Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive data-transition decision feedback equaliser with edge emphasis

Adaptive data ‐ transition (DT) decision feedback equalisation (DFE) with edge ‐ emphasised (EE) taps is presented. DFE is performed when DT is detected using a loop ‐ unrolling algorithm. EE ‐ taps provide enhanced equalisation at the edges of data eyes, where the impact of channel impairment is most severe, and adequate equalisation between the edges and centre of data eyes to achieve both minimum jitter and maximum vertical eye ‐ opening of equalised data. Reference voltages for measuring the DFE error signal are adjusted to further improve the vertical eye ‐ opening of equalised data. The effectiveness of the proposed DFE is investigated using the simulation results of a 10 Gbps (gigabits per second) link over a backplane channel with − 23.9 dB channel loss at the baud ‐ rate in TSMC 65 nm 1.2 V CMOS technology. Simulation results show that DT ‐ DFE with EE ‐ taps improves vertical eye ‐ opening by 3.9 times and lowers data jitter by 4.86 times.
Comparison of 1480 nm and 980 nm-pumped Gallium-Erbium fiber amplifier

Background: One way to reduce the length of the gain medium in Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) is by doping the fiber core with a high concentration of Erbium. However, this method caused ion clustering effects, which limits the EDFA’s efficiency. In this research, the use of Gallium as a new co-dopant in erbium-doped silica fiber is explored. Methods: The new fiber, namely Gallium co-doped Erbium fiber (Ga-EDF), is used as a gain medium in an optical fiber amplifier setup. A 2-meter length of the Ga-EDF fiber was used in a single pass configuration with a forward pumping scheme at 150 mW pump power. The Ga-EDF amplifier's gain and noise figure while pumping at 980 nm and 1480 nm were compared. The amplifier's performance was evaluated as the input signal power varied between -30 dBm to 3 dB, over the wavelength range of 1520 nm to 1580 nm. Results: The 980 nm-pumped Ga-EDF amplifier achieved the maximum small-signal gain of 22.45 dB and the corresponding noise figure of 5.71 dB at the input signal wavelength of 1535 nm. Meanwhile, the 1480 nm-pumped Ga-EDF amplifier attained the maximum small-signal gain of 20.83 dB and the corresponding noise figure of 5.09 dB at the input signal wavelength of 1550 nm. At the input signal power below -20 dBm and the wavelength range 1520 nm to 1547 nm, the Ga-EDF performs better when pumped at 980 nm. Their performance is comparable at the input signal wavelength range between 1547 nm to 1580 nm. At the input signal power above -20 dBm, the 1480 nm-pumped Ga-EDF outperformed the 980 nm-pumped amplifier. Conclusions: The overall performance indicates that the gain saturation point of the 1480 nm-pumped amplifier is higher than the 980 nm-pumped.
Aligning strategy with knowledge management system for improving innovation and business performance

ABSTRACT For improving innovation and business performance, developing a robust knowledge management (KM) strategy is a pivotal step for firms. Still, literature pertinent to strategic knowledge management system alignment (SKMSA) is largely lacking and, unfortunately, offers a limited understanding of how SKMSA affects firms’ business performance. Thus, the study’s primary objective is to investigate the effects of SKMSA on performance indicators such as innovation and business performance. This study thus proposes a robust model to explore how the SKMSA, in the dimensions of reward, trust, knowledge map, and knowledge codification, impacts firms’ innovation and business performance using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. Our analysis of survey data shows that SKMSA has a positive and significant impact on both KM performance and KMS performance. Further, KM performance and KMS performance are found to have a significant positive relationship with innovation performance and business performance. The study’s findings will help managers develop SKMSA strategies and improve innovation and business performance.
Catalyst Twenty-Twenty: Post-Traumatic Growth at Scales of Person, Place and Planet

Planetary health is a broad multidisciplinary effort that attempts to address what has been described as “Anthropocene Syndrome”—the wicked, interrelated challenges of our time. These include, but are not limited to, grotesque biodiversity losses, climate change, environmental degradation, resource depletion, the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), health inequalities, social injustices, erosion of wisdom and civility, together with the many structural underpinnings of these grand challenges. The ultimate aim of planetary health is flourishing along every link in the person, place and planet continuum. The events of “2020” have illuminated the consequences of “mass trauma” and how sub-threshold anxiety and/or depressive symptoms erase the rigid lines between mental “health” and mental “disorders”, and unmasked the systemic forms of injustice, discrimination, and oppression that have too often escaped discourse. Here, we query the ways in which post-traumatic growth research might inform the larger planetary health community, especially in the context of a global pandemic, broadening socioeconomic inequalities, a worsening climate crisis, and the rise of political authoritarianism. The available research would suggest that “2020” fulfills the trauma criteria of having a “seismic impact on the assumptive world”, and as such, provides fertile ground for post-traumatic growth. Among the many potential positive changes that might occur in response to trauma, we focus on the value of new awareness, perspective and greater wisdom.
In situ trace elements and S isotope systematics for growth zoning in sphalerite from MVT deposits: A case study of Nayongzhi, South China

Abstract Zoning texture in sphalerite has been described in many studies, although its genesis and ore formation process are poorly constrained. In this investigation, we compare the in situ trace element and isotopic composition of colour-zoned sphalerites from Nayongzhi, South China, to explain the zoning growth process. Petrographic observations identified two broad types of zoned sphalerite, core–rim (CR) and core–mantle–rim (CMR) textures. Each zoned sphalerite displays two or three colour zones, including brown core, light colour bands and/or pale-yellow zones. In situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry trace-element analyses show that the three colour zones display variable trace-element compositions. Brown cores exhibit distinctly high Mn, Fe, Co, Ge, Tl and Pb concentrations, whereas pale-yellow and light colour zones have elevated Ga, Cd, Sn, In and Sb concentrations. Copper, Sb, In and Sn show slight variations between pale-yellow and light zones, the latter having higher In and Sn, but lower Cu and Sb abundances. Given the low concentration range of Pb, Ge, Tl, Mn Sb, Cd, etc., the colour of sphalerite is attributed mainly to Fe compositional variation. The δ34S values of sphalerite from Nayongzhi range from +22.3 to +27.9‰, suggesting reduced sulfur was generated by thermochemical sulfate reduction of marine sulfate in ore-hosted strata. Single-crystal colour-zoned sphalerite exhibits intracrystalline δ34S variation (up to 4.3‰), which is attributed to the δ34S composition of H2S in the original fluid. The lack of correlation between trace elements and δ34S values indicates episodic ore solution influxes and mixes with the reduced sulfur-rich fluid derived from the aquifers of the ore-hosted strata, which play a key role in the formation of the zoned Nayongzhi sphalerite. In conclusion, in situ trace element and S isotope studies of zoned sphalerite crystals might provide insight into the ore-forming process of MVT deposits.
Examining the effect of diversification, corporate governance and intellectual capital on sustainability performance

This study aims to examine and analyze the effect of diversification, corporate governance and intellectual capital on sustainability performance, either directly or indirectly, by involving financial performance as a mediating variable. This study uses secondary data on Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia which are registered with the Financial Services Authority from 2011 - 2018, with a sample size of 10 Islamic banks that meet the criteria using the purposive sampling method so that 80 observations are obtained. Data is obtained from annual reports, sustainability reports, and reports on the implementation of good corporate governance. The data analysis technique used SEM-PLS with the help of WarpPLS 7.0 software. The results of the study provide empirical evidence that both the quality and quantity of corporate governance, intellectual capital and financial performance have a positive effect on sustainability performance.
New Biomass Estimates for Chaparral-Dominated Southern California Landscapes

Chaparral shrublands are the dominant wildland vegetation type in Southern California and the most extensive ecosystem in the state. Disturbance by wildfire and climate change have created a dynamic landscape in which biomass mapping is key in tracking the ability of chaparral shrublands to sequester carbon. Despite this importance, most national and regional scale estimates do not account for shrubland biomass. Employing plot data from several sources, we built a random forest model to predict aboveground live biomass in Southern California using remote sensing data (Landsat Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)) and a suite of geophysical variables. By substituting the NDVI and precipitation predictors for any given year, we were able to apply the model to each year from 2000 to 2019. Using a total of 980 field plots, our model had a k-fold cross-validation R2 of 0.51 and an RMSE of 3.9. Validation by vegetation type ranged from R2 = 0.17 (RMSE = 9.7) for Sierran mixed-conifer to R2 = 0.91 (RMSE = 2.3) for sagebrush. Our estimates showed an improvement in accuracy over two other biomass estimates that included shrublands, with an R2 = 0.82 (RMSE = 4.7) compared to R2 = 0.068 (RMSE = 6.7) for a global biomass estimate and R2 = 0.29 (RMSE = 5.9) for a regional biomass estimate. Given the importance of accurate biomass estimates for resource managers, we calculated the mean year 2010 shrubland biomasses for the four national forests that ranged from 3.5 kg/m2 (Los Padres) to 2.3 kg/m2 (Angeles and Cleveland). Finally, we compared our estimates to field-measured biomasses from the literature summarized by shrubland vegetation type and age class. Our model provides a transparent and repeatable method to generate biomass measurements in any year, thereby providing data to track biomass recovery after management actions or disturbances such as fire.
Business Performance in The Post-Startup Phase: The Case of LATAM For-Profit Ventures Participating in Accelerator Programs

This study aims at a more systematic understanding of the critical factors, based on Sharir & Lerner’s (2006) framework, that exert influence over the probabilities of performance development of For-Profit Ventures participating in accelerator programs worldwide, and specifically in the LATAM Region. Using an Ordinal Logit Regression Model on secondary data from a multipurpose survey over a sample of startups in more than 170 countries, the positive effects of such factors were first tested, and differential behaviour was sought, in ventures operating in the LATAM Region. Even though most of the factors accounted for in the framework were validated in the general sample and their effects were quantified, differential behaviour due to socio-economic and geographic conditions was found in the region; the most striking result revolved around the statistically confirmed notion that LATAM ventures have learned to operate in underprivileged conditions. Conclusions are drawn in support of harmonized for-profit entrepreneurship promotional programs and the adoption of standardized impact measurement criteria in order to improve the access to outside-funds. This argument raises ample academic and practical possibilities for investigating the impact of socio-economic and cultural influences on the efficacy of entrepreneurial support mechanisms. This study contributes to the literature by providing more empirical research about performance development in newly created for-profit ventures and the effectiveness of global accelerator programs.
Influences of the dosage of dolomite powder on the fracture properties and volume stability of cement-based materials

Abstract The effects of dolomite powder dosage on the fracture properties and volume stability of cement-based materials were investigated by three-point bending method and corrugated tube method, respectively. The experiment results showed that the fracture toughness of cement mortar incorporating dolomite powder was raised compared to that of reference cement mortar. After dolomite powder was added into cement paste, the improvement of fracture toughness, flexure, and compressive strength was observed due to the formation of a new phase (magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate) combined with the nucleation and physical filling effect. Autogenous shrinkage of samples incorporating dolomite powder were higher than that of the control samples because the addition of dolomite powder increased the surface tension of water in pores and the compression on the walls of capillary pores, facilitating higher autogenous shrinkage. Drying shrinkage of cement pastes blended with dolomite powder was lower than that of the control samples. The refinement of the pore structure of samples incorporating dolomite powder decreased the internal capillary pressure, causing smaller drying shrinkage.
Morphotype and Crust Effects on the Geochemistry of Globorotalia inflata

Sedimentary specimens of the planktonic foraminifera Globorotalia inflata can provide information on subsurface conditions of past oceans. However, interpretation of their geochemical signal is complicated by possible effects of cryptic diversity and encrustation. Here we address these issues using plankton tow and sediment samples from the western South Atlantic, where two genotypes of G. inflata occur. To separate the genotypes, we analyzed shells from the extreme ends of the morphospace of G. inflata. The δ18O and δ13C of encrusted specimens from both morphotypes are indistinguishable. However, we do find a large influence of encrustation on δ18O and Mg/Ca. Whereas crust Mg/Ca ratios are at all locations lower than lamellar calcite, the crust effect on δ18O is less consistent in space. Plankton tows show that encrusted specimens occur at any depth and that even close to the surface crust Mg/Ca ratios are lower than in lamellar calcite. This is inconsistent with formation of the crust at lower temperature at greater depth. Instead we suggest that the difference between the crust and lamellar calcite Mg/Ca ratio is temperature‐independent and due to the presence of high Mg/Ca bands only in the lamellar calcite. The variable crust effect on δ18O is more difficult to explain, but the higher incidence of crust‐free specimens in warmer waters and the observation that a crust effect is clearest in the confluence zone, hint at the possibility that the difference reflects advective mixing of specimens from warmer and colder areas, rather than vertical migration.
Color pan traps often catch less when there are more flowers around

Abstract When assessing changes in populations of species, it is essential that the methods used to collect data have some level of precision and preferably also good accuracy. One commonly used method to collect pollinators is colour pan traps, but this method has been suggested to be biased by the abundance of surrounding flowers. The present study evaluated the relationship between pan trap catches and the frequency of flowers on small (25 m2) and large (2–6 ha) spatial scales. If pan traps work well, one should assume a positive relationship, that is, more insects caught when they have more food. However, in contrast, we found that catches in pan traps were often negatively affected by flower frequency. Among the six taxa evaluated, the negative bias was largest in Vespoidea and Lepturinae, while there was no bias in solitary Apoidea (Cetoniidae, Syrphidae and social Apoidea were intermediate). Furthermore, red flowers seemed to contribute most to the negative bias. There was also a tendency that the negative bias differed within the flight season and that it was higher when considering the large spatial scale compared to the small one. To conclude, pan trap catches may suffer from a negative bias due to surrounding flower frequency and color. The occurrence and magnitude of the negative bias were context and taxon dependent, and therefore difficult to adjust for. Thus, pan traps seem less suited to evaluate differences between sites and the effect of restoration, when gradients in flower density are large. Instead, it seems better suited to monitor population changes within sites, and when gradients are small.
Spectroscopic Studies of in Vitro Exposure to Low-Dose Gamma Rays from 137Cs Radioactivity on Some Human Blood Components (Plasma and Red Blood Cells)

This current study was to determine the effects of in vitro exposure to radioactive cesium-137 on some human blood components (Plasma and red blood cells). Blood samples were given a radiation dose of 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mGy of gamma rays using a 137Cs radioactive standard source. The blood samples that were exposed to 0 mGy served as sham-controls. The spectrofluoroscopic technique was used to determine the autofluorescence spectrum of protein in plasma or red blood cells by using excitation wavelength and range of emission wavelengths at 280 nm and 300-550 nm, respectively. The spectrophotometric technique was used to determine the release of hemoglobin from the red blood cells to the supernatant. This data indicated no change in the ratio of fluorescence emission intensity at 340 nm of wavelength of protein extract from irradiated whole blood or red blood cells compared to the corresponding non-irradiated control. The results did not change in the absorption intensity at 415 nm of wavelength of hemoglobin leakage from in vitro irradiated red blood cells when compared to the corresponding non-irradiated red blood cells. These current results suggested that there were no harmful effects of the low-dose gamma rays from radioactive 137Cs on some blood components when human whole blood was exposed to gamma rays in an in vitro condition.
Mesozoic compressional to extensional tectonics in the Central East Iranian Microcontinent: evidence from the Boneh Shurow metamorphic core complex

The Boneh Shurow metamorphic core complex (BSMCC) in the Central East Iranian Microcontinent (CEIM) provides a good example of the Mesozoic succession of nonsynchronous compressional and extensional deformation events attributed to the transitional Cimmerian events. The D1 compression developed subvertical dextral ductile shear zones and corresponds to continental accretion and crustal thickening, producing kyanite- and sillimanite-grade rocks and migmatites in the Early Cimmerian Orogeny in the CEIM. The D2 deformation event is marked by extension during the mid-Cimmerian Orogeny. It is characterized by top-to-the-NE normal sense of shear along a low-angle detachment surface. Field evidence for cross-cutting relationships of D1- by D2-related structures reveals that the occurrence of Barrovian facies metamorphism and associated partial melting in the core of the BSMCC formed during compressional tectonic events. These structures formed before the initiation of extension and the formation of the low-angle detachment shear zone. Finally, during the Late Cimmerian D3 event, the east and west Boneh Shurow reverse faults ruptured on both sides of the MCC. Recognition of the complicated origin and exhumation mechanisms of the BSMCC provides crucial constraints on the prolonged evolution of Palaeo- and Neotethys ocean basins and collisional and post-collisional events in this region.
Development of a water dispersible granule (WDG) formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis for the management of Spodoptera litura (Fab.)

ABSTRACT The tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura is a key insect pest affecting the crop stand and yield of a wide range of crops, mainly castor. Entomopathogens are known to play a vital role in eco-friendly management of insect pests. The present study was undertaken with the objective of developing a freely flowable WDG formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) containing a high percentage of active ingredient coupled with biodegradable adjuvants. Water dispersible granule (WDG) formulation of DOR Bt-127 – a native strain of B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki was prepared by a combination of agglomeration and pan drying method using a binder (guar gum), a wetting agent (Tween-80) and a water-soluble carrier (starch). WDG had good wettability and was effective against S. litura. X-ray diffraction studies revealed semi-crystalline nature of WDG formulation. FTIR spectra of Bt WDG formulation revealed change in transmittance peaks to 1631, 1547 and 1147 cm−1 from 1636, 1534 and 1075 cm−1 of Bt (technical) indicating binding of Bt with starch and guar gum. The formulation has a high protein content of 134.7 mg/g and potency of 74,200 SU/mg against 9 days old S. litura larvae. Pot culture studies and field trials revealed that efficacy of Bt-127 WDG formulation was on par with the commercial Btk formulation against 7 and 9 days old larvae. Bt-127 WDG formulation was promising against early as well as older instar larvae and therefore has a prospective to be used in Bio-intensive Integrated Pest Management programmes to reduce the usage of synthetic chemical insecticides.
Analysis of surface changes from undermining and building site categorization: The case study in mining location Louky near Karvina

Repeated geodetic observations were applied in mining location Louky near Karviná to detect surface changes from undermining in complex geo-mechanical conditions. Analyses of the subsidence magnitude and the length and direction of horizontal displacements showed that the subsidence trough was formed unevenly not only due to the position of the exploited local longwall panels and their different size but also showed a notable effect of the dominant tectonic fault. The significantly uneven development of the subsidence trough negatively affects line constructions. Terrain deformations of the road and stream pipeline were computed and classified into the building site categories according to the Czech standard ČSN 73 0039. The course of individual deformations in the monitored locality is influenced by a complex geo-mechanical situation. While the course of the subsidence curves is continuous at the observed pipeline and the classification of individual sections into building site categories corresponds with that, the road profile points out a more complex development of surface deformations. At the end of the observed period, 5 % of the profiles’ sections fell into category III (medium intensity), 49 % into category IV (moderate intensity) and 32 % stayed in category V (very moderate intensity of mining effects). ARTICLE INFO
First observation of the breeding of common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, in Algerian Saharan streams

The breeding of common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, is reported for the first time in the Ziban oasis in the north east of Algerian Sahara. Three pairs with their chicks were observed in the Sidi Mhamed Moussa stream, which contains a variety of habitats that favor the nesting of this species. This wetland is internationally important, and these results underline the need for environmental protection and the development of an appropriate management program.