Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Modified High Step-Up DC/DC Converters with Reduced Switch Voltage Stress

This paper presents the improved switched inductor unit and new step-up DC/DC converters with reduced switch voltage stress and high voltage gain. The proposed switching-inductor unit is composed of 1 switch, 2 diodes, and 2 inductors, which can realize the step-up function. Through comparison, the better topology is selected from the proposed converters, which is named the double-switch high step-up (DS-HS) converter. The CCM operating principles and voltage gain of the DS-HS converter are analyzed. Then, the influences of nonideal components, efficiency analysis, small signal modeling and control, and design criteria of components are discussed. The comparison of the converters is given, and the loss of the DS-HS converter is lower through theoretical derivation, which shows that the DS-HS converter has the advantages of high voltage gain, low voltage stress, and high efficiency. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the DS-HS converter, simulation and experimental results are given, and the efficiency of the DS-HS converter can reach 96.15%.
Effectiveness of eQIU Learning Management System (LMS) on University Students Satisfaction

Purpose: Initiating an LMS is an educational change that may seem technically simple yet socially complex. This study aimed to explore students’ satisfaction with the university’s eQIU LMS and their perception of eQIU LMS’s effectiveness impact on their academic achievement. Methodology: A qualitative interpretive methodology was employed by interviewing six QIU students with semi-structured interviews. The study findings were analyzed based on a modified theoretical framework of the Delone and McLean Information System Success (D&M) Model. Findings: The findings revealed that students were mostly satisfied with eQIU LMS; however, they perceived that eQIU’s effectiveness had a moderate impact on their academic achievement. For an effective LMS implementation, the study emphasizes empowering students to voice their needs and participating in the decision-making process of developing eQIU LMS. Implications: So it is concluded that more investigation should be done on students’ engagement with LMS technology and the role of LMS technology in inclusive education.
Relativistic Chasles' theorem and the conjugacy classes of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group

This work is devoted to the relativistic generalization of Chasles' theorem, namely, to the proof that every proper orthochronous isometry of Minkowski spacetime, which sends some point to its chronological future, is generated through the frame displacement of an observer which moves with constant acceleration and constant angular velocity. The acceleration and angular velocity can be chosen either aligned or perpendicular, and in the latter case the angular velocity can be chosen equal or smaller than the acceleration. We start reviewing the classical Euler's and Chasles' theorems both in the Lie algebra and group versions. We recall the relativistic generalization of Euler's theorem and observe that every (infinitesimal) transformation can be recovered from information of algebraic and geometric type, the former being identified with the conjugacy class and the latter with some additional geometric ingredients (the screw axis in the usual non-relativistic version). Then the proper orthochronous inhomog.
OBSERVING GRAVITATIONAL LENSING EFFECTS BY Sgr A* WITH GRAVITY

The massive black hole Sgr A* at the Galactic center is surrounded by a cluster of stars orbiting around it. Light from these stars is bent by the gravitational field of the black hole, giving rise to several phenomena: astrometric displacement of the primary image, the creation of a secondary image that may shift the centroid of Sgr A*, and magnification effects on both images. The soon-to-be second-generation Very Large Telescope Interferometer instrument GRAVITY will perform observations in the near-infrared of the Galactic center at unprecedented resolution, opening the possibility of observing such effects. Here we investigate the observability limits for GRAVITY of gravitational lensing effects on the S-stars in the parameter space 1[DLS, γ, K], where DLS is the distance between the lens and the source, γ is the alignment angle of the source, and K is the source's apparent magnitude in the K band. The easiest effect to observe in future years is the astrometric displacement of primary images. In particular, the shift of the star S17 from its Keplerian orbit will be detected as soon as GRAVITY becomes operative. For exceptional configurations, it will be possible to detect effects related to the spin of the black hole or post-Newtonian orders in the deflection.
TRIGONOMETRIC PARALLAXES OF STAR FORMING REGIONS IN THE PERSEUS SPIRAL ARM

We report trigonometric parallaxes and proper motions of water masers for 12 massive star forming regions in the Perseus spiral arm of the Milky Way as part of the Bar and Spiral Structure Legacy (BeSSel) Survey. Combining our results with 14 parallax measurements in the literature, we estimate a pitch angle of 9. °9 ± 1. °5 for a section of the Perseus arm. The three-dimensional Galactic peculiar motions of these sources indicate that on average they are moving toward the Galactic center and slower than the Galactic rotation.
Sedimentation of finite-size spheres in quiescent and turbulent environments

Sedimentation of a dispersed solid phase is widely encountered in applications and environmental flows, yet little is known about the behaviour of finite-size particles in homogeneous isotropic turbulence. To fill this gap, we perform direct numerical simulations of sedimentation in quiescent and turbulent environments using an immersed boundary method to account for the dispersed rigid spherical particles. The solid volume fractions considered are ${\it\phi}=0.5{-}1\,\%$ , while the solid to fluid density ratio ${\it\rho}_{p}/{\it\rho}_{f}=1.02$ . The particle radius is chosen to be approximately six Kolmogorov length scales. The results show that the mean settling velocity is lower in an already turbulent flow than in a quiescent fluid. The reductions with respect to a single particle in quiescent fluid are approximately 12 % and 14 % for the two volume fractions investigated. The probability density function of the particle velocity is almost Gaussian in a turbulent flow, whereas it displays large positive tails in quiescent fluid. These tails are associated with the intermittent fast sedimentation of particle pairs in drafting–kissing–tumbling motions. The particle lateral dispersion is higher in a turbulent flow, whereas the vertical one is, surprisingly, of comparable magnitude as a consequence of the highly intermittent behaviour observed in the quiescent fluid. Using the concept of mean relative velocity we estimate the mean drag coefficient from empirical formulae and show that non-stationary effects, related to vortex shedding, explain the increased reduction in mean settling velocity in a turbulent environment.
DETAILED ABUNDANCES OF PLANET-HOSTING WIDE BINARIES. II. HD 80606+HD 80607

We present a detailed chemical abundance analysis of 15 elements in the planet-hosting wide binary (PHWB) system HD 80606+HD 80607 using Keck/HIRES spectra. As in our previous analysis of the PHWB HD 20782+HD 20781, we presume that these two G5 dwarf stars formed together and therefore had identical primordial abundances. In this binary, HD 80606 hosts an eccentric ( e ≈ 0.93 ? > ) giant planet at ∼0.5 AU, but HD 80607 has no detected planets. If close-in giant planets on eccentric orbits are efficient at scattering rocky planetary material into their host stars, then HD 80606 should show evidence of having accreted rocky material while HD 80607 should not. Here we show that the trends of abundance versus element condensation temperature for HD 80606 and HD 80607 are statistically indistinguishable, corroborating the recent result of Saffe et al. This could suggest that both stars accreted similar amounts of rocky material; indeed, our model for the chemical signature of rocky planet accretion indicates that HD 80606 could have accreted up to 2.5 M ⊕ ? > of rocky material—about half that contained in the Solar System and primordial asteroid belt—relative to HD 80607 and still be consistent with the data. Since HD 80607 has no known giant planets that might have pushed rocky planet material via migration onto that star, we consider it more likely that HD 80606/07 experienced essentially no rocky planet accretion. This in turn suggests that the migration history of the HD 80606 giant planet must have been such that it ejected any close-in planetary material that might have otherwise been shepherded onto the star.
Estimation of Audit Delay Determinants: Do Outliers and Asymptotic Properties Matter?

The overriding objective of the study is to empirically examine if outliers and asymptotic properties of estimators matter in the estimation of audit delay determinants. The study employed the ex-post causal research design and focuses on a sample of ten (10) listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. Secondary data from the content analysis of annual reports spanning the period 2010-2019 was used for the study. The study investigates if outliers and asymptotic properties matter in estimation outcomes comparing the following estimators; the standard OLS, Bootstrapped OLS and Robust estimators. The outcome of the study revealed that the robust estimator yields results that are significantly different from those of both the OLS and Bootstrapped OLS estimations. This suggests that the failure to address outliers in standard OLS estimations can significantly bias the estimation outcome and may be responsible for the myriad of inconclusive outcomes observed in the extant academic literature. Hence, the study confirms that in the estimation of determinants of audit delay, the considerations of outliers indeed constitute a significant statistical consideration for researchers and even more germane than asymptotic concerns.
Hepatoprotective Effects of a Natural Flavanol 3,3′-Diindolylmethane against CCl4-Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Mice and TGFβ1-Induced EMT in Mouse Hepatocytes via Activation of Nrf2 Cascade

Hepatic fibrosis is a form of irregular wound-healing response with acute and chronic injury triggered by the deposition of excessive extracellular matrix. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process that plays a crucial role in the fibrogenic response and pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. In the present study, we postulated a protective role of 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) against TGF-β1 mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. TGF-β1-induced AML-12 hepatocyte injury was evaluated by monitoring cell morphology, measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential, and quantifying apoptosis, inflammatory, and EMT-related proteins. Furthermore, CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice was evaluated by performing liver function tests, including serum ALT and AST, total bilirubin, and albumin to assess liver injury and by performing H&E and Sirius red staining to determine the degree of liver fibrosis. Immunoblotting was performed to determine the expression levels of inflammation, apoptosis, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling-related proteins. DIM treatment significantly restored TGF-β1-induced morphological changes, inhibited the expression of mesenchymal markers by activating E-cadherin, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced ROS intensity, and upregulated levels of Nrf2-responsive antioxidant genes. In the mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, DIM remarkably attenuated liver injury and liver fibrosis, as reflected by the reduced ALT and AST parameters with increased serum Alb activity and fewer lesions in H&E staining. It also mitigated the fibrosis area in Sirius red and Masson staining. Taken together, our results suggest a possible molecular mechanism of DIM by suppressing TGF-β1-induced EMT in mouse hepatocytes and CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice.
Radially extended kinematics and stellar populations of the massive ellipticals NGC 1600, NGC 4125, and NGC 7619 . Constraints on the outer dark halo density profile

We present high quality long slit spectra along the major and minor axes out to 1.5-2 R(e) (14-22 kpc) of three bright elliptical galaxies (NGC 1600, NGC 4125, NGC 7619) obtained at the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET). We derive stellar kinematic profiles and Lick/IDS indices (H beta, Mgb, Fe(5015), Fe(5270), Fe(5335), Fe(5406)). Moreover, for NGC 4125 we derive gas kinematics and emission line strengths. We model the absorption line strengths using Simple Stellar Populations models that take into account the variation of [alpha/Fe] and derive ages, total metallicity and element abundances. Overall, we find that the three galaxies have old and [alpha/Fe] over-abundant stellar populations with no significant gradients. The metallicity is supersolar at the center with a strong negative radial gradient. For NGC 4125, several pieces of evidence point to a recent dissipational merger event. We calculate the broad band color profiles with the help of SSP models. All of the colors show sharp peaks at the center of the galaxies, mainly caused by the metallicity gradients, and agree well with the measured colors. Using the Schwarzschild's axisymmetric orbit superposition technique, we model the stellar kinematics to constrain the dark halos of the galaxies. We use the tight correlation between the Mgb strength and local escape velocity to set limits on the extent of the halos by testing different halo sizes. Logarithmic halos - cut at 60 kpc - minimize the overall scatter of the Mgb-V(esc) relation. Larger cutoff radii are found if the dark matter density profile is decreasing more steeply at large radii.
THE CARRIERS OF THE INTERSTELLAR UNIDENTIFIED INFRARED EMISSION FEATURES: AROMATIC OR ALIPHATIC?

The unidentified infrared emission (UIE) features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.3 μm, commonly attributed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules, have been recently ascribed to coal- or kerogen-like organic nanoparticles with a mixed aromatic–aliphatic structure. However, we show in this Letter that this hypothesis is inconsistent with observations. We estimate the aliphatic fraction of the UIE carriers based on the observed intensities of the 3.4 μm and 6.85 μm emission features by attributing them exclusively to aliphatic C–H stretch and aliphatic C–H deformation vibrational modes, respectively. We derive the fraction of carbon atoms in aliphatic form to be <15%. We conclude that the UIE emitters are predominantly aromatic, with aliphatic material at most a minor part of the UIE carriers. The PAH model is consistent with astronomical observations and PAHs dominate the strong UIE bands.
Determination of I-V Curves of HTS Tapes From The Frequency Dependent AC Transport Loss

The current-voltage characteristics of superconductors are commonly determined by means of a standard 4-probe DC measurement technique. In coated conductors, however, one often encounters problems due to weak or no stabilization and in such case, when the risk of burning the tape is high, the 4-probe approach can fail. In other cases such as in HTS cable structures, besides vulnerability and high risk of damage, it may also be difficult to achieve a high critical current level with a power supply that is normally used to characterize single strands. We therefore investigated an alternative method to determine the DC I-V curve, based on measuring the AC transport loss as a function of frequency in overcritical current range. In the AC regime, both the hysteretic loss component and the joule dissipation are present for applied transport currents exceeding the critical current Ic. In this work, AC loss measurements at different frequencies are related to different electric fields in DC and a curve similar to the DC I-V is obtained. From this curve, the power index N and Ic values are estimated. AC regime operation can be more beneficial for two reasons: firstly, because very high currents can be achieved easily by using a transformer; secondly, because the effective joule heat dissipation with overcritical AC currents is much lower than that with DC of the same amplitudes. In the experiment, we used a 4 mm wide YBCO reference tape with 20 {\mu}m of Cu-stabilization. For the comparison with AC transport loss, the sample was measured with the standard 4-probe technique and remained stable even in overload condition. To support our study, numerical simulations, reproducing both transient and stationary operation conditions, were performed. A similar relation between the AC current transport loss and the I-V curves was also observed in the simulations.
Radio Observations of the Tidal Disruption Event XMMSL1 J0740–85

We present radio observations of the tidal disruption event candidate (TDE) XMMSL1 J0740−85 spanning 592 to 875 days post X-ray discovery. We detect radio emission that fades from an initial peak flux density at 1.6 GHz of 1.19 ± 0.06 mJy to 0.65 ± 0.06 mJy, suggesting an association with the TDE. This makes XMMSL1 J0740−85 at d = 75 Mpc the nearest TDE with detected radio emission to date and only the fifth TDE with radio emission overall. The observed radio luminosity rules out a powerful relativistic jet like that seen in the relativistic TDE Swift J1644+57. Instead, we infer from an equipartition analysis that the radio emission most likely arises from a non-relativistic outflow similar to that seen in the nearby TDE ASASSN-14li, with a velocity of about 104 km s−1 and a kinetic energy of about 1048 erg, expanding into a medium with a density of about 102 cm−3. Alternatively, the radio emission could arise from a weak initially relativistic but decelerated jet with an energy of erg, or (for an extreme disruption geometry) from the unbound debris. The radio data for XMMSL1 J0740−85 continues to support the previous suggestion of a bimodal distribution of common non-relativistic isotropic outflows and rare relativistic jets in TDEs (in analogy with the relation between Type Ib/c supernovae and long-duration gamma-ray bursts). The radio data also provide a new measurement of the circumnuclear density on a sub-parsec scale around an extragalactic supermassive black hole.
Ameliorative Effect of D-Carvone against Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Injury in Rats

Background: D-carvone is a monoterpene that exists in the essential oils of several plant species. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (Hep I/R) takes place clinically during different scenarios of liver pathologies. The aim of the current investigation is to disclose the hepato-protective actions of carvone against Hep I/R-induced damage and to reveal the underlying mechanism. Material and methods: Rats were assigned into five groups: sham and carvone plus sham groups, in which rats were administered either saline or carvone orally for three weeks prior to the induction of Hep I/R. In the Hep I/R group, rats were administered saline orally prior to the Hep I/R induction operation. The carvone 25 plus Hep I/R and Carvone 50 plus Hep I/R groups were administered carvone (25 and 50 mg/kg, respectively) for three weeks, followed by the induction of Hep I/R. Results: Liver ischemic animals demonstrated impaired liver function, several histopathological variations, and reduced levels of antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, the Hep I/R groups showed the elevated gene expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and LR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLP3), with subsequent escalated adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), neutrophil infiltration, and several inflammatory mediators, including interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as apoptotic markers. Pretreatment with D-carvone alleviated ischemia/reperfusion-induced impaired liver function, diminished the histopathological deviations, and augmented the antioxidant enzymes. In addition, D-carvone mitigated the gene expression of HMGB1, TLR4, NFκB, and NLP3, with a subsequent reduction in ICAM-1, neutrophils infiltration, inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic markers. Conclusion: Rats pretreated with D-carvone exhibited hepato-protective actions against Hep I/R-induced damage via the downregulation of HMGB1, TLR4, NFκB, NLP3, associated inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic markers.
Price Futures for the United States Pecan Industry1

Three methods were used to predict potential production of pecans [Carya illinoensis (Wang.) K. Koch] by 1985. A price determination model was estimated, given predetermined quantities, and was used to predict a planning price for pecans by 1985. Results from the analysis indicate that future deflated price adjustments will not be as severe as suspected with an expected price in current dollars of about $1.60/kg which compares to an average price in current dollars near $1.70/kg for 1976-1977. However, the chain of events which are shaping the pecan producing industry portends reason for caution.
Possible Effects of Early Maternal Separation on the Gut Microbiota of Captive Adult Giant Pandas

Simple Summary In the process of ex-situ conservation, young giant pandas face a variety of unfavorable environmental impacts such as frequent maternal separation, parenting by non-parents, noise from tourists, and frequent replacement of animal houses, which may cause psychological and physiological stress. The gut microbiota is an important carrier of the interaction between the body and the environment, and recent studies revealed an association between stress and alterations of the intestinal microbiota. So, is the stress caused by the unfavorable parenting environment in the early life of captive giant pandas related to the gut microbiota? To answer this question, we use fecal metagenomics and LC-MS technology to study the effect of different parenting patterns on the structure, diversity, and metabolites of the intestinal microbial community of captive giant pandas. In order to evaluate the possible adverse effects of the traditional parenting mode on the gut microbiota of captive giant pandas in the early life, it can provide an important scientific basis for improving the welfare level of captive giant pandas. Abstract Maternal deprivation (MD) in early life induces dysbiosis in the host gut microbiota, which is a key determinant of abnormal behavior in stress model individuals. Compared with the early parenting environment of the wild, captive giant pandas face frequent and premature maternal separation. Will this lead to imbalance in intestinal flora and stress in captive giant pandas? The purpose of this research is to evaluate the possible adverse effects of the traditional parenting mode on the gut microbiota of captive giant pandas. The results showed that the frequent and premature maternal separation at early stages of the young did not change α and β diversity indices of the gut microbes, but it increased the relative abundance of s_Clostridium_tetani and s_Clostridium_sp_MSJ_8 (significantly positively correlated with the metabolism of propionic acid) and also the concentrations of fecal metabolites that are related to stress (N-acetyl-l-aspartic acid and corticosterone) in the intestinal tract of giant pandas in adulthood. Thereby, the function of protein digestion and absorption in the intestines of captive giant pandas was decreased, and the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids was disturbed. In conclusion, the parenting experience of early maternal separation could adversely affect the stress caused by the unfavorable parenting environment in the early life of captive giant pandas related to the gut microbiota of the captive giant pandas in adulthood.