Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STECCAR: Simulating the Transition to Electric Cars Using the Consumat Agent Rationale

This thesis presents the STECCAR model: a newly developed agent-based model of the Dutch consumer car market, constructed to study the diffusion of electric vehicles in the Netherlands. In agent-based modelling, the micro-level characteristics of numerous, often heterogeneous, agents are initialised, and the emerging macro-level behaviour of the population is studied. The underlying rationale of the agents in our model is structured through the Consumat approach; a cognitive framework based on theories from psychology and economics. Within this approach, agents are defined by their individual needs, abilities, decision-making process, and personality. The results of 1.795 survey respondents were used to initialise each individual agent after a Dutch citizen with its own characteristics and driving behaviour. At the shared car market, agents may purchase gasoline vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles. Each fuel technology comes with its own functional and financial characteristics. Mimicking the actual Dutch car market, three types of agents are defined using the input survey: lessees, purchasers of new vehicles, and occasion buyers. Within this context, the first two agent types determine the supply of cars to the occasion market. Validation of the model is performed using recent consumer data about Dutch yearly sale figures, occasion market size, ownership characteristics and scrappage data. The model is subsequently used to study the effects of different policies and technological advancements on the diffusion process of electric vehicles. Some of the specific findings include that 'bijtelling' policy has a strong regulatory effect on the diffusion of electric cars and that a rapid realization of a nation-wide fast charge network is an important step towards making battery-electric vehicles competitively attractive. More generally, simulations using the STECCAR model show that the effect of measures can be strengthened by combining measures, or by applying them in a specific temporal order. Additionally, targeting measures at battery-electric vehicles specifically, but not at plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, could lead to a larger overall reduction in carbon emissions. Long term scenarios show that a quick diffusion of electric vehicles results in unconventional behaviour on the occasion market. We conclude that agent-based models can provide unique and valuable insights into how to influence complex relations within interactive social systems, such as the Dutch car market. Implications of using an agent-based model to study the diffusion of electric cars are described. Regarding agent-based modelling in general, the importance of proper validation and the benefits of using a psychologically-founded cognitive framework are discussed.
Reduced carbon sequestration in a Mediterranean seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) ecosystem impacted by fish farming

We studied the relationship between sediment nutrient enrichment and carbon sequestration, using the ratio of gross primary production to respiration (P/R), in a fish- farming impacted and an unaffected Mediterranean seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) ecosystem in the Aegean Sea, Greece. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) sedimentation, nutrient pools in sediment and dissolved nutrients in pore water were significantly and posi- tively intercorrelated, indicating close linkage between sedimentation and sediment nutrient pools in seagrass meadows. C, N and P sediment pools were significantly enhanced in the impacted meadow throughout the year, even during winter when fish farming activity was low. In the impacted sediment, the increase in C and N was higher than P, reflecting a faster remineralization and uptake of P than C and N. The ecosystem P/R ratio decreased exponen- tially with sediment nutrient enrichment. Threshold values are given for C, N and P sedimen- tation rates and sediment pools, and for N and P concentrations in pore waters, after which P/R ratio in the seagrass meadow decreases below 1, indicating a shift from autotrophy to heterotrophy with sediment nutrient enrichment. Such a regime shift indicates a loss of storage capacity of the seagrass ecosystem, jeopardizing the key role of P. oceanica as a carbon sink in the Mediterranean.
Preconditions of financial safety during lifecycle: the financial literacy and retirement planning in Vietnam

This study was performed to evaluate and examine financial literacy and retirement planning in sector employment in Vietnam in the context of financial safety during lifecycle. In order to collect primary data, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to 257 employees in the public and private sectors in Ho Chi Minh City. The results of descriptive analysis indicated that those who work in the public sector have a higher percentage of correct answers to questions about financial literacy and knowledge of social insurance than that of employees in the private sector. The results of a linear probability model (LPM) and two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression show that financial knowledge and regular saving are significant factors that enhance retirement planning, whereas sector employment is insignificant to retirement planning. These findings should improve the knowledge of financial literacy, pensions and social insurance disseminated through retirement seminars and education programs for workers. More research, however, should be conducted on these topics in Vietnam.
Development of wrought precipitation strengthened IN939 superalloy

Abstract The potential of cast IN939 superalloy to be converted to wrought alloy has been explored in the present work. For this objective, bars of cast alloy were rolled under different conditions and then subjected to various heat treatment cycles. The results indicated that the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and ductility of the wrought IN939 alloy are superior to the cast version. The stress rupture properties of wrought IN939 superalloy are better than those of the widely used superalloys, such as Nimonic 90 and Waspaloy, and approach the alloy Nimonic 105 properties. This is very notable because Nimonic 105 contains ∼45 vol.-% γ′ that is much greater than the volume fraction of those strengthening precipitates in the alloy IN939 (∼35%). On the whole, the wrought form of this alloy has a high potential for manufacturing hot components to be used safely under aggressive turbine environment.
Causality between Profitability and Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Selected Banks in Bangladesh

: This exploratory study aimed to identify the impact of profitability on the Corporate Social Responsibility Expenditure (CSRE) of the commercial banks quoted in the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Bangladesh. This study used the secondary information from Annual Report of fifteen (15) banks and used the Net Interest Margin (NIM), Cost to Income Ratio (CIR), Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity as the proxy variables for the measurement of the profitability. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. This study reveals that there is positive impact of profitability on the CSRE of banks. Furthermore, this study also found sharp impact of EPS and ROA on profitability rather than NIM, CIR and ROE. So it can be referred from the findings that if the profitability increases the banks become more encouraged to invest in CSRE in Bangladesh Context .
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS OF NOMAYOS-YAOUNDE ( CAMEROON )

Background: S. platenis is rich in macronutrients and micronutrients. It is used as a dietary supplement and found in tropical and semi-tropical areas This study aims to investigate the chemical composition of S. platensis of Nomayos (Yaounde, Cameroon) focusing on macro and micronutrients and phyotchemical bioactive molecules Materiel and methods: S. platensis was collected in a farm in Nomayos (Yaounde, Cameroon). The aqueous extract was used for the determination of nutrients using standard methods. Trace elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The phytochemical composition was determined by using HPLC. Phycocyanin and Carotenoids were determined using chemicals methods. Results: The extraction yield obatined was 16.84%. The results showed that S platensis contains protein (375.5+0.7 g/kg dw), lipids (301.2+11.9 g/kg dw), carbohydrates (243.9+9.9g/kg dw) and fibers (313.2 g/kg dw). The HPLC profile revealed the presence of polyphenols (21.2 + 1.18 mg eq. QE/g Ext.), flavonoids (56.4 + 6. 47 mg eq. QE/g Ext.) and phenolic acid like caffeic and coumaric acidss. Iron was the most micronutrients found but we also found copper, manganese, zinc selenium. The percentage of phycocyanin was 16.15% while carotenoids were 3.8%. Conclusion: S. platensis from Nomayos have significant concentration of nutrients. However other studies need to be carried out in order to determine the nature of different monomers present in protein, lipids, carbohydrates and other macronutrients found in this microalgae. Keys words : spirulina, chemical composition, phycocyanin, polyphenols. Submitted: 26.09. 2016 Reviewed: 11.11. 2016 Accepted: 16.12. 2016
Analysis of export diversification development of the European Union and BRICS countries

Export diversification theory came to the fore in the second half of the twentieth century, in opposition to the classical and neoclassical theories of foreign trade. It defends the positive impact of trade diversification on the economic performance of a country. The question of how much big economies diversify their exports in the case of product groups and export destinations is answered in this paper. Three different indices are used, describing various features of export diversification in two dimensions using the unweighted and the study’s own weighted approach to values. It is shown by the analysis that the EU has achieved the greatest long-term export diversification for both product and territorial diversification. The BRICS countries have increased their export position in the world economy through the intensive and extensive margin, but from the perspective of the Herfindahl–Hirschman index of diversification, they have experienced very different developments of product and territorial diversification.
Basalt Intrusions in Palaeokarst Caves in the Central Lessini Mountains (Venetian Prealps, Italy)

The Lessini Mountains carbonate plateau (Venetian Prealps, Italy) is one of the most important karst areas in Italy. Along with alpine-type caves and well-developed karst landscapes, palaeokarst features are also common. In most cases, palaeokarst is represented by caves and fissures filled by limonitic-haematitic palaeosols (ochres) in which fossiliferous arenite layers are sometimes embedded. These features developed and fossilised during a late Eocene-middle Miocene phase of emersion. Between the Palaeocene and the Oligocene, over a time span partially overlapping the development of palaeokarst, basaltic volcanism took place in the Lessini Mountains. Along with ochre fills, cave passages that were intruded by basalt provide further evidence that a well developed karst network existed in the Lessini Mountains area in the middle-late Palaeogene. Moreover, basalt intrusions provide the only available data for the dating of palaeokarst in the central Lessini Mountains, where fossiliferous layers in ochre beds have not been found. We have started a new survey on palaeokarst in the Lessini plateau, with the aim of identifying ancient features on the basis of unusual fills (namely, ochre and basalt) and morphologies. New instances of basalt intrusions in three caves, Spigola di Canova, Covoli di Velo, and Covolo della Croce, have been recognised; evidence of pre-existing karst features filled by basalt in a previously studied cave (Grotta A Veja) has been identified, and an unusual basalt outcrop that might relate to palaeokarst has also been observed. This paper aims to document the new findings and to discuss previous ones. At the same time, we would like to point out some cautionary observations to prevent a “basalt = palaeokarst” misunderstanding. Key words: palaeokarst, basalt intrusion, cave fills, Lessini Mountains.
Comparative Assessment of Direct Drive High Temperature Superconducting Generators in Multi-Megawatt Class Wind Turbines

This paper summarizes the work completed under the CRADA between NREL and American Superconductor (AMSC). The CRADA combined NREL and AMSC resources to benchmark high temperature superconducting direct drive (HTSDD) generator technology by integrating the technologies into a conceptual wind turbine design, and comparing the design to geared drive and permanent magnet direct drive (PMDD) wind turbine configurations. Analysis was accomplished by upgrading the NREL Wind Turbine Design Cost and Scaling Model to represent geared and PMDD turbines at machine ratings up to 10 MW and then comparing cost and mass figures of AMSC's HTSDD wind turbine designs to theoretical geared and PMDD turbine designs at 3.1, 6, and 10 MW sizes. Based on the cost and performance data supplied by AMSC, HTSDD technology has good potential to compete successfully as an alternative technology to PMDD and geared technology turbines in the multi megawatt classes. In addition, data suggests the economics of HTSDD turbines improve with increasing size, although several uncertainties remain for all machines in the 6 to 10 MW class.
Protein Molecular Structures, Protein SubFractions, and Protein Availability Affected by Heat Processing: A Review

The utilization and availability of protein depended on the types of protein and their specific susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis (inhibitory activities) in the gastrointestine and was highly associated with protein molecular structures. Studying internal protein structure and protein subfraction profiles leaded to an understanding of the components that make up a whole protein. An understanding of the molecular structure of the whole protein was often vital to understanding its digestive behavior and nutritive value in animals. In this review, recently obtained information on protein molecular structural effects of heat processing was reviewed, in relation to protein characteristics affecting digestive behavior and nutrient utilization and availability. The emphasis of this review was on (1) using the newly advanced synchrotron technology (S-FTIR) as a novel approach to reveal protein molecular chemistry affected by heat processing within intact plant tissues; (2) revealing the effects of heat processing on the profile changes of protein subfractions associated with digestive behaviors and kinetics manipulated by heat processing; (3) prediction of the changes of protein availability and supply after heat processing, using the advanced DVE/OEB and NRC-2001 models, and (4) obtaining information on optimal processing conditions of protein as intestinal protein source to achieve target values for potential high net absorbable protein in the small intestine. The information described in this article may give better insight in the mechanisms involved and the intrinsic protein molecular structural changes occurring upon processing.
Communication strategies to address geohydrological risks: the POLARIS web initiative in Italy

Abstract. Floods and landslides are common phenomena that cause serious damage and pose a severe threat to the population of Italy. The social and economic impact of floods and landslides in Italy is severe, and strategies to target the mitigation of the effects of these phenomena are needed. In the last few years, the scientific community has started to use web technology to communicate information on geohydrological hazards and the associated risks. However, the communication is often targeted at technical experts. In the attempt to communicate relevant information on geohydrological hazards with potential human consequences to a broader audience, we designed the POpoLazione A RISchio (POLARIS) website. POLARIS publishes accurate information on geohydrological risk to the population of Italy, including periodic reports on landslide and flood risk, analyses of specific damaging events and blog posts on landslide and flood events. By monitoring the access to POLARIS in the 21-month period between January 2014 and October 2015, we found that access increased during particularly damaging geohydrological events and immediately after the website was advertised by press releases. POLARIS demonstrates that the scientific community can implement suitable communication strategies that address different societal audiences, exploiting the role of mass media and social media. The strategies can help multiple audiences understand how risks can be reduced through appropriate measures and behaviours, contributing to increasing the resilience of the population to geohydrological risk.
Natural iron enrichment around the Antarctic Peninsula in the Southern Ocean

Abstract. As part of the US-AMLR program in January-February of 2006, 99 stations in the South Shetland Islands-Antarctic Peninsula region were sampled to understand the variability in hydrographic and biological properties related to the abundance and distribution of krill in this area. Concentrations of dissolved iron (DFe) and total acid-leachable iron (TaLFe) were measured in the upper 150 m at 16 of these stations (both coastal and pelagic waters) to better resolve the factors limiting primary production in this area and in downstream waters of the Scotia Sea. The concentrations of DFe and TaLFe in the upper mixed layer (UML) were relatively high in Weddell Sea Shelf Waters (~0.6 nM and 15 nM, respectively) and low in Drake Passage waters (~0.2 nM and 0.9 nM, respectively). In the Bransfield Strait, representing a mixture of waters from the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), concentrations of DFe were ~0.4 nM and of TaLFe ~1.7 nM. The highest concentrations of DFe and TaLFe in the UML were found at shallow coastal stations close to Livingston Island (~1.6 nM and 100 nM, respectively). The ratio of TaLFe:DFe varied with the distance to land: ~45 at the shallow coastal stations, ~15 in the high-salinity waters of Bransfield Strait, and ~4 in ACC waters. Concentrations of DFe increased slightly with depth in the water column, while that of TaLFe did not show any consistent trend with depth. Our Fe data are discussed in regard to the hydrography and water circulation patterns in the study area, and with the hypothesis that the relatively high rates of primary production in the central regions of the Scotia Sea are partially sustained by natural iron enrichment resulting from a northeasterly flow of iron-rich coastal waters originating in the South Shetland Islands-Antarctic Peninsula region.
Strategic Investment in an Industry with a Competitive Product Market

THIS PAPER explores the scope for, and effect of, strategic behaviour by firms in an industry where the product market is "competitive" in the usual sense that firms are effectively price-takers. Traditionally the literature on imperfect competition has concentrated on the product market, employing the notions of the Cournot equilibrium or monopolistic competition. The model presented shows that even if firms are unable to obtain any such market power in the product market, they can still influence the market outcome through investment behaviour which determines their actual cost structure. The ability of firms to thus influence the market outcome is directly related to their market share. This is a result which is not only of theoretical interest. It is sometimes argued that for some industries concentration does not lead to welfare loss because the mnarket may be competitive even with only a few producers (see Fisher et al. [I983, pp. 24-25] for the U.S. computer industry and I.B.M.). The message of this paper is that even in such competitive industries concentration still matters since firms can still behave strategically with factors such as investment and R&D. This paper considers a model of strategic investment in the context of a two stage dynamic equilibrium with two factors of production, capital and labour. In the first "strategic" stage, firms choose their capital stocks. In the second "market" stage the capital stocks are fixed, and a competitive equilibrium occurs. The two stages of the model can be seen as capturing the distinction between the long run and the short run. The equilibrium rests on the reasonable assumption that the capital decisions of firms are irreversible in the market stage. We are thus implicitly assuming that there is no rental market for capital. In the competitive market stage the price equates supply with demand. In essence, the choice of the capital stock in the strategic stage determines the supply function that the firm has in the market stage. Thus firms are able to influence the market equilibrium to their favour through their choice of capital stock. The resultant equilibrium can be interpreted as a Nash equilibrium in supply functions (see for example Grossman [ I 98 I], Dixon [I 984a]). In evaluating the welfare consequences of the model, it is necessary to realise that the cost structure of the firm is endogenous. The choice of capital
Glass formation and unusual hygroscopic growth of iodic acid solution droplets with relevance for iodine mediated particle formation in the marine boundary layer

Abstract. Iodine oxide particles are known to nucleate in the marine boundary layer where gas phase molecular iodine and organoiodine species are produced by macroalgae. These ultra-fine particles may then grow through the condensation of other materials to sizes where they may serve as cloud condensation nuclei. There has been some debate over the chemical identity of the initially nucleated particles. In laboratory simulations, hygroscopic measurements have been used to infer that they are composed of insoluble I 2 O 4 , while elemental analysis of laboratory generated particles suggests soluble I 2 O 5 or its hydrated form iodic acid, HIO 3 (I 2 O 5 ·H 2 O). In this paper we explore the response of super-micron sized aqueous iodic acid solution droplets to varying humidity using both Raman microscopy and single particle electrodynamic traps. These measurements reveal that the propensity of an iodic acid solution droplet to crystallise is negligible on drying to ~0% relative humidity (RH). On applying mechanical pressure to these droplets they shatter in a manner consistent with an ultra-viscous liquid or a brittle glass. Water retention in amorphous material at low RH is important for understanding the hygroscopic growth of aerosol particles and uptake of other condensable material. Subsequent water uptake between 10 and 20% RH causes their viscosity to reduce sufficiently that the cracked droplets flow and merge. The persistence of iodic acid solution in an amorphous state, rather than a crystalline state, suggests they will more readily accommodate other condensable material and are therefore more likely to grow to sizes where they may serve as cloud condensation nuclei. On increasing the humidity to ~90% the mass of the droplets only increases by ~20% with a corresponding increase in radius of only 6%, which is remarkably small for a highly soluble material. We suggest that the small growth factor of aqueous iodic acid solution droplets is consistent with the small aerosol growth factors observed in previous experiments.