Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An exact LMI condition for the strong delay‐independent stability analysis of neutral delay systems

This paper concentrates on strong delay‐independent stability of neutral linear time‐invariant delay systems with multiple commensurate time delays. The stability analysis of linear neutral systems is complicated by the need to locate the roots of a transcendental characteristic equation and to take into account the global hyperbolicity of an associated difference system. In this paper, we propose a convex necessary and sufficient condition for testing strong delay‐independent stability. This result mainly follows from Kronecker sum properties and the Kalman‐Yakubovich‐Popov lemma, which allows us to present the main result in terms of a single linear matrix inequality feasibility test. The paper is closed by showing numerical examples that illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Fairness Concerns in Heterogeneous Teams: Optimal Team Formation and Contract

Problem Definition: In homogeneous teams, the team output is maximized with equal incentives, resulting in equal utilities; hence, there is no fairness-efficiency trade-off. How about heterogeneous teams? Providing the same incentives to all workers is inefficient as more output could be achieved by rewarding more to the most able worker. Could an uneven profit distribution among team members—for the sake of efficiency— result in feelings of guilt or envy? Alternatively, could an equalization of utilities—for the sake of fairness— hurt output? In other words, is there a fairness-efficiency trade-off in heterogeneous teams? Methodology/Results: We consider a principal-agent model with two agents who have different abilities and are inequality-averse (i.e., subject to envy and guilt). We identify the optimal team formation and characterize the best affine output-sharing contract under limited liability. Specifically, we show that the principal should form a team when agents are highly inequality-averse but mildly heterogeneous; and that she should employ only the most able agent otherwise. Moreover, the best team contract turns out not only to be envyand guilt-free, but also to lead to higher team output than if agents were inequality-neutral. Thus, both the principal and the agents may be better off with inequality aversion than without. Managerial Implications: Our analysis demonstrates that there might not be a fairnessefficiency tradeoff in heterogeneous teams. Indeed, stimulating inequality aversion among agents may be beneficial for both the principal and the agents in providing a fairer and more efficient solution.
Multipliers and approximation properties of groups

Cette these porte sur des proprietes d'approximation generalisant la moyennabilite pour les groupes localement compacts. Ces proprietes sont definies a partir des multiplicateurs de certaines algebres associes aux groupes. La premiere partie est consacree a l'etude de la propriete p-AP, qui est une extension de la AP de Haagerup et Kraus au cadre des operateurs sur les espaces Lp. Le resultat principal dit que les groupes de Lie simples de rang superieur et de centre fini ne satisfont p-AP pour aucun p entre 1 et l'infini. La deuxieme partie se concentre sur les multiplicateurs de Schur radiaux sur les graphes. L'etude de ces objets est motivee par les liens avec les actions de groupes discrets et la moyennabilite faible. Les trois resultats principaux donnent des conditions necessaires et suffisantes pour qu'une fonction sur les nombres naturels definisse un multiplicateur radial sur des differentes classes de graphes generalisant les arbres. Plus precisement, les classes de graphes etudiees sont les produits d'arbres, les produits de graphes hyperboliques et les complexes cubiques CAT(0) de dimension finie.
X-photon laser direct write 3D nanolithography

ABSTRACT Multiphoton photopolymerisation (MPP), also known as 3D nanoprinting, was studied using a wavelength-tunable femtosecond laser. The possibility of using any colour of the spectrum from 500 to 1200 nm with a fixed pulse width of 100 fs revealed an interplay of photophysical mechanisms more delicate than just two-photon photopolymerisation. An effective order of absorption, i.e. the X-photon absorption, as well as optimal exposure conditions were assessed for photosensitised and pure SZ2080 pre-polymer. The tunability of wavelength greatly influenced the dynamic fabrication window (DFW), optimised conditions resulting in a 10-fold increase. Furthermore, a non-trivial energy deposition by X-photon absorption was noted with an onset of a strong lateral size increase at longer wavelengths and can be understood as due to reaching epsilon-near-zero conditions. Such a control over the voxel aspect ratio and, consequently, the photopolymerised volume, may boost 3D nanoprinting efficiency. Overall, the results reveal wavelength being an important degree of freedom to tailor the MPP process and, if optimised, benefiting broad applications in areas of micro-optics, nanophotonic devices, metamaterials and tissue engineering.
Value Added Tax compliance, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Analysis of influential factors in Nigeria

Abstract This study examines VAT compliance factors among SMEs in Nigeria. Specifically, the study assesses the influence of Taxpayer Perception and Attitudes (TPA), Organizational Characteristics (OC), Tax Compliance Cost (TCC), VAT Implementation Efficacy (VIE), revenue, profit, employees, customers, and SMEs size on VAT compliance among SMEs in Nigeria. Using both primary and secondary data in the study population comprised all registered SMEs in Nigeria. The study used a sample of 3,600 SMEs to carry out the analysis. Also, given a total of 18,000 observations, a panel data set of 3,600 SMEs from the years 2018 to 2022 was chosen from the financial records of SMEs. The results indicate that TPA, OC, TCC, and VIE influence VAT compliance. Furthermore, the study discovered that revenue has a positive but not significant effect on VAT compliance. More so, the size and level of profit generated have a positive and significant influence on VAT compliance by SMEs. However, a number of employees and customers have no significant effect on VAT compliance by SMEs. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches on this subject and will assist researchers and practitioners in assessing the influence of VAT compliance among SMEs. Hence, policymakers and tax authorities should incorporate these factors in order to improve tax compliance among SMEs in Nigeria, which will eventually boost revenue generation.
Implementation of Field-Programmable Gate Array Platform for Object Classification Tasks Using Spike-Based Backpropagated Deep Convolutional Spiking Neural Networks

This paper investigates the performance of deep convolutional spiking neural networks (DCSNNs) trained using spike-based backpropagation techniques. Specifically, the study examined temporal spike sequence learning via backpropagation (TSSL-BP) and surrogate gradient descent via backpropagation (SGD-BP) as effective techniques for training DCSNNs on the field programmable gate array (FPGA) platform for object classification tasks. The primary objective of this experimental study was twofold: (i) to determine the most effective backpropagation technique, TSSL-BP or SGD-BP, for deeper spiking neural networks (SNNs) with convolution filters across various datasets; and (ii) to assess the feasibility of deploying DCSNNs trained using backpropagation techniques on low-power FPGA for inference, considering potential configuration adjustments and power requirements. The aforementioned objectives will assist in informing researchers and companies in this field regarding the limitations and unique perspectives of deploying DCSNNs on low-power FPGA devices. The study contributions have three main aspects: (i) the design of a low-power FPGA board featuring a deployable DCSNN chip suitable for object classification tasks; (ii) the inference of TSSL-BP and SGD-BP models with novel network architectures on the FPGA board for object classification tasks; and (iii) a comparative evaluation of the selected spike-based backpropagation techniques and the object classification performance of DCSNNs across multiple metrics using both public (MNIST, CIFAR10, KITTI) and private (INHA_ADAS, INHA_KLP) datasets.
Modeling the impacts of climate change and air pollutants on the agricultural production yields in Malaysia using Random-Effects Error Components Regression model

– The occurrence of climate change is attributable to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) which have affected the C3 plants’ agricultural production yields in past decades. Therefore, this article aims to model the linear association among these C3 plants’ agricultural production yields with several climatic and non-climatic explanatory variables using one-way random-effects error components regression model. To be congruent with the main objective of this study, the balanced longitudinal dataset period 1980 to 2018 under big data was acquired. The analysis results revealed that merely maximum temperature ( 𝑇𝑇 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ) statistically significant detrimental affected the agricultural production yields, while vice versa for other explanatory variables. From a scientific perspective, temperature extreme can be massively detrimental affecting the pollination and developmental stages of C3 plants. Consequently, the high temperature decreases agricultural production yields. On the other hand, the proposed model in this study can be beneficial to national policymakers and smallholder plantations.
Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning Behaviour Among Working Single Women in Private Sector

A lack of financial knowledge causes many to make poor financial decisions, which may result in irrational financial choices and jeopardize their retirement plans. Studies have shown that one in three Malaysians consider themselves to have "low financial knowledge. " Furthermore, one in ten people believe that they are financially undisciplined. Studies have shown that 35 percent of men are more financially literate compared to 30 percent of women globally. With the increment level of financial literacy among women, it will be able to minimize the socio-economic gap and inequality that still exists and in addition to achieve the sustainable development goal 2030. This article aims to explore the causes of financial literacy towards retirement planning behaviour among working single women, using theory of planned behavior and OECD’s elements of financial literacy as a bases of discussion. This study applied a qualitative approach through 5 interview sessions with working single women. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were then interpreted using thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that the elements of financial future, debt free motivation, financial shocks and financial socialization agent describe the causes that contributed to the financial literacy behavior towards retirement planning among working single women.
INVESTIGATION OF COVID-19 ANXIETY LEVELS OF PHYSICIANS

Background:The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale is a self-reported scanning tool used to detect dysfunctional anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, our aim was to determine the anxiety levels of members of the Medical Chamber of the Sivas and Erzincan provinces of Turkey during the pandemic. Methods:The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale questionnaire was e-mailed to members of the Sivas-Erzincan Medical Chamber. According to the scores obtained from the questionnaire, the participants were divided into two groups: those without anxiety (Group 1) and those with anxiety (Group 2). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two independent groups for continuous data, and Pearson’s chi-square test was used for frequency data. A p value of
First record of induced breeding and fry production techniques of Pialy fish, Aspidoparia jaya (Hamilton, 1822) in Bangladesh

This experiment was conducted for the development of induced breeding techniques of Aspidoparia jaya using the pituitary gland (PG) extract at the Floodplain Sub-station, BFRI, Santahar, Bogura, Bangladesh. Three breeding trials were conducted in May, June and July, 2021 where in May, none of the fish was ovulated. But breeding response was observed in June and July when we applied 8 mg (T1), 10 mg (T2) and 12 mg (T3) PG/kg body weight of female, and 5 mg (T1), 6 mg (T2) and 7 mg (T3) PG/kg body weight of male fish. Among all the treatments, significantly (P<0.05) highest breeding performance in terms of ovulation rate (78.87±1.71%), fertilization rate (79.39±1.40%) and hatching rate (86.98±1.20%) were observed in T3 treatment in the month of July when injected with single dose of 12 mg and 7 mg PG/ kg body weight of female and male, respectively. Significantly (P<0.05) higher values of mean gonado-somatic index were observed during June, July, August, December and January for females where July (10.15±1.50%) and January (9.55±1.30%) showed the highest peaks which indicated that they might be spawn twice in a year (from May to August and from December to January). The results from the present experiment reveals that induced breeding of Aspidoparia jaya, using PG extract is successful which might be helpful for the large-scale seed production of this species for the aquaculture as well as to conserve the species from being extinct from the biodiversity.
Assessing charcoal and phytolith signals for pre-Columbian land-use based on modern indigenous activity areas in the Upper Xingu, Amazonia

The nature and extent of past indigenous transformations in the Amazon basin is an actively debated topic, and one that has important implications for both conservation policy and the cultural heritage of its indigenous and traditional populations. The use of charcoal and phytoliths to measure past human impacts in non-lacustrine settings has become especially influential in this debate but has also generated disagreement among scholars regarding the possible limits of these proxies for detecting ancient land-use. To contribute empirical data to this issue, our paper presents the first attempt to study charcoal and phytolith signals from areas of modern indigenous land-use, in the Xingu Indigenous Territory, southern Amazonia. Our findings show that, while charcoal and early successional herb phytoliths are good indicators of land-use intensity, certain types of land-use leave subtler traces in the phytolith record that can hinder their detection. We demonstrate how using finer sampling resolution and comparing local proxy data on their own terms are necessary steps in order to identify trends in human land-use across time and space.
MOMAST® Reduces the Plasmatic Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress and Regulates Cholesterol Metabolism in a Hypercholesterolemic Mouse Model: The Proof of Concept of a Sustainable and Innovative Antioxidant and Hypocholesterolemic Ingredient

MOMAST® is a patented natural phenolic complex, rich in tyrosol (9.0 g/kg, Tyr), hydroxityrosol (43,5 g/kg, OH-Tyr), and verbascoside (5.0 g/Kg), which is obtained from the OVW by-product of the Coratina cultivar with potent direct antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively). Indeed, MOMAST® represents an innovative sustainable bioactive ingredient which has been obtained with ethical and empowering behavior by applying the principles of a circular economy. In the framework of research aimed at fostering its health-promoting activity, in this study it was clearly demonstrated that MOMAST® treatment reduced the oxidative stress and levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increased the HDL levels, without changes in the triglyceride (TG) levels in Western diet (WD)-fed mice. The modulation of the plasmatic lipid profile is similar to red yeast rice (RYR) containing Monacolin K (3%). In addition, at the molecular level in liver homogenates, similarly to RYR, MOMAST® exerts cholesterol-lowering activity through the activation of LDL receptor, whereas, unlike RYR, MOMAST® reduces proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein levels via hepatic nuclear factor 1 (HNF1)-α activation. Hence, this study provides the proof of concept regarding the hypocholesterolemic activity of MOMAST, which could be successfully exploited as an active ingredient for the development of innovative and sustainable dietary supplements and functional foods.
Analysis of the Implementation of Argument Driven Inquiry (ADI) in Students' Argumentation Skills

This study uses a literary study method using a type of qualitative research which aims to describe a suitable learning model to improve students' argumentation skills, namely the Argument Driven Inquiry (ADI) model because it requires students to learn independently to understand material concepts and practice directly. In the ADI model there is a syntax that the teacher can apply to students during science learning so that students are able to convey their arguments correctly and correctly based on existing material concepts. Because to face the challenges of 21st century education, skills such as thinking skills, analytical skills, and creativity skills are needed. Of the 56 articles found with similar topics, 13 were selected to obtain 13 articles which were analyzed to obtain the result that the existence of the Argument Driven Inquiry (ADI) model was able to improve students' argumentation abilities in the sense of students' ability to think critically in facing a problem or solving a problem, increasing students' understanding skills to the concept of science material presented by the teacher, and improve students' ability to practice directly in the environment so that they better understand events around them so as to be able to provide solutions in an argumentative manner related to theoretical science.
Feeding and reproduction of striped snakehead Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) inhabiting the Gangetic river system

The striped snakehead Channa striata is a valuable food fish and has a high market value. The feeding and natural breeding grounds of this economically important fish species have been reduced due to increasing anthropogenic activities and habitat alterations in the Gangetic River system. The present study was undertaken to assess the feeding and reproductive biology of C. striata, which is widely distributed in India and many other Asian countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, etc.). A total of 400 fish specimens were collected from three sites on three different rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. Feeding habits, feeding intensity, gonadosomatic index, fecundity, maturity stages based on macroscopic studies, and sex ratio were examined. C. striata was found to be a carnivorous species (dominantly piscivorous). The feeding intensity varied according to season and fish size, with a higher intensity being observed during pre-spawning and post-spawning seasons. The reproductive biology of the striped snakehead from the Gangetic River system demonstrated that the gamete maturation occurred during May to July. The fecundity of C. striata ranged from 3652 to 48,450 eggs. Fecundity was linearly correlated with body length, body weight, and ovarian weight. The average ratio of males to females was observed to be 1:3.2.
Degradation of Metronidazole from Aqueous Environment Using Hydrothermally Synthesized ZnO, N-Doped ZnO, and ZnO/AC Nanoparticles

ZnO, ZnO (calcined at 400°C), nitrogen-doped ZnO nanoparticles, and activated carbon (AC) impregnated with ZnO (ZnO/AC) nanocomposites were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized complexes were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformation infrared analysis (FTIR), Brunauer−Emmett−Teller (BET) analysis, and UV-visible spectroscopy analysis. The degradation of the antibiotic metronidazole (MNZ) from aqueous solutions was examined by the photocatalytic process of those synthesized complexes. Among the four complexes, ZnO/AC was confirmed to be a capable prospective both as an efficient photocatalyst and as an adsorbent. The optimal photodegradation condition obtained was 0.9 g/L and pH = 9. After 300 minutes, 99% of MNZ was removed by ZnO/AC. Finally, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was conducted to identify the degradation intermediates.
Non-Vesicular Lipid Transport Machinery in Leishmania donovani: Functional Implications in Host-Parasite Interaction

Eukaryotic cells have distinct membrane-enclosed organelles, each with a unique biochemical signature and specialized function. The unique identity of each organelle is greatly governed by the asymmetric distribution and regulated intracellular movement of two important biomolecules, lipids, and proteins. Non-vesicular lipid transport mediated by lipid-transfer proteins (LTPs) plays essential roles in intra-cellular lipid trafficking and cellular lipid homeostasis, while vesicular transport regulates protein trafficking. A comparative analysis of non-vesicular lipid transport machinery in protists could enhance our understanding of parasitism and basis of eukaryotic evolution. Leishmania donovani, the trypanosomatid parasite, greatly depends on receptor-ligand mediated signalling pathways for cellular differentiation, nutrient uptake, secretion of virulence factors, and pathogenesis. Lipids, despite being important signalling molecules, have intracellular transport mechanisms that are largely unexplored in L. donovani. We have identified a repertoire of sixteen (16) potential lipid transfer protein (LTP) homologs based on a domain-based search on TriTrypDB coupled with bioinformatics analyses, which signifies the presence of well-organized lipid transport machinery in this parasite. We emphasized here their evolutionary uniqueness and conservation and discussed their potential implications for parasite biology with regards to future therapeutic targets against visceral leishmaniasis.
Healthcare supply chain risk assessment KPIs: an empirical study using PLS-SEM

Paper aims: This study has the objective of mapping and empirically validating KPIs that can be used to assess healthcare supply chain risks. Originality: We combined two methodological approaches: i) we conducted a systematic literature review to identify the healthcare supply chain risk assessment KPIs and ii) We grouped these KPIs into five constructs and validated their relations using PLS-SEM. Research method: This is the only study that presents a systematic literature review to identify KPIs that measure healthcare supply chain risks, groups the KPIs into a theoretical framework, and presents a PLS-SEM validation. This study used data from Brazil, from a variety of healthcare supply chain organizations (suppliers, OEMs, clinics, and hospitals), therefore we cannot guarantee that the study can be generalized. Main findings: The systematic literature review identified 27 KPIs which were grouped into five constructs. The structural model supported by the PLS-SEM technique revealed that reliability, responsiveness, costs, and agility are antecedents to healthcare supply chain quality. Implications for theory and practice: Managers may rely upon this study to understand that healthcare supply chain reliability and responsiveness are antecedents to healthcare supply chain costs and agility, which are antecedents to healthcare supply chain quality.