Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Clean Technology Diffusion Mechanisms

Developing countries argue that because of their historical responsibility, developed countries should be the ones to bear the costs of climate change mitigation. This paper revisits this argument throughout the analysis of clean technology diffusion between developed and developing countries in the power generation sector. Our model shows that developed countries could decide to develop clean technologies on their own and still achieve substantial results in climate change mitigation. However, this is so if both the clean innovation rate in developed countries is high enough and developing countries own adequate capacities to absorb these innovations.
Biological and geological dynamics over four years on a high-temperature sulfide structure at the Juan de Fuca Ridge hydrothermal observatory

An extensive videoscopic study of a high-temperature sulfide structure on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (northeast Pacific) examined temporal variation in vent community distribution and Links between faunal and environmental changes. Video imagery was acquired during a total of 5 manned submersible and ROV (remotely-operated vehicle) dive programs between 1991 and 1995. The structure was systematically mapped for each year of the study and a series of analytical tools was developed to quantify changes in biological and geological features and observable flow patterns. Results show: (1) heterogeneous faunal distribution characterized by decimeter-scale patchiness and general absence of vertical gradients; (2) apparent Links between community distribution, and environmental features such as fluid now patterns, substratum and temperature/chemical conditions; (3) a significant influence of perturbations on community dynamics; (4) absence of directional biological succession at the time scale examined (years). Overall, these observations strongly suggest that many hydrothermal community changes are initiated by gradual and abrupt flow modifications. Results are compiled in a dynamic succession model for sulfide edifices where community transitions are driven by flow variations, and by biological processes operating at sub-annual time scales. We conclude by stressing the need for extended monitoring of short-term dynamics in order to understand the relationship between hydrothermal communities and their environment.
Combining video and thermal imagery for robust pedestrian tracking

In the current context of increased surveillance and security, more sophisticated and robust surveillance systems are needed. One idea relies on the use of pairs of video (visible spectrum) and thermal infrared (IR) cameras located around premises of interest. To automate the system, a robust tracking algorithm and the development of an efficent technique enabling the merging of the information provided by the two sensors becomes necessary and these are described in this paper. Results are presented for a few typical situations.
Managing Value Co-Creation through Interfaces with Suppliers

The growing specialization of firms and the reinforcement of vertical disintegration have led to an increasing reliance on purchasing and supply management. This means that an increasing proportion of value is created outside the boundaries of the firm, namely by suppliers. In this context, the paper aims to relate the configuration of the bonds companies establish with their suppliers to the process of value creation. On the basis of a case study approach, the paper furthers our understanding of buyer-supplier relationships as mechanisms for the coordination and development of capabilities on both sides of the dyad. Evidence was found that relationships affect not only the access and exploration of suppliers’ resources, but also the perception the buying firm has about their capabilities which is likely to condition the potential for joint value creation. The main contribution of the paper is that co-creating value with suppliers is not a recipe. It is not the ‘right’ solution in all instances. Rather, value co-creation involving suppliers must be regarded as a strategic option which depends on several conditions. This research puts in evidence two of these conditions: suppliers’ capabilities and the way the buyer-seller relationships are configured.
Analysis of Server Performance with Different Techniques of Virtual Databases

Database virtualization is understood by different people in different ways; either it is executing or storing databases on virtual machine or a full virtualization of database. It helps in masking the actual physical location of the databases from the programs and users using it. With the aid of virtualization, databases can be decentralized thus increasing availability and usability of databases. But as we step into the world of virtualization, the central requirement becomes performance. It becomes an important task for DBA to provide excellent performance by putting minimum efforts and cost. Performance confines various extensions. A database residing in a virtual machine must act commensurable with the application which is using it. It is also considered that resource sharing between multiple virtual machines running on same host must be effective and efficient. In this paper, the performance criteria on the basis of parameters involved in running queries on virtual databases are discussed and a report is prepared analyzing the results of different tuning techniques.
The effects of dietary Biotite V supplementation on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and fecal noxious gas content in finishing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary Biotite V (BV) supplementation on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and fecal noxious gas content in finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of eighty pigs (initial body weight 88.01.35 kg) were used in a 35-d growth trial. Pigs were blocked by weight and allotted to five dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were four pigs per pen and four pens per treatment. Dietary treatments included: 1) Control (CON; basal diet), 2) 200 mesh BV1.0 (basal diet+200 mesh Biotite V 1.0%), 3) 325 mesh BV1.0 (basal diet+325 mesh Biotite V 1.0%), 4) 200 mesh BV2.0 (basal diet+200 mesh Biotite V 2.0%) and 5) 325 mesh BV2.0 (basal diet+325 mesh Biotite V 2.0%). Through the entire experimental period, there were no significant differences in ADG, ADFI and gain/feed among the treatments (p>0.05). With the addition of Biotite V in diet, DM and N digestibilities were increased significantly (p and volatile fatty acid (VFA) compared to CON treatment (p1.05 kg) were used in a 35-d growth trial. Pigs were blocked by weight and allotted to four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were four pigs per pen and four pens per treatment. Dietary treatments included: 1) LP (low protein diet), 2) HP (high protein diet), 3) LP+BV (low protein diet+325 mesh Biotite V 1.0%) and 4) HP+BV (high protein diet+325 mesh Biotite V 1.0%). Through the entire experimental period, ADG and gain/feed tended to increase in HP and HP+BV treatments, however, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the treatments. With the addition of Biotite V in diets, digestibilities of nutrients (DM, N, Ca and P) were increased significantly (p and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in finishing pigs.
Design of polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fibre for dispersion compensation over the E+S+C+L telecom bands

We investigate numerically a defected-core hybrid photonic crystal fibre (H-PCF) with a circular core and a rectangular-shaped cladding, which is designed for compensation of residual dispersion over a wide wavelength range. Our simulation results testify that this H-PCF exhibits a large negative dispersion (- 868 ps/(nm km)) over the E+S+C+L telecommunication bands, with the relative dispersion slope perfectly matching that of a single-mode fibre at the operating wavelength 1550 nm. The H-PCF reveals the birefringence 1.06×10 -2 at the operating wavelength. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of optical properties of our H-PCF, we study the effect of variations of its parameters as large as ±2% from their optimal values. Due to its specific characteristics, the H-PCF suggested in this work can be considered as an excellent candidate for compensating dispersion, maintaining a single polarization in the optical fibre transmission systems, and numerous optical sensing applications.
FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Situation awareness is usually conceptualized as design and implementation principles for safety critical industries like aviation or military. Finland was one of the first countries in the world to establish an intelligent transport systems (ITS) strategy in 2009. Increasing the situation awareness in traffic is regarded as one of the means to implement the strategy. In the theoretical part of this thesis, we explore the use of situation awareness and context awareness in intelligent transport systems. Particularly, the thesis focuses on summarizing proper design and evaluation principles to provide situation awareness support for fuel efficient driving. These guidelines were exploited in implementing a mobile application, called Driving Coach Mobile Application in the practical part of the thesis. The purpose of the application is to provide awareness to the drivers about how they can save fuel. Driving Coach Mobile Application’s accordance of design and implementation principles to situation awareness support is validated by user study with simulated data focused on usability, usefulness and fuel efficiency awareness support. The results of this thesis can be used in fleet management planning, city planning as well as in personal driving, for example.
Breaking bad news in cancer : an assessment of Maltese patients’ preferences

Malta Medical School Gazette Volume 01 Issue 04 2017 Abstract Purpose: It is unclear whether Maltese cancer patients wish to know their diagnosis or to what extent they want to be informed. The aim was to assess patients’ preferences for receiving a cancer diagnosis and being involved in the decision-making process, and then compare these with results from similar international studies. Methods: Two hundred fifty-two Maltese adult cancer patients were invited to complete two standardised tools: the Measure of Patients’ Perspective (MPP), assessing patients’ preferences for receiving news about their cancer, and the Control Preferences Scale (CPS), examining involvement in decision-making. Results: Maltese patients rated the ‘content’ subscale (information given; mean 4.17, SD 0.59) as significantly more important (p<0.001) than ‘support’ (offering comfort/support; mean 3.73, SD 0.68) and ‘facilitation’ (how information is given; mean 3.86, SD 0.68). Patients with higher levels of education had significantly higher scores for ‘content’ (p=0.018) and ‘facilitation’ (p<0.001) on the MPP, while lower education levels preferred a passive role (p=0.01) on the CPS. Although there is a trend towards a collaborative and even an active role in treatment decisions, patients still exhibit a paternalistic attitude towards their physician. Age, gender and medical variables had no significant influence on response. Conclusions: Maltese cancer patients want to be informed of their cancer diagnosis, its treatment and prognosis, similar to other international studies. However, 60% of Maltese patients prefer a Breaking Bad News in Cancer: An Assessment of Maltese Patients’ Preferences
Decision Making Intelligent Agent on SOX Compliance over the Goods Receipt Processs

The objective of this work is to define a decision support system over SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) compatibility of the Goods Receipt Process based on Artificial Intelligence and Theory of Argumentation knowledge and techniques measuring at the same time the quality of how things were done on this specific process of the analyzed business case. SOX Law in effect nowadays is worldwide facto standard for financial and economical operations of private sector with the main objective to protect investors of private sector and promote the financial health of private companies. In this framework we have developed a decision support intelligent expert model to help SOX control bodies, companies and auditors to support their SOX compliance decisions based on well founded bases like Artificial Intelligence and Theory of Argumentation. The model here presented incorporates several key concepts like pre-existing expert knowledge base, a formalized and structure way to evaluate an existing business case focusing on the Goods Receipt Process, a semi automated fuzzy dynamic knowledge learning protocol and an structure method to evolve based on the facts of the business case and suggest an specific decision about the SOX compatibility of the specific business case. Keywords: Multiagent Systems (MAS), Expert Systems (ES), Business Intelligence (BI), Decision Support Systems (DSS), Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), Argumentation, Artificial Intelligence,
Study of the ultrafast dynamics of ferromagnetic materials with a Quantum Monte Carlo atomistic model

We study of the ultrafast dynamics of the atomic angular momentum in ferrimagnets irradiated by laser pulses. My apply a quantum atomistic spin approach based on the Monte Carlo technique. Our model describes the coherent transfer of angular momentum between the spin and the orbital momentum as well as the quenching of the orbital momentum induced by the lattice field. The Elliott-Yafet collision mechanism is also included. We focus on elementary mechanisms that lead to the dissipation of the total angular momentum in a rare earth-transition metal (RE-TM) alloy in which the two sublattices have opposite spin orientation. Our model shows that the observed ultrafast quenching of the magnetization can be explained microscopically by the transfer of spin between the sublattices and by the quenching of the localized orbital angular momentum.
Export Performance: An Analytical Focus on the Study of the Empirical Contributions of this Variable

There is not a unique way of measuring the performance variable as several criteria can be followed to do so. Hence, we can find objective measures (fundamentally economic-financial) and subjective measures (for example, satisfaction measures). There are many investigations which analyse this variable globally. However, this work is centred on a specific part: how an exporting activity or export performance is measured. To do so, we have carried out an analytical review of the main empirical contributions over the period 1998-2013. In this way, we have found out which is the measure, or which are the measures, of this variable that are most accepted. Furthermore, knowing the determinants of export performance will help firms' managers to direct their efforts towards those factors which foster the obtaining of good results.
Phase Centre Optimization in Profiled Corrugated Circular Horns with Parallel Genetic Algorithms

Achieving a high stability of the phase centre position in horn antennas with respect to frequency is a very desirable aim in reflector antenna design; a highly stable phase centre reduces efficiency dropping for defocusing at the frequency band extremes. By using an appropriate profile for the horn antenna it is possible to obtain horns both compact and with a stable phase centre. In this paper an automatic design procedure, based on Genetic Algorithms, to obtain such horns is described. The algorithm operates on many horn profile parameters, including corrugations, and is based on an accurate fullwave mode matching/combined field integral equation analysis code. To keep computing time down a full parallel algorithm over a 12 CPU parallel virtual machine is described.
Cucumber Growth and Nitrogen Uptake as Affected by Solution Temperature and NO3 - :NH4 + Ratios during the Seedling

Abstract. The effect of solution temperature and nitrogen form on cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) growth, photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism was investigated in hydroponic culture. Cucumber plants were grown for 35 days in a greenhouse at three constant solution temperatures (15°C, 20°C, and 25°C) within a natural aerial temperature (15-30°C). Four nitrate:ammonium (NO 3- :NH 4+ ) ratios (10:0, 8:2, 5:5, and 2:8 mmol･L -1 ) at constant nitrogen (N) concentration of 10 mmol･L -1 were applied within each solution temperature treatment. Results showed an increasing solution temperature enhanced plant growth (height, dry weight, and leaf area) in most N treatments. Dry weight accumulation was greatest at the 10:0 NO 3- :NH 4+ ratio in the 15°C solution, the 5:5 ratio in the 20°C solution and the 8:2 ratio in the 25°C solution. Photosynthetic rate (Pn) response to solution temperature and NO 3- :NH 4+ ratio was similar to that of plant growth. Probably, the photosynthate shortage played a role in the reduced biomass formation. Increasing solution temperature enhanced the nitrate reductase (NR) activity, and further reduced shoots nitrate content. Our results indicate that the optimal ratio of nitrate to ammonium that promotes growth in hydroponic cucumber varies with solution temperature.
An empirical model of subcritical bedform migration

The ability to predict bedform migration in rivers is critical for estimating bed material load, yet there is no relation for predicting bedform migration (downstream translation) that covers the full range of conditions under which subcritical bedforms develop. Here, the relation between bedform migration rates and transport stage is explored using a field and several flume data sets. Transport stage is defined as the non‐dimensional Shields stress divided by its value at the threshold for sediment entrainment. Statistically significant positive correlations between both ripple and dune migration rates and transport stage are found. Stratification of the data by the flow depth to grain‐size ratio improved the amount of variability in migration rates that was explained by transport stage to ca 70%. As transport stage increases for a given depth to grain‐size ratio, migration rates increase. For a given transport stage, the migration rate increases as the flow depth to grain‐size ratio gets smaller. In coarser sediment, bedforms move faster than in finer sediment at the same transport stage. Normalization of dune migration rates by the settling velocity of bed sediment partially collapses the data. Given the large amount of variability that arises from combining data sets from different sources, using different equipment, the partial collapse is remarkable and warrants further testing in the laboratory and field.
The APACHE II Score as a Predictor of Mortality After Open Heart Surgery.

Objective The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) severity of disease classification system, which is one of the most widely used scoring systems to predict mortality, is used for intensive care units (ICU) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of APACHE II for mortality in patients after undergoing cardiac surgery. We studied if APACHE II could successfully predict the outcome in post-cardiac surgery patients. Methods This study involved retrospective data collection of all adult patients who were admitted to Ordu State Hospital cardiovascular surgery ICU following cardiac surgery from August 2013 to December 2015. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) values were calculated for the APACHE II model. Results During the two years of data collection, we included 600 patients with a mean age of 64.77±10.148 years. Of these, 180 (30.0%) were females. The ICU mortality rate was 8.33%, and the mean length of ICU stay was 4.210±6.913 days. The mean pre-operative EuroSCORE was 3.890±2.565, and the mean pre-operative APACHE II score was 6.790±3.617. The AUC values for APACHE II and EuroSCORE were 0.743 and 0.767, respectively. Conclusion The APACHE II model can be used to predict mortality in a Turkish population of patients who have undergone cardiac surgery.
Magnetron Sputtered Ni‐rich Nickel Oxide Nano‐Films for Resistive Switching Memory Applications

Radio-frequency magnetron sputtering has been used to deposit Ni-rich nickel oxide nano-films to form a metal-insulator-metal structure, which exhibits resistive switching behavior. Memory characteristics of the structure have been investigated. The ratio of the current of the structure at the reading voltage of 0.05 V between a low-resistance state (LRS) and a high-resistance state (HRS) was observed to be >103, showing a large memory window at a very low reading voltage. The memory window was well maintained within the time limit of the experiment (5 × 104 s), exhibiting good memory retention. The current transport at both the LRS and HRS has been studied, and the result suggests that the formation and annihilation of a conductive filament are responsible for the resistive switching.
Extended Charges Modeling for Deep Submicron CMOS

The simulation of deep submicron CMOS cir- cuits operating at high-frequency requires adequate mod- els representing the dynamic behavior of the transistors. Charges in the device are affected by carrier quantization and polydepletion in the gate. Velocity saturation is one of the short-channel effects that further affect the charges. An analytical MOS transistor (MOST) model for circuit simulation which includes the above effects is described. The charges/transcapacitances expressions show good qualitative behavior at all inversion levels from weak to moderate and strong inversion and have correct asymp- totic behavior. The model agrees well with characteristics obtained from 2D device simulation and measured on deep submicron CMOS technology.
Borehole Breakouts and In Situ Stresses

This paper describes a study of estimating the magnitude of in situ horizontal stresses from borehole breakout data in a deep geothermal well in Australia. The knowledge of in situ dominates the shape and orientation of the underground heat exchange reservoir. Extensive borehole breakouts occurred in the granite section (depth = 3650–4421 m) of Habanero No. 1 well in Cooper Basin during drilling. The direction and dimension of borehole breakouts were measured using borehole geophysical logging. No direct stress measurements (e.g. hydraulic fracturing) could be conducted in the well due to extraordinary temperature (240(C) and over-pressure (35 MPa above hydrostatic pressure conditions). Therefore, the breakout data were the only information available for evaluating the in situ horizontal stresses. The study was conducted using fracture mechanics numerical code (FRACOD) which can simulate rock fracture initiation and propagation in both intact and jointed rocks. Firstly, a quantitative relation between the breakout dimensions and the magnitude of the in situ stresses in the granitic rock was established by means of the numerical modelling. Then, the in situ stresses were back-analysed using this relation and the measured geophysical borehole breakout data at various borehole depths. The predicted stress ratios from this study were consistent with the seismic monitoring results obtained during the subsequent reservoir stimulation tests. The prediction and monitoring results indicate that both horizontal principal stresses are higher than the vertical principal stress, which is the most favourable stress condition for geothermal reservoirs.