Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reconfiguration of ecohydrology as a sustainability tool for Himalayan waterways

Twenty first century faces unprecedented challenges for the management of global waterways. The Himalayan waterways in Asia are exposed to unpredictable climatic warming together with anthropogenic perturbations caused by population growth, land use change and socio-economic development. Given the increased public concerns on the Himalayan Mountain development programmes including the hydro-power and tourism, there has been a growing need of the use of interdisciplinary scientific approaches to address water resources challenges that the Himalayan region has faced during the 21st century. Ecohydrology is an emerging scientific tool that explores key hydrological processes regulating structure and function of ecosystems, as well as assessing the impact of biological processes on water cycle variables under rapidly changing environment. The International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme and the International Hydrological Programme hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization have adopted ecohydrology as a sustainable development tool by linking water resources and poverty eradication and ecosystem restoration, irrigation, energy and sanitation. However, ecohydrology tool needs to be reconfigured for sustainable development of rapidly changing Himalayan waterways. Here we propose the advancement of ecohydrology by developing various integrated frameworks of ecology, hydrology, hydraulics and sociology for resilient waterways in the Asian Himalayas.
Graph neural networks for conditional de novo drug design

Drug design is costly in terms of resources and time. Generative deep learning techniques are using increasing amounts of biochemical data and computing power to pave the way for a new generation of tools and methods for drug discovery and optimization. Although early methods used SMILES strings, more recent approaches use molecular graphs to naturally represent chemical entities. Graph neural networks (GNNs) are learning models that can natively process graphs. The use of GNNs in drug discovery is growing exponentially. GNNs for drug design are often coupled with conditioning techniques to steer the generation process towards desired chemical and biological properties. These conditioned graph‐based generative models and frameworks hold promise for the routine application of GNNs in drug discovery.
SPIN AND ORBITAL MAGNETIZATION IN SELF-ASSEMBLED CO CLUSTERS ON AU(111)

We show that superparamagnetic Co clusters supported on a Au(111) surface exhibit a strong variation in perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with cluster size, which can be ascribed to electron localization at the perimeter of the clusters. The reduced dimensionality of such sites leads to drastic changes in the $3d$ electronic structure resulting in an increased orbital magnetic moment and a temperature-dependent $3d$ band occupancy.
Note on the Aerodynamic Roughness Length for Complex Terrain

Abstract This note presents field data that demonstrate the application of a logarithmic wind speed profile over complex terrain. For neutral, high wind speed conditions a logarithmic profile with a large z0, on the order of 35 m, was found to fit field data to a height of 700 m or four times the nearby mountain heights.
The Impact Of Credit Risk, Distribution of Interest Rate And Liquidity on Bank Profitability

The development of Islamic finance in Indonesia is needed to strengthen a sustainable economic structure. This data was based on the promising potential of Islamic economic and financial growth. This study examines the impact of credit risk, the spread of interest rates, and bank profitability liquidity. The population in this study is Islamic banking companies in Indonesia during the 2014-2018 period. The sample was chosen from the purposive sampling method and obtained a selection of 50 companies from several criteria. The data source is secondary data. This research uses multiple linear regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 21. The results of this research show that credit risk and liquidity affect bank profitability. At the same time, the spread of interest rates does not affect the profitability of banks.
Role of polymer structure and ceiling temperature in polymer roughening and degradation during plasma processing: a beam system study of P4MS and PαMS

The degradation and roughening of polymers during plasma processing are important for the understanding of patterning of critical dimension features for both current and future lithographic techniques. Recently, the role of plasma-generated VUV photons in both the roughening and smoothing of current generation 193 nm photoresist (PR) has been investigated. However, a general understanding of the importance of polymer chemistry and structure on the degradation and roughening of polymers during plasma processing, which could be useful for polymer selection for next generation lithography, is currently lacking. Through the use of a beam system approach, the effects of ion bombardment and VUV radiation during plasma processing are investigated for two polymers with the same composition but different structure: poly(4-methyl styrene) (P4MS) and poly(α-methyl styrene) (PαMS). PαMS degrades under VUV radiation when heated above room temperature while P4MS is stable up to 70 °C, the maximum temperature studied. Both polymers undergo a drastic reduction in ion sputter yield at an ion fluence of 1 × 1016 ions cm−2, associated with the formation of a highly modified near-surface region. Almost no surface roughness is generated after VUV radiation, with moderate surface roughness formed on PαMS after ion bombardment at 70 °C. In contrast, extreme levels of surface roughness (∼10 nm rms) are observed for PαMS after simultaneous exposure to VUV photons and ion bombardment at 70 °C. Similarities to the synergistic roughening of current generation 193 nm PR under simultaneous VUV photons and ion bombardment are discussed.
In vivo imaging of Malassezia yeasts on human skin using confocal laser scanning microscopy

Fiber-based confocal laser scanning microscopy affords a vast field of application in medical research and clinical practice. The application of fluorescent dye allows real-time imaging of yeasts of the genus Malassezia on human skin in vivo. An Ar+-laser is used to excite the fluorescent food dye sodium fluorescein at 488 nm. Its emission is simultaneously detected in the spectral region from 500–600 nm. Topically applied fluorescein labels fungal microstructures in native habitat. Cumulative intradermal injection of the same dye enables a subsurface view of the underlying cutaneous area. In the present paper, we report the ability of the combination of in vivo confocal microscopy and sodium fluorescein application to produce real-time and high-resolution images of fungal structures on human skin. The obtained confocal images demonstrate the micro architecture of superficial Malassezia yeasts and corneocytes in horizontal plane. Taxonomic classification into different Malassezia species and observation of their colonisation patterns in native milieu brings new conclusions to fungal skin behaviour and diseases. We demonstrate advantages in clinical investigation practice over traditional laboratory routine using this non-invasive imaging tool. The described method opens new promising prospects and the possibility for further studies in fungal research.
Analysis and Modeling of Aged SAC-Bi Solder Joints Subjected to Varying Stress Cycling Conditions

Solder joints are subjected to varied stress cycle circumstances in the electronic packaging service life but are also influenced by aging. There has been limited investigation into the influence of aging and varying cycles on SnAgCu-Bi (SAC-Bi) solder joint fatigue. Cyclic fatigue tests were performed on solder joints of several alloys, including SnAgCu (SAC305), SnAgCu-Bi (SAC-Q), and SnCu-Bi (SAC-R). Individual solder joints were cycled under varying stress levels, alternating between mild and harsh stress levels. At least seven samples were prepared for each alloy by alternating between 25 mild stress (MS) cycles and three harsh stress (HS) cycles until the solder joint broke off. The impact of aging on Bi-doped solder joints fatigue under varied amplitude stress was examined and predicted for 10 and 1000 h under 125 °C. Because of the “Step-up” phenomenon of inelastic work, a new fatigue model was developed based on the common damage accumulation (CDA) model. The experimental results revealed that aging reduced the fatigue life of the tested solder alloys, particularly that of SAC305. According to the CDA model, all solder alloys failed earlier than expected after aging. The proposed model uses the amplification factor to assess inelastic work amplification after switching between the MS and HS cycles under varying stress amplitude conditions. The amplification factor for the SAC-Bi solder alloys increased linearly with fracture initiation and substantially followed crack propagation until the final failure. Compared with existing damage accumulation models, the proposed fatigue model provides a more accurate estimation of damage accumulation. For each case, the cut-off positions were examined. The SAC-Q amplification factor increased linearly to 83% of its overall life, which was much higher than that of SAC305 and SAC-R. This study identified three distinct failure modes: ductile, brittle, and near intermetallic compound (IMC) failure. It was also observed that SAC-Q with an organic solderability preservatives (OSP) surface finish was more susceptible to brittle failure owing to the excessive brittleness of the alloy material.
Computing estimates of the region of attraction for rational control systems with saturating actuators

This study focuses on the problem of regional stability analysis of rational control systems with saturating actuators. Estimates of the region of attraction are computed by means of invariant domains associated to rational Lyapunov functions. Conditions for computing these invariant domains (regions of stability) are proposed in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). These conditions are derived considering a differential-algebraic representation of the rational system dynamics. The saturation effects are taken into account by means of a generalised sector condition for deadzone non-linearities. The obtained conditions are cast in convex optimisation schemes in order to compute a Lyapunov function which leads to a maximised estimate of the region of attraction.
Environmental, Social and Governance Performance: Analysis of CEO Power and Corporate Risk

This study explores the relationship between a company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, and corporate risk. Moreover, the study emphasizes how CEO power moderates this relationship. Using a sample of Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2011 to 2018, it is found that better ESG performance can reduce firms’ risk. The negative relationship between ESG performance and corporate is stronger for the company with greater CEO power. This link is weaker for state-owned firms and stronger for firms with lower institutional investor holdings. Furthermore, ESG performance mainly affects enterprise risk through three channels: firm reputation, information transparency, and internal control. Generally, firms with better ESG performance are more likely to have sound risk management frameworks. Our findings provide empirical evidence for implementing an ESG information disclosure system and promoting responsible investment in the capital market.
A multilevel study of social networks and collective reactions to organizational change

Summary The purpose of this study is to examine the micro-level dynamics underlying macro-level associations between organizational change and its outcomes, focusing in particular on the role of networks in shaping individual reactions to change. Drawing upon multilevel research on situational and individual antecedents of change, we first argue that the magnitude of change at the unit level has a nonlinear effect on change recipients' tendency to resist change, which in turn influences their adaptive behaviors. We argue, further, that the attitudinal and structural composition of the professional networks in which change recipients are embedded account for differences in their adaptive behaviors. Finally, we argue that individual adaptivity coalesces at the collective, that is, unit level, and predicts the attainment of desired change goals. We find general support for our arguments in a longitudinal study using multi-source data on 170 physicians in 29 units of a large hospital that experienced a major restructuring intervention. Results confirm that multilevel mechanisms involving individuals and their social context fundamentally undergird macro-level outcomes of change. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of bringing a network perspective to bear on issues of individual and collective reactions to organizational change.
A Multi-Method Approach for Impact Assessment of Some Heavy Metals on Lactuca sativa L.

Heavy metals represent a large category of pollutants. Heavy metals are the focus of researchers around the world, mainly due to their harmful effects on plants. In this paper, the influence of copper, cadmium, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead, present in soil in different concentrations (below the permissible limit, the maximum permissible concentration and a concentration higher than the maximum permissible limit) on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was evaluated. For this purpose, the authors analyzed the variation of photosynthetic pigments, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity and the elemental content in the studied plants. The experimental results showed that the variation of the content of biologically active compounds, elemental content and the antioxidant activity in the plants grown in contaminated soil, compared to the control plants, depends on the type and concentration of the metal added to the soil. The biggest decrease was recorded for plants grown in soil treated with Ni I (−42.38%) for chlorophyll a, Zn II (−32.92%) for chlorophyll b, Ni I (−40.46%) for carotenoids, Pb I (−40.95%) for polyphenols and Cu III (−29.42%) for DPPH. On the other hand, the largest increase regarding the amount of biologically active compounds was registered for Mn I (88.24%) in the case of the chlorophyll a, Mn I (65.56%) for chlorophyll b, Pb I (116.03%) for carotenoids, Ni III (1351.23%) for polyphenols and Ni III (1149.35%) for DPPH.
Attenuation of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Induced by Dexamethasone in Rats by Teaghrelin Supplementation

Muscle atrophy caused by an imbalance between the synthesis and the degradation of proteins is a syndrome commonly found in the elders. Teaghrelin, a natural compound from oolong tea, has been shown to promote cell differentiation and to inhibit dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 cells. In this study, the therapeutic effects of teaghrelin on muscle atrophy were evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats treated with dexamethasone. The masses of the soleus, gastrocnemius and extensor digitorum longus muscles were reduced in dexamethasone-treated rats, and the reduction of these muscle masses was significantly attenuated when the rats were supplemented with teaghrelin. Accordingly, the level of serum creatine kinase, a marker enzyme of muscle proteolysis, was elevated in dexamethasone-treated rats, and the elevation was substantially reduced by teaghrelin supplementation. A decrease in Akt phosphorylation causing the activation of the ubiquitin–proteasome system and autophagy for protein degradation was detected in the gastrocnemius muscles of the dexamethasone-treated rats, and this signaling pathway for protein degradation was significantly inhibited by teaghrelin supplementation. Protein synthesis via the mTOR/p70S6K pathway was slowed down in the gastrocnemius muscles of the dexamethasone-treated rats and was significantly rescued after teaghrelin supplementation. Teaghrelin seemed to prevent muscle atrophy by reducing protein degradation and enhancing protein synthesis via Akt phosphorylation.
Design of an extreme-ultraviolet attosecond compressor

The design of a grating compressor for attosecond pulses in the extreme-ultraviolet region is presented. The instrument adopts a double-grating configuration with grazing-incidence gratings in the off-plane mount. The configuration preserves the length of the optical paths of the different rays coming from the source at the same wavelength, while it realizes a controlled dispersion of the length of the optical paths of rays at different wavelengths. The corresponding group-delay dispersion can be either positive or negative, depending on the geometry of the system. As a test case, the application to the compression of an attosecond pulse in the 50-100 eV region is discussed.
Assessment of Motivation in the Lizard, Chalcides Ocellatus

The purpose of this study was to assess whether running an alleyway can be used to measure the motivation of lizards. Six, eyed skinks, Chalcides ocellatus, were trained to run an alleyway to reach sand in which to hide. Each skink was deprived of sand for 0, 1, 5 or 15 minutes on four occasions and the times to run the alleyway and the latencies to move were recorded. When the sand was 38cm from the start, the three deprivation periods resulted in decreased latencies and increased speed (P < 0.01), but there was no difference between the speeds or latencies for any of the deprivation periods. In a second experiment, the sand was moved to 94cm from the start. Latencies to move did decrease (p < 0.05) as in the first experiment, but speed did not increase. Within certain constraints, this methodology appears to be a good way of assessing motivation of reptiles.
Communicating uncertainty about the link between COVID-19 and bats: the indirect effects on attitudes toward bats in the United States

ABSTRACT With its roots in zoonosis, the COVID-19 pandemic has made bat conservation more challenging. This study examines how communicating the varying levels of uncertainty regarding the association between bats and COVID-19 influences attitudes toward bats. An online, non-probability sample of 940 U.S. adults read messages about bats that portrayed the levels of uncertainty as either high or low, or did not read any message. The results show that a high- (vs. low-) uncertainty message led to less blame assigned to bats, contributing to a more positive attitude toward bats. Disgust and compassion mediated these effects. Overall, this study explicated an important yet rarely studied cognitive-emotional pathway concerning a stigmatized species that enriches the understanding of the role of message and psychological factors in influencing attitudes toward bats. Practically, when there are uncertainties associated with the causal link between infectious diseases and wildlife, it is better to communicate such uncertainties.
Some Factors Affecting Resting Behaviour of Sheep in Slaughterhouse Lairages After Transport from Farms

The resting behaviour of 64 groups of sheep was observed in the lairages of two slaughterhouses after transport for about four hours in a commercial livestock transporter. The sheep were scanned at five minute intervals for the initial three hours in the lairage pen. The median percentage of time spent lying per group was 17 per cent (range 1 to 63). The percentage of time spent lying was not significantly related to the duration of transport, time of arrival or slaughterhouse. There was a significant positive relationship between space allowance (range 0.22 to 0.98 m2 per sheep) and percentage of time spent lying per group (P < 0.001). Increased space allowance also tended to be associated with a decrease in the occurrence of all interactions between the sheep (P = 0.05). Groups penned with two unfamiliar groups tended to spend less time lying than those penned on their own or with one other group (P = 0.07). There was no significant difference in the total percentage of time spent lying by groups penned on slats and those penned on straw. The results indicated that the ability of sheep to rest in the lairage may be compromised by providing low space allowances.
A fork-shaped plasmonic device with polarization-controllable optical confinement

It is shown that fork-shaped plasmonic gratings can display a hybrid mode that features both plasmonic mode (TMmode) and dielectric mode (TE-mode) characteristics with wide range of tunable group velocities. A dielectric gap is introduced in the middle of metallic grating and it is found that this gap plays an important role in controlling the TE-TM mode coupling. By controlling the polarization angle we can switch from plasmonic mode to dielectric mode. Thus, a new scheme for manipulating the optical confinement by using a polarizer is realized. (see Figure) We can combine the plasmonic mode and dielectric mode to reduce the intrinsic loss of Plasmon-polariton due to the free-carrier absorption in the conducting material with the same degree of confinement. The fork structure provides an easier way to control the group velocity in a wide range. The dispersion relations were calculated by using Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis. We obtain tunable group velocities ranging from 0.2c to almost zero (i.e. achieving localized Surface Plasmon-polariton) and from 0.05c to 0.3c by varying the pillar and dielectric (made of Si3N4) thicknesses respectively. This fork structure is expected to have applications in surface plasmon polariton (SPP) mixed with guided-mode based optical devices, such as optical buffering, hybrid waveguides, splitters and lasers and especially for applications requiring slow light propagation.
SPECTRAL DYADIC GREEN'S FUNCTION OF INTEGRATED STRUCTURES WITH HIGH IMPEDANCE GROUND PLANES

The electric dyadic Green's function of integrated structures with High Impedance Ground Planes (HIGPs) is derived in this paper following a full-wave analysis in the spectral domain. The formulation proposed generalizes and contains as particular cases those ones for perfect (and not perfect) electric and perfect (and not perfect) magnetic ground planes and for inductive and capacitive metallic sheets, as well. Particularly, all these cases can be obtained by setting in the general expression of the spectral Green's dyad elements the proper surface impedance associated to the specific ground plane considered. Finally, some numerical results show the radiative capabilities of inductive/capacitive and high impedance ground planes acting as reflectors for horizontal electrical sources.
Bi-objective reliable eco-routing considering uncertainties of travel time and fuel consumption

Eco-routing aims to provide fuel-efficient paths to help travellers make route choice decisions in the road network. Most eco-routing algorithms build on a deterministic assumption about link fuel consumption. However, link fuel consumption in real road networks is highly stochastic caused by travel speed variations. This study investigates the eco-routing problem by explicitly considering uncertainties of travel time and fuel consumption. A stochastic fuel consumption formula to estimate fuel consumption distributions caused by travel speed variations is proposed. A bi-objective reliable eco-routing model is developed by minimizing the travel time budget and fuel consumption budget simultaneously while satisfying given constraints on travel time reliability and fuel consumption reliability. An efficient reliable path ranking algorithm is developed to solve the formulated model exactly. A comprehensive case study using real data from Hong Kong is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and algorithm.