Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospects of Finding Detached Black Hole–Star Binaries with TESS

We discuss prospects of identifying and characterizing black hole (BH) companions to normal stars on tight but detached orbits, using photometric data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We focus on the following two periodic signals from the visible stellar component: (i) in-eclipse brightening of the star due to gravitational microlensing by the BH (self-lensing), and (ii) a combination of ellipsoidal variations due to tidal distortion of the star and relativistic beaming due to its orbital motion (phase-curve variation). We evaluate the detectability of each signal in the light curves of stars in the TESS input catalog, based on a pre-launch noise model of TESS photometry as well as the actual light curves of spotted stars from the prime Kepler mission to gauge the potential impact of stellar activity arising from the tidally spun-up stellar components. We estimate that the self-lensing and phase-curve signals from BH companions, if they exist, will be detectable in the light curves of effectively and low-mass stars, respectively, taking into account orbital inclination dependence of the signals. These numbers could be large enough to actually detect signals from BHs: simple population models predict some 10 and 100 detectable BHs among these “searchable” stars; although, the latter may be associated with a comparable number of false positives due to stellar variabilities, and additional vetting with radial velocity measurements would be essential. Thus, the TESS data could serve as a resource to study nearby BHs with stellar companions on shorter-period orbits than will potentially be probed with Gaia.
Transport and noise characteristics of submicron high-temperature superconductor grain-boundary junctions

We have investigated the transport and noise properties of submicron YBa2Cu3O7−δ bicrystal grain-boundary junctions prepared using electron beam lithography. The junctions show an increased conductance for low voltages reminiscent of Josephson junctions having a barrier with high transmissivity. The voltage noise spectra are dominated by a few Lorentzian components. At low temperatures clear two-level random telegraph switching signals are observable in the voltage versus time traces. We have investigated the temperature and voltage dependence of individual fluctuators both from statistical analysis of voltage versus time traces and from fits to noise spectra. A transition from tunneling to thermally activated behavior of individual fluctuators was clearly observed. The experimental results support the model of charge carrier traps in the barrier region.
Children’s Physical Activity during COVID-19 in Ontario, Canada: Parents’ Perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large influence on children’s physical activity (i.e., play and sport) opportunities. The purpose of this study was to describe parents’ perspectives of their children’s (ages 0–12) physical activity experiences during the pandemic (i.e., since the onset in March 2020 until follow-up survey completion date [between August to December 2021]). As part of the ‘Return to Play’ study conducted in Ontario, Canada, two-parent report surveys were completed online via Qualtrics. Surveys measured parents’ perspectives regarding their children’s physical activity since the onset of the pandemic (n = 17 items) and collected demographic information (n = 16 items). Open-ended questions were included to gather a rich understanding of parents’ experiences (i.e., supports, challenges) with facilitating their children’s physical activity. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe parents’ perspectives of their children’s physical activity experiences and to determine parent demographics. Open-ended questions were analyzed via deductive content analysis. Parents (n = 382) reported that they noticed behavior changes in their children because of the pandemic (65.9%), and most (73.7%) reported challenges with supporting their children’s activity during periods when public health measures were in place. Many parents (44.5%) stated that their children asked about returning to play/sport more than three times per week during periods when play/sport facilities were closed in Ontario. Qualitative data identified common supports parents used (e.g., getting active outdoors, forming mini social ‘bubbles’), and challenges they faced (e.g., work, children’s increased screen time, and home schooling), pertaining to their children’s physical activity.
Influence of selenium and chitosan on physico-chemical properties of guava (Psidium guajava) under storage

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important fruit cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Being a climacteric fruit it has very high respiration and deterioration rates (shelf-life 3-4 days), making a challenge for storage. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted during 2016–17 to reduce the post-harvest losses and extension of shelf-life of guava fruits var. Hisar Surkha using the combination of selenium and chitosan treatments. The mature green freshly harvested guava fruits were treated with selenium solutions (0.01 ppm, 0.02 ppm, and 0.05 ppm) in combination with 1.5% chitosan containing 0.5% acetic acid for 5 min and stored at room temperature (20±2°C, 82±5% RH). The fruits were analyzed for physico-chemical attributes (physiological weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity) and biochemical characteristics (total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and total antioxidant activity) at three days interval. The combined treatments of selenium and chitosan helped in delaying weight loss (9.66%), lower disease incidence, better retention of fruit firmness (4.70 kg/cm2), soluble solids (13.03 ºBrix), titratable acidity (0.38%) compared to control on 12th day of storage. Treatment of guava fruits with selenium and chitosan also maintained higher total phenols (24.99 mg GAE /g dry wt.), flavonoids (3.51 mg CE/g dry wt.) and exhibited higher antioxidant activity (54.32%) throughout storage. The present study showed that combination of Se (0.02 ppm) and chitosan (1.5%) was most effective in maintaining post-harvest quality and enhance the shelf life of guava fruits up to 12 days during storage at room temperature.
Three-dimensional simulations of shear instabilities in magnetized flows

Shear mixing is believed to be the main mechanism to provide extra mixing in stellar interiors. We present results of three-dimensional (3D) simulations of the magnetohydrodynamic Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in a stratified shear layer. The magnetic field is taken to be uniform and parallel to the shear flow. We describe the evolution of the fluid flow and the magnetic field for a range of initial conditions. In particular, we investigate how the mixing rate of the fluid depends on the Richardson number and the magnetic field strength. It is found that the magnetic field can enhance as well as suppress mixing. Moreover, we have performed two-dimensional (2D) simulations and discuss some interesting differences between the 2D and 3D results.
Global $SU(2)_L \otimes$BRST symmetry and its LSS theorem: Ward-Takahashi identities governing Green's functions, on-shell T-Matrix elements, and $V_{eff}$, in the scalar-sector of certain spontaneously broken non-Abelian gauge theories

This work is dedicated to the memory of Raymond Stora (1930-2015). $SU(2)_L$ is the simplest spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) non-Abelian gauge theory: a complex scalar doublet $\phi=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\begin{bmatrix}H+i\pi_3-\pi_2 +i\pi_1\end{bmatrix}\equiv\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\tilde{H}e^{2i\tilde{t}\cdot\tilde{\vec{\pi}}/}\begin{bmatrix}10\end{bmatrix}$ and a vector $\vec{W}^\mu$. In Landau gauge, $\vec{W}^\mu$ is transverse, $\vec{\tilde{\pi}}$ are massless derivatively coupled Nambu-Goldstone bosons (NGB). A global shift symmetry enforces $m^{2}_{\tilde{\pi}}=0$. We observe that on-shell T-matrix elements of physical states $\vec{W}^\mu$,$\phi$ are independent of global $SU(2)_{L}$ transformations, and the associated global current is exactly conserved for amplitudes of physical states. We identify two towers of"1-soft-pion"global Ward-Takahashi Identities (WTI), which govern the $\phi$-sector, and represent a new global symmetry, $SU(2)_L\otimes$BRST, a symmetry not of the Lagrangian but of the physical states. The first gives relations among 1-$\phi$-I (but one $W^{\mu},B^{\mu}$ reducible) off-shell Green's functions, the second governs on-shell T-matrix elements, replacing the Adler self-consistency conditions. These WTI constrain the all-loop-orders scalar-sector effective Lagrangian and guarantee IR finiteness of the theory. These on-shell WTI include a Lee-Stora-Symanzik (LSS) theorem, which enforces the condition $m_{\pi}^2=0$ (far stronger than $m_{\tilde{\pi}}^2=0$) and causes all relevant-operator contributions to the effective Lagrangian to vanish exactly. The global $SU(2)_L$ and the BRST transformations commute in $R_\xi$ gauges. With the on-shell T-matrix constraints, the physics therefore has more symmetry than does its BRST invariant Lagrangian. We also show that the statements made above hold for the electroweak sector of the Standard Model bosons.
Methyl cyanide (CH3CN) and propyne (CH3CCH) in the low-mass protostar IRAS 16293–2422

Methyl cyanide (CH3CN) and propyne (CH3CCH) are two molecules commonly used as gas thermometers for interstellar gas. They are detected in several astrophysical environments and in particular towards protostars. Using data of the low-mass protostar IRAS 16293-2422 obtained with the IRAM 30m single-dish telescope, we constrained the origin of these two molecules in the envelope of the source. The line shape comparison and the results of a radiative transfer analysis both indicate that the emission of CH3CN arises from a warmer and inner region of the envelope than the CH3CCH emission. We compare the observational results with the predictions of a gas-grain chemical model. Our model predicts a peak abundance of CH3CCH in the gas-phase in the outer part of the envelope, at around 2000 au from the central star, which is relatively close to the emission size derived from the observations. The predicted CH3CN abundance only rises at the radius where the grain mantle ices evaporate, with an abundance similar to the one derived from the observations.
Code-switching in English classrooms and its Impact on undergraduate learning in a public university in Afghanistan

The alternate use of two different languages as code-switching is situated in the field of bilingualism and it is considered a common feature of those who speak two or more languages. The occurrence of code-switching in English classrooms is considered a conducive linguistic resource to be exploited and practiced sensibly. This study aims to highlight the current situation of code-switching in EFL classrooms, the motives for EFL lecturers’ code-switching during their instruction to facilitate the teaching and learning process, and the measures for avoiding the use of code-switching. A qualitative study based on interviews followed by classroom observation was conducted. Eight EFL learners in a public university participated in this study. Four instructional periods of classroom observations were carried out. The results indicated that code-switching is predominantly employed and learners perceive it positively and lecturers use it for content clarification and building rapport with learners. Moreover, it can be also considered as impeding language skills. Keywords: Code-switching; EFL; EFL classroom; language.
Constraints on the Formation History of the Elliptical Galaxy NGC 3923 from the Colors of Its Globular Clusters

We present a study of the colors of globular clusters associated with the elliptical galaxy NGC 3923. Our final sample consists of Wasington system C and T(sub 1) photometry for 143 globular cluster candidates with an expected contamination of no more than 10%. We find that the color distribution of the NGC 3923 globular cluster system (GCS) is broad and appears to have at least two peaks. A mixture modeling analysis of the color distribution indicates that a two-component model is favored over a single-component one at a high level of confidence (greater than 99%). This evidence for more than one population in the GCS of NGC 3923 is similar to that previously noted for the four other elliptical galaxies for which similar data have been published. Furthermore, we find that the NGC 3923 GCS is redder than the GCSs of previously studed elliptical galaxies of similar luminosity. The median metallicity inferred from our (C-(T(sub 1)))(sub 0) colors is (Fe/H)(sub med) = -0.56, with an uncertainty of 0.14 dex arising from all sources of uncertainty in the mean color. This is more metal rich than the median metallicity found for the GCS of M87 using the same method, (Fe/H)(sub med) = -0.94. Since M87 is more luminous than NGC 3923, this result points to significant scatter about any trend of higher GCS metallicity with increasing galaxy luminosity. We also show that there is a color gradient in the NGC 3923 GCS corresponding to about -0.5 dex in Delta(Fe/H)/Delta(log r). We conclude that the shape of the color distribution of individual GCSs and the variation in mean color among the GCSs of ellipticals are difficult to understand if elliptical galaxies are formed in a single protogalactic collapse. Models in which ellipticals and their globular clusters are formed in more than one event, such as a merger scenario, are more successful in accounting for these observations.
The Beam and detector of the NA62 experiment at CERN

NA62 is a fixed-target experiment at the CERN SPS dedicated to measurements of rare kaon decays. Such measurements, like the branching fraction of the K → πνν̄ decay, have the potential to bring significant insights into new physics processes when comparison is made with precise theoretical predictions. For this purpose, innovative techniques have been developed, in particular, in the domain of low-mass tracking devices. Detector construction spanned several years from 2009 to 2014. The collaboration started detector commissioning in 2014 and will collect data until the end of 2018. The beam line and detector components are described together with their early performance obtained from 2014 and 2015 data.
Galectin-3 as an early marker of diastolic dysfunction in children with end-stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis

Introduction and Aim : Diastolic dysfunction is a common finding in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis (HD). Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has emerged as an early biomarker with diagnostic and prognostic values in cardiac dysfunction with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. We aimed to assess the correlation between Gal-3 levels and diastolic dysfunction in children with ESRD on regular HD. Materials and Methods : Gal-3 levels were assessed in 67 patients on regular HD and 67 healthy controls. Conventional echo-Doppler imaging and tissue-Doppler imaging were done to all patients and control groups. Patients were split into two categories: with or without diastolic dysfunction, based on the early diastolic transmitral velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/E') whether more or less than 15, respectively Results : Plasma Gal-3 levels in ng/ml were 16.7 (12.0–22.0) in healthy controls, 15.7 (10.5–22.0) in patients on HD without diastolic dysfunction, and 23.4 (13.4–25.0) in patients on HD with diastolic dysfunction. Gal-3 levels were significantly higher in HD patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). Both uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that low left ventricular Tei index, low early diastolic mitral annular velocity of lateral wall wave, low early diastolic mitral annular velocity of septal wall wave, high septal early diastolic transmitral velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity of lateral wall (E/E') ratio, and high Gal-3 are significant predictors for LVDD in the whole study group. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the Gal-3 and the grade of diastolic dysfunction. The cut of point of diagnostic accuracy of serum Gal-3 in diastolic dysfunction in HD children was 20.12 with a sensitivity of 93.3 and a specificity 78.4. Conclusions : Gal-3 is a potential early biomarker that can be used in early diagnosis and grading of diastolic dysfunction in ESRD children on regular HD.
Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Potential of a Formulated Herbal Product from Sorghum bicolor Linn., Curcuma longa Linn., Bridelia ferruginea Benth and Honey

The use of plants in the treatment of human diseases is as old as human itself. Over the years, phytomedicine has gained more attention in both developed and developing countries. This study evaluates the phytochemicals and the antioxidant properties of a formulated herbal product (FHP) made from the leaf sheath of Sorghum bicolor, rhizome of Curcuma longa, stem bark of Bridelia ferruginea and honey. The ethanolic and the aqueous extracts of the different components and the mixture were evaluated. The chemical compositions of the extracts were determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HP-LC) at the same time, the antioxidant properties were investigated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The results of the phytochemical screening of FHP and the different components used for its preparation showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins and flavonoids irrespective of the extractant used. However, the values were higher in the aqueous extracts than the ethanolic extracts for most of the phytochemicals. For instance, higher values of alkaloids (9.57±0.01 mg/g) and saponins (7.35±0.01 mg/g) were observed in the aqueous extract of FHP while higher values of phenol (0.98±0.01 mg/g), tannins (0.68±0.00 mg/g) and flavonoids (40.54±0.05mg/g) were observed in the aqueous extract of Curcuma longa. Concerning antioxidant potential, the highest FRAP power was observed in the stem bark of B. ferruginea (1956.05±15.54mgAAE/g). This was closely followed by the FRAP value observed in S. bicolor (1359.89±27.20mgAAE/g). A total of 8 compounds was identified using High performance Liquid chromatography. These compounds include Gallic acid, Catechin, Ferrulic acid, Rutin, Quercetin, P-coumaric acid, Kaempferol and Apigenin. Most of these chemicals are known to possess health beneficial and therapeutic effects. It is conceivable therefore that FHP might exert significant therapeutic effects when used to treat specific debilitating medical conditions.
Note on invisible decays of light mesons

A search for the invisible decays of $\omega$ and $\phi$ mesons in $J/\psi\to \omega (\phi)\eta$ transitions has been performed by the BESIII Collaboration very recently. Inspired by this experimental study, we compute the lowest order contribution to branching ratios of ${\cal B}(V\to\bar{\nu}\nu)$ with $V$ denoting $\rho,\;\omega,\;\phi$, as the standard model background to these invisible decays. Our predictions are far below the upper bounds given by the BESIII experiment. We also analyze the $J/\psi\to \eta(\eta^\prime)\bar{\nu}\nu$ processes, and estimate their decay rates. Furthermore, the invisible decays of light pseudoscalar mesons $P$ including $\pi^0$, $\eta$, and $\eta^\prime$ are reexamined in the present note. It is shown that, due to the helicity suppression of the two-neutrino final state, the standard model contributions to $P\to{\rm invisible}$ decays are dominated by $P\to\bar{\nu}\nu \bar{\nu}\nu$ processes.
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Concomitant with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Are Therapeutically Effective in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) In Vivo Model

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are electric fields that exert physical forces to disrupt cellular processes critical for cancer cell viability and tumor progression. TTFields induce anti-mitotic effects through the disruption of the mitotic spindle and abnormal chromosome segregation, which trigger several forms of cell death, including immunogenic cell death (ICD). The efficacy of TTFields concomitant with anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1) treatment was previously shown in vivo and is currently under clinical investigation. Here, the potential of TTFields concomitant with anti- PD-1/anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA-4) or anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) to improve therapeutic efficacy was examined in lung tumor-bearing mice. Increased circulating levels of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and elevated intratumoral levels of phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (p-eIF2α) were found in the TTFields-treated mice, indicative of ICD induction. The concomitant application of TTFields and ICI led to a significant decrease in tumor volume as compared to all other groups. In addition, significant increases in the number of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, specifically cytotoxic T-cells, were observed in the TTFields plus anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-L1 groups. Correspondingly, cytotoxic T-cells isolated from these tumors showed higher levels of IFN-γ production. Collectively, these results suggest that TTFields have an immunoactivating role that may be leveraged for concomitant treatment with ICI to achieve better tumor control by enhancing antitumor immunity.
X-ray properties of bright far-infrared galaxies

The Einstein IPC was searched for observations of galaxies in the IRAS BCS. Of the 324 galaxies in this sample, 81 were observed with the IPC, and 51 were detected at a confidence level greater than 3-sigma. A strong correlation was found to exist between the FIR and X-ray luminosities among the normal and starburst (NSB) galaxies with LX varies as Lfir exp 0.90-1.01 (90-percent confidence limits). The X-ray luminosity of the 10 Seyfert galaxies in this sample is a factor of approximately 10 greater than the NSB galaxies with the same FIR luminosity. The efficiency of X-ray production through star formation is found to be nearly independent of the star formation rate with 10 exp 47.5 ergs of energy produced for each solar mass consumed into stars. It is shown that the X-ray emission from bright FIR galaxies can make a significant contribution to the observed X-ray background.
Violation of generalized Bell inequality and its optimal measurement settings.

We provide a method to describe quantum nonlocality for $n$-qubit systems. By treating the correlation function as an $n$-index tensor, we derive a generalized Bell inequality. Taking generalized Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state for example, we calculate quantum prediction under a series of measurement settings involving various angle parameters. We reveal the exact relationship between quantum prediction and the angle parameters. We show that there exists a set of optimal measurement settings and find the corresponding maximal quantum prediction for $n$-qubit generalized GHZ states. As an example, we consider an interesting situation involving only two angle parameters. Finally, we obtain a criterion for the violation of the generalized Bell inequality.