Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of mineral addition on the pyrolysis products derived from typical Highveld coal

VI OPSOMMING. VIII PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCES . X TABLE OF CONTENTS . XI LIST OF FIGURES. XVIII LIST OF TABLES. XXI NOMENCLATURE . XXIV ROMAN SYMBOLS . XXVII GREEK SYMBOLS. XXVIII GLOSSARY. XXIX CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION . 2 1.1. BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION . 2 1.1.1. Coal and its applications . 2 1.1.2. Pyrolysis products and mineral matter present in coal . 2 1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENT . 5 1.3. OBJECTIVES OF INVESTIGATION . 5 1.4. SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION . 6 1.5. OUTLINE OF DISSERTATION . 8 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 9 2.1. COAL OVERVIEW . 9 2.1.1. Highveld coal . 10 2.1.2. Mineral matter present in coal . 11 2.2. COAL PYROLYSIS . 13 2.2.1. Valuable products produced from coal pyrolysis . 14 School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering North-West University | Table of
Improving Predictions of Stream CO2 Concentrations and Fluxes Using a Stream Network Model: A Case Study in the East River Watershed, CO, USA

Inland waters are an important component of the global carbon budget. However, our ability to predict carbon fluxes from stream systems remains uncertain, as pCO2 varies within streams at scales of 1–100 m. This makes direct monitoring of large‐scale CO2 fluxes impractical. We incorporate CO2 input and output fluxes into a stream network advection‐reaction model, representing the first process‐based representation of stream CO2 dynamics at watershed scales. This model includes groundwater (GW) CO2 inputs, water column (WC), benthic hyporheic zone (BHZ) respiration, downstream advection, and atmospheric exchange. We evaluate this model against existing statistical methods including upscaling and multiple linear regressions through comparisons to high‐resolution stream pCO2 data collected across the East River Watershed in the Colorado Rocky Mountains (USA). The stream network model accurately captures GW, evasion, and respiration‐driven pCO2 variability and significantly outperforms multiple linear regressions for predicting pCO2. Further, the model provides estimates of CO2 contributions from internal versus external sources suggesting that streams transition from GW‐ to BHZ‐dominated sources between 3rd and 4th Strahler orders, with GW, BHZ, and WC accounting for 49.3%, 50.6%, and 0.1% of CO2 fluxes from the watershed, respectively. Lastly, stream network model atmospheric CO2 fluxes are 4‐12x times smaller than upscaling technique predictions, largely due to relationships between stream pCO2 and gas exchange velocities. Taken together, this stream network model improves our ability to predict stream CO2 dynamics and efflux. Furthermore, future applications to regional and global scales may result in a significant downward revision of global flux estimates.
On some general survival models with delayed failures

Abstract In practice, the point events (e.g., shocks) affecting a system often result in some consequences only after some random delays. In this paper, we generalize the previous results reported in the literature to a meaningful case of the generalized Polya process of initial shocks, which is characterized by dependent increments. We derive and analyze the distribution of the lifetime and the failure rate of a system. Generalizations to the cases when each initial shock triggers the delay only with a given probability and when it results in the corresponding wear process are also considered.
Online brand advocacy and brand loyalty: a reciprocal relationship?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of the online brand advocacy (OBA) and brand loyalty relationship through a social identity theory lens.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was used to obtain the needed data and the relationships of interest were examined using a partial least squares structural equation modelling approach.FindingsBrand loyalty and consumer-brand identification were found to be predictors of OBA, while OBA impacted on purchase intent. In addition, a strong reciprocal relationship was found between OBA and brand loyalty, which has not been reported in prior studies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study highlighted OBA's complexity. It suggested OBA is not only an outcome of a consumer-brand relationship but also that OBA plays a key role in the development of such relationships. A consumer's identification with a brand fosters brand loyalty and purchase intent through the giving of OBA.Practical implicationsThe more consumers vocalise their brand relationships through OBA, the more they strengthen their relationship with brands. The inclusion of OBA management in brand and marketing strategies should enable organisations to foster opportunities for online consumer-brand interactions that strengthen consumer-brand relationships.Originality/valueFirst, unlike previous studies that have used makeshift scales to measure OBA, the authors used a recently developed OBA scale. Second, the important reciprocal relationship between OBA and brand loyalty, which has significant implications, has not been reported in prior research.
Contrasting characteristics of open- and closed- cellular
stratocumulus cloud in the Eastern North Atlantic

Abstract. Extensive regions of marine boundary layer cloud impact the radiative balance through their significant shortwave albedo while having little impact on outgoing longwave radiation. Despite this importance, these cloud systems remain poorly represented in large-scale models due to difficulty in representing the processes that drive their lifecycle and coverage. In particular, the mesoscale organization, and cellular structure of marine boundary clouds has important implications for the subsequent cloud feedbacks. In this study, we use long-term (2013–2018) observations from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Facility's Eastern North Atlantic (ENA) site on Graciosa Island, Azores, Portugal to identify cloud cases with open- or closed-cellular organization. More than 500 hours of each organization type are identified. The ARM observations are combined with reanalysis and satellite products to quantify the cloud, precipitation, aerosol, thermodynamic and large-scale synoptic characteristics associated with these cloud types. Our analysis shows that both cloud organization populations occur during similar sea surface temperature conditions, but the open-cell cases are distinguished by stronger cold-air advection and large-scale subsidence compared to the closed-cell cases, consistent with their formation during cold-air outbreaks. We also find that the open-cell cases were associated with deeper boundary layers, stronger low-level winds, and higher-rain rates compared to their closed-cell counterparts. Finally, raindrops with diameters larger than one millimeter were routinely recorded at the surface during both populations, with a higher number of large drops during the open-cellular cases. The similarities and differences noted herein provide important insights into the environmental and cloud characteristics during varying marine boundary layer cloud mesoscale organization and will be useful for the evaluation of model simulations for ENA marine clouds.
Qualitative Exploration of Chinese Students’ Perspectives on Long-Term Goal Striving

Abstract Many scholars have emphasized the role of passion and effort in successfully achieving goals, but others have argued that many factors can affect goal achievement. This qualitative study explored Chinese students’ perspectives on how one achieves long-term goals. We conducted individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 Chinese university students to capture their past experiences of and perspectives on pursuing long-term goals. A new model in understanding Chinese students’ long-term goal striving was proposed with five elements identified: persistent effort, adaptability, self-confidence, self-talk, and social support. Findings from this study enriched grit research by bringing attention to the role of culture in the conceptualization of goal striving. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Local and non-local damage model with extended stress decomposition for concrete

In this work, a new damage model for concrete is proposed with an extension of the stress decomposition (limited to biaxial cases), to capture shear damage due to the opposite signed principal stresses. To extract the pure shear stress, the assumption is made that one component of the shear stress is a minimum absolute of the two principal stresses. The opposite signed principal stresses are decomposed into shear stress and uniaxial tensile/compressive stress. A local model is implemented in Abaqus UMAT and it is further extended to a non-local model by utilization of the gradient theory. The concept of three length scales (tension, compression, and shear) is kept the same as the recently proposed nonlocal damage model by the authors. The nonlocal model is implemented in the Abaqus UEL-UMAT subroutine with an eight-node quadrilateral user-defined element, having five degrees of freedom at corner nodes (displacement in X/Y direction and tensile/compressive and shear nonlocal equivalent strain) and two degrees of freedom at internal nodes. Some examples of a local model including uniaxial and biaxial loading are addressed. Also, five examples of mixed crack mode and mode-I cracking are presented to comprehensively show the performance of this model.
A Serial Mediation Approach to Goal Orientations, Learning Strategies and Achievement Outcomes on a Computer-Mediated English Program

Computer-mediated learning initiatives have recently increased due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Implications are thus created for self-regulation, learning and achievement as computer-mediated learners face unique motivational and metacognitive demands. The current research uses a serial mediation approach to test the effect of goal orientations and the mediatory role of learning strategies on achievement among 195 Japanese university students on a 24-month computer-mediated English program. The tested model shows a good fit to the data and accounts for 28.5% of the achievement variance. Direct effects are observed between a performance-approach orientation and achievement. Mediation effects are also observed between a performance-approach orientation and achievement via a strategic approach to learning. In contrast, the effect of a mastery orientation on achievement is mediated via a strategic approach to learning. A mediated serial effect is also observed between a mastery orientation and achievement via a deep and strategic approach to learning. The challenges facing teachers and students of computer-mediated learning solutions in English as a foreign language (EFL) education and the importance of providing an informed experience that facilitates, supports and rewards adaptive motivations and approaches to learning are discussed.
Clinical Feature and Prognostic Factors for Repeatedly Recurrent Spinal Chondrosarcoma: A Retrospective Study of 49 Patients in One Single Institution.

Background: To investigate the clinical feature in prognostic prediction of repeatedly recurrent spinal chondrosarcoma (RRSC). The purpose of this study was to illustrate the clinical parameters of RRSC and to discuss the prognostic factors by statistical analysis.Methods: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate independent prognostic factors for recurrence and death of patients with RRSC. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curve, and differences were analyzed by log-rank test. Factors with P < 0.1 extracted by univariate analysis were subjected to multivariate analysis by Cox regression analysis. P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: Included in this study were 49 patients with RRSC who were followed up by a mean of 31.7 months (median, 25 months; range, 5-93 months). Local recurrence was detected in 33 patients, with death in 28 patients. The final statistical analysis indicated that wide surgical margin (> 4 mm) was the most favorable prognostic factor for both recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Meanwhile, fewer number of recurrences (NOR) was in favor of RFS, and lower pathological grade was a significant favorable prognostic factor for OS.Conclusion: Wide surgical margin should be considered in predicting the prognosis of RRSC, including RFS as well as OS. NOR was significant prognostic indicator for RFS, and pathological grading was significantly associated with OS.
Regional‐scale variability and change in daily precipitation across the contiguous United States, 1949–2018

Recent research suggests that the characteristics of precipitation are changing with a warming global climate. This study uses two traditional measures of precipitation, amount and frequency, in addition to two metrics that have not been widely used in hydroclimatological research, the Gini coefficient (GC) and the Lorenz asymmetry coefficient (LAC), to analyse change and variability in precipitation characteristics across the United States from 1949 through 2018. The GC quantifies the inequity of an accumulating variable across individual contributors. For this study, the GC was used to quantify equity in the accumulating distribution of daily precipitation amounts through an annual timeframe. The LAC quantifies the relative magnitude of individual contributors which were primarily responsible for inequity in an accumulating distribution. For this analysis, the LAC assesses the relative magnitude of precipitation events (light, heavy) primarily responsible for occurrences of inequity in the temporal distribution of precipitation. Time series analysis of regionally averaged values of precipitation amount, precipitation frequency, GC, and LAC values suggest change in the hydroclimate for many regions across the United States, including a trend towards greater inequity in the temporal distribution of precipitation. The more recent trends and variability of the four precipitation characteristics were statistically examined for relationships with time series of two key atmospheric features – total column water vapour (moisture availability) and the 850 hPa–500 hPa lapse rate (static stability). Results of this study show that change and variability in the atmospheric characteristics likely help explain the observed trends and variability of several precipitation characteristics across the United States.
Effects of different levels of Hermetia illucens larvae meal on performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acid composition and oxidative status of laying hens

Abstract To investigate the supplemental effects of Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HILM) on the production, egg quality, yolk fatty acid composition, egg amino acid content, oxidative status, and immune indexes of laying hens. A total of 432 Xuefeng black-bone chickens (45-week-old) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 18 hens in each replicate. The laying hens were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% HILM (CON, HILM-1, HILM-3, and HILM-5, respectively) for 56 d. The experimental diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. The highest egg weight and Haugh unit were obtained with 3% HILM supplementation, but the HILM-3 or HILM-5 supplementation have negative effect on the eggshell thickness, yolk index, and albumen height during the early stage of the experiment. The HILM supplementation linearly or quadratically (p < .05) increased the C14:0, C17:0, C18:2n6c, C20:2 contents of yolk, the Glu, Val, Met, Phe, and Leu contents of egg, the T-SOD and CAT activities, and the NDV-Ab and AIV-Ab levels of plasma. With increasing supplementation of HILM in the basal diet, FCR, the C16:0 and C16:1 contents of yolk, MDA content and IL-2 level of plasma decreased both linearly or quadratically (p < .05). In conclusion, Hermetia illucens larvae meal can be a suitable alternative protein source for Xuefeng black-bone chicken. Dietary supplementation of 3% HILM in basal diets may be a feasible means of effectively increasing the production performance of laying hens, and partially enhanced hens’ antioxidant capability and immune function. HIGHLIGHTS Supplementation of 1% HILM had no effect on laying hens, and supplementation of 3% HILM increased the egg weight and Haugh unit. Supplementation of 3% HILM or 5% HILM have a negative effect on the eggshell thickness, yolk index, and albumen height during the early stage of the experiment. Supplementation of 3% HILM increased the C14:0, C17:0, and C20:2 contents of yolk, the Glu, Val, Met, Phe, and Leu contents of egg. The plasma antioxidant status and immune response improved by dietary addition of HILM at 3% levels.
Mapping the creative sprawl: the design sector in Western Sydney

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the findings of a longitudinal case study of the design sector in Western Sydney, a vast region of Sydney, Australia. Recurring discussions about Sydney’s creative scene tend to reinforce a stereotype, conceptualising creativity as a bohemian, inner city phenomenon with limited consideration given to creative industries situated in the apparently “uncool”, “outer” suburbs. However, through geolocational mapping of data collected over a 6-year period, this paper shows that there is a burgeoning design sector stretched across Western Sydney, coining the term “creative sprawl” to describe a distinct geography that challenges inner-city precincts as the loci of creativity. The aim of this paper is to augment Australian scholarship on creative industries and contribute to international discourse on creative geographies, arguing for the need to develop urban policy that responds to the creative potential of areas beyond urban centres.
Teacher characteristics as predictors of mathematics attitude and perceptions of engaged teaching among 12th grade advanced mathematics students in the U.S

ABSTRACT The present study examined the 2015 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study “Advanced” data to examine how the educational credentials of maths teachers and other teacher characteristics were related to attitude towards advanced mathematics and perceptions of engaged teaching among 12th-grade students enrolled in advanced mathematics courses in the U.S. As attitudinal outcomes in this study, two measures of attitude towards mathematics were employed – the Students Like Learning Advanced Mathematics scale and the Students Value Advanced Mathematics scale, and one measure of student perception of engaged teaching – the Students’ Views on Engaging Teaching in Advanced Mathematics Lessons. A set of multilevel regression analyses were conducted predicting each of these aforementioned outcomes. No statistically significant effects on the attitudinal outcomes were observed for teacher variables. Positive effects were noted for parental education on students’ valuing of advanced mathematics. A prominent finding was that higher levels of parental education were associated with higher student levels of valuing mathematics, which likely reflects a family/home culture that implicitly or explicitly places high value on science and mathematics. Identifying factors that might facilitate positive attitude is important to increase the likelihood that students will choose, and be retained in, mathematics and STEM education and careers.
Spatio-Temporal Crash Prediction: Effects of Negative Sampling on Understanding Network-Level Crash Occurrence

In projects centered around rare event case data, the challenge of data comprehension is greatly increased because of insufficient data for deriving insight and analysis. This is particularly the case with traffic crash occurrence, where positive events (crashes) are rare and, in most cases, no data set exists for negative events (non-crashes). One method to increase available data is negative sampling, which is the process of creating a negative event based on the absence of a positive event. In this work, four negative sampling techniques are presented with varying ratios of negative to positive data. These types of techniques are based on spatial data, temporal data, and a mixture of the two, with the data ratios acting as class balancing tools. The best performing model found was with a negative sampling technique that shifted temporal information and had an even 50/50 data split, with an F-1 score, a formulaic combination of precision and recall, of 93.68. These results are promising for Inteligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications to inform of potential crash locations in an entire area for proactive measures to be put in place.
Influence of coined-bead die on spring-back characteristics in V-die bending process using the finite element method

The coined-bead technique is an effective approach for controlling the spring-back characteristics involved in sheet-metal bending. Most previous studies have focused on the application of the coined-bead punch. In this application, bead marks are commonly formed on the inner radii of the bent components. To ensure the precision of the inner bent radius, a coined-bead die can be employed. However, information and data pertaining to coined-bead die applications are currently lacking. In the present research, the influences of the coined-bead die on the spring-back characteristics during V-die bending are investigated for aluminium alloy sheets (AA1100-O), by using the finite element method (FEM) and related physical experiments. Based on material flow and stress distribution analyses, it is found that the bending mechanism of coined-bead die application (particularly in the coining stage) is different from that of coined-bead punch application. Moreover, an increase in the punch radius-to-workpiece thickness ratio and decreases in the bend angle and coined-bead width result in increased spring-back characteristics. It is revealed that the coined-bead die can be applied to prevent spring-back characteristics and the bead mark at the inner radius. However, it was also noted that the V-shape parameters should be carefully considered for coined-bead applications. In addition, it is recommended that the width of the coined-bead die should be larger than that of the coined-bead punch.
Interactions between sublethal doses of thiamethoxam and Nosema ceranae in the honey bee, Apis mellifera

Both Nosema ceranae and insecticides are adversely affecting honey bees. How both factors affect gene expression and honey bee survival are well studied. However, only a few studies dealt with the interactions of the two factors. Here we studied the effects of both, when alone and in combination, on honey bee survival and expression changes of immune and detoxification genes. Newly emerged bees were randomly assigned four different treatments: control bees, bees exposed to thiamethoxam, bees exposed to thiamethoxam and then infected with Nosema, and bees infected with N.ceranae only. When combined with Nosema, thiamethoxam caused a significant reduction in survival from the control, but this reduction is not significantly different from N. ceranae alone. Exposure to thiamethoxam caused significantly increased expressions compared to the control for the genes of abaecin, apidaecin and hymenoptacin, but significantly decreased expression for the defensin gene. When the two factors were combined, the expression patterns were similar to N.ceranae infection alone (apidaecin, defencin and hymenoptaecin), except abaecin, which was increased compared to Nosema infected bees. For detoxification genesCCE8 and CYP315A1, thiamethoxam caused significantly increased gene expression but Nosema caused significantly decreased expression. When combined, the two factors did not show a further increase in Mortality compared to Nosema infection alone. Our study shows a clear combined effect of thiamethoxam and Nosema, but mainly in worker mortality and very little effect on gene expression. This study highlights the importance of observing mortality when studying the effect of insecticide on gene expression.