Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth and Characterization of Polycrystalline Indium Phosphide on Silicon

III-V thin film solar cells attract large interest among the scientific community as a highly efficient solar energy source. High cost of the III-V materials, however, is the fundamental limitation for using these materials as a household energy source. Integrating these materials on low cost and large area Si wafer both for photovoltaic and photonics application is a field of research that draw intense attention of the scientific community. The fundamental challenge to fabricate III-V materials directly on silicon wafers arises from the disparity in polarity, large lattice and thermal mismatch between the III-V semiconductors and Si.In this work, we introduce a method to synthesize polycrystalline InP directly on silicon wafer by using In2O3 or In as intermediate material. The crystal quality and conversion degree of the intermediate material and the final poly-InP were analyzed by Powder X-ray Diffraction. Depending on the type of the intermediate material and substrate orientation (Si (100) or Si (111)), the crystallite size was found to be varying from 739 to 887 nm. The surface morphology of poly-InP was studied by using Atomic Force Microscopy. The root mean square surface roughness of the InP thin film was found to be varying from 314 to 1944 nm. Structural and optical qualities of intrinsic and sulfur doped InP layers were compared at different growth conditions (growth time, growth temperature, PH 3 source flow), intermediate material type(In2O3 and In) and substrate type (Si (100) and Si (111)). Within the investigated experimental parameter range, the higher PH 3 source flow at longer growth time improved the structural quality of InP layer grown on In 2O3 coated on silicon substrate, which also result in good optical quality. Comparison of structural and optical qualities of InP grown from In and indium oxide precoated substrates show that the former gave better quality InP. These achievements will be helpful in the realization of the high efficiency III-V solar cell on silicon substrate as a low cost option.
Surface characterisation of fine inert gas and water atomised stainless steel 316L powders: Formation of thermodynamically unstable surface oxide phases

New insights are presented on the speciation of surface oxide phases on fine inert gas atomised (GA, <45 and <4 μm) and water atomised (WA, <45 μm) stainless steel AISI 316L powders. X-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were applied for the characterisation. Oxidised manganese was strongly enriched in the outermost surface oxide of the GA powders (13 and 47 wt-%), an effect increasing with reduced particle size. Manganese and sulphur were enriched in oxide nanoparticles on the surface. Oxidised silicon (59 wt-%) was enriched on the WA powder surface. Tri- or tetravalent manganese oxides were observed on the GA particles in addition to α-Fe2O3, and Cr2O3. The oxide of the WA powder revealed in addition the likely presence of a silicate rich phase, mainly consisting of tetravalent Si, di- and/or trivalent Fe, and hexavalent Cr, which was confirmed not present as chromate.
Stabilization control for humanoid robot to walk on inclined plane

In this paper, a novel stabilization control is proposed for humanoid robot to walk dynamically on an inclined plane. Online walking control is indispensable to obtain a stable dynamic walking, even if the walking pattern is provided based on a zero moment point and an angular momentum because modeling errors and external disturbances, which are not expected in the modeling stage, may exist in the actual condition. Considering these issues, this paper proposes a stabilization control, which consists of landing force controller, posture controller and walking pattern generator to walk on the inclined plane. The proposed control does not require a complex dynamic equation of robot and the adjustment of control parameters because it is based on time-domain passivity approach. Moreover, it can guarantee the stability of the controller without requiring any dynamic model information. The proposed control is verified through dynamic walking simulations using Webots simulator.
Determinants of the Perception of Rotational Motion : Orientation of the Motion to the Object and to the Environment

The results of two experiments suggest that strong constraints on the ability to imagine rotations extend to the perception of rotations. Participants viewed stereographic perspective views of rotating squares, regular polyhedra, and a variety of polyhedral generalized cones, and attempted to indicate the orientation of the axis and planes of rotation in terms of one of the 13 canonical directions in 3D space. When the axis and planes of a rotation were aligned with principal directions of the environment, participants could indicate the orientation of the motion well. When a rotation was oblique to the environment, the orientation of the object to the motion made a very large difference to performance. Participants were fast and accurate when the object was a generalized cone about the axis of rotation or was elongated along the axis. Variation of the amount of rotation and reflection symmetry of the object about the axis of rotation was not powerful.
The optical properties of tropospheric soot aggregates determined with the DDA (Discrete Dipole Approximation) method

Black carbon particles soon after emission interact with organic and inorganic matter. The primary goal of this work was to approximate the accuracy of the DDA method in determining the optical properties of such composites. For the light scattering simulations the ADDA code was selected and the superposition T-Matrix code by Mackowski was used as the reference algorithm. The first part of the study was to compare alternative models of a single primary particle. When only one material is considered the largest averaged relative extinction error is associated with black carbon (δCext ≈ 2.8%). However, for inorganic and organic matter it is lowered to δCext ≈ 0.75%. There is no significant difference between spheres and ellipsoids with the same volume, and therefore, both of them can be used interchangeably. The next step was to investigate aggregates composed of Np = 50 primary particles. When the coating is omitted, the averaged relative extinction error is δCext ≈ 2.6%. Otherwise, it can be lower than δCext < 0.2%.
Approximate counts and quantiles over sliding windows

We consider the problem of maintaining ε-approximate counts and quantiles over a stream sliding window using limited space. We consider two types of sliding windows depending on whether the number of elements N in the window is fixed (fixed-size sliding window) or variable (variable-size sliding window). In a fixed-size sliding window, both the ends of the window slide synchronously over the stream. In a variable-size sliding window, an adversary slides the window ends independently, and therefore has the ability to vary the number of elements N in the window.We present various deterministic and randomized algorithms for approximate counts and quantiles. All of our algorithms require O(1/ε polylog(1/ε, N)) space. For quantiles, this space requirement is an improvement over the previous best bound of O(1/ε2 polylog(1/ε, N)). We believe that no previous work on space-efficient approximate counts over sliding windows exists.
Evaluating the Optimal City in South China for New Medical Facilities: The Application Modified Porter’s Diamond Framework

This study presents the methods for modeling optimal city selection for new medical facilities in South China. This study has the objective of identifying the key criteria determining the relative advantages of different cities as a location for a new medical facility to help optimize the location of such facilities. The optimal city depends on various complex and interdependent criteria from the perspective of investors and managers. The weights of the multi-interrelationships criteria are assessed using the analytic network process (ANP) technique. Then, the values obtained for each city are determined using the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution utilizing the weights from ANP. Finally, Shenzhen was identified as the best city for a new facility.
Persuasion at the Museum Café : Initial Evaluation of a Tabletop Display Influencing Group Conversation

A café table is a traditional setting for conversation. Tabletop displays may have an active role in this connection. In particular for a museum scenario, conversation after the visit is important for a joint elaboration of a small group visit experience. We propose the museum café as the location to introduce a tabletop display meant to foster and support conversation about the visit. The goal of the system is to influence the development of the conversation by adopting persuasion techniques. We describe a system that monitors the conversation among the visitors and dynamically shows visual stimuli on the table surface. An initial formative evaluation is conducted through a series of qualitative user studies.
Investigation of the anti-migratory properties of GSK-3 inhibitors in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most malignant form of brain cancer. Due to its aggressive nature, extensive research has been performed, but little progress has been made in identifying effective treatment options. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a ubiquitous, multifaceted protein kinase. Previous studies have shown that small molecule inhibitors of GSK-3 block the migration of glioblastoma cells and may prevent spread of tumor in the brain. However, these studies were performed using non-selective GSK-3 inhibitors (LiCl and an indirubin derivative, BIO), thus it was unclear whether GSK-3 was the most important target. In this study, we used recently generated highly selective GSK-3 inhibitors (CHIR99021, AZD1080, and AZD2858, as well as BIO) to investigate these questions. These were applied to four glioblastoma cell lines: G30, G9, U251, and U1242, in three migration assays: transwell, spheroid, and wound healing (scratch) assay to further assess the suitability of GSK-3 as a target in glioblastoma. We also utilized the ATP Luciferase reporter assay for cell viability to assess the influence of our panel of drugs on cell migration versus viability. In addition, the TOPFlash Luciferase reporter assay was performed as an indicator of the level of GSK-3 inhibition. The TOPFlash assay showed that all GSK-3 inhibitors were able to increase luciferase levels. This indicates that GSK-3 was inhibited in our cells after drug treatment. The transwell assays showed us that the GSK-3 inhibitors were able to block
Digitalization of Local Owner operated Retail outlets: the Role of the perception of Competition and Customer Expectations

On the one hand, the increasing digitalization of commerce has put local owner operated retail outlets (LOOROs) under pressure to adapt their business models to the new technological and competitive environment as well as to the changing shopping habits of their customers. On the other hand, it also offers potential competitive advantages for them. This paper investigates the retailers’ perception of the competition and their perception of customer expectations, combined with a survey of the current use of digitalized services and the LOOROs readiness to increase the usage of digitalized services. Our results confirm that the perception of competitive pressure and customer expectations has a positive influence on LOOROs’ readiness to adopt new technologies and business models. But a significant number of the surveyed retailers underestimate the expectations of their customers and are reluctant to add digital services to their business portfolio. While our key findings are relevant insights for all LOOROs on their journey towards digitalization, our findings provide even more significant insights for all digital service providers aiming to take a slice of the still substantial market shares of LOOROs in rural areas.
Hypnotic analgesia

Hypnosis has been used for centuries to treat various types of pain problems. Anecdotal reports of its efficacy have been around since the early 1800s, but only recently has sophisticated research advanced the field. This paper will summarize the theoretical and clinical foundations of hypnotic analgesia, as well as offer recommendations for increasing its efficacy and improving future research to advance the field.
Hybrid Effect at Fiber Breaks in Twisted Blended Yarns

A previously developed micromechanical model is used to formulate the problem of a blended yarn, consisting of low elongation (LE) and high elongation (HE) fibers undergoing axial extension, with a fiber break in the central region of the hybrid fiber array. A hybrid parameter R, which is the ratio of the axial stiffness of the HE fibers to that of the LE fibers, is shown to have an important effect on the intact fiber stress concentration factor (SCF), and the broken fiber slip extent at the fiber break. While the SCF increases for HE fibers adjacent to broken LE fibers, it decreases for LE fibers adjacent to broken HE fibers as R takes on values away from unity (homogeneous yarn). Higher loading can therefore be sustained by the LE fibers, and a beneficial hybrid effect can be realized.
Digital tape drawing

Tape drawing is the art of creating sketches on large scale upright surfaces using black photographic tape. Typically used in the automotive industry, it is an important part of the automotive design process that is currently not computerized. We analyze and describe the unique aspects of tape drawing, and use this knowledge to design and implement a digital tape drawing system. Our system retains the fundamental interaction and visual affordances of the traditional media while leveraging the power of the digital media. Aside from the practical aspect of our work, the interaction techniques developed have interesting implications for current theories of human bimanual interaction.
Formation, stability, and properties of in-situ composites based on blends of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a thermoplastic elastomer

This paper describes the preparation and properties of in-situ composites based on polymers with no overlap in processing temperatures. The polymers used were Vectra A900, a thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester (TLCP), and Arnitel em630, a thermoplastic elastomer. Blends were generated by feeding the two components from separate extruders into a Ross static mixer. Different morphologies were obtained by varying the number of mixing elements of the static mixer. Using 8 mixing elements led to a stratified morphology of Vectra layers in Arnitel, using 1 1 mixing elements resulted in the desired continuous flber/matrix morphology whereas a pronounced skin-core morphology was obtained with 14 mixing elements. It is argued that in-situ composites can be generated by a distributive mixing process without the formation of an intermediate droplet/matrix morphology as occurs in common dispersive blending equipment. Tensile modulus and strength of all blends increased with extrudate draw ratio as a result of increased molecular orientation of the TLCP phase. The level of reinforcement, however, was lower than expected, probably due to the low temperature of drawing. Annealing and capillary instability experiments showed that above the melting point of the TLCP the fiber/matrix morphology rapidly breaks up into a droplet/matrix morphology. This process takes just a few seconds for flbers of thickness ∼1 μm. It is shown to be the probable cause of the skin-core morphology obtained in case of 14 mixing elements.
Third Generation Knowledge Management Systems: Towards an Augmented Technology Acceptance Model

The paper examines the applicability and sufficiency of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of social software and newer generation knowledge management systems (KMS). A reinterpretation of the two TAM constructs "Perceived Usefulness" and "Perceived Ease of Use" in light of expectancy-valence theory reveals that the TAM predominantly focuses on performance expectations on different behavioral levels and, thus, fails to account for the entire range of drivers and barriers related to KMS usage.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi from Alaska and Pennsylvania: adaptation of mycelial respiratory response to temperature?

Rouhier N, Koh CS, Gelhaye E, Corbier C, Favier F, Didierjean C, Jacquot JP. 2008. Redox based anti-oxidant systems in plants: biochemical and structural analyses. Biochimica and Biophysica Acta 1780: 1249–1260. Shetty NP, Mehrabi R, Lütken H, Haldrup A, Kema GH, Collinge DB, Jørgensen HJ. 2007. Role of hydrogen peroxide during the interaction between the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Septoria tritici and wheat. New Phytologist 174: 637–647. Tanaka A, Christensen MJ, Takemoto D, Park P, Scott B. 2006. Reactive oxygen species play a role in regulating a fungus-perennial ryegrass mutualistic interaction. The Plant Cell 18: 1052–1066. Vadassery J, Ritter C, Venus Y, Camehl I, Varma A, Shahollari B, Novák O, Strnad M, Ludwig-Müller J, Oelmüller R. 2008. The role of auxins and cytokinins in the mutualistic interaction between Arabidopsis and Piriformospora indica. Molecular Plant–Microbe Interactions 21: 1371–1383. Waller F, Achatz B, Baltruschat H, Fodor J, Becker K, Fischer M, Heier T, Hückelhoven R, Neumann C, Wettstein D et al. 2005. The endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica reprograms barley to salt-stress tolerance, disease resistance, and higher yield. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA 102: 13386–13391. Xu P, Chen F, Mannas JP, Feldman T, Sumner LW, Roossinck MJ. 2008. Virus infection improves drought tolerance. New Phytologist 180: 911–921.
Rebuilding a Framework for Learning: Rethinking Structural Design Instruction in an Architectural Curriculum

Architectural design relies upon structural design principles to help gracefully resist the stresses of building elements that enclose spaces. This discipline and expertise of integration typically takes years to develop but unfortunately, instead of teaching these skills side-by-side with coordinated expectations for escalating levels of expertise, representation, and analysis, these courses have frequently been separated from each other in architectural curricula. The oppositional pedagogical methodologies and differential expectations for development that occur as a result of this have adverse consequences for student learning and practical preparedness. This paper, intended for a national target audience of university faculty and practitioners, will outline a series of major curricular changes made to Iowa State University’s structural design course for architecture students which was explicitly reconfigured to address these concerns. Three specific lab assignments will be presented—one from the beginning, middle, and end of the new structural modules—to show how this new sequence has expanded and coordinated the range of curricular considerations within the structural coursework through the use of interactive, design-based learning activities and elevated expectations for course content. The paper will describe the critical aspects of the new curricular format and the corresponding innovations in learning activities in order to demonstrate how these three labs serve as benchmarks of demonstrated learning objectives in the sequence. Examples of student work will be shown, and an assessment of the efficacy of the assignments will be presented including reflections upon lessons learned and suggestions for future improvements.
Microfluidic device with asymmetric electrodes for cell and reagent delivery

We present the design and fabrication of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device for cell and particle delivery using a combination of AC electrokinetic fluidic flow and negative dielectrophoresis (DEP) force. An array of interdigitated asymmetric microelectrode pairs were used in the planar device. The electrodes produced a net charge in the surrounding fluid, generating an AC electrokinetic fluidic motion. A non-uniform electric field with low actuation frequency from the microelectrode pairs resulted in a negative DEP force, which was responsible for pushing delivery particles away from sedimentation. The experimental results showed that the flow velocity increased rapidly from 267 μm/min to 394 μm/min when the applied frequency was increased from 10 kHz to 70 kHz for a cell-suspending medium buffer solution with a conductivity of 4.7 μS/cm. A maximum delivery velocity of 801 μm/min was obtained when the buffer conductivity was increased to 47 μS/cm with an actuation frequency of 100 kHz.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention as a Function of Angina Severity in Patients With Stable Angina

Background— The COURAGE (Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation) trial compared percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plus optimal medical therapy (OMT) to OMT alone in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in 2287 patients with stable coronary disease. We examined the cost-effectiveness of PCI as a function of angina severity at the time of randomization. Methods and Results— Angina severity was assessed with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Patients were grouped into tertiles based on the distribution of baseline scores such that higher tertiles represented better health status. Clinically significant improvement from baseline within individual patients was defined as score increases of >8 for physical limitation, >20 for angina frequency, and >16 for quality-of-life domains. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for PCI was calculated as the difference in costs divided by the difference in proportion of patients with clinically significant improvement. Improvement in angina severity was significantly greater for PCI patients in the lowest and middle tertiles. The number of patients needed to treat was much larger for the highest tertile. The added in-trial cost of PCI ranged from $7300 to $13 000. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from $80 000 to $330 000 for the lowest and middle tertiles and from $520 000 to >$3 million for the highest tertile for 1 additional patient to achieve significant clinical improvement in health status. Conclusions— The incremental cost of PCI to provide meaningful clinical benefit above that achieved by OMT alone was lower for patients with severe angina than for those with mild or no angina. However, it is uncertain that at any level of angina severity that PCI as an initial strategy would achieve a socially acceptable cost threshold. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00007657.
The thing that should not be: predictive coding and the uncanny valley in perceiving human and humanoid robot actions

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) repetition suppression, we explored the selectivity of the human action perception system (APS), which consists of temporal, parietal and frontal areas, for the appearance and/or motion of the perceived agent. Participants watched body movements of a human (biological appearance and movement), a robot (mechanical appearance and movement) or an android (biological appearance, mechanical movement). With the exception of extrastriate body area, which showed more suppression for human like appearance, the APS was not selective for appearance or motion per se. Instead, distinctive responses were found to the mismatch between appearance and motion: whereas suppression effects for the human and robot were similar to each other, they were stronger for the android, notably in bilateral anterior intraparietal sulcus, a key node in the APS. These results could reflect increased prediction error as the brain negotiates an agent that appears human, but does not move biologically, and help explain the ‘uncanny valley’ phenomenon.