Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the Electrical Conductivity of Aqueous Glycol based ZnO
 Nanofluids

Nanotechnology research has proved sustainable results for a wide range of applications from engineering to medical science. Nanotechnology corresponds to the engineering of materials in nanosize (10m) whose material properties differ from of bulk properties. Nanofluid is one category of applications reported for its use as thermal management in cooling of electronic devices and fuel cell applications. In most literature, electrical conductivity studies were used as a basis to define the stability of nano-suspensions. In the present paper, the electrical conductivity studies of two glycol based nanofluids dispersed with ZnO nanoparticles of 50nm average diameter in the temperature range of 30-55C are reported. ZnO nanoparticles are added to the aqueous glycol base fluid prepared with (30 EG: 70 Water) and (30 PG: 70 Water) composition at a low volume concentration of 0.01 to 0.05%. Correlations are developed using experimental results for each volume concentration to predict electrical conductivity (EC) of nanofluids with temperature. From obtained results, the electrical conductivity of aqueous propylene glycol shows a decrement in EC after adding ZnO nanoparticles (except at 0.04% volume concentration) and vice versa for aqueous ethylene glycol. For aqueous propylene and ethylene glycol nanofluids, electrical conductivity enhancement up to 20% and 12% is obtained at a volume concentration of 0.04% and 0.01% at 55C temperature respectively. The electrical conductivity of both nanofluids increases with increase in temperature at all volume concentrations.
Discussion Papers in Economics

In this paper, we make use of the rapid expansion of short-term rentals in Portugal, based on a policy change in 2014, to estimate the effects on house prices. Using a novel dataset consisting of property transaction data, from 2010 to 2017, for the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto, we causally identify the impact of these reforms through a two-way fixed effects model, at the quarterly level, where we control for property-specific characteristics and location and time fixed effects. The evidence suggests that a one-unit increment in the number of local lodging establishments results in a 0.17% increase in the value of transaction, which is ensured by a set of robustness exercises. Stronger effects are found for properties with four or more bedrooms, owned by citizens outside of the European Union, in the municipality of Porto and at the upper quantiles. We also document a decrease in the number of transactions of new buildings and a positive effect on the value of commercial properties
INTEGRATING FIELD AND LABORATORY APPROACHES FOR RIPPLE DEVELOPMENT IN MIXED SAND–CLAY–EPS

Dyfyniad o'r fersiwn a gyhoeddwyd / Citation for published version (APA): Baas, J. H. , Baker, M. , Malarkey, J., Bass, S. J., Manning, A. J., Hope, J. A. , Peakall, J., Lichtman, I. , Ye, L. , Davies, A. , Parsons, D. R. , Paterson, D. M. , & Thorne, P. D. (2019). Integrating field and laboratory approaches for ripple development in mixed sand-clay-EPS. Sedimentology, 66(7), 2749-2768. https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.12611
Fissionable wave solutions, lump solutions and interactional solutions for the (2 + 1)-dimensional Sawada–Kotera equation

In this paper, we consider fissionable wave solutions and lump solutions for the (2 + 1)-dimensional Sawada–Kotera equation via the Hirota bilinear form and the long wave limit method. We obtain two types of interactional solutions concluding the elastic interaction of a lump and a solitary wave and the elastic-fissionable-coexistence interaction of a lump and an (N – 2)-fissionable wave.
Shape derivatives of boundary integral operators in electromagnetic scattering

We develop the shape derivative analysis of solutions to the problem of scattering of time-harmonic electromagnetic waves by a bounded penetrable obstacle. Since boundary integral equations are a classical tool to solve electromagnetic scattering problems, we study the shape differentiability properties of the standard electromagnetic boundary integral operators. Using Helmholtz decomposition, we can base their analysis on the study of scalar integral operators in standard Sobolev spaces, but we then have to study the Gâteaux differentiability of surface differential operators. We prove that the electromagnetic boundary integral operators are infinitely differentiable without loss of regularity and that the solutions of the scattering problem are infinitely shape differentiable away from the boundary of the obstacle, whereas their derivatives lose regularity on the boundary. We also give a characterization of the first shape derivative as a solution of a new electromagnetic scattering problem.
The Physical Properties of Soils within Major Dumpsites in Abakaliki Urban, Southeastern Nigeria, and Their Implications to Groundwater Contamination

Physical properties of soil such as bulk density, total porosity, gravimetric moisture content, hydraulic conductivity and soil texture can determine its suitability for the purpose of waste disposal. In this work, physical properties of soil that play a role in effluent transportation down ground water was studied. These properties included the bulk density, total porosity, gravimetric moisture content, hydraulic conductivity and soil texture. Three (3) samples were collected from each site at a soil depth of about 0-60 cm using a core sampler attached to a soil auger. Summary of the results from the four Dumpsites shows that they all have sandy texture, high total porosity (Water works 53. 1%, New layout 58.3%, Rice mill site 60.4%, and Iyiokwu 54.2%), high hydraulic conductivity (63.2 cm/hr for Water Works, 125.3 cm/hr for New layout, 47.8 cm/hr for Rice mill and 59.4 cm/hr for lyiokwu), high bulk density (1.24 g/cm 3 for Water Works, 1.11 g/cm 3 for New layout, 1.05 g/cm 3 for Rice mill and 1.21 for Iyiokwu), high affinity for moisture due to their general low moisture content (33.9% for water works, 42.3% for new layout, 38.1% for Rice mill site and 30.6% for Iyiokwu). Hence, all are susceptible to infiltration. However, the higher clay contents ( 307 /1000 for Water Works, 190 /1000 for New layout, 240 /1000 for Rice mill site and 163 /1000 for Iyiokwu) and higher Bulk Densities of the water works and Iyiokwu Dumpsites will cause the sites to have minimal infiltration rate. While the Water Works and the Iyiokwu dumpsites could be retained on the grounds of clay content and bulk density, it is recommended that the New layout and Rice mill dumpsites be relocated to a better site to prevent potential threats to groundwater.
Influence of fires on soils of Berzasca and Moldova Noua forestries (South-West of Romania)

This paper refers to conclusions from the first study of this kind in Romania, which proposed the analysis of forest fire risk in terms of their influence on soils. It presents the results from laboratory studies of soils affected by fires that took place a year before in forestry of Berzasca (44°38'50 "N, 21°56'60" E) and Moldova Noua (44°38'50 "N, 21°39'50" E). There were selected fires which spread over more than 50 ha and whose duration exceded 3 days. The forest fire is a complex phenomenon, which affects the entire ecosystem. Analysing only the impacts on soil, the phenomenon remains sufficiently complex by the simultaneous presence of two components of fire: heat contribution and ash layer. These two components affect in different ways the various categories of soils. The consequences of fires on soil are determined by moisture quantity that it contains and by the presence of organic matter. They can be affected by a loss of mineral elements such as nitrogen, but the main problem is the degradation of plant mass. This can be the origin of soil erosion. Several elements of impact on soil's condition have been identified: physical and chemical properties, properties of the nutrients, soil temperature and soil biota.
Estimating the Long-Run Impact of Forest Fires on the Eucalyptus Timber Supply in Galicia, Spain

Using annual data, we have estimated the timber harvest of eucalyptus in the region of Galicia (Spain). The explanatory variables considered were price, pulp exports, and salvage timber. The latter variable was used as a proxy for forest fires. The problems related to spurious regression were addressed by applying the bounds testing approach to cointegration, and confidence intervals were constructed using the bootstrap technique. The results indicate that pulp exports have a positive effect on the harvested timber volume. Moreover, we find that salvage timber positively affects the timber supply. This result indicates that there is no substitution between salvage timber and non-damaged timber. It also suggests that the natural expansion of the eucalyptus in Galicia compensates for the destruction caused by forest fires, avoiding supply shortages. On the other hand, and according to the economic law of supply, the timber price shows a negative effect.
The Effect of Trans-Resveratrol on The Viability of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells.

In vitro models using cell culture are frequently used to investigate cellular effects of trans-resveratrol as it has been shown to possess chemotherapeutic, anti-aging, neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant properties. Since trans-r esveratrol was shown to lower intraocular pressure in oculonormotensive rats and rats with steroid-induced oculohypertension, use of normal and steroid-treated human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) will provide a useful in vitro model for further studies. However, the effect of trans - resveratrol on the viability of HTMC has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study investigated the concentration-and time-dependent effect of trans-resveratrol on viability of HTMCs. HTMCs were treated with trans -resveratrol (3.125-50 µM) for 2, 5 and 7 days in the presence and absence of dexamethasone. The viability was assessed using MTS assay and the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC 50 ) was calculated using a regression analysis. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed when cells were treated with 50 µM trans -resveratrol, both in the presence or absence of dexamethasone. This effect of trans -resveratrol was independent of the duration of treatment. The CC 50 of trans -resveratrol in the presence of dexamethasone was 1.47, 1.60 and 1.47 folds higher compared to that in the absence of dexamethasone. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that incubation of HTMCs with trans - resveratrol up to a concentration of 25 μM does not affect the viability but at 50 µM, it significantly reduces viability both in the presence or absence of dexamethasone. This effect of trans-resveratrol on the viability of HTM cells is dose-dependent but not time-dependent.
OptiqueVQS : a Visual Query System over Ontologies for Industry 1

An important application of semantic technologies in industry has been the formalisation of information models using OWL 2 ontologies and the use of RDF for storing and exchanging application data. Moreover, legacy data can be virtualised as RDF using ontologies following the ontology-based data access (OBDA) approach. In all these applications, it is important to provide domain experts with query formulation tools for expressing their information needs in terms of queries over ontologies. In this work, we present such a tool, OptiqueVQS, which is designed based on our experience with OBDA applications in Statoil and Siemens and on best HCI practices for interdisciplinary engineering environments. OptiqueVQS implements a number of unique techniques distinguishing it from analogous query formulation systems. In particular, it exploits ontology projection techniques to enable graph-based navigation over an ontology during query construction. Secondly, while OptiqueVQS is primarily ontology driven, it exploits sampled data to enhance selection of data values for some data attributes. Finally, OptiqueVQS is built on well-grounded requirements, design rationale, and quality attributes. We evaluated OptiqueVQS with both domain experts and casual users and qualitatively compared our system against prominent visual systems for ontology-driven query formulation and exploration of semantic data. OptiqueVQS is available online and can be downloaded together with an example OBDA scenario.
Evidence of decline for Bufo boreas and Rana luteiventris in and around the northern Great Basin

Revisiting historical sites for patch-associated fauna can provide a relatively fast assessment of species status in a region. Between 2000 and 2003 we repeatedly surveyed historically documented sites for two amphibian species of concern in the northern Great Basin: the western toad (Bufo boreas) and the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris). We estimate that B. boreas occupies 49.5 % (34.1-65.0 %) of 34 Historical sites and that R. luteiventris occupies 52.9 % (43.5-62.3 %) of its 30 Historical sites. B. boreas was more likely to be detected at Historical sites that were human-altered whereas R. luteiventris was more likely to be detected at sites that had deeper water than other sites in our study. B. boreas was detected at three of 41 (7.3 %) Proximal sites (located near Historical sites) whereas R. luteiventris was detected at six of 16 (37.5 %) Proximal sites. B. boreas was detected at one of 187 Randomly selected sites, and R. luteiventris at three sites. Given that the number of Historical sites available for resurveys was small, our results should be interpreted with caution. Moreover, a species can shift its distribution away from Historical sites due to habitat succession or metapopulation dynamics without necessarily declining. We suggest that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that B. boreas and R. luteiventris have declined in and around the northern Great Basin. Comparatively high occupancy of Proximal Sites by R. luteiventris suggests this species may not have declined as much as has B. boreas in our study region.
Role of Atmospheric Indices in Describing Shoreline Variability Along the Atlantic Coast of Europe

Beaches are highly variable environments and respond to changes in wave forcing, themselves modulated by climate variability. Here, we analyze three high‐quality beach profile data sets to robustly investigate, for the first time, the link between shoreline change, wave forcing and climate variability along the Atlantic coast of Europe. Winter wave conditions are strongly associated with North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Western Europe Pressure Anomaly (WEPA), with WEPA explaining 50%–80% of the winter wave power variability. Shoreline variability during winter is also strongly linked to NAO and WEPA, with WEPA explaining 25% of the winter shoreline variability. Winter wave conditions and associated shoreline variability are both unrelated to El Nino Southern Oscillation. In addition to the atmospherically‐forced beach morphological response, shoreline change also depends strongly on the antecedent morphology as evidenced by significant correlations between summer/winter shoreline response and the shoreline position at the start of each season.
Temperature and light.

~ Riparian vegetation shades streams, decreasing the amount of direct and diffuse sunlight reaching the water surface and reducing daily and seasonal extremes of water temperature. ~ Shading controls primary productivity within the stream to a greater extent than nutrient levels, as the growth of most aquatic plants is regulated by light availability. At sites with elevated nutrient levels, shading can therefore control the effect of nutrient enrichment. ~ In cleared streams, water temperature can exceed the lethal limits for aquatic fauna, directly influencing local biodiversity and, at lower temperature levels, the growth and development of aquatic plants and animals. ~ The temperature tolerance of Australian aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna is similar to that measured elsewhere in the world. In temperate systems, a target of 21°C is recommended, and in northern systems, 29°C for stream water temperatures. ~ The degree of shade created by riparian vegetation is influenced by several factors, including canopy height, foliage density, channel width and orientation, valley topography, latitude and season. The effect of shading on the structure and function of stream ecosystems is greatest in small streams. ~ Typically, riparian replanting is best conducted in the upland streams of a catchment, particularly those orientated east-west, as this will have a flow-on effect for temperature in the lower reaches. However, for cooler-water refugia in large rivers, replanting tributaries close to the confluence can have considerable benefits for native fish. ~ Stream shade has three components — macrotopographic shade (provided by nearby hills), bank shade and vegetation shade. Any restoration activities need to recognise the differential effects of these components.
Repositório ISCTE-IUL

BIM (Building Information Modelling) technological push has enabled to integrate the design/construction outcomes of 3D-CAD along the product/service AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) SC (supply chain) through an intelligent DMS (Data Management System) based on standard and interoperable data formats. The proposed end-to-end approach overcomes a typical AEC gap, enables the operationalisation of the sustainable/green building LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and puts together new collaborative relationships with the owner, among SC stakeholders and with new forms of BIM procurement. The outlined collaborative business model is based on the Quality Control and Assurance framework and provides conceptual consistency to the reintroduction of the owner concerns/satisfaction in the SC, as well as enables consistent and accountable relationships between (smart)materials procurement and building specification. An expert ’s focus group carried out a preliminary check of the model ’s interest/applicability, resulting in recommendations for its further detailing and for propositions development into a systematic enquiring process.
Stratigraphy and palaeogeographic position of the Jurassic Czertezik Succession, Pieniny Klippen Belt (western Carpathians) of Poland and eastern Slovakia

Stratygrafia i paleogeograficzna pozycja jurajskiej sukcesji czertezickiej, pieninski pas skalkowy (Karpaty Zachodnie) w Polsce i we wschodniej Slowacji The Czertezik Succession has been closely re-examined in its most classical sections of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (Western Carpathians) in Poland and eastern Slovakia. The study revealed the presence of the “lower nodular limestones” (Niedzica Limestone Formation), and resulted in discovery of Early Bajocian ammonite fauna in grey crinoidal limestones of the Smolegowa Limestone Formation/Flaki Limestone Formation, and the latest Bajocian to Early Bathonian ammonite fauna in the Niedzica Limestone Formation. These new data proved closer similarity between the Czertezik Succession and the Niedzica Succession than between the Czertezik Succession and the Czorsztyn Succession as it was suggested up to now. On the other hand, the Czertezik Succession represents deeper palaeogeographical position within the Pieniny Klippen Basin than the Niedzica Succession and it has been deposited near the Branisko/Kysuca Succession.
BLOCKHOLDING AND BANK PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA

We examine the nexus between blockholding and bank performance in Nigeria given the narrowing size blockholding and absence of institutional mechanisms for effective activism. We employ the system-Generalised Method of Moments (system-GMM) using annual bank-level data from 2007 to 2019 and find evidence of negative relationship between blockholding and the bank performance in Nigeria. The negative effect of blockholding on bank performance could be attributed to the low level of financial sector development, which serves as a disincentive for blockholders to pursue shareholders’ value maximization. This finding brings to the fore, the importance of rethinking policies that would make the voice and exit channels effective, and to insulate blockholders from pursuing personal benefits. Specifically, strengthening external governance laws and enforcement and deepening the Nigerian financial market would eliminate the prohibitive cost of exercising the exit channel to reduce the self-serving behaviour of managers
Lost, a desert river and its native fishes: a historical perspective of the lower Colorado River

Abstract : The Colorado River had one of the most unique fish communities in the world. Seventy-five percent of those species were found nowhere else in the world. Settlement of the lower basin brought dramatic change to both the river and its native fish. Those changes began more than 120 years ago as settlers began stocking nonnative fishes. By 1930, nonnative fish had spread throughout the lower basin and replaced native communities. All resemblance of historic river conditions faded with the construction of Hoover Dam in 1935 and other large water development projects. Today, few remember what the Colorado River was really like. Seven of the nine mainstream fishes are now Federally-protected as endangered. Federal and state agencies are attempting to recover these fish. However, progress has been frustrated due to the severity of human impact. This report represents testimony, old descriptions, and photographs describing the changes that have taken place in hopes that it will provide managers, biologists, and the interested public a better appreciation of the environment that shaped these unique fish.
Volatiles in marine hydrothermal systems

To constrain the sedimentary input into the Loki’s Castle hydrothermal system (AMOR), sediment gravity cores up to 320 cm in depth were obtained from the adjacent rift valley and from the area of hydrothermal venting during four oceanographic expeditions. The sediments that cover parts of the rift valley are derived from the distal parts of the Bear Island sediment fan. The sediments in the near vicinity of the hydrothermal field have negligible continental input and are dominated by volcanic and hydrothermal debris or alteration products. Here we report the mineralogy and carbon geochemistry of the sediments as well as the carbon and sulfur isotope composition of their pore fluids. The rift valley sediments mainly consist of detrital components dominated by quartz, feldspar, mica and clay minerals. The prevalent clay mineral is smectite followed by kaolinite and illite/muscovite. Total organic carbon contents vary between 0.2 and 0.7 % C, with local enrichments of up to 1.5 % C. No hydrothermal signals were found in the rift valley sediment cores obtained as close as 5 km from Loki’s Castle. The most northern core (and furthest from Loki’s Castle) shows the strongest signals for ongoing sulfate reduction processes. The sediments obtained in close vicinity to the Loki’s Castle hydrothermal structures were carbon-poor and are either rich in sulfides or basalt alteration products depending on their position. The sulfide-rich sediments show evidence for ongoing sulfate reduction processes.