bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of transit light curves ofKeplerobjects of interest
Authors: Arkhypov O. V. , Khodachenko M. L. , Hanslmeier A.
Published: May 2020

Context.Hitherto, the study of exoplanetary transit timing and duration variability has supposed transit light curves (TLCs) to be symmetric, suggesting a priori a spherical shape for the transiting object, for example, an exoplanet. As a result, the independent positions of transit borders are unknown. However, the borders of TLCs are most sensitive to the presence of exo-rings and/or dust formations of great interest.

Aims.For the first time we check for a timing variability of independently treated borders of transits of different types of exoplanets.

Methods.Using quadratic approximation for the start-, end-, and minimum parts of the long-cadence TLCs from theKeplermission archive after their whitening and phase folding, we find the corresponding transit border timings: Δts, Δte, respectively, and the TLC minimum time Δtm. These parameters were found separately for each folded TLC constructed in the consequent non-overlapping time-windows with the respective medium timetw. Temporal and cross-correlation analysis of the obtained series of Δts(tw), Δte(tw), and Δtm(tw) were applied for the detection and diagnostics of variability of transit borders and TLC asymmetry.

Results.Among the considered TLCs of 98Keplerobjects of interest (KOIs), 15 confirmed giant exoplanets and 5 objects with still debatable status (probably non-planets) show variations in their transit timing parameters at timescales from ≈400 to ≳1500 days. These variations are especially well manifested as an anti-correlation between Δtsand Δte, indicating variability in the dimensions of transiting shadows, especially along their trajectories. There are also objects with well pronounced oscillations of transit border timing and asymmetry.

Conclusions.The discovered variability of transit timing is important as an indicator of large-scale non-stationary processes in the atmospheres of KOIs, as well as dust and aerosol generation in their upper layers and in their close vicinity. These findings highlight the need for a dedicated and detailed study.
High-resolution, 3D radiative transfer modelling
Authors: Viaene S. , Nersesian A. , Fritz J. , Verstocken S. , Baes M. , Bianchi S. , Casasola V. , Cassarà L. , Clark C. , Davies J. , De Looze I. , De Vis P. , Dobbels W. , Galametz M. , Galliano F. , Jones A. , Madden S. , Mosenkov A. , Trcka A. , Xilouris E. M. , Ysard N.
Published: May 2020

The star formation rate and the mass of interstellar medium (ISM) have a high predictive power for the future evolution of a galaxy. Nevertheless, deriving such properties is not straightforward. Dust emission, an important diagnostic of star formation and ISM mass throughout the Universe, can be powered by sources unrelated to ongoing star formation. In the framework of the DustPedia project we set out to disentangle the radiation of the ongoing star formation from that of the older stellar populations. This is done through detailed 3D radiative transfer simulations of face-on spiral galaxies. We take special care in modelling the morphological features present for each source of radiation. In this particular study, we focus on NGC 1068, which in addition contains an active galactic nucleus (AGN). The effect of diffuse dust heating by an AGN (beyond the torus) has so far only been investigated for quasars. This additional dust heating source further contaminates the broadband fluxes that are used by classic galaxy modelling tools to derive physical properties. We aim to fit a realistic model to the observations of NGC 1068 and quantify the contribution of the several dust-heating sources. Our model is able to reproduce the global spectral energy distribution of the galaxy. It matches the resolved optical and infrared images fairly well, but deviates in the UV and the submillimetre (submm). This is partly due to beam smearing effects, but also because the input dust distribution is not sufficiently peaked in the centre. We find that AGN contamination of the broadband fluxes has a strong dependency on wavelength. It peaks in the mid-infrared, drops in the far-infrared, and then rises again at submm wavelengths. We quantify the contribution of the dust-heating sources in each 3D dust cell and find a median value of 83% for the star formation component. The AGN contribution is measurable at the percentage level in the disc, but quickly increases in the inner few hundred parsecs, peaking above 90%. This is the first time the phenomenon of an AGN heating the diffuse dust beyond its torus is quantified in a nearby star-forming galaxy. NGC 1068 only contains a weak AGN, meaning this effect could be stronger in galaxies with a more luminous AGN. This could significantly impact the derived star formation rates and ISM masses for such systems.
Expanding bubbles in Orion A: [C II] observations of M 42, M 43, and NGC 1977
Authors: Pabst C. H. M. , Goicoechea J. R. , Teyssier D. , Berné O. , Higgins R. D. , Chambers E. T. , Kabanovic S. , Güsten R. , Stutzki J. , Tielens A. G. G. M.
Published: May 2020

Context. The Orion Molecular Cloud is the nearest massive-star forming region. Massive stars have profound effects on their environment due to their strong radiation fields and stellar winds. Stellar feedback is one of the most crucial cosmological parameters that determine the properties and evolution of the interstellar medium in galaxies.

Aims. We aim to understand the role that feedback by stellar winds and radiation play in the evolution of the interstellar medium. Velocity-resolved observations of the [C II] 158 μm fine-structure line allow us to study the kinematics of UV-illuminated gas. Here, we present a square-degree-sized map of [C II] emission from the Orion Nebula complex at a spatial resolution of 16′′ and high spectral resolution of 0.2 km s−1, covering the entire Orion Nebula (M 42) plus M 43 and the nebulae NGC 1973, 1975, and 1977 to the north. We compare the stellar characteristics of these three regions with the kinematics of the expanding bubbles surrounding them.

Methods. We use [C II] 158 μm line observations over an area of 1.2 deg2 in the Orion Nebula complex obtained by the upGREAT instrument onboard SOFIA.

Results. The bubble blown by the O7V star θ1 Ori C in the Orion Nebula expands rapidly, at 13 km s−1. Simple analytical models reproduce the characteristics of the hot interior gas and the neutral shell of this wind-blown bubble and give us an estimate of the expansion time of 0.2 Myr. M 43 with the B0.5V star NU Ori also exhibits an expanding bubble structure, with an expansion velocity of 6 km s−1. Comparison with analytical models for the pressure-driven expansion of H II regions gives an age estimate of 0.02 Myr. The bubble surrounding NGC 1973, 1975, and 1977 with the central B1V star 42 Orionis expands at 1.5 km s−1, likely due to the over-pressurized ionized gas as in the case of M 43. We derive an age of 0.4 Myr for this structure.

Conclusions. We conclude that the bubble of the Orion Nebula is driven by the mechanical energy input by the strong stellar wind from θ1 Ori C, while the bubbles associated with M 43 and NGC 1977 are caused by the thermal expansion of the gas ionized by their central later-type massive stars.
Carbothermic reduction of low-grade laterite-graphite composite pellets
Authors: Shiau Jia-Shyan
Published: May 2020

The appropriate carbothermic reduction parameters of low-grade laterite-graphite pellets and the influence of calcined temperature on these for upgrading the nickel (Ni) content in pellets were evaluated. Afterward, the impact of the additive (Na2SO4) on Ni grade and Ni recovery of calcined pellets at optimal reduction conditions was also investigated. XRD analysis, thermodynamic calculation, isothermal reduction experiment, BET-specific surface area analysis, bromine methyl alcohol solution analysis, and chemical composition analysis were used in order to obtain the associated parameters. In this study, it showed the improvement of Ni grade and Ni recovery rate of 673 K-calcined laterite-graphite pellets can respectively reach > 30 mass % and 90.2 mass % under the conditions of reduction temperature = 1373 K, reduction time = 30 min, and the mole ratio of fixed carbon to reducible oxygen of iron and nickel in laterite nickel ore (C/O) = 0.6. The reasons were proposed that the 673 K-calcined laterite ores have the highest specific surface area of 46.8 m2/g with pores in the size of 29.7 Å to provide faster Ni reduction at the initial stage followed by reduction. The addition of 5 mass % additive resulted in the best Ni grade of > 30 mass % and the best Ni recovery rate of 93.8 mass % in pellets at the same reduction temperature, time and (C/O) molar ratio.
Iatrogene Abhängigkeit
Authors: Bischof Gallus , Wurst Friedrich M.
Published: May 2020

medikamentenbezogene Störungen sind unter den Suchterkrankungen nach
verschiedenen Schätzungen eine bedeutsame Größe, ohne dass
sich dies in der Inanspruchnahme des Suchtbehandlungssystems widerspiegelt. Im
Gegensatz zu den anderen stoffgebundenen Abhängigkeitsformen spielt dabei
die ärztliche Verschreibungspraxis für die
Abhängigkeitsentwicklung eine nicht unbeträchtliche Rolle, wie in
den letzten Jahren im Rahmen der Opioid-Krise in den USA ersichtlich wurde. Im
Gegensatz zu den übrigen stoffgebundenen Abhängigkeiten sind
Betroffene in der Regel älter, häufiger weiblich und weisen
regelmäßig somatische oder psychische Komorbiditäten auf,
welche wiederum initial auslösend für die Verschreibung
abhängigkeitserzeugender Medikamente sind. Damit zusammenhängend
sind in diesem Bereich erhebliche Forschungsdefizite erkennbar, was sowohl die
genaue Verbreitung des Störungsbildes als auch Möglichkeiten der
Optimierung der Erreichbarkeit und der Behandlung dieser Zielgruppe anbelangt. Um
die Versorgung dieser mit am stärksten unterversorgten Zielgruppe zu
verbessern, wurden in den letzten beiden Jahren S3-Leitlinien zu
medikamentenbezogenen Störungen erarbeitet, die sich derzeit in der
Konsentierung befinden und die in diesem Jahr veröffentlicht werden. Diese
Ausgabe der Suchttherapie soll deshalb eine vertiefende Betrachtung einzelner
Aspekte ermöglichen.
Association of VEGF Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to
Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xiaorong , Liu Juping , Yang Qianhui , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: May 2020

The associations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene
polymorphisms and risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR) –
proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and nonproliferative diabetic
retinopathy (NPDR) – remain unclear. A systematic search and
meta-analysis using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI)
was performed to evaluate the association. Our study concluded 26 studies
containing 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In Asian populations,
rs3025039 polymorphism was associated with DR risk, while in overall populations
and Caucasians, the DR risk was increased by association with rs2010963. There
was a significant association between rs25648 and rs833061 and DR risk in
Caucasians. DR risks were found to be significantly associated between
rs3025021, rs13207351, and rs2146323 in either overall populations, Caucasians
or Asians. Besides, in overall and Asian populations, rs699947 and rs3025039
were associated with PDR risk. rs1570360, rs3025039, and rs833061 played a key
role in PDR etiology in Caucasians. rs2010963 was associated with increased risk
of PDR in overall populations. A significant association between rs699947,
rs3025039, and rs833061 and NPDR risk in overall populations and Asians was
found. A significant association was observed between rs2010963 and increased
NPDR risk in overall and Caucasian populations. This study provides a new
insight into the parthenogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Targeting VEGF SNPs
may be a potential of therapeutic approach for the treatment of DR, PDR, and
NPDR.
Addressing Anemia in Pregnant Women and School Children through a Field Tested Novel Strategy
Authors: Susheela Andezhath Kumaran , Kumari Chandrawati
Published: May 2020

Objective

To introduce a protocol for improving hemoglobin (Hb), rectifying anemia in pregnant women and school children through practice of interventions.

Materials and Methods

Pregnant women (n = 3,262) visiting antenatal clinics (ANCs) in two government hospitals in New Delhi were screened for Hb using a hemoglobinometer. Those anemic with Hb <12.0 g/dL were tested for fluoride in urine samples, using ion meter with F–-specific electrode. Those who are anemic with high urine fluoride level (UFL ≥1.0 mg/L) were tested for fluoride in drinking water. If water fluoride is ≥1.0 mg/L, a large number of samples were tested from the neighborhood water sources. Besides, the pregnant women were advised to use water from safe sources for cooking and drinking purposes. The pregnant women, who visited ANCs were retested for Hb and UFL during every visit and introduced to diet editing and diet counseling. Body mass index was calculated initially and prior to delivery. Delivery outcome information was collected and recorded from labor room register.

Girls and boys (n = 2,420) attending six schools in the national capital were inducted in the study. “Informed consents” were obtained from the parents of the recruited children and the principal of the school. The “ascent” was obtained from the children. The protocol comprised screening for Hb and testing of fluoride levels in the urine and drinking water. Diet editing and counseling were introduced to parents/mothers during parent–teacher meetings and impact of the interventions was assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months postintervention and the recorded data were evaluated and analyzed statistically.

Results

It was observed that 83% of pregnant women in whom anemia was corrected delivered normal birth weight infants (2.5–3.89 kg). The 17% women in whom anemia was not corrected gave birth to low birth weight infants (1.87–2.48 kg). The school children in whom the diet editing was used as an intervention showed statistically significant enhanced Hb levels. These children did not require weekly iron and folic acid supplementation. It appears that educating parents to provide nutrient-rich food for correcting anemia seems to be an important intervention.

Conclusion

Fluoride from water, food, beverages, use of rock salt with high F– 157 ppm in cooking and churans when withdrawn, structural changes in the gastrointestinal system was rectified, thus enhanced absorption of nutrients. The nation should have a meaningful protocol to do justice to pregnant women and school children afflicted with anemia.
A Best-Fit of an Anatomic Tibial Baseplate Closely Parallels the Flexion-Extension Plane and Covers a High Percentage of the Proximal Tibia
Authors: Nedopil Alexander J. , Zamora Tomas , Shelton Trevor , Howell Stephen M. , Hull Maury
Published: May 2020

There are no reports of in vivo internal–external (I–E) rotational alignment and coverage of the proximal tibia after performing a best-fit method of an anatomically designed and asymmetrically shaped tibial baseplate during calipered kinematically aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that a best-fit plane sets the anterior–posterior (A–P) axis of the anatomic baseplate closely parallel to the flexion–extension (F–E) plane of the knee and covers a high percentage of the proximal tibia. A total of 145 consecutive primary TKAs were prospectively collected. The calipered KA method and verification checks set the positions and orientations of the components without ligament release in all knees without restrictions on the preoperative deformities. A best-fit method selected one of six trials of anatomic baseplates that maximized coverage and set I–E rotation parallel to and within the cortical edge of the proximal tibia. The angle between the transverse axes of the components (i.e., the deviation of the A–P axis of the anatomic baseplate from the F–E plane of the native knee) and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the proximal tibia were measured on postoperative computerized tomographic scans. The mean deviation of the anatomic baseplate from the F–E plane was 2-degree external ± 5 degrees. The mean coverage of the proximal tibia was 87 ± 6% (CSA of baseplate from the manufacturer/CSA of proximal tibia × 100). The anatomic baseplate and best-fit method adequately set I–E rotation of the baseplate closely parallel to the F–E plane of the knee and cover a high percentage of the proximal tibia.
On the probability ratio index as a measure of electoral competition
Authors: Chakravarty Satya R. , Mitra Manipushpak , Mutuswami Suresh , Pal Rupayan
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with the fundamental issue of quantifying the degree of competitiveness underlying an election in a society. That is, given the vote shares of competing political parties in the election one needs to arrive at a representative metric of electoral competition. The vote share of a party represents its influence on the outcome of the election. A summary measure of differences of such influences across parties, aggregated in an unambiguous way, is an index of electoral competitiveness. The literature contains several such indices. Implicit under the choice of an index is a set of properties that the index satisfies. A highly attractive feature of the probability ratio index we suggest in this article, as a summary measure of electoral competition, is its suitability for making comparisons of competitiveness across elections with different number of parties. The probability ratio index is simply the ratio between the probabilities that the two voters drawn at random with (without) replacement have voted for different parties under actual vote shares across the competing parties and under equal vote shares across them. The comparability feature of the probability ratio index can be maintained without sacrificing any nice characteristic expected from an electoral competition measure. The probability ratio index is inversely related to the well-known Herfindahl–Hirschman concentration index that indicates dominance of large parties, directly related to the fractionalization index, which indicates how vote shares are split among the parties, and also inversely related to the squared coefficient of variation, a highly popular measure of inequality. It is argued explicitly how the new index can be applied to measure competitiveness for true data. Simple examples are used to demonstrate why probability ratio index has a comparative advantage over some other well-known indices, particularly, in terms of cross-election comparability.
Postdoctoral scholars’ perspectives about professional learning and development: a concurrent mixed-methods study
Authors: Nowell Lorelli , Ovie Glory , Kenny Natasha , Jacobsen Michele
Published: May 2020

Postdoctoral scholars pursue diverse career paths requiring broad skill sets; however, little is known about postdoctoral scholars’ perspectives about their professional learning, and development needs. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to identify current professional learning and development opportunities used by postdoctoral scholars to obtain the required broad skills sets of value for a changing career landscape. A concurrent mixed-methods design was utilized including a cross sectional survey and qualitative interviews. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis; quantitative and qualitative findings were then triangulated for convergent themes. Key findings indicate that although postdoctoral scholars engage in a variety of professional learning, the perceived usefulness of these sessions varies widely, and the types of professional learning and development that they engage in, may not best support the realities of their future careers. Given the significant resources often required to support professional learning and development initiatives, a deeper understanding and alignment of postdoctoral scholars needs with provided opportunities may help to ensure scarce resources are invested in the most useful and effective strategies.
Blue carbon sequestration dynamics within tropical seagrass sediments: long-term incubations for changes over climatic scales
Authors: Chuan Chee Hoe , Gallagher John Barry , Chew Swee Theng , Norlaila Binti M. Zanuri
Published: May 2020

Determination of blue carbon sequestration in seagrass sediments over climatic time scales (>100 years) relies on several assumptions, including no loss of particulate organic carbon (POC) after 1–2 years, tight coupling between POC loss and CO2 emissions, no dissolution of carbonates, and removal of the recalcitrant black carbon (BC) contribution. We tested these assumptions via 500-day anoxic decomposition and mineralisation experiments to capture centennial parameter decay dynamics from two sediment horizons robustly dated as 2 and 18 years old. No loss of BC was detected, and decay of POC was best described for both horizons by near-identical reactivity continuum models. The models predicted average losses of 49 and 51% after 100 years of burial for the surface and 20–22-cm horizons respectively. However, the loss rate of POC was far greater than the release rate of CO2, even after accounting for CO2 from particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) production, possibly as siderite. The deficit could not be attributed to dissolved organic carbon or dark CO2 fixation. Instead, evidence based on δ13CO2, acidity and lack of sulfate reduction suggested methanogenesis. The results indicated the importance of centennial losses of POC and PIC precipitation and possibly methanogenesis in estimating carbon sequestration rates.
Abundance, distribution and reproduction of the Data-Deficient species (Squalus blainville) around Sardinia Island (central western Mediterranean Sea) as a contribution to its conservation
Authors: Marongiu Martina Francesca , Porcu Cristina , Bellodi Andrea , Cannas Rita , Carbonara Pierluigi , Cau Alessandro , Coluccia Elisabetta , Moccia Davide , Mulas Antonello , Pesci Paola , Follesa Maria Cristina
Published: May 2020

Data-Deficient (DD) species are currently under threat because of the paucity of information regarding their abundance, distribution and biological traits. In this study we analysed temporal trends and bioecological features of the DD shark, Squalus blainville. Biological and fishery data were collected through two different scientific surveys spanning 1994–2018 and commercial hauls around Sardinia Island (central western Mediterranean) from 2008 to 2018. The analysis of temporal trends based on abundance data revealed a significant population decline over time. The late attainment of maturity and low fecundity of S. blainville are suspected to have contributed to making it highly vulnerable to overfishing. No bathymetric segregation by sex and size was found. However, the almost exclusive presence of pregnant females south-west of Sardinia could be due to sexual spatial segregation. This is also supported by histological findings showing long-term sperm storage to ensure the persistence of the species when females and males are separated. The documented decline of this species, its low reproductive potential and similarities in the depth distribution of immature and mature individuals indicate the need for urgent protection plans for S. blainville in Sardinian waters.
Please come again: attractive bait augments recapture rates of capture-naïve snowshoe hares
Authors: Boudreau Melanie R. , Seguin Jacob L. , Lavergne Sophia G. , Sonnega Samuel , Scholl Lee , Kenney Alice J. , Krebs Charles J.
Published: May 2020

Abstract
ContextCapture–recapture sampling is one of the most commonly used methods for monitoring population demographics and is needed in a wide variety of studies where repeat sampling of individuals is desired. Although studies employing capture–recapture methods often assume unbiased sampling, it is well established that inherent capture biases can occur with these methods, including those related to baits. Reducing sources of sampling bias and augmenting recapture reliability is necessary for capture-dependent studies. However, few studies have examined the efficacy of baits on individuals with variable capture experience.
AimsTo investigate the use of an attractant-augmented bait in enhancing capture–recapture probabilities for snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus).
MethodsTo examine the efficacy of different attractant-augmented bait types, a variety of baits were created, with bait preference tested on a captive hare. Because a strawberry jam-based bait was preferentially consumed (in comparison with other tested baits), the effectiveness of this attractant in enhancing capture–recapture rates was subsequently examined in wild hares, using paired live-trapping field trials (n=6 trials).
ResultsLive-trapping trials showed that although overall hare capture rates were not affected by the use of a jam-based bait, recaptures were 33.1% higher in capture-naïve individuals exposed to our attractant. This was not the case for hares with prior capture experience; such hares had an equal likelihood of being recaptured regardless of the bait type used.
ConclusionsThe tested attractant improved recapture rates of capture-naïve hares.
ImplicationsStudies relying on high recapture rates should use methods that maximise recapture rates wherever possible, including the use of baits that may augment recaptures in capture-naïve animals.
A description of bare noun phrases in Reunion Creole
Authors: Albers Ulrike
Published: May 2020

This paper discusses the general distribution and interpretation of bare noun phrases (BNPs) in Reunion Creole
(RC). To set the required background for this description, it also discusses the count-mass distinction and offers an insight into
the determiner system since elements such as prenominal lo and postnominal -la have received
rather divergent designations and analyses in the literature. Observations rely on oral data and felicity judgments.

We show that RC BNPs can occupy the same positions as noun phrases (NPs) modified by a determiner and that they
can be left-dislocated, clefted and topicalized. We provide evidence that, except for some specific contexts, monosyllabic BNPs
are not licensed and that the form lo is mandatory to build a grammatical NP out of nouns formed by a unique
light syllable.1 We also demonstrate that, in these cases, lo is actually a
semantically empty element. BNPs are number-neutral; we argue that existential BNPs are pseudo-incorporated in some cases but that
they always have weak reference. BNPs can receive generic and kind readings, as well as an existential and a certain definite
interpretation: they are weak definites, i.e. they are semantically, never pragmatically definite (following Löbner 1985, 1998, 2011, 2015).
Pidginization in Abha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Azraqi Munira
Published: May 2020

This study focuses on a pidgin predominantly used by Asian immigrants in the city of Abha in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, examining multifunctionality as it appears in three grammatical categories, definiteness, predication, and pronouns. Whereas previous studies on Gulf Arabic Pidgin have described the variety in terms of multifunctionality (e.g. Avram 2004; Bakir 2014, and Potsdam and Alanazi 2014), the current study focuses on the different pathways that bring it about. Three types of multifunctionality are described in terms of refunctionalization, generalization and neutralization. hada (< *haaða ‘this’) is refunctionalized to mark definiteness and as a deictic marker fills the function of the demonstrative. fī, (< *fi ‘at, exist’) has multiple functions being used as a preposition, an existential marker in the meaning of ‘there is/are’, a generalized predicate marker when occurring before adjectival, nominal and verbal predicates. The pronominal system shows simplification from ten to five pronouns only. The study is based on data collected in interviews with a random sample of twenty-four Asian participants of both sexes. Their ages ranged from 26 to 45 years old and their length of stay in Saudi Arabia ranged from four to nine years. They occupied different jobs. A total of twenty nine hours of audio-visual interview data were analysed.
Adopt and adapt written Kreol
Authors: Owodally A Mooznah Auleear
Published: May 2020

Focusing on madrassah1Islamiyat2textbooks written in Kreol by two local textbook writers for use in Sunni madrassahs in Mauritius, the present study shows how the writers have adopted Kreol, enriching and adapting it with loanwords from Arabic, to communicate religious information to the children attending the madrassah. The corpus for this study being a sample of locally produced Islamiyat textbooks, document analysis constituted the primary method of data collection and analysis. Interviews with the textbook writers were carried out in order to obtain insiders’ insights into the strategies they used to convey Islamic ideas in Kreol, a language not lexically equipped for this. The analysis reveals that the textbook writers used ‘loanwords by necessity’ – cultural borrowings (Haspelmath 2009) that were adapted through transliteration (Hassan 2016) – for proper names and honorifics, as well as for people, objects, practices and beliefs. A search in theDiksioner Morisien(Carpooran 2011) reveals that a majority of these loanwords do not currently appear in the Dictionary, suggesting the emergence of a new register. I thus argue that at the grassroots level, the Sunni Muslim community is in the process of developing a new religious register of Kreol, which is currently being used and which is also being transmitted to younger generations through the madrassahs. This reflects the Mauritian Sunni Muslims’ strong sense of attachment to Kreol, a language that tends to be associated with the Creole community in Mauritius.
Chavacano (Philippine Creole Spanish)
Authors: Jacobs Bart , Parkvall Mikael
Published: May 2020

This article argues that the three existing varieties of Chavacano are descendents of one and the same proto-variety. While their direct relatedness used to be agreed upon, it has recently been questioned to differing extents by Lipski (e.g.1992,2010,2013) and Fernández (e.g.2006,2011). There is a large gap in Chavacano research insofar as systematic attempts at verifying or falsifying the alleged kinship between the varieties are missing to date. This article makes a first such attempt and argues that the varieties are indeed genetically related.
L2 pronunciation networking and conferences
Authors: Levis John M.
Published: May 2020

Professional conferences are a critical part of a growing and thriving field. L2 pronunciation has a growing number of dedicated conferences, and other long-standing conferences that are related to L2 pronunciation have seen greater participation from L2 pronunciation researchers as the field has grown. This article describes conferences that are of interest to the field of L2 pronunciation.
In situ tensile of ultra-narrow gap laser welded joint of bainitic steel
Authors: Zhang Cheng Zhu , Chen Hui , Yang Xiao Yi , Zhao Xu
Published: May 2020

Ultra-narrow gap laser welding (ultra-NGLW) is an advanced welding technology for thick bainite steel with a welding gap of only 4 mm. We studied the failure mechanism of the tensile fracture of ultra-NGLW joints of bainitic steel via in situ tensile tests. The tests show that cracks for all micro-zone specimens propagated along the tensile direction at 42°∼45°. Further analysis of the crack tips by Electron Back Scatter Diffraction showed main cracks along directions with high Schmid Factors (SF >0.44), and micro-cracks were found on the grain boundaries of (111) and (101) grains. It was revealed that the wire-filling zone and heat-affected zone were mainly intergranular expansion, whereas in the no filling zone, the crack propagation was transgranular.
An element-wise scheme to analyse local mechanical anisotropy in fibre-reinforced composites
Authors: Javanbakht Zia , Hall Wayne , Öchsner Andreas
Published: May 2020

Herein, the general constitutive equation of bi-phasic materials equipped with orientation tensor is presented in direct notation. The formulation is refined by some correction factors specific to natural fibre-reinforced composites; then, a planar case is derived. The necessity of local information is emphasised through the introduction of auxiliary maps, which included volume fraction and orientation data. A semi-analytical homogenisation method is introduced through finite element analysis. Auxiliary maps are shown to be a better alternative to the overall orientation of fibres. Global calculations are insensitive to local variations whilst appropriate auxiliary maps offer refined results. Considering the multidisciplinary application of orientation tensors, the proposed scheme can be used in all areas where local information cannot be disregarded.
The politics of youth struggles for land in post-land reform Zimbabwe
Authors: Chipato Fadzai , Wang Libin , Zuo Ting , Mudimu George T.
Published: May 2020

The youth in post-land reform Zimbabwe are engaged in struggles for land ownership, access and control. This article focuses on youth struggles from the grassroots to the national level. The struggles for land emanate from a number of factors among which are: elite alienation, the state’s failure to exercise its constitutional mandate of a broad-based land reform, weak economic structure, the conflation of party and state politics, political opportunity calculations and social justice concerns. The conflation of party and state politics has exacerbated the use of land for patronage purposes and led to further youth disenfranchisement and more parochialism, as demonstrated by the narrowing of the youth’s national struggle for land to a party political matter. This has subordinated youth land struggles to the dictates of party politics. Youth in the rural areas unable to access productive land embarked on informal land occupation as they waited for unfulfilled promises from the authorities. The youth struggles are at a crossroads as the state’s narrative, discourse and policy position shifts under a new administration and economic order premised on neoliberalism.
The post-colonial is neocolonial in the Indian Ocean region: the case of Chagos seen through the African-centred decolonial theoretical lens
Authors: Zondi Siphamandla
Published: May 2020

The status of the Chagos Island remains a subject of struggle in international relations pitting the United Kingdom and, by extension, the U.S. against the indigenous people of the Chagos who were forcibly displaced and exiled in order to accommodate a U.S. military base involved in evil conflicts in the lands of the Orient. Mauritius joined this struggle on the basis that the islands were separated from Mauritius by the British on the eve of independence in 1968. The Chagosians have for decades insisted on their right to self-determination and their right to return to the land of their ancestors, taking their battles to the streets of London and international courts. In spite of the growing support for their cause around the world and although they have scored some victories in courts and at the United Nations, their dreams remain deferred as the U.K. and the U.S. refuse to act justly and fairly. This is a classic case of neocolonial continuities that haunt post-colonial Africa, rendering independence meaningless for injustice anywhere in Africa is injustice against the whole of Africa. This paper suggests that the use of a decolonial lens of analysis infused with African anti-colonial perspectives enables us to understand the fundamental problems facing the Chagosians and to think of more permanent solutions to this quagmire.
Reconceptualizing organizational spirituality: Theological roots for scientific and practical fruits
Authors: Pfaltzgraff-Carlson Rhonda
Published: May 2020

The field of spirituality and religion in the workplace (SRW) has matured and gained legitimacy, but the long-term stability of the field is dependent upon resolution of a few serious issues. Research has coalesced around a definition of workplace spirituality and demonstrated the importance of workplace spirituality and spiritual leadership for organizational outcomes; however, epistemological and measurement issues challenge the validity of these findings. In an effort to resolve some of these issues, this paper solidifies the conceptual basis of organization-level workplace spirituality by describing the spiritual nature of organizations. In particular, it offers a theological basis for organizational spirituality, extends the definition of organization-level workplace spirituality, and outlines specific avenues for the spiritual formation of organizations.
Flow and rheology of frictional elongated grains
Authors: Nagy Dániel B , Claudin Philippe , Börzsönyi Tamás , Somfai Ellák
Published: May 2020

The rheology of a 3-dimensional granular system consisting of frictional elongated particles was investigated by means of discrete element model calculations. A homogenous shear flow of frictional spherocyliders was simulated, and a number of rheological quantities were calculated. In the framework of the μ(I) rheology, the effective friction was found to be a non-monotonic function of the aspect ratio for interparticle friction coefficient μ
p ≲ 0.4, while it was an increasing function for larger μ
p. We reveal the microscopic origin of this peculiar non-monotonic behaviour. We show the non-trivial dependence of the velocity fluctuations on the dissipation regime, and trace back the behaviour of the normal stress differences to particle-level quantities.
Detection and quantification of entanglement with measurement-device-independent and universal entanglement witness*
Authors: Ke Zhi-Jin , Wang Yi-Tao , Yu Shang , Liu Wei , Meng Yu , Li Zhi-Peng , Wang Hang , Li Qiang , Xu Jin-Shi , Xiao Ya , Tang Jian-Shun , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: May 2020

Entanglement is the key resource in quantum information processing, and an entanglement witness (EW) is designed to detect whether a quantum system has any entanglement. However, prior knowledge of the target states should be known first to design a suitable EW, which weakens this method. Nevertheless, a recent theory shows that it is possible to design a universal entanglement witness (UEW) to detect negative-partial-transpose (NPT) entanglement in unknown bipartite states with measurement-device-independent (MDI) characteristic. The outcome of a UEW can also be upgraded to be an entanglement measure. In this study, we experimentally design and realize an MDI UEW for two-qubit entangled states. All of the tested states are well-detected without any prior knowledge. We also show that it is able to quantify entanglement by comparing it with concurrence estimated through state tomography. The relation between them is also revealed. The entire experimental framework ensures that the UEW is MDI.
Congruent melting of tungsten phosphide at 5 GPa and 3200 °C for growing its large single crystals*
Authors: Xiang Xiao-Jun , Song Guo-Zhu , Zhou Xue-Feng , Liang Hao , Xu Yue , Qin Shi-Jun , Wang Jun-Pu , Hong Fang , Dai Jian-Hong , Zhou Bo-Wen , Liang Wen-Jia , Yin Yun-Yu , Zhao Yu-Sheng , Peng Fang , Yu Xiao-Hui , Wang Shan-Min
Published: May 2020

As one of important members of refractory materials, tungsten phosphide (WP) holds great potential for fundamental study and industrial applications in many fields of science and technology, due to its excellent properties such as superconductivity and as-predicted topological band structure. However, synthesis of high-quality WP crystals is still a challenge by using tradition synthetic methods, because the synthesis temperature for growing its large crystals is very stringently required to be as high as 3000 °C, which is far beyond the temperature capability of most laboratory-based devices for crystal growth. In addition, high temperature often induces the decomposition of metal phosphides, leading to off-stoichiometric samples based on which the materials’ intrinsic properties cannot be explored. In this work, we report a high-pressure synthesis of single-crystal WP through a direct crystallization from cooling the congruent W–P melts at 5 GPa and ∼ 3200 °C. In combination of x-ray diffraction, electron microscope, and thermal analysis, the crystal structure, morphology, and stability of recovered sample are well investigated. The final product is phase-pure and nearly stoichiometric WP in a single-crystal form with a large grain size, in excess of one millimeter, thus making it feasible to implement most experimental measurements, especially, for the case where a large crystal is required. Success in synthesis of high-quality WP crystals at high pressure can offer great opportunities for determining their intrinsic properties and also making more efforts to study the family of transition-metal phosphides.
Detection of HIV-1 antigen based on magnetic tunnel junction sensors*
Authors: Li Li , Mak Kai-Yu , Zhou Yan
Published: May 2020

We report a p24 (HIV disease biomarker) detection assay using an MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor and 20-nm magnetic nanoparticles. The MTJ array sensor with sensing area of 890 × 890 μm2 possessing a sensitivity of 1.39 %/Oe was used to detect p24 antigens. It is demonstrated that the p24 antigens could be detected at a concentration of 0.01 μg/ml. The development of bio-detection systems based on magnetic tunnel junction sensors with high-sensitivity will greatly benefit the early diagnosis of HIV.
Broadband strong optical dichroism in topological Dirac semimetals with Fermi velocity anisotropy*
Authors: Lim J , Ooi K J A , Zhang C , Ang L K , Ang Yee Sin
Published: May 2020

Prototypical three-dimensional (3D) topological Dirac semimetals (DSMs), such as Cd3As2 and Na3Bi, contain electrons that obey a linear momentum–energy dispersion with different Fermi velocities along the three orthogonal momentum dimensions. Despite being extensively studied in recent years, the inherent Fermi velocity anisotropy has often been neglected in the theoretical and numerical studies of 3D DSMs. Although this omission does not qualitatively alter the physics of light-driven massless quasiparticles in 3D DSMs, it does quantitatively change the optical coefficients which can lead to nontrivial implications in terms of nanophotonics and plasmonics applications. Here we study the linear optical response of 3D DSMs for general Fermi velocity values along each direction. Although the signature conductivity-frequency scaling, σ(ω) ∝ ω, of 3D Dirac fermion is well-protected from the Fermi velocity anisotropy, the linear optical response exhibits strong linear dichroism as captured by the universal extinction ratio scaling law, Λij
= (vi
/vj
)2 (where i ≠ j denotes the three spatial coordinates x,y,z, and vi
is the i-direction Fermi velocity), which is independent of frequency, temperature, doping, and carrier scattering lifetime. For Cd3As2 and Na3Bi3, an exceptionally strong extinction ratio larger than 15 and covering a broad terahertz window is revealed. Our findings shed new light on the role of Fermi velocity anisotropy in the optical response of Dirac semimetals and open up novel polarization-sensitive functionalities, such as photodetection and light modulation.
A transportable optical lattice clock at the National Time Service Center*
Authors: Kong De-Huan , Wang Zhi-Hui , Guo Feng , Zhang Qiang , Lu Xiao-Tong , Wang Ye-Bing , Chang Hong
Published: May 2020

We report a transportable one-dimensional optical lattice clock based on 87Sr at the National Time Service Center. The transportable apparatus consists of a compact vacuum system and compact optical subsystems. The vacuum system with a size of 90 cm× 20 cm× 42 cm and the beam distributors are assembled on a double-layer optical breadboard. The modularized optical subsystems are integrated on independent optical breadboards. By using a 230 ms clock laser pulse, spin-polarized spectroscopy with a linewidth of 4.8 Hz is obtained which is close to the 3.9 Hz Fourier-limit linewidth. The time interleaved self-comparison frequency instability is determined to be 6.3 × 10–17 at an averaging time of 2000 s.
Giant interface spin-orbit torque in NiFe/Pt bilayers*
Authors: Li Shu-Fa , Zhu Tao
Published: May 2020

The current-induced spin-orbit torque (SOT) plays a dominant role to manipulate the magnetization in a heavy metal/ferromagnetic metal bilayer. We separate the contributions of interfacial and bulk spin-orbit coupling (SOC) to the effective field of field-like SOT in a typical NiFe/Pt bilayer by planar Hall effect (PHE). The effective field from interfacial SOC is directly measured at the transverse PHE configuration. Then, at the longitudinal configuration, the effective field from bulk SOC is determined, which is much smaller than that from interfacial SOC. The giant interface SOT in NiFe/Pt bilayers suggests that further analysis of interfacial effects on the current-induced manipulation of magnetization is necessary.
Terahertz polarization conversion and sensing with double-layer chiral metasurface*
Authors: Zhang Zi-Yang , Fan Fei , Li Teng-Fei , Ji Yun-Yun , Chang Sheng-Jiang
Published: May 2020

The terahertz (THz) resonance, chirality, and polarization conversion properties of a double-layer chiral metasurface have been experimentally investigated by THz time domain spectroscopy system and polarization detection method. The special symmetric geometry of each unit cell with its adjacent cells makes a strong chiral electromagnetic response in this metasurface, which leads to a strong polarization conversion effect. Moreover, compared with the traditional THz transmission resonance sensing for film thickness, the polarization sensing characterized by polarization elliptical angle (PEA) and polarization rotation angle (PRA) shows a better Q factor and figure of merit (FoM). The results show that the Q factors of the PEA and PRA reach 43.8 and 49.1 when the interval film is 20 μm, while the Q factor of THz resonance sensing is only 10.6. And these PEA and PRA can play a complementary role to obtain a double-parameter sensing method with a higher FoM, over 4 times than that of resonance sensing. This chiral metasurface and its polarization sensing method provide new ideas for the development of high-efficiency THz polarization manipulation, and open a window to the high sensitive sensing by using THz polarization spectroscopy.
Broadband terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and fast FMCW imaging: Principle and applications*
Authors: Shen Yao-Chun , Yang Xing-Yu , Zhang Zi-Jian
Published: May 2020

We report a broadband terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) which enables twenty vibrational modes of adenosine nucleoside to be resolved in a wide frequency range of 1–20 THz. The observed spectroscopic features of adenosine are in good agreement with the published spectra obtained using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. This much extended bandwidth leads to enhanced material characterization capability as it provides spectroscopic information on both intra- and inter-molecular vibrations. In addition, we also report a low-cost frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) imaging system which has a fast measurement speed of 40000 waveforms per second. Cross-sectional imaging capability through cardboard has also been demonstrated using its excellent penetration capability at a frequency range of 76–81 GHz. We anticipate that the integration of these two complementary imaging technologies would be highly desirable for many real-world applications because it provides both spectroscopic discrimination and penetration capabilities in a single instrument.