Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bit Error Probability of M-ary Phase Shift Keying with MRC Receive Diversity over Nakagami-m Fading Channel

In this paper, a study on the performance of Maximal Ratio Combiner (MRC) diversity scheme over frequency- nonselective, slowly fading Nakagami-m multipath fading channel is presented. The performance of wireless communications system is analyzed in terms of bit error probability (BEP). Closed-form expressions for BEP are derived for M-ary Phase Shift Keying (MPSK) coherent modulation scheme using the Chernoff bound and an approximation to the probability density function (PDF) of instantaneous output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per bit. Expressions obtained are evaluated to study the effect of fading parameter and diversity order. An M-estimator for demodulation of MPSK signals is also studied and analyzed.
Halal tourism and coronavirus: understanding the influence of halal reputation and fear of COVID-19 on tourist’s revisit intention

Purpose The existing halal tourism literature has paid insufficient attention in discussing the COVID-19 protocol as a marketing strategy tool for tourism managers. The COVID-19 protocol is one of the considerations for tourists in determining their destination when the global society enters the new normal era and people start to travel. This study aims to interpret the relationship between halal reputation, fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 protocols and tourist’s revisit intention, as well as to describe and discuss the empirical evidence. This study expands the theory on halal tourism while also offering critical insights into marketing practice in the tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach The population of this study was Muslim tourists who have visited West Sumatra before the COVID-19 outbreak. The data were collected online for three months and received 451 responses, but after verification, only 395 respondents could be used for data processing. Hierarchical regression was applied to examine the direct relationship and moderating effect of the studied variables which met the sampling criteria. Findings This study proves that halal tourists’ revisit intention is determined by a destination’s halal reputation. Subsequently, halal destinations should increase their reputation as excellent halal tourism providers. Furthermore, the COVID-19 protocol can reduce the fear of tourists visiting a tourist destination. Thus, this study gives some contribution to the tourism sector, especially on halal tourism, COVID-19 fear, and protocols and also tourist’s revisit intention. Originality/value This paper explores the adoption of the COVID-19 protocol as a marketing strategy. Furthermore, there are still few papers that discuss the effects of COVID-19 on halal tourism. This paper attempts to fill this gap. This paper expands halal tourism literature by assessing the direct relationship and moderating effect of the variables related to COVID-19 on halal tourists’ revisit intention.
Hours Constraints and Wage Differentials Across Firms

Although constraints on hours worked at the firm-level are viewed as an important determinant of firm wages, little direct evidence exists to support this view. In this paper, we use linked employer-employee data on hours worked in Denmark to measure hours constraints and to investigate how these constraints relate to firm wages. We show that firms with stricter constraints pay higher firm-specific wages and that these premiums are concentrated in more productive firms. Starting from these findings we discuss a framework in which hours constraints are motivated by the productivity gains derived from having a more cooperative production process, leading more productive firms to constrain hours and to pay compensating wage differentials. all and wages,
Sources of Wage Growth

This paper investigates the sources of wage growth over the life cycle, determined by sectoral and firm mobility, unobserved ability, the accumulation of cognitive-abstract or routine-manual skills, and whether workers enroll in vocational training at the start of their career. Our analysis uses longitudinal administrative data over three decades and shows that routine-manual skills drive early wage growth, while cognitive-abstract skills become more important later. Moreover, job amenities are an important determinant of mobility decisions. Vocational training has long-term effects on career outcomes through various channels and generates returns for both the individual and society.
Child Labor Bans, Employment, and School Attendance: Evidence from Changes in the Minimum Working Age

This paper investigates the effect of a unique child labor ban regulation on employment and school enrollment. The ban implemented in Mexico in 2015, increased the minimum working age from 14 to 15, introduced restrictions to employ underage individuals, and imposed penalties for the violation of the law. Our identification strategy relies on a DiD approach that exploits the date of birth as a natural cutoff to assign individuals into treatment and control groups. The ban led to a decrease in the probability to work by 1.2 percentage points and an increase in the probability of being enrolled in school by 2.2 percentage points for the treatment group. These results are driven by a reduction in employment in paid activities, and in the secondary and tertiary sectors. The effects are persistent several years after the ban.
The seasonal variations and potential sources of nitrous acid (HONO) in the rural North China Plain.

Nitrous acid (HONO), an essential precursor of hydroxyl radicals (OH) in the troposphere, plays an integral role in atmospheric photochemistry. However, potential HONO sources remain unclear, particularly in rural areas, where long-term (including seasonal) measurements are scarce. HONO and related parameters were measured at a rural site in the North China Plain (NCP) during the winter of 2017 and summer and autumn of 2020. The mean HONO level was higher in winter (1.79 ± 1.44 ppbv) than in summer (0.67 ± 0.50 ppbv) and autumn (0.83 ± 0.62 ppbv). Source analysis revealed that the heterogeneous conversion (including photo-enhanced conversion) of NO2 on the ground surface dominated the daytime HONO production in the three seasons (43.1% in winter, 54.3% in summer, and 62.0% in autumn), and the homogeneous reaction of NO and OH contributed 37.8, 12.2, and 28.4% of the daytime HONO production during winter, summer, and autumn, respectively. In addition, the total contributions of other sources (direct vehicle emissions, particulate nitrate photolysis, NO2 uptake and its photo-enhanced reaction on the aerosol surface) to daytime HONO production were less than 5% in summer and autumn and 12.0% in winter. Unlike winter and autumn, an additional HONO source was found in summer (0.45 ± 0.21 ppbv h-1, 31.4% to the HONO formation), which might be attributed to the HONO emission from the fertilized field. Among the primary radical sources (photolysis of HONO, O3, and formaldehyde), HONO photolysis was dominant, with contributions of 82.6, 49.3, and 63.2% in winter, summer, and autumn, respectively. Our findings may aid in understanding HONO formation in different seasons in rural areas and may highlight the impact of HONO on atmospheric oxidation capacity.
Efficient Signature-Driven Self-Test for Differential Mixed-Signal Circuits

Predicting precise specifications of differential mixed-signal circuits is a difficult problem, because analytically derived correlation between process variations and conventional specifications exhibits the limited prediction accuracy due to the phase unbalance, for most self-tests. This paper proposes an efficient prediction technique to provide accurate specifications of differential mixed-signal circuits in a system-on-chip (SoC) based on a nonlinear statistical nonlinear regression technique. A spectrally pure sinusoidal signal is applied to a differential DUT, and its output is fed into another differential DUT through a weighting circuitry in the loopback configuration. The weighting circuitry, which is employed from the previous work, efficiently produces different weights on the harmonics of the loopback responses, i.e., the signatures. The correlation models, which map the signatures to the conventional specifications, are built based on the statistical nonlinear regression technique, in order to predict accurate nonlinearities of individual DUTs. In production testing, once the efficient signatures are measured, and plugged into the obtained correlation models, the harmonic coefficients of DUTs are readily identified. This work provides a practical test solution to overcome the serious test issue of differential mixed-signal circuits; the low accuracy of analytically derived model is much lower by the errors from the unbalance. Hardware measurement results showed less than 1.0 dB of the prediction error, validating that this approach can be used as production test.
Optimizing Design Teams Based on Problem Properties: Computational Team Simulations and an Applied Empirical Test

The performance of a team with the right characteristics can exceed the mere sum of the constituent members’ individual efforts. However, a team having the wrong characteristics may perform more poorly than the sum of its individuals. Therefore, it is vital that teams are assembled and managed properly in order to maximize performance. This work examines how the properties of conﬁguration design problems can be leveraged to select the best values for team characteristics (speciﬁcally team size and interaction frequency). A computational model of design teams which has been shown to effectively emulate human team behavior is employed to pinpoint optimized team characteristics for solving a variety of conﬁguration design problems. These conﬁguration design problems are characterized with respect to the local and global structure of the design space, the alignment between objectives, and the resources allotted for solving the problem. Regression analysis is then used to create equations for predicting optimized values for team characteristics based on problem properties. These equations achieve moderate to high accuracy, making it possible to design teams based on those problem properties. Further analysis reveals hypotheses about how the problem properties can inﬂuence a team’s search for solutions. This work also conducts a cognitive study on a different problem to test the predictive equations. For a conﬁguration problem of moderate size, the model predicts that zero interaction between team members should lead to the best outcome. A cognitive study of human teams veriﬁes this surprising prediction, offering partial validation of the predictive theory. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4035793]
Design and Characterization of a Cobalt-Free Stainless Maraging Steel for Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion

(cid:1) A Co-free stainless maraging steel for laser-based powder bed fusion was successfully designed using a computation alloy design approach. (cid:1) The material showed excellent printability with a porosity of <0.05% and a fully martensitic microstructure in the as-built condition. (cid:1) Aging at 500 (cid:1) C was performed directly after printing, where an increase from 310 HV5 to 519 HV5 was noted. (cid:1) Ni, Al, Ti, Nb, Mn and Si were found to readily form precipitates – believed to be c 0 after 3 h. (cid:1) The precipitates were also found to be resistant to coarsening, retaining high hardness even after 90 h at 500 (cid:1) C.
Does Concurrent Management of Mutual Funds and Pension Plans Create Conflicts of Interest?*1 53-77

The purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of mutual funds —pension plans— whose managers simultaneously manage the assets belonging to pension plans —mutual funds— with that achieved by mutual funds —pension plans— whose managers only manage the assets belonging to mutual funds —pension plans—. To do this, we present a sample consisting of data corresponding to 115 Spanish equity pension plans and 336 Spanish equity mutual funds in relation to such aspects as risk-adjusted return, management and custodial fees, asset size, creation date, number of participants, name of the asset management companies for the period between February 2007 and June 2011. On this data, we propose a model using the bootstrap technique. The results obtained show no significant relationship between side-by-side management and financial performance in the mutual fund and pension plan industries. Therefore, we do not find evidence that pension plan investors are being exploited.
We are (all) the Champions: The effect of status in the implementation of innovations

This thesis explores the effects of status in the implementation of innovations in three empirical papers which investigate both the positive and negative impact of status –status of either the project leader, the project group, or the organization. We argue that every project member fulfills the role of champion in their project through their status. By analyzing a unique database of video game development projects compiled from three different sources, we uncover several important effects of status in the creation of innovations. In addition, we study several factors which moderate the relationship between status and innovation performance. The first two studies focus on the position of social actors in the organizational status hierarchy. While these studies show that status provides several important advantages in the innovation process, they also uncover important negative-side effects of status which are more likely to occur in more innovative settings. The third study reveals that, for the same level of quality, high-status organizations are able to realize more advantages than their low-status counterparts. However, we also show that high-status organizations fail to realize all the potential benefits of their status when they invest in projects of great magnitude. Together, our studies provide important insights into the effects of status and the dynamics of social hierarchies in the creation of innovations. By gaining a better understanding of the social side of innovations, both researchers and practitioners will be able to form a more complete picture of the social components of organizational competitiveness.
Cyberchondria and Associated Factors Among Brazilian and Portuguese Dentists

ABSTRACT Cyberchondria is a psychopathological behavior that affects people who compulsively consult the internet, by searching the symptoms of different pathologies from which they believe they are suffering, and when influenced by what they read, are sure they have some of these diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the cyberchondria level and associated factors among Brazilian and Portuguese dentists. A total 597 Brazilian and Portuguese dentists participated in this cross-sectional study. They were contacted via WhatsApp and asked to complete an online questionnaire on the Google Forms platform, from January 17 to 31, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic information was collected and cyberchondria was measured using the Portuguese language version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale. Binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association of cyberchondria and covariates. Each covariate was individually included in the regression model, and the unadjusted OR (95% CI) was estimated. Most participants were Brazilian (62.8%), women (75.5%), married (60.5%) and with children (55.6%). Average age was 42.1 years (+ 12.5). In the final model, it was found that with each increase of one year in age, the chance of a high level of cyberchondria decreased (OR=0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.98). Brazilian dentists were 1.85 times more likely (95% CI 1.25-2.75) to have a high level of cyberchondria than Portuguese dentists. Women were 1.62 times more likely (95% CI 1.07-2.44) to have a high level of cyberchondria than men. It was concluded that young age, Brazilian nationality, and female gender favored the high level of cyberchondria among the participants in this sample during COVID-19 pandemic.
Social Support and Acculturative Stress of International Students

Continuing to study abroad brings challenges, apart from academic demands. International students are prone to acculturation stress as a consequence of cultural differences. Many research reports show that social support is a great buffer against experienced stress, but there has thus far been no study that analyzes the real effect of social support on acculturation stress. This meta-analysis study aims to investigate the true effect of social support on acculturation stress of international students based on studies reporting it. A meta-analysis was performed following PRISMA. The electronic databases used were Science-Direct, ERIC, ProQuest, Google Scholar (only for ETD), and opengrey.edu, with the article year limitations being 2009–2019. Eight (8) studies were involved in the meta-analysis. There were three instruments of acculturation stress and five instruments of social support that were used in the different studies. The effect size analysis showed that there was no difference in the effects of eight studies (z = −0.553; SE = 0.497; 95% CI = −1.248–−0.699; p = 0.580). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant moderator variable, the instruments used were quite diverse. The role of a moderator, other than gender, was not used because of limited information from the studies used. Social support plays a major role in reducing acculturation stress in international students. However, studies involving moderator and confounding roles need to be conducted.
YAP Inhibition by Verteporfin Causes Downregulation of Desmosomal Genes and Proteins Leading to the Disintegration of Intercellular Junctions

The Hippo-YAP pathway serves as a central signalling hub in epithelial tissue generation and homeostasis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is an essential downstream transcription cofactor of this pathway, with its activity being negatively regulated by Hippo kinase-mediated phosphorylation, leading to its cytoplasmic translocation or degradation. Our recent study showed phospho-YAP complexes with Desmoglein-3 (Dsg3), the desmosomal cadherin known to be required for junction assembly and cell–cell adhesion. In this study, we show that YAP inhibition by Verteporfin (VP) caused a significant downregulation of desmosomal genes and a remarkable reduction in desmosomal proteins, including the Dsg3/phospho-YAP complex, resulting in attenuation of cell cohesion. We also found the desmosomal genes, along with E-cadherin, were the YAP-TEAD transcriptional targets and Dsg3 regulated key Hippo components, including WWTR1/TAZ, LATS2 and the key desmosomal molecules. Furthermore, Dsg3 and phospho-YAP exhibited coordinated regulation in response to varied cell densities and culture durations. Overexpression of Dsg3 could compensate for VP mediated loss of adhesion components and proper architecture of cell junctions. Thus, our findings suggest that Dsg3 plays a crucial role in the Hippo network and regulates junction configuration via complexing with phospho-YAP.
The association of IGF1 rs35767 polymorphism with colorectal cancer risk in the Chinese Han population

Abstract Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) plays an important role in the development and growth of colorectal cancer (CRC). Hence, potential functional polymorphisms of the IGF1 gene may be involved in CRC risk. This study mainly aimed to assess the association of IGF1 rs35767 polymorphism with CRC risk in the Chinese Han population by a case-control study and a pooled analysis. In a case-control study with 208 CRC patients and 312 healthy individuals, the rs35767 polymorphism was genotyped by DNA sequencing. Furthermore, a pooled analysis of two case-control studies was performed using Stata software. IGF1 rs35767 polymorphism was significantly associated with CRC risk in both a case-control study (AA vs. GG: OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.35–3.80, P = 0.003; AA vs. (GG + GA): OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.44–3.74, P = 0.001; A vs. G: OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.11–1.85, P = 0.007) and a pooled analysis [(GA + AA) versus GG: OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.03–1.63, P = 0.03; A versus G: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.08–1.53, P = 0.01]. In addition, the IGF1 rs35767 polymorphism was also significantly associated with the stage of CRC. CRC patients with the rs35767 A allele were more likely to have a high tumor stage. These findings indicated that IGF1 rs35767 polymorphism was linked to CRC risk and tumor stage in the Chinese Han population, and might serve as a valuable biomarker.
Novel Cooling Device Enhances Autonomic Nervous System Recovery from Live Fire Training: A Pilot Study

: Background: The occupation of firefighting is strenuous and dangerous. Firefighters perform demanding work while wearing heavy, insulative PPE. Thus, heat stress is a constant concern. The fire service has protocols to allow for rest, rehydration, and cooling. However, finding cooling techniques that are effective and convenient remains a challenge for many departments. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a novel cooling device during firefighting training drills. Methods: Firefighters reported to REHAB during a day-long training class, and were randomly assigned to wear the dhamaSPORT cooling band in cooling mode or off mode. During the required REHAB, heart rate and perceived measures of comfort were assessed on 41 volunteer firefighters. Additionally, a sub-group of 12 firefighters wore a continuous heart rate monitoring system to assess autonomic balance changes during cooling vs. control. Results: There was a significant reduction in the perceptual measures when wearing the cooling band, and there is enhanced improvement of the autonomic nervous system balance evidenced by a decrease in RMSSD, indicating a decrease in parasympathetic tone following firefighting. However, this reduction was less in the cooling group. The results of this study indicate that the wearable cooling band improves perceptual measures and hastens autonomic nervous system recovery. Additional testing is warranted to assess the long-term impact on firefighters’ health and recovery from firefighting duties, training, or actual fire calls.
Mechanical and Acoustic Performance of Plantain (Musa Paradisiacal) Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Bio-Composite

ABSTRACT Natural fiber-reinforced polymer biocomposites are very attractive materials utilized for many applications owing to their high mechanical and acoustic properties. Research has projected that Natural fiber (NF) could possibly be a replacement for synthetic fiber in reinforced polymer composites due to low influence on the health of humans and environmental friendliness. Research has been enthusiastic on studying their mechanical properties, with little emphasis on enumerating the sound diminution behaviors. This research objective is to examine void content, impact strength, hardness, and the acoustic properties of plantain (Musa paradisiacal) fiber-reinforced biocomposites (PFB). Biocomposite with 5, 10, 15, and 20 (Wt. %) fiber content were fabricated. Impact, hardness, and void content increases as fiber content increases. The sound absorption coefficient shows improvement. Results suggest that PFB could be less-expensive, feasible, and ecologically superior alternatives to synthetic fiber composites for acoustic applications in areas like building architecture and automotive industries.