Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dielectronic recombination data for dynamic finite-density plasmas - I. Goals and methodology

A programme is outlined for the assembly of a comprehensive dielectronic recombination database within the generalized collisional-radiative (GCR) framework. It is valid for modelling ions of elements in dynamic finite-density plasmas such as occur in transient astrophysical plasmas such as solar flares and in the divertors and high transport regions of magnetic fusion devices. The resolution and precision of the data are tuned to spectral analysis and so are sufficient for prediction of the dielectronic recombination contributions to individual spectral line emissivities. The fundamental data are structured according to the format prescriptions of the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) and the production of relevant GCR derived data for application is described and implemented following ADAS. The requirements on the dielectronic recombination database are reviewed and the new data are placed in context and evaluated with respect to older and more approximate treatments. Illustrative results validate the new high-resolution zero-density dielectronic recombination data in comparison with measurements made in heavy-ion storage rings utilizing an electron cooler. We also exemplify the role of the dielectronic data on GCR coefficient behaviour for some representative light and medium weight elements.
The Negative Impact of Information and Communication Technologies Overuse on Student Performance: Evidence From OECD Countries

The increasing presence of technologies at school has triggered a vivid debate on the way ICT influences students’ learning process. Using PISA 2018 data for 15-year-old students and hierarchical linear models, we find an inverted U-shaped relationship between ICT use at school and students’ performance in mathematics in 22 OECD countries. In all cases, the excessive use of technology is associated with a lower academic performance, although this penalty differs across countries, which points to the importance of addressing country-specific analyses. The differentiated profile of those very intensive users, who suffer from above-average bullying exposure, draws into question whether the effect can be deemed as causal. Based on Inverse Probability Weighting techniques, the findings indicate that the very intensive use of ICT at school causes an underperformance of students equivalent to around half an academic course in Estonia, Finland and Spain. The results highlight the need for policy makers and instructors to ensure that the frequent use of ICT at school does not interfere with students’ learning process.
Creating a bosonic fractional quantum Hall state by pairing fermions

We numerically study the behavior of spin--$1/2$ fermions on a two-dimensional square lattice subject to a uniform magnetic field, where opposite spins interact via an on-site attractive interaction. Starting from the non-interacting case where each spin population is prepared in a quantum Hall state with unity filling, we follow the evolution of the system as the interaction strength is increased. Above a critical value and for sufficiently low flux density, we observe the emergence of a twofold quasidegeneracy accompanied by the opening of an energy gap to the third level. Analysis of the entanglement spectra shows that the gapped ground state is the bosonic $1/2$ Laughlin state. Our work therefore provides compelling evidence of a topological phase transition from the fermionic quantum Hall state at unity filling to the bosonic Laughlin state at a critical attraction strength.
A Single Switch High Step-Up DC-DC Converter Based on Tri-Winding Coupled Inductor for Renewable Energy Applications

This article introduces a novel nonisolated single-switch high step-up DC-DC converter using a tri-winding coupled inductor (TWCL) for renewable energy applications such as PV systems. Also, the voltage multiplier cell (VMC) is used to attain a high voltage gain. The used VMC acts as a passive clamp circuit and reduces the voltage stress across the power switch. So, a low voltage-rated power switch can be used in the presented converter. The suggested topology uses only one power switch with low on-state resistance (RDS-ON), which leads to a simple control circuit and decreases the conduction losses. Highefficiency, operating with low duty cycle, low peak voltage over semiconductor elements, low turns ratio, the number of the coupled inductor, and high voltage conversion ratio are the significant benefits of the recommended DC-DC converter. To show the achievement of the presented structure, operational mode principles, steady-state, efficiency calculations, and comparison results are provided. Finally, a 120 W experimental prototype with 200 V output voltage and 50 kHz switching frequency is built to prove the usefulness of the suggested high step-up converter. The efficiency is measured 92.11% at rated power.
Perceived determinants of maize production output among small-scale maize producers in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study assessed determinants of maize production output among small-scale maize producers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire, administered to 180 respondents, who were selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data collected were analysed using descriptive (frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores) and inferential (gross margin and multiple regression) statistics. The study reveals that the majority (67.2%) of the maize producers were male, with another majority (84.4%) having a household size range of 1 to 5, while 89.5% were between the ages of 31 and 50 years. Most (63%) were married, 54.4% attended secondary school and 77.8% made use of both hired and family labour. More than half (53.9%) of the maize producers rented land for production, while 79% either bought seed from the market or used previously harvested seeds. A greater proportion (65.0%) of the maize producers had an annual income of N81, 000 to N120, 000, while the majority (88%) had a farming experience of fewer than 10 years. The result on net farm income indicated an increase in profit for the maize producers that cultivated one-hectare using hybrid maize and recommended fertilizer rate. Although they incurred production costs of N140, 517, they made a profit of N125, 083 with a return on investment of N1.89. The explanatory variables such as planting hybrid maize, amount of fertilizer used, amount of pesticides used and the number of hectares planted were the major determinants of profitability ( p <0.01). In addition, seed rate, amount of labour used, amount of herbicide, household size ( p <0.05), early planting and use of animal manure ( p <0.10) were also positively related to profit. Hence, to increase profit and ensure a high return on investment, the study recommends that subsidy should not stop at inputs such as fertilizer, rather more hybrid maize and extension agents’ assistance should be made readily available and accessible, to ensure adequate utilization of inputs in the right proportions.
Echocardiographic Features of Longevity: A Cross-Sectional Study of Centenarians

Background: Centenarians represent an under-studied population within cardiovascular medicine. This study aimed to describe the echocardiographic characteristics of a cohort of centenarians at a tertiary referral center. Materials and methods: The institutional Echocardiography database was retrospectively reviewed and identified 100 consecutive centenarians referred for transthoracic echocardiography between January 2009 and December 2020. Cardiac chamber quantification, diastology, and valvular heart disease were assessed according to the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests compared data between males and females. Results: The mean age was 101.5 ± 1.7 years, 78% were female, and the most common co-morbidities were hypertension (77%), coronary artery disease (46%), and congestive heart failure (42%). The mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction measured 56.9 ± 11.3% (females vs males, 58.4 ± 9.8 vs 51.6 ± 14.6%, p = 0.01). Males had larger LV end-diastolic (2.8 ± 0.6 vs 2.5 ± 0.5, p = 0.03) and end-systolic diameter (1.9 ± 0.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.4, p = 0.001) indices; a smaller relative wall thickness (0.54 ± 0.18 vs 0.69 ± 0.36, p = 0.06); and a lower E/e’ ratio (13.3 [10.3-19.6] vs 17.3 [13.2-23], p = 0.05), when compared with females. The prevalence of severe valvular lesions was 13.5%, and similar between genders. However, in patients with aortic stenosis, the transaortic pressure gradients were significantly higher in females (mean gradient: 32.0 ± 17.7 vs 18.7 ± 9.2 mmHg, p = 0.04). Conclusions: The present study on centenarians affords a cross-sectional evaluation of cardiac structure and function in a growing population, and highlights important differences between male and female patients.
Suppression of the Testis-Specific Transcription of the ZBTB32 and ZNF473 Genes in Germ Cell Tumors

The family of genes containing C2H2 zinc finger domains, which has more than 700 members, is one of the largest in the genome. Of particular interest are C2H2 genes with potential tissue-specific transcription, which determine the functional properties of individual cell types, including those associated with pathological processes. The aim of this work was to identify C2H2 family genes with tissue-specific transcription and analyze changes in their activity during tumor progression. To search for these genes, we used four databases containing data on gene transcription in human tissues obtained by RNA-Seq analysis. The analysis showed that, although the major part of the C2H2 family genes is transcribed in virtually all tissues, a group of genes has tissue-specific transcription, with most of the transcripts being found in the testis. After having compared all four databases, we identified nine such genes. The testis-specific transcription was confirmed for two of them, namely ZBTB32 and ZNF473, using quantitative PCR of cDNA samples from different organs. A decrease in ZBTB32 and ZNF473 transcription levels was demonstrated in germ cell tumors. The studied genes can serve as candidate markers in germ cell tumors.
Multiphase circumgalactic medium probed with MUSE and ALMA

Galaxy haloes appear to be missing a large fraction of their baryons, most probably hiding in the circumgalactic medium (CGM), a diffuse component within the dark matter halo that extends far from the inner regions of the galaxies. A powerful tool to study the CGM gas is offered by absorption lines in the spectra of background quasars. Here, we present optical (MUSE) and mm (ALMA) observations of the field of the quasar Q1130−1449 which includes a log [N(H I)/cm−2] = 21.71 ± 0.07 absorber at z = 0.313. Ground-based VLT/MUSE 3D spectroscopy shows 11 galaxies at the redshift of the absorber down to a limiting SFR > 0.01 M⊙ yr−1 (covering emission lines of [O II], Hβ, [O III], [N II], and H α), 7 of which are new discoveries. In particular, we report a new emitter with a smaller impact parameter to the quasar line of sight (b = 10.6 kpc) than the galaxies detected so far. Three of the objects are also detected in CO(1–0) in our ALMA observations indicating long depletion time-scales for the molecular gas and kinematics consistent with the ionized gas. We infer from dedicated numerical cosmological RAMSES zoom-in simulations that the physical properties of these objects qualitatively resemble a small group environment, possibly part of a filamentary structure. Based on metallicity and velocity arguments, we conclude that the neutral gas traced in absorption is only partly related to these emitting galaxies while a larger fraction is likely the signature of gas with surface brightness almost four orders of magnitude fainter that current detection limits. Together, these findings challenge a picture where strong-N(HI) quasar absorbers are associated with a single bright galaxy and favour a scenario where the H I gas probed in absorption is related to far more complex galaxy structures.
Machine Learning-Based Two-Stage Task Offloading Optimization for Power Distribution Internet of Things

The increase in the number of services in the power distribution grid leads to a massive increase in task data. Power distribution internet of things (PDIoT) is the specific application of internet of things (IoT) in the power distribution grid. By deploying a large number of PDIoT devices, the voltage, active power, reactive power, and harmonic parameters are collected to support distribution grid services such as fault identification and status detection. Therefore, PDIoT utilizes massive devices to collect and offload tasks to the edge server through 5G network for real-time data processing. However, how to dynamically select edge servers and channels to meet the energy-efficient and low-latency task offloading requirements of PDIoT devices still faces several technical challenges such as task offloading decisions coupling among devices, unobtainable global state information, as well as interrelation of various quality of service (QoS) metrics such as energy efficiency and delay. To this end, we firstly construct a joint optimization problem to maximize the weighted difference between energy efficiency and delay of devices in PDIoT. Then, the joint optimization problem is decomposed into a large-timescale server selection problem and a small-timescale channel selection problem. Next, we propose an ML-based two-stage task offloading algorithm, where the large-timescale problem is solved by two-side matching in the first stage, and the small-timescale problem is solved by adaptive ε -greedy learning in the second stage. Finally, simulation results show that compared with the task offloading delay-first matching algorithm and the matching theory-based task offloading strategy, the proposed algorithm performs superior in terms of energy efficiency and delay.
Enhanced Raman gain coefficients and bandwidths in P2O5 and WO3 added tellurite glasses for Raman gain media

The Raman gain coefficient and bandwidth of tellurite glasses have been tailored by systematically adding WO3 and P2O5 in a TeO2–BaO–SrO–Nb2O5 glass system. The Raman gain coefficients of the resultant glasses were obtained from spontaneous Raman scattering experiments using a 633nm laser. The glasses developed here showed the widest gain bandwidths so far achieved in tellurite glasses while maintaining higher gain coefficients. The gain bandwidths of these glasses were more than twice that of a conventional tellurite-based glass and 70% larger than that of the silica glass.
Application of the London Atlas Software App 2nd edition for the radiographic assessment of dental development

Background Assessing the dental development of children and adolescents is an important part of treatment planning. The radiographic visualization of dental developmental stages prior to age estimation is currently feasible by means of digital software apps. Testing the existing software tools is necessary to safeguard application in practice. This study applied the London Atlas Software App 2nd edition™ for dental age estimation in Brazilian children. Material and Methods The software was applied to 1.104 digital panoramic radiographs of females (n = 509) and males (n = 595) with ages between 6 and 15.99 years (mean = 10.88 ± 2.84 years). The sample included at least 100 individuals similarly distributed based on sex within 10 age categories of one year each (6├ 15.99) years. Metrics of errors were quantified between the estimated (EA) and chronological (CA) ages. Results The mean absolute errors among females and males were 0.56 and 0.60 years, respectively (overall = 0.58 years for the combined sample). The lower error values were observed in the age interval of 6 ├ 9.99 years. Error values above one year were detected in older age intervals (10 ├ 15.99 years). Statistically significant differences in dental development were not observed between females and males (p> 0.05). Conclusions The London Atlas Software App 2nd edition led to specific error rates that can be acceptable for case-specific clinical applications. In the forensic field, caution is advised if the application is planned in the transition between late childhood and early adolescence – when third molars play a major role among the scarce developing teeth. Key words:Brazil, children, dental age estimation, forensic dentistry, radiology.
Reading habits and attitudes in first-year EFL student teachers and their implications for literature course design in an Austrian study programme

ABSTRACT This paper reports results from a quantitative curriculum study on literature modules in Austrian undergraduate teacher education programmes. In order to optimise course delivery in literature classes at the University College of Education Upper Austria (PHOÖ), reading habits and attitudes of 153 first-year EFL students for secondary school education were assessed in an online-questionnaire. The questionnaire examined students’ exposure to literary texts, their self-assessment as avid readers, their performative literacy, and their preferred reading stance. Results show rather limited avid reading, a self-centred performative literacy as well as a profoundly pragmatic reading stance. Such habits and attitudes could not only jeopardise success within the current teacher education study programmes but also aggravate the well-known Peter Effect, rendering prospective EFL teachers incapable of inspiring enthusiasm for literary reading in their future students. After discussing these results, the paper concludes with potential ramifications for curricular revisions as well as avenues for further research.
Continued Kinematic and Photometric Investigations of Hierarchical Solar-type Multiple Star Systems

We observed 15 of the solar-type binaries within 67 pc of the Sun previously observed by the Robo-AO system in the visible, with the PHARO near-infrared camera and the PALM-3000 adaptive optics system on the 5 m Hale telescope. The physical status of the binaries is confirmed through common proper motion and detection of orbital motion. In the process, we detected a new candidate companion to HIP 95309. We also resolved the primary of HIP 110626 into a close binary, making that system a triple. These detections increase the completeness of the multiplicity survey of the solar-type stars within 67 pc of the Sun. Combining our observations of HIP 103455 with archival astrometric measurements and RV measurements, we are able to compute the first orbit of HIP 103455, showing that the binary has a 68 year period. We place the components on a color–magnitude diagram and discuss each multiple system individually.
The extraplanar type II supernova ASASSN-14jb in the nearby edge-on galaxy ESO 467-G051

We present optical photometry and spectroscopy of the Type II supernova ASASSN-14jb, together with Very Large Telescope (VLT) Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) integral field observations of its host galaxy and a nebular-phase spectrum. This supernova, in the nearby galaxy ESO 467-G051 (z = 0.006), was discovered and followed-up by the all-sky automated survey for supernovae (ASAS-SN). We obtained well-sampled las cumbres network (LCOGTN) BVgri and Swift w2m1w1ubv optical, near-UV/optical light curves, and several optical spectra in the early photospheric phases. The transient ASASSN-14jb exploded ∼2 kpc above the star-forming disk of ESO 467-G051, an edge-on disk galaxy. The large projected distance from the disk of the supernova position and the non-detection of any H II region in a 1.4 kpc radius in projection are in conflict with the standard environment of core-collapse supernova progenitors and suggests the possible scenario that the progenitor received a kick in a binary interaction. We present analysis of the optical light curves and spectra, from which we derived a distance of 25 ± 2 Mpc using state-of-the-art empirical methods for Type II SNe, physical properties of the SN explosion (56Ni mass, explosion energy, and ejected mass), and properties of the progenitor; namely the progenitor radius, mass, and metallicity. Our analysis yields a 56Ni mass of 0.0210 ± 0.0025 M⊙, an explosion energy of ≈0.25 × 1051 ergs, and an ejected mass of ≈6 M⊙. We also constrained the progenitor radius to be R* = 580 ± 28 R⊙ which seems to be consistent with the sub-Solar metallicity of 0.3 ± 0.1 Z⊙ derived from the supernova Fe II λ5018 line. The nebular spectrum constrains strongly the progenitor mass to be in the range 10–12 M⊙. From the Spitzer data archive we detect ASASSN-14jb ≈330 days past explosion and we derived a total dust mass of 10−4 M⊙ from the 3.6 μm and 4.5 μm photometry. Using the FUV, NUV, BVgri,Ks, 3.6 μm, and 4.5 μm total magnitudes for the host galaxy, we fit stellar population synthesis models, which give an estimate of M* ≈ 1 × 109 M⊙, an age of 3.2 Gyr, and a SFR ≈0.07 M⊙ yr−1. We also discuss the low oxygen abundance of the host galaxy derived from the MUSE data, having an average of 12 + log(O/H) = 8.27+0.16−0.20 using the O3N2 diagnostic with strong line methods. We compared it with the supernova spectra, which is also consistent with a sub-Solar metallicity progenitor. Following recent observations of extraplanar H II regions in nearby edge-on galaxies, we derived the metallicity offset from the disk, being positive, but consistent with zero at 2σ, suggesting enrichment from disk outflows. We finally discuss the possible scenarios for the unusual environment for ASASSN-14jb and conclude that either the in-situ star formation or runaway scenario would imply a low-mass progenitor, agreeing with our estimate from the supernova nebular spectrum. Regardless of the true origin of ASASSN-14jb, we show that the detailed study of the environment roughly agree with the stronger constraints from the observation of the transient.
Finite-temperature functional RG, droplets and decaying Burgers turbulence

The functional RG (FRG) approach to pinning of d-dimensional manifolds is re-examined at any temperature T. The coupling function R(u) is shown to be a physical observable in any d, exactly related to a free energy cumulant in a parabolic well. In d = 0 its beta function is displayed to a high order, ambiguities resolved; for random field disorder (Sinai model) we obtain exactly the T = 0 fixed point R(u) and its thermal boundary layer (TBL) form (i.e. for u ~ T) at T > 0. Connection between FRG in d = 0 and decaying Burgers turbulence is discussed. An exact solution to the functional RG hierarchy in the TBL is obtained for any d and related to droplet probabilities.
Accelerating Quasi-Monte Carlo in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces

Quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) methods are being adopted in machine learning due to the increasingly challenging nature of numerical integrals that are routinely encountered in contemporary applications. For integrands that are $\alpha$-times differentiable, an $\alpha$-optimal QMC algorithm converges at a best-possible rate $O(N^{-\alpha- 1/2 +\epsilon})$ where $\epsilon>0$ can be arbitrarily small. However, in applications the value of $\alpha$ can be unknown and/or a rate-optimal QMC algorithm can be unavailable. Standard practice is to employ $\alpha_L$-optimal QMC where the lower bound $\alpha_L \leq \alpha$ is known, but this does not exploit the full power of QMC when $\alpha_L < \alpha$. We present a novel solution that uses kernel methods to accelerate QMC by a factor $O(N^{-(\alpha - \alpha_L)/d})$, where $d$ is the dimension of the integral. For $d=1$ we can therefore recover optimal convergence rates. A topical application to robotic arm data demonstrates a substantial speed-up in the computation required to evaluate predictions for mechanical torques.
Spectrum of epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia: Delineation of disease subtypes from a large multicenter study

Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (EEM) has been associated with marked clinical heterogeneity. Early epilepsy onset has been recently linked to lower chances of achieving sustained remission and to a less favorable neuropsychiatric outcome. However, much work is still needed to better delineate this epilepsy syndrome.