Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnetic properties of bulk Zn1-xMnxO and Zn1-xCoxO single crystals

Manganese and cobalt-doped ZnO have been produced using a modified melt-growth technique. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the samples are high-quality single crystals with ω−2θ full width at half maximum values of 78 arc sec for the undoped ZnO and 252 arc sec for Zn1−xMnxO (x=0.05). The lattice parameter of the Zn1−xMnxO was observed to increase with Mn concentration. Transmission measurements showed systematic variations dominated by absorption from interatomic Mn2+ and Co2+ transitions. No evidence of diluted magnetic semiconductor mean-field ferromagnetic behavior was observed in any of these nominally noncarrier-doped samples. The magnetic properties instead showed paramagnetic behavior for Zn1−xMnxO dominated by an antiferromagnetic Mn–Mn exchange interaction at low temperatures. Zn1−xCoxO showed hysteresis that was attributed to superparamagnetic Co clusters embedded in a diamagnetic ZnO matrix. It has been shown that in the bulk single-crystal form, intrinsic and noncarrier-doped Zn1−.
The influence of the freshwater environment and the biological characteristics of Atlantic salmon smolts on their subsequent marine survival

Ian C. Russell1*, Miran W. Aprahamian2, Jon Barry1, Ian C. Davidson3, Peder Fiske4, Anton T. Ibbotson5, Richard J. Kennedy6, Julian C. Maclean7, Andrew Moore1, Jaime Otero8, Ted (E. C. E.) Potter1, and Christopher D. Todd9 Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK Environment Agency, Richard Fairclough House, Knutsford Road, Warrington WA4 1HG, UK Environment Agency, Chester Road, Buckley, Flintshire CH7 3AJ, UK Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, PO Box 5685, Sluppen, Trondheim 7485, Norway Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Salmon and Trout Research Centre, The River Laboratory, East Stoke, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6BB, UK River Bush Salmon Station, 21 Church Street, Bushmills, Co Antrim BT57 8QJ, UK Marine Scotland Science, Freshwater Laboratory, Field Station, Inchbraoch House, South Quay, Ferryden, Montrose, Angus DD10 9SL, UK Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), University of Oslo, PO Box 1066, Oslo N-0316, Norway Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK *Corresponding Author: tel: +44 1502 524330; fax: +44 1502 513865; e-mail: ian.russell@cefas.co.uk.
Some notes on developments in high grade continuous pan boiling.

IMPROVING operational efficiencies, when boiling high grade massecuite in continuous vacuum pans, has been the focus of considerable effort within the Fives-Cail Group. This has resulted in the implementation of several innovations to both the operation and design of continuous vacuum pans. Operational developments include methods for controlling encrustation build-up as well as means for improving the efficiencies of cleaning the pans to remove encrustation using water, steam and juice as alternatives. Design innovations include the development of the Fives Cail double and Fletcher Smith split pans. The advantages of these alternatives compared with standard units are described and details of practical results from actual installations are also provided. Approaches for achieving efficient operation are also described. Introduction The advantages of using continuous vacuum pans (CVPs) mean their use is increasing with the Fives Cail group (FCG) now having a total of 390 units installed or under construction worldwide. With high grade (HG) massecuites, for present purposes considered as those used for producing a product sugar from a massecuite with a purity greater than 75, the benefits are especially significant and should make their use particularly attractive. Yet concerns over perceived problems, mainly to do with encrustation, mean only just over 30% of the presently installed FCG units are used for this duty. The FCG, Tongaat-Hulett Sugar (THS) and others have, as a consequence, spent some considerable effort developing operational techniques and plant and equipment design improvements for eliminating or minimising the effect of these problems. Appraisal of high-grade massecuite continuous pan boiling operations The high quantity of HG massecuite produced, more than 60% of the total, has an important impact and, for example, means larger CVPs are needed which leads to greater capital cost savings. The increasing size of CVPs being sold indicates this benefit is recognised with the FCG having now sold 66 CVPs with massecuite holding capacities of 150 m or greater, of which 32 are in the range 200–250 m. Greater steam savings are a major factor favouring the application of CVPs for HG duty. FCG studies show steam savings amounting to ±5% on cane can be obtained by using a CVP rather than batch pans for HG boiling. This has also been confirmed from the practical results reported by the San Antonio factory in Nicaragua (Wright et al, 2004). Another aspect favouring CVP HG use
Path Following for Robot Manipulators Using Gyroscopic Forces

This thesis deals with the path following problem the objective of which is to make the end effector of a robot manipulator trace a desired path while maintaining a desired orientation. The fact that the pose of the end effector is described in the task space while the control inputs are in the joint space presents difficulties to the movement coordination. Typically, one needs to perform inverse kinematics in path planning and inverse dynamics in movement execution. However, the former can be ill-posed in the presence of redundancy and singularities, and the latter relies on accurate models of the manipulator system which are often difficult to obtain. This thesis presents an alternative control scheme that is directly formulated in the task space and is free of inverse transformations. As a result, it is especially suitable for operations in a dynamic environment that may require online adjustment of the task objective. The proposed strategy uses the transpose Jacobian control (or potential energy shaping) as the base controller to ensure the convergence of the end effector pose, and adds a gyroscopic force to steer the motion. Gyroscopic forces are a special type of force that does not change the mechanical energy of the system, so its addition to the base controller does not affect the stability of the controlled mechanical system. In this thesis, we emphasize the fact that the gyroscopic force can be effectively used to control the pose of the end effector during motion. We start with the case where only the position of the end effector is of interest, and extend the technique to the control over both position and orientation. Simulation and experimental results using planar manipulators as well as anthropomorphic arms are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
A Causal Model of Organizational Commitment among Teachers in Region XI, Philippines

This study explains the relationship of leadership behavior, job satisfaction, burnout, and organizational commitment. Quantitative research design was utilized in this study. The data were gathered from teachers among the randomly selected academic institutions in Region XI, Philippines. Moreover, sets of survey questionnaires were used as instruments to obtain information from the participants. Pearson-product moment correlation was used to find the significance of the relationship between the exogenous and endogenous variables. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to identify the variables that best predict organizational commitment. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the causal relationship among the variables and the assessment of model fit. The findings of the study revealed that leadership behavior, job satisfaction, and burnout were highly correlated to organizational commitment (p<0.01), and found to be its significant predictors. Furthermore, the conceptual model passed all the goodness of fit indices criteria.
FEM code for the multi - scale simulation of the stress - strain state of the blood chamber composed of polyurethane and TiN nanocoating

The ventricle sometimes cannot work efficiently and therefore, must be outfitted with prosthesis-pulsatile ventricular assist device (VAD) often made of polyurethane (PU) and biocompatible TiN deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The values of compressive residual stresses are the biggest of all measured, when TiN nanocoating is deposited by applying the PLD method. The purpose of the present paper is development of the computer finite element method (FEM) code for the multiscale simulation of the stress strain state for the PU/TiN blood chamber of VAD, which will be used to determine the most dangerous places at surface of the chamber under predicted loadings. The algorithms of finite elements mesh processing, implementation of boundary conditions and obtaining numerical solution are presented in this paper. The developed FEM code is based on the new approach to the simulation of multilayer materials obtained by using PLD method. The model in microscale includes two components model of the initial stresses caused by deposition process and simulation of active loadings observed in the blood chamber of VAD. Predicted distributions of stresses and strains are helpful to define precisely the regions of blood chamber, which can be defined as the failure-source areas.
Lofer-type cyclothems in the Upper Devonian of the Holy Cross Mts. (central Poland)

Numerous horizons of carbonates changed by karstic and soil-forming processes have been recognised in upper part of the Frasnian carbonate succession in southern part of the Holy Cross Mts. These layers are included in peritidal cyclothems, characterised by mostly deepening upward pattern, similarly to the typical Triassic Lofer cyclothems. The irregular cyclothemic intervals are restricted to an interior part of the isolated, reef- and shoalrimmed Dyminy carbonate platform. The Lofer-type cyclicity correlates with syndepositional block-faulting and associated seismic shock induced features, recognised in marginal parts of the platform. The most appropriate explanation of cyclicity is differentiated, tectonically controlled subsidence of Dyminy platform, according to the stick-slip faulting model proposed by CISNE (1986) for explanation of deepening-upward cyclicity in Dachstein Formation.
MERGERS DECISION IN JAPANESE SMALL MUTUAL BANKS: EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT OR EMPIRE BUILDINGS?

With the number of bank consolidations increasing around the world since the 1990s, several studies have examined what factors drive banks to consolidate, and some argue that bank managers who have a motive of empire buildings choose mergers. In this study, we deal with mergers among Japanese small mutual banks (credit associations or Shinkin banks) during the period 1996 to 2005. Japanese credit associations have been experiencing an unprecedented wave of consolidation, with their number decreasing from 410 (March 1996) to 292 (April 2006). Interestingly, unlike stock companies, mutual companies are often expected to be weak in terms of disciplining managers. If so, mutual banks tend to choose inefficient mergers at the expense of other stakeholders. Here, we use the stochastic frontier approach (SFA) to obtain “cost efficiency” proxy. We find that while the efficiency of acquiring credit associations decreases during the merger period, mergers do ultimately improve efficiency. Based on our results we find that raising efficiency, not for building empires, is an important goal for such credit association mergers.
Characterization of Banana Peels Wastes as Potential Slow Pyrolysis Feedstock

Uganda is the world’s second largest producer and consumer of banana after India. This has resulted into vast quantities of banana wastes, including the leaves, pseudostem, stalks, rejected and rotten fruits and the fruit peels. This study focuses on the characterization of banana peels to yield banana peels vinegar (BPV), tar and biochar as value added products that can be useful to farmers. Dried banana peels were characterized via proximate, ultimate, lignocellulosic, thermogravimetric (TG), and calorific value analyses. The obtained results showed that the volatile matter and fixed carbon contents were 88.02% and 2.70% while carbon, nitrogen and sulphur were 35.65%, 1.94% and 20.75 ppm respectively. The hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin contents were 41.38%, 9.90% and 8.90% while the higher and lower heating values were 16.15 MJ/kg and 14.80 MJ/kg. The maximum devolatilization rate in the banana peel biomass occurred in the temperatures range of 450–550oC which was taken as the slow pyrolysis regime temperature. The high levels of fixed carbon, volatile matter and ash contents were strong indicators that banana wastes are adequate feedstock for pyrolysis work to yield bio-infrastructure products. Similarly, the lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose fractions had significant correlation between the biomass heating values and the eventual chemical compounds present BPV and biochar. The characterization properties of the banana peels are akin to the leaves and pseudostem and thus are suitable for pyrolysis process.
The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptom Severity in the Relationship between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Quality of Life

The present study investigated the mediating role of depressive symptom severity in the relationship betweenOCD severity and quality of life (QoL) with Malaysian sample. A total of 126 Malaysians were required tocomplete the questionnaires given, which measure for different aspects of QoL, OCD and depression severity.The results revealed that depression severity and OCD severity were positively correlated. OCD severity wasnegatively correlated with physical functioning, emotional well-being, social functioning and general health. Inaddition, depression severity mediated the relationship between OCD severity and emotional well-being andsocial functioning.
TURBULENT NATURAL CONVECTION IN A DIFFERENTIALLY HEATED VERTICAL CHANNEL

The turbulence natural convection boundary layer inside a infinite vertical channel with differentially heated walls is analyzed based on a similarity solution methodology. The differences between mean temperature and velocity profiles in a boundary layer along a vertical flat plate and in a channel flow, make it necessary to introduce new sets of scaling parameters. In the limit as H* → ∞, two distinctive parts are considered: an outer region which dominates the core of the flow and inner constant heat flux region close to the walls. The proper inner scaling velocity is showed to be determined by the outer parameters due to momentum integral. The theory is contrasted with the one suggested by George & Capp (1), the deficiencies of which are identified.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Wang and Yau’s quasi-local energy for an extreme Kerr spacetime

There exist constant radial surfaces, S, that may not be globally embeddable in R3 for Kerr spacetimes with \sqrt{3}M/2$ ? >a>3M/2. To compute the Brown and York (B–Y) quasi-local energy (QLE), one must isometrically embed S into R3. On the other hand, the Wang and Yau (W–Y) QLE embeds S into Minkowski space. In this paper, we examine the W–Y QLE for surfaces that may or may not be globally embeddable in R3. We show that their energy functional, E[τ], has a critical point at τ=0 for all constant radial surfaces in t=constant hypersurfaces using Boyer–Lindquist coordinates. For τ=0, the W–Y QLE reduces to the B–Y QLE. To examine the W–Y QLE in these cases, we write the functional explicitly in terms of τ under the assumption that τ is only a function of θ. We then use a Fourier expansion of τ(θ) to explore the values of E[τ(θ)] in the space of coefficients. From our analysis, we discovered an open region of complex values for E[τ(θ)]. We also study the physical properties of the smallest real value of E[τ(θ)], which lies on the boundary separating real and complex energies.
The Roles of Social Status, Age, Gender, Familiarity, and Situation in Being Polite for Bugis Society

This paper examines the important roles of social status, age, gender, familiarity, and situation in being polite for Bugis people. This paper is based on my study on politeness in Bugis society, conducted in 2005 in two different Bugis communities in South Sulawesi: the first was in Awangpone, a rural area a few kilometres north of the regional peninsula of South Sulawesi; the second was in Parepare, the second city of the province located on the west coast, about 155 km north of Makassar. The result of the research shows that the choice of being polite for Bugis people is influenced by differences in social status, age, gender, familiarity, and situation. In both areas of the study, there is a different practice of being polite influenced by those above factors. In rural area, social status differences become the most important factor whereas in urban area, gender differences can become the higher priority in encoding their politeness.
Antecedents of Customer Retention of Ghana Commercial Bank within Agona Swedru Municipality

The sole purpose of a business Drucker (1973) once famously claimed was “to create a customer”. However, keeping the customer has become or regarded as equally, if not more important. Reichheld (1996) emphasised that a 5 per cent increase in customer retention generated an increase in customer net present value of between 25 per cent and 95 per cent across a wide range of business environments. Customer attraction and retention is becoming an important element of any banking strategy in today’s increasingly competitive environment (Verhoef, 2003). The study investigated the determinants of customer retention in Ghana Commercial Bank within Agona Swedru Municipality. The main variables of concern were service quality, customer satisfaction, customer trust, commitment and switching barrier. The correlational design was used for the research. Simple random sampling and self administered questionnaire were utilised to obtain data from 480 customers of the bank. Mean and Step-wise regression techniques were used to examine the level of retention and contribution of these factors to customer retention. It was concluded that; switching barrier, customer commitment and customer trust were the three variables in the conceptual framework of the study that emerged as the most significant factors contributing to customer retention. The study has documented that switching barrier is the most significant factor in retaining customers. The above conclusions indicate a need for certain strategies to be applied by organisations so that customer retention would continue to be high. It suggested that management of Ghana Commercial Bank, and other banks should pay more attention to customer retention by increasing customer satisfaction through the provision of accurate and timely information on products and services to its customers. There is also the need to pay more attention to service quality through the continuous provision of fast, reliable and error-free transaction to customers. Keywords: Service quality, Customer satisfaction, Commitment, Customer trust, switching barrier, SERVQUAL model.
Separated status of the natural dust plume and polluted air masses in an Asian dust storm event at coastal areas of China

[1] Asian dust particles usually refer to mineral particles which originate from arid and semiarid areas in the Asian continent and disperse eastward in a wide range in the atmosphere. Their appearances in the downstream marine areas are always accompanied by high concentrations of sulfate and nitrate, suggesting their significance as a medium for pollutant conversion and transportation. However, analysis of particles collected at a coastal site in east China before and after the cold front arrival of a heavy dust–loading low-pressure system in this study revealed that air masses polluted by anthropogenic emissions from local or regional areas and the natural Asian dust plume from northwest China were in different air parcels. Anthropogenic pollutants were in the prefrontal air while the so-called Asian dust particles were in the postfrontal air. There was a large amount of anthropogenic mineral particles in the polluted air masses, and the particles were abundant in sulfur, sodium, and calcium, while the so-called Asian dust particles were very “clean” (meaning lack of anthropogenic pollution). Continuous records of PM10, SO2, and O3 concentrations indicated that the cold front was the boundary layer between the polluted air masses and the clean dust plume. Hence, at the coastal areas the Asian dust plume and polluted air masses did not mix with each other and were separated in two consecutive air parcels by the cold front although they were in the same low-pressure system. In addition, the analysis also revealed that calcium was not a good indicator for Asian dust from natural sources because the anthropogenic mineral particles contained significant calcium.
Board of Directors’ “Convexification” and Corporate Results: Recent Evidence from Italy under a Linear/PLS Approach

We investigate how the attributes of the board of directors are related to results in the case of top capitalised companies listed on “Borsa Italiana” (2014 to 2016). Consistently with an integrated (agency and resource/stewardship) framework, we provide the assumptions and main statistics, then execute the econometric modelling: the composition and function board’s profiles are used as explanatory variables and the firms’ performance as response variable. In a first phase, we verified the possible 'role' of the key characteristics with accounting and economic performances (OLS) even controlling for the ability to create additional value. In a second phase, we adopted – for the first time in this issue – a SEM approach along a Partial Least Squares path (PLS: a variance-based model increasingly applied in business and social sciences), considering “performance” and “organisational convexity” as the latent operationalised variables. Interesting findings emerged from the research (negative influence of the number of meetings and committees, % of independent members and age of CEO; vs positive influence of external offices, CEO duality and presence of women in the boardroom), allowing new and partly counterintuitive understanding about the governance / performance linkage. In the context of the late post-crisis, our latent variables appear negatively related: corporate performance is higher in presence of an organisational concavity inspired to efficiency-oriented synthesis and concentration/centralisation of competencies, with a curved-in yet resilient, svelte and effective array, rather than a more structured one (that is: deconvexification would provide value), suggesting a shift from the general market-to-board approach to a specific board-to-market approach characterised by strong and influential leadership, interests alignment, high trust and clear commitment.
Nitrates pollution in a vulnerable zone of Greece

A vulnerable zone to nitrates pollution has been delineated at the Prefecture of Imathia, northern Greece. An action plan has been formulated, targeting surface and groundwater protection from nitrates, in compliance with the nitrates directive 91/676/EEC and the regulation 1257/99/EC. The plan comprises measures and practices and is linked to the Code of Good Agricultural Practice. The latter assists the farmers in achieving maximum effectiveness of N fertilisation and irrigation by means of environment-friendly techniques. It suggests a maximum admissible application of nitrogen fertilisation for main crops, taking into account the soil type, climatic regime, irrigation method and hydrogeological conditions. According to this plan, a substantial reduction of N fertilisers is achieved for cotton and an even a higher decrease (30-40%) is suggested for corn.