Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extended Method of Digital Modulation Recognition and Its Testing

The paper describes a new method for the clas- sification of digital modulations. ASK, 2FSK, 4FSK, MSK, BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK and 16QAM were chosen for recogni- tion as best known digital modulations used in modern communication technologies. The maximum value of the spectral power density of the normalized-centered instan- taneous amplitude of the received signal is used to dis- criminate between frequency modulations (2FSK, 4FSK and MSK) on one hand and amplitude and phase modula- tions (ASK, BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK and 16QAM) on the other hand. Then the 2FSK, 4FSK and MSK modulations are classified by means of spectrums. The histograms of the instantaneous phase are used to discriminate between ASK, BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK and 16QAM. The method designed was tested with simulated and measured signals corrupted by white Gaussian noise.
Striation and convection in penumbral filaments

Observations with the 1-m Swedish Solar Telescope of the flows seen in penumbral filaments are presented. Time sequences of bright filaments show overturning motions strikingly similar to those seen along the walls of small isolated structures in the active regions. The filaments show outward propagating striations with inclination angles suggesting that they are aligned with the local magnetic field. We interpret it as the equivalent of the striations seen in the walls of small isolated magnetic structures. Their origin is then a corrugation of the boundary between an overturning convective flow inside the filament and the magnetic field wrapping around it. The outward propagation is a combination of a pattern motion due to the downflow observed along the sides of bright filaments, and the Evershed flow. The observed short wavelength of the striation argues against the existence of a dynamically significant horizontal field inside the bright filaments. Its intensity contrast is explained by the same physical effect that causes the dark cores of filaments, light bridges and "canals". In this way striation represents an important clue to the physics of penumbral structure and its relation with other magnetic structures on the solar surface. We put this in perspective with results from the recent 3-D radiative hydrodynamic simulations.
Particle size analysis for improved sedimentation and filtration in waste water treatment

Size distributions of particle mass, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phosphorus at four municipal waste water treatment plants were investigated by fractionation of samples through 0.1-8.0 μm polycarbonate filters and 32-125 μm sieves, respectively. Particle size analysis of primary and secondary effluents at each plant showed significantly different size distribution functions. These distribution functions remained constant with respect to time under dry weather conditions so they can be considered as characteristic patterns for each sample location. Advanced treatment by deep bed filtration can be improved by taking into consideration the distribution pattern in the secondary effluents. In raw sewage and primary effluents 45-90% of COD and 35-80% of phosphorus were associated with suspended solids. In the secondary effluents particulate COD drops to 14-45% but particulate phosphorus increases to 55-80%. Conclusions are drawn for a better design of advanced contaminant reduction in connection with suspended solids removal processes.
Intra-Executive Competition between President and Prime Minister: Patterns of Institutional Conflict and Cooperation under Semi-Presidentialism

The article examines the dynamics of political competition over the control of the executive that shapes the coexistence of popularly elected presidents and prime ministers in semi-presidential regimes. It explores how variation in the political status of cabinet and the character of the party system, as well as differences in presidential and parliamentary powers over the cabinet, affects both the type and intensity of intra-executive conflict in democratic and semi-democratic environments. It demonstrates that presidents' and prime ministers' strategies in intra-executive relations in both types of political environment are systematically affected by the nature and extent of cabinet's political support in parliament, as well as by the degree of presidential control over cabinet.
Farmer perceptions of plant–soil interactions can affect adoption of sustainable management practices in cocoa agroforests : A case study from Southeast Sulawesi

Despite extensive research focused on increasing the sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems in the tropics, adoption rates of improved management solutions often remain low among smallholder farmers. To address this, we evaluated how local knowledge and perceptions influenced decision-making processes among smallholder cocoa farmers. We conducted individual semistructured interviews with 72 cocoa farmers in Southeast Sulawesi and documented local knowledge about soil fertility indicators, nutrient cycling processes, and the interactions among shade trees, cocoa trees, and soils in cocoa agroforests. We further collected data regarding farmers’ fertilizer preferences, additional income sources, and perceived barriers to improved cocoa production. We found that farmers’ understanding of biophysical interactions in Southeast Sulawesi was comprehensive, mostly accurately aligned with scientific literature, and sometimes provided additional complementary knowledge. Cocoa farmers in Southeast Sulawesi approached decision making in a holistic way, integrating personal observations, information from external sources, and socioeconomic limitations and priorities. This finding highlights the value of flexible conservation farming approaches that allow farmers to minimize trade-offs and prioritize their households’ needs. Finally, we identify a “dual” knowledge gap on the part of farmers and scientists regarding the direct benefits of shade tree inclusion for improved yields and income security. Addressing this through further research and targeted knowledge dissemination could contribute to an increase in the long-term adoption rates of more sustainable cocoa cultivation practices.
Modeling soil moisture‐precipitation feedback in the Sahel: Importance of spatial scale versus convective parameterization

Feedback between soil moisture and precipitation influence climate variability in semiarid regions. However, serious concerns exist about the ability of coarse‐scale global atmospheric models to depict one key aspect of the feedback loop, namely the sensitivity of daytime convection to soil moisture. Here we compare regional simulations using a single model, run at different spatial resolutions, and with convective parameterizations switched on or off against Sahelian observations. Convection‐permitting simulations at 4 and 12 km capture the observed relationships between soil moisture and convective triggering, emphasizing the importance of surface‐driven mesoscale dynamics. However, with the inclusion of the convection scheme at 12 km, the behavior of the model fundamentally alters, switching from negative to positive feedback. Similar positive feedback is found in 9 out of 10 Regional Climate Models run at 50 km. These results raise questions about the accuracy of the feedback in regional models based on current convective parameterizations.
Pseudomorphous transformation of goethite needles into hematite in sediments of the Triassic Skagerrak Formation , Denmark

Van Houten (1973), Walker (1976) and Turner (1980) have documented the authigenic origin of red coatings in continental red beds. Pigmentary hematite, ferrihydrite, goethite and clay-associated Fe-oxide crystallites have been suggested as the principal colouring agents of continental red beds (Walker, 1968, 1976; Walker & Honea, 1969; Larson & Walker, 1975; Turner, 1980; Fine, 1986, Besly et al., 1993). The red pigment in most Mesozoic red beds consists of hematite, whereas ferrihydrite and goethite are more common in younger sediments (van Houten, 1973). This has led several authors to the assumption that poorly crystalline Fe-oxides/hydroxides age into hematite (Walker, 1968, 1976; Walker & Honea, 1969; Larson & Walker, 1975; Turner, 1980). Reddish coatings are, with the exception of reduced spots, ubiquitous in the Skagerrak Formation (Weibel, 1998). X-ray diffraction of the clay fraction indicated goethite at the shallowest burial depth (burial temperatures 47~ goethite and hematite at intermediate burial temperatures (56 75~ and only hematite at increased burial depth (temperatures >105~ (Weibel, 1999). Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of authigenic hematite in deep (>2763 m) buried samples (Weibel, 1998). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of onshore well samples from the Triassic Skagerrak Formation (Northern Denmark) allowed characterization of the morphology and mineralogy of the reddish coatings, and their dependence on burial depth.
Turkish Pre-Service Teachers' Reflective Practices in Teaching English to Young Learners.

The course 'Teaching English to Young Learners' is the first stage where pre-service teachers are introduced to a child's world, developmental characteristics, needs, interests as well as teaching and learning techniques for these learners in English language teaching pre-service teacher education programmes in Turkey. This action research study identifies the gap that pre-service teachers experience between the theoretical considerations and realities of teaching, and the problems they face in this course. It provides the opportunity for monitoring and evaluating themselves in a pre-service teacher education programme in Turkey. Hence, this piece of research aims to promote reflective practice at the preservice level in teaching English to young learners through video recorded microteaching sessions, reflective journals, and lesson plans of pre-service teachers. The study reports on the results by highlighting the contribution of these reflective tools to pre-service teachers' professional development, self- and peer- reflections and the preparedness to teach English to young learners. Finally, insights and recommendations concerning teacher educators and pre-service programmes are offered to promote reflective practice and make methodology courses more beneficial before pre-service teachers embark on their practicum experience.
The Impact of Social Media Characteristics on Purchase Decision Empirical Study of Saudi Customers in Aseer Region

The study aims to explain how the influence of Social Media is reflected on consumers’ purchasing decisionmaking process and if this influence differs at the various stages of this process. Quantitative research method is adapted for the purpose of this research. The primary data was gathered by sending out questionnaire to a convenient sample of 310 individuals in Aseer Region in Saudi Arabia. The study finds that the influence of Social Media differs according to the various stages of the consumers’ purchasing decision making-process. The influence was more on information post purchase stage, followed by purchase decision stage. The study also highlights implications for marketers that have the opportunities to seize the power of influence of Social Media.
Application of the GUSS test on adult Egyptian dysphagic patients

Background The evaluation of swallowing disorders and their rehabilitative modalities is an important topic. The benefit to the patient, in terms of improvement in quality of life, cannot be underestimated. Bedside tests might be used to identify patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and to identify those who are at a risk for aspiration. Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Gugging Swallowing Screening (GUSS) test for the detection of aspiration and swallowing abnormalities in dysphagic Egyptian patients. This helps in better management. Study design The present study was a comparative, cross-sectional study. Patients and methods A total of 42 patients were referred from the outpatient clinics with a complaint of dysphagia. All patients were evaluated using flexible endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) and the GUSS test. The results of these two methods were compared to assess validity. Reliability was approved by the assessment of the Cohen's κ agreement between the two independent raters. Results The mean age of the patients was 51.6 ± 12.2 years. According to the results of FEES, 28 (66.7%) patients were at a risk for aspiration, whereas 30 (71.4%) patients were rated to be at a risk according to the GUSS test results. According to the cutoff of 14 points, GUSS reached 93.3% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity when compared with FEES. Positive predictive value was 93.3% and negative predictive value was 83.3%. The results of reliability (by comparing the scores of the two raters as regards the degree of severity) showed excellent agreement between the two raters (κ = 0.84, Ρ > 0.05, PO = 91%). Conclusion GUSS test proved to be an easy, valid, and reliable test to predict the risk for aspiration among the adult Egyptian patients.
Comparison between Quantitative Buffy Coat ( QBC ) and Giemsa-stained Thin Film ( GTF ) technique for blood protozoan infections in wild rats

The quantitative buffy coat (QBC) technique and conventional Giemsa thin blood smear was compared to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the technique in detecting blood parasitic infection of the rodent populations from four urban cities in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 432 blood samples from four rat species (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus diardii, Rattus exulans and Rattus argentiventer) were screened using both techniques and successfully detected two blood protozoan species (Trypanosoma lewisi and Plasmodium sp.) with Trypanosoma lewisi predominantly infecting the population. Results showed that Giemsa-stained thin film (GTF) was the better detection method on blood parasitemia (46.7%) compared to Quantitative Buffy Coat method (38.9%) with overall detection technique sensitivity and specificity at 83.2% and 74.8% respectively. The sensitivity in detection of Trypanosoma lewisi was 84.4% with value slightly lower for Plasmodium sp. infections at 76.6%. Statistical analysis proved that GTF technique was significantly more sensitive in the detection of blood protozoan infections in the rodent population compared to QBC (p<0.05).
Income Hedging, Dynamic Style Preferences, and Return Predictability

We propose a theoretical measure of income hedging demand and show that it affects asset prices. We focus on the value factor and first demonstrate that our demand estimates are correlated with the actual demands of retail and mutual fund investors. Then, we show that the aggregate HML demand predicts HML returns. Exploiting the state-level variation in income risk, we demonstrate that state-level hedging demands predict state-level HML returns. Our evidence of predictability is strong over short horizons (1-3 months) and disappears after one quarter. A trading strategy that exploits this hedging-induced predictability earns an annualized risk-adjusted return of 6%.
What Matters in Determining Capital Surcharges for Systemically Important Financial Institutions

One way of internalizing the externalities that each individual bank imposes on the rest of the financial system is to impose capital surcharges on them in line with their systemic importance. Given the complexity of the financial system and the resulting difficulties in measuring systemic importance, it is sometimes argued that higher capital surcharges should be applied to larger banks, abstracting from other factors like interconnectedness. In this paper, the authors consider different network structures of the banking system that are characterized by two different centrality measures. Their main finding is that size alone is not always a good proxy for systemic importance: it must be supplemented with detailed information on interbank exposures. A relatively small bank playing an outsized role in the interbank market might be more systemic, and thus garner a higher capital surcharge, than a less-connected bank of somewhat larger size. Alternatively, if the centrality of banks in an interbank network is positively correlated with their size, then proxies of a bank’s systemic importance largely based on size are sufficient indicators.
How much electricity do you use at home? An investigation into householders' literacy for comprehending domestic electricity data

This paper presents the results of a field study that investigated how users read and comprehended their own residential electricity usage data. Nine UK households were provided with a commercial electricity-tracking tool. We conducted a contextual inquiry and had participants think aloud while interpreting a graphical representation of their own domestic electricity consumption data. We were particularly interested if users would be able to understand this energy usage data in relation to their everyday household routines and behaviours. A second follow-up interview was conducted with the same participants three months later to find out whether users were still using the tool and if their understanding of how they use electricity in the home had changed. We found that energy literacy varied greatly within our sample of thirteen users. Across the sample, data comprehension for the graphic representation of the recorded electricity data was poor. The information feedback does not reflect everyday routines and therefore most users do not succeed in linking data patterns with performed actions in the household. The majority of our participants had stopped monitoring their consumption within the first few weeks or months. Those who kept monitoring did not report significant improvement in their understanding.
A THEORETICAL MODEL FOR THE APPLICATION OF WEB 2.0 IN E-GOVERNMENT

Government organisations in many countries have started embracing modern technologies such as second generation web (Web 2.0) in an attempt to maximize on the benefits of these technologies as well as keeping up with the current trend. Nevertheless, the advancement and the adoption of these of technologies is in its initial stages in the public sector. Therefore, the research problem is that the literature surrounding the application of Web 2.0 is still highly tentative and exploratory. In particular, there is a lack of research exploring the application of Web 2.0 technologies in the context of local e-Government. This study aims to address this research problem by presenting a comprehensive decision-making tool to aid the effective application of Web 2.0 technologies amongst local government authorities (LGAs). In doing so, resulting in the development of a theoretical model that is underpinned by information systems evaluation criteria and impact factors of Web 2.0 from an internal organizational perspective. By addressing the research problem, this study will make a significant contribution to the normative literature by providing new insights of Web 2.0 technologies within the public sector. This will be of specific relevance to scholars, policy makers, LGAs and practitioners who are interested in the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in an e-Government context. This paper presents the proposed theoretical model and is largely devoted to an explanation on the development of the model.
Metabolic response of oligotrophic plankton communities to deep water nutrient enrichment.

Studies on upper ocean plankton production and respiration in oligotrophic ecosystems are taken to imply that these regions are net heterotrophic (i.e. gross primary production [GPP] time-dependent changes in rates of GPP and R as well as dynamics of chlorophyll and nutrient concentrations. Our results consistently demonstrated that following the addition of nutrients: (1) phytoplankton biomass (chl a) and primary production increase; (2) the photoautotrophic plankton assemblage shifts from small ( 10 ? m diameter), chl c-containing and Siutilizing cells; and (3) community metabolism shifts from near balance, or slightly net heterotrophic, to demonstrably net autotrophic metabolism. These results suggest that nutrient availability partly regulates plankton community structure and dynamics, and could serve as a mechanism to temporally and spatially decouple GPP and R in oligotrophic open ocean ecosystems.
Productivity Accounting in Vertically (Hyper‐)Integrated Terms: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Empirics

The present paper is a methodological contribution introducing a disaggregated physical productivity accounting framework in vertically (hyper‐)integrated terms, establishing a direct correspondence between Supply–Use Tables and Pasinetti's (1973, 1988) theoretical magnitudes. As an empirical application, we computed productivity indicators and indexes of direction of technical change at the subsystem level for the case of Italy during 1999–2007. Our findings suggest that: (a) only 60 per cent of productivity growth accrued to real wages, (b) the degree of mechanization increased, (c) the most dynamic subsystems correspond to consolidated sectors, and (d) technical change has almost always been capital intensity increasing.
Chapter 4 Interventional Techniques to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), interventional techniques such astrans-arterial chemoembolization, trans-arterial radio-embolization, percutaneous ethanol injection, percutaneous thermal ablation and etc. can decrease the size (and overall viability) of the tumors, thus potentially increasing the proportion of patients qualifying for resection and transplantation and improving their quality of lives. This chapter presented almost all the interventional techniques which proved to be clinical efficacy to HCC patients in recent years.
Atlantic salmon type I interferons: Protection against virus infection in vivo and function as adjuvants in a virus DNA vaccine.

Articles that should not be included in Munin Paper I Protection of Atlantic salmon against virus infection by intramuscular injection of IFNc expression plasmid. Chia-Jung Chang, Camilla Robertsen, Baojian Sun, Borre Robertsen. Vaccine. Volume 32, Issue 36, 6 August 2014, Pages 4695–4702. Paper II Protection of Atlantic salmon against salmonid alphavirus infection by type I interferons IFNa, IFNb and IFNc. Chia-Jung Chang, Iris Jenssen, Borre Robertsen. Submitted on May 2016. Paper III Adjuvant activity of fish type I interferon shown in a virus DNA vaccination model. Chia-Jung Chang, Baojian Sun, Borre Robertsen. Vaccine. Volume 33, Issue 21, 15 May 2015, Pages 2442–2448. Paper IV IFN-adjuvanted DNA vaccine against infectious salmon anemia virus: Antibody kinetics and longevity of IFN expression. Borre Robertsen, Chia-Jung Chang and Lisa Bratland. Fish Shellfish Immunol. Volume 54, July 2016, Pages 328–332.