Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sea-spray aerosols and SARS-Cov-2: an analysis using AERONET data

Even if the people density, habits and displacements probably represent the most important causes of the SARS-Cov-2 virus propagation, the role of the atmospheric aerosol in COVID-19 outbreaks is significant and it needs to be further investigated. Therefore, we aimed to study if the aerosol properties related to the different sources and meteorological conditions we can observe in continental and coastal urbanized areas can have an influence on the atmospheric transport of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. This paper focuses on the lockdown period to reduce the differences in the social behavior. As an example, we investigated the contamination cases during March 2020 in two specific French areas located in both continental and coastal areas with regard to the meteorological conditions and the corresponding aerosol properties. To this end, we used both the optical depth (AOD) and the Angstrom exponent provided by the AERONET network. The results show that the analysis of aerosol ground-based data can be of interest to assess a virus survey. In particular, our data show that moderate to strong onshore winds occurring in coastal regions, which allow large sea-spray production episodes, deal with smaller COVID-19 contamination rates. This suggests that the coagulation of SARS-Cov-2 viral particles with hygroscopic salty sea-spray aerosols would tend to inhibit its viral infectivity via possible reaction with NaCl, especially in high relative humidity environments. Capsule: Our results suggest that maritime air-masses limit the SARS-Cov-2 impact via the role of the sea-spray.
Forecast of the historical series of revenues of the Brazilian food industry using forecasting techniques

This paper’s objective is to verify which is the best forecasting technique, including the use of the forecasts’ combination to evaluate the prognosis of the Brazilian food industry’s revenues. The historical series of revenues has deterministic trend and seasonality. Thereby, the models chosen to work on were: SARIMA (3,0,0)×(0,1,1)12, SARIMA (4,0,0)×(2,0,0)12 and Holt-Winters Multiplicative. Analyzing the accuracy measures, to perform the series’ forecast it was used the combination of the three models, presented by the methods: Simple Arithmetic Mean, Ordinary Least Squares and Regression of Absolute Minimum Deviation. The results obtained by the forecast were satisfactory, showing that the Brazilian food industry’s revenues will have peaks of growth and decay in the next two years. Therefore, a preparation of the sector is necessary for the period in which a possible decrease in this revenue will occur, as well as dismissal of the workers, since it is the sector that most employs in Brazil.
Thin-layer chromatography: Direct bioautography as a method of examination of antimicrobial activity of selected Potentilla species

ABSTRACT Simple method for preparing biologically active material from plant extract may consist of four steps: obtaining an extract from selected plant, analytical chromatography with biological detection and transition to preparative scale, preparative isolation of biologically identified bands/groups of bands from chromatogram, rechromatography of isolated fractions. The next step of proceeding may be a quality analysis of separated material by, e.g., thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-MS Interface or biological studies after isolation. Extracts obtained from four Potentilla species: P. erecta, P. collina, P. megalantha, and P. crantzi were separated on silica plates, developed with the nonaqueous eluent. Immersion—direct bioautography was chosen as a method of detection of bands’ activity for their selection for isolated bands. Antibacterial/bacteriostatic properties of marked areas was the preliminary criterion of choice the samples to the further examinations. Preparative thin layer chromatography allowed isolation of various number of fractions of each extracts. Obtained fractions were examined in various TLC systems (silica/nonaqueous mixture of solvents) with the various modes of development to obtain the best separation effect. The next step was a once more bioautographic detection of separated fractions on the TLC plates. The found chromatographic systems will be used to mass spectrometric determination of biologically active compounds contained in examined extracts. Bioautographic indication will be the method of choice for subsequently isolated compounds or groups of compounds.
Fact Findings on the Synergy Effect between Diversity Management and Japanese Corporate Profitability

The increasing labor shortages in Japan and the country’s need to enhance its international competitiveness, necessitate an increase in the participation of diverse human resources, including women, in the labor force. Therefore, this study examines three research issues: the interaction between diversity management and corporate performance, the qualitative and quantitative effects of the promotion of diversity, and the negative effects of promoting diversity on corporate performance. The study aims to confirm the bidirectional effects between diversity and corporate performance, and identify the possibilities resulting from these interactions. Using Toyo Keizai’s CSR database from FY 2010 to FY 2017, we conduct ordinary least squares estimations and confirm that regardless of job rank, diversity encourages good corporate performance, particularly in companies that face a labor shortage or operate in industries where diversity is low. Furthermore, the effects of a high return on assets (ROA) are stronger in companies with a lower duration of overtime, and those with a high take-up rate of paid leave. Our findings have implications for policy change, and provide suggestions to improve the quality of management.
Modelling of Evaporation of Clusters and Nanodroplets of Organic Molecules Using Quantum Chemical and the Kinetic Gas Theory Methods

The evaporation rate (g) of n -alkanes C 8 –C 27 from molecular clusters and nanodroplets is analysed using the quantum chemical solvation model (SMD) and the kinetic gas theory, assuming that the system is in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium (i.e. evaporation and condensation rates are equal). The droplet size, liquid density, evaporation enthalpy and Gibbs free energy of evaporation are calculated over a broad temperature range of 300–640 K. The quantum chemical calculations (SMD/HF or SMD/B3LYP methods with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set) are used to estimate changes in the Gibbs free energy during the transfer of a molecule from a liquid medium (modelled by clusters or nanodroplets) into the gas phase. The kinetic gas theory is used to estimate the collision rate of molecules with clusters/nanodroplets in the gas phase. This rate depends on partial pressures of components, temperature, sizes and masses of molecules and clusters/nanodroplets. An increase in the molecular size of evaporated alkanes from octane to heptacosane results in a strong decrease in the g values.
Innovation Management and Sustainable Competitive Advantage in the Nigerian Deposit Money Banks

an essential factor of a firm’s strategy mostly because it constitutes one of the major avenue through which it can create new business opportunities. Despite the uncertainty and risk involved, successful innovation management can have a sizeable impact on firms’ financial results and economic performance. Innovations gives companies the strategic orientation to gain the competitive advantage (Kuratko, Ireland, Covin and Hornsby, 2015). Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (2015) explained different kinds of innovation. The need for innovation management is obvious and crucial for deposit money banks operating in a continuous uncertain and competitive environment. Most importantly, to survive and succeed in the current competitive global financial environment, banks need to be innovative by producing a regular stream of innovations so as to gain competitive advantage. Many banks have at some time done Abstract: The major objective of the study is to examine the effect of innovation management on sustainable competitive advantage. The cross-sectional survey research design method was adopted for the study. The study adopted the simple random and stratified random sampling technique. The study used structured questionnaire as instrument of data collection. To establish the reliability of the instrument, a test-retest method was employed. The descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis was used. Findings showed that 48% of the change in sustainable competitive advantage is brought about by innovation management in the Nigerian deposit money banks. Findings indicated that innovative capability, innovation strategy, and innovation culture have significant positive relationship with sustainable competitive advantage. This study determined that innovation management has influence on sustainable competitive advantage in the Nigerian deposit money banks. The study recommended that for innovation management process to be successful, it is essential that the company support an innovation culture and make employees feel valued. five selected deposit money banks in Asaba, Delta State and Benin, Edo State. This research took the form of a field survey, it is expedient to mention that the population of this study was restricted to the banking industry. employees of five banks in the the employees
Nano-Intermediate of Magnetite Nanoparticles Supported on Activated Carbon from Spent Coffee Grounds for Treatment of Wastewater from Oil Industry and Energy Production

This work focused on evaluating the adsorptive removal of crude oil using a nano-intermediate based on magnetite nanoparticles supported on activated carbon synthesized from spent coffee grounds and the subsequent catalytic oil decomposition to recover by-products and regenerate the support material. The magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and were used as active phases on prepared activated carbon. The amount of crude oil adsorbed was determined by adsorption isotherms. In addition, dynamic tests were performed on a packed bed to evaluate the efficiency of the removal process. Thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry were used to evaluate the catalytic powder and the quantification of by-products. Contrasting the results with commercial carbon, the one synthesized from the coffee residue showed a greater affinity for the oil. Likewise, the adsorption capacity increased by doping activated carbon with magnetite nanoparticles, obtaining an efficiency greater than 10%. The crude oil decomposition was carried out successfully by thermal cracking, obtaining a 100% removal. The gas produced after decomposition contains light hydrocarbons such as C2H4 and CH4 and shows a decrease in polluting species such as CO and CO2, leading to greater environmental sustainability of the process.
Poly(urethane–carbonate)s from Carbon Dioxide

A one-pot, two-step protocol for the direct synthesis of polyurethanes containing few carbonate linkages through polycondensation of diamines, dihalides, and CO2 in the presence of Cs2CO3 and tetrabutylammonium bromide is described. The conditions were optimized by studying the polycondensation of CO2 with 1,6-hexanediamine and 1,4-dibromobutane as model monomers. Then, various diamines and dihalides were tested under optimal conditions. Miscellaneous samples of such carbonate-containing polyurethanes exhibiting molar masses from 6000 to 22 000 g/mol (GPC) and yields higher than 85% were obtained. The thermal properties of such polyurethanes were unveiled by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA): they were found very similar to those of traditional polyurethanes obtained by diisocyanates + diols polycondensation.
Probabilistic Chronological Production Simulation-Based Coordinated Dispatching for Cascaded Hydro-PV-PSH Combined Power Generation System

The comprehensive and effective utilization of multiple renewable sources involving water, solar, and other energies have been receiving more and more attention, and the coordinated dispatching considering multiple uncertainties has become one of the research focuses currently. To cope with the stochastic dispatching of cascaded hydro-PV-PSH (pumped storage hydropower, PSH) complementary power generation system, this paper has proposed a two-stage optimized dispatching method combining uncertainties simulation and complementary dispatching schemes optimization. Firstly, a modified PCPS (probabilistic chronological production simulation) method is proposed to simulate the uncertain power output of each energy type, and thus the complementary dispatching schemes and performance parameters are obtained. In the simulation process, a special treatment method combining overall uncertainties, overall dispatching measures, and interstage distribution for cascaded hydropower stations is given out. Secondly, a dual-objective optimized model considering reliability and economic performance and MOQPSO algorithm is introduced to calculate the optimal Pareto solution set of stochastic dispatching schemes. The results of the case study verified the feasibility and calculating performance of the proposed method in developing optimized dispatching schemes.
Empirical Evidence on Concept of Knowledge Perspective in Construction Firms in Pakistan

Development and growth demand proper infrastructure, roads and sustainability of management practices with the organization. In order to negate any errors that come our way, Knowledge-based perspective helps in the long run. It states that gathering information, its efficient distribution and ability to market that information in order to gain competitive advantage and gain customers as a monetary advantage is one of the main perks of being in the 21st century. Constantly removing mistakes/errors from construction practices by acquiring information through a lot of means, via internet in case of customers or feedback or most off all-knowing competitors, their advantages, discrepancies, managing your disadvantages and enabling your team to go above and beyond into negating it, so that firm could raise their competitive advantage. This visionary attitude is what keeps companies sustainable and being competitive in almost all aspects with competitors. Innovation grows; new and improved products are produced as a result. To establish the proof for the idea, in this research a total of 100 companies are taken as a sample from KPK region of Pakistan.
Charge Exchange And The Theory Of Ion Atom Collisions

Thank you very much for reading charge exchange and the theory of ion atom collisions. As you may know, people have search numerous times for their favorite novels like this charge exchange and the theory of ion atom collisions, but end up in malicious downloads. Rather than reading a good book with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, instead they cope with some malicious bugs inside their desktop computer.
PERSPEKTIF NASIONALISME EKONOMI DALAM KEBIJAKAN MITIGASI COVID-19 DI VIETNAM DAN TAIWAN

COVID-19 melanda berbagai belahan dunia dengan sangat cepat. Respons negara terhadap pandemi ini berbeda-beda, beberapa negara kurang berhasil menekan lonjakan angka penyebaran virus di wilayah negaranya, tetapi ada juga negara yang berhasil melakukannya, seperti Vietnam dan Taiwan. Penelitian ini berangkat dari asumsi perspektif nasionalisme ekonomi untuk melihat latar belakang dari kebijakan mitigasi COVID-19 dalam aspek ekonomi politik di Vietnam dan Taiwan. Penulis menggunakan metode analisis kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data berupa studi pustaka. Kebijakan-kebijakan pemerintah di bidang kesehatan dan ekonomi menjadi instrumen bagi Vietnam untuk mengembalikan kepercayaan masyarakat terhadap kepemimpinan Vietnam Communist Party (CPV) yang belakangan ini menuai kritik akibat berbagai isu. Sementara itu bagi Taiwan, keberhasilan mengatasi pandemi merupakan upaya menunjukkan eksistensinya dan membuktikan keberhasilan sistem demokrasi liberal dalam membentuk tata kelola kesehatan. Oleh karena itu, latar belakang pengambilan kebijakan mitigasi tidak hanya atas pertimbangan aspek keamanan manusia, tetapi juga guna menyelamatkan perekonomian nasional yang akan memperkuat legitimasi rezim yang berkuasa.
Establishing an Ocean Acidification Monitoring System for the Tropical Waters of Indonesia Facing Regional Climate Variability

The emission of greenhouse gases, including high CO2 and other materials, initiates global warming and climate change. Atmospheric CO2 that affects the carbonate system of seawater causes ocean acidification (OA). OA affects marine organisms directly, as well as humans economically and ecologically. Considering the high impact of OA and following the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, systematic research and monitoring of OA is necessary in Indonesia, whose seas play an important role in this emerging phenomenon. This review discusses the urgency of OA monitoring systems and suggests carbonate system monitoring, as well as carbon biogeochemistry. OA significantly affects marine production and alters ecosystem services, and it is likely to have an impact on habitats shifting from calcified to non-calcified and reducing benthic complexity. Its effect on calcifying organisms can also be found, i.e., coral calcification and/or dissolution of CaCO3 of calcifying organisms. Acidity (pH), as well as the carbonate system variables of seawater, fluctuate, especially with variations in space and time. Coastal ecosystems that are directly affected by terrestrial input will have carbonate system variables that fluctuate more. The annual rate of decreasing seawater pH, especially over an open and large spatial scale, may indicate OA. Therefore, a monitoring system must be implemented to obtain systematic and comprehensive information on OA. Here, we also introduce a biogeochemical monitoring initiative for OA in Lombok with the established protocols. Improvement of many aspects, including analysis instruments, analysis methods, sample treatment, and sampling frequency will provide new insight into further research and monitoring of OA.
Effect of fluorination and symmetry on the properties of polymeric photovoltaic materials based on an asymmetric building block

Conjugated polymers based on an asymmetric dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyran (DTPa) donor and benzothiadiazole (BT), mono-fluorinated benzothiadiazole (fBT) or di-fluorinated benzothiadiazole (ffBT) acceptors were designed and synthesized. The introduction of fluorine substituents in the BT unit could not only enhance the electronegativity of the acceptors, but also change the symmetry of the BT derivatives, and thus affect the optical, electrochemical, and optoelectronic performance of the final polymers. With the increase of fluorine atoms in the BT unit, the peaks of the absorption spectra for these three polymers hypsochromic shift gradually, combined with the decrease of the HOMO energy levels. The asymmetric structure of fBT results in more complex multichromophore systems and consequently shows a broader absorption FWHM (full-width-at-half-maximum) of 229 nm in chloroform, as well as low absorption intensity and charge carrier mobility for polymer PDTPa-fBT. Finally, polymer solar cells based on these polymers demonstrate power conversion efficiency varying from 4.01% for PDTPa-BT to 3.70% for PDTPa-fBT and to 5.26% for PDTPa-ffBT. These results indicate that the symmetry of both electron-donating and electron-accepting building blocks in conjugated polymers could evidently influence the optical and photovoltaic properties, which might pave the way for the further development of novel photovoltaic polymers based on asymmetric building blocks.
Multiliteracy in Heritage Language Speakers: The Interdependence of L1 and L2, and Extra-linguistic Factors

Recent research provides evidence for beneficial cross-influences between L1 and L2, but we still know little about how different factors interact. Against this background, this article presents the results of a study that analyzes the interdependence of L1 and L2 text competence and the impact of metalinguistic awareness and extra-linguistic factors. The study was carried out with Italian, Greek and Turkish adolescent heritage speakers in a German-speaking environment. The data encompass narrative and argumentative texts in L1 and L2, sociolinguistic interviews and a bilingual language awareness test (LAT). The texts are analyzed according to holistic scores by defining different levels of text competences. The results indicate that students achieve a significantly higher score in both narrative and argumentative texts in L2. Moreover, there is a genre-specific advantage for the narrative text. Although there is no significant difference between the heritage language groups the Greek students achieve higher upper scores. The different levels of text competence also correlate with metalinguistic knowledge and extra-linguistic factors, most significantly writing practices and schooling in the heritage language. The results therefore provide further support for the assumption that teaching and learning heritage languages has a positive impact on school language literacy development. Other than a few mentions of Turkish speakers at the beginning I don’t see examples of their texts or conclusions about their writing.
Shape Sensitivity Analysis of Electromagnetic Scattering Problems

Nano particles play a very significant role in the field of optics. Because of their small size, highly localized fields can be obtained. The interaction of light with metallic nano particles exhibits a unique phenomenon called plasmonic resonances, which is due to the coherent oscillation of free electrons. Thanks to advances in manufacturing methods, plasmon resonances have found many applications such as second harmonic generation and sensors. However, investigating them numerically is not straight forward. Due to their small size in comparison to the wavelength, local refinement is essential. Another issue is the dispersive material of nano particles. Dependency of optical constants on the frequency, makes time domain methods rather complicated. In this dissertation, we use finite element method (FEM) to solve Maxwell’s equations in frequency domain. Using finite element method, one can simply apply local refinements. And, since it is a frequency domain approach, we can use it to model dispersive materials. The performance of nano particles is measured using different techniques. One of the most popular measurement quantities is the light intensity at far distances. Far field can also be computed numerically. Since finite element method provides solutions for electromagnetic fields only within a limited domain around the scatterer, one needs to use Near-field to far-field mapping techniques to obtain field values at far distances. For structures located in free space, there are well known methods to evaluate the far field. In the presence of a substrate the far-field functional consists of different asymptotic terms including surface waves. In Chapter 2, we investigate all contributions closely and show that the spherical wave is the only important term at far distances. A closed form representation is given based on the Green’s function of a dipole over a half space. The far-field functional is stated in terms of both volume and boundary integrals. When finite element methods are used to solve Maxwell’s equations approximately, the volume-