Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A quasi phase-resolving model of net sand transport and short-term cross-shore profile evolution

A way of modelling of the net sediment transport rate on a cross-shore profile and the resulting sea bed changes is presented. In the sediment transport computations, a three-layer model with a description of the bedload based on the water-soil mixture theory by Kaczmarek& Ostrowsk i (1998, 2002) is used. The modelling system is applied to wave-current conditions variable over the cross-shore profile, and determined using the computational frameworkof Szmytk iewicz (2002a, b). The sediment transport module incorporates the asymmetric wave approaches as proposed by Ostrowski (2002). Model simulations have been produced for uniformly sloped and multi-bar initial cross-shore profiles. Some of the model results are compared with the IBW PAN (Institute of Hydroengineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences) field data collected at the Coastal Research Station in Lubiatowo. * The study was sponsored by KBN, Poland, under programme 2 of IBW PAN and the KBN research project SPB-HUMOR. The Author is also indebted to the Commission of the European Community within the framework of the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (EESD) Thematic Programme, for its support in the project: ‘Human Interaction with Large Scale Coastal Morphological Evolution’ HUMOR-EVK3-CT-2000-00037. The complete text of the paper is available in PDF format at http://www.iopan. gda.pl/ oceanologia/index.html
Vegetation analysis and estimation of forest reconstitution time in protected areas of Val Camonica (Southern Alps) where a commercial mixture of seeds was sown

This study examined the vegetation composition of five sites of the Southern Alps (Val Camonica, Italy) where a commercial seed mixture had been used to restore vegetation at the end of soil stabilization works. The five sites are located in two protected areas of the Alps (the Parco dell’Adamello and the Riserva Naturale delle Valli di Sant’Antonio), and represent a chronosequence of year of sowing. We used a set of floristic-vegetational indices (index of maturity, indices of the life forms, and Landolt ecological indices) to analyse the characteristics of the vegetation of the five sites and to find a model that would allow an estimation of forest reconstitution time. From data analysis we found that, in areas which have had more recovery time, the sown heliophilous species and the ruderal herbaceous species decrease, while shrubs, trees and typical species of mature forests increase. The values of the index of maturity also increase according to time elapsed after sowing; the relationship that, in the present case, links the index of maturity to time was expressed formulaically. This model provided an estimation of the time required for the reconstitution of the forest community which, in this case, was about twenty years. This research, prompted by a request from the managing institutions of the two protected areas for a botanical investigation into the outcome of using the seed mixture, provided information that will enable them to assess whether to use the mixture in future environmental restoration work in the same areas. Research eco.mont – Volume 9, Number 1, January 2017 ISSN 2073-106X pr int vers ion – ISSN 2073-1558 onl ine vers ion: ht tp://epub.oeaw. ac.at/eco.mont ht tps://dx.doi. org/10.1553/eco.mont-9-1s22 22
The MEMO Meta Modelling Language (MML) and Language Architecture: 2nd Edition

The family of languages that builds the foundation of the MEMO method is intended to feature a high degree of inter-language integration. For this purpose, the languages need to share common concepts. In order to define concepts that are semantically equivalent, it is recommendable to use the same meta modelling language for specifying the MEMO modelling languages. The previous version of the meta modelling language used for this purpose needed a revision. At the same time, there was need to account for alternative approaches to specifying modelling languages, especially those offered by the OMG or the Eclipse foundation. This report starts with an analysis of requirements that should be accounted for by a meta modelling language. Subsequently, the UML infrastructure library and meta object facility (MOF) are evaluated against these requirements. In addition to that, the report presents an evaluation of the Ecore model, which serves to represent meta models within the Eclipse Graphical Modeling Framework (GMF). The evaluation of both approaches shows that none of them is satisfactory as a meta modelling language for enterprise modelling. Then, the new version of the MEMO meta modelling language (MML) is presented. The language specification consists of a meta meta model that specifies that semantics and abstract syntax and a corresponding graphical notation (concrete syntax). The new version features a concept called intrinsic features that allows for differentiating between features that apply to types and those that apply to instances. It also includes a modified graphical notation that supports a clear distinction of meta models from models on other levels of abstraction. Finally, the report presents the outline of a tool that supports the creation and editing of MEMO meta models as well as their transformation into representations which can be used in the Eclipse modelling framework.
Analysis of Earthquake Response of an Asphalt Concrete Core Embankment Dam

Seismic behavior of a rockfill dam with asphalt-concrete core has been studied utilizing numerical models with material parameters determined by laboratory tests. The case study selected for these analyses, is the Meyjaran asphalt core dam, recently constructed in Northern Iran, with 60 m height and 180 m crest length. The numerical analyses have been performed using a non- linear three dimensional finite difference software and various hazard levels of earthquakes. This study shows that due to the elasto-plastic characteristics of the asphalt concrete, rockfill dams with asphalt concrete core behave satisfactorily during earthquake loading. The induced shear strains in the asphalt core, for the case presented in this research, are less than 1% during an earthquake with a max =0.25g and the asphalt core remains watertight. Due to large shear deformations caused by a more severe earthquake with amax=0.60g, some cracking may occur towards the top of the core (down to 5-6 m), and the core permeability may increase in the top part, but the dam is safe.
Neural Mechanisms for Real-Time Pattern Categorization in Robotics Applications

We present behavioraly active, self-growing neural mechanisms for pattern categorization based on multifeature extraction that can be used in (real-time) robotic applications. By using these mechanisms, robot agents are able to learn a pattern representation for different regions detected in a restricted environment and also to categorize already known (learned) patterns. As a practical result, the robotic agents, doted with an attentional mechanism, are able to perform a visual monitoring task of their underlying space. That is, they are able to construct attentional maps of the environment, and to keep the maps consistent with a current perception of the scene dealing in an efficient manner with new or already known pattern representations.
Did the Electronic Trading System Make the Foreign Exchange Market More Efficient ?

This paper examines the effects of introducing the electronic trading system (EBS) on the foreign exchange market, the biggest financial market in the world where trading occurs through many dealers. We find that increasing transparency leads to an increase in informational efficiency, an important aspect of market quality. However, informed dealers are found to quote less aggressively in the more transparent market. Overall, we conclude that semi-transparency raises market efficiency in general, but that it is the uninformed dealers who benefit more from this increased efficiency. Advisor: Professor Liang Ding Readers: Professor Vittorio Addona, Professor Gary Krueger
Growth response of Pinus tabulaeformis to climate along an elevation gradient in the eastern Qinling Mountains, central China

Tree growth response to climate is not well understood in the eastern Qinling Mountains of central China, an East Asian monsoon dominated region. In this study, we developed 4 robust tree-ring width chronologies using Chinese pine Pinus tabulaeformis along an elevation gradient. The 4 chronologies were significantly correlated with each other. Through standard correlation function analysis, we found that each of the 4 chronologies correlated negatively with temperature, especially with maximum temperature in May and June, and positively with precipitation from prior December to current May. Principal component analysis and composite analysis of years when extremely narrow rings were common to all 4 chronologies confirmed this relationship. However, precipitation in the current September and October was positively correlated to tree growth at lower sites and negatively at higher ones, and temperature stress effects increased with elevation. The findings will help understand the growth response of this tree species to climate change in the southern part of its range, and provide critical information for future climate reconstructions using this tree species in humid or semi-humid regions.
Increased phenylpropanoid accumulation in essential oils of Petroselinum crispum at different Sulphur dilutions

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different doses of Sulphur on yield and chemical composition of parsley essential oil. Sulphur was applied at different dilutions in the centesimal scale ranging from 0c (control), 6, 12, 18, 24 to 30c. The experiment was carried out in the field, and for each treatment there were five replications, that is, five vases with one plant each. The evaluated parameters were: plant height (cm), fresh biomass of the aerial parts and root (g), yield and chemical composition of the essential oil. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results indicated that 12c dilution caused aerial part inhibition; there was an inhibitory effect on roots at 12 and 30c dilutions, and 6, 12 and 30 c dilutions inhibited fresh biomass when compared to the control (0c) and the other dilutions. Regarding EO yield, an increase in yield (%) at 18c (0.150 ± 0.01) and 30c (0.180 ± 0.01) dilutions occurred when compared to control (0c) (0.017 ± 0.01). The essential oil presented phenylpropanoids as the main class in its composition and apiole and myristicin as major compounds in all evaluated treatments. The 12c dilution allowed an increase in apiole (96.24%) and decrease in myristicin (3.76%). However, myristicin has an increase in treatments 6c (14.65%), 18c (10.46%), 24c (13.66%) and 30c (14.80 when compared to the control 0c (5.99%). In conclusion, a stimulating or inhibitory response occurred in the evaluated parameters depending on the utilized dilutions. The increase in apiole and myristicin is considered an economically important factor because they are substances utilized by the pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries. Key words: Parsley, apiole, myristicin, phenylpropanoids, yield, dilutions.
A Microeconometric Analysis of the Springboard Subsidiary: The Case of Spanish Firms

Abstract This paper provides a microeconometric analysis of the distinctive characteristics of springboard subsidiaries that have a positive impact on the subsidiaries’ performance. Based on panel data estimations for subsidiaries of European multinational companies with a presence in Spain, the authors found that if the subsidiary is located in the springboard country, then the performance improvement (increase in profit margin) of the subsidiary is about 49 percentage points. When the Spanish subsidiary is considered a springboard subsidiary, its performance is 7.7 percentage points higher than the performance of other subsidiaries that are not springboard subsidiaries. If the subsidiary has a technological relationship with another subsidiary, its performance is 6.7 percentage points higher than the performance of other subsidiaries that do not have a technological relationship. Finally, when the firm has low autonomy, the performance of the subsidiary is 6.2 percentage points lower than that of firms that are independent or have a high level of autonomy.
How Socioeconomic Dispartie Affects Child Mortality in EMRO Countries

Introduction All nations are striving for development. Economic development is one of the main parts of development process, but not all of it. Populations health is one of the main factors of economic development, and child’s mortality is one of the main factors of population health status. The aim of this study is investigating the role of socioeconomic disparties in under 5 mortality in Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) countries. Materials and Methods This study is a restropective and panel data type. Data used in this study inquired form the World Health Organization(WHO) and the World Bank database for 20 EMRO countries. In order to investigate socio-economic factors of under 5 mortality we used per capita income logarithm, health expenditure per capita, out-of-pocket health expenditure, access to improved sanitation and Measles vacination, literacy rate in 15 to 24 years old females, female unemployment rate, and birth rate. Results According to results, all variables (Per Capita National Income, Health Expenditure Per Capita, Access to Health Facilities, Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure, and Measles Immunization, Female Literacy Rate for 15 to 24 year old, Female Unemployment Rate and Crude Birth Rate) showed significant relationship with under 5 mortality except per capita health expenditure. Per capita income logarithm also had the greatest impact in reducing the mortality of children under 5 year in comparison with other variables. Conclusion Childs mortality is the symbol of development and have important role in population growth. Results of this study indicate that access to healthcare services have lower impact on childs mortality rather than economic variables.
The Single Burning Item (SBI) test method - a decade of development and plans for the near future

Harmonised technical specifications are needed to create a single European market. Although many test methods were available to assess the reaction to fire performance of building products, no set of existing test methods was both politically and technically acceptable. As a result the Single Burning Item (SBI) test method has been developed . For about 80% of the building products on the European market this assessment will be, and partly is already, compulsory. The paper describes the development process of the SBI test method, including the result of the second recently finalised round robin exercise. Items for further development are discussed with the emphasis on some uncertainty aspects of the test method.
Feelings of hopelessness in stable HIV-positive patients on antiretrovirals

Aim. The coping skills and styles individuals utilise to deal with the stress of HIV infection greatly influence the psychological impact of this illness and potential consequent feelings of hopelessness. The aim of this study was to describe levels of hopelessness in a group of stable, non-depressed HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, and factors associated with hopelessness. Method. Thirty randomly selected non-depressed patients (according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria) were included in this study. Demographic and other data were obtained from all subjects, who also completed the Beck’s Hopelessness Scale (BHS). The 20 true-false items of the BHS (29) measured three major aspects of hopelessness, which was interpreted on the total scale score as follows: ≤3 minimal, and >3 significant. Results. The study population comprised 30 patients with a mean age of 37.9 years (standard error (SE) 1.18) ( range 28 - 51 years). The mean BHS score was 4.03 (SE 0.55), with a range from 0 to 12. There were no statistically significant correlations between BHS scores of the study population and gender, marital status, employment status, level of education, years since the diagnosis of HIV, or number of children (p>0.05). Eighteen subjects (60%) scored 3 or less on the BHS, considered minimal levels of hopelessness. However, 12 (40%) scored more than 3, which is considered significant; of these 23% had scores of 7 or more. There was no statistically significant association between BHS scores and gender, employment status, level of education, number of children or number of years since diagnosis (p>0.05). However, patients who were married or living with partners were statistically more likely to score higher on the hopelessness scale compared with those who were single (p<0.05). Conclusion. Hopelessness is a psychological distress reaction that is common but largely undetected in stable HIV-positive patients on antiretrovirals. Feelings of hopelessness may result in increase in risk-taking behaviour (e.g. unprotected sex, drug use, sharing needles) and attempted suicide.
Does Air Pollution Cause the Retail Investor’s Disposition Effect in Taiwan Mutual Fund Markets?

Disposition effect is a biased behavior of investor, which sells winners too early and rides losers too long. Retail investors may have a disposition effect compared to professional investor because retail investors may lack of expertise or their psychology are affected easily by external factors, such as weather, temperature, mood, etc. Recently, Taiwan suffers from air pollution problem. Does air pollution cause the retail investor’s disposition effect? By using multiple regression analysis, this article investigates the relationship between air pollution and retail investor’s disposition effect in Taiwan mutual fund market. We divide the market conditions into three states, bull, bear, and neutral. Empirical results revealed that although there is no significant correlation between air pollution and the disposition effect in the overall Taiwan mutual fund market, but the retailer investor’s behavior is more conservative as the degree of air pollution increases under the bull and bear markets.
Three-dimensional modelling of structural effects of corroding steel reinforcement in concrete

The effect of corrosion products flowing through cracks becomes significant when large corrosion penetrations take place in reinforced concrete structures and wide cracks develop; this is favourable, as it decreases the splitting stress around the bar. The effect becomes more important when the corrosion rate is low, such as for natural corrosion. Acorrosion model describing the expansion due to voluminous corrosive products was previously developed. The model is here extended to include the flow of corrosion products through cracks. The volume flow of corrosion products through a crack is assumed to depend on the splitting stress and the crack width. The splitting stress is evaluated from the strain in the corrosion products, and the crack width is computed from the displacements across the crack. A one-dimensional flow model is used to formulate the flow phenomenon and to estimate the volume flow of corrosion products. The extended corrosion model, applied in detailed three-dimensional non-linear finite element analyses of highly corroded eccentric pull-out specimens, resulted in more corrosion cracks with smaller crack openings, which better corresponded to measurements of the tested specimens. Moreover, the results indicated the important effect of the flow phenomenon on the bond strength.
Cost-Efficient EM-Simulation-Driven Antenna Design Using Co-Kriging

An efficient and reliable technique for design optimization of antennas is presented. Our approach exploits coarse-discretization electromagnetic (EM) simulations of the antenna of interest that are used to create its fast initial model (a surrogate) through Kriging. During the design process, predictions obtained by optimizing the surrogate are verified using highfidelity EM simulations, and these high-fidelity data are used to enhance the surrogate using co-Kriging interpolation that accommodates all EM simulation data into one surrogate model. The co-Kriging-based optimization algorithm is simple, elegant and is capable of yielding a satisfactory design at a low cost equivalent to a few high-fidelity EM simulations of the antenna under design. To our knowledge, this is a first application of co-Kriging to antenna design. Efficiency of our approach is demonstrated with several antenna design cases and compared to other techniques including pattern search and space mapping.
Consumer motivation for organic food consumption.

This paper presents the results from a Turkish survey study on perceptions, knowledge and behaviors of consumers towards organic foods. In order to provide information related to consumer motivation in purchasing organic products, 300 respondents were interviewed using face-to-face approach by adopting a survey. The results of these interviews are obtained, and also social and demographical attributes of the respondents were reported. Since organic products are perceived as difficult to find and expensive; most of the respondents judge them negatively. Data obtained from the survey showed that differences exist between groups of consumers with respect to their experience in consuming organic products and the extent of available information on these food products.
Empirical Results of Predicting the Relationship between Value, Attitude, and Intention to Quit as an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is one of the important factors in supporting the economy of the country. Experience shows that the economic crisis of a country can be overcome by the strong entrepreneurship in the country. Therefore, entrepreneurship is one important topic that is not only related to practices but also with theory. Related with research and related to entrepreneurship, a lot of research has been done to test students' intentions to become entrepreneurs. In particular, much research on entrepreneurship has been done to explore and predict the various factors that influence teenagers' intentions to become entrepreneurs. However, little research has been done to understand teenagers' intention to quit as entrepreneurs, especially in the context of Indonesian youth. Young entrepreneurs have inherent characteristics such as lack of experience, skill, and some of them are mentally unstable in their work, just as easily as changing their jobs. Therefore, understanding the intention to quit among young entrepreneurs not only can contribute in the entrepreneurial literature, but also can support the Indonesian government, academia, and businessmen themselves in understanding and creating ways to make young entrepreneurs maintain entrepreneurship. Thus, this study aims to predict the relationship between personal value and the intention to quit as entrepreneurs with attitudes towards entrepreneurship as an intermediary variable in the context of young entrepreneurs in Indonesia. Respondents were 150 students collected from a private university in Tangerang, Indonesia. Respondents were collected by purposive sampling technique. Before the data were analyzed by using structural equation modeling (SEM), the reliability and validity of the indicator had been checked first. The results of the analysis show that the relationship between personal values (i.e. instrumental and terminal values) and attitudes is not significant, but attitudes have a significant impact on the intention to quit as entrepreneurs. This paper provides data analysis, discussion of findings and direction for further research.