Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unified superfast algorithm for confluent tangential interpolation problems and for structured matrices

The classical Caratheodory-Fejer and Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problems have a long and distinguished history, appearing in a variety of applications in mathematics and electrical engineering. It is well-known that these problems can be solved in O(n2) operations, where n is the overall multiplicity of interpolation points. In this paper we suggest a superfast algorithm for solving the more general confluent tangential interpolation problem. The cost of the new algorithm varies from O(n log2 n) to O(n log3 n), depending on the multiplicity pattern of the interpolation points. The new algorithm can be used to factorize, invert, and solve a linear system of equations with confluent- Cauchy-like matrices. This class of matrices includes Hankel-like (i.e., permuted Toeplitz-like), Vandermonde-like and Cauchy-like matrices as special cases. An important ingredient of the proposed method is a new fast algorithm to compute a product of a confluent- Cauchy-like matrix by a vector.
Recent progress in quantum cascade lasers and applications

Quantum cascade (`QC') lasers are reviewed. These are semiconductor injection lasers based on intersubband transitions in a multiple-quantum-well (QW) heterostructure, designed by means of band-structure engineering and grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The intersubband nature of the optical transition has several key advantages. First, the emission wavelength is primarily a function of the QW thickness. This characteristic allows choosing well-understood and reliable semiconductors for the generation of light in a wavelength range unrelated to the material's energy bandgap. Second, a cascade process in which multiple - often several tens of - photons are generated per electron becomes feasible, as the electron remains inside the conduction band throughout its traversal of the active region. This cascading process is behind the intrinsic high-power capabilities of the lasers. Finally, intersubband transitions are characterized through an ultrafast carrier dynamics and the absence of the linewidth enhancement factor, with both features being expected to have significant impact on laser performance. The first experimental demonstration by Faist et al in 1994 described a QC-laser emitting at 4.3 µm wavelength at cryogenic temperatures only. Since then, the lasers' performance has greatly improved, including operation spanning the mid- to far-infrared wavelength range from 3.5 to 24 µm, peak power levels in the Watt range and above-room-temperature (RT) pulsed operation for wavelengths from 4.5 to 16 µm. Three distinct designs of the active region, the so-called `vertical' and `diagonal' transition as well as the `superlattice' active regions, respectively, have emerged, and are used either with conventional dielectric or surface-plasmon waveguides. Fabricated as distributed feedback lasers they provide continuously tunable single-mode emission in the mid-infrared wavelength range. This feature together with the high optical peak power and RT operation makes QC-lasers a prime choice for narrow-band light sources in mid-infrared trace gas sensing applications. Finally, a manifestation of the high-speed capabilities can be seen in actively and passively mode-locked QC-lasers, where pulses as short as a few picoseconds with a repetition rate around 10 GHz have been measured.
Data analysis : a Bayesian tutorial

1. The Basics 2. Parameter Estimation I 3. Parameter Estimation II 4. Model Selection 5. Assigning Probabilities 6. Non-parametric Estimation 7. Experimental Design 8. Least-Squares Extensions 9. Nested Sampling 10. Quantification Appendices Bibliography
Ultracool Companions to White Dwarfs

We present the latest results in a near‐infrared photometric search for unresolved ultra‐cool companions and debris disks to white dwarfs in UKIDSS. Twenty five DA white dwarfs were identified as having multiple excesses indicative of a low mass companion, with 8–10 of these having a predicted mass in the range associated with brown dwarfs. The results of this survey show that the unresolved (<2”) brown dwarf companion fraction to DA white dwarfs is 0.3≤fWD+BD≤1.3%.
Critical current hysteresis in low angle Y-Ba-Cu-O bicrystals

We study the transport critical current of c-axis YBCO films grown on low angle [001] tilt bicrystals of 2.5/spl deg/, 5/spl deg/, and 7.5/spl deg/. The influence of low magnetic fields on each single grain boundary has been studied at different temperatures by varying the field direction in the plane of the boundary with the magnetic field always perpendicular to the bias current. The tilt angle, /spl theta/, between the magnetic field direction and the normal to the film surface has been varied from -110/spl deg/ to +110/spl deg/, where 0/spl deg/ corresponds to the field direction parallel to the c-axis of the film. We find that the angular dependence of the critical current density Jc shows a hysteretic behavior for applied magnetic fields below 1 T. Maxima of Jc are observed at different angles depending on the rotation direction of the applied magnetic field. We notice that the angular difference between the critical current peaks is a function of the external magnetic field, so that for strong fields only the /spl plusmn/90/spl deg/ maxima are observed. We relate these observations to the intrinsic pinning between CuO layers, and to trapped flux in the superconducting film.
Wind-Related Features and Processes on Venus: Summary of Magellan Results

Abstract A search of Magellan synthetic aperture radar images covering ∼98% of the venusian surface shows that aeolian features occur at all longitudes and latitudes. A global data base for wind streaks, the most common type of aeolian feature, was developed. For each of the 5970 streaks in the data base, information was compiled on location, streak type, radar backscatter, dimensions, azimuth, orientation with respect to local slope, and type of landform with which it is associated. In addition, streaks occurring in association with parabolic ejects deposits were designated type P streaks, which constitute about 31% of the data base. Wind streak azimuths were analyzed to assess wind patterns at the time of their formation. Both hemispheres show strong westward and equatorward trends in azimuths, consistent with Hadley circulation and inferred upper atmospheric westward zonal winds. When type P streaks (those considered to result from transient impact events) were removed, the westward component was greatly reduced, suggesting that the upper zonal winds do not extend to the surface. The presence of equator-oriented streaks at high latitudes suggests that Hadley circulation extends to the poles. A field of possible yardangs found southwest of Mead Crater strikes NE-SW and occupies plains situated in a shallow topographic depression. Analysis of non-type P streaks in the area suggests that equatorward winds are funneled through the depression and are responsible for the erosion of the terrain to form the yardangs. Dune deposits are limited on Venus. Two dune fields were identified (Aglonice and Fortuna-Meshkenet) which total in area about 18,300 Km 2 . Microdunes are proposed for some southern hemisphere areas which show distinctive radar reflectivities. Bragg scattering and/or subpixel reflections from the leeward faces of microdune bedforms could account for the unusual radar backscatter cross sections.
Hausdorff measure and linear forms.

Given a dimension function / we prove that the Hausdorff measure of the set W (m, n\ ψ) of 'well approximable' linear forms is determined by the convergence or divergence of the sum This is a Hausdorff measure analogue of the classical Khintchine-Groshev Theorem where the ww-dimensional Lebesgue measure of W(m> n; ψ) is determined by the convergence or divergence of an ww-volume sum. Our results show that there is no dimension function for which 3tf(W(m9 n; ψ)) is positive and finite.
Temperature dependent photoluminescence from porous silicon nanostructures: Quantum confinement and oxide related transitions

Temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy along with structural investigations of luminescent porous Si enable us to experimentally distinguish between the relative contributions of band-to-band and oxide interface mediated electronic transitions responsible for light emission from these nanostructures. Porous Si samples formed using high current densities (J ≥ 80 mA/cm2) have large porosities (P ≥ 85%) and consequently smaller (∼1-6 nm) average crystallite sizes. The PL spectra of these high porosity samples are characterized by multiple peaks. Two dominant peaks—one in the blue regime and one in the yellow/orange regime, along with a very low intensity red/NIR peak, are observed for these samples. The high energy peak position is nearly independent of temperature, whereas the yellow/orange peak red-shifts with increasing temperature. Both the peaks blue shift with ageing and with increasing porosity. The intensity of the blue peak increases whereas the yellow/orange peak decreases with i.
First-principles calculations for point defects in solids

Point defects and impurities strongly affect the physical properties of materials and have a decisive impact on their performance in applications. First-principles calculations have emerged as a powerful approach that complements experiments and can serve as a predictive tool in the identification and characterization of defects. The theoretical modeling of point defects in crystalline materials by means of electronic-structure calculations, with an emphasis on approaches based on density functional theory (DFT), is reviewed. A general thermodynamic formalism is laid down to investigate the physical properties of point defects independent of the materials class (semiconductors, insulators, and metals), indicating how the relevant thermodynamic quantities, such as formation energy, entropy, and excess volume, can be obtained from electronic structure calculations. Practical aspects such as the supercell approach and efficient strategies to extrapolate to the isolated-defect or dilute limit are discussed. Recent advances in tractable approximations to the exchange-correlation functional ($\mathrm{DFT}+U$, hybrid functionals) and approaches beyond DFT are highlighted. These advances have largely removed the long-standing uncertainty of defect formation energies in semiconductors and insulators due to the failure of standard DFT to reproduce band gaps. Two case studies illustrate how such calculations provide new insight into the physics and role of point defects in real materials.
Uniqueness of nodal radial solutions superlinear elliptic equations in a ball

The Dirichlet problem is considered, where B = {x ∈ ℝN : |x| < 1}, N ≥ 3, p > 1, K ∈ C2[0, 1] and K(r) > 0 for 0 ≤ r ≤ 1. A sufficient condition is derived for the uniqueness of radial solutions of (*) possessing exactly k − 1 nodes, where k ∈ ℕ. It is also shown that there exists K ∈ C∞[0, 1] such that (*) has at least three radial solutions possessing exactly k − 1 nodes, in the case 1 < p < (N + 2)/(N − 2).
Measurements of equal loudness and reaction times

Kohfeld et al. [Percept. Psychophys. 29, 535–549 (1981)] suggested that reaction times may not be the same for equally loud stimuli. However, their equal‐loudness contours showed unusually large level differences between the 1000‐Hz standard and the 500‐ and 5000‐Hz comparisons. To investigate the effect of the loudness‐matching procedure used by Kohfeld et al., four listeners made equal‐loudness judgments using three different methods: (1) a method of limits with the standard and comparison alternating between ears, similar to Kohfeld et al.'s procedure, (2) a method using three interweaved adaptive procedures with a 2I, 2AFC paradigm and monotic, random‐order presentation of standard and comparison, and (3) the method of adjustment with monotic, alternating presentation of standard and comparison. Results from the first method resembled those of Kohfeld et al.: at 20, 40, and 60 phons, the 500‐ and 5000‐Hz comparisons were set about 8 dB above the 1000‐Hz standard. Results from the second and third methods agreed with each other, but were different from those obtained with the first method: at all three loudness levels, the comparisons were set only a few dB above the standard. Preliminary measurements indicate that reaction times to equally loud tones, as determined with the second and third methods, were approximately equal. [Work supported by NIH grant RR07143. ]
Intellectual Capital: The Cutting Edge of Firm Performance and Competitive Advantage

: The study aimed to determine the impact of intellectual capital on firm performance and competitive advantage of the three main players of the banking industry: Bank A, Bank B, and Bank C, in Malolos City, Bulacan. The respondents are key officers and staff of the aforementioned firms. Secondary data were taken from the firms’ consolidated audited financial statements for the periods 2016 and 2017. Data gathered were submitted to a multivariate multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that collectively, intellectual capital constructs do not have a significant impact on firm performance as determined by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). Individually, it was found that only customer/relational capital has impacted firm performance significantly. Conversely, intellectual capital significantly impact the firms’ competitive advantage. Findings imply that the soundness of financial measures ensure the stability of the banking system. ROA and ROE are different, but together they offer a clear picture of management's efficiency and efficacy.
Reconsideration of surface tension and phase state effects on CCN 1 activity based on the AFM measurement

Dicarboxylic acids are ubiquitous in atmospheric aerosol particles, but their roles as surfactants in cloud 15 condensation nuclei (CCN) activity remain unclear. In this study, we investigated CCN activity of inorganic salt (sodium 16 chloride and ammonium sulfate) and dicarboxylic acid (including malonic acid (MA), phenylmalonic acid (PhMA), succinic 17 acid (SA), phenylsuccinic acid (PhSA), adipic acid (AA), pimelic acid (PA) and octanedioic acid (OA)) mixed particles with 18 varied organic volume fraction (OVF), and then directly determined their surface tension and phase state at high relative 19 humidity (over 99.5%) by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our results show that CCN derived  CCN of studied dicarboxylic 20 acids ranged in 0.003-0.240. A linearly positive correlation between  CCN and solubility was obtained for slightly dissolved 21 species, while negative correlation was found between  CCN and molecular volume for highly soluble species. For most
Nucleon matrix elements ( NME )

A large number of experiments testing the Standard Model (SM) and searching for physics Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) involve either free nucleons (proton and neutron beams) or the scattering of electrons, muons, neutrinos and dark matter off nuclear targets. Necessary ingredients in the analysis of the experimental results are the matrix elements of various probes (fundamental currents or operators in a low energy effective theory) between nucleon or nuclear states. The goal of lattice-QCD calculations in this context is to provide high precision predictions of these matrix elements, the simplest of which give the nucleon charges and form factors. Determinations of the charges are the most mature and in this review we summarize the results for twelve quantities, the isovector and flavour diagonal axial vector, scalar and tensor charges. Other quantities that are not being reviewed but for which significant progress has been made in the last five years are the nucleon axial vector and electromagnetic form factors [1–15] and parton distribution functions [16–20]. The more challenging calculations of nuclear matrix elements, that are needed, for example, to calculate the cross-sections of neutrinos or dark matter scattering off nuclear targets, are proceeding along three paths. First is direct evaluation of matrix elements calculated with initial and final states consisting of multiple nucleons [21, 22]. Second, convoluting nucleon matrix elements with nuclear effects [23], and third, determining two and higher body terms in the nuclear potential via the direct or the HAL QCD methods [24, 25]. We expect future FLAG reviews to include results on these quantities once a sufficient level of control over all the systematics is reached.
Comparison of musculoskeletal disorders development in Estonian office and garment industry workers

The aim of the paper was to investigate the structure of the factors influencing the development of the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in two different employee groups: office and garment industry workers. The work conditions in these two workplaces are different. The first group is mostly exposed to psychological distress and less to physiological risk factors. The second group is more affected by non-ergonomics factors. Several different research methods were used in the study: the work conditions were assessed using a flexible risk assessment method; the ergonomic risks were assessed with the ART- tool; the workers’ musculoskeletal complaints were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire; the intensity of pain was assessed by means of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The number of investigated workers was 54 people from office and 49 from the garment industry. As a result, the garment workers’ group had significantly more musculoskeletal complaints. Self-reported muscle pain and disco mfort complaints showed that the office workers’ left hand was less strained than the right one. It was confirmed by the studies determining the risk level using the ART tool at the workplace. The garment workers’ both hands are usually strained at about t he same level, only in the extreme conditions where the right hand is fulfilling special operations, the operating (right) hand is strained more. The results of the study make it possible to work out the means for prevention and rehabilitation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Electrostatic forces in atomic force microscopy

In this paper we quantitatively compare various electrostatic models, which describe the interaction of a polarized atomic force microscopy tip with a molecularly smooth and grounded substrate, with a large experimental data set collected at many different tip potentials. The model by Hudlet et al. [Eur. Phys. J. B 2, 5 (1998)] provides an excellent description of the experimental data for tip parameters (height H, cone half-angle θ 0 , and tip radius R 0 ) close to their typical values, provided contributions from the cantilever body are included.
Polarization-sensitive diffraction in vector gratings combined with form birefringence in subwavelength-periodic structures fabricated by imprinting on polarization-sensitive liquid crystalline polymers

Vector gratings combined with form birefringence in subwavelength-periodic structures were experimentally fabricated by imprinting on polarization-sensitive liquid crystalline polymers and subsequent polarization holographic recordings. Polarization-sensitive optical diffractions were well controlled and the diffraction properties were dependent on the combination of periodic birefringence due to the reorientation of the mesogenic director and form birefringence originating in subwavelength-periodic structures. Finite-difference time-domain was an effective tool for characterizing the optical properties of the polarization holographic gratings with subwavelength-periodic structures.
The Association Between Aspirin and Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Clinical and Financial Analysis

Background Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) comprises about 80% of all NMSCs and its incidence continues to rise. Although BCC rarely leads to metastases or increased mortality, its effects on healthcare costs and quality of life are substantial. Aspirin may prevent the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are associated with carcinogenesis and inflammation. This study therefore examined the effect of aspirin on the risk of BCC, its clinical outcomes, and its treatment costs. Methods A retrospective study (2010 - 2018) was conducted using the Humana Health Insurance Database. International Classification of Disease ninth and 10th codes and National Drug Codes were used to identify BCC diagnoses and aspirin prescriptions. Patients were matched for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Score (CCI), and region of residence. Chi-squared, logistic regression, and odds ratio (OR) analyses were utilized to test for significance and to estimate relative risk. Results Aspirin use was associated with a decreased incidence of BCC in unmatched (OR = 0.658, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.526 - 0.820) and matched (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.47 - 0.61) analyses. Aspirin was also associated with a decreased BCC risk when stratified by hypertension (P = 3.888 × 10-5), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P = 0.014), diabetes (P = 0.049) and tobacco use (P = 0.017). Aspirin use was not associated with risk of BCC when stratified by obesity (P = 0.408). The average paid per patient for BCC treatment was significantly higher for patients in the aspirin use group than in the aspirin nonuse group (P = 0.0087). Conclusions While the high incidence and cost of treatment of BCC are demanding both clinically and financially, the low cost of aspirin and its widespread use may have vital implications for its preventative role in this disease. This study concluded that aspirin use was associated with a significantly decreased risk of BCC.
ANALYZING INTRA-CYCLE VELOCITY PROFILE DURING WHEELCHAIR RACING PROPULSION: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Recent technological improvements made it possible to monitor manual wheelchair (MWC) racing intra-cycle velocity profile under in-situ conditions. Based on the hypothesis that the intra-cycle velocity profile is related to the contribution of the upper body in racing MWC propulsion, it could be used for in-situ technical analysis. Four elite MWC racing athletes were equipped with IMUs during a 400 m race, and propulsion cycles were studied once constant speed was reached. Trunk flexion angle and trunk flexion speed were monitored, as well as manual wheelchair linear velocity. This preliminary study shows that intra-cycle velocity profile appears to be athlete specific. Future research coupling such measurements with pushrim contact detection systems could help further understanding the complexity of MWC racing propulsion’s technique and timing.
Completion and commissioning of the Southern African Large Telescope

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) was completed in 2005 and began initial scientific operations in August of that year. Built in just under 6 years and on budget, SALT has been a good example of a successfully managed telescope project where systems engineering disciplines have been applied to good effect. This paper discusses the experiences of completing and commissioning SALT and its first-light instruments and the early scientific operations. Lessons learned in integrating the various telescope subsystems and implementation of the telescope control system are presented. First Light was announced on 1 September 2005 following the installation of the last of the 91 mirror segments and the commissioning of the UV-visible imager, SALTICAM. This was soon followed by the first scientific observations and the beginning of the commissioning phase for the active optics system.