Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of long-period grating sensors (LPGS) transmission spectrum behavior under strain and temperature effects

Purpose The purpose of this study aims to simulate the long-period fiber grating sensor pulse peak position against the transmission range. The long-period fiber grating sensor pulse peak position against the transmission range is simulated clearly where the pulse peak value at zero position is 0.972655 with the ripple factor of unity. It is demonstrated that the long-period fiber grating sensor bandwidth can be estimated to be 50 µm. Wavelength shift of the long-period grating sensor (LPGS) is reported against grating wavelength, applied temperatures and applied micro strain. Design/methodology/approach This work has reported the numerical simulation of LPGS transmission spectrum behavior characteristics under the strain and temperature effects by using OptiGrating simulation software. The sensor fabrication material is silica-doped germanium. The transmittivity/reflectivity and input spectrum pulse intensity of long-period Bragg sensor variations are simulated against the grating wavelength variations. Input/output pulse intensity of LPGS variations is simulated against the timespan variations with the Gaussian input pulse from 100 to 500 km link length. Findings Temperature variation and strain variation of the LPGS are outlined against both applied temperatures and micro-strain variations at the central grating wavelength of 1,550 nm. Originality/value It is demonstrated that the long period fiber grating sensor bandwidth can be estimated to be 50 µm. Wavelength shift of the long period grating sensor is reported against both grating wavelength, applied temperatures and applied micro strain. Temperature variation and strain variation of the long period grating sensor are outlined against both applied temperatures and micro strain variations at the central grating wavelength of 1550 nm.
Linking the Different Diameter Types of Aspherical Desert Dust Indicates That Models Underestimate Coarse Dust Emission

Measurements of dust aerosol size usually obtain the optical or projected area‐equivalent diameters, whereas model calculations of dust impacts use the geometric or aerodynamic diameters. Accurate conversions between the four diameter types are thus critical. However, most current conversions assume dust is spherical, even though numerous studies show that dust is highly aspherical. Here, we obtain conversions between different diameter types that account for dust asphericity. Our conversions indicate that optical particle counters have underestimated dust geometric diameter (Dgeo) at coarse sizes. We further use the diameter conversions to obtain a consistent observational constraint on the size distribution of emitted dust. This observational constraint is coarser than parameterizations used in global aerosol models, which underestimate the mass of emitted dust within 10 ≤ Dgeo ≤ 20 μm by a factor of ∼2 and usually do not account for the substantial dust emissions with Dgeo ≥ 20 μm. Our findings suggest that models substantially underestimate coarse dust emission.
HRM systems, employee proactivity and capability in the SME context

Abstract Although human capital has been widely recognized as a valuable asset that helps firms to develop core competences to achieve competitive advantage, little is known about how HR (human resource) practices enhance employee capabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Building upon the resource-based view of HRM (human resources management) and the proactivity literature, we explore the effects of the HR system as an integration of bundles of HR practices on employee capability and how employee proactivity helps explain this relationship in the SME context. Using survey data collected from 213 employees working in service SMEs in New Zealand, we applied partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test our hypothesis. The results show that the HR system in SMEs facilitates employee proactivity with this, in turn, enhancing employee job capability. Our findings suggest that the HR system, as a source of human capital, is important for SMEs to exploit. Specifically, our findings validate the notion that the HR system is beneficial to employee capability through facilitating a proactivity mechanism in the SME context. These findings yield both theoretical and managerial implications, which are discussed.
Silicene Quantum Capacitance Dependent Frequency Readout to a Label-free Detection of DNA Hybridization

Two-dimensional silicon allotrodes– also called Sinicene– have recently experienced intensive scientific research interest due to their unique electrical, mechanical, and sensing characteristics. A novel silicene based nano-material has been enticed great amenities, partially because of its uniformity with graphene. Silicene is a highly sensitive for numerous sensors based on molecular sensing as pH sensor, gas sensor, ion sensor and biosensing are Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nucleobase sensor, photonic sensor, cell-based biosensor, glucose sensor, and bioelectric nose sensor. Nowadays genetic research based on DNA hybridization, which is a vital tools for sensing material and it has various detection methods. Among of them, the detection method is frequency readout used to a label-free detection of DNA hybridization. In this paper we have compared the graphene and silicene quantum capacitance that has been proposed for a DNA hybridization detection method on wireless readout. These method shows, the strands of mismatched and complementary DNA have in different range of frequency to identify output efficiency. With respect to DNA concentration the output of silicene is almost sharply linear than graphene. In addition of field effect transistor, silicene opens a new opportunities due to its band gap whereas graphene indicates zero band gap. It can be stated that silicene is much more reliable as well as much stronger than multi-layered graphene.
Application of Nanomaterial to Stabilize a Weak Soil

There are little investigations in the literature on the nanotechnology's application in the geothecnical field. Since, lots of soil and rock minerals are nanomaterial and their chemical reactions are in the nano-scale, there is a great potential for the use of this technology in different fields of geothecnical engineering such as seepage, grouting, soil stabilization and etc. In this study the stabilization of a weak soil was investigated using nanomaterial. The weak soil was obtained from Boodian Road in North of Iran and classified as low plasticity clay. Fifty CBR tests were conducted in this study. At the first step the effect of lime on the stabilization of the weak soil was investigated. The results proved a little effect of lime in the soil improvement. At the second step, the effect of nano-silica on the stabilization of the soil-lime mixture was studied. The results illustrated the important effect of nano-silica in the soil-lime mixture, in which adding nano-silica increased the CBR strength of the soil and soil-lime mixture up to 21 and 7.5 times respectively. The effects of curing time were also evaluated in this study and the results showed that the CBR strength of the soil-lime mixture increases more rapidly with adding nano-material. In this research, the optimum mixture design for stabilization of the Boodian weak soil was selected as 5% lime and 3% nano-silica added to the soil.
Choke ring horn antenna design for satellite payload data transmitters

In low earth orbiting satellite communication systems, antennas are key elements for radio frequency transmitters and receivers. There are different types of antennas used on satellite communication systems. One of them is the antenna used in payload data transfer communication subsystem. Payload data transmitters for space segment should utilize the radio frequency power efficiently due to the limited power budget of the spacecraft. For low elevation angles of a low earth orbiting satellite, the free space loss increases as expected and it should be compensated. One way of this compensation is to employ an antenna having isoflux pattern. Therefore, in this paper, a circularly polarized X‐Band choked ring horn antenna is designed, optimized and manufactured due to its isoflux radiation characteristic and medium power handling capability. Initially, an analytical approach from the literature is explained and then the physical dimensions of the proposed antenna are optimized, iteratively, employing a commercially available electromagnetic solver. Next, a prototype has been manufactured to verify the radiation, return loss and port isolation characteristics and they are presented in the related section. Moreover, the results of the presented antenna have been compared to the ones available in the literature. These comparisons show that gain of the designed antenna at ±64° elevation angle has higher gain with respect to the compared ones. In addition, its axial ratio value is smaller than 6.5 dB for different azimuth angles between 8025 and 8400 MHz. Unlike the other studies given in the literature that have gain higher than 2 dB at ±64° elevation angle, in this study all design parameters have been presented to utilize through the operating bandwidth.
Why Do Generation Y Consumers Adopt Online Luxury Technologies: A Values Approach

This paper investigates how luxury values act as antecedents of Generation Y consumer’s adoption of online luxury purchasing technologies. Research findings based on 509 Generation Y luxury consumers in Turkey reveal that well-accepted luxury consumer values-namely functional, hedonic, social values -as well as product availability play a significant role on Generation Y consumers’ acceptance of online luxury purchasing technologies. Price consciousness value, which is an essential consumer value of online marketing, is not a significant antecedent in the model. Furthermore, the results of the study also demonstrate that perceived ease of use does not directly impact attitude toward purchasing luxury online. In that way, this research extends the technology acceptance model for online luxury purchasing. Based on the findings, key theoretical and practical implications are explored and discussed.
Introducing a new test protocol to evaluate the rate of damage accumulation in mastics at intermediate temperatures

Asphalt mastic, the combination of fine-grained mineral particles and asphalt binder, plays a significant role on the performance of Hot Mix Asphalt mixtures. A clear understanding of the effects of both filler and asphalt binder, and their interaction, on the properties of HMAs is critical to ensure a proper mix design and pavement performance. Several researchers have studied the response of the mastic in terms of fatigue, rutting and fracture resistance using different load configurations and equipments. However, a fundamental interpretative model of mastic behaviour, that is intrinsic to that particular filler-asphalt binder combination, has not been defined yet. This study presents a new prototype test in direct tensile configuration to evaluate the rate of damage accumulation of the mastic at intermediate temperatures. The results presented are preliminary and are intended to evaluate the feasibility of developing an interpretative model of mastic at intermediate temperatures in terms of energy dissipation.
The Optimisation Analysis of Sand-Clay Mixtures Stabilised with Xanthan Gum Biopolymers

Sand–clay mixtures can be encountered in both natural soils (e.g., residual soils, clay deposits and clinosols) and artificial fills. The method of utilising biopolymers in ground improvement for sand–clay mixtures has emerged recently. However, a full understanding of the strengthening effect of biopolymer-treated sand–clay mixtures has not yet been achieved due to a limited number of relevant studies. In this study, xanthan gum (XG), as one of the eco-friendly biopolymers, was used to treat reconstituted sand–clay mixtures that had various compositions in related to clay (or sand) content and clay type (kaolin and bentonite). A series of laboratory unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests were conducted to probe the performances of XG-treated sand–clay mixtures from two aspects, i.e., optimum treatment conditions (e.g., XG content and initial moisture content) to achieve the maximum strengthening effect and strengthening efficiency for the sand–clay mixtures with different compositions. The experimental results indicated that the optimum initial moisture content decreased as the sand content increased. The optimum XG content, which also decreased with the increasing sand content, remained approximately 3.75% for all sand–kaolin mixtures and 5.75% for all sand–bentonite mixtures if calculated based on clay fraction. While untreated sand–kaolin mixtures and sand–bentonite mixtures had comparable UCS values, XG-treated sand–kaolin mixtures seemed to have better improved mechanical strength due to higher ionic (or hydrogen) bonds with XG and low-swelling properties compared with bentonite. The deformation modulus of XG-treated sand–clay mixtures were positively related with UCS. The variation in UCS and stiffness for each treatment condition increased as the sand content was elevated for both sand-kaolin and sand-bentonite mixtures. An increment in the proportion of the heterogeneous composite formed by irregular sand particles conglomerated with the XG–clay matrix in total soil might be responsible for this phenomenon.
Behaviors and kinetic models analysis of Li4SiO4 under various CO2 partial pressures

The absorption behaviors of Li4SiO4 sorbent under various CO2 partial pressures and temperatures were investigated through numerical and experimental methods. It was found that Li4SiO4 showed poor absorption capacity at high temperatures (> 525°C) under CO2 partial pressure of 5066 Pa. This phenomenon was explained by the thermodynamic results from FactSage5.5 software. Meanwhile, a modified Jander model based on the double-shell structure of the Li4SiO4 sorbent was developed to describe the absorption kinetic behaviors of CO2 on Li4SiO4. The results showed that the modified Jander model could fit the kinetic experimental data well. Furthermore, the influence of steam on CO2 absorption was also analyzed by the modified Jander model. The results showed that the activation energy in the absorption process with steam was smaller than that without steam, which indicated that the presence of steam could promote the CO2 diffusion in product layer, therefore, improving the sorption capacity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
“Every time I tell my story I learn something new”: Voice and inclusion in research with Black women with histories of substance use and incarceration

While current ethical procedures aim to minimize risks to imprisoned individuals, there is heightened awareness of the need to protect those who participate in research post-incarceration while under community-based supervision. Formerly incarcerated women, in particular, face myriad challenges to community reintegration which also make them vulnerable participants in research. As such, this study explores how 28 formerly incarcerated Black women experience the qualitative research process. Findings revealed that women engaged in research because these contexts were viewed as therapeutic spaces for raising awareness that can help others. Moreover, the interview process allowed women to share their pasts in ways that promote their recovery from addiction. Participants also reported risks of emotional distress and fears regarding researcher stigma. The implications for trauma-informed interviewing practices underscore the need for greater considerations of the role of the researcher, research environment, and how they contribute to one’s personal recovery.
A Narrative Review of update in per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and endoscopic esophageal surgery

The field of endoscopic esophageal surgery is based on the concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Submucosal space surgery or third space surgery with the use of flexible endoscopy allows for decreased morbidity and hospital length of stay with equivalent outcomes for patients. In the case of achalasia, per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) allows for management of refractory cases in setting of previous Heller Myotomy or in patients whom laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery is contraindicated. Lastly, POEM more directly divides circular muscular layer of esophagus without destroying surrounding structures that exist to prevent reflux. The innovations in endoscopic surgery began in the animal lab with experiments in the porcine model to develop a way to access the peritoneal cavity through an entry point in the gastric mucosa. Over the last 10 years, the biggest treatment innovations in endoscopy have focused on management of achalasia with the use of POEM. POEM became possible as technology was developed that revolutionized the use of flexible technology and the methods of mucosal closure. In addition to benign esophageal disease, endoscopic methods improved in management of esophageal malignancy with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The innovations of endoscopic surgery have been developed through the utilization of the submucosal space as a method to ensure adequate closure of the mucosal entry point into the peritoneal cavity. The goal of this review paper is to explore POEM and other techniques in endoscopic esophageal surgery for the management of esophageal diverticulum, submucosal tumors, gastroparesis, and gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease.
Microstructural, Phase Formation, and Superconducting Properties of Bulk YBa2Cu3Oy Superconductors Grown by Infiltration Growth Process Utilizing the YBa2Cu3Oy + ErBa2Cu3Oy + Ba3Cu5O8 as a Liquid Source

The infiltration growth (IG) process is well-known as the most established technique consisting of Y2BaCuO5 (Y211) precursor powders and liquid phases toward the fabrication of bulk YBa2Cu3Oy (Y123) superconductor for high field industrial applications. We have reported the fabrication of Y123 bulks using this technique at various ratios of liquid phase source. In this study, the use of liquid phase source toward the infiltration growth of bulk Y123 superconductors at different ratios of Y123 and ErBa2Cu3Oy (Er123) mixed with Ba3Cu5O8 (Y035) was investigated to control the Y211 secondary phase content in bulk Y123 samples. The liquid phase content was optimized by varying the mass. The sample fabricated using Y123 liquid phase (Y1Er0) showed the onset of critical temperature Tc-onset = 91.85 K. Tc-onset slightly decreased with the addition of Er123. Microstructure analysis revealed a uniform distribution of Y211 secondary phase particles in the Y123 matrix. The Y1Er0 sample had the smallest of Y211 particle size among the samples with average size of 0.992 μm. The formation of this smaller-sized Y211 particles with uniform distributions that act as an effective pinning center, had improved the critical current density, Jc of the sample Y1Er0 at 77 K with H//c-axis having the highest Jc 54.15 kA/cm2 and 11.45 kA/cm2 in self-field and 2 T, respectively. The binary mixed of rare earth superconductors (Y123 + Er123) used in the liquid phase could be used to further improve the superconducting properties of Y123 single grains.
Forming the Bargaining Win-Win-Win Papakonstantinidis Tripartite Focal Points Analysis of the Bibliography

Focal points, in a period that people are reviewing their priorities, in a more social direction due to thepandemic, as a global threat and catastrophe, are examined in this work, under the prism of the win -win-winpapakonstantinidis perception, closer to the tripartite global concept. Identity, social justice, and the community spirit seem to be the new-day priorities in a “pandemic period”, under a win-win-win perception: the last one is analyzed through the sequence toward the limit ln2 =0,693 and the disagreement point in a bargain. Finally, its philosophical perspective is analyzed through the tripartite thesis. Research on pandemic “behavior” is provided at the end of this work.
The Modified Random Network (MRN) Model within the Configuron Percolation Theory (CPT) of Glass Transition

A brief overview is presented of the modified random network (MRN) model in glass science emphasizing the practical outcome of its use. Then, the configuron percolation theory (CPT) of glass–liquid transition is concisely outlined, emphasizing the role of the actual percolation thresholds observed in a complex system. The MRN model is shown as an important tool enabling to understand within CPT the reduced percolation threshold in complex oxide systems.
Efficacy of three botanicals on postharvest fungal contaminants of melon (Citrullus colocynthis) kernels

Melon (Citrullus colocynthis L.) is an important crop used mainly for soups in Nigeria. Egusi: as it is commonly called in Nigeria is contaminated by many fungal pathogens which reduce quality of seeds during storage. Use of botanicals can be a safe method to manage fungal contamination instead of chemicals which pose threat to human health. Therefore, efficacy of Piper guineense, Xylopia aethiopica and Ocimum gratissimum on fungi in shelled Egusi seed kernels (EK) were evaluated. One market in each of six Southwestern Nigerian states where Egusi is sold was purposively selected in 2012 and 2013. Egusi kernels (1⁄2kg, n = 162) were purchased from selected traders for fungi isolation, identification and incidence (%) determination. Clean EK treated with botanical powder (10, 20 and 40 g kg–1) were inoculated with Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. tamarii, Rhizopus sp. , Penicillium aurantiogriseum, P. citrinum and Fusarium solani biweekly for 14-week storage period to evaluate growth reduction (%). Control was inoculated with sterile distilled water. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. tamarii, Penicillium citrinum, P. aurantiogriseum, Fusarium solani and Rhizopus sp. were frequently encountered in EK. Aspergillus (32.4±1.6%) was the most predominant fungus followed by Rhizopus (21.5±2.0%) in all States. Piper guineense (40 g kg–1), X. aethiopica (20 g kg–1) and O. gratissimum (10 g kg–1) powders significantly reduced aflatoxin contamination by 42.5%, 56.5% and 45.0%, respectively; fungi growths were progressively reduced by P. guineense (5.5-90.0%), X. aethiopica (6.7-100.0%) and O. gratissimum (7.4-66.7%) up to 12 weeks of storage. Egusi kernels were highly infected with postharvest fungi especially Aspergillus species. Xylopia aethiopica at 20 g kg–1, O. gratissimum (40.0%) and P. guineense (40.0%) reduced fungi growth on Egusi considerably and therefore could be used as a safe management option to mitigate storage fungi contamination in Egusi kernels.
A novel hybrid liquefied natural gas process with absorption refrigeration integrated with molten carbonate fuel cell

The production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a high energy-consuming process. The study of ways to reduce energy consumption and consequently to reduce operational costs is imperative. Toward this purpose, this study proposes a hybrid system adopting a mixed refrigerant for the liquefaction of natural gas that is precooled with an ammonia/water absorption refrigeration (AR) cycle utilizing the exhaust heat of a molten carbonate fuel cell, 700°C and 2.74 bar, coupled with a gas turbine and a bottoming Brayton super-critical carbon dioxide cycle. The inauguration of the ammonia/water AR cycle to the LNG process increases the cooling load of the cycle by 10%, providing a 28.3-MW cooling load duty while having a 0.45 coefficient of performance. Employing the hybrid system reduces energy consumption, attaining 85% overall thermal efficiency, 53% electrical efficiency and 35% fuel cell efficiency. The hybrid system produces 6300 kg.mol. h−1 of LNG and 146.55 MW of electrical power. Thereafter, exergy and sensitivity analyses are implemented and, accordingly, the fuel cell had an 83% share of the exergy destruction and the whole system obtained a 95% exergy efficiency.