Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sol-Gel Preparation of HighlyWater-Dispersible Silsesquioxane / ZirconiumOxide Hybrid Nanoparticles

Highly water-dispersible silsesquioxane/zirconium oxide hybrid nanoparticles (SQ/ZrO2-NPs) were prepared by the following two-step reactions. First, a mixture of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMOS) and zirconium tetra-n-butoxide (ZTB) was stirred in a mixed solvent of 0.1 mol/L methanolic hydrochloric acid and n-butanol at room temperature, followed by heating in an open system until the solvent was completely evaporated. Then, the aqueous solution obtained by adding water to the resulting product was heated in an open system until the water was completely reevaporated. The products (SQ/ZrO2-NPs) obtained with a feed molar ratio of APTMOS/ZTB of more than 0.3 were dispersed well in water, and their aqueous dispersions were highly transparent, which was confirmed by UV-Vis measurements. In addition, the solid product obtained by drying its aqueous dispersion was redispersed in water. The volume-average particle sizes of SQ/ZrO2-NPs (APTMOS/ZTB ≥ 0.3) were assessed to be ca. 4.6–23.8 nm by dynamic light scattering measurements in water. The theoretical refractive index of the SQ/ZrO2-NP (APTMOS/ZTB= 0.3) was estimated to be 1.66. It was assumed that the water-dispersible property of the SQ/ZrO2-NPs probably originated from the ZrO2-SiO1.5(CH2)3NH3 +Cl− core-shell structures.
Alternative education finance strategies

Differences in the formulas states use to fund education account for some of the equity issues in education finance. But the implicit pricing of public school access through housing markets plays a much larger role by rationing valuable nonfinancial inputs into schools that are disproportionately attended by children from higher-income households. This paper then considers two broad categories of state finance policies: those that channel funds to traditional local public schools and those that instead channel such funds to parents or school entrepreneurs. Both types of policies can be targeted in various ways to address equity concerns related to financial school inputs, but the latter allows for a greater severing of the link between school access and housing markets and thus opens a way for addressing inequities in nonfinancial input allocations. The paper concludes that state policies should aim at a greater balance between the two types of state aid.
Goodness-offit tests for multivariate copula-based time series models

In recent years, stationary time series models based on copula functions became increasingly popular in econometrics to model nonlinear temporal and cross-sectional dependencies. Within these models, we consider the problem of testing the goodness-of-fit of the parametric form of the underlying copula. Our approach is based on a dependent multiplier bootstrap and it can be applied to any stationary, strongly mixing time series. The method extends recent i.i. d. results by Kojadinovic, Yan and Holmes [I. Kojadinovic, Y. Yan and M. Holmes, Fast large sample goodness-of-fit tests for copulas, Statistica Sinica 21 (2011), 841–871] and shares the same computational benefits compared to methods based on a parametric bootstrap. The finite-sample performance of our approach is investigated by Monte Carlo experiments for the case of copula-based Markovian time series models.
Reply to the comment by Michard et al. on "Evidence of extensional metamorphism associated to Cretaceous rifting of the North-Maghrebian passive margin: The Tanger-Ketama Unit (External Rif, northern Morocco) by Vázquez et al., Geologica Acta 11 (2013), 277-293"

Michard et al. (this issue) commented on certain aspects of the Alpine metamorphism and structural evolution of the Rif belt (Morocco) that were briefly noted in Vazquez et al. (2013). In particular, they criticize our interpretation of an extensional setting during the main metamorphic recrystallization of the Tanger-Ketama Unit that we considered related to slaty cleavage (S1) parallel to the lithological layering generated during the Cretaceous. Michard et al. (this issue) interpret the S1 syn-metamorphic foliation as being related to compressional folds, and the peak metamorphism temperatures, in the Lower Cretaceous sediments, as ranging between 200–300°C. Therefore, they conclude that recrystallization of the Ketama Unit occurred during Miocene thrust nappe tectonics. We explain our view in the following sections.
Classical Density Functional Theory Insights for Supercapacitors

The most urgent issue for supercapacitor is to improve their energy density so that they can better compete with batteries. To design materials and interfaces for supercapacitor with higher energy density requires a deeper understanding of the factors and contributions affecting the total capacitance. In our recent works, the classical density functional theory (CDFT) was developed and applied to study the electrode/electrolyte interface behaviors, to understand capacitive energy storage. For porous electrode materials, we studied the pore size effect, curvature effect, and the surface modification of porous materials on the capaci- tance. Thought CDFT, we have found that the curvature effects on convex and concave EDLs are drastically different and that materials with extensive convex surfaces will lead to maximized capacitance; CDFT also predicts oscillatory variation of capacitance with pore size, but the oscillatory behavior is magnified as the curvature increases; an increase in the ionophobicity of the nanopores leads to a higher capacity for energy storage, and a pore-like impurity can enter the pore, makes the pore ionophobic and storage more energy. We also find the mixture effect, which makes more counterions pack on and more co-ions leave from the electrode surface, leads to an increase of the counterion density within the EDL and thus a larger capacitance.
Cooperative Object Manipulation with Force Tracking on the da Vinci Research Kit

The da Vinci Surgical System is one of the most established robot-assisted surgery device commended for its dexterity and ergonomics in minimally invasive surgery. Conversely, it inherits disadvantages which are lack of autonomy and haptic feedback. In order to address these issues, this work proposes an industry-inspired solution to the field of force control in medical robotics. This approach contributes to shared autonomy by developing a controller for cooperative object manipulation with force tracking utilizing available manipulators and force feedback. To achieve simultaneous position and force tracking of the object, master and slave manipulators were assigned then controlled with Cartesian position control and impedance control respectively. Because impedance control requires a model-based feedforward compensation, we identified the lumped base parameters of mass, inertias, and frictions of a three degree-of-freedom double four-bar linkage mechanism with least squares and weighted least squares regression methods. Additionally, semidefinite programming was used to constrain the parameters to a feasible physical solution in standard parameter space. Robust stick-slip static friction compensation was applied where linear Viscous and Coulomb friction was inadequate in modeling the prismatic third joint. The Robot Operating System based controller was tested in RViz to check the cooperative kinematics of up to three manipulators. Additionally, simulation with the dynamic engine Gazebo verified the cooperative controller applying a constant tension force on a massless spring-damper virtual object. With adequate model feedback linearization, the cooperative impedance controller tested on the da Vinci Research Kit yielded stable tension force tracking while simultaneously moving in Cartesian space. The maximum force tracking error was +/0.5 N for both a compliant and stiff manipulated object.
Hybrid Control and Protection Scheme for Inverter Dominated Microgrids

With the high penetration of various sustainable energy sources, the control and protection of Microgrids has become a challenging problem considering the inherent current limitation feature of inverter-based Distributed Generators (DGs) and the bidirectional power flow in Microgrids. In this paper, a hybrid control and protection scheme is proposed, which combines the traditional inverse-time overcurrent protection with the biased differential protection for different feeders with different kinds of loads. It naturally accommodates various control strategies such as P - Q control and V - f control. The parameter settings of the protection scheme are analyzed and calculated through a fast Fourier transform algorithm, and the stability of the control strategy is discussed by building a small signal model in MATLAB. Different operation modes such as the grid-connected mode, the islanding mode, and the transitions between these two modes are ensured. A Microgrid model is established in PSCAD and the analysis results show that a Microgrid system can be effectively protected against different faults such as the single phase to ground and the three phase faults in both the grid-connected and islanded operation modes.
Metacognitive engagement during field‐trip experiences: A case study of students in an amusement park physics program

This article reports on a study that investigated students' metacognitive engagement in both out-of-school and classroom settings, as they participated in an amusement park physics program. Students from two schools that participated in the program worked in groups to collectively solve novel physics problems that engaged their individual metacognition. Their conversations and behavioral dispositions during problem-solving were digitally audio-recorded on devices that they wore or placed on the tables where groups worked on the assigned physics problems. The students also maintained reflection journals on the strategies they employed to manage their own understanding as well as learning processes. Prior to the amusement park physics discourse, the students completed a specially developed questionnaire instrument. This provided signposts of the students' metacognitive engagement during group problem-solving at the park and subsequent related physics learning tasks back in the classroom. This data, added to field notes arising from observations, and formal and informal interviews during post-visit learning activities provided the data corpus on the students' metacognitive engagement. Analysis of this data revealed three types of metacognitive engagement during group learning tasks: collaborative and consensus-seeking, highly argumentative, and eclectic, resulting from high levels of dissonance. In both cases, evidence of individual students' deeper understandings, which manifested through students' cognitive and social behaviors, demonstrated the invocation of metacognition to varying degrees. The novel physics problems tackled by the students created situations where discrepancies between their prior knowledge and the direct experiences enabled them to explicate their thinking through dispositions of behavior. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 265–288, 2009
HALF-MODE SLOW-WAVE SUBSTRATE INTEGRATED WAVEGUIDE ANALYSIS

Design of a compact Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) transmission line is presented in this paper. The main parameters of SIW were parametrically studied, and final designed component was fabricated and measured, which showed very good matching (near 90%) with simulations, demonstrating significant miniaturization factor. The miniaturization was done using Half-Mode (HM) and Slow-Wave (SW) principles together. It was found that the HM-SW method for SIW miniaturization reduced the SIW surface area with a remarkable factor value (70%) while maintaining acceptable characteristics compared to the original SIW. In fact, HM technique reduced 40% the lateral dimension of the SIW, and using the SW technique allowed 30% of size reduction added to the HM principle. Furthermore, a proper microstrip to HM-SW-SIW tapered transition was designed, which showed a return loss decrease between 3 dB and 7.5 dB, as well as facilitating measurement. On the other hand, the proposed transmission line could lead to a size reduction of 30% compared to the HM-SIW miniaturization technique. The HM-SW-SIW transmission line concept presented in this paper can be used to design other compact SIW components such as bandpass filters, couplers, and power divider.
OF THE JURASSIC-TERTIARY SEDIMENTARY ROCKS OF THE KOPET DAGH BASIN ( NORTHEASTERN IRAN ) : IMPLICATIONS FOR PALEOCLIMATE

Distribution of the clay minerals in the Jurassic-Tertiary consolidated sediments of the Kopet Dagh Basin (KD) was investigated to study the origins of the clay minerals and to reconstruct the paleoclimate of the area. The entire sedimentary rock sequences of the KD were sampled for XRD, XRF, high resolution microscopy, and optical microscopy examinations. Illite, illitesmectite (IS) mixed-layer minerals, kaolinite, smectite, chlorite and palygorskite were found in the studied deposits. The presence of the clay minerals in the studied rocks was related partly to deep burial diagenesis and partly to the pedogenetic detrital origins. The thick sediments (total of 6000m) of the Lower Cretaceous and Jurassic suggest the possibility of the burial digenetic origin to explain the high occurrence of illite and low smectite mainly due to the illitization of smectite. Gradual increase in IS and smectite toward the Upper Cretaceous may indicate the gradual disappearance of deep burial diagenesis and the presence of the favorable conditions for the detrital input. The low thickness of the sediments of Upper Cretaceous and younger deposits also confirms the possibility of the detrital pedogenetic origin rather than the burial diagenesis. Smectite was proved to be of the montmorillonite type (dioctahedral). The higher occurrences of IS and smectite and its coexistence with some palygorskite in most parts of the Upper Cretaceous and younger deposits could indicate the prevailing of a semi-arid climate and hot seasonal droughts. Dominance of seasonal and semi-arid conditions extends to all Paleogene and Neogene sediments. Clay mineralogical data is suggested to be used along with other proxies to have a more reliable paleoclimate interpretations. ARTICLE INFO
A systematic influence of stimulus type on audio-visual synchrony perception

In audio-visual synchrony perception, perceptual tolerance for relative delays is asymmetric, with greater tolerance found when the auditory component trails rather than leads the visual component. In synchronous-successive judgment paradigms, the curve indicating the proportion of "synchronous" responses is thus not symmetric around physical synchrony, but centers around a certain positive delay (audio following video), called the point of subjective simultaneity (PSS). Here we report an investigation of whether the causal interpretation of the audio-visual event by the observer influences synchrony perception. We estimated the PSS for an animation of Newton’s Cradle, showing a left-to-right pendulum movement, with three visual conditions: (1) the entire stimulus, (2) the left half, or (3) the right half. In conditions 1 and 2, the visual movement appears to cause the sound of the collision, whereas in condition 3 the visual movement appears to result from the sound of the collision. Using a procedure with ‘audio first,’ ‘video first,’ and ‘synchronous’ response alternatives, conditions 1 and 2 yielded positive PSSs, whereas for condition 3, perceptual synchrony coincided with physical synchrony. Such a shift in synchrony responses is in line with the interpretation that PSSs found in synchrony judgment experiments are influenced at least partially by the apparent causal relation between auditory and visual stimulus components.
The Relationship between Housing Price, Tenure Choice and Saving Behavior in Taiwan

The purpose of this research is to empirically test whether house price increases are an important factor in a household’s savings decisions and whether housing tenure choice and savings behavior are inter-correlated in Taiwan. Heckman's two-stage procedure for correcting sample selection bias is used in the estimation of savings function for homeowners and renters. Household survey data from 1985, 1989 and 1993 are used to compare households' saving behavior at different times. The empirical results show that in some cases the coefficients of the two different definitions of house price increases have opposite signs. These differences may be the result of different behavior motives. House price increases with respect to the price of the house itself seem to cause concern among households about future housing prices; hence, increase their savings ratio. House price increases with respect to income, however, seem to cause a wealth effect and then decreased savings ratio. Considering the complexity of households' reaction, the overall effect of house price changes on the aggregate savings ratio becomes impossible to determine.
Improvements of design scheme and fabrication of the hard x-ray supermirror with broad bandwidth and flattop response

We present our design scheme and fabrication of non-periodic multilayer with broad angular or energy bandwidth to demonstrate the potential application of such kind of multilayer for the hard X-ray telescopes. By using a proper optimization process, a non-periodic multilayer with boxcar angular response has been successfully designed. Such structure may provide 16% reflectivity with grazing angle from 1.0 to 1.5deg at energy point of 8.05keV. We also fabricated this structure by using our DC magnetron sputtering machine and tested it in our X-ray measurement system. The result shows a flat and smooth boxcar response in target band with standard deviation of 0.76%, which is convincing that such designing and fabrication processes we established can be applied to the supermirror with a flat boxcar response against the X-ray energy.
Analysis of small-scale rotor hover performance data

Rotor hover-performance data from a 1/6-scale helicopter rotor are analyzed and the data sets compared for the effects of ambient wind, test stand configuration, differing test facilities, and scaling. The data are also compared to full scale hover data. The data exhibited high scatter, not entirely due to ambient wind conditions. Effects of download on the test stand proved to be the most significant influence on the measured data. Small-scale data correlated resonably well with full scale data; the correlation did not improve with Reynolds number corrections.
The history and future of semiconductor heterostructures from the point of view of a Russian scientist

The early history of semiconductor heterostructures and their applications in different electronic devices is described. The article also contains a short historical review of the physics, technology of preparation and applications of quantum wells and superlattices. Recent progress in quantum wires and especially quantum dots structures and future trends and perspectives of these new types of heterostructures are discussed.
A comparison of region-based and pixel-based CEUS kinetics parameters in the assessment of arthritis

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases are leading causes of disability and constitute a frequent medical disorder, leading to inability to work, high comorbidity and increased mortality. The gold-standard for diagnosing and differentiating arthritis is based on patient conditions and radiographic findings, as joint erosions or decalcification. However, early signs of arthritis are joint effusion, hypervascularization and synovial hypertrophy. In particular, vascularization has been shown to correlate with arthritis’ destructive behavior, more than clinical assessment. Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) examination of the small joints is emerging as a sensitive tool for assessing vascularization and disease activity. The evaluation of perfusion pattern rely on subjective semi-quantitative scales, that are able to capture the macroscopic degree of vascularization, but are unable to detect the subtler differences in kinetics perfusion parameters that might lead to a deeper understanding of disease progression and a better management of patients. Quantitative assessment is mostly performed by means of the Qontrast software package, that requires the user to define a region of interest, whose mean intensity curve is fitted with an exponential function. We show that using a more physiologically motivated perfusion curve, and by estimating the kinetics parameters separately pixel per pixel, the quantitative information gathered is able to differentiate more effectively different perfusion patterns. In particular, we will show that a pixel-based analysis is able to provide significant markers differentiating rheumatoid arthritis from simil-rheumatoid psoriatic arthritis, that have non-significant differences in clinical evaluation (DAS28), serological markers, or region-based parameters.
Fast recursive subspace updating for detection and angle estimation of multiple sources

This paper is concerned with detection of a number of sources and estimation of their corresponding direction-of-arrival using eigenvalue decomposition updating with subspace structure constraint. The covariance matrix is a low rank matrix plus a noise diagonal matrix. In addition to cleaning up the data, the subspace constraint enables the author to develop an efficient algorithm for updating the principal subspace and the noise eigenvalue. <<ETX>>
Quantum measurement: a game between observer and nature?

What is the observer's role in quantum measurement? Obviously, observers prepare the apparatus, observe and interpret the measured results. Although the observer will have a certain influence on the measurement results by setting up the measuring apparatus, we don't believe human consciousness cause reducing of wave packet; also observers are certainly required to interpret the measured results with physical meanings. We believe observers build up their experience of the external world by playing games with nature, and then"decode"the nature based on their experiences. We propose a quantum decision theory approach to explain the role of the observer in quantum measurements, and pointed out that a set of quantum decision trees (strategies to answer natural questions with yes/no logic) can be optimized to deal with the challenges of nature through quantum genetic programming based on maximization of the expected value of the observers; Quantum decision trees can discover the dynamics rules of quantum entities and Just as classical mechanics uses the principle of least action to obtain the trajectories of particles, we use the principle of maximum expected value to approximately obtain the kinematic"trajectories"of quantum entities by learning from natural historical"events"(measured results); even we can"reconstruct"the past of quantum entity, because we don't know the prior information of quantum entity, it is very difficult to predict the future of the nature.
Integrated photon-pair source with monolithic piezoelectric frequency tunability

This work demonstrates the capabilities of an entangled photon-pair source at telecom wavelengths, based on a photonic integrated Si$_3$N$_4$ microresonator with monolithically integrated piezoelectric frequency tuning. Previously, frequency tuning of photon-pairs generated by microresonators has only been demonstrated using thermal control, however these have limited actuation bandwidth, and are not compatible with cryogenic environments. Here, the frequency-tunable photon-pair generation capabilities of a Si$_3$N$_4$ microresonator with a monolithically integrated aluminium nitride layer are shown. Fast-frequency locking of the microresonator to an external laser is demonstrated, with a resulting locking bandwidth orders of magnitude larger than reported previously using thermal locking. These abilities will have direct application in future schemes which interface such sources with quantum memories based on e.g. trapped-ion or rare-earth ion schemes.