Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weakly Inhomogeneous models for the Low-Redshift Universe

We analyze two different algorithms for constructing weakly inhomogeneous models for the low-redshift Universe, in order to provide a tool for testing the geodesic dynamics, within the sphere of validity for the Universe acceleration. We first implement the so-called quasi-isotropic solution in the late Universe, when a pure dark energy equation of state for the cosmological perfect fluid is considered. We demonstrate, that a solution exists only if the physical scale of the inhomogeneities is larger then the Hubble scale of the microphysics, which implies that inhomogeneities could not be observed at present-stage time. Then, we analyze a weakly deformed isotropic Universe toward a spherically symmetric model, thought as the natural metric framework of the {\Lambda}CDM model. We find that inhomogeneities will arise in the previous context as small perturbations of the order of few point percent over the background FRW universe. The obtained picture offers a useful scenario to investigate the influence of the inhomogeneity spectrum (left free in the obtained solution), on the propagation of photons or gravitational waves at low redshift values, and in line of principle may be used to account for several present-stage cosmological problems, such as the Hubble Tension.
The TeV supernova remnant shell HESS J1731-347 and its surroundings

HESS J1731-347 is a shell-type supernova remnant emitting both TeV gamma rays and non-thermal X-ray photons, spatially coincident with the radio SNR G353.6-0.7. Hadronic and leptonic scenarios (or a blend of both) are discussed in the literature to explain the TeV emission from the object. In 2011, a $\gamma$-ray excess was also found in the neighborhood of the source (HESS J1729-345). Here we present results of an updated analysis obtained with the meanwhile available additional H.E. S.S. data. Beyond HESS J1731-347, the analysis reveals the morphology of the emission of the adjacent TeV source HESS J1729-345 and the emission in between the two sources in greater detail. The results permit us to correlate the TeV emission outside of the SNR with molecular gas tracers, and to confront the data with scenarios in which the TeV emission outside the SNR is produced by escaping cosmic rays.
Resetting Piezoresponse Force Microscopy: Towards a real quantitative technique

A nanometric needle sensor mounted in an Atomic Force Microscopy allows systematic picometer-range distance measurements. This force sensing device is used in Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) as a distance sensor, by employing the cantilever spring constant as the conversion factor opening a pathway to explore the piezoelectric effect at the nanoscale. The force-distance equivalence is achieved if the force sensor does not disturb the system to study, solely. In this manuscript we report a systematic study in which different Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) materials, having different d33 values, are measured following the standard theory available for PFM. Both in resonance and out of resonance measurements demonstrate that PFM cannot be considered quantitative. After performing the measurements, we propose a correction of the standard theory employed in PFM by considering the force exerted by the material as a variable. The g33 parameter, inherent to piezoelectricity, governs the amount of force available from the system. A comparison of piezoelectric stiffness for the case of a nanoscale site contact region, similar to the one it is found while performing PFM, is provided. Such stiffness is well below the cantilever stiffness, limiting and diminishing the material movement, as the piezoelectric material does not have enough stroke to induce the intended displacement. A correction factor, named Open Piezopotential Gauge, accounts for these effects, which is used to correct the measurements carried out in PZT materials towards a real quantitative PFM.
The Impact of Assimilating SSM/I and QuikSCAT Satellite Winds on Hurricane Isidore Simulations

Abstract Three observational datasets of Hurricane Isidore (in 2002) were analyzed and compared: the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) winds, and dropsonde winds. SSM/I and QuikSCAT winds were on average about 1.9 and 0.3 m s−1 stronger, respectively, than dropsonde winds. With more than 20 000 points of data, SSM/I wind speed was about 2.2 m s−1 stronger than QuikSCAT. Comparison of the wind direction observed by QuikSCAT with those from the dropsondes showed that the quality of QuikSCAT data is good. The effect of assimilating SSM/I wind speeds and/or QuikSCAT wind vectors for the analysis of Hurricane Isidore was assessed using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5) and its three-dimensional variational data assimilation system. For the Hurricane Isidore case study, it was found that the assimilation of either satellite winds strengthened the cyclonic circulation in the analys.
Low-frequency noise in strained SiGe core-shell nanowire p-channel field effect transistors

Low-frequency noise has been studied in compressively strained Si0.8Ge0. 2 core-shell nanowire (NW) p-channel transistors compared with unstrained NWs. The noise has been well interpreted using the carrier number with correlated mobility fluctuation model. The volume trap density, Nt, lies in the range of 2.9×1018–4.3×1019 cm−3 eV−1, which is similar to standard high-k planar devices. The impact of Coulomb and surface roughness scatterings is more significant in unstrained SiGe NWs. This result can be explained by the better carrier confinement at the central region of SiGe NWs due to the additional band offset in the compressively strained NWs.
Smoothing using fractional polynomials: an alternative to polynomials and splines in applied research

The fractional polynomial regression model is an emerging tool in applied research. Overcoming inherent problems associated with a polynomial expansion and splines, fractional polynomial models provide an alternate approach for modeling nonlinear relationships. In this article, we introduce the univariable and multivariable fractional polynomial model and highlight important aspects of their construction. Because of the curvilinear nature of fractional polynomial models, functional tables and functional plots are emphasized for model interpretation. We present two examples to illustrate fractional polynomial models for their selection and interpretation in applied research. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:275–283. doi: 10.1002/wics.1355
Advances in Building Technologies and Construction Materials 2018

CONSTRUCT-LFC, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal Department of Materials Engineering and Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, -ákurova 7/2077, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Av. Apŕıgio Veloso, 882, 58429-900 Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
Effective electrical conductivity of two‐phase disordered composite media

Perturbation expansions of the effective electrical conductivity σe of any two‐phase isotropic composite medium of arbitrary dimensionality d (where d=2,3) are derived. It is shown that certain Pade approximants of a particular series representation of σe yield known rigorous bounds on the conductivity of the composite. The relationships between the conductivities of certain models that are exactly realized by some of these bounds and the perturbation expansions are discussed. A new expression for the conductivity of a broad class of three‐dimensional dispersions of inclusions is derived. The formula for σe, which depends upon, among other quantities, a certain three‐point probability function of the composite medium, is shown to accurately predict σe of both periodic and random arrays of impenetrable spheres, for a wide range of phase conductivities and inclusion volume fractions.
Polarization of stars with debris discs: comparing observations with models

The $Herschel$ Space telescope carried out an unprecedented survey of nearby stars for debris disks. The dust present in these debris disks scatters and polarizes stellar light in the visible part of the spectrum. We explore what can be learned with aperture polarimetry and detailed radiative transfer modelling about stellar systems with debris disks. We present a polarimetric survey, with measurements from the literature, of candidate stars observed by DEBRIS and DUNES $Herschel$ surveys. We perform a statistical analysis of the polarimetric data with the detection of far-infrared excess by $Herschel$ and $Spitzer$ with a sample of 223 stars. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the effects of various model parameters on the polarization level and find the mass required for detection with current instruments. Eighteen stars were detected with a polarization $0.01 \le P \lesssim 0.1$ per cent and $\ge3\sigma_P$, but only two of them have a debris disk. No statistically significant difference is found between the different groups of stars, with, without, and unknown status for far-infrared excess, and presence of polarization. The simulations show that the integrated polarization is rather small, usually $< 0.01$ per cent for typical masses detected by their far-infrared excess for hot and most warm disks. Masses observed in cold disks can produce polarization levels above $0.01$ per cent since there is usually more dust in them than in closer disks. We list five factors which can explain the observed low-polarization detection rate. Observations with high-precision polarimeters should lead to additional constraints on models of unresolved debris disks.
Red and Reddened: Ultraviolet through Near-infrared Observations of Type Ia Supernova 2017erp

We present space-based ultraviolet/optical photometry and spectroscopy with the Swift Ultra-Violet/Optical Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope (HST), respectively, along with ground-based optical photometry and spectroscopy and near-infrared spectroscopy of supernova SN 2017erp. The optical light curves and spectra are consistent with a normal SN Ia. Compared to previous photometric samples in the near-ultraviolet (NUV), SN 2017erp has UV colors that are redder than NUV-blue SNe Ia corrected to similar optical colors. The chromatic difference between SNe 2011fe and 2017erp is dominated by the intrinsic differences in the UV rather than the expected dust reddening. This chromatic difference is similar to the SALT2 color law, derived from rest-frame ultraviolet photometry of higher redshift SNe Ia. Differentiating between intrinsic UV diversity and dust reddening can have important consequences for determining cosmological distances with rest-frame ultraviolet photometry. This ultraviolet spectroscopic series is the first from HST of a normal, albeit reddened, NUV-red SN Ia and is important for analyzing SNe Ia with intrinsically redder NUV colors. We show model comparisons suggesting that metallicity could be the physical difference between NUV-blue and NUV-red SNe Ia, with emission peaks from reverse fluorescence near 3000 Å implying a factor of ∼10 higher metallicity in the upper layers of SN 2017erp compared to SN 2011fe. Metallicity estimates are very model dependent, however, and there are multiple effects in the UV. Further models and UV spectra of SNe Ia are needed to explore the diversity of SNe Ia, which show seemingly independent differences in the near-UV peaks and mid-UV flux levels.
Spontaneous decay rate of an excited molecule placed near a circular aperture in a metal film

We have investigated the spontaneous decay rate of an excited molecule placed near a circular aperture in a metal film of finite thickness and finite conductivity. We have considered the metal film both suspended freely in vacuum and lying on a substrate. A significant effect of molecule the position and the presence of the substrate on the rate of spontaneous emission of the molecule is shown. The asymptotes which can be used to describe this process are found. Total, radiative, and non-radiative spontaneous decay rates of the excited molecule are extracted and compared. The results may be useful in the development and interpretation of experiments investigating a single molecule with a scanning optical microscope and in the design of optical nanodevices based on the control of elementary quantum systems emission with a nanohole.
Do Slot Machines Cause Financial Distress? A Regulatory Natural Experiment with Exogenous Changes to Slot Locations

We provide causal evidence that slot machines cause financial distress. We exploit a regulatory natural experiment, where gambling regulators exogenously moved slots from individual bars to larger mini-casinos, over an extended period of time. The dates at which regulators removed slots from bars were plausibly exogenous because they depended on the construction timing and opening dates of new mini-casinos, in other, geographically unrelated, locations. We find that the removal of slots from bars significantly reduced the number of neighboring bankruptcies. These effects increase with the dollar amount of gambling removed from the neighborhood, and decrease with distance from each bar.
Chemsex in HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis users: Assessment of mood disorders and addictive behavior

The assessment of mood disorders and addiction linked to the practice of chemsex is of interest given the psychoactive substances used. The aim of this study was to assess risky sexual and addictive behavior to chemsex and related anxiety/depression symptoms in individuals receiving HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In this cross‐sectional study, all adults presenting for PrEP renewal at French sexual health centers were enrolled from January 2018 to March 2019. Participants completed a questionnaire on chemsex (i.e., the use of psychoactive substances before/during sex), including adapted Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to chemsex addiction (questions of ASSIST were modified to focus on chemsex). Anxiety/depression was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. In the last 3 months before enrollment, 39.8% (94/236) of participants reported chemsex. The main psychoactive substances consumed during chemsex were cathinones (74.6%), gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (66.3%), and other psychostimulants (60%). The median score of the chemsex‐focused ASSIST was 8 [IQR25–75: 3–15]; 72.2% of participants had a score justifying at least a brief intervention (>4). In multivariate analyses, anxiety and cathinones consumption were associated with an ASSIST score >4: OR 13.65 (95%CI 1.68–662.7), P = 0.0062, and OR 8.468 (95%CI 2.066–43.059), P = 0.0014, respectively. The level of addiction to the practice of chemsex can be difficult to estimate for the user, and the ASSIST makes it possible to evaluate this addiction and to direct the subjects toward specialized consultations of addictology, sexual health, or PrEP renewals. The implementation of the modified ASSIST in these consultations can allow early systematic screening and counseling.
Effect of the Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Treatment in a Rat Model of Senile Osteoporosis In Vivo

This study assessed the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) in a rat model of senile osteoporosis and the underlying molecular events. 24‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control and PEMF groups (n = 8 per group) using a random digit table, while 3‐month‐old male SD rats were set as the young‐age control group. Rats in the PEMF group were treated by PEMF for 40 min/day for 5 days/week. Bone mineral density/microarchitecture, level of serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP5b), and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling genes in rat bone marrow cells were then analyzed. The 12‐week PEMF intervention showed a significant effect on inhibition of age‐induced bone density loss and deterioration of trabecular bone structures in the PEMF group rats versus control rats, that is, the treatment enhanced bone mineral density of the proximal femoral metaphysis and the fifth lumbar (L5) vertebral body and improved the proximal tibia and L4 vertebral body parameters using bone histomorphometry analysis. Furthermore, the BALP level in the bones was significantly increased, but the TRACP5b level was reduced in the PEMF group of rats versus control rats. PEMF also dramatically upregulated expression of Wnt3a, LRP5, β‐catenin, and Runx2 but downregulated PPAR‐γ expression in the aged rats. The results demonstrated that PEMF could prevent bone loss and architectural deterioration due to the improvement of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation and proliferation abilities and activating the Wnt signaling pathway. Future clinical studies are needed to validate these findings. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Temporality of ovarian steroids and LH/FSH pulse profiles encompassing selection of the dominant follicle in heifers

Abstract The tested hypotheses were (1) LH/FSH pulses and F2 diameter are diminished by P4 and, (2) E2 increases during the transition to deviation and alters LH/FSH pulses. On Day 5 (Day 0 = ovulation), heifers were randomized into an untreated group (HiP4, n = 11), and a prostaglandin analog treated group (NoP4, n = 10). On Day 6, a follicular wave was induced by follicle ablation. Ultrasound and blood collections were performed every 12 h from Days 7 to 11. Blood was collected every 15 min for 10 h on Day 9 (largest follicle expected to be ∼7.5 mm). Estradiol was ∼75% greater (0.36 ± 0.14 vs 0.63 ± 0.19 pg/mL) in heifers with F1 ≥ 7.2 mm than in heifers with F1 < 7.2 mm. The HiP4 had smaller second largest follicle (F2) diameter, lower estradiol (P = 0.06), LH pulse baseline and peak concentrations (P < 0.007), in addition to half the frequency of LH/FSH pulses (4.1 ± 0.3 vs 9.6 ± 0.7 in 10 h) than the NoP4. Within HiP4, heifers with F1 ≥ 7.2 mm had ∼25% fewer (P = 0.03) LH pulses compared to heifers with F1 < 7.2 mm. In contrast, within the NoP4, heifers with F1 ≥ 7.2 mm had ∼75% greater LH (P = 0.05) and FSH (P = 0.08) pulse amplitude. We propose that greater F2 diameter at deviation in low P4 is related to greater LH baseline and peak concentrations, and greater frequency of LH/FSH pulses. A greater increase in E2 after F1 reaches ∼7.2 mm results in further stimulation of LH/FSH pulse amplitude. Elevated P4 not only diminished frequency of LH/FSH pulses but also converted an E2 increase into a negative feedback effect on LH/FSH pulse frequency leading to smaller F2 at deviation. Summary Sentence Near follicle deviation, heifers in high P4 vs low P4 had smaller follicles and lower LH baseline, peak of the pulse, and frequency. Within high P4, E2 decreased LH/FSH pulse frequency. In contrast, within low P4, E2 increased LH/FSH pulse amplitude.
In vitro effects of combustion generated carbon dots on cellular parameters in healthy and cancerous breast cells

Abstract Carbon nanomaterials are an inventive class of materials with wide applications in state-of-the-art bioimaging and therapeutics. They allow a broad range of tunable and integrated advantages of structural flexibility, chemical and thermal stability, upright electrical conductivity, and the option of scale-up and mass production. In the context of nanomedicine, carbon nanomaterials have been used extensively to mitigate the serious side effects of conventional chemotherapy and also to enable early cancer diagnostics, given their wide range of tunable properties. A class of carbon nanomaterials, called carbon dots (CDs) are small carbon-based nanoparticles and have been a valued discovery due to their photoluminescence, low photobleaching, and high surface area to mass ratio. The process of producing these CDs had so far been a high energy demanding process involving wet chemistry for purification. A one-step tunable production of luminescent CDs from fuel rich combustion reactors was recently presented by our group. In this paper, we explore the effects of these yellow luminescent combustion-generated CDs in MCF7 adenocarcinoma and MCF10a normal breast epithelial cells. We observed that these CDs, also at nontoxic doses, can affect basic cellular functions, such as cell cycle and proliferation; induce substantial changes on the physical parameters of the plasma membrane; and change the overall appearance of a cell in terms of morphology.
Luminous arcs in clusters of galaxies

Observations are reported of what appears to be a new class of spatially coherent extragalactic features having, in the two most compelling known examples, the following joint properties: location in clusters of galaxies, narrow arclike shape, enormous apparent length, and situation of center of curvature toward both a cD galaxy and the apparent center of gravity of the cluster. The principal available facts concerning the arcs are presented and a variety of interpretations are briefly discussed. The weight of evidence seems to favor the interpretation that these features are images of more distant objects produced by the gravitational field of the intervening clusters. 24 references.
Latent User Intent Modeling for Sequential Recommenders

Sequential recommender models are essential components of modern industrial recommender systems. These models learn to predict the next items a user is likely to interact with based on his/her interaction history on the platform. Most sequential recommenders however lack a higher-level understanding of user intents, which often drive user behaviors online. Intent modeling is thus critical for understanding users and optimizing long-term user experience. We propose a probabilistic modeling approach and formulate user intent as latent variables, which are inferred based on user behavior signals using variational autoencoders (VAE). The recommendation policy is then adjusted accordingly given the inferred user intent. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the latent user intent modeling via offline analyses as well as live experiments on a large-scale industrial recommendation platform.
Evident: a Development Methodology and a Knowledge Base Topology for Data Mining, Machine Learning and General Knowledge Management

Software has been developed for knowledge discovery, prediction and management for over 30 years. However, there are still unresolved pain points when using existing project development and artifact management methodologies. His-torically, there has been a lack of applicable methodologies. Further, methodologies that have been applied, such as Agile, have several limitations including scientiﬁc unfalsiﬁability that reduce their applicability. Evident , a development methodology rooted in the philosophy of logical reasoning and EKB , a knowledge base topology, are proposed. Many pain points in data mining, machine learning and general knowledge management are alleviated conceptually. Evident can be extended potentially to accelerate philosophical exploration, science discovery, education as well as knowledge sharing & retention across the globe. EKB offers one solution of storing information as knowledge, a granular level above data. Related topics in computer history, software engineering, database, sensing hardware, philosophy, and project & organization & military managements are also discussed.