Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A REVIEW OF MODELS: VIRTUAL TEAMWORK TRAINING MODEL AND UTAUT

As the demand for virtual teams increases, faculty members should examine various strategies for teaching students to become successful working in virtual teams. By incorporating virtual team learning theory and technology acceptance research, faculty can develop such strategies. An examination of a virtual team learning theory and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is provided. This paper combines virtual team learning literature with technology acceptance research identifying a need for future research to help faculty better understand how to prepare students to work virtually in a global environment.
USING DIGITAL LEARNING OBJECTS (DLOs) FOR STUDENTS - ACHIEVEMENT IN COMPUTER APPRECIATION STUDIES

The use of DLOs for students’ achievement in Computer Appreciation Studies (CAS) was investigated. Quasi experimental design using non-equivalent groups (intact classes) was adopted. Five weeks of experiment guided by two research questions and null hypotheses were observed. Sixty-six students from two technical colleges participated. Data was collected using Computer Appreciation Achievement Test (CAAT) with a reliability index of 0.971. Data was analyzed using Mean and standard deviation, while the null hypotheses was tested using ANCOVA at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed significant increase in the scores of students taught CAS using DLOs irrespective of gender
Analysis of the impact of liquidity on the profitability in the medium and large meat processing enterprises in the Republic of Serbia

Liquidity and profitability are closely related economic categories. The issue of constant balancing between liquidity and profitability, in theory known as "liquidity-profitability trade off", has been the subject of significant interest of the scientific community. There is no consensus on the direction of the impact of liquidity on profitability, but the existence of this impact in practice is confirmed. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of liquidity on profitability, based on selected traditional financial indicators, for medium and large enterprises in the group of processing and preserving of meat and meat products of the Republic of Serbia, in the period 2016 to 2019. The findings of a multiple linear regression analysis, show that the ratio of long-term sources and fixed assets in the group of processing and preserving of meat and meat products makes a statistically significant contribution predicting the return on assets.
Harnessing techniques and work performance of draft horses in Ethiopia

A study was carried out to select suitable harnesses for horses and to generate indicative data on draft performance of horses. Three types of harness were used: collar harness, breastband harness and local neck yoke modified for a single horse. The weight of the horse used was 275 kg. A sledge-type loading device was used to apply three levels of pull: 25%, 30% and 35% of the body weight of the horse. The study was carried out on an oval test track. Data were collected on pull exerted, speed of work and on changes in body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate of the horse. The collar harness was found to be the most suitable. It offered more contact area for efficient utilisation of the strength of the horse and performed better in terms of speed, energy and power output compared to breastband and yoke harnesses. The average working speed of the horse was 0.75 to 1.07 m/s for the collar harness,which is higher than that of Ethiopian oxen (0.4 to 0.5 m/s). With this range of speed the horse was able to generate up to 25 to 35% of its body weight (275 kg),which is 68 to 96 kgf. The working speed of the horse while pulling a maresha ard plow was 0.86 m/s and the actual field capacity was 0.1 ha/h.
A Multitransmission Event-Based Architecture for Energy-Efficient Autotuning Wireless Controls

We propose a periodic event-based control scheme in which, when the sensor triggers an event, also past and subsequent values of the controlled variable are transmitted. We employ this idea to obtain a stability condition independent of the used event-triggering mechanism. In turn, we exploit this independence to devise a methodology for extending existing controller (auto)tuning rules to the event-based setting and provide an example with the internal model control PID (IMC-PID) rule. We then abstract the functionalities that a wireless sensor node has to offer for implementing our scheme and finally present such a node, physically realized in a completely hardware-based form to the advantage of both energy efficiency and security. Simulations results and experiments with the so-obtained control architecture (wireless sensor node plus event-based IMC-PID) are reported.
Adoption of just-in-time manufacturing methods at US- and Japanese-owned plants: some empirical evidence

Since the early 1980s, when Japanese manufacturing firms in a number of industries-including auto, electronics, and machinery-achieved high levels of international competitiveness, Japanese manufacturing practices-particularly those associated with just-in-time manufacturing (JIT)-have attracted considerable attention in North America. Transfer to the United States of JIT is characterized by special production management practices involving inventory and quality control, industrial relations, and supplier-manufacturer relationships. Because so many different aspects of plant operation are involved, the transfer of JIT requires a substantial effort on the part of US manufacturers. Despite this barrier, anecdotal evidence suggests that substantial transfer of Japanese production methods has taken place and that this transfer has had a significant impact on the performance of US manufacturing plants. However, there is little empirical evidence of this process that is based on broad samples of plants and workers from various manufacturing industries. The purpose of this paper is to help fill this gap in the literature. Using a sample of US and Japanese-owned manufacturing plants in the United States in three different industries, we show that the implementation of JIT has improved many of the performance measures for these US manufacturing plants.
Object displays and control of dynamic systems

Abstract Recent work has suggested that for some tasks, graphical displays which visually integrate information from more than one source offer an advantage over more traditional displays which present the same information in a separated format. Three experiments are described which investigate this claim using a task which requires subjects to control a dynamic system. In the first experiment, the integrated display is compared to two separated displays, one an animated mimic diagram, the other an alphanumeric display. The integrated display is shown to support better performance in a control task, but experiment 2 shows that part of this advantage may be due to its analogue nature. Experiment 3 considers performance on a fault detection task, and shows no difference between the integrated and separated displays. The paper concludes that previous claims made for integrated displays may not generalize from monitoring to control tasks.
Energy matrices analysis of hybrid PVT greenhouse dryer by considering various silicon and non-silicon PV modules

In this paper, a study was carried out to evaluate the annual thermal and exergy performance of hybrid photovoltaic-thermal greenhouse dryer, located at IIT Delhi, India by considering various silicon and non-silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) modules namely mono crystalline silicon (c-Si), multi crystalline silicon (mc-Si), nano crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, Cadmium Telluride and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide. The annual net electrical energy savings for these modules for a, b, c and d type weather conditions for New Delhi has been calculated. Embodied energy and annual energy outputs have been used for evaluation of energy matrices such as energy payback time, electricity production factor (EPF) and life cycle conversion efficiency (LCCE) of the system. The results also showed that EPF, LCCE, CO 2 mitigations and carbon credits earned, were maximum for c-Si-type PV module, and hence it was recommended for the proposed system.
Impact of Stormwater Pipe Lining Materials on Water Quality

Many stormwater pipes and culverts have reached the end of their service lives, and their repair or replacement is a large maintenance concern. Many commonly used culvert rehabilitation technologies entail the use of a resin or coating that cures to form a rigid liner within the damaged culvert. However, water quality implications of these trench-less alternatives are not completely understood. A previous evaluation conducted by the Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research, a division of the Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT), discovered that installations of conventional (styrene-based) cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) can affect water quality. These findings led the Virginia DOT and other agencies to develop rigorous specifications to limit water quality impacts. The purpose of the present study was to determine the water quality impacts caused by vinyl ester–based CIPP and ultraviolet CIPP technologies as well as cementitious and polyurea spray-on liners. Water quality monitoring was conducted at several field installation sites, and specimens of certain newly installed liners underwent laboratory testing. Water samples were analyzed for specific contaminants (i.e., styrene, vinylic monomer) as well as general water quality indicators (i.e., pH, organic carbon). Results indicated that contaminants were released from each material, but results were not similar across the three test methods applied. Water flow, dilution, and contaminant volatilization seemed to affect water quality results. Recommended specifications include protective controls to prevent water quality standards and aquatic toxicity threshold exceedances, particularly for those receiving waters with low flow and little dilution potential.
Extensive Development of the Loop Heat Pipe Technology

The development of LHPs for space applications have shown the possibility of using them in several ground applications, such as water heating systems, electronics cooling, etc. Some issues related to the use of LHPs rely on their design and development depending on the required use. In this case, the most indicated configuration for their reliable operation will depend on the correct selection of working fluid, materials and configuration regarding the maximum heat management requirement. This paper presents what has been developed in this institute regarding the LHP technology, which includes devices for electronics cooling operating at its classical design (one evaporator and condenser), reversible, ramified and miniature LHPs. The results obtained have shown the great potential in using LHPs as passive thermal control devices. Continuous development have shown that the LHPs can promote a reliable control of the heat source temperature within the required designed limits, even when considering the issue of miniaturizing these devices.
A remark on the existence of positive radial solutions to a Hessian system

We give new conditions for the study of existence of positive radial solutions for a system involving the Hessian operator. The solutions to be obtained are given by successive-approximation. Our interest is to improve the works that deal with such systems at the present and to give future directions of research related to this work for researchers.
Application of an Object-Oriented CFD Code to Heat Transfer Analysis

This paper is aimed at showing the performances obtained with an open-source CFD code for heat transfer predictions after the addiction of specific modules. The development steps to make this code suitable for such simulations are described in order to point out its potentiality as a customizable CFD tool, appropriate for both academic and industrial research. The C++ library, named OpenFOAM, offers specific class and polyhedral finite volume operators thought for continuum mechanics simulations as well as built-in solvers and utilities. To make it robust, fast and reliable for RANS heat transfer predictions it was indeed necessary to implement additional submodules. The package coded by the authors within the OpenFOAM environment includes a suitable algorithm for compressible steady-state analysis. A SIMPLE like algorithm was specifically developed to extend the operability field to a wider range of Mach numbers. A set of Low-Reynolds eddy-viscosity turbulence models, chosen amongst the best performing in wall bounded flows, were developed. In addition an algebraic anisotropic correction, to increase jets lateral spreading, and an automatic wall treatment, to obtain mesh independence, were added. The results presented cover several types of flows amongst the most typical for turbomachinery and combustor gas turbine cooling devices. Impinging jets were investigated as well as film and effusion cooling flows, both in single and multi-hole configuration. Numerical predictions for wall effectiveness and wall heat transfer coefficient were tested against standard literature and in-house set-up experimental results. The numerical predictions obtained proves to be in-line with the equivalent models of commercial CFD packages obtaining a general good agreement with the experimental results. Moreover during the tests OpenFOAM code has shown a good accuracy and robustness, as well as an high flexibility in the implementation of user-defined submodules.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effect of Cooperative Learning Strategy on Upper Basic Education II Students’ Performance and Interest in Basic Science and Technology in Benue State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of cooperative learning strategy on Upper Basic Education II (UBE II) students’ performance and interest in Basic science and Technology in Benue State. A pretest post-test control group, non-equivalent quasi-experimental design was used for the study. The sample of 425 students was drawn from the population of 993 Upper Basic Education II students from Makurdi Local Government. Intact classes were randomly selected and assigned to experimental and control groups. Basic Science and Technology Performance Test (BSTPT) and Basic Science and Technology Interest Scale (BSTIS) researcher-design instrument were used for data collection. The two instruments BSTPT and BSTIS items were subjected to face and content validation. The reliability of the instruments was established using Kudar-Richarson formula 20 (K-R20) and Cronbach Alpha. The reliability coefficients of the instruments were found to be 0.78 and 0.79 respectively. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings of the study revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean performance and mean interest scores of students taught Basic science and Technology using cooperative learning strategy and those taught using lecture method (F (1,422) = 640.728, p<0.05) and (F(1,422) = 1063.49, p<0.05). The findings also revealed that there is significant difference in the mean performance scores of male and female students taught Basic science and Technology using cooperative learning strategy in favor of the female students (F(1,209) = 2.517, p>0.05). The study also revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean interest scores of male and female students taught Basic science and Technology using cooperative learning strategy (F(1,209) = 15.94, p<0.05). Based on the findings, it was recommended that cooperative learning strategy should be used in teaching Basic Science and Technology at Upper Basic Education and science in general.
Track Modulus Analysis of Railway Track System Using Finite Element Model

With the development of ever faster trains, the problem of excessive ground vibrations has increased. Dealing with ground vibration from surface and underground trains is a challenging issue for the railway industry. In the present work, the analysis of a typical Indian railway track system has been done with special emphasis on “track modulus” for Prestressed Concrete (PSC) sleepers and Wooden (WOOD) sleepers. The track consists of two rails of standard length, rail pads and sleepers with constant sleeper spacing, ballast and subgrade covering the length of the rails as per the Indian Railways standards. Finite Element models have been developed for computer simulation of the dynamic behaviour of the railway track system for 52PSC, 60PSC, 52WOOD and 60WOOD track. In this model, subgrade, ballast and rail pad parameters have been considered for parametric analysis of the track modulus. Finally the track system is excited harmonically over a range of frequencies to predict the dynamic variation in the track modulus.
THE EFFECT OF SOWING DATE ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS AND SEED QUALITY OF CORN (Zea mays L.)

The seed yield of corn (Zea mays L.) consists of different proportional contributions of the effective factor in all growth stages from emergence to maturity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two sowing dates on agronomic and seed quality traits such as oil, protein and starch content of three commercial corn cultivars (31G98, NK-Arma and Aveline). Experiments were carried out at two different sowing dates (30 of April and 26 of May) one month between sowing dates in the Aegean region of Turkey during 2012 and 2013 summer growth periods. The experiment was a randomized block design with three replications. The results of this study showed that sowing date had statistically effected on thousand seed weight, the seed number in corncob, corncob length, seed yield, ash, oil, protein, starch contents of corn seed. In particular, it was revealed that thousand seed weight, the seed number in corncob, corncob length, seed yield, protein, ash and oil contents of seed were decreased with the delaying sowing date due to decreasing the time of growth period and seed filling. On the other hand, starch content of seed was increased by delaying sowing date in both years. The highest seed yield was obtained from Aveline corn cultivar in late sowing date in both years because of having high thousand seed weight. The percentage of decreased in terms of protein was to highest in Aveline cultivar with the delaying sowing date. It was suggested that eventough the Aegean climate has a long growing period and is a suitable environment for second crop corn growth, the selection of cultivar is very important to grown in terms of seed yield in late sowing date because of the fact that plant can be exposed to inappropriate excessive temperature during the vegetative period in late sowing date in Aegean region.
COVID-19 CRISIS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM’S RESPONSE IN SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN ECONOMIES: A CAS FRAMEWORK

The global COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the world in 2020 and it has been recognized as the biggest stress test in the history of the European Union. The pandemic is inflicting high and rising human costs worldwide, and the necessary protection measures are severely impacting economic activity. As a result of the pandemic, the global economy had been projected to contract sharply by –3 percent in 2020, which is much worse than during the 2008– 09 Global financial crisis. In these difficult and challenging times, countries and societies need to adapt to the new situation while minimizing the negative social and economic implications. This paper discusses how different governments in the South East Europe region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) have managed and dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. A review of the current literature on COVID-19 is conducted. This paper should enable a better understanding of how different governments have faced the pandemic and how and to which extent they facilitated a proactive and timely approach towards crisis management. The objective of this study is to theorize a CAS (Complex Adaptive System) framework to evaluate the prevention, preparedness, response and crisis management and strategies used during the pandemic and assess the steps taken so far by the selected Southeast European transitional countries for tackling the COVID-19 crisis up to September 2020.
Effect of processing equipment and duration of storage of palm fruits on palm oil yield and quality in the Kwaebibrem District, Ghana

We carried out a study in the Kwaebibrim District in the Eastern Region of Ghana to investigate the type of processing equipment and processing practices being used among small scale palm oil processors and their effects on yield and quality of crude palm oil produced. Questionnaire survey, focus group discussions and participant observations were used to collect data on the processing equipment and practices being used by the small-scale processors. The major processing practice identified to have a major effect on quality of processed palm oil was duration of storage of palm fruits before processing. Three categories of processing equipment were identified; digester screw press, hand-operated screw press and digester with separate hand-operated hydraulic press. These three equipment were used to process palm fruits stored for 6 and 15 days after harvest to determine their effect on oil extraction rate and oil quality. The digester screw press had the highest extraction rate and oil yield of 13.5 and 25.5% respectively while the digester with separate hand-operated screw press had the lowest extraction rate and oil yield of 11.7 and 22.1% respectively. The two durations of storage of palm fruits before processing however did not have any significant effect on the extraction rate. However, both the processing equipment and storage durations had significant (P<0.05) effect on the resultant quality of crude palm oil processed. The study suggests the need to avoid storing palm fruits before processing in order to produce high quality crude palm oil.
Soil‐Hydrological Responses to Rainfall Variation in a Subtropical Australian Landscape

Reliable water supply for farming is a global concern, including the Lockyer Valley region, Australia. Knowledge of rainfall variation and resulting irrigation demand and deep drainage can improve crop water use and minimize salinity. Therefore, we modelled irrigation demand and deep drainage for different land‐use types of the Lockyer Valley and classified them according to rainfall. During the periods of extremely low rainfall (mean = 468 mm yr‐1), deep drainage fell by 35–239 mm yr‐1, whereas irrigation demand rose by 160–310 mm yr‐1, relative to extremely high rainfall (1138 mm yr‐1). With all land‐use types, deep drainage rose with water input, but it was consistent in the order (mean, mm yr‐1): lucerne (8–11), native grass (13), sorghum–wheat sequence (37–64), bare fallow (169) and sweetcorn–broccoli–bean sequence (225). Decadal trends in irrigation demand and deep drainage signalled a raising future irrigation demand; and in turn potential deep drainage risks if irrigation is not managed wisely. These findings will have broader implications for crop and environment management under rainfall variation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.