a three-dimensional pair cascade can account for the TeV flux detected by HESS at superior conjunction in LS 5039, but the very-high energy spectrum at low fluxes remains difficult to explain in this model.
Size-dependent effective Young’s modulus of silicon nitride cantilevers

The effective Young’s modulus of silicon nitride cantilevers is determined for thicknesses in the range of 20–684 nm by measuring resonance frequencies from thermal noise spectra. A significant deviation from the bulk value is observed for cantilevers thinner than 150 nm. To explain the observations we have compared the thickness dependence of the effective Young’s modulus for the first and second flexural resonance mode and measured the static curvature profiles of the cantilevers. We conclude that surface stress cannot explain the observed behavior. A surface elasticity model fits the experimental data consistently.
Mapping daily evapotranspiration and dryness index in the East African highlands using MODIS and SEVIRI data

Abstract. Routine information on regional evapotranspiration (ET) and dryness index is essential for agricultural water management, drought monitoring, and studies of water cycle and climate. However, this information is not currently available for the East Africa highlands. The main purpose of this study is to develop (1) a new methodology that produces spatially gridded daily ET estimates on a (near) real-time basis exclusively from satellite data, and (2) a new dryness index that depends only on satellite data and weather forecast data. The methodology that calculates daily actual ET involves combining data from two sensors (MODIS and SEVIRI) onboard two kinds of platforms (Terra – polar orbit satellite and MSG – geostationary orbit satellite). The methodology is applied to the East African highlands, and results are compared to eddy covariance measurements at one site. Results show that the methodology produces ET estimates that accurately reproduce the daily fluctuation in ET but tends to underestimate ET on the average. It is concluded that the synergistic use of the polar-orbiting MODIS data and the geostationary-orbiting SEVIRI data has potential to produce reliable daily ET, but further research is needed to improve the accuracy of the results. This study also proposes an operational new dryness index that can be calculated from the satellite-based daily actual ET estimates and daily reference ET estimates based on SEVIRI data and weather forecast air temperature. Comparison of this index against ground measurements of daily actual ET at one site indicates that the new dryness index can be used for drought monitoring.
HI observations of loose galaxy groups - I. Data and global properties

At Nancay, 21-cm H i line observations were made of 15 spiral-dominated loose groups of galaxies, divided into two samples: an "interacting" sample containing at least one pair of interacting galaxies, and a "control" sample having no optical evidence of interactions or morphological disturbances among the group members. The interacting sample consists of 62 galaxies representing 9 different groups, and the control sample contains 40 galaxies representing 6 groups. Of the 91 galaxy and galaxy pairs observed, 74 were detected, while upper limits were placed on the remaining 17 objects. These homogeneous H i data, which will be used in future analyses, provide comparative information on the H i content of groups and serve as a probe of the vicinity of the target spirals for H i clouds or very low surface brightness gas-rich galaxies.
Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation in Patients With Severe Head Trauma: A Proposol of Tracheostomy Antecipation

Background: The aims of the study were to analyze the withdrawal of mechanical ventilation (MV) of severe head trauma from admitted victims to the adult intensive care unit and to propose a time to perform the tracheostomy, not taking into consideration only the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) but the GCS and the Marshall’s computed tomography (CT) scan classification. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study, based on continuous registration database collection, medical and physical therapy records. Data were collected from March 2012 to March 2015. Results: We collected 118 patients. There was no association between GCS of 3 - 5 and 6 - 8, and Marshall’s CT classification 3 - 4 and 5 - 6, with extubation, reintubation and tracheostomy. Tracheostomy was performed on 50% of the population. Regarding the withdrawal of MV after tracheostomy, 62.71% of patients underwent nebulization protocol ≤ 48 hours. There was no association between GCS of 3 - 5 and 6 - 8, and Marshall’s CT classification 3 - 4 and 5 - 6, with weaning after tracheostomy. Conclusions: GCS 3 - 5 tends to be less extubated and has reintubation rate higher than GCS of 6 - 8; the worse the rating of Marshall’s CT classification, the lower the extubation rate; and the majority of patients were withdrawn from the ventilator at or less than 48 hours after tracheostomy. We suggest that early tracheostomy, less than 48 hours after intubation, should be performed if clinical and neurological stabilization was achieved in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (and Marshall’s CT classification III and IV). J Neurol Res. 2016;6(2-3):35-40 doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.14740/jnr380w
Expression analysis and identifying candidate genes for wood formation in desert sunflower, Helianthus argophyllus

Biofuel production is an increasingly important area of research as fossil fuels are becoming scarcer and climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels threatens the environmental status quo. The common sunflower (Helianthus annus) is a source of seed oil that may be used in biodiesel fuels. A relative, the silver-leaf sunflower (Helianthus argophyllus), is a wood-producing desert species that has shown potential for biomass production. Gene expression profiling with microarray and the use of laser microscopy dissection to specifically isolate xylem and phloem have shown have pointed to particular proteins playing important regulatory roles in wood formation as well as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin biosynthesis. Index Words: Helianthus argophyllus, Microarray, Laser microscopy dissection (LMD), RT-qPCR, Wood formation EXPRESSION ANALYSIS AND IDENTIFYING CANDIDATE GENES FOR WOOD FORMATION IN DESERT SUNFLOWER, HELIANTHUS ARGOPHYLLUS
CEO Bonus: Alternative Performance Measurement versus Gamesmanship

Although CEO bonus plans traditionally use net income as the standard performance measure, there is an increasing trend that CEOs influence directors to adopt alternative non-GAAP performance metrics in setting bonuses. In this study, we analyze the managerial consequences of this alternative bonus contract design in the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) industry. REITs provide a unique setting since most firms have been using FFO, an industry-specific non-GAAP performance measure, rather than net income, to determine CEO bonuses. Essentially, FFO consists of two components: net income, which is a GAAP measure, and a nonGAAP component that includes adjustments from net income made by firms. We examine to what extent CEO bonus arises as the result of manipulating these components. We also examine whether regulatory standards related to non-GAAP reporting and bonus disclosures are effective in mitigating such manipulation. Lastly, we analyze if good corporate governance constrains managerial opportunistic behavior. Our findings show, when given a choice to manipulate a GAAP versus a non-GAAP component, firms primarily choose to manage the non-GAAP component to increase bonuses. We further show that regulatory compensation disclosure standards and good governance mechanisms are important in reducing such manipulation. In additional analysis, we find that firms report less manipulation for bonus purposes in the post-financial crisis period, and CEO bonuses are higher at firms that report positive manipulations. Moreover, we do not find any association between FFO manipulation and other forms of compensation that are not directly linked to the FFO measure in compensation contract design. Finally, we show that capital market participants penalize firms’ manipulative activities on FFO, especially when such activities are accompanied by large CEO bonuses.
Ambidextrous Human Resource Practices and Employee Performance

In today’s highly dynamic environment, Organisational Ambidexterity has assumed enormous significance. Ambidexterity, which is defined as the ability of an organisation to simultaneously engage in exploitation of current organisational capabilities and exploration of future opportunities, is said to have a positive impact on long term financial performance and innovations among many other firm level outcomes. However, review of extant literature shows that the linkage between ambidexterity and firm outcomes is not linear and its study warrants further investigation in order to develop deeper insights. Theory building in the ambidexterity literature from a Human Resource Management perspective, is hampered by lack of clarity on several issues such as- level of analysis, specific HRM variables, as well as the role of antecedent and intervening variables. This paper reviews past research and proposes a model in order to explain ‘why’ and ‘how’ Ambidextrous Human Resource practices impact performance at an individual level. In doing so, it proposes causal linkages between key constructs namely, ‘Ambidextrous HR practices, Organisational Culture, Middle manager’s ambidextrous behavioral orientation, and Individual Ambidexterity and their impact on employee level performance outcomes.
Small & Medium Enterprise Assessment in Czech Republic & Russia Using Marketing Analytics Methodology

This paper aims to focus on the determinants influencing the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Czech Republic and Russia. The objective is to investigate and evaluate the business environment and, then, examine the importance of developing and promoting entrepreneurship to allow SMEs in Czech & Russia to develop a competitive position in the international marketplace. An overview of the current economic situation facing SMEs in CZ & RU is provided. Then the factors necessary for the expansion of the business will be discussed, along with the challenges of overcoming the resource gaps to be identified. We have conducted empirical surveys along with the use of SPSS statistical tools to predict the potential of revenue growth in SME sector. Information is provided concerning the current situation for SMEs in CZ & RU and the challenges encountered as they face a business environment that is becoming more competitive. We also found that SMEs are increasingly more integrated into the global economy and not limited to regional/international activities. Quantitative analysis shows that there is significant potential for SMEs for the next couple of years despite the economic uncertainty. This paper integrates entrepreneurship, and the resource-based internationalization of SMEs in Czech Republic & Russia, specifically focusing on the use of technology.
Brand trust as quality cues in online tertiary education

In Malaysia and Singapore, Internet-based education has not attracted as many students as had been expected. It is reckoned that trust decreases the perceived risk of using a service. Since online learners have no direct contact with the education providers, trust plays an important role in an online tertiary setting. In a review of the literature, hypotheses are developed that suggest that brand trust as quality cues in online tertiary education is related to institutional and courseware design assurance factors, site quality and public awareness. A conceptual model summarizing the hypotheses is subsequently validated in an empirical study.
Dolittle:A Heuristic Approach to Improving Error Messaging Module Based on Error Feedback Strategy for K12

††† Summary Learning computer programming is a decisive issue in computer science education and error feedback is important to novice in programming learning because it might affect their learning effect affirmatively. But programming is a notorious difficult activity and some of the difficulty can be attributed the programming error. In case of Dolittle[5] which has a lot of advantages as an educational programming language, it has poor module for issuing error message in itself, i.e. redundant and tedious error messages generated by parser which is made by SableCC[16]. Current error message of the Dolittle, therefore, is vague, unfriendly, or misleading to some degree for a novice in K12. In order to issue more effective error message, the Dolittle needs to reform the current error module towards unambiguous, informative, and successful in having a programming experience for the novice. In this paper, we examine the error case carefully and improve the error messaging module generated by LALR parser heuristically.
Wage Rigidities in an Estimated Dynamic, Stochastic, General Equilibrium Model of the UK Labour Market

We estimate a New Keynesian model with matching frictions and nominal wage rigidities on UK data. We show that in a model with matching frictions, whether nominal wage rigidities are relevant or irrelevant for inflation dynamics depends on the parametrization. At the estimated equilibrium, we find that wage rigidities are irrelevant, despite improving the empirical performance of the model. The reason is that with matching frictions, marginal costs depend on unit labour costs and on an additional component related to search costs. Wage rigidities affect both components in opposite ways leaving marginal costs and inflation virtually unaffected.
Simulation of warm season rainfall using WRF Regional Climate Model [presentation]

Regional Climate Models (RCMs) derive benefits over global climate models through a more accurate representation of regional climate forcings, achieved through higher resolution orography, land-water contrasts and land surface characteristics. Regional forcings can produce statistically significant climate signals, particularly for processes forced directly by topography including orographic rainfall and monsoon circulations. Such high resolution climate scenarios are important for resource management and impact assessment. Better resolved small-scale processes can have improved large-scale impacts and, in addition to downscaling climate information, RCMs can be used to study the upscale impact of regional forcings on the large-scale climate. The high order numerical accuracy of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the extensive physics options have motivated the development of WRF as a regional climate model. Previous regional climate research using WRF RCM (Done et al., 2004) has focused on the region of the Western United States where topographic forcings play an important role in defining the regional climate. The work presented herein represents the next step in assessing the capability of WRF RCM by evaluating the modeled warm season regional climate of the central US. Warm season rainfall over the central US has been identified with physical mechanisms at both planetary and local scales, and is therefore ideal for evaluating the performance of a RCM. In addition to evaluating WRF RCM, our goal is to identify and understand recurrent errors in the long-term simulation of warm season rainfall.
A Comparison of Big Five and Narrow Personality Traits In Relation to Academic Performance

The present study investigated the relationship between the Big Five personality traits (Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, Extraversion, and Openness), as well as the relationship of more narrow personality traits, with academic performance. The issue of whether personality measures that have been contextualized to either school or work better predict academic performance than generalized measures is also addressed through the use of multiple personality instruments. Results from a correlation analysis indicated that Openness, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Emotional Stability were all significantly positively related to academic performance, in this case, college course grade, while Extraversion was significantly negatively related. The same correlation analysis showed that for Openness and Agreeableness, the measure contextualized to academics predicted better than the generalized measures which in turn better predicted academic performance than the work-related measure. Emotional Stability, conversely, was best predicted by the work-related measure, in contrast to what was predicted. A stepwise regression was used to find what added significant variance for both Big Five and narrow traits for each measure used in this study. The findings of this study support the usefulness of both broad and narrow personality traits in predicting real-world outcomes. The relationships between general and contextualized measures and their predictions of academic performance are also shown. Furthermore, the relationship between academic performance and personality is demonstrated within this study.
Empirical Asset Pricing – Saudi Stylized Facts and Evidence

I estimate proxy specifications of (Fama and French, 2014) five-factor model to produce stylized facts of the Saudi capital market and test an APT model. The data set is the panel of 20 most actively traded firms, excluding firms with negative book value of equity. My contribution to the extant literature is three-fold: [1] organizing Saudi market data based on beta and firm-specific fundamentals, namely, growth, value, accounting earnings, and equity investments, [2] conducting a parsimony analysis within the theoretical framework of Merton’s (1973) APT, and [3] quantifying the information risk facing the marginal investor by decomposing earnings into cash flows and accruals and investigating respective loadings in an unrestricted version of the parsimonious specification. Proxy asset pricing specifications, though intuitively appealing, are scant due to lack of theoretical frameworks and misguided significance tests of factor loadings. Throughout, I address this issue and keep the empirical analysis under describing market facts and testing an APT model. The study concludes with a significant, empirical explanation that specifies average returns in terms of the covariance risk and accounting accruals.
FUNGAL DEGRADATION METHOD DEVELOPMENT FOR SMALL WOOD SAMPLES SUBJECTED TO CERIPORIOPSIS SUBVERMISPORA

Fungal pretreatment has been explored as a low-cost and an environmentally friendly method to increase the reactivity of lignocellulosic biomass prior to further processing for pulp and paper, biofuels, and biochemicals. Testing of genetically modified wood specimens is becoming increasing popular due to advances in the field of biomass research and the potential to greatly enhance the wood’s chemical and physical properties. However, experimental methods for small juvenile wood specimens is not well characterized. This research utilized sweetgum ( Liquidambar styraciflua ) to examine several variables in the inoculation and incubation procedure of small wood specimens degraded by white-rot fungus, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, to find which method results in a sufficient amount of biomass degradation and low variation between replicates. The variables examined include inoculation medium, wood particle size, and incubation container. Increased fungal growth, weight loss values, and significant reduction in variation of weight loss were observed when using the malt extract fungal culture to directly inoculate the wood samples and closing with loose caps, instead of filtering, rinsing, and suspending the mycelium and sealing with Parafilm.