Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Hodge decomposition theorem for general three-dimensional vector fields, without cuts

Preprint. The Hodge decomposition of the space $L^2(\Omega)^3$ of square sommable vector fields defined on a domain $\Omega$ of the ordinary three–dimensional space is a tool used in a wide theoretic and applied literature concerning Electromagnetism and Fluid dynamics. In order to obtain an effective Hodge decomposition, suitable also for numerical computations, the classical strategy, which goes back to Helmholtz and which is used nowadays as well, is to consider only bounded domains with sufficiently regular boundary, which contain connected and pairwise disjoint surfaces, called cut surfaces of $\Omega$, whose complement $C$ in $\Omega$ is simply connected. The advantage of this situation is that the union of such cut surfaces does not have singularities, every curl–free vector field in $\Omega$ admits potential in $C$ and hence it is possible to apply standard variational methods to obtain the Hodge decomposition via scalar potential formulations. Recently, R. Benedetti, R. Frigerio and the author gave an exhaustive topological description of bounded domains, called Helmholtz domains, which admit such cut surfaces. We proved that the Helmholtz domains are truly special three–dimensional domains. In fact, their topology is elementary. An evidence of this claim is given, for example, by the fact that the complement of any non-trivial thickened knot in a box domain is not a Helmholtz domain. In this way, we realize that the range of application of the classical strategy is quite limited. In this paper, we announce several results concerning an effective Hodge decomposition of $L^2(\Omega)^3$ valid for every bounded domain $\Omega$ with Lipschitz–regular boundary, where $\Omega$ describes a spatial medium formed by a possible inhomogeneous and/or anisotropic material.
Analysis of Generalized Nonlinear Structural Equation Models by Using Bayesian Approach with Application

In this paper, Bayesian analysis is used in nonlinear structural equation models with two population of data and the Gibbs sampling method is applied for estimation and model comparison. Hidden continuous normal distribution (censored normal distribution) is used to solve the problem of ordered categorical data in Bayesian multiple group SEMs and compared with the method that treats ordered categorical variables as a continuous normal distribution. Statistical inferences, which involve the estimation of parameters and their standard errors, and residuals analyses for testing the posited model are discussed. The proposed procedure is illustrated using real data with the results obtained from the WinBUGS program.
A finite element based optimisation tool for electrical machines

This paper discusses the development of a finite element simulation package for electrical machines. This software is being used at the Electrical Machines Lab in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch where research in electrical machines for applications such as electric vehicles, wind generators, wave energy converters and Stirling engines is conducted. A couple of the main components of this software package are described and it's capabilities are discussed. The tool is designed to couple with a variety of optimisation tools which enables the design of electrical machines using finite element based numerical optimisation. Typically, these optimisation processes are computationally expensive. For this reason, the tool was designed to make use of parallel processors to speed the optimisation process. The competency of the finite element package is illustrated by means of two case studies. These case studies show that the developed finite element package is capable of producing results that match those obtained using commercial finite element packages. One of these machines, a linear generator for a Stirling engine application, is used to illustrate how the tool can be used to optimise a machine. Recommendations regarding possible future development of the package are made.
Phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) stem

The aim of this study was to determine the total phenolic content, evaluate antioxidant propertie and antimicrobial potential, and identify phenolic compounds in alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) stems collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alcoholic extracts had higher contents of phenolic and flavonoid components, as well as the antioxidant and ferric reducing antioxidant capacity in comparison to aqueous extracts. All extracts were characterized by HPLC analysis. Furthermore, for the first time, the antimicrobial properties of wild cherry stem extracts were evaluated. Quercetin and (+)-catechin were the main compounds identified in the alcoholic extract, followed by chlorogenic acid and rutin. Quercetin was also the major component detected in aqueous extracts. Besides, alcoholic extract showed better antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus as a representative gram-positive bacteria than infusion, whereas none of the samples showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and fungus Candida albicans.
On Origins and Implications of the Sovereign Debt Crisis in the Euro Area

The current crisis in the Euro Area is mostly a serious crisis of confidence. Its solutions have to be systematic and consistent. Our paper discusses its main systematic reasons while keeps in mind the European integration and globalization issues of the world economy and economic financial markets. Recent problems in the Euro area are based on the diagnostic of the origins of the balance of payments and self-fulfilling crisis, and discussed in the context of suggested remedies and solutions based on diversification of the monetary policy management in the Euro Area to eliminate the moral hazard from its financial sector, creation of a functioning system of fiscal transfers and finding a compromise between centralization and decentralization and government interventionism and “laissez faire”.
The effect of seed morphology on the potential dispersal of aquatic macrophytes by the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

1. The potential for seed dispersal by fish (ichthyochory) will vary among aquatic plants because of differences in seed size and morphology. 2. To examine how seed morphology influences the probability of dispersal by the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), we studied seed ingestion, retention time and subsequent egestion and germination of seeds of Sparganium emersum and Sagittaria sagittifolia, two aquatic plant species with similar sized but morphologically different seeds. 3. We compared dispersal probabilities between the two plant species, in which the probability of dispersal is assumed to be a function of the probabilities of seed ingestion, egestion and germination, and the dispersal distance is assumed to be a function of seed egestion rate over time. 4. We found that, although the soft seeds of S. sagittifolia had an approximately 1.5 times higher probability of being ingested by the carp than the hard seeds of S. emersum (83.15% ± 1.8% versus 56.16% ± 2.7%, respectively), the latter had an almost twofold higher probability of surviving the passage through the digestive tract (38.58% ± 2.7% versus 20.97% ± 1.5%, respectively). Patterns of seed egestion over time did not differ between the two plant species, despite the difference in seed morphology. Gut passage had a different effect on seed germination between plant species. Compared with non-ingested controls, seeds of S. emersum showed a 12.6% increase in germination and a 2.1 day acceleration in germination rate, whereas seeds of S. sagittifolia displayed a 47.3% decrease and 5.1 day delay, respectively. 5. Our results suggest that seed morphology affects the dispersal probability and postdispersal establishment, but not the dispersal distance, of aquatic plants that are dispersed by fish.
An analysis of institutional and technical factors influencing agricultural marketing amongst smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley do not use output markets effectively due to a number of factors. The technical and institutional factors that demoralise them from marketing are identified in this paper. It is asserted that an explicit analysis in the relationship between technology, institutions and markets may be useful in developing livelihood improving programs. Therefore, by identifying such factors, the paper seeks to find out ways of improving market participation among the smallholders, hence, livelihood development. The multinomial regression model was used to investigate the factors that influence marketing choices among smallholder and emerging farmers in the area under study. Empirical results show that market information, expertise on grades and standards, contractual agreements, social capital, market infrastructure, group participation and tradition significantly influence household marketing behaviour.
Effect of biological corn stover replacing partial corn meal on production performance, nutrient metabolic rates and carcass characteristics of broilers

In order to increase nutritive values of corn stover, steam explosion and microbial fermentation were used together to make biological corn stover (BCS) for replacing partial corn meal in broiler diet. The experiments were assigned to 5 groups. Group 1 was the control, group 2-4 was added with 4%, 8% and 12% BCS for replacing the same amount of corn meal, group 5 was the same as group 3 except for its ME level adjusted. The results indicated that inclusion of BCS in young broiler diets decreased average daily gain (ADG) and increased feed conversion rate (FCR) significantly (P0.05). It could be concluded that 4-8% BCS in diets as an alternative grain source was optimal for elder broiler production.
Reconstruction of Typhoon Structure Using 3-Dimensional Doppler Radar Radial Velocity Data with the Multigrid Analysis: A Case Study in an Idealized Simulation Context

Extracting multiple-scale observational information is critical for accurately reconstructing the structure of mesoscale circulation systems such as typhoon. The Space and Time Mesoscale Analysis System (STMAS) with multigrid data assimilation developed in Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has addressed this issue. Previous studies have shown the capability of STMAS to retrieve multiscale information in 2-dimensional Doppler radar radial velocity observations. This study explores the application of 3-dimensional (3D) Doppler radar radial velocities with STMAS for reconstructing a 3D typhoon structure. As for the first step, here, we use an idealized simulation framework. A two-scale simulated “typhoon” field is constructed and referred to as “truth,” from which randomly distributed conventional wind data and 3D Doppler radar radial wind data are generated. These data are used to reconstruct the synthetic 3D “typhoon” structure by the STMAS and the traditional 3D variational (3D-Var) analysis. The degree by which the “truth” 3D typhoon structure is recovered is an assessment of the impact of the data type or analysis scheme being evaluated. We also examine the effects of weak constraint and strong constraint on STMAS analyses. Results show that while the STMAS is superior to the traditional 3D-Var for reconstructing the 3D typhoon structure, the strong constraint STMAS can produce better analyses on both horizontal and vertical velocities.
Assessment of Remote Cavitation Detection Methods with Flow Visualization in a Full Scale Francis Turbine

This paper describes the experimental investigations carried out in the Francis turbine at Svorka power plant operated by Statkraft in Norway. The unit, with a head of 260 m, can deliver a maximum output load of 25 MW. The rated flow rate is 11 m3/s and the machine rotates at 600 rpm. The turbine runner shows cavitation pitting on the suction side of the blades but some blades present more erosion than others. Moreover, preliminary studies based on remote monitoring of vibrations and acoustic emissions in this particular unit have predicted risk of erosion at high loads and the presence of a draft tube swirl affecting the cavity dynamics. In order to assess the sensitivity of these methods and the validity of the predictions, several acrylic-glass windows have been installed on the draft tube wall to visualize the runner outlet flow during operation. A high speed camera has been used to record the flow field during the tests with rates up to 5000 frames per second. A cavitation detection system has been installed comprising three high-frequency uniaxial integrated electronics piezoelectric (IEPE)-type accelerometers and an acoustic emission sensor, mounted in the turbine guide bearing pedestal and a guide vane arm. In particular, a series of measurements at different operation conditions have been carried out to correlate the simultaneous camera observations with the acceleration and acoustic emission overall levels in high frequency bands. The preliminary analysis of the camera records permits to certify the existence of erosive blade cavitation with the closure region close to the eroded areas at high loads. It can be seen that cavitation appears only in some blades and that it presents different cavity sizes for the same operation condition. As the load increases towards maximum powers, both the number of blades with cavitation and the size of the cavities grow. Moreover, the overall vibration levels also rise as expected.
COGNITIVE BASIS AND SEMANTIC STRUCTURE OF PHENOMENOLOGICAL REASONING ON SCIENCE AMONG LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: A CASE OF INDONESIA

A study had been conducted in qualitative design employing phenomenology approach to examine the cognitive basis and the semantic structure of phenomena based reasoning of lower secondary school students in Ambon. The data of the study were collected by using a test. Phenomena stimulus of science was given to the informants in the form of cognitive basis and semantic structure of phenomena based reasoning. This study concluded that (1) the cognitive basis of phenomena based reasoning were orientation, inferential abstraction, and inferential affirmation; (2) students were able to analyze phenomena by using systematic cognitive framework only if they had complete information of the phenomena; (3) inference validity related to the cognitive basis is heavily determined by the phenomena analysis ability; (4) the general semantic structures in phenomena based reasoning were definitional and assertional; (5) the semantic structure complexity was determined too by the phenomena knowledge availability which was analyzed. Key words: cognitive basis, cognitive process, knowledge structure, phenomenological reasoning, semantic structure.
An Appraisal of Vertical Marketing System of Medical Drugs Distribution in Abia State, Nigeria

The study attempts to assess the channel performance of the vertical marketing system of drugs distribution in Abia State of Nigeria and the extent channel members’ satisfaction with the channel linkage can facilitate co-operation among members. Two research questions were raised to guide the study. Two hypotheses were formulated for testing. A sample of 300 respondents, comprising 30 licensed drug manufacturers/ importers, 49 wholesalers, 74 Retailers, and 147 Customers was selected from a population of 1200 respondents. Questionnaires were administered and completely retrieved. Interviews were held with some licensed distribution channel members. Data were analyzed using Z-test at 0.05 level of significance and 4 degrees of freedom. Findings revealed low performance of the vertical marketing system of drugs distribution and the statistical insignificance of the channel members’ satisfaction with the channel linkage in relation to facilitating co-operation among members. The manufactuturers should provide assistance to other channel members in training / retraining of personnel to enable them understand the total channel concept. They should extend credits provisions to other channel members while the wealthy distributors should make substantial financial deposits available to manufacturers to enable them attain economies of scale in production. These recommendations, among others, would enhance channel performance, improve channel members’ satisfaction with the channel linkage and induce the cooperation of members. Keywords : Vertical Marketing System, Channel Performance, Channel Members’ Satisfaction, Dysfunctional Conflict, Metrics and Brand Equity.
Predator foolhardiness and morphological evolution in 17‐year cicadas (Magicicada spp.)

Periodical cicadas in the genus Magicicada have an unusual life history that includes an exceptionally long life cycle and a massive, synchronized emergence. Considerable effort has been put into research aimed at understanding the evolutionary history of periodical cicadas, but surprisingly little attention has been given to their morphological evolution. Their slow flight and approachability have been described as ‘predator-foolhardy’ behaviour. We quantified flight speeds for M. cassini, M. septendecim, and Tibicen chloromera (a nonperiodical cicada species), and interpreted them in terms of thorax musculature, body proportions and wing size and shape in relation to body size. On average, T. chloromera flew three to four times faster than did the two Magicicada species. Using empirical relationships between flight speed and body length, body mass or wing loading, we determined M. cassini and M. septendecim to be unusually slow fliers for their body size, whereas T. chloromera was not. The relatively slow flight speeds of Magicicada species could be largely accounted for by relatively small thoracic muscle masses, as indicated by thorax length × width measurements, and low wing loadings. Aspect ratio differences were contributing factors. Male Magicicada and female Tibicen were more active in mate searching than was the opposite sex, and correspondingly had relatively large aspect ratios. We interpret the morphological traits responsible for the slow flight of Magicicada species as being adaptations to searching for mates in dense aggregations around the canopy of trees, relatively unconstrained by the per-capita risk of predation. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 90, 1–13.
The official discourse of fair access to higher education [conference item]

Despite significant public investment in the sector, selective universities in the UK have made little if any progress in widening participation over the last ten years. There are also increasing incentives for universities to become more selective in the context of government-driven higher education market competition. At the same time, while some universities may view the pursuit of academic excellence as incompatible with widening participation, key policy documents have consistently included descriptions of a variety of strategies designed to promote wider and fairer access. This paper is concerned with how the idea of fair access has been constructed within official higher education discourse. A method of ‘constructive description’ is employed to analyse the discursive strategies at play within selected governmental texts. The analysis indicates that the primacy of institutional autonomy in the official discourse of fair access operates to exclude descriptions of a ‘common currency’ of merit and potential, which may leave potentially unfair admissions practices unchallenged. The paper proposes a change in ‘mind set’ from universities operating as exclusive ‘gate keepers’ admitting students, to that of the inclusive recognition of applicants’ merit and potential. This may have significant implications for admissions policy, particularly in the light of the shift away from traditional models of funding towards empowering individual or employer ‘buyers’ in the higher education market. :
Does connectivity exist for remnant boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) along the Lake Superior Coastal Range? Options for landscape restoration

Genetic analysis can provide important information on the dynamic and spatial structure of groups of animals or populations. Little is known of the genetic population structure of caribou that inhabit the Lake Superior Coastal Range (LSCR) and the level of gene flow between individuals within the range and beyond. From a landscape perspective, this range is spatially isolated and genetic connectivity within the range is presumed limited due to large water crossings on Lake Superior. This study aims to answer if animal movement can be discerned, using genetic population and relatedness analyses, within and beyond the LSCR. Faecal and hair samples collected between 2005 and 2015 in Pukaskwa National Park were analyzed for genetic markers and compared to 131 unique genotypes previously obtained from both within the LSCR and in the two next closest ranges. Animals from one nearshore island (i.e. Otter) were more closely associated with offshore islands than other mainland caribou, likely a result of past movement and translocation rather than ongoing movement. Conversely, on another nearshore island (i.e. Pic), individuals assigned to a different genetic cluster and were related to animals further north outside the range, demonstrating some connectivity through the discontinuous distribution to the coast. Long-term population declines have been observed in the LSCR range despite genetic connectivity within the range and relatively low total habitat disturbance. Restoring connectivity of the LSCR so that it is not isolated from populations to the north is required for the recovery of the mainland portion of the coastal range. These genetic analyses provide some insights on where movements may occur and where landscape restoration efforts may best be directed to enhance connectivity.
Robust Detection Method of Arrival Time Difference Under Minimum Maximum Entropy Criterion

Accurate measurement of arrival time difference is one of the key technologies in many areas, such as the global positioning system. Due to the effects of environmental noises around receiver, the classic methods under least mean-square error rule are the lack of robustness. In this paper, a robust method of the time difference detection is addressed based on the minimum maximum entropy, referred to MMEATD. The maximum entropy function used in this method is a smooth approximation of the L1 norm. It has robustness to large outliers, but also is differentiable. Under the minimum maximum entropy criterion, the adaptive filter weight vector will be convergence, and its peak position indicates the arrival time difference. The computer simulation experiments show the estimation performance of this algorithm under different signal and noise ratio or different impulsive noise intension. Meanwhile, its estimation performance is compared with minimum mean square error algorithm. Results show that the proposed method has a good robustness under the impulsive noise environment.