Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Equal Area Criterion Scheme to Reduce DC Bus Voltage Stress of Single Stage Single Switch Power Factor Corrected Converter

Single Stage Single Switch Power Factor converter topology is selected in such a way that input PFC stage is Discontinuous Current Mode (DCM) boost converter and output stage is Continuous Current Mode (CCM) fly back converter providing wide bandwidth response. Major problem associated with the converter is strong dependency of dc bus voltage stress with the output load. A design solution to avoid this problem is presented by suitable selection of boost inductor using Equal Area Criterion (EAC) and by implementing simple closed loop control. Design, simulated studies using Orcad and experimental verifications have been performed. Problem of voltage stress was found almost eliminated.
Possible effects on avionics induced by terrestrial gamma-ray flashes

Abstract. Terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) are impulsive (intrinsically sub-millisecond) events associated with lightning in powerful thunderstorms. TGFs turn out to be very powerful natural accelerators known to accelerate particles and generate radiation up to hundreds of MeV energies. The number ratio of TGFs over normal lightning has been measured in tropical regions to be near 10−4. We address in this Article the issue of the possible susceptibility of typical aircraft electronics exposed to TGF particle, gamma ray and neutron irradiation. We consider possible scenarios regarding the intensity, the duration, and geometry of TGFs influencing nearby aircraft, and study their effects on electronic equipment. We calculate, for different assumptions, the total dose and the dose-rate, and estimate single-event-effects. We find that in addition to the electromagnetic component (electrons/positrons, gamma rays) also secondary neutrons produced by gamma-ray photo production in the aircraft structure substantially contribute to single-event effects in critical semiconductors components. Depending on the physical characteristics and geometry, TGFs may deliver a large flux of neutrons within a few milliseconds in an aircraft. This flux is calculated to be orders of magnitude larger than the natural cosmic-ray background, and may constitute a serious hazard to aircraft electronic equipment. We present a series of numerical simulations supporting our conclusions. Our results suggest the necessity of dedicated measurement campaigns addressing the radiative and particle environment of aircraft near or within thunderstorms.
The Formation and Destruction of Molecular Clouds and Galactic Star Formation

Abstract We discuss an overall picture of star formation in the Galaxy. Recent high-resolution magneto-hydrodynamical simulations of two-fluid dynamics with cooling/heating and thermal conduction have shown that the formation of molecular clouds requires multiple episodes of supersonic compression. This finding enables us to create a new scenario of molecular cloud formation through interacting shells or bubbles on galactic scales. We estimate the ensemble-averaged growth rate of individual molecular clouds, and predict the associated cloud mass function. This picture naturally explains the accelerated star formation over many million years that was previously reported by stellar age determination in nearby star forming regions. The recent claim of cloud-cloud collisions as a mechanism for forming massive stars and star clusters can be naturally accommodated in this scenario. This explains why massive stars formed in cloud-cloud collisions follows the power-law slope of the mass function of molecular cloud cores repeatedly found in low-mass star forming regions.
ALCOHOL USE AND EARNINGS: FINDINGS FROM A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY

In this paper, we examine whether moderate alcohol consumption is associated with higher wages. A population-based sample of Mexican American workers, in the U.S. Southwest is employed. Estimation results indicate a positive association for the entire sample. The findings for the U.S. born Mexican Americans are similar to those of the other U.S. natives. However, we find mixed results for the Mexican born participants, perhaps due to their more recent arrival to the United States These results are consistent with the view that U.S. born Mexican Americans gradually resemble other U.S. born populations in reported trends of alcohol consumption and its association to wages.
Playing with Fire: Safety and Reaction Efficiency Research on Gas Phase Hydrocarbon Oxidation Processes: Project SAFEKINEX

Hydrocarbon oxidation is still a growing field of industrial interest and provides for our needs for a large variety of substances and materials. As soon as hydrocarbon and oxygen are brought in contact a potential combustion hazard problem arises and, on the one hand, one wishes to stay with considerable margin outside the flammable or spontaneous ignition ranges. On the other hand there is a drive to increase conversion per pass through reactors, since recycle consumes energy and causes pollution. Industrial processes usually take place at elevated conditions (up to 500°C and 50 bar) while gas explosion safety has been investigated extensively only at or close to ambient conditions. At the same time the knowledge about oxidation mechanisms is growing quickly and computer simulation of the thousands of validated reaction steps become more widely used. In the EU sponsored project SAFEKINEX (www.safekinex.org) there are dual objectives to further develop both the explosion safety knowledge and the kinetic interpretation from a fundamental standpoint. The marriage is intended to produce an important contribution for a better understanding of the phenomena that may reduce process hazards and to provide models from which tools can be developed to control the processes better or enable improved design.
Static allometry and sexual size dimorphism in Centruroides margaritatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract Animal body traits are scaled relative to overall body size depending on the evolutionary context. Most naturally selected traits are scaled approximately isometrically (constitute a constant proportion of the body size at different body sizes), whereas those under sexual selection tend to present positive static allometry (be proportionally larger in larger individuals). However, there are body traits that might be influenced by both natural and sexual selection. We studied the courtship behavior of the scorpion Centruroides margaritatus (Gervais 1841) and analyzed the static allometry of several body traits. We hypothesized that those traits that were actively used in courtship and seemed to be sexually dimorphic could be under sexual selection. The main sexually dimorphic traits were body size (female larger) and metasoma length (male longer). Although metasoma length of males had a steeper allometric slope (larger males had longer metasoma) than that of females, the slopes did not differ significantly. All body traits measured showed isometry with body size, except that the pecten presented negative allometry in males. Thus the length of the metasoma of males, thought to be influenced by sexual rather than natural selection, did not present positive allometry as expected. Males used the metasoma actively while courting females.
ATTITUDES OF LITHUANIAN CONSUMERS TOWARDS THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF WINE

Abstract. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the attitudes of Lithuanian consumers towards the country of origin (COO) of wine. The main factors that influence the effect of COO and the mechanism of its formation were identified. The effects of social stereotypes, described by a Stereotype Content Model, on consumers’ attitudes are also analyzed, identifying the competence and warmth of the COO as important antecedents of consumers’ attitudes. The region of the origin of wine (appellation, protected designation of origin – PDO) have been identified as another important place-of-origin cue determining the consumer’s choice. A quantitative empirical research method – online survey – was used for the purpose of the study. The results have revealed that there are three types of wine consumers’ involvement: cognitive involvement, emotional product involvement, and emotional situational involvement, and that the importance of wine’s COO and region of origin (appellation, PDO) for consumers differs depending on the type and level of a consumer’s involvement. The existence of a statistically significant correlation among consumers’ attitude towards the COO of wine and the country’s competence and warmth has been proven, together with a possible relation between the type of a consumer’s involvement (cognitive, emotional situational or emotional product involvement) and the influence of COO competence and warmth on consumers’ attitude towards a wine. The research has also revealed an important positive relationship among consumer identification with the COO of wine, evaluation of COO competence, and the warmth and consumer attitude towards the COO of wine. Key words: country of origin of wine, consumers’ attitude, consumers’ involvement, stereotype content model stify;">
Study of the viscoelastic properties of PET by thermally stimulated recovery

Abstract The conformational chain mobility of semi-crystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, is studied in the glass transition region by thermally stimulated recovery (TSR). The thermal sampling (TS) experiments are analysed according to a simple VoigtKelvin model. Both the activation energy (Ea ) and the pre-exponential factor follow the usual trends with temperature and present the compensation behaviour, that is discussed in this work. The influence of crystallinity and orientation on the glass transition dynamics is analysed. In particular, the profile of variation of Ea with temperature is found to be very sensitive to these two effects. TSR results are compared with the results obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In addition, this technique was successfully applied to the study of the structural relaxation process of semi-crystalline PET and it was found that the characteristic parameters of the TSR curves vary with the ageing temperature and ageing time. These variations are explained on the basis of the changes verified on the distribution of characteristictimes with ageing.
ANOTHER TWIST IN THE DINING CRYPTOGRAPHERS’ PROTOCOL

ABSTRACT In this paper, we explore the Dining Cryptographers’ protocol over a cyclic group with a one-way homomorphic image, using a boardroom voting protocol as an illustration of its desirable security properties. In particular, we address the problem of anonymous disruption, which is one of the main disadvantages of DC over more usual groups like binary vectors.
Employees view on implementation of CRM systems at commercial banks

CRM is the Information Technology face of the business process that aims to establish enduring the mutually-beneficial relationships with customers in order to drive customer retention, value and profitability. It is meant for a common and equal good of the two stakeholders-businesses and their customers. These changed are compelling the banks to re-organise themselves in order to cope with the present conditions. Though the banks are very keen in providing CRM to the customer to satisfy them, it may not know the customer satisfaction or at the least their expectations. Hence, the present study is implementation of CRM systems at commercial banks and examines the employees’ view on implementation of CRM at banks.
Metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor self-test using Fourier-based impedance spectroscopy

Abstract. For the self-test of semiconductor gas sensors, we combine two multi-signal processes: temperature-cycled operation (TCO) and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). This combination allows one to discriminate between irreversible changes of the sensor, i.e., changes caused by poisoning, as well as changes in the gas atmosphere. To integrate EIS and TCO, impedance spectra should be acquired in a very short time period, in which the sensor can be considered time invariant, i.e., milliseconds or less. For this purpose we developed a Fourier-based high-speed, low-cost impedance spectroscope. It provides a binary excitation signal through an FPGA (field programable gate array), which also acquires the data. To determine impedance spectra, it uses the ETFE (empirical transfer function estimate) method, which calculates the impedance by evaluating the Fourier transformations of current and voltage. With this approach an impedance spectrum over the range from 61 kHz to 100 MHz is acquired in ca. 16 μs. We carried out TCO–EIS measurements with this spectroscope and a commercial impedance analyzer (Agilent 4294A), with a temperature cycle consisting of six equidistant temperature steps between 200 and 450 °C, with lengths of 30 s (200 °C) and 18 s (all others). Discrimination of carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) is possible by LDA (linear discriminant analysis) using either TCO or EIS data, thus enabling a validation of results by comparison of both methods.
Use of column experiments to investigate the fate of organic micropollutants – a review

Abstract. Although column experiments are frequently used to investigate the transport of organic micropollutants, little guidance is available on what they can be used for, how they should be set up, and how the experiments should be carried out. This review covers the use of column experiments to investigate the fate of organic micropollutants. Alternative setups are discussed together with their respective advantages and limitations. An overview is presented of published column experiments investigating the transport of organic micropollutants, and suggestions are offered on how to improve the comparability of future results from different experiments. The main purpose of column experiments is to investigate the transport and attenuation of a specific compound within a specific sediment or substrate. The transport of (organic) solutes in groundwater is influenced by the chemical and physical properties of the compounds, the solvent (i.e., the groundwater, including all solutes), and the substrate (the aquifer material). By adjusting these boundary conditions a multitude of different processes and related research questions can be investigated using a variety of experimental setups. Apart from the ability to effectively control the individual boundary conditions, the main advantage of column experiments compared to other experimental setups (such as those used in field experiments, or in batch microcosm experiments) is that conservative and reactive solute breakthrough curves can be derived, which represent the sum of the transport processes. There are well-established methods for analyzing these curves. The effects observed in column studies are often a result of dynamic, non-equilibrium processes. Time (or flow velocity) is an important factor, in contrast to batch experiments where all processes are observed until equilibrium is reached in the substrate-solution system. Slight variations in the boundary conditions of different experiments can have a marked influence on the transport and degradation of organic micropollutants. This is of critical importance when comparing general results from different column experiments investigating the transport behavior of a specific organic compound. Such variations unfortunately mean that the results from most column experiments are not transferable to other hydrogeochemical environments but are only valid for the specific experimental setup used. Column experiments are fast, flexible, and easy to manage; their boundary conditions can be controlled and they are cheap compared to extensive field experiments. They can provide good estimates of all relevant transport parameters. However, the obtained results will almost always be limited to the scale of the experiment and are not directly transferrable to field scales as too many parameters are exclusive to the column setup. The challenge for the future is to develop standardized column experiments on organic micropollutants in order to overcome these issues.
Measuring and Simulating 2,4-D Residues in Silty Clay Soil Profile Under Two Water Regimes Using a LEACHP Model

The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture is compromising soil and water quality. One major concern is protecting water resources from contamination. The main objective of this research was measuring 2,4D in a silty clay soil and simulating temporal transportation of this herbicide in soil using a LEACHP model, in a corn root zone field. 2,4D was applied at 3.5 kg a.i./ha, followed by two irrigation treatments in a completely randomized design with three replications. 2,4D concentrations were measured during the growing season by obtaining soil samples from each plot through a 1 m depth. The measured data showed a temporal reduction of 2,4-D concentrations in the soil down to a maximum depth of 40 cm for both irrigation treatments. Total concentration of 2,4 -D in the soil profile 8, 13, 23, 30, 37, and 57 days after application for normal irrigation were 18.5, 16.36, 11.67, 10.47, 8.47 and 3.2 mg kg , respectively and deficit irrigation showed 20.2, 16.7, 11.22, 10.05, 8.8 and 7.3 mg kg , respectively for the same dates and soil depth. According to our study region, the half life of 2,4D for 0 10 cm and 10 20 cm of soil depths in a normal irrigation level were 7 and 33 days and in a deficit irrigation level were 9 and 34.65 days, respectively. The statistical parameters including RMSE, CRM and d were used to compare simulated with measured data. These parameters were 0.67, 0.5 and 0.87 for normal irrigation and 0.8, 0.61 and 0.88 for deficit irrigation. The LEACHP model simulations were in agreement with actual observations.
Bacterial vaginosis: Literature review of treatment options with specific emphasis on non-antibiotic treatment

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection that occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered. It is a common condition affecting millions of women. Although the syndrome is curable with standard drugs such as metronidazole and clindamycin, relapse rates are high. Many patients are asymptomatic and recurrence is difficult to differentiate from treatment failure. The infection can have gynaecological and obstetric complications. In addition, there is an association with the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. This review focuses on the epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, complications and treatment of BV, with emphasis on the role of non-antimicrobial treatment options. Firstly, the lowering of the vaginal pH is discussed as one possible treatment option. An overview is given of the use of acetic and lactic acid gels, boric acid suppositories, as well as studies that reported on the use of douches and tampons. Thereafter, the role of Lactobacillus (probiotic) supplementation as treatment is discussed. Literature sources recommend that more research on BV be conducted. Although standard pharmacological therapy is effective, there are limited treatment options available. Recent research indicating the presence of a structured polymicrobial Gardnerella vaginalis biofilm attached to the endometrium may have major implications for future research into the pathogenesis and treatment of BV.
Managerial Discretion Over Loan Loss Reserves during the Global Financial Crisis

I analyze loan loss reserves during the Global Financial Crises in the late 2000s. I develop a regression model that separates the loan loss reserve account into discretionary and nondiscretionary components. The nondiscretionary (expected) component is based on current, past due, restructured, and non-accrual loans. The discretionary reserves component is the residual from the regression model. This component measures both managerial misinformation and managerial miscalculations since it is unrelated to the quality of the loan portfolio. I find that loan quality decreased during the financial crisis as shown by an increase in lower quality loans (restructured, past due, and non-accrual loans). Managers also set aside more loan loss reserves during the financial crisis. This paper demonstrates that all of the increase in the loan loss reserve account is attributable to the nondiscretionary component of loan loss reserves. The discretionary reserves component actually decreased during the financial crises consistent with managers using their discretion to window-dress their balance sheets and improve outside perception of the banking industry financial condition.
Scene Classification Algorithm Based on Covariance Descriptor

Scene classification has been a hot topic in the field of computer vision. Under the premise of image segmentation, this paper proposes a novel scene classification algorithm, combining pixel location, color characteristics, Gabor features, and local binary features (LBP) to form a covariance descriptor, and then converting it to the Sigmapoint characteristics into a European Space, to complete the scene description and SVM training. To compare performance with some of the classic classification algorithms, we simulate the algorithm on standard Image SUN Database, and besides we construct data set with noise to validate their tolerance in dealing with noise and robustness. The results show that the proposed algorithm not only has a strong advantage on computation time, feature dimension and classification performance, but also has good fault tolerance and robustness. KeywordsImage Segmentation; Covariance Descriptor; Sigma Points Feature; Scene Classification
Composite quantum collision models

A collision model (CM) is a framework to describe open quantum dynamics. In its {\it memoryless} version, it models the reservoir $\mathcal R$ as consisting of a large collection of elementary ancillas: the dynamics of the open system $\mathcal{S}$ results from successive "collisions" of $\mathcal{S}$ with the ancillas of $\mathcal R$. Here, we present a general formulation of memoryless {\it composite} CMs, where $\mathcal S$ is partitioned into the very open system under study $S$ coupled to one or more auxiliary systems $\{S_i\}$. Their composite dynamics occurs through internal $S$-$\{S_i\}$ collisions interspersed with external ones involving $\{S_i\}$ and the reservoir $\mathcal R$. We show that important known instances of quantum {\it non-Markovian} dynamics of $S$ -- such as the emission of an atom into a reservoir featuring a Lorentzian, or multi-Lorentzian, spectral density or a qubit subject to random telegraph noise -- can be mapped on to such {\it memoryless} composite CMs.