Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Properties of High Density Polyethylene – Paulownia Wood Flour Composites via Injection Molding

Paulownia wood (PW) flour was evaluated as a reinforcement for thermoplastic composites. Composites of high-density polyethylene in pellet form (HDPE), 25% by weight of PW, and either 0% or 5% by weight of maleated polyethylene pellets (MAPE), were produced by twin screw compounding followed by injection molding. Formulations of PW flour composed of specific particle sizes (≤590 to ≤75 µm) were also compared. Molded test composites were evaluated for their tensile, flexural, impact, and thermal properties. Composites made with PW and MAPE had significantly improved tensile and flexural properties compared to neat HDPE. The impact strength of all composites using MAPE was 30% improved over HDPE. Benchmarking PW composites to similar preparations of pine wood flour composites demonstrated that PW can produce a comparable and in some cases a superior bio-fiber composite. The effect of environmental exposure was examined by soaking tensile bars of HDPE-PW blends in distilled water for 28 days to observe changes in their physical and mechanical properties. Finally, differential scanning calorimetery and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted on PW composites to evaluate their thermal properties and the implications these may have on selecting processing conditions for the bio-fiber reinforcements.
Effect of different production variables on the physical properties of pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization using a multivariate analysis

The spheronization process has been widely used in recent years in multiparticulate oral formulations because it is a simple and rapid technology. It offers advantages over other dosage forms such as tablets due to the more uniform and predictable transport in the gastrointestinal tract. The spherical symmetry renders good flow properties, high mechanical strength and low friability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of spheronization rates, spheronization time and amount of water content on shape descriptors and physical properties of pellets produced from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Approximately, 50 g of MCC were hydrated, passed through a mesh # 8 sieve and spheronizated at rates of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 Hz and residence times of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 s in 25 experimental runs. In a separate experimental set moisture levels of 23.1, 37.5, 47.4, 54.5 and 60% were employed at the optimal operational conditions of 12 Hz and 180s. A multivariate analysis was used to study the effect of these factors on the response variables (shape descriptors, densification, breaking strength, friability, porosity, etc). A microscopy analysis was used to evaluate the shape descriptors using the ImageJ ® software. Pellets properties such as compressibility, friability, true density, hardness, flow rate and mass were also evaluated. Pellets of a large size were obtained with high spheronization rate, spheronization time and high moisture content. Shape descriptors related to the size such as area, perimeter, and mean diameter increased with increasing spheronization time and spheronization rate. Further, pellets obtained from high spheronization rate were more spherical than those obtained at low speeds. Conversely, shape descriptors related to the morphology such as circularity, and roundness and pellet strength remained virtually unchanged as operational conditions changed. Further, spironolactone release rates were inversely related to drug loading. The moisture level was the most critical factor to increase particle size and improved the spherical morphology. On the other hand, spheronization rate was the determining factor for pellet properties such as densification, compressibility and compactibility.
CityMobil

There are several human factor concerns with highly autonomous or semiautonomous driving, such as transition of control, loss of skill, and dealing with automated system errors. Four CityMobil experiments studied the eLane concept for dual-mode cars, and the results of one are described. The open eLane concept brings together road infrastructure and technical developments in vehicle automation to allow automated driving. The goal for the driving simulator experiment was to design and test the difference between a vocal and an acoustic user interface for a dual-mode vehicle driven both manually and automatically. In the experiment (n = 24), driver behavior was observed with a focus on the transition of control and the occurrence of system errors. Performance of transition of control was adequate for both interfaces at the beginning and end of an eLane. In the case of system failure, 15% of drivers failed to take control of the car in time for both interfaces. However, of those who did regain control, drivers with the vocal interface were faster. Moreover, a subjective questionnaire showed that the vocal interface was perceived as more positive than the acoustic interface. The study suggests that the vocal interface was preferred by participants and can be recommended for the human–machine interface of dual-mode vehicles, especially for providing warnings about system malfunctioning.
Quadratic optimal control of stable well-posed linear systems

We consider the infinite horizon quadratic cost minimization problem for a stable time-invariant well-posed linear system in the sense of Salamon and Weiss, and show that it can be reduced to a spectral factorization problem in the control space. More precisely, we show that the optimal solution of the quadratic cost minimization problem is of static state feedback type if and only if a certain spectral factorization problem has a solution. If both the system and the spectral factor are regular, then the feedback operator can be expressed in terms of the Riccati operator, and the Riccati operator is a positive self-adjoint solution of an algebraic Riccati equation. This Riccati equation is similar to the usual algebraic Riccati equation, but one of its coefficients varies depending on the subspace in which the equation is posed. Similar results are true for unstable systems, as we have proved elsewhere.
The relationship between operating risk and accounting conservatism: Evidence from Iranian banking industry

Article history: Received October 28, 2013 Received in revised format 25 November 2013 Accepted 29 January 2014 Available online January 31 2014 The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between operational risk and accounting conservatism. The criterion used for operational risk in this study is asset volatility and for accounting conservatism, we use Ball and Shivakumar (2005) model [Ball, R. , & Shivakumar, L. (2005). Earnings quality in UK private firms: comparative loss recognition timeliness. Journal of Accounting and Economics, 39(1), 83-128. ], which analyzes accounting from balance sheet sight. The statistical society used in this study is taken from 15 banks in Tehran Stock Exchange over the period 2006-2012. The research result demonstrates that there was a negative relationship between operational risk and accounting conservatism. In other words, there is a significant negative relationship between operational risk and accounting conservatism. Hence, the results suggest that with an increase (decrease) in operational risk, accounting conservatism decreases (increases).
Cooling rate of some active lavas determined using an orbital imaging spectrometer

[1] The surface temperature of an active lava flow is an important physical property to measure. Through its influence on lava crystallinity, cooling exerts a fundamental control on lava rheology. Remotely sensed thermal radiance data acquired by multispectral sensors such as Landsat Thematic Mapper and the Terra Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer are of insufficient spectral and radiometric fidelity to allow for realistic determination of lava surface temperatures from Earth orbit. This paper presents results obtained from the analysis of active lava flows using hyperspectral data acquired by NASA's Earth Observing-1 Hyperion imaging spectrometer. The contiguous nature of the measured radiance spectrum in the 0.4–2.5 μm region means that, although sensor saturation most certainly occurs, unsaturated radiance data are always available from even the hottest, and most radiant, active lava flow surfaces. The increased number of wave bands available allows for the assumption of more complex flow surface temperature distributions in the radiance-to-temperature inversion processes. The technique is illustrated by using a hyperspectral image of the active lava lake at Erta Ale volcano, Ethiopia, a well-characterized calibration target, a time series of three Hyperion images of an active lava flow acquired during a 4 day period at Mount Etna, Sicily, as well as a lava flow erupted at Nyamuragira, Democratic Republic of Congo. The results provide insights into the temperature–radiance mixture modeling problem that will aid in the analysis of data acquired by future hyperspectral remote sensing missions, such as NASA's proposed HyspIRI mission.
Synthesis and Characterization of Uniform Spherical Nanoporous TiO 2 Aerogel Templated by Cellulose Alcohol-Gel with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

The spherical nanoporous TiO 2 aerogels were prepared by a simple ethanol-thermal method, using spherical cellulose alcohol-gel as the template. The morphology, crystalline structure, pore size, specific surface area, and the photocatalytic activity of obtained TiO 2 aerogel were separately characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Xray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and double beam UV-VIS spectrophotometer.The characteristics of TiO 2 aerogels presented uniform sphere shape, good internal structuralmorphology, high specific surface area (ranging from 111.88 to 149.95m/g), and good crystalline anatase phase.Moreover,methyl orange dye was used as the target pollutant to characterize the photocatalytic activities and the adsorption performance. The photocatalytic experiment shows that the obtained spherical TiO 2 aerogels had a higher degradation ratio of 92.9% on methyl orange dye compared with aspherical TiO 2 aerogels prepared from other concentrations of tetrabutyl orthotitanate (TBOT).
Multiple equilibria on planet Dune: climate–vegetation dynamics on a sandy planet

ABSTRACT We study the interaction between climate and vegetation on an ideal water-limited planet, focussing on the influence of vegetation on the global water cycle. We introduce a simple mechanistic box model consisting in a two-layer representation of the atmosphere and a two-layer soil scheme. The model includes the dynamics of vegetation cover, and the main physical processes of energy and water exchange among the different components. With a realistic choice of parameters, this model displays three stable equilibria, depending on the initial conditions of soil water and vegetation cover. The system reaches a hot and dry state for low values of initial water content and/or vegetation cover, while we observe a wet, vegetated state with mild surface temperature when the system starts from larger initial values of both variables. The third state is a cold desert, where plants transfer enough water to the atmosphere to start a weaker, evaporation-dominated water cycle before they wilt. These results indicate that in this system vegetation plays a central role in transferring water from the soil to the atmosphere and trigger a hydrologic cycle. The model adopted here can also be used to conceptually illustrate processes and feedbacks affecting the water cycle in water-limited continental areas on Earth. †Now at: International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling, Hamburg, Germany
Canopy influence on snow depth distribution in a pine stand determined from terrestrial laser data

In this study, we analyzed the effects of the forest canopy and trunks of a pine stand in the central Spanish Pyrenees on the snow depth (SD) distribution. Using LiDAR technology with a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), high‐resolution data on the SD distribution were acquired during the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 snow seasons, which were 2 years having very contrasting climatic and snow accumulation conditions. Average SD evolution in open and canopy areas was characterized. Principal component analysis was applied to identify days having similar spatial patterns of SD distribution. There was a clear contrast in the temporal variability of the snowpack in different areas of the forest stand, corresponding generally to beneath the canopy, and in open sites. The canopy and openings showed markedly different accumulation and melting, with higher snow accumulation found in openings. Differences ranged from 14 to 80% reduction (average 49%) in the SD beneath the canopy relative to open sites. The difference in SD between open and canopy areas increased throughout the snow season. The surveyed days were classified in terms of SD distribution, and included days associated with: high SD, low SD, intense melting conditions and periods when the SD distribution was driven by wind conditions. The SD increased with distance from the trunks to a distance of 3.5–4.5 m, coinciding with the average size of the crown of individual trees.
Exploring non-traditional products for management of postharvest anthracnose and stem end rot in avocado

There are many products available which may be effective in reducing postharvest fruit disease (anthracnose and stem end rot) of avocado, but which have not been rigorously tested. While some of these are fungicides registered in other crops, others are purported to be “organic” fungicides and some may not be directly fungicidal, but rely on alternative mechanisms of action on the plant or pathogen. We tested the efficacy of several products in postharvest dipping and field spray trials in avocado. „Hass‟ fruit dipped in fungicides prochloraz (the standard practice in Australia), fludioxinil, NaturalGreen® or EcoCarb®, resulted in significantly less anthracnose developing in fruit than in water-dipped controls. Only the fungicide treatments resulted in significantly less stem end rot. In subsequent trials with „Hass‟ and „Reed‟ disease levels were lower and there were no significant treatment effects, however the most marketable fruit were from the fungicide and EcoCarb treatments. Field trials with „Hass‟ showed that spray applications of mancozeb fungicide (not registered for avocado in Australia), copper + azoxystrobin (standard industry program) or “Product A”, significantly reduced anthracnose. Stem end rot was the least severe in fruit treated with standard fungicides or Product A. The most marketable fruit were from the standard industry fungicide treatments, however there were slightly more marketable fruit from mancozeb, Product A and NaturalGreen treatments compared to water and other treatments. EcoCarb, Aminogro® and Bion® field sprays were not effective. NaturalGreen had effects on skin N, Ca, K and Mg.
Ultraviolet Radiation and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Human Skin

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) plays an important role in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. Most tumors develop in chronically sun-exposed skin, most often in cosmetically sensitive locations, where in vivo experiments may be difficult to perform. In this study, we describe a skin organ culture model with preserved normal morphology and intact response to UVR. Skin explants from chronically sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed skin were irradiated with artificial UVA+UVB with and without topical sunscreen. UV-induced DNA damage, epidermal p53 response and repair kinetics were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Four hours after UV-irradiation epidermal keratinocytes showed a strong immunoreactivity for thymine-dimers. Gradual repair during an incubation time resulted in few residual thymine-dimers after 48 h. Repair appeared to be more efficient in chronically sun-exposed skin compared with non-sun-exposed skin. There was also an accumulation of p53 protein in epidermal keratinocytes, peaking at 4-24 h after irradiation. Large interindividual differences with respect to formation and repair of thymine-dimers as well as induction and duration of the p53 response were observed. Skin explants treated with topical sunscreen prior to UV-irradiation showed a clear reduction of thymine-dimers and p53 expression. The epidermal UV-responses and repair kinetics in organ-cultured skin were similar to what was found in vivo. Our data suggest that organ-cultured skin provides a valuable tool for studies of UV-induced epidermal responses in chronically sun-exposed skin.
Images and barriers on the road to real options valuation

Traditional methods for evaluating investment decisions, such as Net Present Value, don't properly account for the flexibility inherent in many investment projects. This has been recognized and the attempt to value the such flexibilities is known as Real Options Analysis. This type of investment analysis involves applications of exotic option pricing theory to the evaluation of investment decisions by firms. Many investment projects involve particular types of flexibility and these situations have been identified and recognized as various types of options. This relates to investment decisions about non tradeable assets such as real estate development and mining projects. The decision to delay commencement of a mining project contingent on commodity prices rising enough to make a mining operation viable can be thought of as a type of call option. The decision to temporarily shut down a mining operation due to low commodity prices can be thought of and valued as a type of put option. Some of these options may have barrier features, where the investment project gets cancelled due to commodity prices falling below a critical level. This may the thought of as a "down and out barrier option". Many multi-stage investment decisions can be thought of as compound options, which are options over options. In this paper we consider how to combine the theory of exotic multi-period, multi-asset options and the theory of barrier option pricing to the evaluation of investment decisions. In particular we consider the valuation of compound options with various levels of complexity, and the valuation of barrier versions of these options. We show how to mathematically model such situations, and we derive closed form valuation formulae for evaluating some of them and discuss how to apply numerical methods in other cases. We illustrate the ideas and methods in the context of a hypothetical gold mining project. We derive an analytic formula for the option to delay a mining project which, once commenced, includes the right to further expand production and the right to close down production. The right to delay the commencement of this project is a compound call option over the underlying asset plus a call option plus a put option. The valuation formula for this investment opportunity involves the bivariate normal distribution.
Annotating large corpora for studying Italian derivational morphology

This paper presents ongoing research concerning the annotation of large corpora with morphological information. It aims at providing a general schema for inserting rich morphological information to enable complex corpus queries of word internal structure. Annotating real corpus data presents challenges that can hardly be managed with traditional linear analysis of word structure, but can effi ciently and correctly be handled with different, more complex, structures. For this reason, we propose Derivation Graphs as a new tool for representing the structure of complex words, and we discuss the theoretical consequences of this choice on the representation of affi xes, a crucial issue for all morphological models.
Mechanism for Resistance Reduction of Spoilers under the changes of Floating Condition based on Fluent

The effect of the spoilers depend considerably on the lift and trim moment that change the floating condition of the ship and then influence the flow field near the stern and the resistance of the ship. To investigate the effect of the spoilers on on the ship resistance caused by lift and trim moment separately, a speed square tail boat is introduced to this study as the object to discuss the changes of the resistance with and without the consideration of floating consideration. Furthermore,, the resistance variations of the ship using the spoilers with the variation of the trim angle are compared with the ones without the spoiler in numerical analysis.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT BY GEAR SHIFTING OPTIMIZATION

Many studies have proved that elements of driver’s behavior related to gear selection have considerable influence on the fuel consumption. Optimal gear shifting is a complex task, especially for inexperienced drivers. This paper presents an implemented idea for gear shifting optimization with the aim of fuel consumption minimization with more efficient engine working regimes. Optimized gear shifting enables the best possible relation between vehicle motion regimes and engine working regimes. New theoretical-experimental approach has been developed using on-board diagnostic technology which so far has not been used for this purpose. The matrix of driving modes according to which tests were performed is obtained and special data acquisition system and analysis process have been developed. Functional relations between experimental test modes and adequate engine working parameters have been obtained and all necessary operations have been conducted to enable their use as inputs for the designed algorithm. The created model has been tested in real exploitation conditions on passenger car with Otto fuel injection engine and on-board diagnostic connection without any changes on it. The conducted tests have shown that the presented model has significantly positive effects on fuel consumption which is an important ecological aspect. Further development and testing of the model allows implementation in wide range of motor vehicles with various types of internal combustion engines.
An Analysis of Two New Directions in Control System Perimeter Security

: Traditional IT firewalls are used in control systems to provide a security perimeter and offer important protection. However, two new directions in control system perimeter security are now available and claim to provide a higher level of security: namely, one-way communication technologies and control system protocol deep packet inspection. In this paper, we will present these technologies and purported benefits, analyze their effectiveness against a variety of attacks, and consider architecture options where these new classes of security products may offer the most benefits. Finally, the paper discusses how this new technology can be extended and further tailored for the control system security challenge.
The Redistributive Effect of Public and Private Social Programmes: A Cross-Country Empirical Analysis

A function of many national social protection systems is to substantially redistribute income. However, the size and nature of social protection programmes are changing. In a number of countries there has been a shift from public towards private social protection arrangements, with the latter substituting for, or complementing, public programmes. Developing earlier work, this present article analyses the redistributive impact on income of public versus private social protection programmes. Using recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, we find a strong positive relationship between public social expenditures and income redistribution across countries. For private social expenditures, we find a weak, but statistically significant, negative relationship with the level of redistribution. In countries where a larger share of total social expenditure is accorded to private arrangements there is less income redistribution. We conclude that the choice between the relative weight of public and private provision of social protection affects the redistributive impact of the welfare state.