Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermal and Flow Simulation of Concentric Annular Heat Pipe with Symmetric or Asymmetric Condenser

The current research work describes the flow and thermal analysis inside the circular flow region of an annular heat pipe with a working fluid, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. A two-phase flow involving simultaneous evaporation and condensation phenomena in a concentric annular heat pipe (CAHP) is modeled. To simulate the interaction between these phases, the volume of fluid (VOF) technique is used. The temperature profile predicted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the CAHP was compared with previously obtained experimental results. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional simulations were carried out, in order to verify the usefulness of 3D modeling. Our goal was to compute the flow characteristics, temperature distribution, and velocity field inside the CAHP. Depending on the shape of the annular heat pipe, the thermal performance can be improved through the optimal design of components, such as the inner width of the annular heat pipe, the location of the condensation part, and the amount of working fluid. To evaluate the thermal performance of a CAHP, a numerical simulation of a 50 mm long stainless steel CAHP (1.1 and 1.3 in diameter ratio and fixed inner tube diameter (78 mm)) was done, which was identical to the experimental system. In the simulated analysis results, similar results to the experiment were obtained, and it was confirmed that the heat dissipation was higher than that of the existing conventional heat pipe, where the heat transfer performance was improved when the asymmetric area was cooled. Moreover, the simulation results were validated using the experimental results. The 3-D simulation shows good agreement with the experimental results to a reasonable degree.
Effects of Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Performance on Hotel Employees’ Behavior

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the effect of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance on hotel employees’ behavior, as reflected in their attitude and satisfaction. Understanding employees’ reaction to and perception of hotel CSR is essential before exercising effective CSR practices with customers. This study indicates that the social/philanthropic and ethical domains of hotel CSR enhance employees’ attitude and satisfaction with working for this CSR-implementing hotel and their behavior (organizational citizenship, pro-social, and pro-environmental behaviors) within an organization and society. However, environmental, legal, and financial domains do not significantly affect attitude toward CSR-implementing hotel. In addition, the hotel employees’ organizational tenure partially moderates the relationships among the proposed constructs. This study is the initial empirical attempt to understand hotel employees’ responses to hotel CSR. It provides insights and practical suggestions into human resource departments for maximizing the effectiveness of CSR implementation in the hotel industry.
Competition components along productivity gradients – revisiting a classic dispute in ecology

Competition is ubiquitous in plant communities with various effects on plant fitness and community structure. A long-standing debate about different approaches to explain competition is the controversy between David Tilman and Philip Grime. Grime stated that the importance of competition relative to the impact of the environment increases along a productivity gradient, while Tilman argued that the intensity of competition is independent of productivity. To revisit this controversy, we assumed that the effects of plant–plant interactions are additive and applied the new competition indices by Díaz-Sierra et al. (2017) in a field experiment along a productivity gradient in S-Germany, using the rare arable plant Arnoseris minima as a study species. The ‘target technique’ was applied, to separate the effects of root and shoot competition. The study plants were exposed to five competition treatments with three replicates in 18 sites, respectively. We investigated the expectation that root competition is more intense in unproductive sites than shoot competition. Additionally, we pre-dicted survival to be less affected by competition than growth-related plant parameters. Using the biomass of individuals without competition as a proxy for site productivity there was a positive relationship with competition importance but no relationship with competition intensity when plants experienced full competition. Survival of the target plants was unaffected by competition. Root competition was the main mechanism determining the performance of the target plants, whereas the effect of shoot competition was relatively low albeit increasing with productivity. We conclude that when considering plant–plant interactions additive both Grime’s and Tilman’s theories can be supported.
The invisible made visible through technologies’ agency: a sociomaterial inquiry on emergency remote teaching in higher education

ABSTRACT We are used to considering human agency as the most important aspect of the educational process. Technologies are seen as inert matter, subordinated to human intention and design, as if they did not have a role in the eclectic combination of teaching, learning, and knowing about the world. Their agency is invisible until a breakdown occurs, a material moment which shows their doing. In this paper, we make digital action visible by focusing on emergency remote teaching in higher education during the Covid-19 pandemic breakdown. Data were collected/co-created in a graduate course in Education in the first three months of lockdown in Brazil. Through a queer assemblage of teaching-researching-writing, we present a sociomaterial analysis that shows multiple entanglements of bodies, material things, and pedagogic time-spaces. In this exercise, social inequality issues, power structures and ethical problems come to the surface, while students struggle for quality participation in the digitised classes.
A novel and improved solar drying system appropriate for smallholder farmers

Abstract Indian smallholder farmers use open sun drying to produce about 50% of the global supply of dry chili. Quality specifications in developed country markets require grading aflatoxin contaminated product, which is sold into the Indian domestic market representing a public health risk. Many improved solar drying systems have been designed but cost and complexity has prevented widespread adoption by smallholder farmers. Our objective was to develop the lowest cost, simplest solar dryer appropriate for smallholder farmers. Zero airflow period was alternated with airflow periods reducing drying time by about 50% and inactivating mycotoxigenic fungi, enteric bacteria, and browning enzymes.
The Impact of SES on Language Domain in Kindergartners’ Quick Interactive Language Screener (QUILS) Performance

To explore the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and language domain (vocabulary, syntax, process), the QUILS was administered to 212 kindergartners. Children from very-high poverty schools performed significantly below children from high poverty and mid-low poverty schools. SES impacts language-learning processes (i.e., fast mapping) in addition to language products (i.e., vocabulary, syntax).
Analysis of Cultural and Pathogenic Diversity in Bipolaris sorokiniana Causing Spot Blotch of Bread Wheat in North India

Present study was conducted to analyse the cultural and pathogenic diversity in different isolates of Bipolaris sorokiniana the causal organism of spot blotch in bread wheat. Six isolates of Biplorais sorokiniana (BS-F-5, BS-D-2, BS-K,4, BS-DWR-K-1, BS-V-6, and BS-P-3) were evaluated simultaneously for cultural and pathogenic variability on the basis of diverse characteristics against seven different genotypes of wheat grown in the region viz: BOW’S’, HS 375, HUW 234, PBW 343, PBW 443, K9107 and A9-30-1. The results indicated that isolates varied significantly among themselves for all the characters analysed. The isolate BS-F-5 exhibited the maximum colony diameter, maximum average dimension (length and width) of conidiophore, maximum number of septa in conidiophore and conidia. Variations were also observed in texture of the colony. Among the seven genotypes tested against six isolates, BOW’S’ showed resistance against three isolates (BS-D-2, BS-K,4, BS-DWR-K-1) and genotype A-9-30-1 showed high susceptibility against all isolates except BS-D-2. The isolates BS-F-5 and BS-P-3 exhibited maximum pathogenic virulence among the isolates analysed in the present investigation. Original Research Article Chauhan et al.; IRJPAC, 22(4): 12-22, 2021; Article no.IRJPAC. 66351 13
Spatial investigation of soil penetration resistance and its impacts on cultivation of ‘BRS Princesa’ banana

The present study aimed to investigate the spatial variability of soil penetration resistance (SPR) in cultivation areas of ‘BRS Princesa’ banana, to evaluate its effects on the chemical and physical attributes of the soil and to indicate localized management. The experiment was carried out in an area of cultivation ‘BRS Princesa’ banana, in which 60 georeferenced points were recorded. SPR was measured from the cone index to 0.40 m depth using an impact penetrometer. Disturbed samples were collected at depths of 0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m and the soil attributes pH, Ca, Mg, Al, Na, K, P, H + Al, SB, T Value, V%, total sand, total clay, silt, TOC, POC, MAOC and gravimetric moisture were determined. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics, Pearson’s linear correlation and geostatistical analysis. SPR values in subsurface suggest greater compaction in subsurface and the significant correlations with soil attributes indicate losses for banana plants, so localized management should be carried out. It was found that 46.7% of the total area of the banana plantation does not need to be decompacted, and localized subsoiling at a varying depth is indicated in the other regions.
Multi‐objective optimization of a novel biomass‐based multigeneration system consisting of liquid natural gas open cycle and proton exchange membrane electrolyzer

In the present study, multi‐objective optimization has been conducted to optimize a novel multigeneration system that is based on biomass energy, and uses the cold energy of the liquid natural gas as a heat sink. The designed system is an integration of combined gas‐steam cycle, a cascade Rankine cycles, a lithium bromide‐water absorption refrigeration cycle, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and a liquid natural gas subsystem. The proposed system aims to produce power, cooling, natural gas, and hydrogen. Following thermodynamic and exergoeconomic analysis, two conflicting objectives, that is, total product cost rate and exergy efficiency, are selected for the optimization process. The genetic algorithm is used to optimize the system and the Pareto front plot is achieved. The obtained results for this system reveal that the final optimization point has an exergy efficiency of 39.023% and a total product cost rate of 1107$/h. This point is a trade‐off between thermodynamic and thermoeconomic single‐objective optimization cases. In addition, the biomass gasification‐gas turbine cycle, organic Rankine cycles, and proton exchange membrane have the highest exergy destruction rates, respectively. Finally, it is shown that the liquid pressure ratio of the natural gas pump and inlet temperature of the steam turbine have the most important effects on the balance between the selected objective parameters.
First records of the pantropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata, within groups of common dolphins Delphinus delphis in northern Peru

Although dolphins are mostly known to form single species groups of varying size, occasionally they aggregate in mixedspecies groups. The presence of mixed-species delphinid groups along the Peruvian coast is unknown. Herein, we report the presence of a single pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) within large groups of the long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) at Los Organos in the northern coast of Peru. Sightings occurred on October 10th, 2016, January 7th, 2018 and September 21st, 2019. In one sighting the mixed group was feeding, while during the other two sightings the group was travelling. These records add new evidence about mixed-species delphinid groups in coastal waters of Peru.
Association between Self-Reported Chewing Status and Glycemic Control in Japanese Adults

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between self-reported chewing status and glycemic control in 30,938 Japanese adults who participated in health checkups. Chewing status was evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire. We defined high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels as a HbA1c level ≥6.5%; 692 (2.2%) respondents met this criterion. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking status, exercise habits, body mass index and eating speed, high HbA1c levels was found to be associated with male gender (odds ratio (OR), 1.568; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.310 to 1.878; p < 0.001), older age (OR, 1.077; 95% CI, 1.068 to 1.087; p < 0.001), higher body mass index (OR, 1.246; 95% CI, 1.225 to 1.268; p < 0.001), current smoker status (OR, 1.566; 95% CI, 1.303 to 1.882; p < 0.001) and chewing difficulty (OR, 1.302; 95% CI, 1.065 to 1.591; p < 0.05). In conclusion, self-reported chewing difficulty was associated with high HbA1c levels in Japanese adults.
Review of Convective Heat Transfer Modelling in CFD Simulations of Fire-Driven Flows

Progress in fire safety science strongly relies on the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate a wide range of scenarios, involving complex geometries, multiple length/time scales and multi-physics (e.g., turbulence, combustion, heat transfer, soot generation, solid pyrolysis, flame spread and liquid evaporation), that could not be studied easily with analytical solutions and zone models. It has been recently well recognised in the fire community that there is need for better modelling of the physics in the near-wall region of boundary layer combustion. Within this context, heat transfer modelling is an important aspect since the fuel gasification rate for solid pyrolysis and liquid evaporation is determined by a heat feedback mechanism that depends on both convection and radiation. The paper focuses on convection and reviews the most commonly used approaches for modelling convective heat transfer with CFD using Large Eddy Simulations (LES) in the context of fire-driven flows. The considered test cases include pool fires and turbulent wall fires. The main assumptions, advantages and disadvantages of each modelling approach are outlined. Finally, a selection of numerical results from the application of the different approaches in pool fire and flame spread cases, is presented in order to demonstrate the impact that convective heat transfer modelling can have in such scenarios.
Selecting the Pre-Hydrolysis Conditions for Eucalyptus Wood in A Fractional Exploitation Biorefining Scheme

The operating conditions for the autohydrolysis of eucalyptus wood were optimized with a view to maximizing hemicellulose extraction while preserving the integrity of glucan. The influence of the operating conditions used in the soda–anthraquinone pulping of the solid phase resulting from the autohydrolysis process was examined. Autohydrolysis of the raw material at a liquid/solid ratio of 8 kg water/kg material at 180°C for 30 min was found to provide a commercially useful liquid phase containing most of the starting hemicellulose. The autohydrolysis treatment allowed the subsequent production of soda–anthraquinone cellulose pulp and paper with properties as good as or even better than those obtained without the pretreatment.
Do firm characteristics affect debt capacity? Evidence in CEO succession

ABSTRACT Should firms decrease or increase their debt capacity after professional CEO succession? Examining a sample of all publicly traded firms from 1991 to 2016 in Taiwan, this research finds that firms with professional CEO successors tend to raise less debt and consider the succession of professional managers to be more conservative because they are afraid of being monitored more severely. From the perspectives of firms’ characteristics, those with professional CEO successors and high cash holdings and investment levels are more likely to increase their debt capacity, while those of a larger size and higher post-succession profitability volatility decrease their ability at raising debt. Finally, we hand-collect data and develop a novel method to identify the real founders and reconfirm our empirical evidence. Our findings present financial implications for boards of directors which they can evaluate firms’ cash holdings, investment level, firm size, and profit volatility before deciding on whether to name a CEO successor to take over their firms.
Unmet needs of people with Parkinson's disease

Aim: The study aimed to identify individual health and social care needs and unmet needs in patients with Parkinson’s disease as well as factors related to them. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The sample comprised 183 Parkinson’s disease patients cared for in four outpatient neurology centers in the Moravian-Silesian Region, Czech Republic. Their functional status was assessed with the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, Barthel Index and Schwab and England Scale; their needs for care were evaluated using the Needs and Provision Complexity Scale. The study was carried out from May to December 2019. Results: The highest proportions of unmet needs were identified in rehabilitation, related to both frequency (87%) and intensity (85%), followed by family support (53%), residential respite care (41%), skilled nursing care (36%) and equipment (35%). Unmet needs were associated with greater dependence with regard to activities of daily living, poorer functional status and longer disease duration. Conclusion: Understanding factors that determine the type of unmet needs of Parkinson’s disease patients is crucial for provision of adequate multidisciplinary care. Based on identification of unmet health and social care and support needs, nurses may provide targeted interventions aimed to fulfill the unmet needs and improve the quality of life of patients.
Gender stereotyping and self-stereotyping among Danish managers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how gender stereotypes and self-stereotypes of Danish managers vary among managers at different job levels, from lower level managers to CEO level, in a large survey of Danish private-sector managers. Design/methodology/approach This study is explorative. Measures of stereotypes and self-stereotypes are constructed and analyzed with regressions models that control for a large number of individual and firm characteristics. Findings The results document significant gender differences in stereotyping among managers. Male managers have significantly more masculine stereotypes of successful leaders, and they rate themselves higher on masculine traits than female managers. For CEOs, the picture is different. Stereotypes do not differ by gender and female CEOs have more pronounced masculine stereotypes than female managers at lower levels. Female managers at the age of 50 are the least gender stereotyping managers. Younger female managers have significantly more masculine stereotypes about the role as a successful leader. Research limitations/implications This study is based on cross-sectional data and does not claim to uncover causal relationships. Practical implications The results suggest that gender stereotypes and self-stereotypes among Danish private-sector managers are not going to change quickly indicating that new government policies with more focus on gender equalization and affirmative actions are called for. Originality/value Most earlier studies of stereotypes concerning female managers are based on studies of samples drawn from the general population or consisting of students. This study makes use of a large sample of managerial employees from all levels of the corporate hierarchy in different types of firms.
Financial Constraints and the Sustainability of Dividend Payout Policy

This article investigates the relation between dividend payout policy and financial constraints, focusing on the Italian SMEs between 2015 and 2019 and adopting credit ratings as a measure of access to external financial resources. According to our findings, there is a positive relation between firm solvency and the payment of dividends, suggesting that, when companies’ financial constraints are higher, we can expect lower odds that they will pay out dividends. Nevertheless, there is also evidence that younger SMEs are interested in signaling their expected profitability to attract future investors and support access to the capital market.
An approach to identify the weak parts of stiffness for the machine tool cantilever structure

Investigating weak parts of the structure is one of the most important issues for improving the stiffness of the machine tool. However, studies show that overcoming the static deformation is a challenging problem in practical structures. In the present study, the dynamic hammer testing approach is applied to analyze the cantilever structure of the machine tool with elastic support. Accordingly, a new weakness index (WI) is proposed to identify weak parts of the cantilever structure with an elastic support. Then the cantilever beam with the elastic support is numerically simulated and weak parts are modeled as stiffness reduction. In this regard, finite element (FE) simulations are carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the WI method in several scenarios with single and multiple weaknesses, including the noise case. In the combined structure of the tailstock and the bed of the machine tool, sensors are utilized to collect vibration data. Furthermore, the dynamic characteristics are calculated through the modal state-space method to obtain the stiffness data at zero-frequency. Then, weak parts of the structural stiffness are identified based on the weakness index. It is found that the FE simulations are in an excellent agreement with the experiment. Therefore, it is proved that the WI can accurately identify the weak parts of the machine tool cantilever structure.
Your Uber is arriving now: An analysis of platform location decisions through an institutional lens

The disruptive impact of platform businesses on local economies has received much attention, but virtually none has been paid to the factors that impact platforms’ decisions about where to locate their activities. The novel, disruptive nature of platforms limits the relevance of traditional theories about location decisions. We argue that local institutional conditions and global legitimacy spillovers affect the choices of platform businesses about where to operate. We analyze the controversial case of ride-hailing platform Uber, an app-based service that matches uncertified chauffeurs with passengers. We find that Uber showed a preference for cities that promote competition and innovation. A spillover analysis shows how Uber leveraged its global pool of customers by choosing cities whose visitors were already familiar with Uber’s service. Our study illuminates the key role played by the brand’s mobile customer base as global carriers of legitimacy for Uber’s controversial innovation.