Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Role of Charge in Atmospheric Particle Formation Using Quantum Chemical Methods

New particle formation is an important process in the atmosphere. As ions are constantly produced in the atmosphere, the behaviour and role of charged particles in atmospheric processes needs to be understood. In order to gain insight on the role of charge in atmospheric new particle formation, the electron structure of the molecules taking part in this process needs to be taken into account using quantum chemical methods. Quantum chemical density functional theory was employed in an effort to reproduce an experimentally observed sign preference. While computational results on molecular structures agreed well with results obtained by other groups, the computationally obtained sign preference was opposite to the experimentally observed. Possible reasons for this discrepancy were found in both computational results and experiments. Simulations of clusters containing water, pyridine, ammonia and a proton were performed using density functional theory. The clusters were found to form a core consisting of ammonium ion and water with the pyridine molecule bonding to the ammonium ion. However, the solvation of the ammonium ion was observed to affect the possibility of proton transfer. Calculations of proton affinities and gas phase basicities of several compounds, which can be considered as candidates to form atmospheric ions in the boreal forest, were performed. The generally small differences between the calculated gas phase basicites and proton affinities implied only small entropy changes in the protonation reaction. Comparison with experiments resulted in the conclusion that the largest experimentally observed peaks of atmospheric ions most likely corresponded to pyridine and substituted pyridines. Furthermore, a combination of low proton affinity and high observed cation concentration was concluded to imply a high concentration of neutral parent molecules in the atmosphere. A combination of quantum chemistry and a code for modelling cluster dynamics was employed to study the use of protonated acetone monomers and dimers as the ionization reagent in a chemical ionization atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer (CI-APiTOF). The results showed that the ionization reagents successfully charged dimethylamine monomers. However, there were discrepancies between the simulated and measured cluster distributions. Possible reasons for this discrepancy were found in both measurements and the modelling parameters.
Strategy Content and Public Service Provider Performance in the UK: An Alternative Approach

This article presents an alternative empirical test of the relationship between strategy content and service provider performance. Strategy content, conceptualized as comprising strategic stance and strategic action, has been shown to be a means to improve public service performance. We contribute to this growing body of research by deriving an alternative typology of strategy to better reflect competitive conditions in the public sector, which existing strategy typologies cannot fully explain. By assuming that public service providers must follow strategies best suited to their internal and external conditions for improved performance, we evaluate the significance of ‘fit’ between alternative strategic stances and organizational characteristics. Compromising the delivery of a strategy invariably leads to a misfit between strategy and what the service provider is actually doing. We highlight how to optimize strategic fit, to maximize service provider performance. Conclusions are drawn for public management theory and practice.
Effects of Ang 1-7 and Endothelial Microvesicles on Ang II-induced Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Cerebral Endothelial Cells

Xiang Xiao, M.S. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University, 2013. Effects of Ang 1-7 and Cellular Vesicles on Ang II-Induced Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Cerebral Endothelial Cells. Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces endothelial dysfunction and is implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7) has been reported to counteract many deleterious effects of Ang II. Endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) are small membrane vesicles released from endothelial cells (ECs) undergoing stress and apoptosis. But their functions are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ang 1-7 and EMVs on apoptosis and dysfunction of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HbmECs). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, and Nox2, p-Akt/Akt, p-eNOS/eNOS expression were analyzed. We found that Ang II dose-dependently induced HbmEC apoptosis and that both Ang 1-7 and EMVs can counteract the effects of Ang II. Their protective effects were associated with ROS/NO production which were linked to Nox2, and Akt /eNOS pathways. Our data suggests that both Ang 1-7 and EMVs protect endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis induced by Ang II in HbmECs. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
Safe zones for shock-protection of fragile components during impact-induced clatter

Clattering motion that occurs when flat objects strike the ground at an oblique angle is studied through a simple, tractable, model of a rigid bar with arbitrary, but symmetric, mass distribution and coefficient of restitution. The maximum velocity changes, or velocity shocks, that occur at various locations of the bar as it clatters to rest, are presented. It is shown that different parts of the bar can be subjected to sequences of velocity changes that are both higher, and lower, than those encountered in a single clatter-free impact. The implication that the drop-tolerance of an electronic product can be increased by configuring it to have ‘safe zones’ – where the velocity shocks are lower – for the placement of fragile components, is analysed. It is shown, through example, that a significant safe zone can be created in the center of the product by configuring it to have a low moment of inertia and by minimizing coefficient of restitution.
Polymorphisms at loci of leptin [LEP], Pit1 and STAT5A and their association with growth, feed conversion and carcass quality in Black-and-White bulls

The association was studied between the polymorphism at leptin (LEP), Pit1, and STAT5A loci and meat production traits in 145 Black-and-White growing/fattening bulls. Genotypes of LEP, Pit1 and STAT5A were determined with the PCR-RFLP technique. Over the 8th month of age the 28-day performance test was introduced to assess growth rate and feed conversion during which the fullconcentrate diet was offered ad libitum. At the age of 15 months the bulls were slaughtered, and their carcasses cut and dissected into lean, fat and bone. The allele frequencies were 0.85, 0.07, and 0.08 for A, B and C LEP variants, 0.25 and 0.75 for A and B Pit1 variants, and 0.90 and 0.10 for C and T STAT5A variants, respectively. Polymorphism of leptin significantly affected some carcass traits, and among them the weight of carcass-side that was highest in the AA homozygotes. The effect of Pit1 genotype was observed on carcass dimensions only. The AA homozygotes had higher chest circumference, chest depth, and circumference of round, but BB homozygotes had a higher round width. CT genotype of the STAT5A-encoding gene significantly af fected four out of 36 carcass traits measured and was related to higher weight of bone of best + fore ribs (4.2 vs 3.8 kg) and of sirloin (1.6 vs 1.3 kg) as well as to oblique carcass length (140.5 vs 138.5 cm). The CC STAT5A genotype was associated with significantly higher live weight gain from 8 to 15 months (1.04 vs 0,97 kg daily).
Design and Analysis of CFD Experiments for the Development of Bulk-Flow Model for Staggered Labyrinth Seal

Nowadays, bulk-flow models are the most time-efficient approaches to estimate the rotor dynamic coefficients of labyrinth seals. Dealing with the one-control volume bulk-flow model developed by Iwatsubo and improved by Childs, the “leakage correlation” allows the leakage mass-flow rate to be estimated, which directly affects the calculation of the rotor dynamic coefficients. This paper aims at filling the lack of the numerical modelling for staggered labyrinth seals: a one-control volume bulk-flow model has been developed and, furthermore, a new leakage correlation has been defined using CFD analysis. Design and analysis of computer experiments have been performed to investigate the leakage mass-flow rate, static pressure, circumferential velocity, and temperature distribution along the seal cavities. Four design factors have been chosen, which are the geometry, pressure drop, inlet preswirl, and rotor peripheral speed. Finally, dynamic forces, estimated by the bulk-flow model, are compared with experimental measurements available in the literature.
The progenitors of compact-object binaries: impact of metallicity, common envelope and natal kicks

Six gravitational wave events have been reported by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration (LVC), five of them associated with black hole binary (BHB) mergers and one with a double neutron star (DNS) merger, while the coalescence of a black hole-neutron star (BHNS) binary is still missing. We investigate the progenitors of double compact object binaries with our population-synthesis code MOBSE. MOBSE includes advanced prescriptions for mass loss by stellar winds (depending on metallicity and on the Eddington ratio) and a formalism for core-collapse, electron-capture and (pulsational) pair instability supernovae. We investigate the impact of progenitor's metallicity, of the common-envelope parameter $\alpha{}$ and of the natal kicks on the properties of DNSs, BHNSs and BHBs. We find that neutron-star (NS) masses in DNSs span from 1.1 to 2.0 M$_\odot$, with a preference for light NSs, while NSs in merging BHNSs have mostly large masses ($1.3-2.0$ M$_\odot$). BHs in merging BHNSs are preferentially low mass ($5-15$ M$_\odot$). BH masses in merging BHBs strongly depend on the progenitor's metallicity and span from $\sim{}5$ to $\sim{}45$ M$_\odot$. The local merger rate density of both BHNSs and BHBs derived from our simulations is consistent with the values reported by the LVC in all our simulations. In contrast, the local merger rate density of DNSs matches the value inferred from the LVC only if low natal kicks are assumed. This result adds another piece to the intricate puzzle of natal kicks and DNS formation.
Students' Sense of Coherence, Study Engagement and Self-Efficacy in Relation to their Study and Employability Satisfaction

This study reports on students' sense of coherence, study engagement and self-efficacy in relation to their satisfaction with current studies and employability. Participants included a convenience sample of 127 employed adult learners enrolled for third year level open distance learning (ODL) undergraduate studies in industrial and organisational psychology. A quantitative survey approach was followed, collecting primary data. Data analysis consisted of correlational and standard multiple regression analyses. The results revealed students' dedication to and perceived meaningfulness of undergraduate studies as significant predictors of their study and employability satisfaction. The participants' self-efficacy did not relate significantly to their satisfaction with their current studies and employability. These findings contribute new knowledge that could be used to inform the design of learner support interventions aimed at increasing students' motivational levels in the open distance learning context.
Emulator for Generating Heterogeneous Interference Signals in the Korean RFID/USN Frequency Band

In this study, we suggest an emulator for generating multiple heterogeneous interference signals in the Korean radio frequency identification/ubiquitous sensor network (RFID/USN) frequency band. The proposed emulator uses only one universal software radio peripheral to generate multiple heterogeneous interference signals more economically. Moreover, the physical and media access control parameters can be adjusted in real time using the LabVIEW program, thereby making it possible to create various time-varying interference environments easily. As an example showing the capability of the proposed emulator, multiple interference signals consisting of a frequencyhopping RFID signal and two LoRa signals with different spreading factors were generated. The generated signals were confirmed in both frequency and time domains. From the experimental results, we verified that our emulator could successfully generate multiple heterogeneous interference signals with different frequency and time domain characteristics.
Detection of the "Togninia" Teleomorph of "Phaeoacremonium aleophilum" in Australia

Moist incubation of grapevine wood infected with both Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora yielded an ascomycete referable to the genus Togninia (Ascomycota, Calosphaeriales). Single ascospore cultures were morphologically identical to Pm. aleophilum. The rDNA ITS sequence of single ascospore isolates was identical to published sequences for the majority of Pm. aleophilum isolates. Comparison with the morphology of other wood staining Togninia species confirms that the teleomorph of Pm. aleophilum is Togninia minima.
Accuracy Enhancement with Processing Error Prediction and Compensation of a CNC Flame Cutting Machine Used in Spatial Surface Operating Conditions

This study deals with the precision performance of the CNC flame-cutting machine used in spatial surface operating conditions and presents an accuracy enhancement method based on processing error modeling prediction and real-time compensation. Machining coordinate systems and transformation matrix models were established for the CNC flame processing system considering both geometric errors and thermal deformation effects. Meanwhile, prediction and compensation models were constructed related to the actual cutting situation. Focusing on the thermal deformation elements, finite element analysis was used to measure the testing data of thermal errors, the grey system theory was applied to optimize the key thermal points, and related thermal dynamics models were carried out to achieve high-precision prediction values. Comparison experiments between the proposed method and the teaching method were conducted on the processing system after performing calibration. The results showed that the proposed method is valid and the cutting quality could be improved by more than 30% relative to the teaching method. Furthermore, the proposed method can be used under any working condition by making a few adjustments to the prediction and compensation models.
A Logistic Regression Model to Analyse the Customer Loyalty. A Case Study 1

Customer loyalty is one of the most important marketing goals and refers to all those marketing strategies, developed by a company to retain existing customers, gaining their loyalty. The Loyalty Management, that is the set of activities aimed at strengthening customer loyalty, is considered one of the key success factors for businesses that operate in current markets. This paper aims to analyze the factors to which the customer loyalty is related, with reference to the assessment of customers about a known Italian Company that operates in the clothing sector. For this reason a Binary Logistic Regression Model was estimated to assess the dependence of the “Customer loyalty” by some explanatory variables that are potential predictors. The data are collected from responses to a questionnaire, designed ad hoc and anonymous. The survey was conducted by interviewing customers out of the store in two different cities of Southern Italy.
Comparison of three different numerical schemes for 2D steady incompressible lid-driven cavity flow

In this study, a numerical solution of 2D steady incompressible lid-driven cavity flow is presented. Three different numerical schemes were employed to make a comparison on the practicality of the methods. An alternating direction implicit scheme for the vorticity-stream function formulation, explicit and implicit schemes for the primitive variable formulation of governing Navier-Stokes equations were attempted. A fairly fine uniform grid was adopted for all the cases after a technical procedure was applied to come up with the proper mesh size that would make the solution roughly independent of mesh quality. The solutions obtained for different Reynolds numbers are presented and compared. Superiority of numerical approaches was investigated and compared to benchmark solutions available in the literature. Based on the results of the present research, it can be claimed that explicit scheme used for primitive variable formulation can be only half the way (as in Re=2500 for explicit to Re=5000 for ADI and implicit schemes) as successful as the other two numerical methods due to its relative simplicity.
Characterization of a hydrolyzed oil obtained from fish waste for nutraceutical application

The fish industry generates high volume of waste from fish oil that can have the extraction of its lipids used as nutraceuticals and foods. The objective of this study was to produce unsaturated fatty acids from industrialized fish oil by means of a differentiated hydrolysis process. The samples used were crude fish oil obtained from Campestre industry and characterized through physical-chemical parameters, according to AOCS: acidity, peroxide, saponification, iodine and percentage of free fatty acids and also obtained the fatty acid profile through derivatization method for gas chromatography. The results obtained for the oleochemical indices for refined oil were similar to the data found on the literature. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was found of 32,78%, with 9,12% of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and 10,36% of eicosapentaenoic (EPA), regarding monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content was of 30,59% in the hydrolyzed fish oil in relation to refined (20,06%). Thus, it can be concluded that the hydrolysis process used for oils from fish-waste was satisfactory on the production of absolute yield of lipids in the process and significant preservation on the percentages of EPA and DHA, interesting on the production of nutraceuticals and nutrition of aquatic animals, including shrimp in captivity.
Molecular conditions of the cell nucleus remodelling/reprogramming process and nuclear- transferred embryo development in the intraooplasmic karyoplast injection technique: a review

The introduction of cell nuclei into enucleated recipient cells, beyond enucleation, is the most sig- nificant stage of somatic cloning procedure. Microsurgical transfer of somatic nuclei can be an alternative method of clonal nuclear-cytoplasmic hybrid reconstruction towards cell fusion induced in the electric field, not only from the aspect of molecular mechanisms of nuclear chromatin rearrangement, advantageously influencing epigenetic reprogramming and structural remodelling of exogenous genetic material, but also because it was proved in recent studies on pig cloning that the effectiveness of piezo-driven microinjection of ear-derived fibroblast karyoplasts measured by the percentage of oocytes preserving vitality after cell nuclei transplantation operation did not differ significantly from the survival rate (viability) of clonal cybrids reconstituted by an electrofusion method. The intraooplasmic injection system of karyoplasts prepared from cells at G0/G1 or G2/M stages of cell cycle could also increase considerably the total efficiency of somatic cloning technique in pigs and other mammal species.
THE IMPACT OF QUALITY AUDIT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF EARNINGS

In a Tunisian context, the purpose of this research is to study the aspects related to the quality of external audit, relating to the opportunistic management of earnings. Indeed, we are interested in the aspect of handling the earnings as a means for the manager to achieve its objectives by publishing a result different from that which is achieved. Thus, the quality of external audit, as an essential element of the system of government of the companies, may be able to limit the process of accounting manipulation, and therefore to protect the interests of investors and creditors. Given these factors, there is a key question: To what extent can the quality of the external audit influence the opportunistic management of earnings in Tunisian businesses? In this research, our goal is to empirically test a sample of Tunisian companies listed on the stock market, the impact of audit quality on the opportunistic practice of earnings.
Food Security and Household Consumption Patterns in Slovakia

We investigate the food security situation of Slovak households in terms of both access to food and quality of the diet consumed by estimating food demand system and diet diversity demand models using household budget survey data over the period 2004-2010. In most samples demand for meat and fish and fruits and vegetables is expenditure and own-price elastic. On average all five food groups investigated are found to be normal goods. Rural and low-income households appear more expenditure and price sensitive compared to the urban and high-income ones. Results from quantile regressions indicate that income has a positive while uncertainty has a negatively effect on the diversity of the diet as the effects are stronger in more vulnerable, low income and rural consumer subsamples. Overall the food security situation in Slovakia appears to have improved over time, since the country’s EU accession.
A non cool-core 4.6-keV cluster around the bright nearby radio galaxy PKS B1416-493

We present new X-ray (Chandra) and radio (ATCA) observations of the z=0.09 radio galaxy PKS B1416-493, a member of the southern equivalent of the 3CRR sample. We find the source to be embedded in a previously unrecognized bright kT=4.6 keV non cool-core cluster. The discovery of new clusters of such high temperature and luminosity within z=0.1 is rare. The radio source was chosen for observation based on its intermediate FRI/II morphology. We identify a cavity coincident with the northeast lobe, and excess counts associated with the southwest lobe that we interpret as inverse Compton X-ray emission. The jet power, at 5.3 x 10^44 erg/s, when weighted by radio source density, supports suggestions that radio sources of intermediate morphology and radio power may dominate radio-galaxy heating in the local Universe.
Torsional oscillations of magnetized neutron stars with mixed poloidal-toroidal fields

The quasiperiodic oscillations found in the three giant flares of soft gamma-ray repeaters observed to date have been interpreted as crustal oscillations caused by a starquake following a dramatic rearrangement of the stellar magnetic field. Motivated by these observations, we study the influence of the magnetic field geometry in the frequencies of the torsional oscillations of magnetised neutron stars. We use realistic tabulated equations of state for the core and crust of the stars and model their magnetic field as a dipole plus a toroidal component, using the relativistic Grad-Shafranov equation. The frequencies of the torsional modes are obtained by the numerical solution of the eigenvalue problem posed by the linear perturbation equations in the Cowling approximation. Our results show how the asteroseismology of these stars becomes complicated by the degeneracy in the frequencies due to the large relevant parameter space. However, we are able to propose a testable scenario in which the rearrangement of the magnetic field causes an evolution in the frequencies. Finally, we show that there is a magnetic field configuration that maximizes the energy in the perturbation at linear order, which could be related to the trigger of the giant flare.