Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Causes of Delay in Construction Projects in the Oil and Gas Industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Case Study

Several studies investigating the causes of delay in projects in the construction industry have been conducted worldwide. This study investigates the causes of delay in construction projects in oil and gas processing facilities in Oman and serves as a case study for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Using a questionnaire, data were collected from 59 project managers employed in different organizations in the oil and gas industry in Oman. The survey results showed a high degree of agreement among the perceptions of project stakeholders, clients, contractors, and consultants on the causes of project delay, and there is no evidence to suggest that the causes of project delay differ significantly according to organization size or organizational ownership. Moreover, seven factors were identified as the major causes of project delay. Although six of these identified elements are general factors that can account for delay in any project in any industry, one of them—poor interaction with vendors in the engineering and procurement stages—is found to be unique to construction projects in the oil and gas industry. The findings of this study could be of value to organizations that are planning to conduct construction projects for oil and gas processing facilities in Oman and other nations with similar environments, such as the GCC countries.
Reduction of Gordon-Haus jitter in soliton transmission systems by optical phase conjugation

The effect of optical phase conjugation on Gordon-Haus jitter in long-distance soliton communication systems is considered. In-line optical phase conjugation at an optimal point two-thirds of the way down the system reduces the rms jitter by a factor of three. A post-transmission-line compensation scheme based on optical phase conjugation and soliton-supported dispersion compensation reduces the rms jitter by a factor of two. >
Out of the Comfort Zone! Family Leaders’ Subsidiary Ownership Choices and the Role of Vulnerabilities

Based on the socioemotional wealth approach and a sample of 3,904 subsidiary ownership choices made by 586 family firms, this study shows that family-managed firms (i.e., those family firms with a family member in a leadership position) prefer wholly owned subsidies over joint ventures when entering foreign markets. Family-managed firms are also more likely to revise their subsidiary ownership choices and form joint ventures when in vulnerability conditions, that is, when they experience performance below aspirations and when entering a culturally distant market.
How alkaline compounds control atmospheric aerosol particle acidity

Abstract. The acidity of atmospheric particulate matter regulates its mass, composition, and toxicity and has important consequences for public health, ecosystems and climate. Despite these broad impacts, the global distribution and evolution of aerosol particle acidity are unknown. We used the comprehensive atmospheric multiphase chemistry–climate model EMAC (ECHAM5/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry) to investigate the main factors that control aerosol particle acidity and uncovered remarkable variability and unexpected trends during the past 50 years in different parts of the world. Aerosol particle acidity decreased strongly over Europe and North America during the past decades while at the same time it increased over Asia. Our simulations revealed that these particle acidity trends are strongly related to changes in the phase partitioning of nitric acid, production of sulfate in aqueous aerosols, and the aerosol hygroscopicity. It is remarkable that the aerosol hygroscopicity (κ) has increased in many regions following the particle pH. Overall, we find that alkaline compounds, notably ammonium and to a lesser extent crustal cations, regulate the particle pH on a global scale. Given the importance of aerosol particles for the atmospheric energy budget, cloud formation, pollutant deposition, and public health, alkaline species hold the key to control strategies for air quality and climate change.
Branchless banking and profitability in the Indonesian Islamic banking industry

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effect of branchless banking on the level of profitability in Islamic banks. Methodology – This study uses two Islamic banks that have implemented branchless banking (BRI Syariah and BTPN Syariah) and two Islamic banks that have not implemented this policy (BNI Syariah and Bukopin Syariah). This study uses regression analysis techniques with panel data. The model used in this study is the fixed effect model. Findings – This study shows that the branchless banking policy has a positive impact on profitability. This result implies that the implementation of branchless banking can improve the performance of Islamic banks in Indonesia. So, it is hoped that other Islamic banks can implement this branchless banking policy to overcome the limitations of their network. In addition, branchless banking can expand customer reach to areas that have not been served well by Islamic banks. Originality – Research on branchless banking in Islamic banks in Indonesia is still limited. There are only few studies comparing banks that have implemented branchless banking with banks that have not implemented this policy. Therefore, this research will contribute to a study that discusses branchless banking in Islamic banks in Indonesia, especially its impact on performance.
High frequency parameter sensitivity in hydraulically interconnected suspensions

In this paper, the development of a hydraulically interconnected suspension (HIS) system model and its integration into a four degree-of-freedom half-car system is briefly introduced. Frequency response functions are derived in order to simulate the system response to a stochastic road profile. The sprung mass vertical and roll accelerations are considered in the frequency domain up to 1000 Hz. Four key hydraulic system parameters which affect the systems high frequency dynamics but not its low frequency response are identified and investigated. The results indicate that HIS system performance in the high frequency range (50-1000 Hz) can be greatly affected by these hydraulic parameters, while the favourable ride characteristics typical of HIS vehicles are retained.
Computing the exact distribution of a linear combination of generalized logistic random variables and its applications

We consider methods for numerical evaluation of the probability density function, cumulative distribution function and quantile function of a linear combination of n independent generalized logistic random variables. Here we derive the exact expressions for the probability density function and cumulative distribution function in terms of Fox's H-function. We also provide an algorithm for numerical calculation of Fox H- function and we compare its performance with a method based on the numerical inversion of the characteristic function. The numerical precision, efficiency and computing time of the proposed algorithm were considered. Applicability and comparison of the suggested approaches are illustrated by an application to financial returns.
Transient modeling and simulation of a tubular solid oxide fuel cell

This paper describes the development of a computer model for simulating the transient operation of a tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The model includes the electrochemical, thermal, and mass flow elements that affect SOFC electrical output. The electrochemical and thermal parts of the model were developed and verified separately before they were combined to form the transient model. The results of model verification tests are presented. Transient simulations were conducted with constant reactant flows and constant inlet temperatures. The transient electrical response of the cell to a load change is described.
Gamification as a Strategy to Increase Motivation and Engagement in Higher Education Chemistry Students

In the last year, educational experiences have become increasingly challenging due to teaching classes remotely. For this reason, it has been necessary to develop educational strategies that accompany the use of new technologies to maintain student interest. One of these methodologies is gamification, implemented in school environments more frequently due to the pandemic and whose impact on student motivation and engagement needs to be explored. The literature shows that student participation in these contexts should be increased when applying this methodology, where teachers can also provide greater support. This research proposes improving these aspects by developing a gamification strategy that can be easily replicated in other environments. This study was carried out for a chemistry course at a university in central Mexico. This proposal details the short-, medium-, and long-term bonuses which stimulated and motivated students and achieved specific objectives. We also present the quantitative results of a questionnaire applied to 48 engineering students to identify their perceptions of how gamification could increase motivation and engagement in learning the subject of chemistry. In addition, pre- and post-knowledge tests were applied to determine whether there were changes in the learning outcomes. The results indicated that gamification increased student motivation and engagement, improved attitudes, promoted actions such as keeping the camera on during lectures and regular attendance, and improved student grades. This study fills the need for planning strategies to help improve student motivation in online classes and proposes an instrument to measure the results. It can be helpful to those interested in applying or adapting it in other disciplines.
Policy networking as capacity building: An analysis of regional road development conflict in Indonesia

This article explores the potential of policy networking as an important aspect of capacity building. It deals with a road development project related to the regional planning issue of North Bandung Area (NBA), a water catchment area facing the expansion of Bandung Metropolitan Area, West Java, Indonesia. The debate on the road development proposal is reconstructed to illustrate how an environmental policy network is built by committed experts, politicians, NGO activists and journalists to prevent a pro-growth project from realization. The analysis also indicates the potential contribution of such a network to the transformation of governance that is more responsive to the issues of environmental quality and regional sustainability. This potential contribution is reflected by the role of the policy network in the mobilization of discursive knowledge, empowerment of weak actors, and social learning in the decision-making process.
Performance of Nitinol-reinforced drive shafts

The bending stiffness of composite drive shafts is actively controlled by activating optimal sets of shape memory alloy (NITINOL) wires which are embedded near the outer surfaces of these shafts and parallel to their longitudinal axes. With such active control capabilities, the drive shafts can be manufactured from light weight sections without compromising their transverse load carrying capabilities. These features will be invaluable in producing drive shafts for critical applications, such as in helicopters, where high resistance to whirling is of utmost importance. Finite element models are developed to describe the individual contributions of the composite matrix, the NITINOL wires and the shape memory effect to the overall performance of the drive shafts. The theoretical predictions of the models are validated experimentally on a prototype of the NITINOL-reinforced drive shaft.
The Effect of Ownership Structure and Corporate Social Responsibility on Financial Performance and Firm Value in Mining Sector Companies in Indonesian

This study is intended to examine the effect of institutional ownership, managerial ownership, and CSR on financial performance (Model I). This study also conducted tests related to the effect of institutional ownership, managerial ownership, CSR, and financial performance on firm value (Model II). The population used is 39 mining sector companies with a sampling technique using a saturated sample technique. Data analysis was carried out using path analysis techniques with the help of SPSS. The results show that institutional ownership and CSR have a significant effect on financial performance, while managerial ownership has no significant effect on financial performance. Institutional ownership, managerial ownership, CSR, and financial performance were found to have a significant effect on firm value. In addition, financial performance is proven to be able to partially mediate the effect of institutional ownership and CSR on firm value.
Simulated Navigation Performance with Marine Electronic Chart and Information Display Systems (ECDIS)

Licensed mariners carried out two simulated navigation studies testing electronic chart and information display systems (ECDIS) against paper chart navigation. In the first study, six mariners each completed approaches to Halifax, Nova Scotia, harbour with good and bad visibility and a range of wind and currents. Conditions included chart with radar, ECDIS with radar overlay and ECDIS with separate radar. ECDIS produced better performance and a smaller workload than paper charts and the radar overlay was slightly better than the separate radar display. In the second study, six new mariners completed exercises with low visibility and heavy or light radar traffic using ECDIS with radar overlay, ECDIS without overlay and ECDIS with optional overlay. Mariners preferred the optional overlay but all three conditions produced about equal performance. Based on mariners' performance and expressed preference, we recommend that ECDIS systems provide optional radar overlays.
Global sensitivity analysis of England's housing energy model

Housing energy models support informed decision-making for energy efficiency and CO2 reduction strategies. However, they are subject to multiple sources of uncertainty. Previous studies have analysed uncertainties using a local one-at-a-time approach, but this suffers from significant limitations. Here two global sensitivity analysis techniques, elementary effects and a variance-based method, have been employed to overcome these limitations. Correct understanding of model sensitivities matters, for interpreting findings and directing research to reduce uncertainties. Analysis of the Cambridge Housing Model, a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)-based housing energy model for England, finds good agreement between the global analyses but there are major differences compared with the local analysis. We identify SAP wall U-values and demand temperature as by far the most significant uncertain parameters; along with SAP roof, window and floor U-values these account for 96% of the observed variation in outputs. This could have major implications for national-level estimates of savings based on such models.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity of a 70% Ethanol Extract of the Whole Herb of Platostoma africanum P. Beaur. (Lamiaceae)

When oxidation by free radicals exceeds antioxidant systems in the body, oxidative stress usually results. This is common in the underlying processes leading to aging, infertility and of a range of non-communicable diseases including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. There exist measures to curb oxidative stress, one of which is to take in exogenous antioxidants in form of supplements and in diet. Studies have shown that certain plants have antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of the crude extract of Platostoma africanum P. Beauv. (Lamiaceae). The crude extract was partitioned using N-hexane, Di-ethylether, Ethyl acetate and N-butanol in that order. TLC phytochemical screening as well as DPPH bioautographic analysis was done for each fraction as well as the residual aqueous fraction in suitable mobile phase system in order to evaluate their FRSA and secondary metabolites. A DPPH assay was then carried out using ultraviolet spectroscopy to quantify the activity. The fraction with the lowest IC50 and highest activity was further separated into fractions by column chromatography. DPPH bioautography and phytochemical screening were done on the resulting fractions. The crude as well as the five fractions had FRSA in varying degrees. Ethyl acetate fraction had the lowest IC50 (0.42mg/mL) and the highest activity. The decreasing order of activity was ethyl acetate>diethyl ether>n-butanol>crude>aqueous>n-hexane. Among the fractions obtained from column chromatography, fraction D was the most active. Terpenoids and flavonoids were the main secondary metabolites observed in the plant and were responsible for the FRSA. Platostoma africanum P. Beauv. has antioxidant activity which is mostly due to its terpenoid and flavonoid content.
The value of systematic follow-up imaging for assessing pseudoaneurysm formation after blunt and penetrating liver injury: A level 1 trauma centre experience

Introduction Hepatic pseudoaneurysm (HPA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening sequelae of blunt or penetrating liver trauma. At our institution, an imaging protocol for liver injury patients has been developed, with repeat computed tomographic (CT) angiography of the liver 48–72 h post-admission to assess for HPA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of this imaging pathway in liver trauma for the detection of HPAs. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who were admitted to our institution between January 2014 and January 2018, found to have either blunt or penetrating liver injury on initial CT imaging. Data collection included mechanism of injury, injury severity score (ISS), American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) liver injury score, initial and follow-up CT findings and secondary intervention. Results During the study period, 149 major trauma patients were admitted with liver injuries (mean age 35.6 years; 72% male, 28% female). Seventy two percent of patients suffered blunt (median ISS = 29; median AAST = 2.89) and 28% patients suffered penetrating injuries (median ISS = 16; median AAST = 2.88). The mean time to follow-up CT was 46.1 h. Follow-up CT identified 8 (5.4%) HPAs. 5 (62.5%) of these patients were treated with embolization. ISS and AAST were not associated with pseudoaneurysm formation according to logistic regression analysis; however, ISS (OR 1.06 [1.02, 1.09; p < 0.05]) and AAST (OR 2.24, [1.31, 3.83; p < 0.05]) were associated with requirement for embolization. Conclusion Our experience indicates a role for early detection of HPAs using a dedicated trauma imaging pathway.
The Effect of Al and Ti Transition Metals on the Wear Resistance of Ceramic Based CrN Coatings; Investigation under Ambient Air and Vacuum Conditions

In the present study, CrN, CrAlN and CrAlTiN coatings were deposited using the cathodic arc evaporation technique. The structural investigations of these CrN based coatings were performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometer. The hardness and adhesion strength values of coatings were determined via Vickers type microhardness tester and progressive load scratch tester, respectively. The wear performance of samples was established at ambient air and vacuum condition. All coatings grew in the “T zone” growth model and had a dense and columnar structure. The XRD patterns presented predominantly (220), (110), and (111) reflections. It was demonstrated that the quaternary coating had a higher texture parameter as 0.68, which was related to the highest thickness and hardness. Also, CrAlTiN coatings with the smallest mean crystallite size of ∼87 nm showed the best hardness, and this ensured relatively high scratch resistance. CrN and CrAlTiN coatings improved wear performance under ambient air condition but were not striking as under vacuum condition. The quaternary coating had a superior performance in the vacuum condition, but due to the high sensitivity of Ti to oxygen, it fell behind the CrN coating under ambient air condition.
Numerical Investigation of Lunar Basin Formation Constrained by Gravity Signature

Impact basins on the Moon can serve as a benchmark for timing and intensity of the impact flux in the inner solar system. The basin morphology and morphometry depend on impactor size, mass, and velocity as well as the thermal state of the lunar lithosphere which is a function of the cooling history. Erosion by superimposed impact bombardment has altered the surface expression of basin structures over time, making it difficult to determine the size unequivocally solely based on topographic expression. The gravity signature of basins is thought to be a less altered measure of the size of impact structures. By a systematic study of basin formation using the iSALE‐2D shock‐physics code, we investigate the influence of the lunar thermal state and different impactor properties on the transient crater and final basin size and on the resulting gravity anomaly. As constraints we use gravity data of 16 farside basins and their assumed formation ages to estimate the subsurface temperature related to the cooling history of the Moon. Our modeling results confirm that the thermal state affects the basin formation process and the basin sizes significantly. We provide quantitative relationships between the observed gravity signal, the different basin sizes, and the impactor diameter considering the thermal state of the Moon upon impact, which correlates with the formation ages or periods in the literature. Our study allows for estimating the impactor size from the observed gravity field if the formation age and, thus, the thermal state of the lithosphere is approximately known.
Displacement-Controlled Behavior of Asymmetrical Single-Story Building Models

Displacement controlled behavior is a feature of low to moderate seismicity areas where the peak displacement demand on structures could be limited despite significant structural strength and stiffness degradation. In this article, the extension of the displacement controlled phenomenon to torsionally unbalanced framing systems is investigated. It is shown that the displacement demand of critical elements within a building can be insensitive to changes in eccentricity and torsional stiffness properties. While torsional actions is a well-researched topic, the incorporation of displacement controlled phenomenon into the analysis is original and represents a new development.