Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive Implementation of Experimental Design Method-Application to Engineering Optimal Design

An attractive feature of many simulation packages is their availability on desktop computers and their potential for allowing the user to run a simulation model under different conditions in a highly interactive way. Such a way of studying a system is attractive because of its immediacy and the direct control it offers the user. Design of Experiments is a statistical technique for quickly optimizing performance of systems. It starts with a screening experimental design test plan involving all of the known factors that are suspected to affect the system's performance (or output). When the number of input variables or test factors is large, the primary experimental objective is to pare this number down into a manageable few. This is usually followed by another designed experiment design or test plan with the objective of optimizing the system's performance. For an easy and interactive use of the design of experiments technique, a new tool called DOET (which stands for 'Design Of Experiments Tool') has been developed. This paper aims to illustrate the design of experiments technique using the DOET.
Covariation between personalities and individual differences in coping with stress: Converging evidence and hypotheses

In the past decade there has been a profusion of studies highlighting covariation between individual differences in stress physiology and behavioural profiles, here called personalities. Such individual differences in ways of coping with stress are relevant both in biomedicine, since different personalities may experience a different stress and disease vulnerability, and in be- havioural ecology, since their adaptive value and evolutionary maintenance are the subject of debate. However, the precise way in which individual stress differences and personalities are linked is unclear. Here we provide an updated overview of this covaria- tion across different species and taxa, consider its functional significance and present working hypotheses for how behavioural and physiological responses to stress might be causally linked, affecting life-history traits such as dispersal and life-span (Current Zoology 56 (6): 728-740, 2010).
Magnetic Fields in Accretion Disks

Abstract This paper summarises our work on the role of magnetic fields in accretion disks presented in two papers elsewhere. In the first part (a summary of part of Kuncic & Bicknell 1999), we present a formal development of the equations governing the structure of an accretion disk containing magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. The importance of the different terms in the energy and momentum equations is discussed, and a parametrisation of the unresolved processes is suggested that could be used to make further progress. We briefly explore whether an MHD accretion disk can transport a significant part of the gravitational power into a corona by buoyancy. In the second part, we present some exploratory calculations of the vertical structure of accretion disks, in which non-local dissipation of energy due to the buoyant transport of magnetic field energy is taken into account. It is argued that the efficiency of buoyant magnetic transport depends very strongly on the size of the coherent magnetic regions. If the size of the buoyant cells is not very close to the disk thickness, magnetic energy generated by dynamo action inside the disk will be dissipated locally, and will not be available to transport a significant part of the accretion luminosity into a corona.
Impacts of the elimination of the proportionate consolidation on Itaúsa nancial statements

is research aims to evaluate the impacts of the elimination of the proportionate consolidation method to recognize joint ventures investments, with the adoption of the Technical Pronouncement CPC 19 (R2), on the accounting amounts reported by Itaúsa – Investimentos Itaú S.A. , and identify which accounting adjustments are necessary to explain the di erences in reported amounts. Until December 31, 2012, there were two methods to recognize these investments: proportionate consolidation and equity method. e adoption of CPC 19 (R2), from January 1, 2013, brought relevant changes and the elimination of the proportionate consolidation method was the most controversial one. ere are many users and researchers that argue that this method provides more relevant information. e e ects of this change, with signi cant impacts on the amounts reported by the joint venturer rm, were even more relevant in Brazil, since almost all Brazilian rms used the proportionate consolidation. It was chosen the case of Itaúsa and, consequently, of Itaú Unibanco Holding because this is the largest private group in Brazil and represents a relevant investment for its joint venturers. e analyses indicated that the total asset reported by Itaúsa using proportionate consolidation was 832% higher than the value reported by the equity method. For liabilities and revenues, this percentage was even higher: 5,096% and 17,771%, respectively. is impact a ects nancial indicators, industry rankings, and other nancial analyses. For example, the debt indicator decreased from 91% to 16%, when the accounting method was changed to the equity method. e analyses also indicated a set of accounting adjustments that explain the di erences in the accounting amounts reported by Itaúsa, and these adjustments are beyond the recognition of the proportionate amounts of joint ventures, including goodwill, unrealized intercompany results, among others. e main contribution of this research is to discuss the relevance of CPC 19 (R2) to the Brazilian market and its consequences for the largest private group in Brazil.
ESTIMATING DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL FISHING IN ALABAMA USING TRAVEL COST MODEL

Individuals and households reveal their willingness to pay to enjoy environmental and natural resource services by engaging in outdoor recreation activities. The state of Alabama and the Black-Belt region possess significant recreational fishing resources whose qualities could be improved through public and private management innovations. To measure the value of such interventions, a baseline estimate of recreational fishing demand and potential for increasing the demand by on-site improvements needs to established. Using direct mail survey, count data obtained on individual angler characteristics, expenditures on fishing equipment, and destinations and expenditures on time and travel for each trip taken. In addition, the kinds and quantities of fish that anglers sought on each trip were obtained. This paper employs a full a full economic analysis based on recreation demand models—a.k. a. Travel Cost models (TCM). The travel costs’ Negative Binomial regression reveals that the average number of fishing days demanded is 33.17days, while other demographic and site characteristics have varying effects on the number of fishing days demanded.
Mesoscopic pinning forces in neutron star crusts

The crust of a neutron star is thought to be comprised of a lattice of nuclei immersed in a sea of free electrons and neutrons. As the neutrons are superfluid their angular momentum is carried by an array of quantized vortices. These vortices can pin to the nuclear lattice and prevent the neutron superfluid from spinning down, allowing it to store angular momentum which can then be released catastrophically, giving rise to a pulsar glitch. A crucial ingredient for this model is the maximum pinning force that the lattice can exert on the vortices, as this allows us to estimate the angular momentum that can be exchanged during a glitch. In this paper we perform, for the first time, a detailed and quantitative calculation of the pinning force \emph{per unit length} acting on a vortex immersed in the crust and resulting from the mesoscopic vortex-lattice interaction. We consider realistic vortex tensions, allow for displacement of the nuclei and average over all possible orientation of the crystal with respect to the vortex. We find that, as expected, the mesoscopic pinning force becomes weaker for longer vortices and is generally much smaller than previous estimates, based on vortices aligned with the crystal. Nevertheless the forces we obtain still have maximum values of order $f_{\rm{pin}}\approx 10^{15}$ dyn/cm, which would still allow for enough angular momentum to be stored in the crust to explain large Vela glitches, if part of the star is decoupled during the event.
A Review on the use of Graphene as a Protective Coating against Corrosion

Graphene was synthesized for the first time one decade ago and, during this time, the structure and properties of graphene have been well defined by many scientists. In parallel, some new graphene-based devices appeared, such as graphene field effect transistors, supercapacitors and micro electromechanical systems. Now is the moment to start exporting all these prototypes from the laboratory to the industry to move forward the technology. Such task will suppose a huge effort and will be accompanied by the necessary reliability tests to assess the lifetime of the new products, which will unavoidably generate important delays. On the other hand, among all applications of graphene, one may see the light faster than the others due to its simplicity: the use of graphene as protective coating. It has been demonstrated that the ultra-dense network of carbon atoms that form graphene is totally impermeable to protect a material from corrosion, and at the same time it is so thin that keeps unaltered the chemical properties of the protected material. In this review, we analyze the anti-corrosion properties of graphene and debate about its viability in near-future applications.
Nonlinear Plasmonics in Metamaterials

Abstract : The target of the work is to use Transformation Optics (TO) in order to guide as well as focus plasmons. In the initial phase of the work we focused on using TO to GRaded INdex (GRIN) Lenses of Luneburg type and explored focusing and guiding. In particular we showed both analytically and numerically with home-made codes that for plane wave initial conditions (a) A sequence of Luneburg lenses can form a waveguide with low losses that can guide EM waves in linear as well as curved geometries; (b) Random distributions of Luneburg lenses can lead to the formation of caustics and optical rogue waves; and (c) We used commercial code COMSOL and generated plasmon waves at a metal-dielectric interface. Subsequently we analyzed propagation of Gaussian beams and found that Luneburg lens focusing is not as good as in the case of plane waves. In this case, the addition of nonlinearity of the Kerr type improves focusing and thus propagation in the Luneburg waveguides. In the case of plasmon propagation we found that Luneburg lenses may focus plasmons in a resonant fashion. The results of the Luneburg work formed a manuscript that has been invited to a special volume to be published in the Journal of Optics. This article is currently under review. We anticipate the preparation of one more article with the nonlinear effects.
An Empirical Prediction Model of the Incremental Strengthening of Ferrite/Pearlite Steels with Additions of Vanadium and Nitrogen, with Emphasis on the Effective Nitrogen Level

Several prediction models of V-N strengthening have been published and used over the course of many years of vanadium microalloying experience. The basis and origin of a p roven strength model previously distributed is reviewed and explained. Inherent in the prediction accuracy of the model is the assumption of the amount of nitrogen actually available for VN p recip itation. This paper discusses various situations where the amount of nitrogen available can be significantly altered by the presence of other alloy elements, particu larly Ti, Nb, and A l. Of these, the effect of the Al content (and prior processing history) seem to be most widely overlooked when evaluating and predicting the expected strengthening of the VN precip itate in polygonal ferrite. The possible interactions of A l and N that can affect n itrogen availab ility are reviewed, and the unintended effects of specification Al requirements are exp lained.
The influence of competences in business higher education: a student’s approach

Nowadays, competences have an important role in higher education. Their development may have an effect on student’s satisfaction with his/her studies. The aim of this research is to test the relationship between competences developed during the study of a university business degree and the student’s satisfaction with this degree. Moreover, we test other outcomes derived from satisfaction, such as the student’s word of mouth and his/her confirmation of the university degree that he/she chose. We design an online survey for students of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in a Spanish University. We collect 161 effective questionnaires and analyse them using structural equation modelling, specifically partial least square (PLS). Results demonstrate that competences have a strong effect on student’s satisfaction, leading to positive word of mouth and confirmation of student’s past behaviour. This implies that specifying and working properly the competences of a degree becomes a priority objective for university institutions.
Effect of salicylic acid (SA) seeds soaking on the NaCl salt stress induced changes in soluble sugar and protein accumulation in organs of two genotypes of okra plants

Salt stress is a major challenge in agricultural system. In this study, okra seeds of two genotypes (47-7 and LD 88) were presoaked with 10-2, 10-4, and 10-6 mM salicylic acid and control in distilled water, then the soil was treated with 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl. The experiment was conducted to study the effect on osmoregulating solutes such as proline, salt stress protein (glycine betaine and proline betaine) and soluble sugars (glucose and fructose). Results showed that proline content increased with increased in the concentrations of salinity. Also, treatment with salicylic acid (SA) improved salt stress proteins accumulation in both stressed genotypes. In contrast, decreased SA concentrations improved soluble sugar accumulation in the fruit of okra genotype 47-4. But in LD88, increased in the level of SA resulted to the increased soluble sugar accumulation in the leaf. Combined effect of SA and salinity caused a greater accumulation of protein and soluble sugar in leaf and fruit of both genotypes of stressed okra, but significant increased were seen only in the groups of LD88 treated with 10-4 mM SA at 50 mM NaCl in leaf and 10-2mM SA at 150 mM NaCl in fruit when compared with the control group. Salinity induced a marked decreased in reducing sugar accumulation of okra plant (LD88), especially at high salinity level (200 mM NaCl). Therefore, accumulations of compatible solutes such as salt stress proteins may provide plant a storage form of nitrogen that will be re-utilized later and may play a role in osmotic adjustment. Key words: Distilled water, fruit, leaf, okra, proline, protein, salicylic acid (SA), salinity, soluble sugar.
Additive Noise for Storm-Scale Ensemble Data Assimilation

Abstract An “additive noise” method for initializing ensemble forecasts of convective storms and maintaining ensemble spread during data assimilation is developed and tested for a simplified numerical cloud model (no radiation, terrain, or surface fluxes) and radar observations of the 8 May 2003 Oklahoma City supercell. Every 5 min during a 90-min data-assimilation window, local perturbations in the wind, temperature, and water-vapor fields are added to each ensemble member where the reflectivity observations indicate precipitation. These perturbations are random but have been smoothed so that they have correlation length scales of a few kilometers. An ensemble Kalman filter technique is used to assimilate Doppler velocity observations into the cloud model. The supercell and other nearby cells that develop in the model are qualitatively similar to those that were observed. Relative to previous storm-scale ensemble methods, the additive-noise technique reduces the number of spurious cells and their negativ.
Beyond Feynman's troubles in Electromagnetics

New basic principles of electric and magnetic induction are formulated as bal- ance laws referring to material paths undergoing piecewise discontinuous motions. The resulting differential rules are able to overcome difficulties of standard formulations and to provide a direct interpretation to experimental evidence involving induction phenomena whose description in terms of flux rules is troublesome or unfeasible. FARADAY-HENRY- NEUMANN-FELICI and AMP `-MAXWELL flux laws of electromagnetic induction are recovered in the special case of closed material circuits undergoing regular motions. For an electric charge translating into a uniform magnetic field due to a spatially time-invariant magnetic potential, a term analogous to LORENTZ force is found to provide the induced electric field, but with a correction factor of one-half. Riassunto - Principi di bilancio che governano i fenomeni di induzione elettrica e mag- netica sono formulati con riferimento a linee materiali in moto, anche discontinuo a pezzi. Le conseguenti regole differenziali sono suscettibili di interpretare in modo diretto le ev- idenze sperimentali anche quando le formulazioni standard risultano di problematica o impossibile applicazione. Le leggi di flusso, come enunciate in letteratura, sono ritrovate come caso particolare per circuiti materiali chiusi in moto non discontinuo. Per cariche elettriche in moto traslatorio in un campo magnetico uniforme dovuto ad un potenziale magnetico costante nel tempo, si ritrova la cosiddetta legge di forza di LORENTZ come espressione del campo elettrico, ma corretta da un fattore un mezzo.
Mining the LAMOST spectral archive

The Large sky Area Multi-Object fibre Spectroscopic Telescope will yield 10 million spectra of a wide variety of objects including QSOs, galaxies and stars. The data archive of one-dimensional spectra, which will be released gradually during the survey, is expected to exceed 1 terabyte in size. This archive will enable astronomers to explore the data interactively through a friendly user interface. Users will be able to access information related to the original observations as well as spectral parameters computed by means of an automated data-reduction pipeline. Data mining tools will enable detailed clustering, characterization and classification analyses. The LAMOST data archive will be made publicly available in the standard data format for Virtual Observatories and in a form that will be fully compatible with future Grid technologies.
Crisis of communal leadership: post-colonial local government reform and administrative conflict with traditional authorities in the communal areas of Zimbabwe, 1980-2008

Rural local government reform measures adopted by the new Government of Zimbabwe at independence in 1980 were largely inspired by the state's modernization initiatives and the need to create a framework for expanded delivery of services to the peasant communities in order to redress the imbalances of colonial neglect. However, the reform measures also sought to undermine the authority of traditional institutions in judicial and land matters in the communal areas; firstly because of their perceived pre-independence role as functionaries of colonial oppression; secondly, because some elements within the new Government viewed traditional institutions as antithetical to their modernization project to transform rural society; and thirdly because other elements in the new Government perceived traditional institutions as centers of alternative authority to that of the formal state. The failure by the new Government to incorporate and co-opt traditional institutions into formal state institutions in the first two decades of independence lies at the heart of the confusion surrounding land administration in the communal areas after independence. This confusion at the local administrative levels was characterized by a lack of clarity on roles and functions between the traditional institutions of chief, headman and village head, and the elected leadership of village development committees (VIDCOs) and ward development committees (WADCOs) in land matters. It precipitated a crisis of communal leadership in the communal areas of Zimbabwe, whereby, on one hand, elected rural institutions had little real legitimacy according to traditional grassroots perspectives, while traditional leaders were not always acknowledged or respected by the formal state's modernization initiatives. However, in many areas of the country, chiefs, headmen and village-heads illegally reacquired some of their defunct authority over land and proceeded to clandestinely allocate land. This crisis of communal leadership manifested itself in many land dispute cases that occurred at district level throughout the country for more than two decades, where there was clear evidence of hostility between the new and the old land administration structures. Key words: Traditional leaders, communal areas, village development committees, ward development committees, district councils, Chiefs and Headmen Act.
Characterization of phenolic composition of Vitis vinifera L. 'Tempranillo' and 'Graciano' subjected to deficit irrigation during berry development

The response of phenolic composition of skins from Vitis vinifera L. ‘Tempranillo’ and ‘Graciano’ grapes to water-deficit irrigation during berry growth and ripening was evaluated. The study was carried out using container-grown grapevines grown under controlled conditions in a greenhouse. Two irrigation treatments were imposed: control (well-watered) and sustained deficit irrigation (SDI). Twenty-eight phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonols and monomeric flavan-3-ols (catechins) as well as phenolic acids derivatives have been identified in the extracts prepared from the berry skins at physiological maturity. For both varieties, water deficit reduced leaf area and leaf area to crop mass ratio, and decreased berry size. However, there were no changes in juice total soluble solids, pH or total polyphenolic content. Water deficit resulted in decreased must titratable acidity in ‘Graciano’ berries. In ‘Tempranillo’, water limitation reduced total anthocyanins and flavonols, and increased hydroxycinnamic acids. In ‘Graciano’, water deficit resulted in increased flavonols and reduced catechins. Altogether, we concluded that under water-deficit irrigation, ‘Graciano’ grapes presented a differential composition of phenolic compounds that could result in improved fruit quality.
Running of Biped Robots with Variable Speed

In this paper, a trajectory generation method that changes the running speed of a biped robot with appropriate selection of a foot placement is proposed. An acceleration of the center of mass of a biped robot is associated with the relative position of the zero moment point to the center of mass. It means that the acceleration of the robot can be controlled by changing a position of the zero moment point. In this paper, a biped robot changes the speed by changing the zero moment point based on the desired speed. The effectiveness in the performance of the proposed method are shown in computer simulations with a 3D biped robot.