cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cl-RICH FLUORAPATITE, DEVOID OF OH, FROM THE THREE PEAKS AREA, UTAH: THE FIRST REPORTED STRUCTURE OF NATURAL Cl-RICH FLUORAPATITE

Abstract Apatite is the most abundant phosphate mineral on Earth and forms the foundation of the global phosphorus cycle. Interest in apatite crosses many disciplines, including geology, agriculture, material science, dentistry, and medicine, and the phase is also used extensively in many manufacturing processes. Apatite is the main source of phosphate for fertilizer, and adequate sources of apatite are essential for production of fertilizers that are necessary for feeding the world’s population. Despite the importance of the phase, the atomic arrangement of apatite is not well understood. The natural apatite anion solid solution among F, OH, and Cl (fluorapatite, hydroxylapatite, and chlorapatite, respectively) is one of those rare solid solutions wherein the atomic arrangements of the binary and ternary solid solutions are not predictable from the atomic arrangements of the endmembers of the ternary system; the steric interactions in the (F, OH, Cl) apatite anion column are complex as the three anions mix. Although the first detailed account of the atomic arrangement of binary apatites along the F-Cl join was recently reported using painstakingly synthesized samples, natural Cl-rich fluorapatite, although long-sought, had not been identified; an Earth environment that has high fugacity of F and Cl, but is devoid of OH, is rare. Here we report the atomic arrangement of a natural Cl-rich fluorapatite from the Three Peaks area of Utah (USA) that is essentially devoid of OH. The structure ( R 1 = 0.0145) of the P 6 3 / m apatite is similar to that obtained from synthetic samples, and demonstrates that solid solution along the F–Cl join in natural apatites is achieved by creation of a second F site (F b ) in the Cl-rich fluorapatite [0, 0, z ] anion column, an off-mirror site at z = 0.178, coupled with the presence of a site for Cl (Cl b ), that differs from the Cl site in endmember chlorapatite. The combination of a Cl site that relaxes toward its associated mirror plane and a neighboring F site that relaxes away from its associated mirror plane allows sufficient separation of F and Cl in the anion column for the two anions to coexist. The structure described herein is the first reported structure of a natural Cl-rich fluorapatite.
Galactic Demographics: Setting the Scene

Star formation is the primary driver in the evolution of galactic systems, and star clusters and associations mark the locations that drive global evolution. Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, provides a convenient laboratory for mapping the results of star formation on a global scale. This introductory chapter provides a brief historical overview of how successive observational surveys have probed the nature and structure of our home Galaxy and summarises the current understanding of the large-scale properties of its constituent stellar populations. We review the role played by star formation in galaxy evolution, notably how successive generations of stars return processed materials to the interstellar medium, enriching the overall chemical abundance distribution in galactic systems. Finally, we describe the Sun’s location in the outer regions of the Milky Way, lying in a relatively quiescent region adjacent to one of the less-fashionable outer spiral arms.
A Prediction Model Uses the Sequence of Attempts and Hints to Better Predict Knowledge: Better to Attempt the Problem First, Rather Than Ask for a Hint

Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) have been proven to be efficient in providing students assistance and assessing their performance when they do their homework. Many research projects have been done to analyze how students’ knowledge grows and to predict their performance from within intelligent tutoring system. Most of them focus on using correctness of the previous question or the number of hints and attempts students need to predict their future performance, but ignore how they ask for hints and make attempts. In this paper, we build a Sequence of Actions (SOA) model taking advantage of the sequence of hints and attempts a student needed for previous question to predict students’ performance. We used an ASSISTments dataset of 66 students answering a total of 34,973 problems generated from 5010 questions over the course of two years. The experimental results showed that the Sequence of Action model has reliable predictive accuracy than Knowledge Tracing.
An engineering model to estimate consistency reduction of lubricating grease subjected to mechanical degradation under shear

Abstract A model is presented that uses the principles of irreversible thermodynamics to predict the reduction in consistency of a lubricating grease undergoing mechanical shearing action. Here we restrict our attention to operating temperatures far below the initial activation energy needed to initiate chemical degradation or base oil evaporation. Thus, mechanical degradation is the dominant degradation process. The predictions of the model are validated using the experimental results obtained by testing three greases subjected to different shear rates and temperatures. Illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the model.
A longitudinal investigation of cognitive function in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Objective Although cross-sectional studies find altered cognition in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), few longitudinal studies have examined the trajectories of their cognitive performance over time. The aims of this study were to explore longitudinal change in cognitive function in youth with T1DM as compared to non-diabetic sibling controls, and how glycemic control and age of onset influence cognitive performance over time.
Interestingness Hotspot Discovery in Spatial Datasets Using a Graph-Based Approach

This paper proposes a novel methodology for discovering interestingness hotspots in spatial datasets using a graph-based algorithm. We define interestingness hotspots as contiguous regions in space which are interesting based on a domain expert’s notion of interestingness captured by an interestingness function. In our recent work, we proposed a computational framework which discovers interestingness hotspots in gridded datasets using a 3-step approach which consists of seeding, hotspot growing and post-processing steps. In this work, we extend our framework to discover hotspots in any given spatial dataset. We propose a methodology which firstly creates a neighborhood graph for the given dataset and then identifies seed regions in the graph using the interestingness measure. Next, we grow interestingness hotspots from seed regions by adding neighboring nodes, maximizing the given interestingness function. Finally after all interestingness hotspots are identified, we create a polygon model for each hotspot using an approach that uses Voronoi tessellations and the convex hull of the objects belonging to the hotspot. The proposed methodology is evaluated in a case study for a 2-dimensional earthquake dataset in which we find interestingness hotspots based on variance and correlation interestingness functions.
Degradation mechanism of fiber-reinforced plastics and its implications to prediction of long-term behavior

Short-term measurements on fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) appeared to indicate that their degradation in aqueous media has simple (linear or sublinear) kinetics with Arrhenius-type temperature dependence, permitting easy design of accelerated tests and development of long-term predictive models of FRP degradation. However, upon more prolonged exposure, delayed increases in the rate of degradation were observed. Such non-linear effects greatly complicate predictions of long-term behavior. These effects were postulated to result from interface degradation involving alkali leaching from the fibers, enhanced hydrolytic extraction of monomeric acrylic acid from the matrix, fiber/matrix debonding, microcracking, and ensuing enlargement of the effective area of the composite exposed to further attack, leading to enhanced corrosion. Measurements of fiber dissolution as a function of time demonstrated the existence of accelerated degradation phenomena. The pH at the fiber/matrix interface was shown to rise using an indicator. Hydrolytic depolymerization of the matrix surrounding the fibers was demonstrated using Raman spectroscopy and leachate analysis. Direct evidence of interface cracking and matrix degradation during exposure to aqueous media was gathered using environmental scanning electron microscopy (E-SEM). The effects of porosity as well as of the presence of microcracks were demonstrated by measuring the extent of silica dissolution from the fibers embedded in the FRP before and after the porosity had been altered using various thermal treatments. The results of these measurements were integrated to give a coherent interpretation of the observed delayed increases in degradation rates of FRPs exposed to aqueous environments.
Integrating Multiplatform Remote Sensing and In Situ Datasets for Socio-Ecologically Sustainable Conservation Corridors: The Western Kalahari Conservation Corridor (WKCC) Project

In the mid-2000s, the government of Botswana and Conservation International (CI) collaborated on a large-scale project to assess the potential to construct a wildlife conservation corridor linking the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (the world’s largest contiguous, terrestrial reserve) and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (united in 1999 by the governments of South Africa and Botswana as a peace park). A 5-year study funded by CI proceeded, culminating in the assessment of multiplatform remotely sensed data as integrated with in situ data and assessed via Geographic Information Systems (GIS) suitability and fragmentation analysis using software available in-country. Remotely sensed data included near-annual airborne wildlife counts, satellite telemetry of key ungulate species, MODIS burned area and vegetation indexes, and Landsat-based vegetation and ephemeral pan classifications. Complementing these data were in situ measurements including multiseasonal vegetation transects, cybertracker data from San trackers using customized GPS-enabled data collection, and GPS-enabled accuracy assessment of vegetation types. Ancillary data included location (and, where relevant, status or size) of populated areas and cattle posts, transportation (raid and road) corridors, current and proposed zoning maps, and location of boreholes. A suitability analysis was conducted revealing three suggested corridors for protection, and subsequent fragmentation and feasibility analysis was used to both quantitatively and qualitatively describe each of the three for recommendation to CI and the Botswana Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism. Lessons learned from the study highlight the utility of this protocol as well as outline some of the potential hurdles for implementing this protocol in stakeholder-inclusive settings and bear directly on the feasibility of both conservation corridors themselves and conservation corridor analysis.
Strong light-matter interaction through mode engineering in plasmonic nanoantenna arrays

The use of plasmonic nanostructures for enhancing light/matter interaction has been of great interest lately for several applications. In this talk, a new platform based on mode engineering in plasmonic nanoantenna arrays for strong light-matter interaction (compared to conventional plasmonic structures) is presented. By combining lattice plasmon modes with local surface plasmon polaritons in these structures, new modes with Fano-type resonances are formed to enhance light-matter interaction. The use of these structures for sensing and light-generation in hybrid material structures will also be discussed.
Expanding Access to Large-Scale Genomic Data While Promoting Privacy: A Game Theoretic Approach.

Emerging scientific endeavors are creating big data repositories of data from millions of individuals. Sharing data in a privacy-respecting manner could lead to important discoveries, but high-profile demonstrations show that links between de-identified genomic data and named persons can sometimes be reestablished. Such re-identification attacks have focused on worst-case scenarios and spurred the adoption of data-sharing practices that unnecessarily impede research. To mitigate concerns, organizations have traditionally relied upon legal deterrents, like data use agreements, and are considering suppressing or adding noise to genomic variants. In this report, we use a game theoretic lens to develop more effective, quantifiable protections for genomic data sharing. This is a fundamentally different approach because it accounts for adversarial behavior and capabilities and tailors protections to anticipated recipients with reasonable resources, not adversaries with unlimited means. We demonstrate this approach via a new public resource with genomic summary data from over 8,000 individuals—the Sequence and Phenotype Integration Exchange (SPHINX)—and show that risks can be balanced against utility more effectively than with traditional approaches. We further show the generalizability of this framework by applying it to other genomic data collection and sharing endeavors. Recognizing that such models are dependent on a variety of parameters, we perform extensive sensitivity analyses to show that our findings are robust to their fluctuations.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Structural Equation Models for Continuous Data: Standard Errors and Goodness of Fit

Classical accounts of maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of structural equation models for continuous outcomes involve normality assumptions: standard errors (SEs) are obtained using the expected information matrix and the goodness of fit of the model is tested using the likelihood ratio (LR) statistic. Satorra and Bentler (1994) introduced SEs and mean adjustments or mean and variance adjustments to the LR statistic (involving also the expected information matrix) that are robust to nonnormality. However, in recent years, SEs obtained using the observed information matrix and alternative test statistics have become available. We investigate what choice of SE and test statistic yields better results using an extensive simulation study. We found that robust SEs computed using the expected information matrix coupled with a mean- and variance-adjusted LR test statistic (i.e., MLMV) is the optimal choice, even with normally distributed data, as it yielded the best combination of accurate SEs and Type I errors.
Aerodynamic Three-Axis Attitude Stabilization of a Spacecraft by Center-of-Mass Shifting

This paper proposes a spacecraft attitude control technique based on the use of center-of-mass shifting. In particular, the position vector of the spacecraft’s center of pressure with respect to th...
Effect of China’s New Trade Settlement Policy on the Value of Dollar

While swap agreements greatly relieves two trading nations of the shortage of international liquidity, they have several implications for the countries issuing an international currency. Such agreements, by lowering the demand for an international currency, lower its relative price and, thereby, change the balance of payments and the real income of the nation issuing the currency. Since, the U.S. dollar dominates all other international currencies in trade settlement and in reserve composition of sovereign states, such swap agreements are expected to affect U.S. dollar’s exchange rate, and, thereby, the U.S. balance of payments and real income. This study, therefore, attempts to evaluate the impact of China’s swap agreements with Indonesia on U.S. dollar’s exchange rate with Indonesian rupiah, which has never been done before. In this study, we have developed a model in which the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar is a function of a number of variables, such as, the natural logs of the U.S. real GDP, Indonesian real GDP, U.S. money supply, and Indonesian money supply plus one-period lagged value of the dependent variable and a swap dummy. Our study found that China’s swap agreement with Indonesia has no effect on the exchange rate (value) of U.S. dollar. One explanation of this finding can be the amount of swap agreement being relatively too small compared to the volume of Indonesia’s annual trade volume to influence the value of the dollar. Also, the swap amount is meant to settle bilateral trade over several years rather than one year, which makes the swap amount a much smaller percentage of Indonesia’s annual trade volume making the swap agreement ineffective in changing the exchange rate (relative value) of U.S. dollar with respect to rupiah.
Experiences and Decision Making in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Sickle Cell Disease: Patients' and Caregivers' Perspectives

Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most commonly inherited hemoglobin disorders that has a significant impact on quality of life, increased childhood morbidity, and premature mortality. Currently, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the only treatment with a curative intent. The objective of this study was to determine patients' and caregivers' knowledge of HSCT, the factors influencing the decision to pursue HSCT, their experiences, and the impact of a successful HSCT on their daily living. At Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, we conducted a qualitative study using a semistructured interview guide of patient-caregiver dyads and 2 focus-group sessions of adult long-term survivors of HSCT to elicit key factors in decision making, their experiences with HSCT, and the impact of HSCT. Interviews and focus-group sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed for emerging themes using NVivo 10.0. We enrolled 11 patient-caregiver dyads (n = 6, female patients; n = 10, mothers) in the qualitative interviews and 2 focus groups with 5 (n = 2, females) and 7 (n = 3, females) participants in each group, respectively. Our analysis revealed 3 prominent themes: (1) factors and concerns influencing HSCT decision making; (2) HSCT experiences; and (3) impact of HSCT on daily life. Participants reported that progression of disease-related complications and availability of a matched donor strongly influenced the decision to pursue HSCT. Although patients and caregivers had to deal with the arduous process of HSCT and transplant-related morbidities, participants were satisfied with their decision and expressed no decisional regrets. Decision making for HSCT for patients with SCD is a complex process. Understanding the key influential factors in decision making and the impact HSCT has on these patients and their families will generate crucial insights that can guide the care of future patients and research studies.
Methods for retrieving alternative contract language using a prototype

This paper addresses the problem of searching for alternative contract language that is similar to, yet different from, a given provision (the prototype). While this is a core task in transactional legal work, generic search solutions do not offer an effective solution. We draw upon modern information retrieval research to propose and validate novel methods for retrieving alternative language using a prototype. Our solution accepts an entire provision as a prototype and retrieves variants on the language from a database of precedent contracts. In designing this solution, we propose two ordered proximity measures and demonstrate their effectiveness relative to existing techniques. Further, we examine the challenge posed by varying definitions of redundant search results and propose to resolve it with a user-tunable, dynamic approach to result clustering.
Modeling the Transition From Decompensated to Pathological Hypertrophy

Background Long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetases (ACSL) catalyze the conversion of long‐chain fatty acids to fatty acyl‐CoAs. Cardiac‐specific ACSL1 temporal knockout at 2 months results in a shift from FA oxidation toward glycolysis that promotes mTORC1‐mediated ventricular hypertrophy. We used unbiased metabolomics and gene expression analyses to examine the early effects of genetic inactivation of fatty acid oxidation on cardiac metabolism, hypertrophy development, and function. Methods and Results Global cardiac transcriptional analysis revealed differential expression of genes involved in cardiac metabolism, fibrosis, and hypertrophy development in Acsl1 H−/− hearts 2 weeks after Acsl1 ablation. Comparison of the 2‐ and 10‐week transcriptional responses uncovered 137 genes whose expression was uniquely changed upon knockdown of cardiac ACSL1, including the distinct upregulation of fibrosis genes, a phenomenon not observed after complete ACSL1 knockout. Metabolomic analysis identified metabolites altered in hearts displaying partially reduced ACSL activity, and rapamycin treatment normalized the cardiac metabolomic fingerprint. Conclusions Short‐term cardiac‐specific ACSL1 inactivation resulted in metabolic and transcriptional derangements distinct from those observed upon complete ACSL1 knockout, suggesting heart‐specific mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) signaling that occurs during the early stages of substrate switching. The hypertrophy observed with partial Acsl1 ablation occurs in the context of normal cardiac function and is reminiscent of a physiological process, making this a useful model to study the transition from physiological to pathological hypertrophy.
BASIC Training: A Pilot Study of Balance/Strengthening Exercises in Heart Failure.

Purpose The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent balance and resistance training intervention on physical function, balance, and falls in older (≥65 years) community-dwelling heart failure (HF) patients. Design Randomized, two-group repeated-measures experimental design. Methods The intervention involved once weekly supervised group sessions with home sessions encouraged twice weekly. Focus groups held pre/post intervention. Outcome variables included measures of physical function, balance confidence, and falling risk. Findings In a sample size of 33, the Dynamic Gait Index change from baseline to 12 weeks was significantly different in the groups (p = .029). The number of reported falls declined from 0.92 to 0.54 per participant. Conclusions A supervised group session intervention can increase mobility and gait and reduce fall rate for HF patients. Clinical relevance This study was designed to improve lower extremity strength, balance, and falls in elderly HF patients, thus reducing costs and improving quality of life for this population.
Recognizing Skin Popping Scars: A Complication of Illicit Drug Use

"Skin popping" is a method of injecting illicit drugs into the skin. There are numerous acute and chronic complications associated with skin popping. We present a case of a 48-year-old, African-American female patient with 40 - 60 hyperpigmented, fibrotic, depressed, round papules and plaques on the extremities, which were incidentally noticed during a clinic visit for her acne vulgaris. Skin popping scars are important clues for possible drug abuse. Healthcare practitioners should be aware of and recognize the lesions associated with this practice so further testing can be performed if clinically indicated. Recognition of the lesions and thus earlier treatment of the complications could prevent the complications of skin popping in the skin and other organs.
Biologically Active Fragments of Complement

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the biologically active fragments of complement. A dominant theme in the mechanism of action of the complement system is enzymatic fragmentation of normal serum protein constituents. For the most part, the larger cleavage product of each complement component which is so involved is utilized in the reaction sequence leading to cytotoxic injury of antibody-sensitized cells, as typified by immune hemolysis; the smaller fragment, in some cases, possesses pathobiological activities referable to the inflammatory response, such as contraction of smooth muscle, enhancement of vascular permeability, release of histamine, and chemotaxis for leukocytes. These concepts are illustrated in the chapter for reactions involving C4, C2, C3, and C5 in the classical human complement sequence. An additional special case is the assembly of C567 from C5b and altered forms of C6 and C7, resulting in a macromolecular complex which is chemotactic for leukocytes. The chapter describes effects of lysosomal enzymes on human complement components. Effects of bacterial proteinases on human complement components are also elaborated.
Diagnostic Systems in Mathematical Education

ABSTRACT Conventional computer assisted or based tests evaluate the degree of knowledge of students by means of a numerical score. They do not allow us to determine the particular deficiencies of a student. This task can be fulfilled by computer-based diagnostic systems. This paper reports the concepts of a diagnostic system for testing mathematical deficiencies of pre-service teachers which is being developed at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.
Computing Center-Lines: An Application of Vector Field Topology

Curve-skeletons of 3-D objects are medial axes shrunk to a single line. There are several applications for curve-skeletons. For example, animation of 3-D objects, such as an animal or a human, as well as planning of flight paths for virtual colonoscopy. Other applications are the extraction of center lines within blood vessels where center lines are used to quantitatively measure vessel length, vessel diameter, and angles between vessels. The described method computes curve-skeletons based on a vector field that is orthogonal to the object's boundary surface. A topological analysis of this field then yields the center lines of the curve-skeletons. In contrast to previous methods, the vector field does not need to be computed for every sampled point of the entire volume. Instead, the vector field is determined only on the sample points on the boundary surface of the objects. Since most of the computational time was spent on calculating the force field in previous methods, the proposed approach requires significantly less time compared to previous vector-based techniques while still achieving a better accuracy and robustness compared to methods based on Voronoi tessellations.
A Novel Moving Target Defense Technique to Secure Communication Links in Software-Defined Networks

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a recently developed approach to computer networking that brings a centralized orientation to network control, thereby improving network architecture and management. However, as with any communication environment that involves message transmission among users, SDN is confronted by the ongoing challenge of protecting user privacy. In this “Work in Progress (WIP)” research, we propose an SDN security model that applies the moving target defense (MTD) technique to protect communication links from sensitive data leakages. MTD is a security solution aimed at increasing complexity and uncertainty for attackers by concealing sensitive information that may serve as a gateway from which to launch different types of attacks. The proposed MTD-based security model is intended to protect user identities contained in transmitted messages in a way that prevents network intruders from identifying the real identities of senders and receivers. According to the results from preliminary experiments, the proposed MTD model has potential to protect the identities contained in transmitted messages within communication links. This work will be extended to protect sensitive data if an attacker gets access to the network device.
“I ain't sorry”: African American English as a strategic resource in Beyoncé’s performative persona

Abstract In this paper, we examine the role language plays in the development of the performative persona of musical artist Beyonce, as she moves from female pop star to Black Feminist icon. Examining Beyonce's five solo albums, we present a variationist analysis of a single feature, zero copula, and its use over the course of her career. We argue that this feature is an important symbolic resource for the assertion of an unapologetically Black and feminist persona. As Beyonce has moved steadily away from popular expectations for representations of Black womanhood, language is a central tool that she uses strategically in the evolution of a newly transgressive persona.
Description of Position Ads for Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technician roles are evolving alongside the changing role of a pharmacist. There is currently no uniform definition of a pharmacy technician's role in the pharmacy workforce. The objective of this study was to look at the United States-based pharmacy technician advertisement database from Pharmacy Week to find patterns and commonalities in the duties and qualifications of pharmacy technicians. A retrospective analysis was performed on fourteen days of pharmacy technician job listings from Pharmacy Week from the year 2018. Information obtained from the listings included job title, location, setting, type of job, job duties, and job requirements. Job duties and requirements were coded by themes. Fourteen days of data resulted in 21,007 individual position listings. A majority of the job listings were for full-time positions (96.4%) and most were in the retail setting (96.78%). The most common requirements were registration with State Board, high school diploma, ability to perform tasks, communication, and physical. The most common job duties were general office etiquette, performing tasks under the direct supervision of the pharmacist, and professionalism. This study provides a description of the evolving role of pharmacy technicians through the broad variety in expectations for requirements of pharmacy technician applicants and the duties they perform when hired.
Formation of NPR1 Condensates Promotes Cell Survival during the Plant Immune Response

In plants, pathogen effector-triggered immunity (ETI) often leads to programmed cell death, which is restricted by NPR1, an activator of systemic acquired resistance. However, the biochemical activities of NPR1 enabling it to promote defense and restrict cell death remain unclear. Here we show that NPR1 promotes cell survival by targeting substrates for ubiquitination and degradation through formation of salicylic acid-induced NPR1 condensates (SINCs). SINCs are enriched with stress response proteins, including nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptors, oxidative and DNA damage response proteins, and protein quality control machineries. Transition of NPR1 into condensates is required for formation of the NPR1-Cullin 3 E3 ligase complex to ubiquitinate SINC-localized substrates, such as EDS1 and specific WRKY transcription factors, and promote cell survival during ETI. Our analysis of SINCs suggests that NPR1 is centrally integrated into the cell death or survival decisions in plant immunity by modulating multiple stress-responsive processes in this quasi-organelle.
CATAPANO, Giovanni. NA ORIGEM DA IMPERSCRUTABILIDADE DO PRINCÍPIO:

Translation into Portuguese of the article originally published in Italian: CATAPANO, G. All’origine dell’imperscrutabilita del principio: Plotino e Agostino. Endoxa – Prospettive sul presente, n. 23, pp. 45-51, Jan. 2020. Available at: https://endoxai.net/2020/01/24/allorigine-dellimperscrutabilita-del-principio-plotino-e-agostino. Accessed on: 04/30/2020.
Simulation and optimization of a-Si: H/μc-Si: H tandem solar cell with thinner active layers

Abstract In this study, the performances of a-Si: H(n-i-p) /μc-Si: H(n-i-p) tandem solar cell based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) and hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si: H) with thinner active layers were investigated by using numerical simulation. For simulation, a one-dimensional computer code AMPS-1D was used to investigat the effect of the top single cell n+ layer nature, the effect of the top single cell n+ μc-Si: H layer doping concentration (ND) and, the effect of the two active layers thicknesses, i-a-Si: H layer and i-μc-Si: H layer on the performances of the tandem cell. However, the merit figures, like J(V) characteristics at dark and under illumination, the electric fields, the energy band diagrams and, the cell output parameters are calculated and investigated. According to our calculations it is found that, by using a n+μc-Si: H layer with a doping concentration value ND = 1019 cm−3 instead of a n+ a-Si: H layer in the n-i-p top single cell the tandem solar cell performances were performed. It is also obtained, a values of 50 nm and 600 nm for the active layers i-a-Si: H and i-μc-Si: H thicknesses, respectively, are recommended for a-Si: H/μc-Si: H tandem solar cell good performances. Lastly, the tandem solar cell with top single cell n+μc-Si :H layer and with a thinner active layers thicknesses has the higher output parameters (JSC=10.52 mA/cm2, VOC=1414 mV, FF = 80.2 % and, the efficiency = 12.14 %).
Future Year Air Quality Change Due to Growth in Aircraft Emissions and Changes in Climate

Increased growth in aviation activity in the future is projected to show increased emissions from this sector, and hence approximately proportional increases in concentrations if other factors were unchanging. However, emissions from other anthropogenic sources are generally expected to decrease due to several projected emissions control measures, and changes in climate will also occur. In this study, we evaluated air quality changes due to growth in aviation activities from 2005 to 2025, focusing on 99 major U.S. airports with aircraft activity data during landing and takeoff (LTO) activity developed for a growth scenario in 2025. We also assessed changes in climate based upon IPCC RCP 4.5 projections scenario, and used dynamically downscaled meteorology from the Climate Earth System Model (CESM) to WRF over the continental U.S. We performed six annual simulations at 36-km resolution using the WRF-SMOKE-CMAQ modeling system for 2005 and 2025, with and without aircraft emissions, and with and without changes in future year climate from CESM/WRF. We focused on assessing the incremental changes in O3, NO2 and PM2.5 due to changes in emissions (due to aircraft and non-aviation sources) and meteorology. We see a net increase in annual average PM2.5 due to aviation increase from a factor of 5.5 (2025 vs. 2005) without incorporating change in climate to 5.9 with change in climate. Similarly, the changes in summer season average of daily maximum 8-h O3 due to aviation changes from a factor of 3.1–3.3 with change in climate. Both these changes translate to about a ∼7 % additional increase in the future year that we attribute as the “climate penalty” factor. Detailed analyses of the O3 changes show that the effect of change in climate is more pronounced at higher end of concentrations, where the grid-cells with values exceeding the U.S. NAAQS of 75 ppb see a 60 % increase due to change in climate. The changes in 1-h NO2 due to aircraft increase by a factor of ∼2 in 2025 vs. 2005, with increases around major airports being as high as a factor of 6.
Hidden Qualia

In this paper, I propose that those who reject higher-order theories of consciousness should not rule out the possibility of having conscious experiences that they cannot introspect. I begin by offering four arguments that such non-introspectible conscious experiences are possible. Next, I offer two arguments for thinking that we actually have such experiences. According to the first argument, it is unlikely that evolution would have furnished us with a faculty of introspection that worked flawlessly. According to the second argument, there are many plausible potential sources of non-introspectible experiences. Given that all of these sources are at least somewhat plausible, it is fairly probable that we have some kind or other. Finally, I consider whether we might be justified in believing that we can introspect all of our conscious experiences if in fact we can. I show that current approaches to justifying belief in epiphenomenal qualia do not carry over. The upshot of these arguments is that we should be less certain that we really know what it feels like to be us. There may be much more to our experiences than we are aware of.
Complex complete transposition of great arteries and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with an intact interatrial septum—lessons learnt

The association of pulmonary venous anomaly and a complex complete transposition of great arteries (d-TGA) is a rarity. Managing a combination of anomalies in a single setting is a surgical challenge. We report a very rare association of d-TGA with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) of the right pulmonary veins to the right atrium with an intact interatrial septum in a month-old infant. The child underwent a single-stage complete repair. Constant vigilance in the immediate postoperative period and early revision is mandatory for a good outcome.
Theoretical Psychopathology: An Application of Dynamical Systems Theory to Human Behavior

A major problem in understanding human behavior is the development of a language in which to codify it. Dynamical systems theory offers both the tools and the rudimentary architecture with which to construct such a language. Although dynamical conceptual models of human behavior and psychopathology surfaced a century ago [1,2], most of the mathematics of nonlinear dynamical systems theory has a more recent origin [3]. In this work we present a series of coupled difference equations that have qualitative properties sufficiently rich to encompass some of the behavioral phenomena observed by clinicians for two distinct psychiatric conditions: acute schizophrenia, and panic attacks.
Mass-loaded cantilevers with suppressed higher-order modes for magnetic resonance force microscopy

We describe the design, fabrication and testing of mass-loaded cantilevers for electron-spin magnetic resonance force microscopy. These single-crystal silicon cantilevers are designed to have large gaps in their thermal mode spectra so as to reduce thermal noise near the electron-spin Rabi frequency. Each cantilever typically consists of a 2 /spl mu/m thick mass suspended at the end of a 0.1 /spl mu/m thick hinge. The fabrication process starts with an SOI wafer followed by selective silicon epitaxy, cantilever patterning, and backside release. The focus of the process is on precise thickness control and material homogeneity. We will present characterization results for these cantilevers at room and low temperatures and discuss the impact of these devices on magnetic resonance force microscopy measurements.
Substance Abuse and Dependence

Substance abuse and dependence pose several risks in the perioperative setting. For example, excessive alcohol use increases the risk of morbidity during surgery—including cardiopulmonary, infections, wound, bleeding, and neurologic complications. Surgical patients who drink over four alcoholic drinks daily have a two- to threefold increased risk for postoperative complications when compared to patients who drink less than two drinks a day. However, other than for alcohol, there are limited data for interventions to improve perioperative outcomes.
Microwave-sintered 3D printed tricalcium phosphate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

We report here the fabrication of three dimensional (3D) interconnected macro porous tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffolds with controlled internal architecture by direct 3D printing (3DP), and high mechanical strength by microwave sintering. TCP scaffolds with 27%, 35% and 41% designed macro porosity having pore sizes of 500 μm, 750 μm, and 1000 μm, respectively, have been fabricated via direct 3DP. These scaffolds are then sintered at 1150 °C and 1250 °C in conventional electric muffle furnace as well as microwave furnace. Total open porosity between 42% and 63% is obtained in the sintered scaffolds due to the presence of intrinsic micro pores along with the designed pores. A significant increase in compressive strength, between 46% and 69%, is achieved by microwave sintering as compared to conventional sintering as a result of efficient densification. A maximum compressive strength of 10.95 ± 1.28 MPa and 6.62 ± 0.67 MPa is achieved for scaffolds with 500 μm designed pores (~400 μm after sintering) sintered in microwave and conventional furnaces, respectively. An increase in cell density with a decrease in macro pore size is observed during in vitro cell-material interactions using human osteoblast cells. Histomorphological analysis reveals that the presence of both micro and macro pores facilitated osteoid like new bone formation when tested in the femoral defect on Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results show that bioresorbable 3D printed TCP scaffolds have great potential in tissue engineering applications for bone tissue repair and regeneration.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE LAW OF EVIDENCE -THE COMPETENCY OF WITNESSES

Courts of last resort now seldom reverse a ruling on the competency of witnesses.' Convinced, and rightly so, that they cannot learn from the record all the circumstances which influenced the decision below, they usually let it stand, even when the transcript alone might suggest another conclusion. Trial courts, in their turn, to a greater extent than formerly prefer to admit the evidence of infants, insane people, and mental defectives, and leave the jury to estimate its value. Perhaps this is because exclusion has heretofore worked particular hardship in prosecutions for crimes against children and the insane, where the only evidence available was that of the victim.2 Now these aggrieved individuals may testify even when the gist of the action, as in statutory rape,3 or the title of the action, as where a "lunatic" sues by his next friend,4 indicates their infirmity. The infirmity alone does not render them incompetent. In all jurisdictions witnesses must show that they possess
Deflections of Shallow Pier Foundations

The use of shallow pier foundations for rigid frame structures requires that the designer of the structure be able to predict any lateral spreading of the foundation so that the frame may be designed to accommodate any moment changes due to the spreading. Available procedures have not adequately defined the principal variables and no standard procedure has been developed for evaluating the horizontal coefficient of subgrade reaction. A mathematical relationship, based on the theory of beams on elastic foundations, is formulated for predicting the deflection of shallow piers subjected to horizontal forces near the ground line. The coefficient of horizontal subgrade reaction for use in the relationship was determined by in situ tests and related to pier size by theory of elasticity. Results of deflection tests on full scale piers are presented and compared to predicted deflections. The comparison indicates close agreement between actual and predicted deflections.
Heat transfer characteristics of a high temperature sensible heat storage water heater using cast iron as a storage material

This paper describes the heat transfer characteristics of high temperature sensible heat storage in cast iron for water heating applications. An experimental setup consisting of a cast iron cylinder and a tube running through its center was fabricated and tested. The experimental data were compared with the theoretical model. It was observed that the contact resistance between the cast iron and the tube plays a dominant role in extracting the heat. An approximate contact resistance prediction was obtained by assuming the resistance due to the air gap modulated by a correction factor, which accounts for the contacting surface area. Based on the results from the experimental setup and theoretical modeling a prototype storage water heater using cast iron blocks as the storage material was designed, fabricated and tested.
Functions of Random Variables

Consider the notion of a “square-law” detector: If x is an input to the detector, then y = x 2 is its output or detected value. Consider next the case where x is a random variable with probability law p X (x) Then output y is also random. If so, what is its probability law PY(y)? Certainly this should depend in some way upon p X (x), since x and y are closely related by the transformation y = x 2. The general question of how to find the law p Y (y) for a transformed or output RV is the subject of this chapter.
Taxonomy of Marine Bacteria: Beneckea nigrapulchrituda sp. n

Fourteen bacterial strains of marine origin, which formed colonies containing crystals of a blue-black pigment, were submitted to a morphological, physiological, and nutritional characterization. The results indicated that these organisms form a new species of the genus Beneckea.
Completely Bounded Maps and Operator Algebras

In this book, first published in 2003, the reader is provided with a tour of the principal results and ideas in the theories of completely positive maps, completely bounded maps, dilation theory, operator spaces and operator algebras, together with some of their main applications. The author assumes only that the reader has a basic background in functional analysis, and the presentation is self-contained and paced appropriately for graduate students new to the subject. Experts will also want this book for their library since the author illustrates the power of methods he has developed with new and simpler proofs of some of the major results in the area, many of which have not appeared earlier in the literature. An indispensable introduction to the theory of operator spaces for all who want to know more.
On Scientific Information, Explanation and Progress

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses some aspects of the informative and explanatory function of science and their relevance to the understanding of scientific change and progress. The notion of any progressive process presupposes its division into phases and the respect in which of any two phases one surpasses the other, is surpassed by it or does not differ from it. To believe that a process is progressive in any of the mentioned senses of the term, it is not necessary to have a clear knowledge of its division into phases, the respect in which the phases are compared with each other or the relation by means of which the comparison is made. Even a highly technical and specialized theory may give new information not only to the experts who have grasped the theory's logico-mathematical structure and conceptual net, but also to others who have little or no understanding of these features of the theory.
Probabilistic anomaly detection in natural gas time series data

This paper introduces a probabilistic approach to anomaly detection, specifically in natural gas time series data. In the natural gas field, there are various types of anomalies, each of which is induced by a range of causes and sources. The causes of a set of anomalies are examined and categorized, and a Bayesian maximum likelihood classifier learns the temporal structures of known anomalies. Given previously unseen time series data, the system detects anomalies using a linear regression model with weather inputs, after which the anomalies are tested for false positives and classified using a Bayesian classifier. The method can also identify anomalies of an unknown origin. Thus, the likelihood of a data point being anomalous is given for anomalies of both known and unknown origins. This probabilistic anomaly detection method is tested on a reported natural gas consumption data set.