Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the detectability of a rotation-rate gradient in the solar core

We consider the problem of uncovering a possible gradient of rotation in the solar core using seismic frequency splittings of low-degree p-modes. The data are presumed to come from full-disc observations of the Sun. In particular, we formulate an approach for determining the diagnostic potential of a low-l splitting set to uncover, by inversion, a difference in rotation between two target radii: one deep in the core, the other in the mid-regions of the radiative zone. Our formulation assumes the underlying rotation rate to be flat in the outer part of the zone, but to vary linearly in the core (with the breakpoint in behaviour located between the two target radii). Artificial data are used to test the formulation, and to investigate the relative importance at low l of deeply penetrating, high-order modes and relatively shallow, low-order modes. Our results suggest that in order to detect a significant difference between the rotation at r = 0.1 R and 0.35R - with the input splitting data coming from a 10-yr set of high-quality observations - that difference would need to be a significant fraction of the rotation rate itself.
Scintillation dynamic spectra and transverse velocities of seven pulsars

Using a pulsar timing system developed at Urumqi Astronomical Observatory's 25-m telescope, we observed scintillation dynamic spectra for seven pulsars at the relatively high frequency of 1540 MHz over a wide frequency band of 320 MHz. Averaging observations at different epochs, we obtain time scales and decorrelation bandwidths for diffractive scintillation and show that these imply a power-law index for the electron density fluctuation close to 4.0. Assuming this value and that the scattering disk is approximately midway between the pulsar and the earth, we complete transverse velocities for the seven pulsars. These values are generally in good agreement with the proper motion velocities.
Large-Scale Distinctions between MJO and Non-MJO Convective Initiation over the Tropical Indian Ocean

AbstractIn this study, the authors seek large-scale signals that may distinguish MJO from non-MJO convective events before they start over the Indian Ocean. Three such signals were found. Low-level easterly anomalies extend from the surface to the midtroposphere and move from the western to eastern Indian Ocean. Surface pressure anomalies exhibit a zonal structure of wavenumber 1 with an equatorial low-pressure surge penetrating eastward from Africa through the Indian Ocean and reaching the Maritime Continent. Negative temperature anomalies in the middle to upper troposphere start over the Indian Ocean and move eastward. All of them emerge 20 days before convective initiation of the MJO and move eastward at speeds close to that of the MJO without any direct connection to MJO convection. They are not obviously related to the extratropics in any discernible way or any preceding MJO events. They are absent in non-MJO convective events. These signals provide useful information for forecasting MJO initiation o.
CST: Complex Sparse Transformer for Low-SNR Speech Enhancement

Speech enhancement tasks for audio with a low SNR are challenging. Existing speech enhancement methods are mainly designed for high SNR audio, and they usually use RNNs to model audio sequence features, which causes the model to be unable to learn long-distance dependencies, thus limiting its performance in low-SNR speech enhancement tasks. We design a complex transformer module with sparse attention to overcome this problem. Different from the traditional transformer model, this model is extended to effectively model complex domain sequences, using the sparse attention mask balance model’s attention to long-distance and nearby relations, introducing the pre-layer positional embedding module to enhance the model’s perception of position information, adding the channel attention module to enable the model to dynamically adjust the weight distribution between channels according to the input audio. The experimental results show that, in the low-SNR speech enhancement tests, our models have noticeable performance improvements in speech quality and intelligibility, respectively.
Alfalfa growth and nitrogen fixation constraints in salt-affected soils are in part offset by increased nitrogen supply

Introduction In China, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is often grown on marginal land with poor soil fertility and suboptimal climate conditions. Soil salt stress is one of the most limiting factors for alfalfa yield and quality, through its inhibition of nitrogen (N) uptake and N fixation. Methods To understand if N supply could improve alfalfa yield and quality through increasing N uptake in salt-affected soils, a hydroponic experiment and a soil experiment were conducted. Alfalfa growth and N fixation were evaluated in response to different salt levels and N supply levels. Results and discussion The results showed that salt stress not only significantly decreased alfalfa biomass, by 43%–86%, and N content, by 58%–91%, but also reduced N fixation ability and N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) through the inhibition of nodule formation and N fixation efficiency when the salt level was above 100 mmol Na2SO4 L–1. Salt stress also decreased alfalfa crude protein by 31%–37%. However, N supply significantly improved shoot dry weight by 40%–45%, root dry weight by 23%–29%, and shoot N content by 10%–28% for alfalfa grown in salt-affected soil. The N supply was also beneficial for the %Ndfa and N fixation for alfalfa with salt stress, and the increase reached 47% and 60%, respectively. Nitrogen supply offset the negative effects on alfalfa growth and N fixation caused by salt stress, in part through improving plant N nutrition status. Our results suggest that optimal N fertilizer application is essential to alleviate the loss of growth and N fixation in alfalfa in salt-affected soils.
Healthcare Resource Consumption and Related Costs in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapies: Findings from Real-World Data in Italy

This real-world analysis conducted on administrative databases of a sample of Italian healthcare entities was aimed at describing the role of therapeutic pathways and drug utilization in terms of adherence, persistence, and therapy discontinuation in HIV-infected patients under antiretroviral therapies (ART) and Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF)-based regimens on healthcare resource consumption and related direct healthcare costs. Between 2015 and 2019, adults (≥18 years) prescribed with TAF-based therapies were identified and characterized in the year prior to the first prescription (index-date) for TAF-based therapies and followed-up until the end of data availability. Overall, 2658 ART-treated patients were included, 1198 of which were under a TAF-based regimen. TAF-based therapies were associated with elevated percentages of adherence (83.3% patients with proportion of days covered, PDC > 95% and 90.6% with PDC > 85%) and persistence (78.5%). The discontinuation rate was low in TAF-treated patients, ranging from 3.3% in TAF-switchers to 5% in naïve. Persistent patients had lower overall mean annual healthcare expenditures (EUR 11,106 in persistent vs. EUR 12,380 in non-persistent, p = 0.005), and this trend was statistically significant also for costs related to HIV hospitalizations. These findings suggest that a better therapeutic management of HIV infection might result in positive clinical and economic outcomes.
The Parkes quarter-Jansky flat-spectrum sample. I. Sample selection and source identifications

We present a new sample of quarter-Jansky flat-spectrum radio sources selected to search for high-redshift quasars and to study the evolution of the flat-spectrum quasar population. The sample comprises 878 radio sources selected from the Parkes catalogues with spectral indices α 5 G H z 2 . 7 G H z ≥ -0.4 where S ν oc ν α . The sample covers all right ascensions and the declination range from -80°. 0 to +2°. 5, excluding low galactic latitudes (‖ b ‖< 10°) and the Magellanic Cloud regions. We have obtained improved radio source positions, firstly to reconfirm the majority of the existing identifications, and secondly, using digitized sky-survey data and deep B, Gunn-i and Gunn-z CCD-imaging, to find optical identifications for 223 previously-unidentified sources. We present the final catalogue of 878 flat-spectrum sources: 827 are compact radio sources identified with galaxies, quasars and BL Lac objects, 38 have either extended radio structure or are identified with Galactic objects (PN, HII or non-compact radio source), 4 are obscured by Galactic stars, and 9 (1 per cent of the total sample) remain unidentified.
Comparing the Effects of Visual Realism on Size Perception in VR versus Real World Viewing through Physical and Verbal Judgments

Virtual Reality (VR) is well-known for its use in interdisciplinary applications and research. The visual representation of these applications could vary depending in their purpose and hardware limitation, and in those situations could require an accurate perception of size for task performance. However, the relationship between size perception and visual realism in VR has not yet been explored. In this contribution, we conducted an empirical evaluation using a between-subject design over four conditions of visual realism, namely Realistic, Local Lighting, Cartoon, and Sketch on size perception of target objects in the same virtual environment. Additionally, we gathered participants' size estimates in the real world via a within-subject session. We measured size perception using concurrent verbal reports and physical judgments. Our result showed that although participants' size perception was accurate in the realistic condition, surprisingly they could still tune into the invariant but meaningful information in the environment to accurately estimate the size of targets in the non-photorealistic conditions as well. We additionally found that size estimates in verbal and physical responses were generally different in real world and VR viewing and were moderated by trial presentation over time and target object widths.
Prediction Model of Light-induced Melatonin Suppression

The prediction method of melatonin suppression values was based on previous studies related to melatonin suppression and pupil constriction. Estimated values that considered pupil constriction were larger than the actual suppression values. We focused on the pupil constriction and its correction factor to interpret the action spectrum for the properties of the melatonin suppression model. When the correction factor was used to modify the model, actual suppression values were almost completely predictable. These factors suggest that it might be possible to explain the indescribable results.
A Qualitative Study of Perspectives of Black Women on Autonomy and Motivational Interviewing

Purpose: Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based strategy to modify health behaviors, including some risk factors for adverse birth outcomes. Black women, who have disproportionately high rates of adverse birth outcomes, have reported mixed preferences on MI. This study explored the acceptability of MI among Black women who are at high risk for adverse birth outcomes. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with women with a history of preterm birth. Participants were English-language proficient and had Medicaid-insured infants. We purposively oversampled women whose infants had medical complexity. Interviews explored experiences with health care and health behaviors after birth. The interview guide was iteratively developed to obtain specific reactions to MI by including videos demonstrating MI-consistent and MI-inconsistent counseling. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded following an integrated approach in which we applied a priori codes related to MI and allowed themes to emerge from the data. Results: We interviewed 30 non-Hispanic Black women from October 2018 to July 2021. Eleven viewed the videos. Participants emphasized the importance of autonomy in decision-making and health behavior. Participants expressed a preference for MI-consistent clinical approaches, including autonomy support and building rapport, considering them respectful, nonjudgmental, and likely to support change. Conclusions: In this sample of Black women with a history of preterm birth, participants valued an MI-consistent clinical approach. Incorporating MI into clinical care may improve the experience of health care among Black women, thus serving as one strategy to promote equity in birth outcomes.
Frobenius and the Hodge filtration

An expanded version of an invited address delivered to the 688th meeting of the Society at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts on October 30, 1971 ; received by the editors January 18,1972. AMS 1970 subject classifications. Primary 14F30,14G15, 14G20; Secondary 14G10.
Independent component analysis of MODIS-NDVI data in a large South American wetland

Monthly images of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) are used to characterize the spatio-temporal variability of vegetation in a large South American wetland (SAW) (located in the Paraná River floodplain) during the period 2000–2009. While these data do not meet the requirements of classical component extraction techniques (CETs) (e.g. principal component analysis (PCA)), they are suitable for the modern method named independent component analysis (ICA). Hence, ICA is used here to extract three statistically independent modes of inter-annual MODIS-NDVI variability that are successfully interpreted as vegetation responses to hydrological changes. One mode isolates the vegetation response to a severe drought associated with La Niña 2007–2008. Another component reflects the expansion (or contraction) of lagoons owing to high (or low) water level of the Paraná River. The remaining mode captures the vegetation decrease caused by the flood related to El Niño 2006–2007. The results presented here for a particular wetland suggest that ICA of NDVI images is a powerful tool for identifying the physical causes of vegetation changes in other large wetlands.
A NOTE ON BOLOMETRIC CORRECTIONS FOR LATE-TYPE STARS AND LONG-PERIOD VARIABLES

The results of broad-band BVRcIcJHKL' photometry of late-type stars are used to define a bolometric correction BCIc as a function of (V-I)c or (R-I)c, where mbol = Ic + BCIc. The bolometric corrections BCH and BCK are also derived, and simple analytic expressions are given for BCIc, BCH, and BCK as functions of color index.
Covering a sphere with spheres

We work throughout in n -dimensional Euclidean space. It has been clear, since the publication of [1], that it should be possible to obtain quite good upper bounds for the number of spherical caps of chord 2 required to cover the surface of a sphere of radius R > 1, and for the number of spheres of radius 1 required to cover a sphere of radius R > 1. But it is not quite simple to organize the necessary calculations to give estimates which are manageable, and which are as good as the method allows for all R > 1. The following results seem to be a reasonable compromise between precision and simplicity; but, for reasons we will give later, they are not completely satisfactory.
Heat Transfer Enhancement by Hybrid Nano Additives—Graphene Nanoplatelets/Cellulose Nanocrystal for the Automobile Cooling System (Radiator)

A radiator is used to remove a portion of the heat generated by a vehicle engine. It is challenging to efficiently maintain the heat transfer in an automotive cooling system even though both internal and external systems need enough time to keep pace with catching up with evolving engine technology advancements. The effectiveness of a unique hybrid’s heat transfer nanofluid was investigated in this study. The hybrid nanofluid was mainly composed of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) nanoparticles suspended in a 40:60 ratio of distilled water and ethylene glycol. A counterflow radiator equipped with a test rig setup was used to evaluate the hybrid nano fluid’s thermal performance. According to the findings, the proposed GNP/CNC hybrid nanofluid performs better in relation to improving the efficiency of heat transfer of a vehicle radiator. The suggested hybrid nanofluid enhanced convective heat transfer coefficient by 51.91%, overall heat transfer coefficient by 46.72%, and pressure drop by 34.06% with respect to distilled water base fluid. Additionally, the radiator could reach a better CHTC with 0.01% hybrid nanofluid in the optimized radiator tube by the size reduction assessment using computational fluid analysis. In addition to downsizing the radiator tube and increasing cooling capacity over typical coolants, the radiator takes up less space and helps to lower the weight of a vehicle engine. As a result, the suggested unique hybrid graphene nanoplatelets/cellulose nanocrystal-based nanofluids perform better in heat transfer enhancement in automobiles.
Does star power mitigate the negative effect of cultural distance on box office revenue? Evidence from Taiwan

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effects of star power and cultural distance on box office revenue. Movies released in Taiwan from 2015 to 2019 are collected as the sample. Combined it with the data of movies which were not imported in Taiwan, we propose the Heckit model to cope with the endogeneity decision for distributors as the empirical methodology for the sample selection problem. The results indicate that cultural differences have a negative and significant impact on box office performance. In addition, a U-shape relationship between box office revenue and cultural distance is observed, which improves the cultural discount theory. Star power is measured in several different ways and consistently shows a positive and significant effect on box office revenue. Finally, our results further indicate that with the same cultural distance, the movies with distinguished cast can generate higher box office revenue than the movies without distinguished cast. Star power is sufficient to mitigate the negative effect resulting from cultural differences.
Models of Noise and Robust Estimation

Least squares estimators are very common in statistics, but they lead to results that are very sensitive to outliers, and it has been proposed to minimize other measures of error, that lead to ``robust'''' estimates. In this paper we show that using these robust estimators corresponds to assuming that data are corrupted by Gaussian noise whose variance fluctuates according to some given probability distribution, that uniquely determines the estimator.
Dark matter in spiral galaxies. I. Galaxies with optical rotation curves

Data obtained with a CCD camera are presented for 37 Sb and Sc galaxies with existing optical rotation curves. The CCD images are used to derive luminosity profiles using standard reduction methods, and multicolor images are obtained for several galaxies in order to investigate the effects of color gradients. A new method for decomposing the profiles into bulge and disk components is presented. It is found that optical rotation curves do not always place strong constraints on the amount of dark matter in galaxies. Three methods of constraining the halo or bulge/disk parameters are presented. The stellar M/L ratio is shown to correlate with galaxy mass, morphological type, and inclination. 31 references.
Electronic structure and energy relaxation in strained InAs/GaAs quantum pyramids

Abstract We perform experimental and theoretical studies of the electronic structure and relaxation processes in pyramid shaped InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs), grown by molecular beam epitaxy in the Stranski-Krastanow growth mode. Structural properties are characterized with plan view and cross section transmission electron microscopy. Finite difference calculations of the strain and the 3D Schrodinger equation, taking into account piezoelectric and excitonic effects, agree with experimental results on transition energies of ground and excited states, revealed in luminescence and absorption spectra. We find as relative standard deviation of the size fluctuation ξ=0.04; the pyramid shape fluctuates between {101} and {203} side facets. Carrier capture into the QD ground state after carrier excitation above barrier is a very efficient process. No luminescence from excited states is observed at low excitation density. Energy relaxation processes in the zero-dimensional energy states are found to be dominated by phonon energy selection rules. However, multi-phonon emission (involving GaAs barrier, InAs wetting layer, InAs QD and interface modes) allows for a large variety of relaxation channels and thus a phonon bottleneck effect does not exist here.
Emerging Role of Sodium–Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. It is associated with a growing health burden as many patients progress to end-stage renal disease. Until recently, therapeutic options for the management of chronic kidney disease were limited. Sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors offer an alternative therapeutic approach for patients with chronic kidney disease. Several trials have shown renal benefits with sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in patients with cardiovascular disease with and without type 2 diabetes and across a range of estimated glomerular filtration rate levels. In the Philippines, the sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors dapagliflozin and canagliflozin are approved for the prevention of new and worsening nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. With emerging treatment options, an urgent need exists for guidance on the management of chronic kidney disease within the Philippines. In this review, we focus on the putative renal-protective mechanisms of sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, including effects on tubuloglomerular feedback, albuminuria, endothelial function, erythropoiesis, uric acid levels, renal oxygen demand, and hypoxia. Furthermore, we discuss the findings of recent large clinical trials using sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetic kidney disease, summarize safety aspects, and outline the practical management of patients with chronic kidney disease in the Philippines.
Improving visualization in shoulder arthroscopy

Arthroscopic shoulder procedures are one of the most common procedures used to restore function through minimally invasive techniques. With the demand for shoulder arthroscopic procedures comes the need for safe, effective, and efficient surgery that maximizes patient outcomes while minimizing complications. Many variables contribute to visualization in shoulder arthroscopy including vascular anatomy, blood pressure control, arthroscopic pump systems, turbulence control, epinephrine, and tranexamic acid. Furthermore, patient positioning can have a dramatic effect on visualization with both the beach chair position and lateral decubitus positioning having various strengths and weaknesses depending on the intended procedure being performed. The purpose of this review is to examine the benefits and complications reported in the literature for improving visualization in shoulder arthroscopy.