Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Formation Rate of Short Gamma-Ray Bursts and Gravitational Waves

In this paper, we study the luminosity function and formation rate of short gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs). First, we derive the E p – L p correlation using 16 sGRBs with redshift measurements and determine the pseudo redshifts of 284 Fermi sGRBs. Then, we use the Lynden-Bell c− method to study the luminosity function and formation rate of sGRBs without any assumptions. A strong evolution of luminosity L ( z ) ∝ ( 1 + z ) 4.47 is found. After removing this evolution, the luminosity function is Ψ ( L ) ∝ L 0 − 0.29 ± 0.01 for dim sGRBs and ψ ( L ) ∝ L 0 − 1.07 ± 0.01 for bright sGRBs, with the break point 8.26 × 10 50 erg s−1. We also find that the formation rate decreases rapidly at z < 1.0 , which is different from previous works. The local formation rate of sGRBs is 7.53 events Gpc−3 yr−1. Considering the beaming effect, the local formation rate of sGRBs including off-axis sGRBs is 203.31 − 135.54 + 1152.09 events Gpc−3 yr−1. We also estimate that the event rate of sGRBs detected by the advanced LIGO and Virgo is 0.85 − 0.56 + 4.82 events yr−1 for an NS–NS binary.
Morphological and molecular genetic diversity analysis of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) maintainers and restorers

The success of any pearl millet hybrid programme depends upon the assessment of the structure of parental diversity. In this investigation, polymorphism data generated using 42 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and 12 agromorphological traits were used for genetic diversity assessment among 32 genotypes (29 restorers and 3 maintainers) of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. ]. In contrast to morphological data, SSR based clustering pattern and Principal Coordinate Analysis revealed that the genotypes were found to be consistent with their pedigree and origin. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values based on microsatellites ranged from 0.117 to 0.841 per locus with an average PIC of 0.348. Allelic richness varied from two to five per locus. The highest similarity index (0.74) was observed between restorers WGI 58 and WGI 148, whereas the lowest similarity index (0.27) was observed between seed parent 841 B and PPMI 269. AMOVA analysis observed more genetic variance among the individuals than within individuals.The study led to the identification of maintainer 841 B as a genetically diverse parent from other maintainers as well as among most of the restorers and hence may be used in future hybrid development programmes. Further, the correlation between phenotypic and genetic distance matrices was observed to be very low. Appropriate heterotic combinations were identified based on morphological and molecular diversity.
Direct Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Ultramarathon-Induced Changes in Kynurenine Metabolism

In humans, most free tryptophan is degraded via kynurenine pathways into kynurenines. Kynurenines modulate the immune system, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle bioenergetics. Consequently, kynurenine pathway metabolites (KPMs) have been studied in the context of exercise. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on exercise-induced changes in KPMs has not been investigated. Here, we analyzed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on KPMs and tryptophan levels in runners after an ultramarathon. In the study, 35 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: vitamin D supplementation group, administered 150,000 IU vitamin D in vegetable oil 24 h before the run (n = 16); and control (placebo) group (n = 19). Blood was collected for analysis 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Kynurenic, xanthurenic, quinolinic, and picolinic acids levels were significantly increased after the run in the control group, but the effect was blunted by vitamin D supplementation. Conversely, the decrease in serum tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine levels immediately after the run was more pronounced in the supplemented group than in the control. The 3-hydroxy-l-kynurenine levels were significantly increased in both groups after the run. We conclude that vitamin D supplementation affects ultramarathon-induced changes in tryptophan metabolism.
Chiral Skyrmion and Skyrmionium States Engineered by the Gradient of Curvature

Curvilinear nanomagnets can support magnetic skyrmions stabilized at a local curvature without any intrinsic chiral interactions. Here, we propose a new mechanism to stabilize chiral Neel skyrmion states relying on the \textit{gradient} of curvature. We illustrate our approach with an example of a magnetic thin film with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy shaped as a circular indentation. We show that in addition to the topologically trivial ground state, there are two skyrmion states with winding numbers $\pm 1$ and a skyrmionium state with a winding number $0$. These chiral states are formed due to the pinning of a chiral magnetic domain wall at a bend of the nanoindentation due to spatial inhomogeneity of the curvature-induced Dzyaloshinskii--Moriya interaction. The latter emerges due to the gradient of the local curvature at a bend. While the chirality of the skyrmion is determined by the sign of the local curvature, its radius can be varied in a broad range by engineering the position of the bend with respect to the center of the nanoindentation. We propose a general method, which enables one to reduce a magnetic problem for any surface of revolution to the common planar problem by means of proper modification of constants of anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii--Moriya interaction.
Quantitative Risk Management: Concepts, Techniques, and Tools

authors use Monte Carlo simulation extensively. Monte Carlo simulations are used to help students understand the important concept of sampling distributions as well as other concepts, such as violations and potential biases to linear models. By using the authors’ Excel workbooks, students are able to perform Monte Carlo simulations almost effortlessly. Humberto and Barreto have written a worthwhile and unique textbook on introductory econometrics. I was initially skeptical that Excel and Monte Carlo simulation could be integrated coherently, but the authors execute it well. This book has many positives, including accessibility, potential to engage some students who otherwise might not be interested, and likelihood of students finishing with a strong understanding of sampling distributions and linear regression. On the other hand, a few negative aspects exist. Whereas a narrow focus is advantageous in some ways, it precludes comprehensive development of some topics. For instance, no mention is made of analysis of variance methods. Consequently, any instructor considering this text should check the table of contents to ensure that all relevant topics are covered (or be prepared to provide other sources where necessary). In addition, because the text uses Excel exclusively, students entering the job market or applying for graduate school cannot claim knowledge of a statistical package—a potentially marketable skill. Regardless of these criticisms, the positives outweigh the negatives, and instructors should consider this progressive textbook for their undergraduate econometrics course.
Surface Free Energy and Composition Changes and Ob Cellular Response to CHX-, PVPI-, and ClO2-Treated Titanium Implant Materials

The study evaluated the interaction of a titanium dental implant surface with three different antibacterial solutions: chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine, and chlorine dioxide. Implant surface decontamination is greatly challenging modern implant dentistry. Alongside mechanical cleaning, different antibacterial agents are widely used, though these could alter implant surface properties. Commercially pure (CP) grade 4 titanium (Ti) discs were treated with three different chemical agents (chlorhexidine 0.2% (CHX), povidone-iodine 10% (PVPI), chlorine dioxide 0.12% (ClO2)) for 5 min. Contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, and cell culture studies were performed. Attachment and proliferation of primary human osteoblast cells were investigated via MTT (dimethylthiazol–diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), alamarBlue, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), and fluorescent assays. Contact angle measurements showed that PVPI-treated samples (Θ = 24.9 ± 4.1) gave no difference compared with controls (Θ = 24.6 ± 5.4), while CHX (Θ = 47.2 ± 4.1) and ClO2 (Θ = 39.2 ± 9.8) treatments presented significantly higher Θ values. All samples remained in the hydrophilic region. XPS analysis revealed typical surface elements of CP grade 4 titanium (Ti, O, and C). Both MTT and alamarBlue cell viability assays showed similarity between treated and untreated control groups. The LDH test revealed no significant difference, and fluorescent staining confirmed these results. Although there was a difference in surface wettability, a high proliferation rate was observed in all treated groups. The in vitro study proved that CHX, PVPI, and ClO2 are proper candidates as dental implant decontamination agents.
Can Peri-Implant Marginal Bone Loss Progression and a-MMP-8 Be Considered Indicators of the Subsequent Onset of Peri-Implantitis? A 5-Year Study

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between the amount of early bone remodeling, the marginal bone loss (MBL) progression, and the peri-implant sulcular fluid concentration of active metalloproteinase-8 (a-MMP-8) and the incidence of peri-implantitis (P) over 5 years of implant function. It has been documented that dental implants with a high degree of early marginal bone loss (MBL) are likely to achieve additional increased MBL during function. Moreover, it has been speculated that early increased MBL might be a predictive factor for the subsequent onset of peri-implant inflammatory diseases. Clinical and radiographic data at implant placement (T0) and restoration delivery (TR) at 6 months (T1), 2 years (T2), and 5 years (T5) post-loading were retrospectively collected. MBL levels/rates (MBLr) and peri-implant sulcular fluid levels/rates of a-MMP-8 were assessed at TR, T1, T2, and T5. Implants were divided into two groups: group 1 with peri-implantitis (P+) and group 2 without peri-implantitis (P−). A multi-level simple binary logistic regression, using generalized estimation equations (GEEs), was implemented to assess the association between each independent variable and P+. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to evaluate an optimal cutoff point for T1 MBL degree and a-MMP-8 level to discriminate between P+ and P− implants. A total of 80 patients who had received 80 implants between them (39 implants with a laser-microtextured collar surface (LMS) and 41 implants with a machined collar surface (MS)) were included. Periapical radiographs and a software package were used to measure MBL rates. Peri-implant sulcular implant fluid samples were analyzed by a chairside mouth-rinse test (ImplantSafe®) in combination with a digital reader (ORALyzer®). Twenty-four implants (six with an LMS and eighteen with an MS) were classified as P+. No statistically significant association was found between the amount of early bone remodeling, MBL progression, and MBLr and the incidence of peri-implantitis. Implants with a-MMP-8 levels >15.3 ng/mL at T1 presented a significantly higher probability of P+. The amount of early marginal bone remodeling cannot be considered as an indicator of the subsequent onset of P, whereas high a-MMP-8 levels 6 months after loading could have a distinct ability to predict P.
Non-potential Field Formation in the X-shaped Quadrupole Magnetic Field Configuration

Some types of solar flares are observed in X-shaped quadrupolar field configuration. To understand the magnetic energy storage in such a region, we studied non-potential field formation in an X-shaped quadrupolar field region formed in the active region NOAA 11967, which produced three X-shaped M-class flares on 2014 February 2. Nonlinear force-free field modeling was applied to a time series of vector magnetic field maps from the Solar Optical Telescope on board Hinode and the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Our analysis of the temporal three-dimensional magnetic field evolution shows that the sufficient free energy had already been stored more than 10 hr before the occurrence of the first M-class flare and that the storage was observed in a localized region. In this localized region, quasi-separatrix layers (QSLs) started to develop gradually from 9 hr before the first M-class flare. One of the flare ribbons that appeared in the first M-class flare was co-spatial with the location of the QSLs, suggesting that the formation of the QSLs is important in the process of energy release. These QSLs do not appear in the potential field calculation, indicating that they were created by the non-potential field. The formation of the QSLs was associated with the transverse photospheric motion of the pre-emerged flux and the emergence of a new flux. This observation indicates that the occurrence of the flares requires the formation of QSLs in the non-potential field in which free magnetic energy is stored in advance.
Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection and its application to solar flares

Solar flares are powerful radiations occurring in the Sun’s atmosphere. They are powered by magnetic reconnection, a phenomenon that can convert magnetic energy into other forms of energy such as heat and kinetic energy, and which is believed to be ubiquitous in the universe. With the ever increasing spatial and temporal resolutions of solar observations, as well as numerical simulations benefiting from increasing computer power, we can now probe into the nature and the characteristics of magnetic reconnection in three dimensions to better understand the phenomenon’s consequences during eruptive flares in our star’s atmosphere. We review in the following the efforts made on different fronts to approach the problem of magnetic reconnection. In particular, we will see how understanding the magnetic topology in three dimensions helps in locating the most probable regions for reconnection to occur, how the current layer evolves in three dimensions and how reconnection leads to the formation of flux ropes, plasmoids and flaring loops.
A Preliminary Study of QAFSCALE Measuring Waqf-Based Qardhul Hassan Financing Receptiveness

Understanding the elements favoured by waqif (donor) in engaging in waqf-based qardhul hassan financing has been a major topic of Islamic social finance, should and if it is implemented to better assist ummah amid financial and health crises, primarily in Malaysia. Previous studies, on the other hand, represented a narrow theoretical viewpoint and disregarded the significance of maqasid al-Shariah and its relationship to customers. Thus, using an Attia's maqasid method (Attia, 2010), this research constructs QAFSCALE to quantify waqif preference of waqf-based qardhul hassan financing in Malaysia. A total of 292 prospective donors responded in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) 21 was used to analyse the data. The results show that the family factor, consumer factor and the ummah factor were found important as constructs representing the QAFSCALE. Interestingly, this study introduces new QAFSCALE that measures waqif preference to donate in waqf-based qardhul hassan financing.
The Effect of a Guide Field on Local Energy Conversion During Asymmetric Magnetic Reconnection: MMS Observations

We compare case studies of Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)‐observed magnetopause electron diffusion regions (EDRs) to determine how the rate of work done by the electric field, J→·(E→+v→e×B→)≡J→·E→′ varies with shear angle. We analyze MMS‐observed EDR event with a guide field approximately the same size as the magnetosheath reconnecting field, which occurred on 8 December 2015. We find that J→·E→′ was largest and positive near the magnetic field reversal point, though patchy lower amplitude J→·E→′ also occurred on the magnetosphere side EDR near the electron crescent point. The current associated with the large J→·E→′ near the X point was carried by electrons with a velocity distribution function (VDF) resembling the magnetosheath inflow, shifted in the −v∥ direction. At the magnetosphere side EDR, the current was carried by electrons with a crescent‐like VDF. We compare this 8 December event to 10 other EDRs with different guide field strengths. The dual‐region J→·E→′ was observed in three other moderate‐shear EDR events, whereas three high‐shear events had a strong positive J→·E→′ near the electron crescent point and one low‐shear event had a strong positive J→·E→′ only near the BL=0 point. The dual‐region J→·E→′>0 was seen for one of three “intermediate”‐shear EDRs with guide fields of ∼0.2–0.3. We propose a physical relationship between the shear angle and mode of energy conversion where (a) a guide field provides an efficient mechanism for carrying a current at the field reversal point (streaming) and (b) a guide field may limit the formation of crescent electron VDFs, limiting the current carried near the stagnation point.
Personal and Work Related Factors as Antecedent of Affective Commitment in Malaysian Higher Educational Institutions

Resilience, self-efficacy and organizational support are part of personal and work-related factors that contribute to positive human resource strengths that relates to affectively committed staffs in the workplace. For this reason, by using the norm of reciprocity along with the social exchange theory, this paper seeks to understand the relationship between resilience, self-efficacy and organizational support with affective commitment among support staffs in the context of Malaysian Research Universities. Data were gathered through questionnaires from 306 staffs in five universities in Malaysia. The regression result indicated that self-efficacy and organizational support had positively correlated relationship with affective commitment but resilience did not pose any substantial impact on this outcome. Implications of the finding and future research on these personal and work related factors with affective commitment in the context of Malaysian Higher Educational Institutions were also discussed.
Fourier analysis of redshift-space distortions and the determination of Ω

The peculiar velocities of galaxies distort the pattern of galaxy clustering in redshift space, making the redshift-space power spectrum anisotropic. In the linear regime of gravitational instability models, the strength of this distortion depends only on the ratio β≡f(Ω)/b≃Ω 0.6 /b, where Ω is the cosmological density parameter, and b is the bias parameter. We derive a linear-theory estimator for β, based on the harmonic moments of the redshift-space power spectrum. Using N-body simulations, we examine the impact of non-linear gravitational clustering on the power-spectrum anisotropy and on our β-estimator. Non-linear effects can be important out to wavelengths λ∼50 h −1 Mpc or larger; in most cases, they lower the quadrupole moment of the power spectrum, and thereby depress the estimate of β below the true value
Corporate Tax Policy in Developed Countries and Economic Activity in Africa

This paper studies whether tax policies in developed nations affect developing economies through cross-border investments by multinational firms. We study firm investment responses to a major U.K. tax reform that drastically reduced the income tax burden for U.K.-based firms. Our identification strategy compares the investment outcomes of U.K. multinational firms in Africa to those of other multinationals with similar ties to Africa but not subject to the large U.K. tax changes that started in 2009. Difference-in-differences estimates show that U.K. multinational firms increased their subsidiary presence in sub-Saharan Africa by 17-26 percent following the U.K. reform. Exploiting location-specific nighttime luminosity data as well as local data from the African Demographic and Health Surveys, we also document increased economic activity and higher employment rates of African citizens within close proximity of local U.K.owned subsidiaries. These effects are confirmed using novel data on local wealth. Our findings imply that, beyond the goal of motivating home country investment, developed countries’ corporate tax policies impact developing nations.
Chemical abundances of Damped Ly alpha systems: A new method for estimating dust depletion effects

A new method is presented for recovering the abundances of Damped Ly alpha systems (DLAs) taking into account the effects of dust depletion. For the first time, possible variations of the chemical composition of the dust are taken into account in estimating the depletions. No prior assumptions on the extinction properties of the dust are required. The method requires a set of abundances measured in the gas and a set of parameters describing the chemical properties of the dust. A large subset of these parameters is determined from interstellar observations; the others are free parameters for which an educated guess can be made. The method is able to recover the abundances of the SMC starting from SMC interstellar measurements apparently discrepant from the stellar ones. Application of the method to 22 DLAs with available [Fe/H] and [Si/Fe] measurements gives the following results: (1) the mean metallicity of the corrected data is ~ -1.0 dex, about 0.5 dex higher than that of the original data; (2) the slope of the [Fe/H] versus redshift relation is steeper for the corrected data (m ~ -0.3 dex) than for the original ones (m ~ -0.2 dex); (3) the corrected [Si/Fe] ratios are less enhanced, on average, than those found in Galactic stars of similar, low metallicity; (4) a decrease of the [Si/Fe] versus [Fe/H] ratios, expected by "time delay" models of chemical evolution, is found for the corrected data; (5) the [Si/Fe] ratios tend to increase with redshift once corrected; (6) consistency between [Si/Fe] and [S/Zn] measurements, two independent estimators of the alpha/Fe ratio, is found only for the corrected abundances.
MALT90 molecular content on high-mass IR-dark clumps

Context. High mass stars form in groups or clusters in dense molecular clumps with sizes of 1 pc and masses of 200 M⊙. Infrared-dark clumps and the individual cores within them with sizes < 0.1 pc and masses < 100 M⊙ are important laboratories for high-mass star formation in order to study the initial conditions. Aims. We investigate the physical and chemical properties of high-mass clumps in order to better understand the early evolutionary stages and find targets that show star formation signs such as infall motions or outflows. Methods. We selected the high-mass clumps from ATLASGAL survey that were identified as dark at 8/24 μm wavelengths. We used MALT90 Survey data which provides a molecular line set (HCO+, HNC, HCN, N2H+, H13CO+, HN13C, SiO) to investigate the physical and chemical conditions in early stages of star formation. Results. Eleven sources have significant SiO detection (over 3σ) which usually indicates outflow activity. Thirteen sources are found with blue profiles in both or either HCO+ and/or HNC lines and clump mass infall rates are estimated to be in the range of 0.2 × 10−3 M⊙ yr−1 − 1.8 × 10−2 M⊙ yr−1. The excitation temperature is obtained as < 24 K for all sources. The column densities for optically thin lines of H13CO+ and HN13C are in the range of 0.4–8.8 (×1012) cm−2, and 0.9–11.9 (×1012) cm−2, respectively, while it is in the range of 0.1–7.5 (×1014) cm−2 for HCO+ and HNC lines. The column densities for N2H+ were ranging between 4.4–275.7 (×1012) cm−2 as expected from cold dense regions. Large line widths of N2H+ might indicate turbulence and large line widths of HCO+, HNC, and SiO indicate outflow activities. Mean optical depths are 20.32, and 23.19 for optically thick HCO+ and HCN lines, and 0.39 and 0.45 for their optically thin isotopologues H13CO+ and HN13C, respectively. Conclusions. This study reveals the physical and chemical properties of 30 high-mass IR-dark clumps and the interesting targets among them based on their emission line morphology and kinematics.