Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Broadband radio spectro-polarimetric observations of high Faraday rotation measure AGN

We present broadband polarimetric observations of a sample of high Faraday rotation measure (RM) AGN using the VLA telescope from 1 to 2 GHz, and 4 to 12 GHz. The sample (14 sources) consists of compact sources (linear resolution smaller than ~ 5 kpc) that are unpolarized at 1.4 GHz in the NVSS. Total intensity data have been modelled using combination of synchrotron components, revealing complex structure in their radio spectra. Depolarization modelling, through the so called qu-fitting, have been performed on the polarized data using an equation that attempts to simplify the process of fitting many different depolarization models that we can divide into two major categories: External Depolarization and Internal Depolarization models. Understanding which of the two mechanisms are the most representative, would help the qualitative understanding of the AGN jet environment, whether it is embedded in a dense external magnetoionic medium or if it is the jet-wind that causes the high RM and strong depolarization. This could help to probe the jet magnetic field geometry (e.g. helical or otherwise). This new high-sensitivity data, shows a complicated behaviour in the total intensity and polarization radio spectrum of individual sources. We observed the presence of several synchrotron components and Faraday components in their total intensity and polarized spectra. For the majority of our targets, (12 sources) the depolarization seems to be caused by a turbulent magnetic field. Thus, our main selection criteria (lack of polarization at 1.4 GHz in the NVSS), results in a sample of sources with very large RMs and depolarization due to turbulent magnetic fields local to the source. We show how the new qu-fitting technique can be used to probe the magnetised radio source environment and to spectrally resolve the polarized components of unresolved radio sources.
X-RAY SELECTED AGN HOST GALAXIES ARE SIMILAR TO INACTIVE GALAXIES OUT TO z = 3: RESULTS FROM CANDELS/CDF-S

We use multi-band spatially resolved photometry from the Cosmic Assembly Near-IR Deep Legacy Survey in the 4 Ms Chandra Deep Field-South to explore the nuclear and extended colors, color gradients, and stellar populations of the host galaxies of X-ray selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs) out to z = 3. Based on a study of their central light, we develop X-ray based criteria to exclude objects with strong AGN contamination. We use stellar masses from the FIREWORKS database to understand and account for stellar mass selection effects and carefully study, for the first time, the resolved host galaxy properties of AGNs at z ∼ 2 in their rest-frame optical light without substantial nuclear contamination. AGN hosts span a sizable range of stellar masses, colors, and color gradients at these redshifts. Their colors, color gradients, and stellar population properties are very similar to inactive galaxies of the same stellar mass. At z ∼ 1, we find a slightly narrower range in host colors compared to inactive galaxies, as well as hints of more recent star formation. These differences are weaker or non-existent among AGN hosts at z ∼ 2. We discuss the importance of AGN-driven feedback in the quenching of galaxies at z ≳ 1 and speculate on possible evolution in the relationship between black hole accretion and the host galaxy toward high redshifts.
Utility of Self-rated Adherence and Assessment of Participant Feedback of the Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study Pilot.

Background: We examined the utility of self-rated adherence to monitor intervention compliance and facilitate goal setting and assessed participants’ qualitative feedback of the Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study (HDLS) in order to inform the study design of the main HDLS intervention. HDLS, a randomized pilot intervention, compared the effect of intermittent energy restriction combined with a Mediterranean diet (IER+MED) to a euenergetic Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, with matching physical activity regimens, for reducing visceral adipose tissue area (VAT) and weight.Methods: Our analysis included the 59 (98%) participants who completed at least one week of HDLS. Self-rated adherence scores to dietary and physical activity prescriptions were collected 8 times across the 12-week intervention, using a 0-10 scale (0=Not at all, 4=Somewhat, and 10=Following the plan very well). Adherence scores for each participant were averaged and assigned to high and low adherence categories using the group median (7.3 for diet, 7.1 for physical activity). Mean changes in VAT and weight from baseline to 12 weeks are reported by adherence level, overall and by randomization arm. The participants’ qualitative feedback at completion of HDLS and 6 months post intervention were examined.Results: Overall, compared to participants with low self-rated adherence to dietary prescriptions, those with high adherence lost significantly more VAT (22.9 ± 3.7 cm2 vs. 11.7 ± 3.9 cm2; p=0.044) and weight at Week 12 (5.4 ± 0.8 kg vs. 3.5 ± 0.6 kg; p=0.045). For physical activity, compared to participants with low adherence, those with high adherence lost significantly more VAT (22.3 ± 3.7 cm2 vs. 11.6 ± 3.6 cm2; p=0.035). Participants’ qualitative feedback of HDLS was positive and the most common response, on how to improve the study, was to provide cooking education classes.Conclusions: Results support the use of self-rated adherence to dietary and physical activity prescriptions as an effective method to monitor compliance and facilitate participant goal setting. Study strategies were found to be effective with promoting compliance to dietary and physical activity prescriptions. The incorporation of cooking classes and demonstrations into future larger trials may further complement dietary adherence.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03639350. Registered 21st August 2018- Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03639350
Offshoring and Home Country R&D

National concerns are sometimes raised against offshoring of economic activities to other countries. While most of the existing literature has focused on the effects on labor demand and productivity the effects on domestic R&D have been neglected. This is unfortunate since the decision to offshore activities also includes R&D. We use unique and rich firm level data for the Swedish manufacturing sector to analyze how offshoring impacts domestic R&D and how these effects vary with respect to target region and type of firm. The results suggest that offshoring of production alter a firm’s investments in R&D in Sweden and that a negative impact on home country R&D is confined to offshoring by non-multinationals and offshoring to Europe and EU15 countries.
Oscillatory motion of a droplet in an active poroelastic two-phase model

The onset of self-organized droplet motion is studied in a poroelastic two-phase model with free boundaries and substrate friction. In the model, an active, gel-like phase and a passive, fluid-like phase interpenetrate on small length scales. A feedback loop between a chemical regulator, mechanical deformations, and induced fluid flow gives rise to oscillatory and irregular droplet motion accompanied by spatio-temporal contraction patterns inside the droplet. By numerical simulations in one spatial dimension, we cover extended parameter regimes of active tension and substrate friction, and reproduce experimentally observed oscillation periods and amplitudes. In line with recent experiments, the model predicts alternating forward and backward fluid flow at the boundaries with reversed flow in the center. Our model is a first step towards a more detailed model of moving microplasmodia of Physarum polycephalum.
The Second Decadal Leading Mode of East Asian Summer Monsoon Rainfall

Abstract The first decadal leading mode of East Asian summer rainfall (EASR) is characterized by rainfall anomalies along the East Asian subtropical rain belt. This study focuses on the second decadal leading mode (2DLM), accounting for 17.3% of rainfall decadal variance, as distinct from the other two neighboring modes of EAMR, based on the state-of-the-art insitu rainfall data. This mode is characterized by a South-China-wet-Huaihe-River-dry pattern, and is dominated by a quasi-30-yr period. Further analysis reveals the 2DLM corresponds to an enhanced lower-level monsoon jet, an eastward extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high, and a weakened East Asian upper-level westerly jet flow. The Tibetan Plateau surface temperature and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) are closely linked with the 2DLM. The regressed SST pattern indicates the PDO-like pattern of sea surface temperature anomalies may have a teleconnection relationship with the 2DLM of EASR.
Quantifying Attitudes and Knowledge Change About the Meat-Animal Industry via a Massive Open Online Course

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) offer a unique platform through which Extension can provide valuable education. We explored The Meat We Eat, a MOOC designed to create a more informed meat consumer and increase perceptions of transparency surrounding meat production. Compared to pretest respondents (n = 490), students who completed the posttest (n = 226) had an improved attitude toward meat and slaughter, an improved perception of the meat industry’s transparency, and increased knowledge. These findings suggest the relevance and value of MOOCs as Extension activities for improving knowledge and attitudes toward animal agriculture and other topics.
BEARING CAPACITY OF FOOTINGS ON PILE-STABILIZED SLOPES

The present paper reveals the results of an analytical method to calculate the bearing capacity of a footing supported on one or two rows of piles stabilizing slope. The varied parameters here include pile diameter, pile length, location of pile rows, location of footing relative to the slope crest, foundation width, center to center spacing of piles in a row, and fixity of the pile head. Passive pile resistance is determined based on normal and shear resistance of the soil surrounding the pile considering plastic deformation of soil between piles. The Pile resistance obtained through the present method is compared with other analytical as well as 3D numerical ones. The results indicate acceptable agreement. The footing bearing capacity is calculated according to both the limit equilibrium slope stability analysis and soil stability beneath the footing. The predicted results were compared with those reported from other experiments and indicated an acceptable agreement with increasing pile spacing. The results indicate that stabilizing the earth slope with rows of piles has a significant effect on the footing of bearing capacity improvement. Keywords– Slope stability, passive pile, footing, bearing capacity, limit equilibrium
The Body Mass Index (BMI) and TV Viewing in a Co-Integration Framework

Many techniques are met in the literature, trying to investigate the effect of TV watching hours on BMI. However, we haven’t traced any empirical study with co-integration analysis, as it is applied here. With this in mind, we present in this paper the proper methodology, based on the co-integration analysis for a detailed justification of the effect of TV viewing hours together with some minor changes in life style of participants on BMI. Apart from finding and testing an acceptable co-integration relation, we further formulated an error correction model to determine the coefficient of adjustment. All findings, which are fully justified, are presented in details in the relevant sections. It should be pointed out, that we haven’t met this type of analysis in the relevant literature.
The Jacobian module of a Lie algebra

There is a natural way to associate to the commuting variety C(A) of an algebra A a module over a polynomial ring. It serves as a vehicle to study the arithmetical properties of C(A) , particularly Cohen-Macaulayness. The focus here is on Lie algebras and some of their representations.
An Integrative Drug Repurposing Pipeline Using KNIME and Programmatic Data Access: A Case Study on COVID-19 Data

Biomedical information mining is increasingly recognized as a promising technique to accelerate drug discovery and development. Especially, integrative approaches which mine data from several (open) data sources have become more attractive with the increasing possibilities to programmatically access data through Application Programming Interfaces. The use of open data in conjunction with free, platform-independent analytic tools provides the additional advantageof flexibility, re-usability, and transparency. Here, we present a strategy for performing in silico drug repurposing with the analytics platform KNIME, using data for 38 suggested COVID-19 drug targets as a timely use case. The workflow includes a targeted download of data through web services, data curation (including chemical structure standardization), detection of enriched structural patterns, as well as substructure searches in DrugBank and a recently deposited dataset of antiviral drugs provided by Chemical Abstracts Service. Developed workflows, tutorials with detailed step-by-step instructions, and the information gained by the analysis of COVID-19 data are made freely available to the scientific community. The provided framework can be reused by researchers for other in silico drug repurposing projects, and it should serve as a valuable teaching resource for conveying integrative data mining strategies.
Polymer luminescent concentrators containing oxide nanocrystals doped with rare-earth elements matched to an edge-illuminated silicon solar cell

Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) suitable to work in conjunction with a new type of a silicon epitaxial edge-illuminated solar cell (EISC) are developed, and the operating principle of epitaxial EISCs and their specific properties are explained and discussed. The potential application of active composite materials based on luminescent nanocrystals dispersed in a polymer matrix (PMMA) in the LSCs technology is shown. The results of the synthesis of the transparent material by the incorporation of the clusters of co-doped Nd and Yb yttrium aluminum garnet Y3Al5O12 (YAG), gadolinium gallium garnet Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG) and yttrium oxide Y2O3 (YO) nanocrystals into the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer matrix and the characterization of the synthesized materials by spectroscopic and emission dynamic studies are presented. The analyzed nanocrystals of YAG, GGG and YO compounds were prepared by the modified sol-gel method. The results indicate that the investigated materials, i.e. polymers with rare-earth containing oxide nanocrystals, can be useful for LSCs matched to the maximum sensitivity of a silicon EISC.
No gas source, no problem: pre-existing embolism may affect non-pressure driven embolism spreading in angiosperm xylem by gas diffusion

Embolism spreading in dehydrating angiosperm xylem is driven by gas movement between embolised and sap-filled conduits. Here, we examine how proximity to pre-existing embolism and hydraulic segmentation affect embolism propagation. Based on the optical method, we compared xylem embolism resistance between detached leaves and leaves attached to branches, and between intact leaves and leaves with minor veins cut (n = 6 species). Moreover, we directly compared the optical and pneumatic method on detached leaves. Embolism resistance of detached leaves was significantly lower than leaves attached to stems, except for two species with all vessels ending in their petioles. Cutting of minor veins showed embolism spreading in narrow vessels near the cuts prior to wide vessels in major veins. Moreover, embolism spreading between open and intact vessels occurred at largely similar xylem water potentials than embolism spreading between intact vessels, resulting in strong similarity between the optical and pneumatic method. We conclude that embolism spreading may depend on a direct connection to pre-existing embolism as gas source, is not exclusively pressure-driven, and indirectly related to conduit size. Hydraulic segmentation, however, can minimise embolism spreading due to confined and/or poorly interconnected conduits, which may increase hydraulic safety by slowing down gas diffusion.
Insecticide Treated Net Utilization and its barriers among Under-Five Children in Adami Tulu District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study

Background: Despite the scaling-up of Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITNs) distribution in Ethiopia, its use among net owning households has not been satisfactory. Hence, in addition to scaling up of net distribution, periodic assessment of the use and barriers against the use of bed nets among high risk population is necessary. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the ITNs use and its barriers among under-five children in Adami Tullu District, Ethiopia. Methodology: A small-scale qualitative approach was used. Purposive sampling was employed to get mothers with under-five children in all kebeles. Semi-structured discussion guide was used for focus group discussions which was conducted in Afaan Oromo (local language of the study area). Open code computer program was used for the analysis of the data. The data was coded; categorized and appropriate themes were developed. The data was summarized and presented along the main themes.
Explorer Efficient Probabilistically Checkable Debates

Probabilistically checkable debate systems (PCDSs) are debates between two competing provers, in which a polynomial-time verifier inspects a constant number of bits of the debate. It was shown by Condon, Feigenbaum, Lund, and Shor that every language in PSPACE has a PCDS in which the debate length is polynomially bounded. Using this result, they showed that the approximation versions of some natural PSPACE-complete problems are also PSPACE-complete. We give an improved construction of these debates: for any language L that has an ordinary debate system definable by uniform circuits of size s = s(n), we give a PCDS for L whose debate is of total bitlength Õ(s), with a verifier that uses only log2 s + log2(polylog(s)) bits of randomness. This yields a much tighter connection between the time complexity of natural PSPACE-complete problems and the time complexity of their approximation versions. Our key ingredient is a novel application of error-resilient communication protocols, as developed by Schulman; we use the more recent protocol of Braverman and Rao. We show that by requiring ordinary debates to be encoded in an error-resilient fashion, we can endow them with a useful “stability” property. Stable debates can then be transformed into PCDSs, by applying efficient PCPPs (as given by Dinur). Our main technical challenge in building stable debates is to enforce error-resilient encoding by the debaters. To achieve this, we show that there is a constant-round debate system, with a very efficient verifier, to debate whether a communication transcript follows the Braverman-Rao protocol.
Uncertainty Shocks and Entrepreneurship

Aggregate startup rates are strongly and negatively correlated with economic policy uncertainty, while exit rates are only very weakly and positively correlated with uncertainty. This observation can be reconciled within a model of endogenous entrepreneurial choice, where entrepreneurial capital is illiquid and thus partially irreversible. Heightened uncertainty leads to a delay in entry due to a real options effect, but simultaneously raises exit propensities for poorly performing entrepreneurs and lowers exit propensities for others. At the aggregate level, this interaction of lowered entry propensities and slightly higher exit propensities depresses the size of the entrepreneurial sector while increasing aggregate labor supply for many years. This in turn leads to recessions that are deeper and more prolonged relative to firm-dynamics models where the extensive margin of adjustment did not exist. The results suggests that business-cycle models that abstract from the extensive margin might substantially under-estimate the impact of uncertainty shocks. ∗Duke University. Email: eugene.tan@duke.edu. Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Andrea Lanteri, Craig Burnside, Cosmin Ilut, Matthias Kehrig, Kyle Jurado, and Pietro Peretto, as well as the rest of the macroeconomics group at Duke University for their helpful comments and feedback. Any errors are my own.
Actuator Saturation and Control Design for Buildings Structural Systems with Improved Uncertainty Description

The problem of robustly active vibration control for a class of earthquake-excited structural systems with time-delay and saturation in the control input channel and parameter uncertainties appearing in all the mass, damping and stiffness matrices is concerned in this paper. The objective of the designing controllers is to guarantee the robust stability of the closed-loop system and attenuate the disturbance from earthquake excitation. Firstly, by using the linear combination of some matrices to deal with the system's uncertainties, a new system uncertainties description, namely rank-1 uncertainty description, is presented. Then, by introducing a linear varying parameter, the input saturation model is described as a linear parameter varying model. Furthermore, based on parameter-dependent Lyapunov theory and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, the LMIs-based conditions for the closed-loop system to be stable are deduced. By solving those conditions, the controller, considering the actuator saturation, input delay and parameters uncertainties, is obtained. Finally, a three-storey linear building structure under earthquake excitation is considered and simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.