Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TiO2@MOF Photocatalyst for the Synergetic Oxidation of Microcystin-LR and Reduction of Cr(VI) in Aqueous Media

The coexistence of pollutants presents a great challenge to the implementation of photocatalysts. In this work, a novel MIL-101(Fe)/TiO2 composite prepared by in situ growth of MIL-101(Fe) on TiO2 was developed for the synergetic oxidation of MC-LR and Cr(VI) reduction. The heterojunction material shows elevated photocatalytic behavior under ultraviolet compared with the unary pollutant system. Furthermore, quenching experiments and electron spin resonance confirm that the enhanced photodegradation behavior is related to the synergistic effect between the photocatalytic reduction and oxidation process, in which MC-LR consumes the holes and Cr(VI) captures electrons, followed by efficient charge separation through the conventional double-transfer mechanism between MIL-101(Fe) and TiO2. This investigation provides a deeper understanding of the construction of MOFs/semiconductor heterojunctions for the pollutants removal in multi-component contaminants system.
Protogynous dichogamy, leaf morphology and leaf essential oil composition of selected Cinnamomum species in Sri Lanka

Wild relatives of cultivated cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) are underutilized and endangered in Sri Lanka. There is a lack of knowledge on wild relatives of cinnamon, hampering their utilization in breeding and industry. Morphology, floral behaviour and leaf essential oil composition of selected wild relatives were determined under ex-situ conservation in Dalpitiya, Sri Lanka. Floral cycles were determined in Cinnamomum dubium Nees (Cd) and Cinnamomum litsaeifolium Thwaites (Cl) along with Cinnamomum verum (Cv) variety Sri Gemunu (SG). Cl and SG belonged to type A, while Cd was type B of protogynous dichogamy. Partial overlapping of male and female phases in types A and B may lead to self-pollination. Leaf morphological characters varied among species. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry revealed 34, 34, 12, 48, 8 and 18 chemical compounds from Cinnamomum capparu-coronde Blume (Cc), Cd, Cl (1), Cl (2), SG and variety Sri Wijaya (SW) respectively. The highest abundant chemical compound in leaf oil varied as Eugenol in Cc, SG and SW (33.11%, 82.11% and 90.80% respectively), Methyl eugenol in Cl (1) (59.27%), Eucaliptol in Cd (51.19%) and Linalool in Cl (2) (30.93%). The above variation of wild cinnamon provides insights on future cinnamon breeding and industry.
Modeling Driver Behavior and Safety on Freeway Merging Areas

Access to freeways is provided through interchanges to maintain the design concept of uninterrupted traffic flow. Therefore, provision of an appropriate entrance ramp and acceleration lane geometry that allows the entering vehicle to accelerate to a speed closer to the through lane speed is important for comfortable and safe merging maneuvers. In this paper, speed and traffic data were collected from 23 merging sites on Highway 417 located within the City of Ottawa, Canada, to study the traffic behavior at freeway merge areas. Analysis of traffic behavior showed that merging speed depends on both ramp and speed-change lane (SCL) geometrics. Lower merging speed was shown to be associated with higher collisions on the acceleration lanes. Right lane traffic volume and merging speed of entering vehicles were shown to significantly affect right lane speed along the acceleration lane. In addition, several statistically significant models were developed for the prediction of 85th percentile passenger car right lane speed, merging speed, merging distance, and acceleration on the SCL. A safety performance model was also developed to relate the total number of collisions on the acceleration SCL to the features of the merge area including the merging speed.
Fracture analysis of AA6061-graphite composite for the application of helicopter rotor blade

The main objective of the work is to study the fracture behavior of AA6061-graphite material using both experimental technique and finite element simulation by considering helicopter rotor blade as a case study. From the case study, it has been observed that the helicopter rotor blade, made of AA6061, has been failed at the threaded portion of the hole. Experimental fracture toughness is carried out using the compact tension specimens as per ASTM standard testing procedure. Modeling of compact tension specimens and the threaded portion of the bolt hole was utilized to analyze the fracture toughness using a simulation tool. From the results and the comparison, it is recommended to use AA6061-9wt% graphite material as a replacement of AA6061 in the application of main rotor blades of the helicopter.
Luxury Brands: awareness and image and its influence on loyalty and engagement

This work is based on the concept of Brand Equity in the luxury sector. It analyzes the relationships between Awareness, Image and Loyaty, including Engagement in its relationship with commented variables. A theoretical model was specified and tested by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Hypothesis have been tested running a structural equations model. Each hypothesis has resulted to be significant. The model had a good fit to the data. The conclusions obtained from the analysis of the data allow us to describe the effects that occur between the variables, being important for their management so that managers of the luxury companies can increase the value of their brands.
Experimental evaluation of active flow control mixed-flow turbine for automotive turbocharger application

In the current paper we introduce an innovative new concept in turbochargers-that of using active control at the turbine inlet with the aim of harnessing the highly dynamic exhaust gas pulse energy emanating at high frequency from an internal combustion engine, in order to increase the engine power output and reduce its exhaust emissions. Driven by the need to comply to increasingly strict emissions regulations as well as continually striving for better overall performance, the active control turbocharger is intended to provide a significant improvement over the current state of the art in turbocharging: the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). The technology consists of a system and method of operation, which regulate the inlet area to a turbocharger inlet, according to each period of engine exhaust gas pulse pressure fluctuation, thereby actively adapting to the characteristics of the high frequency, highly dynamic flow, thus taking advantage of the highly dynamic energy levels existent through each pulse, which the current systems do not take advantage of. In the Active (Flow) Control Turbocharger (ACT) the nozzle is able to adjust the inlet area at the throat of the turbine inlet casing through optimum amplitudes, at variable out-of-phase conditions and at the same frequency as that of the incoming exhaust stream pulses. Thus, the ACT makes better use of the exhaust gas energy of the engine than a conventional VGT. The technology addresses, therefore, for the first time the fundamental problem of the poor generic engine-turbocharger match, since all current state of the art systems in turbocharging are still passive receivers of this highly dynamic flow without being able to provide optimum turbine inlet geometry through each exhaust gas pulse period. The numerical simulation and experimental work presented in this paper concentrates on the potential gain in turbine expansion ratio and eventual power output as well as the corresponding effects on efficiency as a result of operating the turbocharger in its active control mode compared to its operation as a standard VGT.
Cruise Visitor Impressions of the Environment of the Shannon–Erne Waterways System

Abstract This paper examines visitor reactions to a varied inland water environment and the management implications that result. It is based on a survey of cruising on the interlinked systems of Lough Erne, the Shannon–Erne Waterway, and the River Shannon in north-west Ireland. Knowledge of visitors' demands and reactions to water bodies and bankside features is considered vital to the successful management of waterways, particularly in the context of developing a sustainable tourism product that demands the preservation of the integrity of the environment. The study is opportune in that the 1994 reopening of the Shannon–Erne Waterway allows the implementation of safeguards at an early stage of development when scope for influencing the future is greater. The results are useful in providing an insight into what visitors value, so that these can be considered while simultaneously providing for expansion in an economically deprived region. An incomplete understanding of the environmental system is evident in the common assumption that no conflicts exist. Specific considerations for management include the need to preserve the core features of an unspoiled and tranquil rural landscape through careful siting of additional mooring sites and other infrastructural support, and zonation and other restrictions on more intrusive water-sports. Some false perceptions of environmental conditions need countering through provision of information, and a code of practice is required to minimize depletions of fish stocks that provide an important ancillary recreational activity. Present pressures on the natural environment are not great, but may grow following initial good publicity, although much is dependent upon political events in Northern Ireland.
Transient Pig Motion Through Gas and Liquid Pipelines

Simulation of the transient motion of pigs through liquid and gas pipelines is presented. The differential form of the mass and linear momentum equations for compressible liquid and gas flows were solved by a finite difference numerical technique. The fluid flow equations were combined with a linear momentum equation for the pig and a model for bypass flow through the pig. The pig/wall contact forces were simulated by a stick/slip model. The contact forces developed by disk pigs and the pipe wall were predicted by a postbuckling finite element analysis of the discs. Test cases representing typical pigging operations were studied using the numerical model developed. The fluid flow and pig behavior predicted by the model presented a reasonable behavior, and contributed for a better understanding of the pig dynamics through gas and liquid pipelines.
Effect of Short Time Sintering on the Mechanical Properties of Undoped Zirconia Ceramics

Sintering parameters are undoubtedly among the many factors that influence the mechanical properties and hydrothermal ageing resistance of tetragonal zirconia ceramics. In this research, the effect of using short holding times i.e. (1 min., 30 min. and 1 hour) as compared to the conventional 2 hours during sintering of 3 mol% Yttria Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals (3Y-TZP) on the mechanical properties were systematically investigated. The research revealed that holding time of 1 minute and sintered at 1400oC yielded a high relative density (above 95% of theoretical density) and high Young’s modulus (above 180 GPa) without compromising on tetragonal phase stability and mechanical properties. The study also revealed that the bulk density is an important parameter governing the matrix stiffness of 3Y-TZPs and that grain size strongly influences the transformability and consequently, the toughness of 3Y-TZPs. The toughness of the ceramic was observed to increase steeply when grains exceeded 0.52 µm, which has been identified as the critical grain size for toughening.
Pavement condition information modelling in an I-BIM environment

ABSTRACT In recent years, the growing survey capability for continuous and frequent inspections of road pavement conditions has raised questions regarding the optimal solutions for data management. Considering traditional approaches, classical Pavement Management Systems seem inadequate for exploiting the potential of similar data, especially for visualization and infrastructure modelling. The development of BIM procedures may be helpful although the existing solutions are not ready for handling road condition and maintenance management. Furthermore, the recent international regulations gradually adopt BIM in all infrastructure projects, as reference model. Then, as a preliminary approach, in this paper, a solution for presenting and elaborating pavement condition information in an I-BIM environment is proposed. This procedure simplifies representation and elaboration of survey information regarding structural and functional conditions of pavements in a realistic 3D environment, exploiting smart object potential. Specific routines have been coded for upgrading and elaborating specific extended attributes related to pavement condition. This approach represents an important evolution compared to traditional methodologies, as a modern and ‘user-friendly’ decision support tool for road agencies, combining in a single environment all the life cycle phases of the infrastructure. The proposed approach has been tested, in a preliminary form, on an existing motorway, with positive results.
Mapping the Available Water Capacity in tropical climate soils for soybean (Glycine max) cultivation in the state of Tocantins-Brazil

Brazilian soybean has undergone considerable economic growth. Its production depends on the demand for some inputs. One of these inputs is the soil water supply, which can be made artificially or obtained by natural rainfall. Knowledge of available water capacity (AWC), which depends on total water availability (TWA), is poorly accessible and difficult to measure in the field. This study aimed to map the AWC of the state of Tocantins, based on pedotransfer functions (PTFs), to evaluate the water availability of the soils of the microregions of that state. We used the Arya and Paris model, aided by a computer program, Qualisolo, made by Embrapa Instrumentação. One hundred fifty-seven tropical soil samples were extracted from the Embrapa Solos portal. Preliminarily, the soil water retention curve (SWRC) was obtained and, subsequently, the TWA and AWC for this oilseed were estimated. Multiple linear regressions show the correlation between TWA and clay (CL), Silt (ST) and total sand (TS) contents. The correlation established was TWA = 3.2993 – 0.0028TS – 0.0034CL. This main conclusion reflects a fruitful AWC for decision-making by the soybean agribusiness and exposes the regional weaknesses for this crop under a rainfed regime in some regions of Tocantins. We could observe that, in terms of water availability, agribusiness is a potential threat to the environment protection area (APA) of the Ilha do Bananal/Cantão, Formoso River microregion.
Reliability‐Based Distribution System Maintenance

A strategy for prioritizing decisions for the maintenance of a water distribution system is developed. Using component and network reliability based on time‐varying connectivity concepts, the probabilities that water will be available at demand points in the system are calculated to determine a reliability surface. At any time, this surface is used to locate low reliability areas, which identify parts of the system that need maintenance priority. The specific components that must be repaired or replaced are determined using a component importance criterion that measures the overall effect of component maintenance on the system reliability. The procedure is applied to one hypothetical and two real‐life water distributions systems.
Online Course Satisfaction in a Holistic Flipped Classroom Approach

The present study aimed to investigate the satisfaction of pre-service teachers with the completely online course instructed with the flipped classroom model. The study was conducted with the explanatory sequential mixed design. The participants included 117 pre-service teachers. Data were collected during the 2020-2021 academic year fall semester with the Online Course Satisfaction Scale and face-to-face interviews. The study findings demonstrated that the pre-service teachers were satisfied with the online course. The satisfaction level of female participants was higher, and the differences were not significant based on the student department. On the other hand, the participants stated that there were systemic and instructor-oriented problems. Furthermore, it was determined that ease of use was an important factor in predicting satisfaction. Ease of use varied based on PC ownership, but not based on tablet ownership. Satisfaction did not differ based on both PC and tablet ownership. It was found that the flipped classroom model exhibited interactional challenges. However, the model had advantages due to its structure that allowed flexibility. It could be suggested that the findings of the present study would contribute to future studies that would address flipped classroom method and satisfaction with online courses.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of a coronavirus pandemic in 2019 posed a serious threat to the global population. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not only been a public health emergency, but has also affected mental health worldwide. Patients were exposed to a number of significant stressors during COVID-19 infection by which it appears that it may have had a major impact on mental health. Little is known about changes in levels of psychological affect, stress, anxiety and depression during this pandemic.AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to analyze the most recent available literature on the association of pandemic COVID-19 with psychiatric disorders occurring both as a result of past infection and in response to stress associated with the new situation of a global epidemic of Sars-CoV-2 virus.RESULTS: The psychological effects of the epidemic are clearly noticeable. The study identified groups particularly vulnerable to developing symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Risk factors were also identified in people working in health care as having direct contact with the effects of infection with the new virus.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Key elements of preventing psychological impact are the creation of a mental health organization. Another important task for governments is to create the conditions for economic security, as financial problems or job losses can also be the cause of mental crises.
Performance-analysis-based gas turbine diagnostics: A review

Abstract Gas turbine diagnostics has a history almost as long as gas turbine development itself. Early engine fault diagnosis was carried out based on manufacturer information supplied in a technical manual combined with maintenance experience. In the late 1960s, when L. A. Urban introduced gas path analysis, gas turbine diagnostics made a big breakthrough. Since then different methods have been developed and used in both aerospace and industrial applications. To date, a substantial number of papers have been published in this area. This paper intends to give a comprehensive review of performance-analysis-based methods available thus far for gas turbine fault diagnosis in the open literature.
Performance of Steel-Post, W-Beam Guardrail Systems

On the basis of the proposed changes to the NCHRP Report 350 guidelines, NCHRP Project 22-14(2) researchers deemed it appropriate to first evaluate two strong-post W-beam guardrail systems before finalizing the new crash testing procedures and guidelines. For this effort, the modified G4(1S) W-beam guardrail system and the Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) were selected for evaluation and comparison. Five full-scale vehicle crash tests were performed with the two longitudinal barrier systems, in accordance with the Test Level 3 (TL-3) requirements presented in the NCHRP Report 350 Update. For the modified G4(1S) testing program, two 2,270-kg pickup truck vehicles (2270P vehicles) were used: one 3/4-ton, two-door vehicle and one 1/2-ton, four-door vehicle. For the MGS testing program, two 2,270-kg pickup truck vehicles (2270P vehicles) and one 1,100-kg small-car vehicle (an 1100C vehicle) were used, with both pickup truck configurations being evaluated. On the basis of several findings, the NCHRP Project 22-14(2) researchers determined that the 1/2-ton, four-door pickup truck was better suited for use as a surrogate light truck test vehicle than the 3/4-ton, two-door pickup truck. The modified G4(1S) W-beam guardrail system, mounted at the top rail height of 706 mm, provided acceptable safety performance when it was crashed into by the 1/2-ton, four-door pickup truck vehicle, thus meeting the proposed TL-3 requirements presented in the NCHRP Report 350 Update. Testing of the modified G4(1S) W-beam guardrail system was not successful with a 3/4-ton, two-door pickup truck under the TL-3 impact conditions. The MGS was found to meet the TL-3 criteria presented in the NCHRP Report 350 Update for Test Designations 3-10 and 3-11. Satisfactory safety performance was observed with the MGS with both the 1/2-ton, four-door and 3/4-ton, two-door pickup truck vehicles.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Effective organizational sustenance is predicated on employees’ job performance. Ability to have workforce that are suitable for global best practice is contingent on good recruitment, selection and placement strategy of the organization. The study population was the University of Ibadan, teaching and non-teaching staff, male (mean = 26.39, SD = 4.47), female (mean = 26.73, SD = 5.63). The covid-19 pandemic necessitated online questionnaire administration to the participants using Google form. It was found that there was significant relationship between recruitment, selection, placement and employee performance; there was significant joint influence of recruitment, selection and placement on employees’ performance; there was significant independent influence of placement and employee performance, there was no significant independent influence of recruitment and selection on employee performance. University of Ibadan should devise means of ensuring that the most productive workers are recruited, selected for employment and eventually given appointment for placement in the different departments and units within the university. The procedure for selection and placement of the would-be employees should be thorough, objective and devoid of sentiment. Gender consideration for employment into establishment should be discouraged, and the most qualified candidate should be considered ahead of gender or any other factors that might distort merit in the selection process. Article visualizations:
Can nudging only get you so far? Testing for nudge combination effects

There is an emerging body of evidence to suggest that nudges can motivate behaviour change. The question as to whether using nudges in tandem ‘crowds out’ the marginal effectiveness of each one has attracted little attention. Using a randomised survey experiment consisting of 1,800 farmers, we tested the impact of two nudge interventions (injunctive norm and social signalling) when used individually in isolation and also when used in combination. Our findings are indicative of limited crowd out effects and more generally suggest that there may be scope for employing non-monetary interventions in combination when it comes to encouraging technology uptake.