Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stratospheric lifetime ratio of CFC-11 and CFC-12 from satellite and model climatologies

Abstract. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) play a key role in stratospheric ozone loss and are strong infrared absorbers that contribute to global warming. The stratospheric lifetimes of CFCs are a measure of their stratospheric loss rates that are needed to determine global warming and ozone depletion potentials. We applied the tracer–tracer correlation approach to zonal mean climatologies from satellite measurements and model data to assess the lifetimes of CFCl3 (CFC-11) and CF2Cl2 (CFC-12). We present estimates of the CFC-11/CFC-12 lifetime ratio and the absolute lifetime of CFC-12, based on a reference lifetime of 52 years for CFC-11. We analyzed climatologies from three satellite missions, the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment-Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS), the HIgh Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS), and the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS). We found a CFC-11/CFC-12 lifetime ratio of 0.47±0.08 and a CFC-12 lifetime of 112(96–133) years for ACE-FTS, a ratio of 0.46±0.07 and a lifetime of 113(97–134) years for HIRDLS, and a ratio of 0.46±0.08 and a lifetime of 114(98–136) years for MIPAS. The error-weighted, combined CFC-11/CFC-12 lifetime ratio is 0.46±0.04 and the CFC-12 lifetime estimate is 113(103–124) years. These results agree with the recent Stratosphere-troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate (SPARC) reassessment, which recommends lifetimes of 52(43–67) years and 102(88–122) years, respectively. Having smaller uncertainties than the results from other recent studies, our estimates can help to better constrain CFC-11 and CFC-12 lifetime recommendations in future scientific studies and assessments. Furthermore, the satellite observations were used to validate first simulation results from a new coupled model system, which integrates a Lagrangian chemistry transport model into a climate model. For the coupled model we found a CFC-11/CFC-12 lifetime ratio of 0.48±0.07 and a CFC-12 lifetime of 110(95–129) years, based on a 10-year perpetual run. Closely reproducing the satellite observations, the new model system will likely become a useful tool to assess the impact of advective transport, mixing, and photochemistry as well as climatological variability on the stratospheric lifetimes of long-lived tracers.
Synthesis and electrochemical performance of polyacrylonitrile carbon nanostructure microspheres for supercapacitor application

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon nanostructure microspheres (CNM) with the average particle size of 200 nm were prepared in the range of 500 to 800°C. The precursors of CNM were obtained through soap-free emulsion polymerization followed by freeze drying, oxidative stabilization, and half-carbonization. KOH was employed as the activation agent of the precursor material, and the ratio between KOH and the precursor was selected as 2:1. The element content, pore structure, nitrogen-containing functional groups, and microstructure characterization were characterized via elemental analysis, N2 adsorption at low temperature, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the electrochemical properties were examined as well. The results revealed that the CNM displayed specific surface area as high as 2134m2/g and the total pore volume could reach 2.01 cm3/g when the activation temperature was 700°C. Furthermore, its specific capacitance in 3M KOH and 1M organic electrolyte could reach 311 F/g and 179 F/g, respectively. And, also, abundant functional groups of N-5 and N-6 were rich in the surface of the material, which could cause Faraday reaction and got the increasing specific capacitance via improvement of the wettability of the electrode material.
Database pdf download summary Bubble mediated gas transfer and gas transfersuppression of DMS and CO 2

Direct dimethyl sulfide (DMS) flux measurements using eddy covariance have shown a suppression of gas transfer at medium to high wind speed. However, not all eddy covariance measurements show evidence of this suppression. Processes, such as wave-wind interaction and surfactants, have been postulated to cause this suppression. We measured DMS and carbon dioxide eddy covariance fluxes during the Asian summer monsoon in the western tropical Indian Ocean (July and August 2014). Both fluxes and their respective gas transfer velocities show signs of a gas transfer suppression above 10 m/s. Using a wind-wave interaction, we describe a flow separation process that could be responsible for a suppression of gas transfer. As a result we provide a Reynolds number-based parameterization, which states the likelihood of a gas transfer suppression for this cruise and previously published gas transfer data. Additionally, we compute the difference in the gas transfer velocities of DMS and CO2 to estimate the bubble-mediated gas transfer using a hybrid model with three whitecap parameterizations. Plain Language Summary Investigating the air-gas transfer of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and CO2, we estimate the influence of bubble-mediated gas transfer.Furthermore, we explore the phenomena of gas transfer suppression. The gas transfer between atmosphere and ocean should increase with increasing wind speed. At certain wind speed the amount of gas transferred flattens. We provide a wind-wave interaction as possible explanation of this phenomenon.
The impact of foreign capital inflows and trade expansion on integrated pollutant discharge from China: Regional differences

This article is based on the years from 1991 to 2012 of the nine categories of the provincial pollutant discharge indexes of China, uses the 'vertical and horizontal method' to calculate the comprehensive indexes that can fully measure the provincial pollutant discharge situation of China, establishes a dynamic inter-provincial panel data regression model and makes an empirical test on the relationship among foreign direct investments, foreign trade and pollutant discharge these three factors. The results show that foreign direct investment and foreign trade in different regions have a different impact on pollutant discharge. Therefore, local governments should at all levels be based on local conditions to attract foreign investment and develop foreign trade for the targeted optimization of the structure of introducing foreign investment and improving the quality of foreign trade growth, thus improving the overall situation of China's pollutant discharge.
A PSYCHOLINGUISTICS CASE STUDY IN TURKEY : BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS AND PERSONALITY TRAITS AS PREDICTORS OF STUDENTS ' AVERAGE FINAL GRADES

The aim of this study is to examine the predictive power of basic psychological needs and personality traits on students' final grades. The sample of this study consists of 151 Turkish students, 77 of whom (51%) were females and 74 (49%) males. Participants' mean age was M = 21.65 (SD = 2.21). Participants were in first to sixth year of their study in Aegean region at a State university studying in an ELT department. Basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) were assessed by the Basic Need Satisfaction in General Scale (BNSG, Gagné, 2003) whereas personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience) were estimated by the abbreviated 10-item short version of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10, Rammstedt & John, 2007). Both measures had a very good internal consistency (i.e. reliability), calculated for each of their subscales. Multiple regression analysis revealed that basic psychological needs accounted for 61.7% of students' final grades (autonomy and competence were statistically significant predictors of this criterion variable). In addition, personality traits accounted for 57.3% of the criterion's variance (agreeableness and conscientiousness were statistically significant predictors of students' final grades). The findings were explained by using the frame of Self-determination theory and some considerations on self-efficacy. In the end, some recommendations for further research were listed along with advantages and disadvantages of the present study.
Heart rate variability in chronic and acute stress : with special reference to nocturnal sleep and acute challenges after awakening

Hynynen, Esa Heart rate variability in chronic and acute stress with special reference to nocturnal sleep and acute challenges after awakening Jyvaskyla: University of Jyvaskyla, 2011, 74 p. (Studies in Sport, Physical Education and Health, ISSN 0356-1070; 163) ISBN 978-951-39-4207-6 (PDF), 978-951-39-4194-9 (nid.) Finnish summary Diss. The present study was designed to investigate the association between chronic and acute forms of physical and psychological stress and cardiac autonomic modulation in real-life situations. The results showed that chronic physical stress (overtraining) did not affect nocturnal autonomic modulation measured either by stress hormone secretion or heart rate (HR) and/or heart rate variability (HRV) indices. HRV measured immediately after awakening in an orthostatic test was diminished in the presence of chronic physical stress. Furthermore, overtrained athletes showed lower cognitive performance and HRV responses to a cognitive task and relaxation after the task than control athletes. In contrast to chronic physical stress, acute physical stress produced through endurance exercises was found to be related to a decrease in nocturnal HRV. In addition, nocturnal HRV responses to the endurance exercises had a dose-response relationship. Chronic psychological stress was found to be associated with lower HRV after awakening in an orthostatic test, but no difference was found in nocturnal HR, HRV and stress hormone secretions between low and high stress groups. Acute psychological stress was related to high HR response during a parachute jump and further, HR was found to be higher in novices than in experienced jumpers both in absolute units and in relation to age-predicted maximum HR. Despite of the high sympathetic activation during the acute stress, no association was found to any HR or HRV indices during night sleep and orthostatic tests after awakening. Slightly elevated adrenaline secretion was found during the night preceding the jump, but it may be explained by seasonal variation, and was therefore not related to the psychological stress. These results indicate that both chronic physical and chronic psychological stress can diminish HRV, especially during the awakening period in the morning. This phenomenon may be used to estimate the stress-induced withdrawal of parasympathetic autonomic modulation which may have negative effects on human health. Furthermore, nocturnal HRV may be used to estimate changes in autonomic modulation during the recovery phase from acute endurance exercises. These methods can be utilized in individual follow-ups of stress management or athletic training programs.
Transformative Experiences and Conceptual Understanding of Force and Motion

This research investigates relationships between students’ understanding of force and motion as measured by the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) and their out-of-school engagement as measured by the Transformative Experience (TE) Survey. Surveys were administered in an introductory algebra-based physics course (N = 68 completely matched). Positive correlations are observed between students’ overall TE scores and FCI pre and post scores (r = 0.4, p < 0.005). Correlations between TE scores and FCI gains and normalized gains, however, are not statistically discernable from zero. These preliminary results suggest that students with a better understanding of force and motion concepts may more readily engage with content outside of the class, but such out-of-school engagement may not be contributing to further learning gains. We conclude with a discussion of how responses to individual statements on the TE survey vary between students in the top and bottom quartiles based on FCI performance.
STUXNET AND THE IMPACT ON ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS

has seen wide news coverage of a new kind of computer attack, named "Stuxnet", targeting control systems. Due to its level of sophistication, it is widely acknowledged that this attack marks the very first case of a cyber-war of one country against the industrial infrastructure of another, although there is still much speculation about the details. Worse yet, experts recognize that Stuxnet might just be the beginning and that similar attacks, eventually with much less sophistication, but with much more collateral damage, can be expected in the years to come. Stuxnet was targeting a special model of the Siemens 400 PLC series. Similar modules are also deployed for accelerator controls like the LHC cryogenics or vacuum systems as well as the detector control systems in LHC experiments. Therefore, the aim of this presentation is to give an insight into what this new attack does and why it is deemed to be special. In particular, the potential impact on accelerator and experiment control systems will be discussed, and means will be presented on how to properly protect against similar attacks.
Are There Any Class Size Effects on Early Career Earnings in West Germany

The paper analyses the effect of class size, which stands proxy for school quality, on early career earnings. Using confidential district level information from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP), it is demonstrated that class size has no discernible effect on early career earnings. This finding is robust to changes in specification and the choice of sub-samples. The economic literature focused so far mainly on the US and the UK. This paper confirms this literature and adds new evidence to the growing empirical literature on this issue from Germany.
Preservice Science Teachers’ Perceptions of Their TPACK Development after Creating Digital Stories

The aim of this case study was to examine pre-service science teachers’ (PSTs) perceptions of their Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) development after creating digital stories based on science topics drawn from the national curriculum. A total of 21 PSTs enrolled in Introduction to Computers II participated in the study. Data were collected through a demographics questionnaire, a TPACK diagram, an open-ended questionnaire, interviews, and observations. During the study, feedback was provided to participants during each step of the digital storytelling process: writing the stories, finding related pictures, matching the pictures to the stories; and preparing the digital files. The PSTs reported that their technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge improved during the course.
ASAC 2009

Strategic management researchers have studied corporate diversification and its relationship to corporate performance for decades yet questions still remain. The prevailing wisdom in the literature describes modest levels of related diversification as leading to stronger performance (Palich, Cardinal, and Miller, 2000) with negative performance implications as firms increase diversification levels towards unrelated diversification (Rumelt, 1982; Bettis 1981). Based on this research, managers should eschew unrelated diversification in favour of related diversification opportunities.
Student Teachers’ Presentations of Science Lessons in South African Primary Schools: Ideal and Practice

Abstract A recurring theme in science teaching in South Africa has been poor learner performance in science subjects. The article reports on an inquiry into the quality of science teaching in South African primary schools. Ideal science teaching and learning practices as presented in the literature were reviewed. Against this background, the practice of science teaching in primary schools was investigated by means of an empirical inquiry. Qualitative data were gathered by document analysis of portfolios of student teachers enrolled for a postgraduate certificate in education through distance education. The findings indicated that participants did not apply the science curriculum as intended; teaching strategies were ineffective; learner assessment followed traditional methods; and time management and lesson planning skills required further development. Generally, participants failed to implement pedagogical knowledge presented in the teacher education programme. Recommendations as to how to close the gap between ideal school science teaching and actual practice are made.
Toward Fast and Quantitative Modification of Large Gold Nanoparticles by Thiolated DNA: Scaling of Nanoscale Forces, Kinetics, and the Need for Thiol Reduction

We have recently reported on the fast and quantitative adsorption of DNA to 13 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at pH 3. This is in contrast to most traditional methods at neutral pH, where the adsorption is both slow and requires high excess of DNA. Direct application of our protocol to large particles in many cases did not result in particles that are stable at high (0.3 M) salt, and high excess of DNA was still required for the formation of stable particles. In this work, we investigate the reasons for this limitation on the basis of kinetics and colloidal stability. On the basis of our investigation, fast and quantitative modification of large AuNPs is still possible, either by working at high particle concentration, or by using sonication. As we have shown that fast quantitative modification of large particles is possible, the preparation step of reduction and purification of the thiolated DNA becomes the rate limiting step in the whole AuNP-DNA conjugate protocol. However, we show that this step is unn.
Molecular characterisation of sago starch using gel permeation chromatography multi-angle laser light scattering

The molecular characteristics of sago starch (native and debranched) were determined using a gel permeation chromatograpy multi-angle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS) method. The method involves the optimisation of sample solubilisation and GPC operating conditions. The weight-average molecular weight Mw of native and debranched sago starch determined was 29.1 ± 2.1 °— 106 and 1.87 ± 0.4 °— 105 gmol-1 respectively while radius of gyration Rg was 123.6 and 59.3 nm respectively. The reduction in Mw and Rg in debranched sago was attributed to the hydrolysis of α-1,6 glycosidic linkages by pullulanase to smaller oligosaccharides.
A Fair-Priority MAC design in Networked Control System

Media Access Control (MAC) protocols in Wireless Networked Control System (WNCS) must minimize the radio energy costs in sensor nodes. Latency and throughput are also important design features for MAC protocols in the applications. But most of them cannot guarantee quality for real-time traffic. This paper studies the state of the art of current real-time MAC protocols, and then introduces a medium access control protocol and a improved protocol that provide multiple priority levels and hard real-time transmission. The channel is accessed by sensors according to their priorities. Sensors send frames in a round manner with same priority. The fairness between different priorities is provided. The channel access procedure is divided into two stages: broadcast period and transmission period. Simulation and experiment results indicate that our protocol provides high channel utilization and bounded delays for real-time communication and can be well applied in the many fields especially the dynamic wireless sensor networks.
PORTABLE IMAGERY QUALITY ASSESSMENT TEST FIELD FOR UAV SENSORS

Abstract. Nowadays the imagery data acquired from UAV sensors are the main source of all data used in various remote sensing applications, photogrammetry projects and in imagery intelligence (IMINT) as well as in other tasks as decision support. Therefore quality assessment of such imagery is an important task. The research team from Military University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Geodesy Institute, Department of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry has designed and prepared special test field- The Portable Imagery Quality Assessment Test Field (PIQuAT) that provides quality assessment in field conditions of images obtained with sensors mounted on UAVs. The PIQuAT consists of 6 individual segments, when combined allow for determine radiometric, spectral and spatial resolution of images acquired from UAVs. All segments of the PIQuAT can be used together in various configurations or independently. All elements of The Portable Imagery Quality Assessment Test Field were tested in laboratory conditions in terms of their radiometry and spectral reflectance characteristics.
Hardware System Design of Quad-rotor Aircraft Based on STM32F103

The paper outlines the configuration and the hardware system architecture of the quad-rotor aircraft, describes the overall design of the hardware system of the quad-rotor aircraft, expounds the design method of each subsystem of the hardware system of the quad-rotor aircraft, and finally gets the complete hardware system of the quad-rotor aircraft by joining the design results of subsystems.
Rheological Characteristics of Gluten after Modified by DATEM, Ascorbic Acid, Urea and DTT Using Creep-Recovery Test

The effects of diacetyl tartaric acid ester of monoglycerides (DATEM), ascorbic acid (AA), urea, and dithiothreitol (DTT) on viscoelastic properties of commercial hard red winter wheat gluten were investigated. A constant shear stress of 40 Pa was applied to gluten during creep-recovery test. Experimental creep-recovery compliance responses were fitted into a Burgers model with four elements accounting for characteristics of pure elastic (spring), viscoelastic (spring-dashpots elements), and viscous flow (dashpot). DATEM decreased the elasticity and viscoelasticity, but increased viscosity of gluten. The addition of AA, urea, and DTT, resulted in opposite rheological properties when compared with DATEM. Relationship among physical properties was also studied with principal component analysis (PCA) including gluten viscoelasticity, dough mixing and baking properties. Regressed coefficients from Burgers model accounted for higher percent of explained variance and were independent from flour content, baking and dough mixing properties.
Korean Welfare Panel Data: A Computational Bayesian Method for Ordered Probit Random Effects Models

We introduce a MCMC sampling for a generalized linear normal random effects model with the ordered probit link function based on latent variables from suitable truncated normal distribution. Such models have proven useful in practice and we have observed numerically reasonable results in the estimation of fixed effects when the random effect term is provided. Applications that utilize Korean Welfare Panel Study data can be difficult to model; subsequently, wefind that an ordered probit model with the random effects leads to an improved analyses with more accurate and precise inferences.
Determinants of Capital Structure in Nigerian Banking Sector

Capital is considered as the cornerstone of a bank’s financial strength since it supports bank operations by providing a buffer to absorb unanticipated losses from its activities and, in the event of problems, enabling the bank to continue to operate in a sound and viable manner while the problems are addressed or resolved. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between the level of leverage ratios with "Size", "Dividend Payout", "Profitability", "Tangibility", "Liquidity", "Growth" and "Tax Charge"; with reference to the capital structure models and theories, and to identify leverage ratios which indicates the most pertinent factor motivating the capital structure choice in Nigerian Banking Industry between 2006 and 2010. The research work makes use of the econometric procedure in estimating the relationship between banks capital structure and its key determinants. The pooled ordinary Least Square (Pooled OLS) technique was employed in obtaining the numerical estimates of the coefficients in different equations.