Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of CNT Defects on Mechanical Behavior of Cross linked Epoxy based Nanocomposites by Molecular Dynamics

Although carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been employed as reinforcements in nanocomposites, presence of nano scale defects such as Stone-Wales and vacancy defects in carbon nanotubes (CNT) weakens the mechanical properties of these materials. In this paper the effects of defects in CNTs on nanocomposite elastic behavior are investigated using molecular dynamics. Stiffness matrices of CNT and nanocomposite indicated the transversely isotropic behaviour of nanocomposite molecular model. Longitudinal and transverse Young's moduli for both perfect and defected CNT/epoxy nanocomposites are determined. A comparison between the results illustrates that the number and type of CNT defects have significant effects on mechanical behaviour of nanocomposite. Based on molecular dynamics results, CNT defects significantly affect the Young's modulus particularly in the transverse direction. Comparison between molecular simulation predictions and rule of mixtures results indicates that some correlation factors must be incorporated when using the micromechanical theories at nano scales.
Polarimetric Doppler Radar Analysis of Organization of a Stationary Rainband with Changing Orientations in July 2010

A stationary rainband brought heavy rainfall across Gifu and Aichi prefectures, Japan, on 15 July 2010. The orientation of the rainband was initially southwest–northeast, and then changed from west-southwest to east-northeast, before reverting to its original orientation, although the rainband remained stationary over the same area. This study analyzes the organization of the rainband during these three orientation periods using polarimetric Doppler radar. The rainband was maintained by south-southwesterly inflows of high equivalent potential temperature (≥340 K) below 2 km, while southwesterly winds prevailed at middle level during the rainfall. It is suggested that these rainband orientations were determined by the travel directions of the convective cells and positions of cell generation relative to the rainband, which in turn were governed by intensities of low-level inflow and cell-origin outflow. During the first orientation period, convective cells formed over a wide area within the rainband and traveled northeastward. Low-level outflows from deep convective cells in the northern section of the rainband shifted the cell-generation area southward, and enhanced south-southwesterly inflows caused the southwestern portion of the rainband to drift slightly to the north; hence, the rainband was oriented from west-southwest to east-northeast. The convective cells were deeper during the second period and low-level outflows were stronger than those in the first stage. The strong outflows formed a cell generation area on the southern lateral side of the rainband, while enhanced low-level inflows contributed to the north-northeastward motion of the generated cells crossing the rainband at an angle of 45°. The outflows and south-southwesterly inflows then weakened, and convective cells formed successively on the southwestern edge of the rainband and moved to the northeast. As a result, the rainband reverted to its original southwest-northeast orientation.
AUDITING AND EARNINGS MANAGEMENT IN BRAZILIAN HMOS

This paper examines whether external auditing minimizes the propensity for manipulation of accounting information (MAI) by health maintenance organizations (HMOs), with respect to financial information disclosed to the Brazilian Health Care Agency (ANS). The results of univariate and multivariate analyses and robustness tests indicated no statistically significant differences in the propensity to MAI between audited and unaudited financial reports in the analyzed information. The empirical regularities shown in this study provide useful insights to foreign regulators and international auditors. Our study sheds light on the effectiveness of the recent reporting and auditing regulations in Brazil, suggesting that – in regard to the HMO industry – auditing has not begun to play a more effective role yet. Acknowledgment The authors acknowledge the grants provided by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) under process MCT/CNPq/ANS 410612/2006-5, and database access provided by the Brazilian Federal Office of Health Maintenance Organizations (ANS). *Affiliations: The Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Accounting School, Centro Universitário do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil. Av. Timbó, 1890 apto 1306 – Pedreira – Belém-PA +55 91 81820001 feliperamos@cobservice.com. br ** Affiliations: International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation, Education Projects, London, United Kingdom. The Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Business and Finance School, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Praia de Botafogo, 190, sala 501, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, 22430-200 +55 21 37995781, +55 21 37995710 ricardo.lopes. cardoso@fgv.br *** Affiliation: FUCAPE Business School, Vitória, ES, Brazil. Av. Fernando Ferrari 1358, Goiabeiras, Vitoria , ES, Brazil, 29075-010. +55 71 3264 3126, +55 71 8792 7666 lopo@fucape.br **** Affiliation: School of Economics (FACE), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Sala 2037, FACE, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 31270-901 +55 31 3409 7267 , +55 31 9324 5252 poueri@face.ufmg. br
An evaluation of critical success factors in oil and gas project portfolio in Nigeria

This study focuses on investigation of the critical success factors required for successful deepwater development in offshore Nigeria. Thirteen critical success factors were established along with project delivery schedule, project budget and portfolio management strategy as impacting on project success. A sample of 200 participants were identified and issued with a set of self developed items web based questionnaire, with the variable items drawn from the literature review. 85% of the target sample responded to the electronic mail web based questionnaire. The findings of this research show that, thirteen critical success factors are of high importance within the deepwater oil and gas project portfolio management. It also identified that some critical success factors in mega construction projects can be applied to deepwater oil and gas projects.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS AND HABITAT SELECTION OF CARABUS ULRICHII (COLEOPTERA, CARABIDAE) IN WOODLAND HABITATS IN HUNGARY

The distribution, seasonality and reproductive characteristics of Carabus ulrichii (Coleoptera, Carabidae) were studied in woodland habitats in Hungary. We sampled a beech forest, an oak forest and the adjacent transition zone using pitfall traps, in the Pilis Biosphere Reserve in 2005 and 2006. Generalised linear models were used to explore the impacts of the habitat quality and seasonality on the distribution of this species. We found that the light intensity model explained best the species' activity density pattern, suggesting preference for open oak forest. We also found that the mandible wear was not a good estimator of age in C. ulrichii, but ovarial condition could be used to assess reproductive status. The seasonal activity and life history patterns were similar in the three different habitats for both sexes. Although differences in the total activity density of the species were found, there were no differences either in the seasonal activity patterns, or in the age-composition, or in the reproductive characteristics of C. ulrichii among the studied habitats. C. ulrichii beetles reproduced only once per season in the studied forested habitats.
Fluctuating asymmetry in the wings of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae) from selected barangays in Iligan City, Philippines

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) measures deviations from the ideal state of symmetry, and is therefore thought to reflect the level of genetic and environmental stress experienced by individuals or populations during development. It measures the variations from symmetry of the right and left sides of bilateral organisms since, both sides of a symmetrical structure are said to be genetically identical, with similar history of gene activity and experiencing the same environment. It is a most common tool used for measuring developmental instability. In this study, the potential for FA as a biomarker of stress and as an indicator of developmental instability was evaluated in the wings of the common household mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus from three different breeding sites. This is to understand the nature and variation of natural populations of C. quinquefasciatus found in Iligan City. The samples consist of 90 individuals (females), 30 from each site. FA of each sample from every site was measured for comparison. In this study, anatomical landmarks were subjected to Procrustes superimposition and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using "Symmetry and Asymmetry in Geometric Data" (SAGE) program. Results yield highly significant FA in the wings of C. quinquefasciatus collected from the three barangays. This implies that species present in the three areas may exhibit inability to buffer stress in its developmental pathways and manifest increase level of FA hence, have possible implications on species fitness and its status as a vector.
Cytotoxic and genotoxic activities of an aqueous extract from Thai Noni leaves in human lymphocytes in vitro.

The aims of this study were to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic activities of an aqueous extract from Thai Noni’s leaf (ANL) in human lymphocytes in vitro. Chromosome aberration and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays were performed. Treatment of ANL (0.8-25 mg/ml) for 3 h did not significantly induce chromosomal aberration nor SCEs (p<0.05). Nevertheless, ANL could induce cytotoxic activities as shown by their toxic level of mitotic index in a dose dependent manner. Only toxicity induced at lower doses of ANL (< 3.1 mg/ml) could be recovered as shown by their normal level of the proliferation index. ANL at higher dose of 50 mg/ml induced potent cytotoxicity as no mitotic cell was found. Interestingly, metaphase chromosomes undergoing tetraploidization were found from ANL treatment at 12.5 and 25 mg/ml. These indicate that ANL treatment could interrupt cell cycle that progressed after S phase. Therefore, the optimum dose of ANL as food supplement needs to be considered carefully for human safety. Nevertheless, ANL at doses lower than 3.1 mg/ml might be useful for treatment of human hyperproliferative disorder at appropriate dose since ANL could induce temporary cytotoxicity without genotoxicity. Scientific study is also needed to verify the usefulness of an aqueous extract of Noni’s leaf.
July 2, 2010

This document outlines the underlying research, model characteristics, data, and validation results for Moody’s Mortgage Metrics Prime, which is an analytic tool for assessing the credit risk of a portfolio of prime residential mortgages. Moody’s Mortgage Metrics comprises loan-level econometric models for default, prepayment, and severity. These models are integrated through common dependence on local macro-economic factors, which are simulated at national, state, and Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) levels. This integration produces correlation in behaviors of loans across the portfolio. The simulation incorporates a multi-step Monte Carlo approach which enables the model to be combined with an external cashflow waterfall tool and used for simulation of RMBS transactions. Furthermore, we model both primary (loan-level) and secondary (pool-level) mortgage insurance. The resulting tool can be used to aid in analyzing the credit risk in RMBS as well as mortgage portfolios of whole loans. © 2010 Moody’s Research Labs. All rights reserved. Moody’s Mortgage Metrics® 1 Many past and present members of the current research group made significant contributions to the building and implementation of the Moody’s Mortgage Metrics Prime models. Xufeng (Norah) Qian and Weijian Liang helped build the prepayment models. Weijian Liang also helped estimating the severity model. Jordan Mann helped model MI. Pouyan Mashayekh helped model the macro economic factors. Samuel Ring, together with Grigory Enenberg and Tamara Lubomirsky helped in the validation exercises. Xufeng (Norah) Qian, Jipil Ha, and Aziz Lookman helped in drafting some sections of this paper. We are grateful for their contribution and for the comments of Navneet Agarwal, Jordan Mann, Albert Metz, Rajesh Shekhar, and numerous members of the Moody’s Investors Service RMBS Surveillance team.
Control of the Separation Flow in a Sudden Enlargement

In the present paper, an experimental and numerical investigation of fluid flow and heat transfer in the case of wall injection besides main flow through a circular sudden enlargement are studied. The injected flow is achieved through an annular slot placed around the inner side wall of the step. The static pressure variation along the sudden enlargement length is measured and calculated at different values of injection ratio ( Q ) and injection flow angles. The average heat transfer with Reynolds number (ReJ) of injected flow at different values of the inlet flow angle is obtained. The velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and temperature contours are presented in this study. Reynolds number of injected flow is varied between 320 and 840, Reynolds number of main flow is between 5895 and 8450 and the injection flow angles are 0 o , 15 o , 30 o , 45 o and 60 o . In the injection case, the results indicate that, the pressure recovery coefficient increases by decreasing the injection ratio and increasing the flow angle. The average heat transfer coefficient increases as both injection Reynolds number and the injection flow angle increase. The numerical results showed that two recirculation zones generate behind the step between the injection flow and the main flow. The size of these recirculation zones decreases by increasing the injection flow rate. The turbulent kinetic energy increases within region between the recirculation zones and main zone also, it decays by injecting flow in the recirculation zone. The length for higher value of flow temperature decreases by injecting flow in the recirculation zone, and that length increases as the injection flow rate increases. The comparison between the experimental results and the numerical results gives good agreement using the k-e model with Leschziner and Rodi correction.
Global Λ polarization in high energy collisions

With a Yang-Mills flux-tube initial state and a high resolution (3+1)D Particle-in-Cell Relativistic (PICR) hydrodynamics simulation, we calculate the $\Lambda$ polarization for different energies. The origination of polarization in high energy collisions is discussed, and we find linear impact parameter dependence of the global $\Lambda$ polarization. Furthermore, the global $\Lambda$ polarization in our model decreases very fast in the low energy domain, and the decline curve fits well the recent results of Beam Energy Scan (BES) program launched by the STAR collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The time evolution of polarization is also discussed.
Aviation 4.0: More Safety through Automation and Digitization

The world is talking about the Industry 4.0 or the fourth industrial revolution, that is, the current trend of higher level of automation, digitalization and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things and cloud computing among other technological assets. With more than 5000 sensors, which generate up to 10 GB of data per second, modern aircraft engines are an exponent of what digitalization and the Internet of Aircraft Things could furnish, as part of the upcoming Industry 4.0 revolution, in the aviation industry. This new era has the potential to improve air transport key performance areas. Particularly, in an industry where safety levels are so high and the margins for improvement are extremely tight, this upcom- ing era might imply a shift in safety improvement. In an attempt to define Aviation 4.0, this chapter discusses the stages of aviation development from basic VFR flight rules at Aviation 1.0 up to Aviation 4.0 where cyber-physical systems are designed to assist humans’ unkind or hazardous work, to take decisions and to complete tasks autono- mously. It illustrates the current and future cases of application of Aviation 4.0 to increase the aviation safety, while outlines how they might increase aviation safety levels.
PCDD/F and Dioxin-Like PCB Determinations in Mtoni Estuarine Sediments (Tanzania) Using the Chemically Activated Luciferase Gene Expression (CALUX) Bioassay

Sediments from Mtoni estuary and 2 tributaries, Tanzania, were screened for polychlorinated-p-dibenzodioxins, -dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) using the chemically activated luciferase gene expression (CALUX) bioassay approach. PCDD/Fs expressed as bio analytical equivalence (BEQ) values ranged from 5.7 ± 1.4 to 39.9 ± 5.8 pg BEQ/g sediment in the wet season and from 14.1 ± 2.0 to 32.8 ± 4.7 pg BEQ/g sediment in the dry season, with higher levels observed in Kizinga River and stations close to the mouth of that river. Dioxin-like PCB levels ranged from 0.21 ± 0.03 to 0.53 ± 0.03 pg BEQ/g sediment in the wet season and from 0.22 ± 0.03 to 0.59 ± 0.04 pg BEQ/g sediment in the dry season. Higher PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels in sediments are probably related to open burning of plastic scraps, household burning of wood or charcoal and traffic related emissions, all of which occur in the Dar es Salaam region. The denser population and the more intense industrial activities in the Kizinga River basin may explain the enhanced PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels observed in the sediments of that river compared to the levels in the Mzinga River basin. A third sampling campaign, including also stations in the downstream estuary, confirmed the enhanced levels in the Kizinga River (maximum of 400 pg-BEQ/g) and also showed that a clear decreasing concentration gradient in the downstream direction exists. It cannot be excluded that the levels of these pollutants in the sediments of the Mtoni estuary pose a threat to the local biological community.
Valuation of ecosystems services in coastal ecosystems: Asian and European perspectives

The coastal ecosystem is essential to life on our planet and supports the livelihood of people living and depending on coastal resources. The abundance of good quality costal is fundamental to all marine biological processes and supports living resources. Moreover it essential for the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystems, in addition to primary and secondary production functions that support human needs. Valuation studies of coastal resources will considerably increase our knowledge of the value of ecosystems. Their usefulness has often been undermined due to undervaluation, the main reason for coastal resources destruction. Despite a global consensus on the need to implement stakeholder management approaches and on Millenium Development Goals for food security, poverty reduction and preservation of ecosystems, the reality in most counries is a competition between different groups and sectors for access to coastal ecosystem services. The real value of wetlands plays a major role in this predicament. A variety of innovative methods of economics are usually applied in the valuation of cultural and provisioning services in coastal ecosystem under the concept of total value. The basic premise underlying all these economic valuation techniques is the individual's willingness to pay (WTP) or willingness to accept(WTA). The contingent valuation method (CVM) uses a direct stated preference approach to valuing an environment good or service in that it asks people through surveys or experiments what they are WTP for the good or WTA for the loss of the good. A demand curve can be traced using the bid values estimated in a CVM study which is particularly attractive because it can estimate values where market do not exist or where market substitutes cannot be found. Choice experiment (CE) is becoming an increasingly popoluar stated preference technique in valuing coastal resources. CE is considered to be both an evolution of and an alternative to CVM and both methods use stated preference approaches and both are usually based on random utility theory. Two studies in Europe and Asia using CVM and CE approaches for valuing cultural and provisioning ecosystem services are highlighted in this paper. There is an urgent need for research to determine the status of regulating services and how the value can actually be captured and incorporated in decision making process in ecosystem management.
Prevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in some Wild and Pet Birds

Chlamydophila psittaci is one of the most important, zoonotic pathogen of birds causing chlamydiosis. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of infection by Cp. psittaci and to determine the genotype in birds at potential risk of exposure to this pathogen. In total four species of wild birds (50 native and 40 migratory quails, 30 doves and 25 tree sparrows) and four species of pet birds, (20 Budgerigars,10 cockatiels, 3 finches, 5 love birds) were examined for the presense of Chlamydophila psittaci using impression smears stained with Giemsa stain, smears from yolk sacs were stained with Gimenez stain and PCR . The results were (80%-100%) , (85%-100%) and (80%-100%) in pet birds followed by wild birds (64%-85%) , (76%-95%) and (80%-90%), respectivelly The pathogencity of three isolates by intratracheal route with 10 6 TCID/ml in 15 days old chickens and quails was done and showed that the more pathogenic strain for chickens and quails was the pet birds strain. The observed clinical signs were respiratory signs, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea, While the pathological changes were congestion in liver, lung, spleen, and pericarditis while mild clinical and pathological changes were observed post infection by tree sparrows and migratory quails isolates. The partial ompA gene sequence of isolated Cp. psittaci strain was placed in genotype A of Cp. psittaci which had the highest identity (91.9-94%) with previously similar described strains of genotype A. Pet and wild birds were the major reservoir for Cp. psittaci which shed in their excreta and expose human and native birds to high zoonotic risk.
The matter-wave laser interferometer gravitation antenna (MIGA): New perspectives for fundamental physics and geosciences

We are building a hybrid detector of new concept that couples laser and matter-wave interferometry to study sub Hertz variations of the strain tensor of space-time and gravitation. Using a set of atomic interferometers simultaneously manipulated by the resonant optical field of a 200 m cavity, the MIGA instrument will allow the monitoring of the evolution of the gravitational field at unprecedented sensitivity, which will be exploited both for geophysical studies and for Gravitational Waves (GWs) detection. This new infrastructure will be embedded into the LSBB underground laboratory, ideally located away from major anthropogenic disturbances and benefitting from very low background noise.