Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Faint recombination lines in Galactic PNe with a [WC]nucleus

Aims. We present spatially resolved high-resolution spectrophotometric data for the planetary nebulae PB 8, NGC 2867, and PB 6. We have analyzed two knots in NGC 2867 and PB 6 and one in PB 8. The three nebulae are ionized by [WC] type nuclei: early [WO] for PB 6 and NGC 2867 and [WC 5-6] in the case of PB 8. Our aim is to study the behavior of the abundance discrepancy problem (ADF) in this type of planetary nebula. Methods. We measured a large number of optical recombination (ORL) and collisionally excited lines (CEL), from different ionization stages (many more than in any previous work), thus, we were able to derive physical conditions from many different diagnostic procedures. We determined ionic abundances from the available collisionally excited and recombination lines. Based on both sets of ionic abundances, we derived total chemical abundances in the nebulae using suitable ionization correction factors. Results. From CELs, we have found abundances typical of Galactic disk planetary nebulae. Moderate ADF(O ++ ) were found for PB 8 (2.57) and NGC 2867 (1.63). For NGC 2867, abundances from ORLs are higher but still consistent with Galactic disk planetary nebulae. On the contrary, PB 8 presents a very high O/H ratio from ORLs. A high C/O was obtained from ORLs for NGC 2867; this ratio is similar to C/O obtained from CELs and with the chemical composition of the wind of the central star, indicating that there was no further C-enrichment in the star, relative to O, after the nebular material ejection. On the contrary, we found C/O < 1 in PB 8. Interestingly, we obtain (C/O) ORLs /(C/O) CELs < 1 in PB 8 and NGC 2867; this added to the similarity between the heliocentric velocities measured in [O III] and O II lines for our three objects argue against the presence of H-deficient metal-rich knots coming from a late thermal pulse event.
Impact of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Level on Outcomes in Hypothyroid Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

As the estimated prevalence of clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism (HT) in the United States is 5-17%, a significant number of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are likely to have associated HT. We hypothesized that uncontrolled HT as evidenced by elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) would adversely influence outcomes in ACS. In this retrospective study, we selected patients with ACS and associated HT admitted to our institution between 2003 and 2007. Patients were divided into two groups: normal TSH (0.05 -6mU/L) and elevated TSH (> 6mU/L). One hundred and forty-eight (8.5%) out of 1746 patients with ACS had concomitant HT. TSH data were available in 138 patients. TSH was elevated in 30 (22%) and normal in 108 (78%) patients. Baseline characteristics were similar except for higher serum total cholesterol in the high TSH group. Overall, 20 patients (15%) had a major complication, and 7 (5%) died. There was no significant difference in revascularization rates, major complications, death or duration of hospitalization between both groups. Use of β blockers was lower in the high TSH group. None of the patients who were initiated on or had an escalation in their dose of levothyroxine (median dose: 25 mcg) had recurrent ischemia or sustained arrhythmias. Our study suggests that TSH level does not influence the presenting features and in-hospital outcomes in HT patients with ACS. Initiation or dose escalation of thyroid hormone in doses of ≤ 25 mcg in ACS patients appears safe in the short term.
Grapevine phenology in France: from past observations to future evolutions in the context of climate change

Aim: Phenology is a key factor in explaining the distribution and diversity of current vineyards in France. This work has the objective to summarize the different studies developed in France to analyze grapevine phenology. Methods and results: Several topics are presented: a general description of all historical databases and observatory networks developed in France during the last 70 years; an overview of the different models developed to calculate the main phenological stages; an analysis of the main results obtained using these models in the context of studies of climate change impacts on viticulture in France; and finally a general discussion about the main strategies to adapt the phenological cycle to future climate conditions. Conclusion: This review emphasizes that even if phenology is not the only trait to be considered for adapting grapevine to climate change, it plays a major role in the distribution of the current variety x vineyard associations. Significance and impact of the study: It is therefore critical to continue to study phenology in order to better understand its physiological and genetic basis and to define the best strategies to adapt to future climatic conditions.
Dynamic characterisation of wind turbine towers account for a monopile foundation and different soil conditions

The response of wind turbines is induced by dynamic loads such as wind, transient and cyclic loads, and also extreme loads such as earthquakes. Thus, the structural design requires an accurate evaluation of the modal parameters of the system because it is strongly required that no resonances are excited. Moreover, it has been concluded from previous research works that soil–structure interaction (SSI) should be accounted for the analysis. In the present paper, the structural dynamic response of wind turbine towers is investigated considering different soil conditions using a numerical model. This research is focused on SSI effects. Firstly, changes in the modal parameters of three different wind turbines considering the effect of three soils are evaluated. The results show that the evaluation of the natural frequency and the resulting classification of the wind turbine design type can be affected by SSI. The obtained results could be used to evaluate the decrement of the natural frequency of the wind turbine account for the soil and the foundation in relation to the frequency computed without soil interaction. Next, the seismic response of the wind tower is analysed considering two seismic events: a horizontally polarised shear incident wave and El Centro earthquake.
Challenging the PhD: managing the alignment of an EdD programme alongside a traditional PhD pathway.

The impact of undertaking a professional doctorate on professionals is now well documented (Butcher and Sieminski, 2006; Wellington and Sikes, 2006). However, the cultural and pedagogical challenge the EdD brings to the traditional research PhD is less well recognised. The aim of this paper is to examine the cultural and pedagogical changes currently being experienced by one University in two aspects: (1) from the ‘master/apprentice’ (Professor/student) model traditionally reserved for PhD degrees to a more flexible and responsive pedagogy; (2) managing the integration of the EdD within already well-established university systems that do not easily support its wide and diverse approach. This paper raises issues related to the means of securing robust doctoral provision, whilst maintaining diversity across a range of doctoral routes, which complements a work-based learning and widening participation agenda. Further, it challenges university staff to develop an understanding of an emerging pedagogy which is equivalent to, but different from, a traditional PhD research route. Finally there are considerations of making more effective operational working practices related to administration and support of doctoral programmes perhaps effected by locating them all under a central Research Office, rather than within separate Schools/Faculties.
Debonding monitoring of CFRP strengthened RC beams without reference data nor prior decision boundaries

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have been widely used for retrofitting civil infrastructure systems. The ultimate goal of this study is to develop an in-site non-destructive testing (NDT) technique that can continuously and autonomously inspect the bonding condition between a carbon FRP (CFRP) layer and a host reinforced concrete (RC) structure, when the CRFP layer is used for strengthening the RC structure. The uniqueness of this reference-free NDT is two-fold: First, features, which are sensitive to CFRP debonding but insensitive to operational and environmental variations of the structure, have been extracted only from current data without direct comparison with previously obtained baseline data. Second, damage classification is performed instantaneously without relying on predetermined decision boundaries. The extraction of the reference-free features is accomplished based on the concept of time reversal acoustics, and the instantaneous decision making is achieved using cluster analysis. Monotonic and fatigue load tests of large-scale CFRP-strengthened RC beams are conducted to demonstrate the potential of the proposed reference-free debonding monitoring technique. Based on the experimental studies, it has been shown that the proposed reference-free NDT technique may minimize false alarms of debonding and unnecessary data interpretation by end users.
Characteristics and Upgrading of Egyptian Oil Shale

Evaluation possibility of a low quality Egyptian oil shale from Wadii El-Nakhil, Red sea region as an alternative clean fuel by flotation technique was investigated. Oil shale sample was characterized using XRD and FTIR analyses to determine its mineral content and surface characteristics. XRD analysis showed that the non-clay minerals present in the oil shale sample include; quartz, siderite, apatite, anhydrite and calcite. The clay mineral is mainly represented by kaolinite while the organic matter is 30%. The effects of frother and collector dosages and pulp Ph on the flotation performance were investigated using kerosene as a collector. The pine oil or MIBC were used as frothing agents. By using 5g/kg kerosene as a collector and 9g/kg of MIBC as a frother at pH 9, a kerogen of 38% with recovery of 88.5% was obtained from oil shale sample of 28%.
Genetic characterization of egg weight, egg production and age at first egg in quails

The objective of this research was to estimate genetic parameters for the traits egg weight, egg production in 189 days and age at first egg in three laying quails and one meat line of quails. Data was analyzed by Bayesian procedures using Gibbs sampling. The heritability estimates for egg weight, egg production in 189 days and age at first egg, were, respectively, for yellow line, 0.31, 0.84 and 0.53; for blue line, 0.14, 0.82 and 0.60; for red line, 0.70, 0.96 and 0.75; and for meat line, 0.73, 0.96 and 0.72. Genetic correlation between egg weight and egg production in 189 days, egg weight and day at first egg and egg production in 189 days and day at first egg were for yellow line, 0.58, -0.77 and -0.90; for blue line, 0.09, -0.01 and -0.95; for red line, 0.09, 0.03 and -0.76 and for meat line, -0.18, 0.19 and -0.91, respectively. Based on the probabilities of posterior parameter distribution overlap, the lines are divided in two different groups: one group with the yellow and blue lines and another with the red and meat lines.
The role of market frictions on the price differential: A search-theoretical approach

To shed light on how market frictions and the waiting time of imitators affect prices and how effective research subsidy and patent protection affect the price differential, this paper adopts a direct search-theoretical approach to capture the searching behaviors of consumers and producers in the innovative and imitative markets. As a result, this model shows that the price differential with endogenous market frictions would react to the change of quality the least. A shorter durability would result in a wider price differential in the model without the extra state for imitators than in the model with the extra state. While a research subsidy shrinks the price differential, and improve consumersâ€™ flow values, the patent protection widens the price differential, hurts imitatorsâ€™ profits and may not improve the consumersâ€™ flow values. The innovators could take the advantage of the effects of durability on price differential by inventing products which might influence the durability of the products currently hold by the consumers. This finding might provide an explanation on why the latest versions of computer products are invented less likely convertible to older versions of Windows or associated software.
Engineering Solar Cell Absorbers by Exploring the Band Alignment and Defect Disparity: The Case of Cu‐ and Ag‐Based Kesterite Compounds

The development of kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin‐film solar cells is currently hindered by the large deficit of open‐circuit voltage (Voc), which results from the easy formation of CuZn antisite acceptor defects. Suppressing the formation of CuZn defects, especially near the absorber/buffer interface, is thus critical for the further improvement of kesterite solar cells. In this paper, it is shown that there is a large disparity between the defects in Cu‐ and Ag‐based kesterite semiconductors, i.e., the CuZn or CuCd acceptor defects have high concentration and are the dominant defects in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 or Cu2CdSnS4, but the AgZn acceptor has only a low concentration and the dominant defects are donors in Ag2ZnSnS4. Therefore, the Cu‐based kesterites always show p‐type conductivity, while the Ag‐based kesterites show either intrinsic or weak n‐type conductivity. Based on this defect disparity and calculated band alignment, it is proposed that the Voc limit of the kesterite solar cells can be overcome by alloying Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 with Ag2ZnSn(S,Se)4, and the composition‐graded (Cu,Ag)2ZnSn(S,Se)4 alloys should be ideal light‐absorber materials for achieving higher efficiency kesterite solar cells.
Efficiency Evaluation of Tourism Industry With Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): A Case Study in China

Focusing on the efficiency evaluation of the Chinese tourism industry, this article aims to diagnose inefficiency and provide insight for improvement. A two-stage network data envelopment analysis model is formulated to compare the efficiencies of 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. Assuming a two-stage process for the Chinese tourism industry, we evaluate the overall performance as well as the performance for each stage. The results indicate an obvious performance (or efficiency) imbalance in the tourism industry among different regions and a lot of room for improvement in some regions. Managerial implications of our findings may be of some benefit to local governments and related enterprises.
Pneumatic Press Station Simulator for Skills Development Training

This study investigated the efficiency of the Pneumatic Press Station Simulator as a instructional tool to improve the students’ mechatronic skills. A prototype machine was designed and developed based on existing industrial machinery. This prototype machine was subjected to several tests and used in actual laboratory activities to measure efficiency considering functionality and precision. Siemens S7-200 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was used in the control system. Findings revealed that pneumatic press station simulator could be used for instruction in conducting laboratory activities. Precision of the prototype machine reached 93.33% in terms of number of work pieces delivered over several trials. It could perform various tasks: wiring installation, commissioning, and operational sequence of the prototype thus, effective as a instructional tool for training purposes in relation to industrial automation and mechatronics. It was concluded with pedagogic implication that both teachers and students could enhance their respective technical skills. The use of pneumatic press station simulator was recommended to be used as instructional tool for training purposes in relation to industrial automation and mechatronic skills development.
Food crop supply in sub-Saharan Africa and climate change

This study estimates the impact of climate change on supply for the four most common crops (millet, maize, sorghum and cassava) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The analysis relates crop supply, measured as cropped area, to weather, climate and prices. Crop supply functions are estimated using an error correction model (ECM) built on panel data. Crop supply through 2100 is predicted by combining estimates from the panel data analysis with climate change predictions from 20 general circulation models (GCMs). Results indicate climate change impacts on crop supplies ranging from -20 to +133% compared to a scenario of no climate change. Key words: Food crop supply, climate change, error correction model.
Adult ’ s statistical literacy : meanings , components , responsibilities ( with discussion and response )

Statistical literacy is a key ability expected of citizens in information-laden societies, and is often touted as an expected outcome of schooling and as a necessary component of adults' numeracy and literacy. Yet, its meaning and building blocks have received little explicit attention. This paper proposes a conceptualization of statistical literacy and describes its key components. Statistical literacy is portrayed as the ability to interpret, critically evaluate, and communicate about statistical information and messages. It is argued that statistically literate behavior is predicated on the joint activation of five interrelated knowledge bases (literacy, statistical, mathematical, context, and critical), together with a cluster of supporting dispositions and enabling beliefs. Educational and research implications are discussed, and responsibilities facing educators, statisticians, and other stakeholders are outlined.
Exploring spatio-temporal changes in the demersal and benthopelagic assemblages of the north-western Ionian Sea (central Mediterranean Sea)

An exploration of the structure of demersal and benthopelagic assemblages in the north-western Ionian Sea was carried out by means of a set of statistical analyses. Self-organising map (SOM) and clustering methods applied to 183 taxa and their biomass (kg km−2) provided the classification of 1288 experimental hauls exploring the bathymetric range 10−800 m from 1995 to 2012. Six clusters were identified according to their similarities in species abundances (biomass), confirming the depth gradient as the main structuring agent. In order to identify key representative species in each cluster, the taxa were ranked by means of an indicator value index (IndVal) and the contribution of species to beta diversity (BD). Furthermore, the clusters were described by means of environmental and fishing characteristics. Particular habitat type, distance to canyon and fishing effort segregated the assemblages on the coastal shelf and slope. Temporal differences were detected in 2 bathyal groups, which were most likely affected by the 1990s environmental change in the deepwater circulation known as the Eastern Mediterranean Transient. The overall total BD in the study area was calculated as 0.79, with a temporal decrease observed at a rate of 0.7% yr−1. The approaches used are useful to identify and characterize the species aggregations inside complex faunal assemblages, without a priori assumptions about data distribution. These results can be a starting point for defining functional groups for Mediterranean food web modelling approaches, as well as for identifying indicator species to assess the environmental status in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Effects of breed, muscle type, and frozen storage on physico-chemical characteristics of lamb meat and its relationship with tenderness

The effects of breed, muscle types, and frozen storage time on the physico-chemical characteristics of the two most important China breeds were considered. Twenty-four lambs of Bashbay and Xinjiang Merino sheep of 7–9 months old were slaughtered, respectively, and frozen for 1, 7, 15, or 30 days. The meat pH, water holding capacity (WHC), intramuscular fat, cooking loss, myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), moisture, shear force (SF), and connective tissue were measured at 24 h postmortem. These physico-chemical characteristics varied with breed and muscle types. Xinjiang Merino had a higher pH (P < 0.001) than Bashbay. M. supraspinatus had a higher pH (P < 0.001) compared to the M. gluteus and M. longissimus dorsi. The total and insoluble collagen and intramuscular fat were higher in Xinjiang Merino. As the time of frozen storage increased from 1 to 15 days, the intramuscular fat, cooking loss, WHC, and MFI in Xinjiang Merino increased gradually. SF and tenderness were improved.
The Contribution of Fiscal Decentralization to Regional Inequality: Empirical Results for South African Municipalities

Over the past two decades, many African countries have carried out reforms aimed at decentralizing the political, administrative and fiscal structures of the public sector. The need to transform the structure of governance is informed by the view that decentralization increases the overall efficiency and responsiveness of the public sector in providing services, an outcome that enhances economic development and contributes to a reduction in regional disparities. Using panel data for South Africaâ€™s 234 municipalities over the period 2003â€“2012, we test whether the decentralization of some fiscal powers to municipalities acts as a commitment tool that motivates local authorities to implement policies that reduce interâ€“regional inequality. The results of the empirical analysis provide evidence of a statistically significant relationship between fiscal decentralization and inequality in the context of South Africaâ€™s local government sphere, with the specific nature of the relationship contingent on how fiscal decentralization is measured. In the case of revenue based measures of fiscal decentralization, the results support the hypothesis that the commitment device of fiscal decentralization provides incentives that decrease interâ€“municipal inequality. On the other hand, expenditure based fiscal decentralization contribute to increased interâ€“municipal disparities.
A Near-infrared RR Lyrae Census along the Southern Galactic Plane: The Milky Way’s Stellar Fossil Brought to Light

RR Lyrae stars (RRLs) are tracers of the Milky Way’s fossil record, holding valuable information on its formation and early evolution. Owing to the high interstellar extinction endemic to the Galactic plane, distant RRLs lying at low Galactic latitudes have been elusive. We attained a census of 1892 high-confidence RRLs by exploiting the near-infrared photometric database of the VVV survey’s disk footprint spanning ∼70° of Galactic longitude, using a machine-learned classifier. Novel data-driven methods were employed to accurately characterize their spatial distribution using sparsely sampled multi-band photometry. The RRL metallicity distribution function (MDF) was derived from their Ks-band light-curve parameters using machine-learning methods. The MDF shows remarkable structural similarities to both the spectroscopic MDF of red clump giants and the MDF of bulge RRLs. We model the MDF with a multi-component density distribution and find that the number density of stars associated with the different model components systematically changes with both the Galactocentric radius and vertical distance from the Galactic plane, equivalent to weak metallicity gradients. Based on the consistency with results from the ARGOS survey, three MDF modes are attributed to the old disk populations, while the most metal-poor RRLs are probably halo interlopers. We propose that the dominant [Fe/H] component with a mean of −1 dex might correspond to the outskirts of an ancient Galactic spheroid or classical bulge component residing in the central Milky Way. The physical origins of the RRLs in this study need to be verified by kinematical information.