Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Middle Managers, Personnel Turnover, and Performance: A Long-Term Field Experiment in a Retail Chain

In a randomized controlled trial, a large retail chain’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) sets new goals for the managers of the treated stores by asking them to “do what they can” to reduce the employee quit rate. The treatment decreases the quit rate by a fifth to a quarter, lasting nine months before petering out, but reappearing after a reminder. There is no treatment effect on sales. Further analysis reveals that treated store managers spend more time on human resources (HR) and less on customer service. Our findings show that middle managers are instrumental in reducing personnel turnover, but they face a trade-off between investing in different activities in a multitasking environment with limited resources. The treatment does produce efficiency gains. However, these occur only at the firm level. This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
Multi-feature fusion refine network for video captioning

ABSTRACT Describing video content using natural language is an important part of video understanding. It needs to not only understand the spatial information on video, but also capture the motion information. Meanwhile, video captioning is a cross-modal problem between vision and language. Traditional video captioning methods follow the encoder-decoder framework that transfers the video to sentence. But the semantic alignment from sentence to video is ignored. Hence, finding a discriminative visual representation as well as narrowing the semantic gap between video and text has great influence on generating accurate sentences. In this paper, we propose an approach based on multi-feature fusion refine network (MFRN), which can not only capture the spatial information and motion information by exploiting multi-feature fusion, but also can get better semantic aligning of different models by designing a refiner to explore the sentence to video stream. The main novelties and advantages of our method are: (1) multi-feature fusion: Both two-dimension convolutional neural networks and three-dimension convolutional neural networks pre-trained on ImageNet and Kinetic respectively are used to construct spatial information and motion information, and then fused to get better visual representation. (2) Sematic alignment refiner: the refiner is designed to restrain the decoder and reproduce the video features to narrow semantic gap between different modal. Experiments on two widely used datasets demonstrate our approach achieves state-of-the-art performance in terms of BLEU@4, METEOR, ROUGE and CIDEr metrics.
Antenna-coupled field-effect transistors as detectors for terahertz near-field microscopy

We report the successful implementation of antenna-coupled terahertz field-effect transistors (TeraFETs) as homodyne detectors in a scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (s-SNOM) operating with radiation at 246.5 GHz. The devices were fabricated in Si CMOS foundry technology with two different technologies, a 90 nm process, which provides a better device performance, and a less expensive 180 nm one. The high sensitivity enables s-SNOM demodulation at up to the 10th harmonic of the cantilever's oscillation frequency. While we demonstrate application of TeraFETs at a fixed radiation frequency, this type of detector device is able to cover the entire THz frequency range.
Innovation success in an emerging economy: A comparison of R&D‐oriented companies in Turkey

Knowledge and innovation capacities are unevenly distrib-uted on a global scale, with national or regional settings playing a crucial role when it comes to the production and usage of knowledge. In particular, emerging economies are less equipped with relevant institutions and resources, meaning that firms residing in such contexts are likewise dealing with lacking innovation capabilities. However, achieving innovation is highly relevant for the economic development of firms and regions. Therefore, we aim to identify key factors for innovation strategies in a differentiated corporate landscape that might affect innovation success. Survey data from the innovative segment of 225 manufacturing firms in Istanbul is used in a two- step methodological approach. We apply dimension reduction through principal component analysis and use the resulting components in logistic regression analysis to estimate their effects on firms’ innovation success. The results reveal not only important findings about factors for the innovation success of firms, but also highly relevant insights about firms’ innovation strategies. The usage of internal and external R&D resources varies with firm type. In addition, we find that external R&D resources determine firms’ internationalization strategies. Hereof, we suggest policy implications for distinct firm types to support diverse innovation strategies and consequently innovation success.
Measurement report: Vertical distribution of biogenic and
anthropogenic secondary organic aerosols in the urban boundary
layer over Beijing during late summer

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) play a significant role in atmospheric chemistry. However, little is known about the vertical profiles of SOA in the urban boundary layer (UBL). This gap in the knowledge constrains the SOA simulation in chemical transport models. Here, we synchronously collected aerosol samples at 8 m, 120 m and 260 m based on a 325-m meteorological tower in urban Beijing from August 15th to September 10th, 2015. Strict emission controls were implemented during this period for the 2015 China Victory Day Parade. The sum of biogenic SOA tracers increased with height. The fraction of SOA from isoprene oxidation increased, whereas the fraction of monoterpene and sesquiterpene SOA decreased with height. The 2,3-dihydroxy-4-oxopentanoic acid (DHOPA), one tracer of anthropogenic SOA from toluene oxidation, also increased with height. The complicated vertical profiles of SOA tracers highlighted the needs to measure SOA within the UBL. The sum of estimated secondary organic carbon (SOC) ranged from 341 to 673 ngC m−3. The increase in the SOC fraction from isoprene and toluene with height was found to be more related to regional transport whereas the decrease in the SOC from monoterpene and sesquiterpene with height was more subject to local emissions. Emission controls during the parade reduced SOC by 4–35 % with toluene SOC decreasing more than the other SOC. This study demonstrates that vertical distributions of SOA within the UBL are complex, and the vertical profiles of SOA concentrations and sources should be considered in the future field and modelling studies.
Utility of Remotely Sensed Evapotranspiration Products to Assess an Improved Model Structure

There is a certain level of predictive uncertainty when hydrologic models are applied for operational purposes. Whether structural improvements address uncertainty has not well been evaluated due to the lack of observational data. This study investigated the utility of remotely sensed evapotranspiration (RS-ET) products to quantitatively represent improvements in model predictions owing to structural improvements. Two versions of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), representative of original and improved versions, were calibrated against streamflow and RS-ET. The latter version contains a new soil moisture module, referred to as RSWAT. We compared outputs from these two versions with the best performance metrics (Kling–Gupta Efficiency [KGE], Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency [NSE] and Percent-bias [P-bias]). Comparisons were conducted at two spatial scales by partitioning the RS-ET into two scales, while streamflow comparisons were only conducted at one scale. At the watershed level, SWAT and RSWAT produced similar metrics for daily streamflow (NSE of 0.29 and 0.37, P-bias of 1.7 and 15.9, and KGE of 0.47 and 0.49, respectively) and ET (KGE of 0.48 and 0.52, respectively). At the subwatershed level, the KGE of RSWAT (0.53) for daily ET was greater than that of SWAT (0.47). These findings demonstrated that RS-ET has the potential to increase prediction accuracy from model structural improvements and highlighted the utility of remotely sensed data in hydrologic modeling.
Fictive Kin Networks among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and Non-Latino Whites

Using data from the National Survey of American Life, we investigated the social and demographic correlates of fictive kin network involvement among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non-Latino Whites. Specifically, we examined the factors shaping whether respondents have fictive kin, the number of fictive present kin in their networks, and the frequency with which they received support from fictive kin. Overall, 87% of respondents had a fictive kin relationship, the average network size was 7.5, and 61% of participants routinely received fictive kin support. Affective closeness and contact with family, friends, and church members were positively associated with fictive kin relations. Age, region, income, and marital and parental status were related to fictive kin network involvement, though these associations varied by race/ethnicity. Collectively, findings indicate that fictive kin ties extend beyond marginalized communities, and they operate as a means to strengthen family bonds, rather than substitute for family deficits.
Flux growth of single crystals of MgGeO 3 polymorphs (orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and ilmenite) and their phase relations and crystal structures

Three kinds of MgGeO 3 pyroxene single crystals of 1-10 mm size were grown by the flux method: an orthopyroxene, a clinopyroxene, and a "clino-from proto" phase. The lattice parameters and the space groups are (1) orthopyroxene: a = 18.8099(12), b = 8.9484(8), c = 5.3451(4)Aa, Pbca, (2) clinopyroxene and (3) "clino-from proto" phase: a = 9.6010(8), b = 8.9323(6), c = 5.1592(5)Aa, beta = 101.034(9) degrees , C2/c. The phase relations of MgGeO 3 were studied in the temperature range 655-1030 degrees C and in the pressure range 0-55 kbar. The boundary between orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene was determined as T = 810 degrees C + 3.8 P(kbar), where the high-pressure and low-temperature phase is monoclinic. Single crystals of ilmenite-type MgGeO 3 (up to 100 mu M in size) were also grown in association with the pyroxene-->ilmenite transformation at 55 kbar, using the flux-grown orthopyroxene or clinopyroxene MgGeO 3 single crystals as starting materials. --Modified journal abstract.
Comparison of efficacy of needling and a combination of needling and platelet rich plasma in relieving pain and improving function in patients of tennis elbow: a prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder for which an effective treatment strategy remains unknown. Aim of the study was to examine whether a single injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with needling is more effective than needling with placebo in reducing pain in adults with lateral epicondylitis. Study design used was randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 66 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis were randomized (1:1) to receive either a blinded injection of PRP (group A) or saline (placebo) group B. The primary end point was a change in pain using the VAS and patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire. The secondary outcome being improvement in function (PRTEE scores). Results: The VAS score and PRTEE score improved significantly in both the groups at all 3 follow-up examinations. Group A had significantly better results than the group B.Conclusions: PRP injection are safe and effective management strategy for lateral epicondylitis
Next City: Learning from Cities during COVID-19 to Tackle Climate Change

Fundamental principles of modern cities and urban planning are challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the advantages of large city size, high density, mass transport, free use of public space, unrestricted individual mobility in cities. These principles shaped the development of cities and metropolitan areas for more than a century, but currently, there are signs that they have turned from advantage to liability. Cities Public authorities and private organisations responded to the COVID-19 crisis with a variety of policies and business practices. These countermeasures codify a valuable experience and can offer lessons about how cities can tackle another grand challenge, this of climate change. Do the measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis represent a temporal adjustment to the current health crisis? Or do they open new ways towards a new type of urban development more effective in times of environmental and health crises? We address these questions through literature review and three case studies that review policies and practices for the transformation of city ecosystems mostly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: (a) the central business district, (b) the transport ecosystem, and (c) the tourism–hospitality ecosystem. We assess whether the measures implemented in these ecosystems shape new policy and planning models for higher readiness of cities towards grand challenges, and how, based on this experience, cities should be organized to tackle the grand challenge of environmental sustainability and climate change.
Evaluating SEM-based LER metrology using a metrological tilting-AFM

In this study, we developed a methodology to evaluate scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based line edge roughness (LER) metrology. In particular, we used a metrological tilting atomic force microscopy (tilting-mAFM) as LER reference metrology. We analyzed the height-height correlation function (HHCF) of SEM line-edge profiles combining averaging and unbiased correction methods. The direct comparison of our method with tilting-mAFM enabled a precise evaluation of the SEM-based LER metrology. We demonstrated that a combination of unbiased HHCF and averaging methods with appropriate condition enabled relatively precise measurement of three roughness parameters. We observed that, for precise roughness evaluation, reducing noise in the line-edge profiles is important before performing the HHCF analysis and unbiased correction.
Analysis of thromboembolic events in head and neck cancer patients who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin: A real-world study

Background The risk of thromboembolic events (TEE) in cancer patients, especially those receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy, is higher than that of general population. Methods The study investigated the incidence of TEE in 257 head and neck (H&N) cancer patients, during or within 6 months of completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with cisplatin, and analyzed factors affecting TEE occurrence. Results TEE occurred in 5 patients, an incidence rate of 1.9%. Khorana score was the only factor associated with TEE occurrence (p = 0.010). Conclusions The incidence of TEE in H&N cancer patients who underwent CCRT with cisplatin was relatively low when compared to other types of cancer. However, patients with a high Khorana score require more careful surveillance for possible TEE occurrence.
Structure and Dynamics of Meprin β in Complex with a Hydroxamate-Based Inhibitor

The astacin protease Meprin β represents an emerging target for drug development due to its potential involvement in disorders such as acute and chronic kidney injury and fibrosis. Here, we elaborate on the structural basis of inhibition by a specific Meprin β inhibitor. Our analysis of the crystal structure suggests different binding modes of the inhibitor to the active site. This flexibility is caused, at least in part, by movement of the C-terminal region of the protease domain (CTD). The CTD movement narrows the active site cleft upon inhibitor binding. Compared with other astacin proteases, among these the highly homologous isoenzyme Meprin α, differences in the subsites account for the unique selectivity of the inhibitor. Although the inhibitor shows substantial flexibility in orientation within the active site, the structural data as well as binding analyses, including molecular dynamics simulations, support a contribution of electrostatic interactions, presumably by arginine residues, to binding and specificity. Collectively, the results presented here and previously support an induced fit and substantial movement of the CTD upon ligand binding and, possibly, during catalysis. To the best of our knowledge, we here present the first structure of a Meprin β holoenzyme containing a zinc ion and a specific inhibitor bound to the active site. The structural data will guide rational drug design and the discovery of highly potent Meprin inhibitors.
Does the Implementation of Corporate Governance Moderate the Relationships of Ownership Structure, Capital Structure and Firm Values of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Indonesia?

This study aims to examine corporate governance’s role as a moderating variable in determining firm value, such as ownership structure and capital structure. Indonesian stock exchange manufacturing companies from 2014 to 2018 were used in this study. The data used was panel data, with data analysis carried out using the WarpPLS program. The results showed that the ownership structure had a significant effect on capital structure while ownership structure and capital structure had no significant effect on firm value. Ownership structure moderated by corporate governance has no significant impact on firm value. Capital structure moderated by corporate governance also has no significant impact on firm value. New findings from this research show that corporate governance cannot moderate the determinants of firm value, such as ownership structure and capital structure.
Fertilization Management Improves the Yield and Capsaicinoid Content of Chili Peppers

Chili, one of the most cultivated plants in the world, from the genus Capsicum sp. , has great importance both in human nutrition and in the pharmaceutical industry. This study provides detailed information on the impact of chili crop fertilization on the production and accumulation of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. During the vegetation period, 235 kg∙ha−1 NPK (chemical—Ch), 270 kg∙ha−1 NPK (organic—O) and 250 kg∙ha−1 NPK (mixed—Ch + O) fertilizers were applied on six varieties of chili pepper (De Cayenne, Traian 2, Turkish, Sigaretta di Bergamo, Jovial and Chorbadjiiski); all versions were compared with the control (Ct). The determination of capsaicinoid compounds from chili pepper samples was done using high-performance liquid chromatography, HPLC-UV/VIS. The chili pepper plants reacted differently according to the fertilizers used, both in terms of the production and accumulation of capsaicinoids. The highest production was obtained for the case of mixed treatments in all cultivars, with the highest production being found for Sigaretta di Bergamo (40.61 t∙ha−1). The capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content was influenced by both the type of fertilizer used and the variety of chili pepper. The accumulation of capsaicinoids in the chili fruits was found to be dependent on cultivar and fertilization management; higher amounts of capsaicinoids were found to accumulate in the fruits of the Chorbadjiiski variety treated with chemicals (0.83 mg∙g−1 capsaicin and 0.53 mg∙g−1 dihydrocapsaicin) compared with the amounts found for untreated De Cayenne (0.52 mg∙g−1 capsaicin and 0.33 mg∙g−1 dihydrocapsaicin).
Amenity trees diversity in selected tertiary institutions within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Trees are a central component of most urban communities, providing diverse benefits such as improving air quality, increasing aesthetic appeal, preventing erosion and providing habitat for wildlife. However, there is inadequate information on the distribution and diversity of these trees within our academic environments. This study investigates the distribution, frequency and species diversity of amenity trees within the main campuses of tertiary institutions in River State, Nigeria. The selected tertiary institutions are University of Port-Harcourt (Institution A) and Rivers State University (Institution B). Five (5) major roads in each campus were randomly selected, and 200m along each road was selected as sample areas. Ten (10) meter was marked from the edge of the road, and complete inventory was taken of all trees within the marked sample area. Diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter and tree height were measured. Shannon-Weiner and Simpson diversity index were used to calculate amenity trees diversity, while Margalef specie richness was used to calculate the species index. A total of 539 trees were surveyed on both campuses, comprising 26 different species and 10 families. Casuarina equisetifolia had the highest frequency with 92 trees in B. Simpson diversity index showed higher diversity (D = 0.78) in B amenity trees than A (D = 0.81). Shannon-Weiner species evenness was 0.71 and 0.76 for Institutions A and B respectively. Margalef specie richness index were 2.90 for A and 1.40 for B. This study provides baseline information for ecosystem management of urban forest tree species within campuses. For sustainable management of trees on campuses, frequent inventory and survey should be conducted to establish their abundance, distribution and diversity.
A clinical and mycological study of superficial mycosis

Background: Superficial mycosis is among the most frequent forms of human infection affecting more than 20-25% of world’s population. Current study aims at assessing the clinical profile of dermatophytic infection and to identify the fungal species responsible. Methods: A prospective study conducted on 100 patients with clinically suspected dermatophytosis presenting to Skin OPD in a tertiary hospital in north Karnataka. A detailed clinical history, general physical examination and systemic examination routine lab investigations were done. Sample collection for mycological examinations was done for direct microscopy in 10% KOH (40% KOH for nail) and fungal culture an SDA with 0.5% chloramphenicol and 0.5% cyclohexidine was done in every case. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Male:female ratio was approximately 3:2. Maximum numbers of cases were in the age groups of 16-30 years (46 cases). 46% patients had multiple site involvement followed by tinea corporis in 20 (20%), tinea cruris in 18 (18%), tinea unguium (8%), tinea manuum (3%), tinea pedis (3%), tinea barbae (1%), and tinea faciei (1%). Potassium hydroxide examination was positive for fungal elements in 88(88%) patients and 35(35%). The most common species identified were. Trichophyton rubrum in 60% samples, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes in 20%. Conclusions: Present clinical and mycological study showed tinea corporis as the most common clinical pattern followed by tinea cruris and T. rubrum as the most common causative agent.
Micro-Sequential Coordination in Early Responses

ABSTRACT Our study deals with early bodily responses to directives (requests and instructions, i.e., second pair parts [SPPs]) produced before the first pair part (FPP) is complete. We show how early bodily SPPs build on the properties of an emerging FPP. Our focus is on the successive incremental coordination of components of the FPP with components of the SPP. We show different kinds of micro-sequential relationships between FPP and SPP: successive specification of the SPP building on the resources that the FPP makes available, the readjustment or repair of the SPP in response to the emerging FPP, and reflexive micro-sequential adaptions of the FPP to an early SPP. This article contributes to our understanding of the origins of projection in interaction and of the relationship between sequentially and simultaneity in interaction. Data are video-recordings from interaction in German.