On the uniqueness of the non-minimal matter coupling in massive gravity and bigravity

In de Rham-Gabadadze-Tolley (dRGT) massive gravity and bigravity, a non-minimal matter coupling involving both metrics generically re-introduces the Boulware--Deser (BD) ghost. A non-minimal matter coupling via a simple, yet specific composite metric has been proposed, which eliminates the BD ghost below the strong coupling scale. Working explicitly in the metric formulation and for arbitrary spacetime dimensions, we show that this composite metric is the unique consistent non-minimal matter coupling below the strong coupling scale, which emerges out of two diagnostics, namely, absence of Ostrogradski ghosts in the decoupling limit and absence of the BD ghost from matter quantum loop corrections.Comment: v2: references added, matches accepted version in Physics Letters B v1: 6 pages, two-colum

Microstructure and properties of Mg-Al binary alloys

The effects of different amounts of added Al, ranging from 1 % to 9 %, on the microstructure and properties of Mg-Al binary alloys were investigated. The results showed that when the amount of added Al is less than 5%, the grain size of the Mg-Al binary alloys decreases dramatically from 3 097 μm to 151 μm with increasing addition of Al. Further addition of Al up to 9% makes the grain size decrease slowly to 111 μm. The α-Mg dendrite arms are also refined. Increasing the amount of added Al decreases the hot cracking susceptibility of the Mg-Al binary alloys remarkably, and enhances the micro-hardness of the α-Mg matrix

Revitalizing Endangered Traditions: Innovative Approaches to Safeguarding Yunnan's Ethnic Minority Music as Intangible Cultural Heritage

  This qualitative research study investigates the cultural symbolism and identity exhibited by ethnic minorities in Yunnan, China, through vocal music, as well as the ethnic minority music consequences. The study adopts a three-step coding analysis based on interviews with 18 respondents representing diverse ethnic minority groups to discover themes and patterns in the cultural symbolism buried within vocal music. For data analysis, the MAXQDA-2020 software is used. The findings show that ethnic minority groups in Yunnan rely heavily on vocal music to preserve cultural history, generate community pride, and promote intercultural understanding. The rich connection between vocal music and ethnic identity, the influence of nature and environment on musical expressions, the preservation of cultural heritage through rituals and celebrations, and the evolving collaborations and contemporary adaptations in vocal music are among the themes extracted from the data. This study has three implications: general, theoretical, and practical. In overall, this study adds to our understanding of vocal music as a potent medium for cultural expression and identity building. The identification of recurring themes and patterns has theoretical significance, offering a platform for further investigation and comparative investigations. In practice, the findings influence ethnic minority music practices by emphasizing the importance of introducing vocal music traditions into curricula, encouraging cultural awareness, and developing international discussion

Revitalizing Endangered Traditions: Innovative Approaches to Safeguarding Yunnan's Ethnic Minority Music as Intangible Cultural Heritage

  This qualitative research study investigates the cultural symbolism and identity exhibited by ethnic minorities in Yunnan, China, through vocal music, as well as the ethnic minority music consequences. The study adopts a three-step coding analysis based on interviews with 18 respondents representing diverse ethnic minority groups to discover themes and patterns in the cultural symbolism buried within vocal music. For data analysis, the MAXQDA-2020 software is used. The findings show that ethnic minority groups in Yunnan rely heavily on vocal music to preserve cultural history, generate community pride, and promote intercultural understanding. The rich connection between vocal music and ethnic identity, the influence of nature and environment on musical expressions, the preservation of cultural heritage through rituals and celebrations, and the evolving collaborations and contemporary adaptations in vocal music are among the themes extracted from the data. This study has three implications: general, theoretical, and practical. In overall, this study adds to our understanding of vocal music as a potent medium for cultural expression and identity building. The identification of recurring themes and patterns has theoretical significance, offering a platform for further investigation and comparative investigations. In practice, the findings influence ethnic minority music practices by emphasizing the importance of introducing vocal music traditions into curricula, encouraging cultural awareness, and developing international discussion