Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction between impurity elements (C, N and O) and hydrogen in hcp-Zr: a first-principles study

Zirconium (Zr) alloys as cladding materials are widely used in fission reactors. The service life of Zr-based materials cladding is seriously affected by the hydrogen (H) behaviors; while the impurities (C, N and O) in Zr alloys have a great influence on the hydrogen behaviors. In this work, we have investigated the impurity–hydrogen interactions in hexagonal-closed packed Zr (hcp-Zr) by a first-principles approach. It was found that H atom tends to occupy tetrahedral interstitial position in perfect Zr and occupy octahedral interstitial position in Zr with vacancy, while the impurities tend to occupy octahedral interstitial positions in Zr both with and without vacancy. The impurities can trap H atoms. Four possible paths were studied for the diffusion of H atom in hcp-Zr, and it is found that the diffusion barriers of H varied with the presence of impurities.
First results on the evaluation of the ground‐cover biodiversity in an agroforestry poultry system

Submitted 2020-06-14 | Accepted 2020-07-25 | Available 2020-12-01 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020. 23.mi-fpap.15-22 The first results on the impact of hen grazing on ground cover composition and biodiversity of two hazelnut orchards (sites A and B) in the southern Italy are presented. The selected sites were characterized by different size and environmental conditions that were, respectively for A and B: area, 4 and 5 ha; altitude, 525 and 660 m a.s. l. ; annual mean temperature, +12°C and +13°C; annual precipitation: 730 and 780 mm. Besides, ground covers of the sites were different for plant species presence and distribution. In each site three 120 m2 areas were considered, each of which was provided with a mobile coop (5 hens/m2) to house during the night ten 25-week-old commercial egg-laying chickens. The trial started the first decade of May 2019. The use of hen grazing affected quantitatively and qualitatively the herbaceous stratum of the study sites, as the number of taxa composing the ground cover decreased in both sites, whereas the relative frequencies varied (increased or decreased) according to the taxon. By computing different indices of alpha diversity, we observed significant differences in species richness and diversity after hen grazing only in one site. However, the value of the qualitative Sorensen index showed a high overlap in the assemblage of ground cover before and after hen grazing in both sites. By comparing the sites, we found that, at the beginning of the trial, the ground cover of one site was richer and more diverse compared to the other site; however, the reverse situation occurred after hen grazing. Overall, our results indicate that integrating fruit trees with poultry may play a positive role in an agroforestry context, mainly in terms of control of vegetation growth. Keywords: agroforestry; grazing; poultry; ground-cover; biodiversity
Gut passage time and viability of seeds consumed by Australian marsupials

Many Australian mammals consume seeds, but their role in seed dispersal has not been well explored. Here, we investigated the mean retention time and the postconsumption germination capacity of Australian seeds (Acacia acuminata, Dodonaea viscosa and Gastrolobium calycinum) likely to be consumed by quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) and woylies (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi). Mean excretion times were 14 h for quenda and 24 h for woylies, but some seeds were retained in their digestive passages for up to 39.5 and 55.5 h, respectively. Viable seeds of all plant species were retrieved from both species’ scats and only G. calycinum seeds ingested by quenda had a significantly higher germination percentage (62%) than control seeds (34%). Our results show that viable seeds are deposited in the scats of quenda and woylies, indicating that these species may play a role in seed dispersal.
Minimally invasive interventional approaches for treatment of facet joint syndrome

The facet syndrome is a unilateral or bilateral pain originating from the intervertebral joint. Its frequency reaches 30% of the population of patients with low back pain. Infl ammation plays a signifi cant role in cartilage degeneration and the development of osteoarthritis, and also signifi cantly contributes to swelling with overstretching of the joint capsule and irritation of nociceptive receptors. Minimally invasive interventional approaches play a signifi cant role in the treatment of facet syndrome. This review systemizes the ways to treat the pain through corticosteroid infi ltrations and interventional denervations of the intervertebral joint, which may be complementary techniques. The literature is analyzed and our experience is presented.
Graphene nucleation on a surface-molten copper catalyst: quantum chemical molecular dynamics simulations

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of graphene on Cu(111) has been modeled with quantum chemical molecular dynamics (QM/MD) simulations. These simulations demonstrate at the atomic level how graphene forms on copper surfaces. In contrast to other popular catalysts, such as nickel and iron, copper is in a surface molten state throughout graphene growth at CVD-relevant temperatures, and graphene growth takes place without subsurface diffusion of carbon. Surface Cu atoms have remarkably high mobilities on the Cu(111) surface, both before and after graphene nucleation. This surface mobility drives “defect healing” processes in the nucleating graphene structure that convert defects such as pentagons and heptagons into carbon hexagons. Consequently, the graphene defects that become “kinetically trapped” using other catalysts, such as Ni and Fe, are less commonly observed in the case of Cu. We propose this mechanism to be the basis of copper's ability to form high-quality, large-domain graphene flakes.
Self in mobility: exploring the transnational in-between identity of Chinese student returnees from the UK

ABSTRACT Situated within the changing dynamics of international student mobility, this paper explores the meaning of transnational in-between identity. The empirical evidence is based on the key findings of a four-year qualitative study on Chinese students who returned from the UK after completing their university degrees. The paper argues that transnational in-between identity is a fluid and diverse process of self-formation through which agency interacts with the four key dimensions of intercultural competence, reconstruction of locality, diaspora consciousness and mixed senses of belonging. The conceptual contribution of this research is that it combines transnationalism, a theory normally confined to the field of migration studies, and the concept of in-betweenness, derived from intercultural adjustment, to investigate the identity changes experienced by student returnees.
Factors that shape the elevational patterns of plant diversity in the Yatsugatake Mountains, Japan

Abstract Elevation is involved in determining plant diversity in montane ecosystems. This study examined whether the distribution of plants in the Yatsugatake Mountains, central Japan, substantiated hypotheses associated with an elevational diversity gradient. Species richness of trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, and bryophytes was investigated in study plots established at 200‐m elevational intervals from 1,800 to 2,800 m. The changes in plant diversity (alpha and beta diversities, plant functional types, and elevational ranges) with elevation were analyzed in relation to climatic factors and elevational diversity gradient hypotheses, that is, mass effect, mid‐domain effect, and Rapoport's elevational rule. In addition, the elevational patterns of dominance of plant functional types were also analyzed. A comparison of alpha and beta diversities revealed that different plant groups responded variably to elevation; the alpha diversity of trees and ferns decreased, that of herbs increased, whereas the alpha diversity of shrubs and bryophytes showed a U‐shaped relationship and a hump‐shaped pattern. The beta diversity of shrubs, herbs, and bryophytes increased above the subalpine–alpine ecotone. In accordance with these changes, the dominance of evergreen shrubs and graminoids increased above this ecotone, whereas that of evergreen trees and liverworts decreased. None of the plant groups showed a wide elevational range at higher elevations. These elevational patterns of plant groups were explained by climatic factors, and not by elevational diversity gradient hypotheses. Of note, the changes in the dominance of plant groups with elevation can be attributed to plant–plant interactions via competition for light and the changes in physical habitat. These interactions could alter the elevational diversity gradient shaped by climatic factors.
Posidonia oceanica as a Source of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter for the Oligotrophic NW Mediterranean Coast

Posidonia oceanica is a well-recognized source of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from exudation and leaching of seagrass leaves, but little is known about its impact on the chromophoric fraction of DOM (CDOM). In this study, we monitored for two years the optical properties of CDOM in two contrasting sites in the Mallorca Coast (Balearic Islands). One site was a rocky shore free of seagrass meadows, and the second site was characterized by the accumulation of non-living seagrass material in the form of banquettes. On average, the integrated color over the 250–600 nm range was almost 6-fold higher in the beach compared with the rocky shore. Furthermore, the shapes of the CDOM spectra in the two sites were also different. A short incubation experiment suggested that the spectral differences were due to leaching from P. oceanica leaf decomposition. Furthermore, occasionally the spectra of P. oceanica was distorted by a marked absorption increase at wavelength < 265 nm, presumably related to the release of hydrogen sulfide (HS−) associated with the anaerobic decomposition of seagrass leaves within the banquettes. Our results provide the first evidence that P. oceanica is a source of CDOM to the surrounding waters.
Three‐Dimensional P Wave Velocity Structure of the Northern Hikurangi Margin From the NZ3D Experiment: Evidence for Fault‐Bound Anisotropy

We present a high‐resolution three‐dimensional (3‐D) anisotropic P wave velocity (Vp) model in the northern Hikurangi margin offshore Gisborne, New Zealand, constructed by tomographic inversion of over 430,000 first arrivals recorded by a dense grid of ocean bottom seismometers. Since the study area covers a region where shallow slow slip events (SSEs) occur repeatedly and the subduction of a seamount is proposed, it offers an ideal location to link our understanding of structural and hydrogeologic properties at megathrust faults to slip behavior. The Vp model reveals an ~30‐km‐wide, low‐velocity accretionary wedge at the toe of the overriding plate, where previous seismic reflection studies show a series of active thrust faults branching from the plate interface. We find some locations with significant Vp azimuthal anisotropy >5% near the branching faults and the deformation front. This finding suggests that the anisotropy is not ubiquitous and homogeneous within the overriding plate, but more localized in the vicinity of active thrust faults. The fast axes of Vp within the accretionary wedge are mostly oriented to the plate convergence direction, which is interpreted as preferentially oriented cracks in a compressional stress regime associated with plate subduction. We find that the magnitudes of anisotropy are roughly equivalent to values found at oceanic spreading centers, where the extensional stress regime is dominant and the crack density is expected to be higher than subduction zones. This consideration may indicate that additional effects such as fault foliation and clay mineral alignment also contribute to upper plate anisotropy along subduction margins.
Analysis of Performance Assessment System Model of Civil Servants in Gorontalo Province Training and Education Agency

This study aims to analyze the Model Apart Civil Servant Performance Assessment System (SIRANSIJA) in the Gorontalo Province Education and Training Agency. This research method uses a survey method with data collection techniques are observation, interview and literature study. The data analysis technique was carried out through the process of data reduction, data presentation and conclusion. The results of this study are the results of this study are the Performance Appraisal System for Civil Service State Apparatus (SIRANSIJA) at the Gorontalo Province Education and Training Agency based on the Governor Regulation (PERGUB) No. 50 of 2016 which is then implemented through the SIRANSIJA application with the indicators being Integrity, Work Ethic and Mutual Cooperation. The implementation of this Assessment System is also regulated by principles that are objective, measurable, accountable, participatory, and transparency. The conclusion in this study is that the implementation of SIRANSIJA based on Gorontalo Governor Regulation Number 50 of 2016 in terms of the discipline of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) has been effective in optimizing attendance, but in terms of ASN performance, it still needs a lot of improvement.
Influences of developmental job experience and learning goal orientation on employee creativity: mediating role of psychological empowerment

ABSTRACT Creativity has emerged as a key topic in human resource development (HRD) research. Although psychological empowerment has been considered the link between goal orientation or task characteristics and employee creativity, there is a lack of comprehensive research on this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of psychological empowerment in linking developmental job experience and learning goal orientation with employee creativity, using data from a longitudinal and multi-source survey of nurses and their supervisors in a Japanese hospital (n = 218). The results of structural equation modelling show that psychological empowerment has a full mediating effect on the relationship between developmental job experience and employee creativity, as well as on that between learning goal orientation and employee creativity. This study suggests that psychological empowerment links situational and personal factors with employee creativity.
Advances in Tissue Engineering Approaches for Craniomaxillofacial Bone Reconstruction

Trauma, congenital abnormalities and pathologies such as cancer can cause significant defects in craniofacial bone. Regeneration of the bone in the craniofacial area presents a unique set of challenges due to its complexity and association with various other tissues. Bone grafts and bone cement are the traditional treatment options but pose their own issues with regards to integration and morbidity. This has driven the search for materials which mimic the natural bone and can act as scaffolds to guide bone growth. Novel technology and computer aided manufacturing have allowed us to control material parameters such as mechanical strength and pore geometry. In this chapter, we elaborate the current status of materials and techniques used in fabrication of scaffolds for craniomaxillofacial bone tissue engineering and discuss the future prospects for advancements.
Formation of Polyphenylene Films on Metal Electrodes by Electrochemical Reduction of Benzenediazonium Salts

It is possible to form micrometer thick polyphenylene (PP) films by electrochemical reduction of benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate on metals in acetonitrile. The electrochemical behavior of the PP film is characterized by different electrochemical transient methods and is surprisingly different from that observed with other diazonium salts. The films are analyzed by IR and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopies; their thickness and conductivity are also characterized. Because they are conductive, these micrometer thick films can be further derivatized by electrochemical reduction of other diazonium salts, for example, nitrophenyl or bromophenyl diazonium salts. Copper can also be deposited on the top of the PP film. The behavior of redox probes on PP films is discussed as well as the origin of this increased conductivity. A simple model for the reaction kinetics of electrografting is presented.
On The Efficiency of P‐Wave Coda Autocorrelation in Recovering Crustal Structure: Examples From Dense Arrays in the Eastern United States

Due to a sharp contrast in elastic properties across the basement rocks of sedimentary basins (SBs), strong reverberations are generated during the passage of seismic waves. Traditional receiver function methods become inadequate for imaging crustal structure due to the existence of these strong reverberations. We investigate the feasibility of an autocorrelation technique to extract vertical component receiver functions from teleseismic earthquake data and the efficiency of the method to image the crustal architecture in presence of a SB. The method involves spectral whitening followed by autocorrelation and stacking in the depth domain. We show promising results when using temporary seismic networks in the eastern United States. Using synthetic and field‐data examples, we demonstrate that vertical autocorrelations are more efficient than classical radial receiver functions for interpretation purposes in an SB context. We also perform a joint analysis of the amplitudes on radial and vertical receiver functions for characterizing the thickness of the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho). We find that the Moho in the eastern United States is a transitional layer (up to 5‐km thick) instead of a sharp boundary. Further, we point out that it is challenging to unambiguously pick and interpret reflected phases on autocorrelations because of the effects of reverberations, cross‐mode contaminations, and a narrow frequency band limiting the resolution of velocity gradients. We therefore send a message of caution for future interpretations based on this technique.
Representation of solutions of the Cauchy problem for a one-dimensional Schrödinger equation with a smooth bounded potential by quasi-Feynman formulae

We consider the Cauchy problem for a Schrödinger equation whose Hamiltonian is the difference of the operator of multiplication by the potential and the operator of taking the second derivative. Here the potential is a real differentiable function of a real variable such that this function and its derivative are bounded. This equation has been studied since the advent of quantum mechanics and is still a good model case for various methods of solving partial differential equations. We find solutions of the Cauchy problem in the form of quasi-Feynman formulae by using Remizov’s theorem. Quasi-Feynman formulae are relatives of Feynman formulae containing multiple integrals of infinite multiplicity. Their proof is easier than that of Feynman formulae but they give longer expressions for the solutions. We provide detailed proofs of all theorems and deliberately restrict the spectrum of our results to the domain of classical mathematical analysis and elements of real analysis trying to avoid general methods of functional analysis. As a result, the paper is long but accessible to readers who are not experts in the field of functional analysis.
Identification and Quantification of Mould Spores by Scanning Electron Microscopy (Sem): Analysis of Filter Samples Collected in Norwegian Saw Mills

Abstract The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for identification and quantification of mould spores collected on filters in the sorting and trimming plants of Norwegian saw mills is described. Moulds were cultured and identified by their macro- and microscopical features. The moulds present consisted mainly of Aspergillus fumigatus, Paecilomyces variotii and Rhizopus rhizopodiformis. Spore samples of the identified moulds were prepared and investigated by SEM. The morphological differences between spore types were sufficient to allow identification of 95% of the spores collected in one mill. The relative precision of the determination of the spore concentration by SEM was 14% when 250 spores were counted.
Recent Progresses for Computationally Identifying N6-methyladenosine Sites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays critical roles in a broad set of biological processes. Knowledge about the precise location of m6A site in the transcriptome is vital for deciphering its biological functions. Although experimental techniques have made substantial contributions to identify m6A methylations, they are still labor intensive, costly and time consuming. As good complements to experimental methods, in the past few years, a series of computational approaches have been proposed to identify m6A sites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In order to facilitate researchers to select appropriate methods for identifying m6A sites, it is necessary to give a comprehensive review and comparison on existing computational methods. In this review, we summarized the current progresses in computational prediction of m6A sites and also assessed the performance of computational methods for identifying m6A sites on an independent dataset. Finally, challenges and future directions of computationally identifying m6A sites were presented as well. Taken together, we anticipate that this review will provide an important guide for future computational analysis of m6A and other RNA modifications.
Optically trapped aqueous droplets for single molecule studies

We demonstrate a technique for creating, manipulating, and combining femtoliter volume chemical containers. The containers are surfactant-stabilized aqueous droplets in a low index-of-refraction fluorocarbon medium. The index-of-refraction mismatch between the container and fluorocarbon is such that individual droplets can be optically trapped by single focus laser beams, i.e., optical tweezers. Here, we trap and manipulate individual droplets, detect the fluorescence from single dye and red fluorescent protein molecules encapsulated in droplets, and observe fluorescence resonance energy transfer from a single dye pair on a deoxyribonucleic acid molecule encapsulated in a droplet.
A Phenomenological Epidemic Model Based On the Spatio-Temporal Evolution of a Gaussian Probability Density Function

A novel phenomenological epidemic model is proposed to characterize the state of infectious diseases and predict their behaviors. This model is given by a new stochastic partial differential equation that is derived from foundations of statistical physics. The analytical solution of this equation describes the spatio-temporal evolution of a Gaussian probability density function. Our proposal can be applied to several epidemic variables such as infected, deaths, or admitted-to-the-Intensive Care Unit (ICU). To measure model performance, we quantify the error of the model fit to real time-series datasets and generate forecasts for all the phases of the COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika epidemics. All parameters and model uncertainties are numerically quantified. The new model is compared with other phenomenological models such as Logistic Grow, Original, and Generalized Richards Growth models. When the models are used to describe epidemic trajectories that register infected individuals, this comparison shows that the median RMSE error and standard deviation of the residuals of the new model fit to the data are lower than the best of these growing models by, on average, 19.6% and 35.7%, respectively. Using three forecasting experiments for the COVID-19 outbreak, the median RMSE error and standard deviation of residuals are improved by the performance of our model, on average by 31.0% and 27.9%, respectively, concerning the best performance of the growth models.