Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hotels’ experience of green environment management and innovation performance: stewardship of multiple green drivers

Drawing on underpinning theories, this study conceptually develops a model helping organizations to transform green strategic mechanisms into a higher hotel’s green process innovation performance (GPIP). Using a multi-source survey, the study collected data from 401 respondents in hotels (e.g. 213 CEOs and 188 managing directors/general managers, 198 front-desk managers and 203 production managers). PLS-SEM was used to run regression analysis. The results support that green creativity (GC) is the top among five mediating green drivers, e.g. green organizational identity (GOI), green human capital (GHC), green organizational capital (GOC), and green relational capital (GRC) that strongly supports green strategic intent (GSI) to translate environment strategies into hotel GPIP. Accordingly, GOC highly supports GHC toward the hotel’s GPIP compared to GRC. Green knowledge sharing (GKS) negatively moderates the link between GC and the hotel GPIP, but fails to moderate GOI and the hotel GPIP.
Compensating for Small Body Size: The Reproductive Ecology of Southern Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) Populations

Gradients in environmental conditions across a species' geographic distribution can drive variability in a variety of life history traits. In North American freshwater turtles, both body and clutch size have commonly been shown to vary latitudinally, and these two traits are often directly related, with larger individuals producing larger clutches. We studied the reproductive ecology in two Georgia populations of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) from 2016–2020 by attaching radio transmitters to female turtles during the breeding season. We x-rayed turtles to determine clutch sizes and used thread bobbins to locate nesting locations, allowing us to determine nest fates. Across all Spotted Turtle clutches (n = 41), mean clutch size was 2.1 (range: 1–4) eggs per clutch. Approximately 92% of individuals that we monitored produced at least one clutch during the breeding season, and we identified 16 instances of individuals producing more than one clutch in a single year, including six turtles triple clutching during 2018. We located 24 Spotted Turtle nests during the study, nine (37.5%) of which either hatched or partially hatched. The other nests were either depredated (41.7%), did not hatch due to infertility or environmental reasons (8.3%), or had an undetermined fate (12.5%). Our results indicate that annual reproductive output in southern Spotted Turtle populations can exceed that of northern populations where individuals produce a single larger clutch per reproductive season. Finally, opportunistic observations in Florida from 2014–2021 indicated that the reproductive season can begin over a month earlier than in southern Georgia, highlighting the variability in reproductive ecology even across a relatively short latitudinal distance.
Impact of Car-Sharing and Ridesourcing on Public Transport Use: Attitudes, Preferences, and Future Intentions Regarding Sustainable Urban Mobility in the Post-Soviet City

The impacts of ICT-based mobility services vary in different cities, depending on socioeconomic, urban form, and cultural parameters. The impacts of car-sharing and ridesourcing on public transport have not been investigated appropriately in post-Soviet Union cities. This study presents exploratory evidence on how ridesourcing and car-sharing affect public transport usage in Moscow. Additionally, it studies how demographics, spatial parameters, attitudes, and travel preferences influence the frequency of use of ridesourcing and car-sharing in Moscow. An online mobility survey was conducted at the beginning of 2020 among respondents (sample size is 777) in the Moscow agglomeration. Overall, 66% of ridesourcing users shifted from public transport to these mobility services, which shows the substitutional impact of ridesourcing on public transport. Additionally, the logit model indicates that the regular use of ridesourcing negatively correlates with the regular use of buses/trams/trolleybuses in Moscow. The impact of car-sharing on public transport seems less substitutional and more complementary than the impact of ridesourcing. Overall, 40% of car-sharing users would replace their last car-sharing trip with public transport if car-sharing was unavailable. Moreover, the logit model indicates a positive association between the regular use of car-sharing and the use of buses/trams/trolleybuses. Moreover, the modal split analysis shows a bigger share of public transport use and walking than car use among citizens’ urban journeys in Moscow.
Direct injection of natural gas for diesel engine fueling [Ph.D. thesis]. University of̂ British Columbia; .

Transient turbulent underexpanded jets are formed when natural gas is directly injected, late in the compression stroke, in the combustion chamber of diesel engines. An analysis of gaseous jets, entering a large chamber at high Reynolds number and at sonic nozzle conditions, defines the similarity conditions pertaining to the jet penetration and mixing with the surrounding air. It is shown that the jet penetration varies with (M/pch)1/4 where Mn is the momentum injection rate at the nozzle, pch the chamber gas density and t the time from beginning of injection. This dependency is supported by jet theory and by experimental data. The experimental data, which are also used to confirm the validity of multidimensional simulations, were obtained by schlieren visualization of underexpanded transient methane jets. Autoignition or ignition through pilot fuel combustion of the gaseous jets leads to transient flames whose configuration is affected by the length of the ignition delay. The ignition and combustion of the gaseous jets were studied using a multidimensional model which includes a new ignition scheme reproducing well the temperature dependency of methane autoignition data, a two-step high-temperature kinetic, and an eddy-dissipation turbulent combustion model. The simulations indicate that transient flames penetrate at much the same rate as cold jets, which can be formally shown for autoigniting flames with little or no premixed combustion (earlyignition). The simulations demonstrate that the ignition delay and the nozzle injection rate of the gaseous jets affectsthe proportion of premixed and mixing-limited burning. In the case of pilotignited gaseous jets, it is shown that increasing the interaction between the pilot fuel sprays and the gaseous jets promotes early ignition of the gaseous jets. Results also indicate that injecting the natural gas later than the pilot fuel spray promotes early ignition and complete combustion of the gaseous fuel jet.
Patients’ Perceptions and Outcome Measures after Undergoing the Enhanced Transtheoretical Model Intervention (ETMI) for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Mixed-Method Study

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome measures and perceptions of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) after being treated with the Enhanced Transtheoretical Model Intervention (ETMI). In this process evaluation mixed-methods study, 30 patients with CLBP electronically completed self-reported measures (function, pain, and fear-avoidance beliefs) before and after ETMI treatment. Subsequently, each patient participated in one-on-one, semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Quantitative analysis showed significant improvements in function (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.001), and fear-avoidance beliefs (p < 0.001) after receiving ETMI treatment, with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.234). Moreover, the average number of physiotherapy sessions was 2.6 ± 0.6 for the ETMI intervention, while the annual average number in Maccabi is estimated at 4.1 ± 1.5. Three main themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) communication between the patient and the practitioner; (2) psychosocial treatment elements, and (3) ETMI as a long-term solution for CLBP. The findings of the current study highlight patients’ perceived need for an open and sincere dialogue and for receiving reassurance and encouragement about their LBP. Notably, they had no problem with the fact that they did not receive passive treatment. Accordingly, together with the significant improvement in post-treatment outcome measures, patients perceived the ETMI method as a practical tool for self-managing their back problems in the long term.
Temperature and humidity discrimination in Brillouin distributed fiber optic sensing using machine learning algorithms

In the last few years, the use of machine learning has emerged in the field of distributed fiber optic sensors as a promising approach to enhance their performance and provide new capabilities. In this study, we use machine le arning for simultaneous measurements of temperature and humidity in polyimide (PI)-coated optical fibers based on Brillouin Brillouin optical frequency domain analysis (BOFDA). Different non-linear machine learning algorithms are employed, namely polynomial regression, decision trees and artificial neural networks (ANNs), and their discrimination performance is benchmarked against that of the conventional linear regression. The performance is evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation to ensure that the models are reliable and able to generalize well on new data. We show that nonlinear machine learning algorithms outperform the conventional linear regression and thus could pave the way towards simultaneous cost-effective tempera ture and humidity distributed sensing, which has the potential to find attractive new applications in the field of civil and geotechnical engineering, from structural health monitoring of dikes and bridges to subsea cables and long pipelines corrosion detection.
Behavioral Responses of Green Builders to Discontinuous Certification Schemes

I study behavioral responses to the green building certification system by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (LEED). LEED provides four different certification levels (‘Certified’, ‘Silver’, ‘Gold’, and ‘Platinum’) that are all defined by a threshold. Using micro data on LEED-certified buildings, I document intense bunching of buildings at or slightly above the different cutoffs. This finding is robust to different specifications, observed for different versions of LEED as well as for a comparable building certification system from the UK (the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Using the methods from the public finance literature, which studies bunching responses to ‘kinks’ and ‘notches’ in tax systems (e.g., Chetty et al., 2011; Kleven and Waseem, 2013), I quantify the bunching mass at the threshold. Using cross-sectional variation in bunching across different states of the US, I find a significant negative relationship between the bunching estimators and energy prices.
Reimagining the Future of the Sydney CBD: Reflecting on Covid-19-Driven Changes in Commercial and Residential Property Trends

Covid-19 has led to unprecedented changes in functional structures in our cities. Since the mid-20th century, central business districts (CBDs) worldwide have hosted economic and employment activities, leaving suburbia to home the residential function. However, the global Covid-19 responses have resulted in changes in some urban functions, and it is yet to see if these changes would transpire as temporary or permanent. Some argue that the broad macrogeographical pattern of urbanisation is unlikely to be changed. Still, that significant intra-metropolitan, neighbourhood-level and daily life changes are to become part of the new reality. Thus, this article considered these changes by focusing on property trends in the Sydney CBD to reflect on future trends, urban structures, and associated functions. An evaluative single case study desktop analysis was conducted to investigate commercial vacancy rates and rental prices within the CBD of Sydney (Australia) between 2018 and 2021 to reflect on the Covid-19-drive changes and their implications for urban planners. Findings highlighted that before Covid-19, both residential and commercial markets were growing, with rising rental prices and decreasing vacancy rates. However, commercial vacancies in the CBD have increased, and rental prices have decreased since 2020’s lockdown, stressing the dropping demand for commercial spaces. The residential market experienced a different trend with dropping vacancy rates and increasing rental prices. The data analysed provide an initial understanding of how Covid-19 has impacted the Sydney CBD. It poses some insights into potential future trends and changes in the urban landscape. It highlights the implications that the planning profession should consider in the quest to realise sustainable and resilient cities.
Relation of serum irisin levels to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND Irisin is a newly defined myokine which is induced by exercise, which stimulates white fat cells to have the characteristics of brown adipose tissue cell. It thereby causes thermogenesis, energy and weight loss and improvement in insulin sensitivity. These effects of irisin suggest that it may be associated with obesity, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of serum irisin levels in obese children with NAFLD. A total of 60 pubertal obese adolescents (age range: 11-18 yrs) as well as age and sex matched 28 healthy children were included in the study. Thirty of obese patients had NAFLD. RESULTS The median irisin levels were lower in the obese patients both with and without NAFLD when compared with the control group. NAFLD group had a higher BMI than obese controls, however, the irisin levels were not different between these groups. The irisin levels were negatively correlated with BMI, BMI SDS, waist, hip and arm circumferences, waist/hip ratio, triceps-biceps skinfold thickness and AST, ALT levels in the all study groups. However, it was positively correlated with BMI, BMI SDS and waist and hip circumference in the entire obese group and positively with BMI SDS in the NAFLD subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Consequently, circulating irisin levels are lower in obese adolescents and negatively correlated with body adiposity. In NAFLD patients, it may be related to steatosis and may decrease with liver damage.
Ultra-compact dual-polarised UWB MIMO antenna with meandered feeding lines

An ultra-compact dual-polarised ultra-wideband multi-input multi-output antenna made with a single-shared-radiating element and two meandered feeding lines are proposed. Miniaturisation is achieved by using a combination of techniques, including a resonant stub connected to the ground through which shorts the excessive coupled energy before it reaches the other port and minimises coupling, slots etched in the radiator that also help minimise mutual coupling, while the meandered lines allow to bring the antenna closer to the greatly reduce the overall size of the antenna. Slots etched in the radiator and the use of a stub connected to the ground through, help to minimise the mutual coupling. The formation of orthogonal surface currents provides the necessary dual polarisation. Simulated and measured results demonstrate the wideband impedance matching, low mutual coupling and low envelope correlation coefficient. This antenna has an extremely compact size (22 × 24.3 mm2, including the ground plane) that makes it an excellent candidate for portable and handheld devices.
The Influence of Neck Stiffness, Impact Location, and Angle on Peak Linear Acceleration, Shear Force, and Energy Loading Measures of Hockey Helmet Impacts

Head and brain injuries like concussion affect many hockey players throughout their playing careers. Hockey helmets remain to be the best form of head protection available as they function well to reduce the occurrence of skull fracture by minimizing linear accelerations and force transfer to the head. Currently, among helmet testing protocols and the literature, there is a large focus on peak linear acceleration reduction and the comparison of injury risk across impact conditions relative to linear accelerations felt by the brain. Additionally, gaps exist analyzing how certain impact characteristics like impact angle and neck stiffness influence injury risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence that impact angle, neck stiffness, and impact location have on commonly analyzed variables such as peak linear acceleration and Severity Index, while also analyzing differences in shear force and energy loaded onto the head and neck. The study served to create a model to compute the amount of energy loaded into the system composed of head, neck and helmet and to determine the strength of the relationship between the amounts of energy loaded into the system and the risk of injury estimated by Severity Index values. The study involved an analysis of 18 impacts at different velocities per helmet impact locations using a combination of three neck stiffness and two impact angles. In total, 540 impacts were conducted and analyzed. The findings were analyzed and an interaction effect with a medium effect size was observed between impact angle and impact location when measuring peak linear acceleration, F(8, 510)= 16.174, p< . 005, η 2 = . 113. Also, interaction effects with small effect sizes were determined between impact angle and impact location, F(4, 510)= 11.977, p< . 005, η 2 = . 086, as well as between neck torque and impact angle when measuring the amount of energy loaded onto the system, F(2, 510)=3.700, p= . 025, η 2 = . 014. An interaction effect with a medium effect size was also observed between impact angle and impact location
Use of Urinary Cytokine and Chemokine Levels for Identifying Bladder Conditions and Predicting Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Background: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a condition causing bladder inflammation. Urinary biomarkers have been assessed as suitable for the diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed at investigating the role of urinary biomarkers in identifying bladder conditions and predicting the treatment outcome of IC/BPS. Methods: A total of 309 patients with IC/BPS and 30 controls were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent a comprehensive urological workup of symptoms, pain severity, and cystoscopic hydrodistention findings including maximal bladder capacity (MBC) and glomerulation grade. Urine samples were collected to investigate the levels of urinary cytokines and chemokines. According to MBC and glomerulation grade, patients with IC/BPS were further classified into the Hunner’s IC (HIC) and non-HIC groups. The urinary biomarkers between IC/BPS and control groups and HIC and non-HIC groups were compared. Moreover, the treatment response was graded according to global response assessment (GRA) scores, and urinary biomarker levels were analyzed based on different GRAs. Results: Patients with IC/BPS had significantly high urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, eotaxin, tumor necrosis factor -alpha (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 levels. Significantly higher levels of urinary interleukin-8, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL 10), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, eotaxin, and regulated-on-activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) were noted in HIC than those with non-HIC and controls. Among all biomarkers, TNF-α had the best sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. There was a significant correlation between biomarker levels and GRA. Conclusions: Significantly higher urine cytokines and chemokine levels were found in patients with IC/BPS. Most urinary biomarkers were significantly associated with MBC, glomerulation grade, and treatment outcome.
Initiation and early stage relationship development of University- Industry innovation collaborations: a relationship marketing approach

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Barriers and policy recommendations for developing green buildings from local government perspective: a case study of Ningbo China

ABSTRACT This paper is based on an ongoing research project funded by the World Bank GEF Program, which aims to identify the key barriers to green building development in Ningbo China and suggest policy improvements to the local government. China is undergoing the largest scale of urbanization in history and at an unprecedented pace. The construction and operation of buildings have inevitably brought severe pressures on resource conservation and environmental protection. China has initiated policies, strategies and financial incentive schemes at national level to address these issues. It is also seen that there is a growing interest in recent years at local government level in promoting green buildings. This paper will take a look at the current national policies and targets and then discuss the motivations and opportunities of developing green buildings from a perspective of local governments. Questionnaire surveys and interviews with relevant stakeholders have been conducted in the case study city. Based on the surveys and interviews, the key barriers to developing green buildings in the case study city have been identified, and recommendations for policy change are proposed.
Religious support and psychological functioning in a Polish sample

ABSTRACT Catholicism is the predominant religion in Poland, but formal religious participation has decreased in recent years. Given this decline, we examined the current relevance of religious support (i.e., support perceived from church leaders, fellow Catholics, and God) to psychological functioning among Polish Catholics. We translated the Religious Support Scale (RSS) into Polish and examined two Polish Catholic samples. In Study 1, we examined the Polish RSS’s internal structure via exploratory factor analyses and assessed reliability. Based on favourable results, we examined religious support’s association with psychological functioning, controlling for instrinsic religiousness. Religious support remained significantly associated with psychological well-being after controlling for religiousness. In Study 2, we further supported the Polish RSS’s reliability, factorial validity, and convergent validity. Moreover, religious support remained significantly related to well-being even after controlling social support variance, further suggesting that religious support continues to be relevant among Polish Catholics.