Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface Azimuthal Anchoring Energy between the Grating Surface and Nematic Liquid Crystal Layer Studied by Finite Element Method

It has been pointed out that Berreman's topological alignment model is applicable to a fairly shallow grating surface, but not for gratings with deep groove profiles. The reason for Berreman's model breakdown was presumed to be the absence of a second derivative in the algebra of elastic theory. In this paper, the saturation tendency of surface azimuthal anchoring energy as a function of the grating height as decribed by numerical simulation on the basis of finite element method (FEM). A good agreement between FEM and experimental results was also demonstrated.
Stomatal and epidermal characteristics of Zingiberaceae in Serang District, Banten, Indonesia

Abstract. Windarsih G, Riastiwi I, Dewi AP. Yuriyah S. 2022. Stomatal and epidermal characteristics of Zingiberaceae in Serang District, Banten, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 5373-5386. The stomatal and epidermal characteristics can be used as additional evidence in plant taxonomy activity. The aim of the study was to identify the stomatal and epidermal characteristics of Zingiberaceae in Serang District, Banten, Indonesia. The samples used were 11 species of Zingiberaceae in Serang District region. The stomatal and epidermal collection was carried out using the replica technique. Based on the results, all species has brachyparatetracytic type of stomata, on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaf. The densities of stomata of all species observed on abaxial were higher than adaxial surface of the leaf. The stomatal density on adaxial surface of leaf between 1.71-4.43 stomata per unit leaf area of 171,602 µm2, while on abaxial 10.46-42.22 stomata per unit leaf area. The stomatal index on adaxial surface is between 1.34-6.97%, while on abaxial 7.54-30.25%. The length of guard cells on adaxial surface is between 30.30-47.85 µm, while on abaxial 29.86-50.68 µm. The width of guard cells on adaxial surface between 18.67-31.73 µm, while on abaxial 19.97-31.95 µm. The adaxial epidermal cells have a column, polygonal, or rectangular shapes, while the abaxial has poligonal or rectangular-shaped epidermal cells. The epidermal cells that are over leaf veins have polygonal or rectangular-shaped cells.
A study of the Type II-P supernova 2003gd in M74

We present photometric and spectroscopic data of the Type II-P supernova (SN II-P) 2003gd, which was discovered in M74 close to the end of its plateau phase. SN 2003gd is the first Type II supernova ( SN) to have a directly confirmed red supergiant ( RSG) progenitor. We compare SN 2003gd to SN 1999 em, a similar SN II-P, and estimate an explosion date of 2003 March 18. We determine a reddening towards the SN of E(B-V) = 0.14 +/- 0.06, using three different methods. We also calculate three new distances to M74 of 9.6 +/- 2.8, 7.7 +/- 1.7 and 9.6 +/- 2.2 Mpc. The former was estimated using the standard candle method (SCM), for Type II supernovae (SNe II), and the latter two using the brightest supergiants method (BSM). When combined with existing kinematic and BSM distance estimates, we derive a mean value of 9.3 +/- 1.8 Mpc. SN 2003gd was found to have a lower tail luminosity compared with other normal Type II-P supernovae ( SNe II-P) bringing into question the nature of this SN. We present a discussion concluding that this is a normal SN II-P, which is consistent with the observed progenitor mass of 8(-2)(+4) M-circle dot.
Techno-economic evaluation of recharge structure as localized drainage option for sustainable crop production in sodic agro-ecosystems

The low infiltration capacity of sodic soils and alkaline irrigation water are the main limiting factors in sustaining crop production under salt affected agro-ecosystems. The extreme rains aggravate the chances of crop failure further, due to water stagnation for prolonged period under sodic lands. Frequency of such extreme rainfall events is likely to increase in near future due to changing climatic scenario. ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, designed, developed and installed the cavity type individual farmers' based recharge structure at four locations in low lying areas of adopted villages (under Farmer FIRST Project) of Kaithal district for evaluating their effectiveness in facilitating the localized drainage option and sustainable crop production. The study results indicated that the installed structures were quite effective in saving the submerged crops particularly during the periods of intense rain in addition to augmenting groundwater and improving its quality. The groundwater table rose to an extent of 2-3 m beneath the structure during monsoon month (July 2017) compared to summer month of April 2017. The improvement in groundwater quality was also observed in surrounding areas as a consequence of reduction in RSC by 2-3 meq/l compared to the values at the time of installation of the structure. A heavy rainfall (~150 mm) resulted in 35-40% crop damage in open-fields which was reduced down to 5-15% due to provision of recharge structure, significantly decreasing the additional cost towards re-transplanting and compensated the yield loss. Benefit-cost ratio of 1.93 and internal rate of return of 145% indicated economic feasibility of the investment on recharge structure. The results revealed that installation of recharge structure was quite advantageous in providing the localized drainage option in low lying and land locked areas where runoff gets accumulated and adversely affected the crop production.
Improving Empathy of Occupational Therapy Students Through Reading Literary Narratives

Abstract This study explored the impact of teaching empathy to occupational therapy students through the close reading of literary narratives. The study defined empathy as a dynamic process involving Theory of Mind (ToM), emotional resonance, and empathy as a willful act. Empathy is an espoused value of occupational therapy challenged by the modern demands of the market-driven health care system, and research suggests reading literary narratives, or stories with qualities of literature, facilitates greater empathy. Prior studies have also indicated that practicing with greater empathy improves health outcomes and makes occupational therapy sessions more client centered. In this study, a quasi-experimental design was used on occupational therapy students (n = 31) in a graduate level rehabilitation course that involved the close reading, or critical reflection, of literary narratives to teach empathy. Close reading is a teaching process through which students critically read and reflect on literary narratives through instructor-guided reflection. Study findings on the pre and post-test surveys of students found a statistically significant improvement in scores (p < .05) on the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE). No differences were found between pre and post-test surveys of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). The JSE measures empathic awareness, while the RMET measures aspects of empathic performance. Study limitations included mid-course changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential impact of social desirability on perceptions of empathy. Study findings suggest the close reading of literary narratives may be an effective learning tool to teach empathic-centered care to occupational therapy students.
Predictors of National Physical Therapy Examination Failure in Graduates of a Blended Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Introduction: Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a necessary step in progressing into a professional career. The purpose of this study was to identify student factors that predicted failure on the first attempt of the NPTE in graduates of a blended Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Review of Literature: Student factors that may affect NPTE outcomes have been studied in traditional physical therapist education programs but have not been studied in blended programs. Blended instruction is a delivery format that combines distance asynchronous learning and face-to-face synchronous learning in a complementary way. Subjects: Two hundred ten graduates from 6 consecutive cohorts of a DPT program taught in a blended format. Methods. Retrospective observational cohort design. Demographic, preadmission, and in-program academic data and NPTE pass/fail status were collected. Variables were analyzed with forward stepwise logistic regression for their ability to predict first-time NPTE failure. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to determine cut points of predictive variables. Results. Two regression analyses were conducted. First, an analysis of all variables identified 3 significant predictors: comprehensive examination score, cumulative third-year grade point average, and Graduate Record Examination Verbal Reasoning (GRE-V) score, which explained 43.2% of the variance. The second analysis excluded variables occurring late in matriculation to identify early occurring predictors. This yielded 2 early predictive variables, GRE-V score and academic difficulty, which explained 29.5% of the variance. Discussion and Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first study of predictors of NPTE outcomes in blended DPT program graduates. Like previous studies, a mix of preadmission and in-program factors predicted first-time NPTE failure. These findings may help inform admissions policies, academic advising processes, and academic warning policies in blended programs. Future research is needed to explore factors unique to blended educational settings and the qualities of the students they attract.
Financial friction, rare disaster, and recovery policy

The paper introduces financial intermediation into the New Keynesian model with rare disasters, analyzes the impacts of rare disaster shock on the macro economy, and compares the effects of different economic recovery policies. Based on the numerical analysis, this study finds that: (1) rare disaster risk shock retains a negative relationship with consumption levels, and banks increase their leverage ratios to cause risk accumulation; (2) refinance policy and consumer coupon policy can alleviate economic fluctuations caused by disaster risks from various channels; (3) the consumer coupon policy is conducive to reducing the average social welfare loss caused by disaster risks. It is believed that the establishment of a sustainable economic stimulus mechanism to fundamentally reduce the impact of catastrophic events on the macro economy and achieve economic recovery in a short period are essential issues that should be urgently addressed by countries.
Beyond Employment Rates: Summary of Findings and Conclusions From the Series

With the studies presented in the Beyond Employment Rates series that was featured in every issue of the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) this year, my colleagues and I investigated labor force statistics that are not typically considered for people with visual impairments to evaluate the overall status of employment for this population. In addition to comparing these statistics to those for people without visual impairments, we evaluated employment differences for men and women with visual impairments. In this conclusion to the series, I provide a summary of key findings from each study and overarching conclusions from the nexus of the studies:
Ferroptosis—A New Dawn in the Treatment of Organ Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) is a common pathological phenomenon that occurs in numerous organs and diseases. It generally results from secondary damage caused by the recovery of blood flow and reoxygenation, followed by ischemia of organ tissues, which is often accompanied by severe cellular damage and death. Currently, effective treatments for I/R injury (IRI) are limited. Ferroptosis, a new type of regulated cell death (RCD), is characterized by iron overload and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Mounting evidence has indicated a close relationship between ferroptosis and IRI. Ferroptosis plays a significantly detrimental role in the progression of IRI, and targeting ferroptosis may be a promising approach for treatment of IRI. Considering the substantial progress made in the study of ferroptosis in IRI, in this review, we summarize the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic targets of ferroptosis in IRI.
Signature tracing of PCBs congeners in breastmilk of mothers living in selected urban centers of Pakistan

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are banned toxic contaminants according to the Stockholm Convention of persistent pollutants (2001); however, they continue to be prevalent in the environment of Pakistan. The current study evaluates the risk to infants exposed to PCBs in breast milk from urban centers of Pakistan. The ∑14PCB concentrations ranged from ND to 118.36 ng/g lipid weight (l.w.) with a mean of 11.76. ± 4.88 ng/g l.w. These levels are greater than concentrations previously reported from Asia. The quantified PCB profile was also significantly (p < .05) related to the age of the mother while a negative correlation was observed with diet pattern (−0.26), fat content (−0.63), number of children (−0.185), and lactation (−0.19). There were significant differences among test locations with greater bioaccumulation observed in breast milk collected from urbanized Rawalpindi compared to less urbanized Jhang. The calculated estimated daily intakes of dioxin-like PCBs for infants were considerably higher than the recommended daily intake suggested by different organizations. The calculated hazard ratio (HR > 1) indicates health risks to infants in selected study regions.
A novel 1D non-periodic photonic band-gap structure

In this paper, the development and filter characteristic of photonic band-gap (PBG) structure and defected ground structure (DGS) are analyzed. The non-periodic structure has simpler structure, smaller size and smaller ripple compared to the periodic structure. Though the stop band of non-periodic structure is narrower, it can meet the application. What's more, C-shaped structure with two stop bands can realize selection in special frequency band. So it can meet the need of two stop bands.
Mean and Turbulence Characteristics of a Class of Three-Dimensional Wall Jets—Part 1: Mean Flow Characteristics

This paper reports experimental investigations on mean and turbulence characteristics of three-dimensional, incompressible, isothermal turbulent wall jets generated from orifices having the shapes of various segments of a circle. In Part 1, the mean flow characteristics are presented. The turbulence characteristics are presented in Part 2. The influence of the geometry on the characteristic decay region of the wall jet is brought out and the differences with other shapes are discussed. Mean velocity profiles both in the longitudinal and lateral planes are measured and compared with some of the theoretical profiles. Wall jet expansion rates and behavior of skin-friction are discussed. The influence of the geometry of the orifice on the various wall jet properties is presented and discussed. Particularly the differences between this class of geometry and rectangular geometries are critically discussed.
Lessons from BaBar and Belle measurements of D-Dbar mixing parameters

The BaBar and Belle experiments have recently presented evidence for D-Dbar mixing. We explain the following points: (i) The measurements imply width difference $y \sim 0.01$. In the limit of small CP violation, the CP-odd state is longer-lived; (ii) $y\sim0.01$ is consistent with the Standard Model. It suggests that SU(3) breaking from phase space effects is likely to play a major role; (iii) There is no evidence for either large mass splitting or CP violation. Consequently, there is no hint for new physics; (iv) The stronger bounds on the mass splitting and on CP violation imply that, if squarks are observed at the LHC, it is unlikely that they will be non-degenerate.
Competing antiferroelectric and ferroelectric interactions in Na Nb O 3 : Neutron diffraction and theoretical studies

Neutron diffraction studies using powder samples have been used to understand the complex sequence of low temperature phase transitions of NaNbO{sub 3} in the temperature range from 12 to 350 K. Detailed Rietveld analysis of the diffraction data reveals that the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transition occurs on cooling around 73 K, while the reverse ferroelectric to antiferroelectric transition occurs on heating at 245 K. However, the former transformation is not complete until it reaches 12 K and there is unambiguous evidence for the presence of the ferroelectric R3c phase coexisting with an antiferroelectic phase (Pbcm) over a wide range of temperatures. The coexisting phases and reported anomalous smearing of the dielectric response akin to dipole glasses and relaxors observed in the same temperature range are consistent with competing ferroelectric and antiferroelectric interactions in NaNbO{sub 3}. We have carried out theoretical lattice dynamical calculations which reveal that the free energies of the antiferroelectric Pbcm and ferroelectric R3c phases are nearly identical over a wide range of temperature. The small energy difference between the two phases is of interest as it explains the observed coexistence of these phases over a wide range of temperature. The computed double well depths and energymore » barriers from paraelectric Pm3m to antiferroelectric Pbcm and ferroelectric R3c phases in NaNbO{sub 3} are also quite similar, although the ferroelectric R3c phase has a slightly lower energy. « less
Photolysis by UVA–Visible Light of TNT in Ethanolic, Aqueous-Ethanolic, and Aqueous Solutions According to Electrospray and Aerodynamic Thermal Breakup Droplet Ionization Mass Spectrometry

The mechanism of photolytic degradation of 2-4-6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) by UVA–visible light (>320 nm) in ethanolic, aqueous-ethanolic, and aqueous solutions was investigated by electrospray and aerodynamic thermal breakup droplet ionization mass-spectrometric analyses. For the photolysis, a DRK-120 mercury-quartz lamp was used. Products of the photolysis reaction were compared with known products of TNT transformation in the environment. Because the photochemistry of some compounds in alcohols (in contrast to aqueous solutions) features a transfer of electrons from the solvent to the light-excited compound, we believe that the efficiency of photolysis (polymerization) of TNT in ethanol and aqueous-ethanolic solutions is based on this mechanism.
Few-cycle pulse propagation

We present a comprehensive framework for treating the nonlinear interaction of few-cycle pulses using an envelope description that goes beyond the traditional slowly varying envelope approximation method. This is applied to a range of simulations that demonstrate how the effect of a {chi}{sup (2)} nonlinearity differs between the many-cycle and few-cycle cases. Our approach, which includes diffraction, dispersion, multiple fields, and a wide range of nonlinearities, builds upon the work of Brabec and Krausz [T. Brabec and F. Krausz, Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 3282 (1997)] and Porras [M. A. Porras, Phys. Rev. A 60, 5069 (1999)]. No approximations are made until the final stage when a particular problem is considered.
Cloud Computing-Based Virtual Learning Environments: Factors That Build Trust and Satisfaction Leading to Acceptance

Cloud computing-based virtual learning environments (CVLE) can help students with rural backgrounds improve their academic skill set. However, the teachers and students are not satisfied with this pedagogical model. This study empirically examines whether CVLE-related performance attributes, characteristics, and administrative factors can help students with a rural background build internal feelings of trust in CVLE and satisfaction with its use to manage knowledge. As a result, they will intend to use CVLE to become academically competitive. We employed a mixed-method research approach, collected data from 449 university students with a rural background in Hefei, China, and performed analyses using Smart-PLS. We employed the stimulus–organism–response theory. We considered and empirically confirmed that CVLE-related performance attributes (perceived ease of use and usefulness), characteristics (interactivity, omnipresence), and administrative factors (university support) are stimuli to build an organism (trust, satisfaction). This organism will, in response, results in students’ intention to use CVLE. We also examined the mediating role of trust and satisfaction between stimulus and response factors and found a significant mediation between 11 out of 14 mediating associations. This study has theoretical implications for researchers and practical implications for policymakers, government educational authorities, the administration of higher education institutes, and cloud computing service providers.
Gravitational Lensing Magnification and Time Delay Statistics for Distant Supernovae

Strong gravitational lensing of distant supernovae (SNe), particularly Type Ia SNe, has some exploitable properties not available when other sorts of cosmologically distant sources are lensed. One such property is that the "standard candle" nature of SNe at peak brightness allows a direct determination of the lensing magnification factor for each well-observed image. Another is that the duration of an SN event is of the same order as the differential time delays between the various lens images for roughly galaxy mass lensing objects. A relatively precise constraint on each image's magnification leads to better constraints on the lens mass model than are available in more familiar lens systems, and the comparable timescales of the photometric event and the time delay invite a variety of applications, including high-precision measurements of the delay and the targeting of especially interesting phases of the explosion (including its very early stages) for intensive observation when they appear in trailing images. As an initial exploration of these possibilities we present calculations of SN lensing statistics in a "concordance cosmology" assuming a simple spherical model for lens mass distributions. We emphasize magnification and time delay effects. Plausible SN surveys, such as the proposed SNAP space mission, would discover several to some tens of strongly lensed SNe Ia per year, and at least a few of these will be at redshifts well beyond those that would be accessible via unlensed events. The total number of such anomalously high redshift SNe Ia will be a useful test of high-redshift star formation models. SN surveys of finite duration will, of course, miss the appearance of some images, and the effect becomes large when the delay approaches the survey duration; we quantify this selection bias. Finally, we investigate how well the appearance of trailing images can be predicted based on various amounts of available information on the lensing event. Knowledge of the magnification factor for the leading (and brighter) image makes it possible to predict the appearance of a trailing image relatively accurately if the lens redshift is also known.