Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In-Plane Anisotropic Thermal Conductivity of Low-Symmetry PdSe2

Low-symmetry two-dimensional (2D) materials have exhibited novel anisotropic properties in optics, electronics, and mechanics. Such characteristics have opened up new avenues for fundamental research on nano-electronic devices. In-plane thermal conductivity plays a pivotal role in the electronic performance of devices. This article reports a systematic study of the in-plane anisotropic thermal conductivity of PdSe2 with a pentagonal, low-symmetry structure. An in-plane anisotropic ratio up to 1.42 was observed by the micro-Raman thermometry method. In the Raman scattering spectrum, we extracted a frequency shift from the Ag3 mode with the most sensitivity to temperature. The anisotropic thermal conductivity was deduced by analyzing the heat diffusion equations of suspended PdSe2 films. With the increase in thickness, the anisotropy ratio decreased gradually because the thermal conductivity in the x-direction increased faster than in the y-direction. The anisotropic thermal conductivity provides thermal management strategies for the next generation of nano-electronic devices based on PdSe2.
A study on capital budgeting practices of some selected companies in Bangladesh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current capital budgeting practices in Bangladeshi listed companies and provide a normative framework (guidelines) for practitioners. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected with a structured questionnaire survey taking from the chief financial officers (CFOs) of companies listed in the Dhaka Stock Exchange in Bangladesh. Garnered data were then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings The results found that net present value was the most prevalent capital budgeting method, followed closely by internal rate of return and payback period. Similarly, the weighted average cost of capital was found to be the widely used method for calculating cost of capital. Further, results also revealed that CFOs adjust their risk factor using discount rate. Originality/value The findings of this study might help the firms, policymakers and practitioners to take a wise decision while evaluating investment projects. Additionally, this study’s findings enrich the existing body of knowledge in the field of capital budgeting practices by providing more reliable and comprehensive analysis taking samples from a developing economy.
Comparative Numerical Study of PM2.5 in Exit-and-Entrance Areas Associated with Transboundary Transport over China, Japan, and Korea

We report the results of year-long PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter) simulations over Northeast Asia for the base year of 2013 under the framework of the Long-range Transboundary Air Pollutants in Northeast Asia (LTP) project. LTP is a tripartite project launched by China, Japan, and Korea for cooperative monitoring and modeling of the long-range transport (LRT) of air pollutants. In the modeling aspect in the LTP project, each country’s modeling group employs its own original air quality model and options. The three regional air quality models employed by the modeling groups are WRF-CAMx, NHM-RAQM2, and WRF-CMAQ. PM2.5 concentrations were simulated in remote exit-and-entrance areas associated with the LRT process over China, Japan, and Korea. The results showed apparent bias that remains unexplored due to a series of uncertainties from emission estimates and inherent model limitations. The simulated PM10 levels at seven remote exit-and-entrance sites were underestimated with the normalized mean bias of 0.4 ± 0.2. Among the four chemical components of PM2.5 (SO42−, NO3−, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC)), the largest inter-model variability was in OC, with the second largest discrepancy in NO3−. Our simulation results also indicated that under considerable SO42− levels, favorable environments for ammonium nitrate formation were found in exit-and-entrance areas between China and Korea, and gas-aerosol partitioning for semi-volatile species of ammonium nitrate could be fully achieved prior to arrival at the entrance areas. Other chemical characteristics, including NO3−/SO42− and OC/EC ratios, are discussed to diagnose the LRT characteristics of PM2.5 in exit-and-entrance areas associated with transboundary transport over China, Japan, and Korea.
The effect of parenting experience during childhood on the later awareness of children’s rights: The mediating effects of self-esteem and emotional intelligence

A large body of literature has shown the close relationship between parents’ parenting attitudes and their parenting experiences during their own childhood. However, it is hard to find either theoretical or empirical studies explaining why and how such close relationships develop. This study fills this gap. To do so, we extensively review the related theories and hypothesize that mothers’ parenting experiences during their own childhood affect their later level of awareness of children’s rights through the mediation effects of two psychological factors: self-esteem and emotional intelligence. Applying structural equation modeling to a vast dataset acquired by surveying 1,011 Korean mothers we provide evidence that strongly supports the main hypothesis. We also find that this relationship holds in a roundabout way: while there is no direct relationship between mothers’ parenting experiences during childhood and their current level of awareness of children’s rights, the effects of the former on the latter are indirectly mediated by self-esteem and emotional intelligence. These findings may imply that psychological programs for parents can improve their emotional intelligence and self-esteem and thus improve their practices regarding children’s rights since psychological factors can change over one’s lifetime.
Performance Evaluation of MAC Layer Protocol over Wireless Body Area Sensor Networks

This article explores the intricacies of the ZigBee wireless protocol that works on the underlying IEEE 802.15. 4 standard in order to fine-tune it in a way that will meet the unique requirements of a Wireless Body Sensor Network. This particular standard is relatively new and is specifically designed to offer low cost and power consumption, reliability, and inter-operability for sensor and control applications with low to moderate data rates. By simulating ZigBee wireless networks with the possible star, tree, or mesh topologies under different scenarios, the performance of each topology can be evaluated and assessed. The results from the simulations demonstrate that ZigBee wireless networks using the mesh topology have the highest overall performance regardless of the number of nodes. Moreover, the ratio of routers to end-devices in a Personal Area Network can either improve or deteriorate its performance. Received on 23 March 2021; accepted on 19 April 2021; published on 21 April 2021
Stripping of volatile organic compounds at full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants

A field investigation was carried out at four Ontario municipal wastewater treatment plants to characterize stripping of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from aerated process vessels. Concentrations of VOCs in the off-gas and wastewater at aerated grit chambers and aeration basins were measured. Thirty-two of 36 target VOCs were observed in at least one off-gas sample from the plants studied. The total emissions for the measured compounds ranged from 2 700 to 3 900 g/d or 36 to 50 g/1000 m 3 of wastewater treated. Chlorinated VOCs tended to be stripped to a greater extent than nonchlorinated compounds. The data suggest that VOC stripping can be reduced by reducing aeration rates, and that operating and design parameters have an impact on the loss of VOCs
Performance of the Condensation Process for Water Vapour in the Presence of a Non-Condensable Gas on Vertical Plates and Horizontal Tubes

The condensation of humid air is a crucial step in air conditioning and process engineering. However, the models that describe the condensation of vapour in the presence of a non-condensable gas require time-consuming numerical calculations that go beyond the Nusselt film theory. Only a small number of publications exist, where simple and computationally effective correlations for the condensation of water vapour in the presence of air are presented for specially designed condenser heat exchangers. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to extend the existing semi-empirical correlations for different geometries and process parameters. For the purpose of the study, an experimental setup with two different condenser heat exchangers based on vertical plates (height 74 mm) and horizontal tubes (3 tubes, diameter 40 mm and 7 tubes, diameter 15 mm) was built. Additionally, based on existing correlations, we developed two semi-empirical models that predict the condensation mass flux for the proposed geometries. Here, we report that the agreement between the experimental and theoretical values predicted by the new, semi-empirical correlations is excellent, with an average uncertainty of less than ±6%. Their usability was demonstrated by a possibly significant performance improvement of the condenser inside a condensation-type tumble dryer.
Performance enhancement of powertrain DC–DC converter using variable inductor

Performance enhancement of a powertrain DC–DC converter is provided using a current ‐ controlled magnetic device, the variable inductor (VI). The VI is composed of two groups of windings, main and auxiliary. The auxiliary winding is used to regulate the permeability of the magnetic core over a wide range of load variations. To regulate the saturation level of the magnetic core and avoid postsaturation operation of the power inductor, an appropriate level of auxiliary winding current is needed. To this end, a simple and dynamic strategy is proposed to estimate the auxiliary winding currents of the VI. The proposed approach is validated using simulation studies of a large ‐ scale VI ‐ based powertrain DC–DC converter. The results reveal the significance of the proposed approach in continuous regulation of the magnetic property of the power inductor core, enhancing powertrain DC–DC converter performance by up to 13.70% and reducing stress on switching devices by 17.87%. Furthermore, energy source current variation is reduced by 6.73%, leading to reduced stress on energy storage systems.
Design of a Cell Phone Lens-Based Miniature Microscope with Configurable Magnification Ratio

: Application of cell-phone-based microscopes has been hindered by limitations such as inferior image quality, ﬁxed magniﬁcation and inconvenient operation. In this paper, we propose a reverse cell phone lens-based miniature microscope with a conﬁgurable magniﬁcation ratio. By switching the objectives of three camera lens and applying the digital zooming function of the cell phone, a cell phone microscope is built with the continuously conﬁgurable magniﬁcation ratio between 0.8 × –11.5 × . At the same time, the miniature microscope can capture high-quality microscopic images with a maximum resolution of up to 575 lp/mm and a maximum ﬁeld of view (FOV) of up to 7213 × 5443 µ m. Furthermore, by moving the tube lens module of the microscope out of the cell phone body, the built miniature microscope is as compact as a <20 mm side length cube, improving operational experience profoundly. The proposed scheme marks a big step forward in terms of the imaging performance and user operational convenience for cell phone microscopes.
Simultaneous fabrication of cobalt‐based graphene with rich N dopant for hydrogen evolution reaction in basic medium

Fabrication of non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts that are competent, cheap, and highly stable for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has persisted a great challenge in the field of renewable energy research over the years. In this study, facile one‐step fabrication strategy was adopted in synthesizing Co@N‐G materials for the first time. Simultaneous fabrication of Co@N‐G was achieved by simplistic one‐pot synthesis strategy through the catalytic mixture of cobalt (II) nitrate hexahydrate, urea, fumaric acid, and sodium carbonate which were pyrolytically treated at appreciable temperature ranges. The as‐fabricated nanoparticles display outstanding morphological/electrocatalytic properties benefitting from the synergistic and formative relationship between Co atom and defective N‐doped graphene, mass electron transfer support, abundant active sites and unique morphology exhibited by the as‐prepared nanoparticles. A medium overpotential of 0.26 V with a time‐dependent stability of 40 hours were enough to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in basic electrolyte. However, the simplistic fabrication strategy is fascinating to scale up easy processes in designing HER electrocatalysts.
Robust Scenario Formulations for Strategic Supply Chain Optimization under Uncertainty

Strategic supply chain optimization (SCO) problems are often modeled as two-stage optimization problems, in which the first-stage variables represent decisions on the development of the supply chain and the second-stage variables represent decisions on the operations of the supply chain. When uncertainty is explicitly considered, the problem becomes an intractable infinite-dimensional optimization problem, which is usually solved approximately using a scenario or a robust approach. This article proposes a novel synergy of the scenario and robust approaches for strategic SCO under uncertainty. Two formulations are developed, namely, naive robust scenario formulation and affinely adjustable robust scenario formulation. It is shown that both formulations can be reformulated into tractable deterministic optimization problems if the uncertainty is bounded by the infinity norm and the uncertain equality constraints can be reformulated into deterministic constraints without any assumption about the uncertainty r.
Teachers Technological Capability as Digital Immigrants in Learning from Home Activities

This article aims at the ability of teachers who are digital immigrants to use digital technology during their learning at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research was quantitative research in the form of descriptive statistics using survey methods in data collection. The survey was given to 139 high school teachers who live in Java. The validity of the research instrument was tested by using the product-moment correlation test. While the reliability of the research instrument was tested utilizing the Cronbach Alpha reliability test, the result of this study is that high school teachers have a high level of use of digital technology. Besides, it was also found that age affects the ability to use technology. The higher the teacher's age, the lower their ability to use digital technology. Meanwhile, the lower the age, the higher the individual can use digital technology. When teachers have a high level of use of digital technology, it is hoped that learning activities at home can run optimally. Apart from the level of the teacher's technology skills, of course, other aspects make learning activities at home optimal. These other aspects also need to be develop.
A framework for supporting Preservice Teachers (PSTs) in culturally sustaining nonfiction writing

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to share specific methods employed to support preservice teachers as they engage in culturally sustaining nonfiction writing instruction with elementary children in an embedded methods course. First, we explore theories of culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies. Next, we define culturally sustaining writing practices with young children. Finally, we share a framework for engaging in culturally sustaining nonfiction writing. We do this by describing our work of having PSTs (aka tall teachers) engaging in a culturally sustaining authoring cycle where they examine historical and contemporary movements beside their fifth-grade literacy pals (aka small teachers) to create critical nonfiction writing.
Kurumsal Sosyal Performansa Piyasa Tepkisi: BIST Örneği

Through this study, it is aimed to determine whether the corporate social performance of companies has an impact on financial performance measured by stock prices. In line with this target, the data of the companies listed in Borsa Istanbul for 2009-2017 were analyzed using panel data methods. Empirical analyses show that there is a positive and significant relationship between corporate social performance and stock prices, even when factors such as company size, risk, profitability, and industry are controlled. Analyses for the individual pillars of corporate social performance indicate a positive and significant relationship between market value and social and governance performances, except for environmental performance. On the other hand, no significant relationship was found between environmental performance and stock prices.
Development of the L-type CaV / BK Complex Simulator (II): estimation of the distance between the channels

The presence, in the cell membrane, of high-conductance K+ channels and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (CaV) forming complexes has been reported. These complexes have important functions in excitable cells. The [Ca2+]i at the mouth of the CaV channel decreases with distance and with the concentration of chelators. For the BK channel to be activated with internal Ca2, a concentration of the order of M is necessary and this implies a closeness between the BK-CaV channels. A simulator of the decay of Ca2+ in the presence of BAPTA to estimate the distance between the channels was developed. The mathematical models were implemented in Visual Basic® 6.0 and were solved numerically. The results indicate the coexistence of L-type CaV channel and BK grouped in nanodomains with a distance between channels of ~30 nm.
LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 as Prognostic and Functional Protective Immune Related lncRNAs in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly tumor in the central nervous system. Recent studies illuminated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and play an important role in GBM by regulating immune responses. Here, GBM datasets from TCGA database were analyzed to obtain 356 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs), 4951 DE-mRNAs, and 34 DE-miRNAs in GBM, respectively. For mRNAs, 369 DE-mRNAs were identified as immune-related genes in Immport database. For DE-lncRNAs, univariate analysis identified 39 DE-lncRNAs with prognostic significance, and 9 DE-lncRNAs are included in ImmLnc database. Then, combined analysis was conducted, by integrating 9 immune related DE-lncRNAs, 369 immune related DE-mRNAs and 34 DE-miRNAs, and generated a ceRNA network composed of 2 upregulated lncRNAs (LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2), 3 downregulated miRNAs and 5 upregulated mRNAs. Then we focused on LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2, and Kaplan-Meier survival, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 serve as independent protective prognostic markers in GBM. Finally, LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 overexpression was conducted in GBM cell U251. CCK8, transwell and scratch healing assay indicated that LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 inhibits GBM cell line U251 proliferation, invasion and migration. To sum up, LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 are independent prognostic immune related markers, and reduces cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in GBM.
What are the overall implications of rising demand for organic fruits and vegetables? Evidence from theory and simulations

US consumers currently eat less fruits and vegetables (FV) than recommended by dietary guidelines. Inadequate FV consumption exists alongside rapid growth in demand for organic FV. Since the viable production area of FV is finite, organic and conventional FV are linked in production while serving as substitutes in consumption. Rising purchases of organic FV may have important implications for prices and quantities consumed in the conventional FV market. In this paper, we analyze the implications of rising demand for organic FV when organic and conventional FV are linked in supply and demand. More specifically, we use a multi-market equilibrium displacement model to examine the impact of rising demand for organic produce on prices and total quantities consumed of conventional and organic FV under two scenarios: product differentiation (i.e. organic versus conventional produce) while assuming that consumers have identical preferences that can be represented by a single market demand function for each good; and product differentiation with segmented markets, which allows for two types of consumers with unique demand functions. Both scenarios were simulated with and without an offsetting shift in demand for conventional FV. Our simulation results indicate that the increasing demand for organic FV may result in decreased consumption of combined conventional and organic FV, and that the direction of changes in FV consumption may vary by consumer segment. Under the most realistic assumptions, when one segment of consumers increases its demand for organic FV, this segment's overall consumption of organic plus conventional FV falls; the other segment's overall consumption rises. We provide sensitivity analyses and discuss caveats and directions for future research.
International students in Portuguese higher education: who are they and what are their choices?

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the patterns of international student enrolments in Portugal to understand what makes Portuguese higher education attractive. Employing a database of enrolments in Portuguese higher education institutions in 2017/2018, it uses correspondence analysis to characterise the flows of students coming from different countries and the variation by institution type, qualification level, disciplinary area and location. Attractiveness is not homogeneous. Portuguese-speaking students from Africa tend to enrol in undergraduate degrees, but depending on country of origin they prefer certain institution types. European students are attracted to Health-related programmes in private institutions. Chinese and Brazilian students seek primarily postgraduate qualifications in public universities. Thus, different publics choose Portuguese higher education for different reasons, suggesting that attractiveness is multifaceted and varies by students’ country of origin. The implications are that institutions in countries which are emerging players in international student recruitment need to carefully identify their target publics and distinctive assets.
Evaluation of the effects of phosphorus and nitrogen source on aerial and subsoil parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) during early growth and development

Understanding the nutrient requirements of maize is especially important during early vegetative growth and development, particularly when produced on highly weathered soils with low organic matter contents. Therefore, the growth response of maize to different nitrogen (N) sources viz. limestone ammonium nitrate and urea, phosphorus (P) sources viz. monoammonium phosphate, nitrophosphate and ammonium polyphosphate, as well as P application levels viz. 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg ha−1 during early growth were evaluated. In pot trials with a sandy loam topsoil, aerial and subsoil plant parameters were measured to evaluate the effect of treatment and treatment combinations of P and N fertilisers on the vegetative growth and development of maize during the first five weeks after emergence. Plants treated with limestone ammonium nitrate had significantly greater plant parameter measurements compared with urea, primarily ascribed to immediate availability after application in addition to ease of uptake. Monoammonium phosphate and nitrophosphate (orthophosphate sources) yielded significantly greater aerial measurements compared with ammonium polyphosphate (polyphosphate source). Differences in subsoil plant parameter results for P source were not that clear. Aerial and subsoil plant parameter measurements were overall significantly greater with P applied at 40 kg ha−1 than the majority of lesser application rates.