Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active faults in the Anatolian-Aegean plate boundary region with Nubia

Convergence of the Africa, Arabia, and Eurasia plates and the westward escape of Anatolia have resulted in an evolving plate boundary zone in the Eastern Mediterranean. The current location and nature of the plate boundary between the Anatolian and the African plate is difficult to trace due to the scattered crustal earthquakes and the absence of deep ones. We examine various types and locations for the plate boundary as constrained by seismicity, seismic reflection studies, tomographic studies, and geodetic measurements and we use a spherical plane stress finite element model to test these possibilities. In our regional model, we impose the convergence of Africa, Arabia, and stable Eurasia by applying GPS-derived velocities in the far-field, as well as the roll-back of the Hellenic trench to solve for regional deformation. Model velocity and stress fields are compared with GPS-derived velocities and stress directions from focal mechanism solutions. We find that the plate boundary via the Pliny and Strabo trenches, the Anaximander Mountains, the Eratosthenes Seamount collisional segment, and the Latakia-Larnaka ridges gives the best fit to the data. The Anaximander Mountains plate boundary has both down-dip and strike-slip motions, and the Latakia segment is pure strike-slip. The Cyprus subduction contact is 42% locked. From a combined analysis of indicators for long-term deformation (predominantly slip-rates on major faults) and model results we infer that this southern plate boundary configuration may have existed since the Late Pliocene.
Evolution of non-spherical pulsars with plasma-filled magnetospheres

Pulsars are famous for their rotational stability. Most of them steadily spin down and display a highly repetitive pulse shape. But some pulsars experience timing irregularities such as nulling, intermittency, mode changing and timing noise. As changes in the pulse shape are often correlated with timing irregularities, precession is a possible cause of these phenomena. Whereas pulsar magnetospheres are filled with plasma, most pulsar precession studies were carried out within the vacuum approximation and neglected the effects of magnetospheric currents and charges. Recent numerical simulations of plasma-filled pulsar magnetospheres provide us with a detailed quantitative description of magnetospheric torques exerted on the pulsar surface. In this paper, we present the study of neutron star evolution using these new torque expressions. We show that they lead to (1) much slower long-term evolution of pulsar parameters and (2) much less extreme solutions for these parameters than the vacuum magnetosphere models. To facilitate the interpretation of observed pulsar timing residuals, we derive an analytic model that (1) describes the time evolution of non-spherical pulsars and (2) translates the observed pulsar timing residuals into the geometrical parameters of the pulsar. We apply this model to two pulsars with very different temporal behaviours. For the pulsar B1828-11, we demonstrate that the timing residual curves allow two pulsar geometries: one with stellar deformation pointing along the magnetic axis and one along the rotational axis. For the Crab pulsar, we use the model show that the recent observation of its magnetic and rotational axes moving away from each other can be explained by precession.
Development of Distance Communication and Virtual Teamwork Skills through online-based Teaching

In 2001, the School of Engineering and Industrial Design undertook an initiative to conduct a pilot of the online delivery of the 'Design Management: Organisational Skills for Designers' subject. This course is one of the core subjects offered by the Industrial Design program to industrial design and engineering students. The course has been developed to address industry needs identified in previous research. One of the key learning outcomes of the course was for students to develop distance communication and virtual teamwork skills, which are becoming increasingly important in new product development. This paper describes the on-line component of the subject with a focus on the way this subject incorporated a number of aspects of "good teaching/learning practices" as outlined by Scoufis. The on-line component of the subject was structured to stimulate students independent learning and to develop their critical thinking by arousing their curiosity in the topics by incorporating the seven processes of critical thinking and writing as outlined by James, Scoufis, Farrell and Carmichael. Student evaluation data, both quantitative and qualitative, gathered at the completion of subject has been used to evaluate the effectiveness of the approaches introduced in this subject.
XIII SIMPÓSIO DE ESPECIALISTAS EM PLANEJAMENTO DA OPERAÇÃO E EXPANSÃO ELÉTRICA XIII SYMPOSIUM OF SPECIALISTS IN ELECTRIC OPERATIONAL AND EXPANSION PLANNING Tie-Line Bias Control of a Power System with Large PV Plants Using PMU Information

SUMMARY The increasing penetration of uncertain and variable renewable energy into the transmission grid introduces challenges in real-time power system operation. A photovoltaic (PV) system’s power output fluctuation due to weather conditions (irradiance and temperature) causes the system’s frequency to fluctuate. The power and frequency fluctuations in systems with large MW PV plants raise dynamic and transient stability concerns. In this study, a two-area power system with large MW PV plants was considered, in which Area 1 provided power support to Area 2. To minimize power fluctuations and maintain the desired system frequency while concurrently maximizing the penetration of PV power into Area 2, automatic generation control (AGC) with tie-line bias control was implemented. The objective was to increase/decrease generations in Area 1, thus varying the tie-line power flow to balance out the PV power variability. Furthermore, phasor measurement unit (PMU) data were used in the AGC to drive the tie-line bias control. Typical results are shown for the steady state, variable PV generation and large tie-line disturbance conditions.
Layoff Perceptions: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

Layoffs are perceived to be devastating, traumatic and impactful in the workplace. However, there is a lack of research demonstrating any correlation between cultural perceptions on organizational layoffs. The purpose of this study is to explore the empirical relationship between the cultural perceptions of layoffs amongst individuals who have or have not previously experienced a layoff. The study was analyzed cross-culturally, between the countries of Ecuador, England, Puerto Rico and the United States. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in layoff perceptions between individuals with previous layoff experience, compared to no layoff experience. It was also hypothesized that there would be a significant difference between the perceptions of layoff across all four countries observed. A convenience sample was conducted with an online survey, which was distributed through social networks. The study received responses from n=175 participants, 30% of which had previously experienced a layoff. A t-test was performed to assess whether the means of the two groups being observed were statistically different from each other. The results demonstrated no significant difference between the layoff perceptions of individuals who have experienced a lay off, compared to an individual who has not. The tstatistic exhibited a score of 1.417701, with a p= 0.15945, >0.05. To further validate the study, a t-test was conducted amongst each individual country observed. Each country demonstrated no significant difference on cultural layoff perceptions. Furthermore, it is evident that layoffs are perceived to be negative, regardless of past experiences with layoff or cultural background.
Thermal desorption characteristics of CO, O2 and CO2 on non‐porous water, crystalline water and silicate surfaces at submonolayer and multilayer coverages

The desorption characteristics of molecules on interstellar dust grains are important for modelling the behaviour of molecules in icy mantles and, critically, in describing the solid–gas interface. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments exploring the desorption of three small molecules from three astrophysically relevant surfaces is presented. The desorption of CO, O2 and CO2 at both submonolayer and multilayer coverages was investigated from non-porous water, crystalline water and silicate surfaces. Experimental data were modelled using the Polanyi–Wigner equation to produce a mathematical description of the desorption of each molecular species from each type of surface, uniquely describing both the monolayer and multilayer desorption in a single combined model. The implications of desorption behaviour over astrophysically relevant time-scales are discussed.
Performance of Testcross Hybrids of Semi-exotic Inbred Lines Contained Different Proportions of U.S. Corn Belt Germplasm

U.S. Corn Belt germplasm including 8 hybrids, 5 open pollinated varieties, 5 BSSS and 4 nonBSSS inbred lines were introduced and subsequently crossed and backcrossed to 6 tropical inbred lines namely Nei9008, Nei9202, AMATLC0HS 63-2-5-E-3-1-2, AMATLC0HS 170-2-3-2-1-1-1-B-3, Ag18 and Ki42 to adjust the proportion of exotic germplasm to 50 and 25 % of each of the tropical lines. Semiexotic inbred lines were extracted from the 48 groups of adjusted exotic germplasm (6 tropical lines ∞ 4 exotic groups ∞ 2 exotic proportions). Subsequently, the resulted 48 BC0S3 and 48 BC1S2 were crossed to 2 tropical inbred testers, Ag20 (high general combining ability) and Ag29 (high specific combining ability). The experimental results revealed that the hybrids were the most promising exotic sources for desirable alleles followed by non-BSSS inbred lines and OPV’s, respectively. In addition, 25% exotic inbred lines performed better than the 50% exotic inbred lines in combinations with the 2 testers. Testcross hybrids of Ag20 out performed the testcross hybrids of Ag29. All top-10 testcross hybrids were derived from crosses involving with Ag20. The top-6 testcross hybrids which yielded statistically non-significant differences from the best tropical hybrid check were derived from semi-exotic inbred lines involving with each of the 6 tropical recurrent inbred lines with donor parents from exotic hybrids and non-BSSS inbred lines, except one combination from BSSS inbred lines. The results suggested that highly improved hybrids and inbred lines were the most promising exotic sources. Different testers gave different results and therefore, the best testers should be the intended inbred counterpart in the new hybrid combinations or otherwise the appropriate method should be selection for performance per se of inbred lines followed by diallel cross of selected lines.
To pluck or not to pluck: the hidden ethical and scientific costs of relying on feathers as a primary source of DNA

This article responds to the recent prominence of ornithological literature advocating the plucking or clipping of feathers to obtain DNA in avian studies. We argue that the practise of feather plucking or clipping should be strongly discouraged on both scientific and ethical grounds in the avian literature. Currently, despite claims to the contrary, it is not clear that feather sampling as a source of DNA has lower ethical impacts on birds than blood sampling. In addition, feather samples provide a smaller and less reliable biological resource, significantly jeopardising the short and long-term outcomes that can be gained by the sampling. In contrast, blood collection has been experimentally demonstrated to be relatively safe, subject to operators being skilled and following published guidelines, providing large yields of high quality DNA that facilitates archival storage of samples in a manner that the destructive sampling of feathers cannot.
The trade-off between DES and SD in modelling military manpower

Operations research techniques have been used widely in simulating the dynamics of workforce systems. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and System Dynamics (SD) are among the techniques that have been increasingly used in modelling military workforces. In the last five years, DES has seen more interest in modelling both career management and the training pipeline. Two significant reasons for this are discussed in this paper. This article presents some notes in comparing the two techniques in modelling military workforce. The study found that DES is an appealing method in workforce modelling, especially with a small size population, as it more easily accommodates new personnel attributes and prevents the fractionalisation of personnel through the system.
The Impact of Accounting Information Systems on the Banks Success: Evidence from Jordan

Through the current study we aim to investigate the impact of accounting information systems (IAS) on banks success in Jordan. The researcher developed and distributed a structure questionnaire to the head offices of the surveyed banks. Hundred and thirty questionnaires were spread, the accepted number of questionnaires that for analysis was (112), with ratio (90 percent) of the distributed questionnaires. Correlations, multiple regressions were applied in order to answer for the study hypothesizes. The findings showed that accounting information systems, has a significantly affects on banks success. The researcher generate the following variables for measuring the accounting information systems as follow: inputs, processes, outputs, control, feedback, flexibility , Simplicity of use and reliability that could be classified in three groups as follow: information quality, involves(inputs, control and outputs ) system quality, involves (Processes, Control and reliability ) and system usage that involves ( Flexibility , Simplicity of use) and how these variables affect on the banks success, Furthermore, the study suggested a number of recommendations to help bank managers in decision making process successfully which reflected on banks success. Keywords: Accounting Information Systems, quality of accounting information, decision making process, Commercial Banks, Jordan.
The Manufacture of Palm Oil-Based Polyurethane Nanocomposite with Organic Montmorillonite Nanoparticle as Paint Coatings

This research reports the manufacture of palm oil-based polyurethane nanocomposite with organic montmorillonite nanoparticle as paint coating. This research consists of five stages namely the manufacture of polyol, organic montmorillonite nanoparticle, properties and application of polyurethane nanocomposite as paint coating. Polyols are formed by reacting epoxides with palm oil-based oleic acid hydroxyl. Organic montmorillonite nanoparticle was made through intercalation process of montmorilloni te with cetyl trimeyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Polyurethane nanocomposite (POB-PU/MMT) was made by adding 5% (b/b) of organic montmorillonite nanoparticle into polyol before being combined with isocyanate. Polyurethane nanocomposite functional groups are characterized by spectroscopy FT-IR technique and its thermal characterized by using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The effectiveness of polyurethane nanocomposite as coating additive was determined from its adhesivibility and gloss index. FT-IR spectrum of polyurethane nanocomposite shows particular absorption of urethane. Thermogram analysis results indicate that palm oil- based polyurethane nanocomposite with organic montmorillonite nanoparticle has higher temperature of decomposition compared with the one without organic montmorillonite (Commercial PU) and commercial polyurethane. The effectiveness of polyurethane nanocomposite as paint coatings has been analyzed. Commercial PU and POB-PU adhesive forces increase from classification 2 (two) to classification 1 (one) after being added with organic montmorillonite (POB-PU/MMT). As well as adhesivibilit y, the gloss index also increases until 4%.
Potential therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing the intensity of mechanical ventilation in ARDS

Op de intensive care wordt een groot deel van de patienten kunstmatig beademd. Zij zijn hiertoe zelf niet meer toe in staat, meestal door een ernstige ziekte of na een operatie. Hoewel deze mechanische beademing noodzakelijk is en levensreddend kan zijn, is het in het afgelopen decennium ook duidelijk geworden dat beademing, ook schadelijk kan zijn. Met die reden hebben wij onderzocht of het koelen van patienten tot 32 graden (hypothermie) dan wel het beademen van patienten met helium en zuurstof (heliox) een oplossing zou kunnen bieden voor de longschade die mechanische beademing met zich meebrengt. Aangezien mechanische beademing niet weg te denken is uit de intensive care geneeskunde, is het belangrijk om methodes te onderzoeken die de longschade, die mechanische beademing met zich meebrengt, kunnen voorkomen. Dit proefschrift onderzocht op translationeel gebied relatief eenvoudige methodes die geimplementeerd zouden kunnen worden op de intensive care. Met name koeling is veelbelovend. Dit zou betekenen dat het beademen zou kunnen worden voortgezet, maar met minder schade in de longen en dus uiteindelijk sneller herstel voor de patient. De algehele conclusie van dit proefschrift is dat het effect van koeling van patienten een mogelijkheid zou kunnen zijn om de longschade die mechanische beademing met zich meebrengt te voorkomen en dat het beademen met heliox eerder zou kunnen fungeren als een uitzonderlijke therapie in patienten met ernstig zieke longen.
Intra-urban relationship between surface geometry and urban heat island: review and new approach

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the intra-urban sky view factor (SVF)–temperature relationship. A new approach to reveal the real connection between SVF and air temperature in an entire city is presented. The results found in the literature are rather contradictory, possibly due the fact that previous investigations were limited to the central or specific parts (e.g. inner city, urban canyons) of cities and used few sites and measurements. Comparisons were often based on element pairs measured at selected sites. In some cases areal means were also discussed, but always in connection with one of the variables examined. For comparison, the present study in Szeged, SE Hungary, utilizes a large number of areal means of SVF and air temperature. The values are related to almost a whole city and based on numerous measurements. The results show a strong relationship in the intra-urban variations of these variables, i.e. urban surface geometry is a significant determining factor of the air temperature distribution inside a city if the selected scale is appropriate. Therefore, investigation of a sufficient number of appropriate-sized areas covering the largest part of a city or the entire city is needed to draw well-established conclusions.
Medium Access Control Layer Design and Simulation for 802.16 System

In order to analyze transmission performance of broad band wireless communication system based on 802.16 protocol, address the key issues of QoS scheduling algorithm, and network congestion, etc, we present our design of WiMAX medium access control (MAC) layer based on 802.16 protocol in this paper. The implemented design comprises the service-specific convergence sub-layer (CS), the MAC common part sub-layer (CPS), a call admission control mechanism, and a scheduler. In the next simulation experiment, we tested the throughput and average delay of the system which we designed under the conditions in different time or number of clients. The design and simulation had provided a platform and foundation for further to improve the efficiency of bandwidth management algorithm, scheduling algorithm, QoS management, and enhancing the performance of WiMAX systems.
A Synthesis of Current Mobile Learning Guidelines and Frameworks

As mobile devices with wireless access become more readily available, learning delivered via mobile devices of all types must be designed to ensure successful learning. This paper addresses three questions related to the design of mobile learning: 1) what m-learning guidelines can be identified in the current literature, 2) what m-learning frameworks exist and what do they claim about the design of m-learning, and 3) what insights can be gained from attempts to bring m-learning to developing countries. Based an examination of these questions, we aim to synthesize existing guidelines, understand these guidelines in light of the theory of transactional distance, and present a preliminary discussion of reasons why m-learning is not merely an evolution of e-learning. We also identify areas where additional research is needed to further develop guidelines and frameworks and address these topics.
Flexural Toughness Properties of Reinforced Steel Fibre Incorporated Alkali Activated Slag Concrete

The influence of steel fibre addition on the flexural properties of geopolymer based cementitious matrix was investigated in the present study. Slag based geopolymer mixtures were prepared with different binder and aggregate combinations. Strength gain and hardened properties of different geopolymer concrete mixtures were evaluated using accelerated curing techniques subjected to hot air oven and steam curing. Further, the steel fibre additions on the mechanical strength properties of a high strength geopolymer mixture were studied. A comprehensive evaluation on the post-crack toughness properties was assessed using four-point bend test. Test results exhibited that a geopolymer concrete of maximum compressive strength of 56.6 MPa can be achieved with steam curing. Experimental observations also demonstrated that the steel fibre inclusions in geopolymer concrete provided adequate improvement on post-crack toughness properties and showed higher composite performance with increased volume fraction of steel fibres.
Potential novel bZIP-like gene for resistance to Erysiphe necator identified in Chinese wild Vitis pseudoreticulata

In this study, a novel bZIP-like gene was isolated from Chinese wild Vitis pseudoreticulata W. T. acc. Baihe-35-1. The full-length complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) sequence of the gene was 1583 bp including 159 bp 5’ untranslated region (UTR), 365 bp 3’ UTR and a 1083 bp ORF which encodes a polypeptide of 360 amino acids with a molecular weight of 38.662 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence shares an overall 46 to 69.8% sequence similarity with bZIP from other plants. Therefore, we designated this gene as V. pseudoreticulata bZIP ( VpbZIP-like ). The expression of VpbZIP -like was induced 12 h post inoculation (hpi) by Erysiphe necator, but transiently decreased, then increased in these two genotypes and its expression was lower in highly resistant genotype Baihe-35-1 than in susceptible genotype Hunan-1 at 24, 48 and 72 hpi. We further tested whether the expression was also a response to plant signaling molecules. Results indicate that the susceptible genotype Hunan-1 showed higher expression of VpbZIP-like than the highly resistant genotype Baihe-35-1 after exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA) and ethephon (Eth). Moreover, tissue specific expression pattern of VpbZIP -like was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results reveal that it was in lower lever in flower than in leaf, stem, tendril and fruit. The CDS of VpbZIP -like was inserted into the prokaryotic expression construct pGEX-4T-1, and then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21-code induced by isopropyl-b-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) which resulted in the production of a Mr. 64 kDa of GST- VpbZIP -like fusion protein displayed in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Key words : Chinese wild Vitis, bZIP, gene expression, signaling molecules, fusion protein expression.