Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermoelectric properties of sintered clathrate compounds Sr8GaxGe46−x with various carrier concentrations

Polycrystalline samples of Sr8GaxGe46−x clathrates with varied nominal Ga contents were prepared by powder metallurgy to produce n-type samples with carrier concentration n of 1.8×1020–1.1×1021cm−3. Their thermoelectric properties were measured in the temperature range from 300to900K. Their Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity were found to be typical for a heavily doped semiconductor, and varied systematically with their carrier concentration. The maximum value of the figure-of-merit ZT was 0.62 at 800K for n=5.6×1020cm−3. Other following properties were also measured or estimated, and their relationships with the thermoelectric properties are discussed. The band gap of the samples was estimated to be 0.4–0.5eV; their effective mass was an almost constant value of 3.1me at room temperature, and this value decreases with increasing temperature; and their electron Hall mobilities were 8–13cm2V−1s−1 at room temperature, increasing slightly with decreasing carrier concentration.
Studying the professional identity of pre‑service teachers of primary education in CLIL: Design and validation of a questionnaire

Within the bilingual education context, the role of professional identity, widely studied across several areas of educational research, is scarcely explored in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). According to the literature, few studies address the analysis of the pre‑service teachers’ professional identity in CLIL. Understanding the role of professional identity is vital for teachers’ professional development and even to adapt training programmes for CLIL teacher education. Thus, this study presents the design of a question‑ naire aiming at analysing the professional identity of pre‑service teachers in CLIL. The questionnaire was validated through a panel of experts and applied to 73 pre‑service language teachers of primary education. Results demonstrated a valid and reliable instrument. Differences in tests administered to participants were statistically significant. Hence, the designed instrument serves as a starting point to evaluate the pre‑service teachers’ professional identity
COMPUTATION OF A TWISTED CHARACTER OF A SMALL REPRESENTATION OF GL(3,E)

Let E/F be a quadratic extension of p-adic fields, p ≠ 2. Let $x \mapsto \overline{x}$ be the involution of E over F. The representation π of GL(3, E) normalizedly induced from the trivial representation of the maximal parabolic subgroup is invariant under the involution $\sigma(g) = J{}^t\overline{g}^{-1}J$. We compute — by purely local means — the σ-twisted character $\chi_\pi^\sigma$ of π. We show that it is σ-unstable, namely its value at one σ-regular-elliptic conjugacy class within a stable such class is equal to negative its value at the other such conjugacy class within the stable class, or zero when the σ-regular-elliptic stable conjugacy class consists of a single such conjugacy class. Further, we relate this twisted character to the twisted endoscopic lifting from the trivial representation of the "unstable" twisted endoscopic group U(2, E/F) of GL(3, E). In particular π is σ-elliptic, that is, $\chi_\pi^\sigma$ is not identically zero on the σ-elliptic set.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Uncertain Times: Insights from the Italian Actors’ Response to the COVID-19 Crisis

This paper investigates the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) experiences of performing arts professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. The research is aimed at examining actors’ approaches and challenges to inform current and future CPD strategies, better suited to address the uncertainties of the social and economic juncture. The following four main themes are elicited by the research: the renewed need for self-directedness in CPD, the struggle to overcome the decrease in CPD opportunities in the workplace environment, the intensification of the use of social media for CPD purposes, and the role of CPD in the diversification of competencies. The investigation shows that CPD is still a relatively underdeveloped subject in the performing arts sector and that the attitudes towards, environments of, platforms for and focus on CPD will benefit from a critical re-evaluation in the postdigital context. Implications of these results for practitioners, policymakers, and public and private organisations are discussed.
On the baryon content of the Universe

It is often stated that there are insufficient baryons in galaxies and clusters to satisfy the constraints imposed by primordial nucleosynthesis. Here a recent analysis of the baryon content of the Universe by Persic & Salucci is reconsidered, with the aim of estimating the uncertainties induced in the results by uncertainties in the galaxy population parameters used. The estimates of Ω b turn out to be dependent upon poorly constrained input parameters, in particular the luminosity-function slope parameter, α, and the mass-to-light ratio index, η. It is found that with different, but allowed, choices of input parameters − which admit of large numbers of low-luminosity galaxies − a value of the baryon density consistent with standard primordial nucleosynthesis (0.040≤Ω b h 50 2 ≤0.064) can be recovered
Fault diagnosis of bearings based on a sensitive feature decoupling technique

Bearings are commonly used in machine industry, and their faults may result in unexpected vibration and even cause breakdown of a whole rotating machine. This paper proposes a novel fault diagnosis approach for bearings by using a sensitive feature decoupling technique. This approach does not require a training procedure as in machine learning methods and can classify the occurred faults by a simple algebraic computation. Firstly, the features of vibration signals which show the most significant difference under different bearing health conditions are selected and defined as sensitive features. Then those sensitive features under different health conditions are used to construct a feature matrix, and its left null space is computed to obtain the so-called feature decoupling vectors. The bearing faults are finally classified with the help of the decoupling vectors according to a simple decision logic. Since the obtained decoupling vectors may not be unique, we also propose an algorithm to select the optimal ones in order to improve the performance of fault diagnosis. Experiments are carried out to test the proposed approach and the results show that the approach is feasible and effective for the fault diagnosis of bearings.
Evolutionary properties of stellar standard candles: Red clump, AGB clump and white dwarfs

Abstract The location of the white dwarf cooling sequence in the colour–magnitude diagram of simple stellar populations, the magnitude of the red clump and the magnitude of the asymptotic giant branch clump are three stellar distance indicators based on advanced evolutionary phases of low-mass stars. With the present observational capabilities, they can be applied to reach distances ranging from the Galactic disk and halo populations, to galaxies within the Local Group. Techniques devised to exploit these distance indicators are presented, together with a discussion of their calibration and the main sources of systematic errors. A first semi-empirical calibration of the asymptotic giant branch absolute magnitude in both the I and K bands is also derived.
THE EXISTENCE OF COMPLETE MINIMIZING HYPERSURFACES IN HYPERBOLIC MANIFOLDS

We study the existence of complete minimizing hypersurfaces in Riemannian manifolds $(H^n, \tilde{g})$ which are Lipschitz equivalent to hyperbolic n-space (Hn, g). For a rather general class of subsets L of the ideal boundary of Hn, including closed topological submanifolds as well as Cantor-like sets, we prove existence of a minimizing hypersurface asymptotic to L. The crucial ingredient of the proof is an a priori bound for the distance of quasi-minimizing hypersurfaces in (Hn, g) to the convex hull of their boundary. Further, we show non-existence of complete minimizing hypersurfaces in $(H^n, \tilde{g})$ for certain limit sets L, provided $\tilde{g}$ is Lipschitz close to g. The obtained results are partially new also for $\tilde{g} = g$.
A Cluster-Based Outlier Detection Scheme for Multivariate Data

Detection power of the squared Mahalanobis distance statistic is significantly reduced when several outliers exist within a multivariate dataset of interest. To overcome this masking effect, we propose a computer-intensive cluster-based approach that incorporates a reweighted version of Rousseeuw’s minimum covariance determinant method with a multi-step cluster-based algorithm that initially filters out potential masking points. Compared to the most robust procedures, simulation studies show that our new method is better for outlier detection. Additional real data comparisons are given. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
ITER transient consequences for material damage: modelling versus experiments

Carbon-fibre composite (CFC) and tungsten macrobrush armours are foreseen as PFC for the ITER divertor. In ITER the main mechanisms of metallic armour damage remain surface melting and melt motion erosion. In the case of CFC armour, due to rather different heat conductivities of CFC fibres a noticeable erosion of the PAN bundles may occur at rather small heat loads. Experiments carried out in the plasma gun facilities QSPA-T for the ITER like edge localized mode (ELM) heat load also demonstrated significant erosion of the frontal and lateral brush edges. Numerical simulations of the CFC and tungsten (W) macrobrush target damage accounting for the heat loads at the face and lateral brush edges were carried out for QSPA-T conditions using the three-dimensional (3D) code PHEMOBRID. The modelling results of CFC damage are in a good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experiments. Estimation of the droplet splashing caused by the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability was performed.
Green's functions for semi‐infinite transversely isotropic thermoelastic materials

We use the compact mono‐harmonic general solutions of transversely isotropic thermoelastic materials to construct the three‐dimensional Green's function of a steady point heat source in a semi‐infinite transversely isotropic thermoelastic material by three newly introduced mono‐harmonic functions. All components of coupled field are expressed in terms of elementary functions and are convenient to use. Numerical results for hexagonal zinc are given graphically by contours.
Epimorphisms and Dominions. IV

According to Grothendieck’s definition, which is by now standard in part of the literature, an epimorphism is a map f: A → B such that for any maps g: B → C, h: B → C, if g ≠ h, then gf ≠ hf. In groups, for example, epimorphisms are onto, but in rings, for example, they are not.
The Role of Self-Construal in Group-Buying Propensities of Chinese and Canadian Generation Z

Today, the use of group-buying platforms is expanding and diversifying, affecting both consumers and businesses. This paper seeks to contribute to the discussion of these platforms' global market segmentation by providing a cross-cultural understanding of the correlations between self-construal level, group-purchasing behaviour, and underlying group-purchase incentives predicted by self-construal theories among Generation Z. Data were collected from current Chinese and Canadian undergraduates at McGill University. The results reveal different relationships between self-construal, group-buying incentives, and group-buying propensity in both participant groups. For group purchases with friends (Study 1), the level of interdependent self-construal is associated with an increased likelihood for Chinese participants to share their purchase list. Nonetheless, in both participant groups, self-construal level is not associated with a propensity to accept purchase invitations from friends, while conversely, the intention to strengthen friendship bonds is a reason for accepting such invitations. For group purchases with strangers (Study 2), the level of interdependent self-construal positively correlates with both participant groups’ pursuit of group savings. Lower levels of self-construal also increase the level of pursuit of popular items among the Chinese participants. The findings shed light on the mentalities behind group-buying propensities in Generation Z, and they reinforce the need for culturally tailored managerial approaches for group-buying platforms.
Nematic order and phase transition dynamics under intense electric fields

Electrically induced order variations, occurring in the microseconds timescale, in nematic liquid crystals are framed within the Landau-de Gennes Q -tensor theory. We provide a numerical model implemented with a moving mesh finite element method and describe the order dynamics in a symmetric π-cell subjected to very strong electric fields. Our simulations put in evidence bulk order reconstruction delocalisation and transient order lowering phenomena induced by intense applied electric fields, as well as first and second order characteristics of the splay – bend transition.
Effect of residual kidney function and dialysis adequacy on chronic pruritus in dialysis patients

ABSTRACT Background Chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is common in dialysis patients, and is associated with lower quality of life and increased risk of death. We investigated the association between residual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), dialysis adequacy or serum phosphate level and CKD-aP in incident dialysis patients. Methods A total of 1256 incident hemodialysis (HD) and 670 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients (>18 years) from the Netherlands Cooperative Study on the Adequacy of Dialysis (NECOSAD) study were included (1997–2007) and followed until death, transplantation or a maximum of 10 years. CKD-aP was measured using a single item of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument-36. The associations were studied by logistic and linear regression analyses, adjusted for potential baseline confounders. Results At baseline mean (standard deviation) age was 60 (16) years, 62% were men and median (interquartile range) residual eGFR was 3.4 (1.7; 5.3) mL/min/1.73 m2. The prevalence of CKD-aP (∼70%) was similar in HD and PD. It was observed that 12 months after starting dialysis (after multivariable adjustment) each 1 mL/min/1.73 m2 higher residual eGFR, one unit higher total weekly Kt/V, or 1 mmol/L lower serum phosphate level was associated with lower burden of CKD-aP in HD and PD patients of –0.05 (95% CI –0.09; –0.02) and –0.09 (95% CI –0.13; –0.05), –0.15 (95% CI –0.26; –0.05) and –0.35 (95% CI –0.54; –0.16), and of –0.34 (95%CI: –0.51; –0.17) and –0.45 (95%CI: –0.71; –0.19), respectively. We found no association between dialysis Kt/V and CKD-aP. Conclusions Higher residual eGFR and lower serum phosphate level, but not the dialysis dose, were related with lower burden of CKD-aP in dialysis patients.
Mitigation of Cellular and Bacterial Adhesion on Laser Modified Poly (2-Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine)/Polydimethylsiloxane Surface

Nowadays, using polymers with specific characteristics to coat the surface of a device to prevent undesired biological responses can represent an optimal strategy for developing new and more efficient implants for biomedical applications. Among them, zwitterionic phosphorylcholine-based polymers are of interest due to their properties to resist cell and bacterial adhesion. In this work, the Matrix-Assisted Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique was investigated as a new approach for functionalising Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces with zwitterionic poly(2-Methacryloyloxyethyl-Phosphorylcholine) (pMPC) polymer. Evaluation of the physical–chemical properties of the new coatings revealed that the technique proposed has the advantage of achieving uniform and homogeneous stable moderate hydrophilic pMPC thin layers onto hydrophobic PDMS without any pre-treatment, therefore avoiding the major disadvantage of hydrophobicity recovery. The capacity of modified PDMS surfaces to reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation was tested for Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli). Cell adhesion, proliferation and morphology of human THP-1 differentiated macrophages and human normal CCD-1070Sk fibroblasts on the different surfaces were also assessed. Biological in vitro investigation revealed a significantly reduced adherence on PDMS–pMPC of both E. coli (from 29 × 10 6 to 3 × 102 CFU/mL) and S. aureus (from 29 × 106 to 3 × 102 CFU/mL) bacterial strains. Additionally, coated surfaces induced a significant inhibition of biofilm formation, an effect observed mainly for E. coli. Moreover, the pMPC coatings improved the capacity of PDMS to reduce the adhesion and proliferation of human macrophages by 50% and of human fibroblast by 40% compared to unmodified scaffold, circumventing undesired cell responses such as inflammation and fibrosis. All these highlighted the potential for the new PDMS–pMPC interfaces obtained by MAPLE to be used in the biomedical field to design new PDMS-based implants exhibiting long-term hydrophilic profile stability and better mitigating foreign body response and microbial infection.
Implications of habitat overlap between giant panda and sambar for sympatric multi-species conservation

ABSTRACT Context. Studies of distribution and habitat utilisation of sympatric animals, especially those experiencing population increases, are useful for understanding their specialised habitat niches and interspecies relationships, in addition to developing effective protection strategies. Aims. As a species that lives within the range of the giant panda, the sambar population has been increasing in the past few decades in Southwest China. In this paper, we aimed to analyse the overlap in habitat area and habitat suitability between giant panda and sambar in Wolong National Nature Reserve to examine potential sympatric species competition in the context of wildlife conservation. Methods. We ran MaxEnt models based on giant panda occurrence sign locations (n = 316) and sambar presence locations (n = 598). In addition, we predicted the core and secondary habitat for the two species to assess the degree of competition across a gradient of habitat conditions. Key results. Our analysis detected significant habitat overlap between the two species – up to 75.96% in their potential habitat, with suitability overlap indices reaching 0.74. Conclusions. These results indicate that the similarity of habitat requirements of the two species is high in our study area. In addition, the competition over space utilisation between the two species’ populations could intensify in the future as the sambar population increases. Implications. Our results suggest that habitat restoration and corridor construction could be recommended as conservation strategies for future wildlife conservation in China’s Giant Panda National Park. Moreover, future wildlife conservation should pay greater attention to the niche overlap and interspecific competition among sympatric species. We suggest strengthening habitat restoration and corridors for all key species in the region, not just giant pandas, to alleviate the increased competition associated with niche overlap among sympatric species.
Fast Magnetohydrodynamic Oscillations in Coronal Loops with Heating Profiles

In this paper we study how the normal fast modes of a coronal loop are modified by the addition of density structure along the loop axis. Using isobaric and thermal equilibria with different heating functions, a density profile for a loop is derived, and then its oscillatory modes are studied with techniques similar to those in our previous works. The main result is that the frequency and spatial structure of the trapped modes are very sensitive to density variations inside the loop, especially at the apex, where the density depends strongly on the footpoint density and the ratio of heating to thermal conduction. Moreover, different tested heating profiles do not introduce important differences with respect to the case of uniform heating along the loop.
Advanced Strategy of Trophoblasts Retrieval and Isolation from the Cervix (TRIC): Comparison of Two HLA-G Antibodies for Immunomagnetic Isolation of Trophoblasts

Trophoblasts retrieval and isolation from the cervix (TRIC) is a non-invasive method which enables analysis of fetal genetic information from the extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the HLA-G antibodies—G233 and 4H84—in isolating EVT cells and provide an optimized protocol of TRIC. We analyzed EVTs from 23 pregnant women in between 5 to 20 weeks of gestation who underwent invasive prenatal testing. Two HLA-G antibodies—G233 and 4H84—were used in a subgroup of 11 and 12 samples for immunomagnetic isolation. Cells with β-hCG expression were counted to compare the rate of isolated trophoblast cells. The rate of β-hCG positive cells was significantly different between the G233 and the 4H84 by immunefluorescence microscopy (p < 0.001). The percentage of β-hCG expressing cells in G233 and 4H84 groups were 62.4 ± 8.24% and 82.6 ± 7.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). The average fetal cell positive rate was 14.1 ± 3.78 in the G233 group while it was 25.8 ± 3.9 in the 4H84 group by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (p = 0.011). Immunoisolation of trophoblast cells using 4H84 HLA-G antibody was more efficient in capturing EVT cells than using G233 for successful clinical application of TRIC.
A STATE‐SPACE APPROACH TO QUANTIZATION COARSENESS FOR QUADRATIC STABILIZATION OF SINGLE‐INPUT SYSTEMS

The input‐space‐based concept of quantization density recently introduced in the literature for single‐input systems can be regarded as a measure of the amount of information that a static feedback law employs. Here, we introduce a concept of quantizer coarseness for static quantizers from a purely state‐space standpoint, by means of explicit geometric considerations. We then analyze the links between this concept and the input‐space‐based quantization density. We thus provide an alternative state‐space‐based interpretation of coarse quantizers. We show how to directly apply the state‐space‐based concept of quantizer coarseness to design static output feedback strategies that employ quantizers of infimum density and to recover a well‐known result when a specific type of state quantizers is considered.