Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in the Flame Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes

Significant progress has been made not only in improving the yields of carbon nanotubes, but also in gaining a profound fundamental understanding of the growth processes. Flames are emerging as a powerful tool for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. The flame volume provides a carbon-rich chemically reactive environment capable of generating nanostructures during short residence times in a continuous single-step process. The present work provides a concise review of the advances made over the past two decades in the areas of flame synthesis of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. An overview of existing flame methods to synthesize carbon nanotubes is first provided. Various catalytic materials, fuel types, and flame configurations have been employed in an attempt to achieve controlled synthesis of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. Diffusion and premixed flames in counter-flow and co-flow geometries are also discussed. Various hydrocarbon fuels, oxygen enrichment, and dilution with inert gases are then examined in detail. The ability to synthesize and control carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers is essential for the fabrication of nanomechanical and electrical devices. A fundamental understanding of the growth mechanism and development of control methods is critically important to address these issues. The purpose of the present review is to clarify the growth mechanisms and achieve controlled flame synthesis of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.
The validity of Cloze Oriented System (COS): a correlation study with an electronic comprehension test and a reading attitude survey

Este estudo analisou a eficiencia do Sistema Orientado de Cloze (SOC) considerando sua relacao com atitude em leitura e sua validade. O Programa Informatizado de Compreensao (PIC) para alunos de 1a a 4a serie do ensino fundamental foi baseado no SOC de trechos de historias da literatura infantil brasileira e aplicado em 18 horas/aula, duas vezes por semana. Os 40 participantes, 10 para cada serie, de ambos os generos e com idade entre 7 e 11 anos, foram avaliados antes e depois do PIC por um teste de Cloze, Eles responderam tambem ao Inventario de Atitudes de Leitura, num protocolo impresso e adaptado para o Portugues, visando avaliar a atitude de leitura dos alunos e a influencia do PIC na leitura academica e recreacional. Os resultados revelaram que o desempenho de todos os participantes em compreensao de leitura foi alto apos participarem do PIC e foram encontradas diferencas significativas em relacao a atitude de leitura, de acordo com os resultados obtidos pelo teste T de Wilcoxon. Correlacao entre o desempenho em compreensao em leitura antes e depois do PIC e atitude de leitura foi verificada. Ha diferenca significativa da atitude para leitura academica no pos-teste entre os leitores proficientes e os que apresentam pouca habilidade.
CO OXIDATION: EFFECT OF Ce AND Au ADDITION ON MnOX CATALYSTS.

The effect of cerium and/or gold ad- dition to a manganese oxide which was greatly ac- tive in CO oxidation was studied. The catalysts ob- tained by this way were characterized by N2 ad- sorption, XRF, XRD and TPR, and their catalytic activity was measured in the CO oxidation reac- tion. The pure MnOx catalyst was active in the CO oxidation but the addition of 5 wt % cerium de- creased their catalytic activity. Adding 2 wt % gold improved the activity of MnOx and Ce/MnOx and caused a slight decrease of the catalyst specific area and of the average oxidation state of manganese in catalysts, which was found between 3.3 and 3.6. The order of activity found on the basis of T50 for the four catalysts was: Au/MnOx > Au/Ce/MnOx > MnOx > Ce/MnOx, with T50 of 89, 95, 99 and 139 oC, respectively. The solids Au/MnOx and Au/Ce/MnOx presented a T10 of 30 and 49 oC, indi- cating that gold favored the conversion at room temperature. The effect of water vapor on the reac- tion was also analyzed, finding a decrease in the catalytic activity of all catalysts, due to the block- ing of active sites in the catalyst surface.
Implementation of MPPT Tracking Dc-DcConverter Using PSO With Fuzzy for theControl of Inverter Fed Induction Motor

In this paper proposes for the photovoltaic (PV) system using a modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm an improved maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method. The main advantage of the method is the reduction of the steady- state oscillation (to practically zero) once the maximum power point (MPP) is located. Furthermore, the proposed method has the ability to track the MPP for the extreme environmental condition, e.g., large fluctuations of insolation and partial shading condition. The algorithm is simple and can be computed very rapidly; thus, its implementation using a low-cost microcontroller is possible. Finally, a multiphase dc–dc converter is used for high-voltage and high power applications. A generalized converter is configured such that the boost-half-bridge (BHB) cells and voltage doublers are connected in parallel or in series to increase the output voltage and/or the output power. Here a three phase inverter is also added in the output of conventional system for obtaining AC voltage for AC load. The device voltage rating and current rating are reduced by increasing the number of switches in series and number of diodes in parallel connection, respectively.
Liquidity Premia in German Government Bonds

There is strong evidence that on-the-run U.S. Treasury securities trade much more liquidly and at significantly higher prices than their off-the-run counterparts. We examine if the same phenomenon is present in the German government bond market whose market structure differ markedly from that of the U.S. Treasury market. In sharp contrast to the U.S. evidence, we find that on-the-run status has only a negligible effect on the liquidity and pricing once other factors have been controlled for. Instead, the highly liquid German bond futures market, whose turnover is many times larger than in the cash market, leads to significant liquidity spillovers. Specifically, we find that bonds which are deliverable into futures contracts are both trading more liquidly and commanding a significant price premium, and that this effect became more pronounced during the recent financial crisis.
Evaluation of EPE Videos in Different Phases of a Learning Process.

The goal of the paper is to present possible use of EPE videos in different phases of a learning and teaching process. The paper is based on an evaluation of EPE (easy production educational) videos. The evaluation framework used in this study, divides the teaching and learning process into four main phases: 1) The preparation phase, 2) The learning activities, 3) Follow up work and 4) Assessment. The evaluation of 132 EPE videos shows that the videos mainly are used in the preparation phase and/or as part of the learning activities. Videos used as part of formative or summative assessment are rare. The paper presents an illustration, which provides an overview of pedagogical use of educational videos, based on the four learning phases. Our findings show that all pedagogical opportunities concerning EPE videos still are not extensively used.
An insight into Entrepreneurial Success Factors for SMEs: The case of the UK Chemical Distribution Industry

The UK chemical distribution industry is a significant, well-established, yet fragmented and subject to strong consolidation, part of the chemical industry and a major contributor to the UK economy and employment. Despite its importance, it remains largely unexplored, with limited research in the factors contributing to the success of small and medium-sized distributors. This paper, being a part of a larger-scale study, addresses a well-established gap in the industry and provides a qualitative perspective of the entrepreneurial (relating to the individual) factors critical to SMEs success. The research is based on the opinions of owners and very senior managers, an approach extensively used by other researchers. A total of 180 SMEs fulfilling the criteria of this study were identified with 118 owners/managers participating, generating a highly satisfactory response rate of 65.5%. The paper not only informs key stakeholders and policy makers with a view to improve strategy formulation and decision-making process in supporting chemical distribution SMEs but also opens new research avenues.
On a twisted Euler-Poincaré pairing for graded affine Hecke algebras

We study a twisted Euler-Poincar\'e pairing for graded affine Hecke algebras, and give a precise connection to the twisted elliptic pairing of Weyl groups defined by Ciubotaru-He. The Ext-groups for an interesting class of parabolically induced modules are also studied in a connection with the twisted Euler-Poincar\'e pairing. We also study a certain space of graded Hecke algebra modules which equips with the twisted Euler-Poincar\'e pairing as an inner product.
WEED INFESTATION AND BIODIVERSITY OF WINTER WHEAT UNDER THE EFFECT OF LONG-TERM CROP ROTATION

The paper presents the study of the floristic composition of weeds and weed infestation in winter wheat in long-term crop rotations at the experimental station near Novi Sad (Serbia). During the study period, a total of 48 weed species were determined, out of which 33 were determined in each study year. In two study years, there were 18 common species, while 15 species determined in 1991 were not found 19 years later. On the other hand, the study in 2010 recorded 15 new species that had not been previously found. The greatest floristic diversity (20 species) was found on fertilized four-year rotation in 1991 and unfertilized two-year rotation in 2010. The lowest diversity was recorded in 2010 on fertilized four-year rotation (9 species) and fertilized three-year rotation (10 species). The highest weed infestation was recorded in 1991 on unfertilized two-year rotation (2963 plants m -2 ) and unfertilized three-year rotation (2126 plants m -2 ), which is statistically significant compared to other variants. The lowest average weed infestation was observed in 2010 on fertilized three-year rotation (40 plants m -2 ) and fertilized four-year rotation (53 plants m -2 ). Long-term crop rotations have a significant effect on the floristic composition and structure of weeds in winter wheat.
Can clicking promote learning?: Measuring student learning performance using clickers in the undergraduate information systems class

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of factors such as attention, preparation, participation, feedback and engagement on the student learning performance. Design/methodology/approach Students of an undergraduate business course of a British university took part in the survey. The survey questionnaire was distributed to students during the revision week of the course and a total of 61 valid responses were gathered from them. The linear regression analysis using statistical package for the social sciences was performed to analyse the data. Findings The results indicated the significant relationships for all six hypotheses. The model explains a variance of 43.2 per cent in learning performance, which indicates that independent constructs contribute significantly on the research model’s performance. Research limitations/implications First, the sample only provides the students’ views about the use of clickers in the classroom setting. Second, the sample size for the gathered data is small. Third, the variance explained by the research model is reasonably moderate and hence can be improved further. Originality/value This is the first study to explore the impact of factors such as attention, preparation, participation, feedback and engagement on the student learning performance in the UK educational setting.
Genetic characteristics of Scots pine in Poland and reference populations based on nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers

Polymorphisms at a set of eighteen nuclear (nSSR) and chloroplast (cpSSR) microsatellite loci were investigated in sixteen populations of Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) derived from the provenance trial experiment and representative of the species distribution range and climatic zones in Poland. The patterns of genetic variation were compared to the reference samples from the species distribution in Europe and Asia. A similar level of genetic variation and no evidence of population structure was found among the Polish stands. They showed genetic similarity and homogenous patterns of allelic frequency spectra compared to the Northern European populations. Those populations were genetically divergent compared to the marginal populations from Turkey, Spain and Scotland. The population structure patterns reflect the phylogeography of the species and the divergence of populations that most likely do not share recent history. As the analysed provenance trial populations from Poland are diverged in phenotypic traits but are genetically similar, they could be used to test for selection at genomic regions that influence variation in quantitative traits.
A second-order slip model for arbitrary accomodation at the wall

We present a kinetic-theory derivation of second-order slip boundary conditions for a plane isothermal pressure driven gas flowing through a microchannel. In the proposed approach, the distribution function is expanded in terms of orthogonal polynomials and the system of moment equations in the expansion coefficients is analytically solved. The velocity slip coefficients, as well as their Knudsen layer corrections, are obtained by evaluating the solution in the near continuum limit. In comparison with other methods, the present approach is accurate and easy to implement. The results are presented for the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook-Welander (BGKW) kinetic model equation and Maxwell’s boundary conditions, but can be extended to more general collision integral and different scattering kernels.
Predicting Weed Migration from Soil and Climate Maps

Soil characteristics, elevation, annual precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, length of frost-free season, and mean maximum July temperature were estimated for 116 established infestations of spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam. # CENMA) in Montana using basic land resource maps. Areas potentially vulnerable to invasion by the plant were delineated on the basis of representative edaphic and climatic characteristics. No single environmental variable was an effective predictor of sites vulnerable to invasion by spotted knapweed. Only a combination of variables was effective, indicating that the factors that regulate adaptability of this plant are complex. This technique provides a first approximation map of the regions most similar environmentally to infested sites and, therefore, most vulnerable to further invasion. This weed migration prediction technique shows promise for predicting suitable habitats of other invader species.
Experimental Investigations on Thermo-hydraulic Performance due to Flow- Attack- Angle in Multiple V-ribs with Gap in a Rectangular Duct of Solar Air Heaters

An experimental investigation was carried out to study the effect of artificial roughness, in the form of multi v-shaped ribs with gap on one heated wall of a rectangular solar air heater duct, on heat transfer (Nusselt number) and friction loss (friction factor). The artificially roughened duct had a width to height ratio (W/H) of 12, relative roughness width ratio (W/w) of 6, relative roughness pitch (P/e) of 10, relative roughness height (e/D) of 0.0433, relative gap width (g/e) of 1.0, relative gap distance (Gd/Lv) of 0.69, while the angle of attack (α) was varied from 30° to 75°. The heat transfer and friction characteristics of the duct were compared with those of a smooth duct under similar experimental conditions. It was found that there was a significant effect on the Nusselt number and friction factor when the angle of attack was changed.
The Role of Mas Receptor and Bradykinin on Nitric Oxide Production Response to Angiotensin 1 - 7 in Ovariectomized Rats Treated with Estradio

: Introduction: The angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7) Mas receptor (MasR) axis, bradykinin (BK) and female sex hormone are involved in releasing of vasodilatory biomarkers including Nitric Oxide (NO). We examined the role of MasR and BK on NO metabolite (nitrite) production response to Ang 1-7 infusion in ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol. Methods: A total of 48 female Wistar rats were divided into 2 main groups; ovariectomized treated with placebo (OVX) and ovariectomized treated with estradiol valerate (OVE) for period of two weeks. Then after anesthetization, the animals of each groups were divided into four subgroups that received MasR antagonist (A779) or , BK, BK+A779 or vehicle, and they were subjected to Ang1-7 infusion (0, 100, 300 and 1000 ng/kg/min). The level of nitrite (NO metabolite) was measured by Griess method. Results: The serum level of nitrite response to Ang 1-7 administration in OVE group was incrased when compared with OVX group, however when MasR was blocked by A799, the increased nitrite level was abolished. BK also increased the level of nitrite but co administration of BK and A779 did not enhance the nitrite level in both OVE and OVX groups. Conclusion: Estradiol and Bk increase nitrite production in response to Ang 1-7 infusion in condition of MasR presence.
Individualistic values, institutional trust, and interventionist attitudes

Abstract A popular explanation for economic development is that ‘individualistic values’ provide a mind-set that is favorable to the creation of growth-promoting institutions. The present paper investigates the relationship between individualistic values and personal attitudes toward government intervention. We consider two key components of an individualistic culture to be particularly relevant for attitude formation: self-direction (‘social’ individualism) and self-determination (‘economic’ individualism). Results indicate that both are negatively associated with interventionist attitudes. Effects of self-direction are much weaker though, than self-determination. Moreover, the effects of self-direction are mitigated through higher trust in the state and lower confidence in companies, while that is not the case for self-determination values. We conclude that especially economic individualism supports attitudes conducive to the formation of formal market-friendly institutions.
Coupling a groundwater model with a land surface model to improve water and energy cycle simulation

Abstract. The water and energy cycles interact, making them generally closely related. Land surface models (LSMs) can describe the water and energy cycles of the land surface, but their description of the subsurface water processes is oversimplified, and lateral groundwater flow is ignored. Groundwater models (GWMs) well describe the dynamic movement of subsurface water flow, but they cannot depict the physical mechanism of the evapotranspiration (ET) process in detail. In this study, a coupled model of groundwater with simple biosphere (GWSiB) is developed based on the full coupling of a typical land surface model (SiB2) and a three-dimensional variably saturated groundwater model (AquiferFlow). In this model, the infiltration, ET and energy transfer are simulated by SiB2 via the soil moisture results given by the groundwater flow model. The infiltration and ET results are applied iteratively to drive the groundwater flow model. The developed model is then applied to study water cycle processes in the middle reaches of the Heihe River Basin in the northwest of China. The model is validated through data collected at three stations in the study area. The stations are located in a shallow groundwater depth zone, a deeper groundwater depth zone and an agricultural irrigation area. The study results show that the coupled model can well depict the land surface and groundwater interaction and can more comprehensively and accurately simulate the water and energy cycles compared with uncoupled models.
tudy of resonance in wind parks

Wind turbine harmonic current emissions are a well-known power quality problem. These emissions flow through wind park impedances, leading to grid voltage distortion. Parallel resonance may worsen the eceived in revised form 14 May 2015 ccepted 21 June 2015 eywords: ind power generation armonic analysis requency scan problem because it increases voltage distortion around the resonance frequency. Hence, it is interesting to analyze the parallel resonance phenomenon. The paper explores this phenomenon in wind parks and provides analytical expressions to determine parallel resonances. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Critical values for unit root tests in seasonal time series

In this paper, we present tables with critical values for a variety of tests for seasonal and non-seasonal unit roots in seasonal time series. We consider (extensions of) the Hylleberg et al. and Osborn et al. test procedures. These extensions concern time series with increasing seasonal variation and time series with structural breaks in the seasonal means. For each case, we give the appropriate auxiliary test regression, the test statistics, and the corresponding critical values for a selected set of sample sizes. We also illustrate the practical use of the auxiliary regressions for quarterly new car sales in the Netherlands. Supplementary to this paper, we provide Gauss programs with which one can generate critical values for particular seasonal frequencies and sample sizes.
Transparency in Lobbying as Perceived by Organisational Representatives in the Czech Republic

Abstract This paper focuses on transparency in lobbying as perceived by in sample organisations in the Czech Republic. The paper’s aim is to study how lobbying and its impact on decision-making practices are perceived by organisational representatives and to empirically assess the perceived transparency of lobbying with a view to the potential introduction of lobbying regulations and their role in Czech democracy. Data for the study was gathered from a sample of business institutions in the Czech Republic. In total, 73 organisations/institutions took part in the survey. One respondent was questioned per organisation/institution. 90 % of respondents perceive that transparent and regulated lobbying has a positive impact on democracy. Moreover, according to the respondents, lobbying facilitates more competent decision-making among politicians, brings more information into the decision-making process and makes the process more efficient. There has been a significant shift in the perception of lobbying over the past ten years in the Czech Republic. Regulations aimed at legitimizing lobbying are seen as having a positive impact on democracy.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight Infants in Japanese Pregnancies: A One-year Study of 2551 Cases in Tokyo

Background: The rate of low-birth weight infants in Japan has been increasing. Being underweight and increasing maternal age are risk factors for delivering low birthweight infants. Currently, pregnant Japanese women exhibit these risk factors for delivering low birthweight infants; however, little research has been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the associations between pregnancy characteristics in Japanese women and low birth weight infants. Methods: We enrolled 2551 pregnant women at >36 weeks of gestation and who delivered in metropolitan Tokyo. Pre-pregnancy body mass index was categorized using the World Health Organization classification. Gestational weight gain and birth weight were categorized based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan. The differences in pregnancy characteristics among three birth-weight categories,i.e., low birth weight, normal, and macrosomia, were assessed using the chisquare test. The risk ratios of low birth weight were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Results: In Japanese pregnancies, birth weight was associated with gestational week at delivery, gestational weight gain, pre-pregnancy body mass index, sex, parity, and maternal age (P