Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Hierarchical Structure Au/ZnO Composite for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance: Characterization, Effects of Reaction Parameters, and Oxidizing Agent Investigations

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been shown as a potential photocatalyst under ultraviolet (UV) light but its catalytic activity has a limitation under visible (Vis) light due to the wide bandgap energy and the rapid recombination of electrons and holes. Thus, hierarchical structure Au/ZnO composites were fabricated by the hydrothermal method and chemical reduction method for enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light. As-prepared composites were characterized by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DR/UV-Vis), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The Au/ZnO-5 composite showed the highest adsorption among as-prepared samples in the range of 250-550 nm, having bandgap energy of 0.13 eV. Au nanoparticles of about 3-5 nm were well dispersed on hierarchical flower ZnO with approximately 10-15 μm. The EPR signal at g = 1.965 on both ZnO and Au/ZnO samples was attributed to oxygen vacancy Vo•, but the presence of Au led to a decrease in signal strength of Au/ZnO composite, showing the degradation efficiency (DE) and reaction rate of 99.2% and 0.109 min-1, respectively; these were larger than those of other samples. The effects of reaction parameters and oxidizing agents on photocatalytic performance were investigated and showed that the presence of H2O2 and O2 could improve the reaction of composite. In addition, the kinetic and photocatalytic mechanism of tartrazine (TA) on catalysts were studied by the first-order kinetic model and characterized analyses.
Linking strategic planning to operations management: the competitive histograms approach and an empirical study

A new model is presented aimed at filling the gap between top-down strategic models found in literature and real-life applications in field, where the need for a link between strategic planning and operations management emerges as a key-issue. The model considers that the strategic planning process should be triggered by a bottom-up approach, starting from the product cost structure, the product flow analysis and the supply chain, since strategic plans – in the end – will be implemented by division managers. So, the focus of strategic planning should be shifted from the company's strategic apex to the personnel involved in the supply chain management. After a comparative review of the most popular and recent approaches to strategic planning, the new model is introduced through a six-step methodology and the tool of competitive histograms is presented. Then, the model is tested by applying it to the real-life case study of the European flexible packaging market. Results point out that the power of competitive histograms lies both in the multicriteria approach, which allows to measure qualitative and quantitative impacts, and in the bottom-up inherent structure, which enables division managers–especially manufacturing, sales, distribution and logistic managers–to pass all their knowledge to top managers, by also stimulating interfunctional communications
Array pattern synthesis using PBIL

This paper describes the application of the population-based incremental learning (PBIL) algorithm to array antenna pattern (power) synthesis. The PBIL, an optimization algorithm which has similarities to genetic algorithms (GAs), offers many advantages over the more established methods of pattern synthesis, especially where constraints are imposed on the element excitations. We apply the PBIL to the synthesis of a cosec/sup 2/ antenna pattern using an equi-spaced linear array and show the effect of imposing increasingly severe constraints on the element excitations and on the pattern itself.
Relating geostationary satellite measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD) over East Asia to fine particulate matter (PM2.5): insights from the KORUS-AQ aircraft campaign and GEOS-Chem model simulations

Abstract. Geostationary satellite measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD) over East Asia from the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) and Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) instruments can augment surface monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air quality, but this requires better understanding of the AOD–PM2.5 relationship. Here we use the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model to analyze the critical variables determining the AOD–PM2.5 relationship over East Asia by simulation of observations from satellite, aircraft, and ground-based datasets. This includes the detailed vertical aerosol profiling over South Korea from the KORUS-AQ aircraft campaign (May–June 2016) with concurrent ground-based PM2.5 composition, PM10, and AERONET AOD measurements. The KORUS-AQ data show that 550 nm AOD is mainly contributed by sulfate–nitrate–ammonium (SNA) and organic aerosols in the planetary boundary layer (PBL), despite large dust concentrations in the free troposphere, reflecting the optically effective size and high hygroscopicity of the PBL aerosols. We updated SNA and organic aerosol size distributions in GEOS-Chem to represent aerosol optical properties over East Asia by using in situ measurements of particle size distributions from KORUS-AQ. We find that SNA and organic aerosols over East Asia have larger size (number median radius of 0.11 µm with geometric standard deviation of 1.4) and 20 % larger mass extinction efficiency as compared to aerosols over North America (default setting in GEOS-Chem). Although GEOS-Chem is successful in reproducing the KORUS-AQ vertical profiles of aerosol mass, its ability to link AOD to PM2.5 is limited by under-accounting of coarse PM and by a large overestimate of nighttime PM2.5 nitrate. The GOCI–AHI AOD data over East Asia in different seasons show agreement with AERONET AODs and a spatial distribution consistent with surface PM2.5 network data. The AOD observations over North China show a summer maximum and winter minimum, opposite in phase to surface PM2.5. This is due to low PBL depths compounded by high residential coal emissions in winter and high relative humidity (RH) in summer. Seasonality of AOD and PM2.5 over South Korea is much weaker, reflecting weaker variation in PBL depth and lack of residential coal emissions.
Flat‐plate triangular monopole antenna for Wi‐Fi/WiMAX/DVB‐H applications

A novel printed multiband flat‐plate monopole antenna is presented. The proposed antenna consists of a slotted triangular monopole embedded in a rectangular notch in the antenna ground plane part. Simulated and measured results of the input return loss for the proposed antenna are in good agreement. The antenna has been shown to operate satisfactorily in the 0.42–0.92, 1.8–2.7, 3.1–3.8, and 4.9–6 GHz frequency bands, and is therefore very suitable for use in applications including Wi‐Fi, WiMAX, and DVB‐H. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 2922–2925, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23821
Effect of Switching Method in Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) Measurement Technique

Switching method in Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) measurement technique is an appealing area to look at, especially in terms of its behavior over time based monitoring. Previous researches on this technique did not deliberate the effect of switching method in its measurement analysis. Most of the researchers use a conventional HV relay that acts as a switching component. This paper studies the behavior of PDC measurement results and its relationship between the types of switching methods used. It is due to the research hypothesis where different switching method produces distinctive PDC measurement results. Determination of which optimal method that suit with this technique can be made by comparing PDC measurement results; the result which analogous to the reference is considered as the finest method. Two different switching methods were applied in this research, which are HV relays and series-connected of 600V, 30A, Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT).
High-resolution insight into the Holocene environmental history of the Burullus Lagoon in northern Nile delta, Egypt

Abstract The modern Nile delta developed in the Middle and Late Holocene, and at its most northern-central point is situated at the Burullus Lagoon, which is environmentally diverse, including salt marshes, mudflats, and sand plains, and separated from a sea by a sand barrier overtopped with high sand dunes. The lagoon has been fed since the Middle Holocene by the Sebennitic branch of the Nile and marine intrusions through the Bughaz inlet. A sediment core (BO-1) was collected at the northeastern shore of the lagoon and sampled at centennial scale resolution in order to reconstruct the development of the lagoon. The results show that an initial and limited lagoon had developed at the end of the Early Holocene, but after a dry period ca. 7.2 cal ka BP it has been progressively transformed into a marshy area, with occasional inflows of sea water. Lower water level and higher salinity of the Burullus Lagoon at 6.0–5.5 and 4.8–4.2 cal ka BP reflected droughts in the Nile catchment. Thereafter, the river reactivated in the Burullus Lagoon area, and since 2.8 cal ka BP was accompanied by occasional inflows of sea water. Since ca. 0.8 cal ka BP, increased fluvial activity occurred in this part of the Nile delta, which terminated after construction of the Aswan dams in the twentieth century.
A model of driver steering control incorporating the driver's sensing of steering torque

Steering feel, or steering torque feedback, is widely regarded as an important aspect of the handling quality of a vehicle. Despite this, there is little theoretical understanding of its role. This paper describes an initial attempt to model the role of steering torque feedback arising from lateral tyre forces. The path-following control of a nonlinear vehicle model is implemented using a time-varying model predictive controller. A series of Kalman filters are used to represent the driver's ability to generate estimates of the system states from noisy sensory measurements, including the steering torque. It is found that under constant road friction conditions, the steering torque feedback reduces path-following errors provided the friction is sufficiently high to prevent frequent saturation of the tyres. When the driver model is extended to allow identification of, and adaptation to, a varying friction condition, it is found that the steering torque assists in the accurate identification of the friction condition. The simulation results give insight into the role of steering torque feedback arising from lateral tyre forces. The paper concludes with recommendations for further work.
The structural relationships among spatial presence, situational interest and behavioral attitudes toward online virtual museum navigation: a PLS-SEM analysis

PurposeThis study proposed a research model for verifying the structural relationships among users' perceived spatial presence (VR affordance), situational interest (affective factor) and behavioral attitudes (outcome) toward online virtual museum navigation. What role of situational interest plays in the relationships between spatial presence and outcomes was further examined.Design/methodology/approachThere were 141 adults invited to participate in the research trials on the navigation of the online virtual museum which was established by 3D space capture techniques. This study conducted a series of PLS-SEM to analyze the participants' quantitative responses to the surveys of spatial presence, situational interest and attitudes.FindingsThe testing of reliability and validity for the measurement model of this study was satisfied. The significance of users' perceived situational interest: attention demand, instant enjoyment and exploration intention when navigating the online virtual museum with perceptions of spatial presence were identified. The mediation of situational interest in the relationships between spatial presence and behavioral attitudes were also verified.Practical implicationsFor the practical design of desktop-based online virtual museums, it is suggested that more engaging strategies such as narrative storytelling and gamified interaction could be integrated to enhance users' situational interest including attention demand, instant enjoyment and exploration intention.Originality/valueThrough the examination of situational interest from multiple constructs, the research model of this study advanced the conceptual framework for understanding the consequences of VR affordance in online virtual museum navigation. The theoretical contribution to verifying the mediated role of situational interest was made.
North China Plain as a hot spot of ozone pollution exacerbated by extreme high temperatures

Abstract. A large population in China has been increasingly exposed to both severe ozone (O3) pollution and extreme heat under global warming. Here, the spatiotemporal characteristics of coupled extremes in surface O3 and heat (OPCs) over China are investigated using surface observations, a process-based chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem), and multi-model simulations from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). North China Plain (NCP, 37–41° N; 114–120° E) is identified as a hot spot of OPCs, where more than half of the O3 pollution days are accompanied by high temperature extremes. OPCs over NCP exceed 40 days during 2014–2019, exhibiting an increasing trend. Both O3 concentrations and temperatures are elevated during OPCs compared to O3 pollution days occurring individually (OPIs). Therefore, OPCs impose more severe health impacts to human than OPIs, but the stronger health effects are mainly driven by the higher temperatures. GEOS-Chem simulations further reveal that enhanced chemical production resulting from hot and stable atmospheric condition under anomalous weather pattern primarily contributes to the exacerbated O3 levels during OPCs. In the future, CMIP6 projections suggest increased occurrences of OPCs over NCP in the middle of this century, but by the end of this century, OPCs may decrease or increase depending on the pollutant emission scenarios. However, for all future scenarios, extreme high temperature will play an increasingly important role in modulating O3 pollution in a warming climate.
Strategies to Facilitate Improved Recruitment, Development, and Retention of the Rural and Remote Medical Workforce: A Scoping Review

Background: Medical workforce shortages in rural and remote areas are a global issue. High-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) seek to implement strategies to address this problem, regardless of local challenges and contexts. This study distilled strategies with positive outcomes and success from international peer-reviewed literature regarding recruitment, retention, and rural and remote medical workforce development in HICs and LMICs. Methods: The Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework was utilised. Articles were retrieved from electronic databases Medline, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL Plus, and PubMed from 2010-2020. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guideline was used to ensure rigour in reporting the methodology in the interim, and PRISMA extension for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) was used as a guide to report the findings. The success of strategies was examined against the following outcomes: for recruitment - rural and remote practice location; for development - personal and professional development; and for retention - continuity in rural and remote practice and low turnover rates. Results: Sixty-one studies were included according to the restriction criteria. Most studies (n=53; 87%) were undertaken in HICs, with only eight studies from LMICs. This scoping review found implementation strategies classified as Educational, Financial, and Multidimensional were successful for recruitment, retention, and development of the rural and remote medical workforce. Conclusion: This scoping review shows that effective strategies to recruit and retain rural and remote medical workforce are feasible worldwide despite differences in socio-economic factors. While adjustment and adaptation to match the strategies to the local context are required, the country’s commitment to act to improve the rural medical workforce shortage is most critical.
Post-Buckled Precompressed Techniques in Adaptive Aerostructures: An Overview

An overview of the development and application of post-buckled precompressed (PBP) piezoelectric actuators is presented. It has been demonstrated that PBP actuators out-perform conventional piezoelectric actuators by relying on axial compression to counter the inherent stiffness in the actuator element. In doing so, the mechanical work output has been shown to increase threefold compared with conventional bimorph actuators. Actuator stroke has been demonstrated to increase up to 300% without compromising the blocked force capability. This has resulted in an expansion of the design space of piezoelectric bender elements and has made them excellent candidates for potentially replacing certain classes of conventional electromechanical flight control actuators. The successful application of PBP elements can be found in unmanned aerospace systems ranging from subscale vertical-take-off and-landing vehicles to supersonic missile fins. With respect to conventional electromechanical servoactuators, it is demonstrated that PBP actuator elements induce a lower systems weight fraction, a substantially higher bandwidth, and an order of magnitude lower power consumptions and part count.
Proposing a Cyclic Model of Tourist Decision Making: A Review and Integration of Behavioral and Choice-Set Models

Tourist decision studies focus on modeling decision-making behaviors, conceptualizing phases in decision making, and influential factors. Incorporating behavioral and choice-set model strategies, the current study proposes a generalizable cyclic model of tourist decision-making processes with a structure of repeatable behavioral stages integrated with relevant consideration sets. A “decision-making threshold” and “information loop limit” are introduced to control how and when the decision-making process starts or ends. The proposed model makes it possible to represent different decision-making styles by capturing the dynamic repetition of behavioral stages and the revision of consideration sets. The integration allows a novel approach for analyzing the formation of final decisions resulting from decision makers’ limited subjective evaluations and for studying decision rules as the combinations of “evaluation rule” and “information loop limit. ” Practical implications and measures are provided for tourism practitioners to better understand and influence potential consumers. Future research questions are also suggested.
Preliminary results of the NASA/industry hybrid propulsion program

NASA has been investigating the potential of hybrid propulsion, on and off, for the last thirty years. In 1989, a study to identify the required technologies for large boosters was funded and, in March of 1992, the NASA-Marshall formalized a coordinated program of research on hybrid propulsion. The cornerstone of this program is represented by a partnership between government and industry to test hybrid systems and technology in motors ranging up to 40,000 lbs thrust. New data indicate the presence of at least two different nonacoustic instability mechanisms.
Camels and humps: a retraction

In 2006 I wrote an intemperate description of the results of an experiment carried out by Saeed Dehnadi. Many of the extravagant claims I made were insupportable, and I retract them. I continue to believe, however, that Dehnadi had uncovered the first evidence of an important phenomenon in programming learners. Later research seems to confirm that belief.
Broadband bluetooth antenna based on Co2Z hexaferrite‐glass composite

Bluetooth ferrite antenna was fabricated on Co2Z (Ba3Co2Fe24O41) hexaferrite‐glass composite substrate and characterized. The fabricated antenna has a total volume of 36 mm3 (3 × 8 × 1.5 mm3) and showed wide bandwidth (390 MHz at VSWR < 2). The maximum 3D peak‐gain and radiation efficiency were measured to be 3.32 dBi at 2.35 GHz and 77.7% at 2.3 GHz, respectively. The 3D peak gain of 2.45 dBi and 3D average gain of −1.89 dBi were obtained at the Bluetooth central frequency of 2.45 GHz. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:1222–1225, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25982
Bistatic reflectivity measurements on various terrains at X, Ku, Ka and W-band frequencies

Data that realistically represent the phenomenology of bistatic reflectivity are essential to the design of radar systems intended to sense land based targets and low flying aircraft. A need exists to further characterize clutter phenomenology in order to design and project the performance of current and future systems. This paper provides an overview of X, Ku, Ka and W-band bistatic measurements made at the Research, Development and Engineering Center at Redstone Arsenal. The data collection includes both on-axis (zero degrees) and off-axis (10 and 30 degrees) measurements of the bistatic reflectivity response of sand, gravel, sod and flat plates. The reflectivity results from gravel, grassy sod, smooth sand and flat plates are presented. Modeling and statistical analysis of the data are discussed. This work has application to tactical missile systems that must complete their engagements at low altitudes in a clutter environment.
Valve turning using a dual-arm aerial manipulator

This paper presents a framework for valve turning using an aerial vehicle endowed with dual multi-degree of freedom manipulators. A tightly integrated control scheme between the aircraft and manipulators is mandated for tasks requiring aircraft to environmental coupling. An analysis of yaw angle dynamics is conducted and implemented into the controller. A human machine interface provides user input to actuate the manipulators, become coupled to the valve, and perform the turning operation. We present recent results validating the valve turning framework using the proposed aircraft-arm system.
Research on DEM Simulation of Lunar Soil Dig Process by Straight Shovel Collector

The dynamic model of lunar soil was established by discrete element method and the 0-50cm depth lunar soil dug by straight shovel collector was simulated. According to the simulating result, the collectors variation in load under the condition of variable density of lunar soil is analyzed. Meanwhile, with the simplification of particle diameter and particle shape in discrete element model it shows how the simplified model influences the result, which proves that the acting force to collector increases with the increasing of the collectors depth, and it is directly proportional to depth. Meanwhile, it is unnecessary to consider the change of particle shape if the depth is within 10cm, while it is necessary for the deep dig process.