Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NANOPROBE CONCEPTS FOR FIELD EMISSION NANOMACHINING

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes are excellent conductors and are considered ideal electron emitters since their high aspect ratios ensure concentrated electric fields. Their field emission characteristics and recent developments in growth of aligned nanotubes onto electrically conductive substrates make them promising for use in nano manufacturing. Combining resistive (Coulumb) heating, spot heating with a laser and abosorption of electrons emitted from the tips of nanotubes, nanoscale machined features may be produced on conductive substrates. Therefore, we are presently designing Nanoprobes that encorporate nanotubes for their tips to enable experimental tests. This paper presents several concepts for creating nanomachining probes utilizing established microfabrication methods—including discussion on the creation of probes onto which nanotubes can be attached, methods for attaching the nanotubes, and creating 1 and 2D patterns for parallel manufacturing and metrology processes.
Sectoral Response of GCC Stock Markets to International Oil Prices Changes

This study aims at investigating the reaction of three GCC countries (KSA, Kuwait, Oman) stock markets towards oil price fluctuations on a country level and a sectoral level in particular, to prevent any masking on each sector reaction that may result from studying the market as a block. The study covered 4 years from (2012-2015). This time series witnessed historical high and low oil prices. The results of the study added a new evidence for the asymmetric reaction of stock markets towards oil prices that was reported by previous studies. It also concluded that GCC stock markets differ in their reactions towards oil price fluctuations. The heterogeneous sectors that form each market differ in their reactions as well. The study used Granger causality and regression tests to explore the dynamics of sectoral responses. GCC stock markets proved that they faced the current oil drops bravely although certain sectors need to unbind or reduce their relation with oil markets to reduce the consequences of low oil prices on them. Several avenues for future studies are opened to investigate all GCC stock markets and use other methodologies to better understand the dynamics of GCC market sectors towards oil prices fluctuations.
"Biennials": A Reply to Kelly

Though "biennials," or more correctly semelparous perennials, are rare in the plant kingdom as a whole (Hart 1977), they are particularly abundant in certain families and in those temperate habitats where gaps occur intermittently. I have suggested that these two features of the semelparous perennial life history might be understood by using a slight modification of Charnov and Schaffer's (1973) equations for the relative rates of increase for annuals and biennials and by considering the allometry of seed yield in semelparous perennials (Silvertown 1983). Kelly (1985) challenged these conclusions on two counts. Kelly's more fundamental objection is that it is inappropriate to use the annual rate of increase X as a measure of the fitness of different life histories because "one does not tend to find continually increasing populations in the field. Most real populations almost certainly spend as much time in decline as they do in expansion. " (Kelly 1985, p. 476.) This is a misinterpretation of the meaning of X, which although generally referred to as the rate of increase, can of course assume values less than 1 and hence measure changes in declining populations also. Indeed, van der Meijden and van der Waals-Kooi (1979) used X correctly to describe the dynamics of declining populations of Senecio jacobaea. The second, more interesting objection Kelly raised concerns whether the life span of a plant (living n years) should enter into the calculation of its fitness if the opportunities for establishment are determined by the frequency with which gaps (establishment sites) appear. The equations given by Silvertown (1983) for the rates of increase of an annual and a biennial were, respectively,
FINITE ELEMENT APPROXIMATION OF THE TRANSPORT OF REACTIVE SOLUTES IN POROUS MEDIA. PART II: ERROR ESTIMATES FOR EQUILIBRIUM ADSORPTION PROCESSES∗

In this paper we analyze a fully practical piecewise linear finite element approximation involving numerical integration, backward Euler time discretization, and possibly regularization and relaxation of the following degenerate parabolic equation arising in a model of reactive solute transport in porous media: find u(x, t) such that ∂tu+ ∂t[φ(u)]−∆u = f in Ω× (0, T ], u = 0 on ∂Ω× (0, T ] u(·, 0) = g(·) in Ω for known data Ω ⊂ R, 1 ≤ d ≤ 3, f , g, and a monotonically increasing φ ∈ C0(R) ∩ C1(−∞, 0] ∪ (0,∞) satisfying φ(0) = 0, which is only locally Hölder continuous with exponent p ∈ (0, 1) at the origin; e.g., φ(s) ≡ [s]p+. This lack of Lipschitz continuity at the origin limits the regularity of the unique solution u and leads to difficulties in the finite element error analysis.
Effect of lignite humic acid on soil nutrient availability at different growth stages of rice grown on Vertisols and Alfisols

Field experiments were conducted with rice (ADT-39) during the wet Kharif season (July- October 2001) at two locations, the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI) farm, Aduthurai (Vertisol) and the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) farm, Pattukkottai (Alfisol), representing the old and new delta areas of the Cauvery, respectively. The same set of treatments was followed in both soils. The treatments consisted of the recommended NPK fertilizer application at 75% and 100% alone, and 10 or 20 kg ha-1 humic acid (HA) in combination with NPK fertilizers as soil application, besides an integrated method involving soil application, root dipping and foliar spraying with humic acid and NPK fertilizers. initial soil samples from the experimental fields were analysed for physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties. Surface soil samples were collected at critical growth stages and analysed for various available nutrients. The results of the field experiments revealed that the application of humic acid alo.
Does CEO IQ improve earnings persistence?

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether individual CEO’s cognitive ability, captured by IQ, influences company’s earnings persistence, which is a widely used proxy for earnings quality. It is expected that CEOs with better cognitive abilities are able to generate more reliable forward-looking earnings estimates, resulting in more persistent earnings. Our findings provide support for this argument, as the results indicate that CEO IQ enhances earnings persistence. When examining the persistence of accruals and operating cash flows, we find that CEO IQ enhances both of these earnings components. The results hence suggest that greater IQ can reduce the measurement and estimation errors of accruals, and increase the persistence of cash component by better use of cash flows. Moreover, the results indicate that the impact of CEO IQ on persistence is evident only among sub-samples of smaller companies, implying that the role of CEO in earnings quality depends on the extent of managerial discretion available. Finally, the existence of effective external verification of financial reports seems to play a role as the CEO IQ influence disappears when a company is audited by a big audit firm. Overall, utilizing unique data on CEO IQ and comprehensive data on financial statements of companies from micro to large companies, this paper contributes to the scarcely investigated topics of the role of individual CEO abilities in reporting quality, and small firms financial reporting quality.
Probing dynamical symmetries by bicircular high-order harmonic spectroscopy beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation

We explore the possibility of bicircular high-order harmonic spectroscopy to probe the laser-induced dynamics of molecules in a non-Born-Oppenheimer treatment. The numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation for aligned ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and its isotopologs in $\ensuremath{\omega}\text{\ensuremath{-}}2\ensuremath{\omega}$ bicircular fields show that the intensity ratio between ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ for harmonic orders $3q$ is lower than that for orders $3q\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}(q\ensuremath{\in}\mathbb{N})$. Based on the strong-field approximation, we demonstrate that the interplay of vibrational wave-packet motion and dynamical-symmetry breaking leads to the different ratio. In general, the vibrational motion causes the ratio between isotopologs to increase with $q$ for both harmonic orders $3q$ and $3q\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$. On the other hand, the emission of orders $3q$ is possible only because of the alignment-induced breaking of the dynamical symmetry. The faster nuclear motion in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ enhances the symmetry breaking, resulting in the lower ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$/${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ ratio for the orders $3q$. Therefore, the harmonic orders $3q$ give access to the attosecond probing of dynamical symmetries in molecules.
Educational robotics application in primary and secondary education. A challenge for the Greek teachers society

: This paper presents the results of a postgraduate study that was designed to investigate the attitudes and views of Greek teachers in primary and secondary education on the application of Educational Robotics (ER), towards the goal of drawing useful insights on how it can be further integrated in Greek schools. A total of 70 teachers participated in this study, currently working for primary and secondary schools in Greece and being involved in ER projects and ER-related activities. According to the research findings, ER has significant benefits for students and educators, as it fosters positive attitudes towards STEM education, encourages independent and active learning, facilitates teaching, and provides opportunities for the development of cognitive, social and communication skills. However, factors such as the lack of funding and physical infrastructure, the inadequate training of teachers and curriculum scheduling inflexibility, hinder its application. Thus, several structural and procedural actions should be taken in order to further integrate ER in Greek schools.
University of Aberdeen gprMax: Open Source Software to Simulate Electromagnetic Wave Propagation for Ground Penetrating Radar

gprMax is open source software that simulates electromagnetic wave propagation, using the FiniteDifference Time-Domain (FDTD)method, for the numericalmodelling of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). gprMax was originally developed in 1996 when numerical modelling using the FDTD method and, in general, the numerical modelling of GPR were in their infancy. Current computing resources offer the opportunity to build detailed and complex FDTD models of GPR to an extent that was not previously possible. To enable these types of simulations to bemore easily realised, and also to facilitate the addition of more advanced features, gprMax has been redeveloped and significantly modernised. The original C-based code has been completely rewritten using a combination of Python and Cython programming languages. Standard and robust file formats have been chosen for geometry and field output files. New advanced modelling features have been added including: an unsplit implementation of higher order PerfectlyMatched Layers (PMLs) using a recursive integration approach; diagonally anisotropicmaterials; dispersive media using multi-pole Debye, Drude or Lorenz expressions; soil modelling using a semiempirical formulation for dielectric properties and fractals for geometric characteristics; rough surface generation; and the ability to embed complex transducers and targets.
Radiometric Dating of the United Kingdom SWAP Sites

Measurements of 210 Pb by direct gamma assay have been used to date sediment cores from Surface Water Acidification Project (SWAP) study sites in the U.K. The results were checked against additional dating evidence from the artificial fallout isotopes 137 Cs and 241 Am. At one of the sites, Devoke Water in Cumbria, the 137 Cs and 241 Am data were crucial in identifying a recent sediment hiatus. At sites with recently afforested catchments the sediment record indicated substantial increases in accumulation rates.
Knowledge utilization, communication and innovations in aquaculture in an international perspective

The aquaculture sector worldwide is becoming increasingly important as a provider of healthy food, and production has grown considerably in volume. At the same time, the sector is also facing increasing environmental challenges. The need for innovation has escalated, together with the use of advanced production equipment and high-level biological competence, while at the same time striving for environmental sustainability. In this paper we focus on how aquaculture now has become a knowledge intensive production. Firms must be able to manage knowledge to fulfil competence demands, often requiring a change in communication patterns. The other main subject is about how innovative developments are related to competence, communication and culture aspects like trust. We have just completed data collection from three firms: two in Norway and one in Chile, where we have studied how knowledge management takes place and how innovations can be linked to drivers like the ones mentioned above. This paper offer insights about relationships concerning knowledge management and innovations and how this affects the operation of the firms by comparing the production of the same commodity, harvested salmon, in three different firms with quite equal production equipment but different operational frameworks like management styles, knowledge levels and cultural background. We find, like in most studies, links between firm operations and knowledge management, and knowledge and innovations, but these links do not have the same structure in Norway and Chile. Factors like competence and communication structure as well as cultural factors like trust seem to explain most of the differences between the firms.
Wogonoside inhibits inflammatory cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage by suppressing the activation of the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway

Background Mediated by innate immune cells, inflammation is an underlying presence in the pathogenesis of numerous pulmonary diseases. Macrophages play a critical role in mediating the initial response to infection in the lungs. When there is excessive activation of macrophages, hyper-production of inflammatory factors occurs, with inflammation as the ultimate result. Wogonoside, a bioactive flavonoid glycoside, has been reported to alleviate pulmonary inflammation. However, the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of wogonoside has not yet been clarified. Methods The productions of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined using a Griess reagent kit and a DAF-FM DA fluorescent probe, respectively. Moreover, the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were quantified by qPCR, and the binding ability of c-Jun to promoters of inflammatory factors was performed by ChIP assay. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of inflammatory factors and signaling pathway. Results In this study, we found that pre-treatment with wogonoside dramatically suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increase in the protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory factors in macrophages, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6. Furthermore, wogonoside profoundly reduced the increase in NO and ROS production and significantly blocked phosphorylation of JNK in LPS-stimulated macrophages. As revealed by Western blot and qPCR analysis, wogonoside mediated the JNK-dependent inhibitory effect. Compared with wogonoside alone, a combination of wogonoside and JNK inhibitor SP600125 provided no extra benefit in suppressing the protein expression and mRNA levels of inflammatory factors in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, ChIP analysis demonstrated wogonoside to remarkably reduce c-Jun enrichment in COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 promoters. Conclusions Collectively, our findings showed that wogonoside notably suppresses LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory factors by repressing the activation of the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway in macrophages. This suggests that wogonoside could serve as a promising therapeutic agent for pulmonary diseases related to macrophage inflammation.
The effect of teaching negotiation styles to parents of female adolescents on parent-child relationship

Introduction and Objective: Adolescence is one of the important periods of life and transition from childhood to adulthood. Prevalence of many psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder increases during adolescence. Proper communication between parents and adolescents is conducive to better physical, mental and social maturity in adolescence. This study tended to determine the effect of teaching negotiation styles to parents of adolescent girls on parent-child relationship. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental intervention with pre-test and post-test with control group. The sample was selected using convenience sampling and included 64 parents with moderate to poor negotiation skills and their adolescent girls aged 13 to 18 years. The data collection continued from May to August 2019. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire, Pierre’s negotiation style and skills questionnaire and Fine’s parent-child relationship survey. Analysis was done using SPSS 20 software and descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, chi-square, pairwise T and independent T tests. Results: Teaching parenting negotiation style led to a significant increase in parent-child relationship score for adolescent girls (P<0.0001). The mean score of mother-child relationship for adolescent girls before and after the intervention was higher than the father-child relationship score, although this improvement was not statistically significant (P>0.05). This means that teaching parenting negotiation style improves parent-child relationship in both parents and there was no significant difference between mother-child relationship and father-child relationship. Moreover, parent-child relationship score of adolescent girls of intervention group in the mothers and fathers group showed a significant increase (P<0.001). Conclusion: Teaching parenting negotiation styles is effective on parent-child relationship and improves parental relationship with adolescent girls. Therefore, teaching negotiation styles is recommended for adolescent girls to prevent puberty disorders.
Blockchain diplomas: Using smart contracts to secure academic credentials

In this article we describe how blockchain technology can be used to secure academic credentials. We provide insights from a joint project between the University of Basel’s Center for Innovative Finance and BlockFactory Ltd, and show some considerations that went into the concepts as well as an evaluation on how these blockchain diplomas perform in comparison with other diploma solutions
Examination of the effect of the gender factor on university students’ physical activity level

Objective: Scientific research provide information concerning an insufficient level of physical activity of young people. This study was conducted to determine the levels of physical activity among university students. Materials and Methods: In 2014-2015 academic year, 510 students voluntarily participated in this study. To obtain data, the Personal Information Form and to determine the levels of physical activity. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. Results and Discussion: It is found that the 32.8% of students were not physically active, 49.2% of them had low physical activity level, 18% of students had adequate physical activity level to protect their health. Although it was found that the male students’ physical activity scores, moderately intense activity scores, intense activity scores and walking activity scores significantly higher than girls’ activity scores (p<0.05), there is no significant difference between sitting activity scores (p<0.05). Between students who have Body Mass Index over and under 25 kg/m2, there was no significant difference found between total physical activity, moderately intense activity, intense activity, walking activity and sitting time scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that university students have low levels of physical activity and male students have higher physical activity levels than female students.
The status of the macroinvertebrate community in the St. Croix River, Minnesota and Wisconsin: An examination of ecological health using techniques of multivariate analysis

A statistical procedure that integrates physical, chemical and biological data is used to operationally define and analyze ecological health. Benthic macroinvertebrates collected from May through September from eight locations along the St. Croix River in Minnesota and Wisconsin were analyzed by canonical correspondence analyses. A sequential multivariate analysis procedure was developed that included: 1) determining which environmental variables explained the most variation in the taxonomic data, individually and collectively, 2) running canonical correspondence analyses on the taxonomic data along with environmental variables chosen from a stepwise forward selection procedure, 3) performing a cluster analysis of the taxonomic data in sampling times to determine artificial biological seasons, and 4) analyzing the seasonal data (three time intervals) separately, as in steps 1 and 2. Changes in community structure were significantly associated with changes in environmental factors (physical and chemical) that varied in time and space. The variables found to be significant were largely those expected to be associated with the variations in the structure of benthic macroinvertebrate community in an unimpacted river. A slight influence of nitrogen could be detected in agricultural areas.
Android Malware Detection Using Machine Learning Technique

: There has been a drastic increase in the number of Android application market-places due to their convenience for mobile user. Consequently, due to increase in Android apps, Android malware has also increased which seizes privacy sensitive data by pretending to provide data as benign apps do. Thus the objective of the proposed system is to protect the users by analysing the malicious or dangerous permissions present in the app. The proposed system will decompile the android apps and extract the permissions from the manifest file. The system will then apply various machine learning algorithms on the extracted permissions to find whether the app is malicious or benign. We have used various machine learning algorithms and also compared their accuracy IndexTerms - Android applications, Permissions, Manifest file, Machine learning,