Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
El Niño Variability in the Coastal Desert of Southern Peru during the Mid-Holocene

Fourteen organic-rich sedimentary layers in the deposits at Quebrada de los Burros, in coastal southern Peru (Tacna department), lie between two debris-flow units, interpreted to result from El Niño events, at 8980 cal yr B.P. and after 3380 cal yr B.P., respectively. The accumulation of the fine-grained and low-energy sediments of this deposit during the mid-Holocene is incompatible with the occurrence of El Niño events in this region, as these would produce catastrophic flood deposits. The occurrence of organic-rich sediments and evidence of an enhancement of upwelling strength at this time imply the existence of a permanent water supply resulting from an increased condensation of fog at mid-altitudes. These results suggest a lower intensity and perhaps, a lower frequency of occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon during the mid-Holocene. It is precisely during this period that the most important human settlements are found at this site, probably indicating the presence of reliable supply of fresh water. The chronologies for wetlands in the central south altiplano are out of phase with those indicating increased soil moisture episodes on the coast, implying a long-term difference in climate between these two regions.
Human-Machine Function Allocation Method Based on a Non-Cooperative Game for the Manned Submersible

The human-machine function allocation (HFA) strategy of manned submersibles is an important factor that affects the reliability of oceanauts. However, the uncertainty of the HFA strategy makes its optimization very complicated. To this end, a non-cooperative game-based HFA method is proposed, which transforms the multi-objective optimization model of mental workload and situation awareness (SA) under the allocation strategy into a non-cooperative game model and forms a mapping relationship. Mental workload and situation awareness are used as non-cooperative game players. Assignable functions are attributed to the players by fuzzy clustering analysis and combined with non-assignable functions to construct the utility matrix by utility functions. The optimal allocation strategy combination is obtained through the Nash equilibrium analysis of the utility matrix. The proposed method was applied to the optimization of the HFA strategy of the manned submersible during the navigation.
Hourly Aerosol Assimilation of Himawari‐8 AOT Using the Four‐Dimensional Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter

The next‐generation geostationary satellite Himawari‐8 has a much higher observation frequency of the aerosol field than polar‐orbiting satellites. Aerosol analyses with a geostationary satellite can advance our understanding of the rapid spatiotemporal evolution of aerosols, which is especially critical for studies of air pollution and its mechanisms. We present a one‐monthlong hourly aerosol analysis using an aerosol data assimilation based on the local ensemble Kalman filter (LETKF), Himawari‐8‐retrieved hourly aerosol optical thicknesses (AOTs), and a global model named Non‐hydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model coupled with an aerosol model named Spectral Radiation Transport Model for Aerosol Species (NICAM‐SPRINTARS). To assimilate asynchronous observations and avoid frequent switching between the assimilation and ensemble aerosol forecasts, the LETKF is also extended to the four‐dimensional LETKF (4D‐LETKF). The hourly aerosol analyses are evaluated with both the assimilated Himawari‐8 AOTs and independent Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)‐ and AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET)‐retrieved AOTs. All evaluations show that the assimilations positively affect the model performances and produce simulated AOTs that are closer to the observations. The analyses correctly reduce the significantly positive biases and root‐mean‐square errors of the control experiment, especially over East China and Australia. Our results also show that hourly aerosol analyses with more frequent Himawari‐8 observations are superior to those using the polar satellite MODIS observations. The performances among the LETKF and 4D‐LETKF experiments are generally not so different, but the computational load of the 4D‐LETKF is much lighter than that of the LETKF.
Process Variation Aware Read Performance Improvement for LDPC-Based nand Flash Memory

With the rapid development of technology scaling and cell density improvement for capacity increase and cost reduction, nand flash memory is confronted with degraded reliability. On one hand, while low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes have been deployed in today's nand flash memories to enhance reliability, flash read latency has still been a performance bottleneck with the increased raw bit error rates (RBER). On the other hand, significant process variations (PV) have been found on existing nand flash memories, which introduce great reliability variations among different flash blocks. Recent studies have proposed to exploit PV to improve endurance by better wear leveling or to improve write performance. These approaches are prone to allocate read data to blocks with low reliability, which further degrades read performance. This paper proposes to enhance read performance of LDPC-equipped nand flash memory by exploiting the reliability variations from PV. The paper consists of three parts. First, a block grouping approach is presented to categorize flash blocks according to their reliability. Second, according to the grouping scheme, a data placement scheme is proposed, which allocates read-hot data to flash blocks with high reliability. At the same time, the read-cold data is moved to blocks with low reliability. As a result, the read performance is enhanced. However, allocating high reliable blocks for read-hot data collides with previous PV-based wear leveling methods. To address the issue, the third part is a grouping partition scheme which limits the amount of high reliable blocks occupied by read-hot data. Therefore, read performance enhancement can be achieved and the wear leveling schemes will be impacted slightly. Experiment results present that, the proposed approach can provide significant read performance improvement on LDPC-equipped nand flash memory and is compatible with the previous PV-based wear leveling.
In Vitro Efficacy of Dalbavancin as a Long-Acting Anti-Biofilm Agent Loaded in Bone Cement

Based on previous studies by our group in which we demonstrated that dalbavancin loaded in bone cement had good elution capacity for the treatment of biofilm-related periprosthetic infections, we now assess the anti-biofilm activity of dalbavancin and compare it with that of vancomycin over a 3-month period. We designed an in vitro model in which we calculated the percentage reduction in log cfu/mL counts of sonicated steel discs contaminated with staphylococci and further exposed to bone cement discs loaded with 2.5% or 5% vancomycin and dalbavancin at various timepoints (24 h, 48 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months). In addition, we tested the anti-biofilm activity of eluted vancomycin and dalbavancin at each timepoint based on a 96-well plate model in which we assessed the percentage reduction in metabolic activity. We observed a significant decrease in the dalbavancin concentration from 2 weeks of incubation, with sustained anti-biofilm activity up to 3 months. In the case of vancomycin, we observed a significant decrease at 1 week. The concentration gradually increased, leading to significantly lower anti-biofilm activity. The percentage reduction in cfu/mL counts was higher for dalbavancin than for vancomycin at both the 2.5% and the 5% concentrations. The reduction in log cfu/mL counts was higher for S. epidermidis than for S. aureus and was particularly more notable for 5% dalbavancin at 3 months. In addition, the percentage reduction in metabolic activity also decreased at 3 months in 5% dalbavancin and 5% vancomycin, with more notable values recorded for the latter.
Time-Varying Phase Noise Estimation, Channel Estimation, and Data Detection in RIS-Assisted MIMO Systems via Tensor Analysis

In this article, we propose a nested tensor-based framework for the time-varying phase noise (PHN) estimation, channel estimation, and data detection in downlink reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Due to the structure of time-varying PHN and RIS phase shifts, we construct the received signal at the mobile station (MS) as a fourth-order tensor. By designing the multi-blocks time-domain transmission scheme, this fourth-order tensor can be converted into a third-order nested tensor model to facilitate the parallel factor (PARAFAC) decomposition. Based on the reconstructed nested PARAFAC model, we develop two algorithms to jointly estimate the time-varying PHN and channels. The first one achieves the minimum mean square error (MMSE) with iterative algorithm. The second one adopts certain approximation and could yield closed-form solutions by sacrificing a little bit performance. With the estimated time-varying PHN and channels, we further detect the data via the proposed vectorized Kronecker-based zero-forcing (VKBZF) approach. Moreover, to quantitatively evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms, we derive the Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) as the benchmark. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms provide superior estimation and detection performance compared with the existing state-of-the-art algorithm, and require less pilot overhead.
Management of Depression in Hemodialysis Patients: a Pilot Study

Introduction: Depression is a common mental health problem in patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy. However, handling the problem of depression in the hospital has not become a treatment concern, resulting in increasing non-adherence to dialysis patient therapy. This study aims to determine the effect of depression management on the depression score of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Method: This study used pre-experimental designs with One Group Pretest-Posttest. The study was conducted at the Malang Regional Hospital. The study population was chronic kidney failure patients undergoing routine hemodialysis in the hospital, with the sample criteria for depression based on the Beck Depression Inventory-II instrument, using the simple random sampling technique obtained from a total of 40 respondents. Data were analyzed quantitatively by Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: There was an effect of depression management on the depression score of patients undergoing hemodialysis, and almost all respondents (92.5%) experienced a decrease in depression score. Providing depression management interventions carried out in 2 meetings was able to reduce depression scores. Conclusions: Depression management has been shown to be effective in reducing depression in patients with all categories of depression, both mild, moderate, and severe depression to not depressed. Provision of interventions in the management of depression is necessary for patients who experience depression as a result of undergoing hemodialysis therapy to avoid non-adherence to therapy.
Closure of "Use of SPT Blow Counts to Estimate Shear Strength Properties of Soils: Energy Balance Approach"

In foundation designs, standard penetration test (SPT) blow counts are typically used to estimate shear strength properties of soils. Few correlations are widely in use to make such estimations. However, the selection of these correlation equations are not often justified or explained. This manuscript describes a new approach to estimate the shear strength properties based on the SPT blow counts. The proposed method treats SPT analogous to driving a miniature open-ended pipe pile. During SPT, part of the energy is transferred into the soil. This energy is dissipated at the soil-sampler interface to overcome skin and point resistance to penetrate a sampler into the soil. Energy balance was used to correlate the SPT blow count to the shear strength properties of the soil at the depth of testing. Two separate equations were derived: one to estimate the friction angle ( ϕ′ ) of sand and the other to estimate the undrained shear strength ( cu ) of clay. SPT results from two sites were used to calibrate the pro.
Enhancing the Flavor Profile of Summer Green Tea via Fermentation with Aspergillus niger RAF106

Summer green tea (SGT) has a low cost and high annual yield, but its utilization rate is limited due to suboptimal quality. The aim of this study is to enhance the flavor of SGT using fermentation with A. niger RAF106 while examining changes in its metabolites during this process. The results revealed an elevation in the content of alcohol, alkanes, and nitroxides in tea leaves following the process of fermentation. The predominant volatile compounds identified in tea leaves after undergoing a 6-day fermentation period were linalool, (Z)-α, α, 5-trimethyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran-2-methanol, (E)-linalool oxide (furan type), linalool oxide (pyran type), and theapyrrole. These compounds exhibited significant increases of 31.48%, 230.43%, 225.12%, 70.71%, and 521.62%, respectively, compared to the non-fermented control group (CK). The content of non-ester catechins, soluble sugars, and total flavonoids reached their peak on the 4th day of fermentation, exhibiting significant increases of 114.8%, 95.59%, and 54.70%, respectively. The content of gallic acid and free amino acids reached their peak on the 6th day of fermentation, exhibiting significant increases of 3775% and 18.18%, respectively. However, the content of ester catechin decreased by 81.23%, while caffeine decreased by 7.46%. The content of lactic acid, acetic acid, and citric acid in tea after fermentation was 421.03%, 203.13%, and 544.39% higher than before fermentation, respectively. The present study offers a fresh approach for the advancement of SGT.
Amateur vs. professional investors’ decision making in equity crowdfunding in Mexico

Amateur and professional investors co-invest in nascent companies via the largest equity crowdfunding platform in Mexico, PlayBusiness. However, little is known about investment criteria that drive backers to invest in a venture, and whether the two groups of investors exhibit differences in decision-making. Based on past research on the investment behavior of investors, the study explores the extent to which three major factors impact their investment decisions. Data from 238 investors show that C ERTIFICATION plays a significant role. However, M ANAGEMENT T EAM and B USINESS P OTENTIAL are not quite relevant for decision-making. Within the factor C ERTIFICATION , we found investors assign different importance to criteria, suggesting amateur and professional investors evaluate investment opportunities differently. Outside C ERTIFICATION , amateur investors praise the importance of team-related aspects, whereas professional investors assign a higher weight to financial aspects of the project, suggesting differences in information processing and decision-making between types of investors.
Re-examining the gender factored agentic and communal career profession of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) students

This paper examines the narrative about gender influence in students' career choices and professions is something that needs to be reconsidered to remain relevant in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and a society that is always evolving. The 4IR has resulted in disruptive innovation globally, wherefore, the technological innovation that includes artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. These disruptions, however, may be creative in that as some jobs are lost due to the development of artificial intelligence, new ones are created. Hence, a positive impact on key industries and sectors, like business, health, and education as the globe rapidly moves toward a more digital economy, many low- and middle-income countries face difficulties finding competent workers to fill crucial Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professions in growing markets. The fourth industrial revolution, which involves more than just technological transformation, is drawing attention around the globe. This shortfall is made worse by the underrepresentation of women in ICT-related fields. The demand for ICT professionals/ workers and the supply of job seekers with the necessary technical skills threaten the ability of the country (South Africa) to take part in a powerful driver of growth in the fourth industrial revolution. This paper is a systematic literature review supported by the theory of social cognitive career theory (SCCT) and expectancy-value theory (EVT). The findings revealed that gender disparity, inadequate career guidance, and educational career ambition play an enormous role amongst male and female students when choosing ICT as a career choice.
Toll and IMD Immune Pathways Are Important Antifungal Defense Components in a Pupal Parasitoid, Pteromalus puparum

Insects employ multifaceted strategies to combat invading fungi, with immunity being a promising mechanism. Immune pathways function in signal transduction and amplification, ultimately leading to the activation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Although several studies have shown that immune pathways are responsible for defending against fungi, the roles of parasitoid immune pathways involved in antifungal responses remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the roles of the Toll and IMD pathways of a pupal parasitoid, Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), in fighting against Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Successful colonization of B. bassiana on P. puparum adults was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AMPs were induced upon B. bassiana infection. The knockdown of key genes, PpTollA and PpIMD, in Toll and IMD signaling pathways, respectively, significantly compromised insect defense against fungal infection. The knockdown of either PpTollA or PpIMD in P. puparum dramatically promoted the proliferation of B. bassiana, resulting in a decreased survival rate and downregulated expression levels of AMPs against B. bassiana compared to controls. These data indicated that PpTollA and PpIMD participate in Toll and IMD-mediated activation of antifungal responses, respectively. In summary, this study has greatly broadened our knowledge of the parasitoid antifungal immunity against fungi.
Relationship between process innovation, entrepreneurial passion and performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing firms in Kenya

The study explores the impact of entrepreneurial passion on process innovation and firm performance, based on self-efficacy theory. Relevant hypotheses were proposed, and the promotion mechanism of entrepreneurial passion on process innovation and enterprise performance was analyzed. A survey of 150 Kenyan firm owners/managers was conducted, and the results showed that process innovation has a significant positive effect on performance. Entrepreneurial passion is a significant moderator of the relationship between process innovation and performance, with firms with higher levels of passion achieving greater performance from implementing process innovation. This suggests that entrepreneurial passion can guide entrepreneurial persistence and promote enterprise performance by stimulating positive emotions and creativity. The study suggests that effective management of process innovation can enhance performance and encourage more entrepreneurial behavior in competitive business environments.
Realization and characterization of an entangled photon source

The present work starts with a historical and conceptual introduction of the foundation of the entanglement, from the idea of Einstein to the formulation of Bohm, much more experimentally accessible. For the formation of an entangled state, the description of the nonlinear physical process SPDC (Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion) was given, starting from the classical Hamiltonian and performing the quantization of the fields exiting the crystal. It was possible to determine the general structure of the wave function by perturbing the vacuum state. The basic properties of the density matrix and the qubit, the fundamental unit of quantum computation, have also been recalled as a prerequisite to the measurements of Bell Inequality and Quantum Tomography. The second chapter is focusing on the apparatus. This can be thought as divided into two independent parts. The first, formed by the laser, the temporal precompensation system and the non-linear crystal, is responsible for the production of entangled photons. The second, formed by the spatial compensation system, the waveplates, and the beam splitter, can be described as an operator, according to Jones's matrix calculation, which acts on the wavefunction produced by the source. Measuring entanglement means detect coincidences, then we explain the dependence of the counting rate from the apparatus and how we optimized the coincidence rate. Finally, in order to verify the quantum character of the source, a Bell test was performed and the value of S is extracted. The reconstruction of the density matrix is presented in the last chapter, using an analytical analysis of the Bloch hypersphere, from which we found a starting point for a numerical optimization of the density matrix that better represents our system. In the last, we characterized the degree of entanglement of the source.
Construction and Statistical Validation of a Path Model of the Factors Influencing Non-suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) among Female Adolescents

Introduction: Despite having innumerable literatures, there has been dearth of comprehensive model of the manifestation of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Aim and Objectives: The current study aims to construct a statistically validated model to explore the theoretical connections and the pathway to NSSI among female adolescents. Material and Method: A model was proposed based on the constructs empirically associated with NSSI. The research aims to explore the direct effects of external shame, hated self, and self-compassion on NSSI, and whether this relationship is mediated by borderline personality traits and menstrual phase. A total of 168 female adolescents completed the survey, including informed assent from the adolescents. The Other as Shamer Scale-2, the Forms of Self-Criticism/Self-Reassuring Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory for Adolescents, and Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children were administered to the participants. Analysis of data involved descriptive statistics and path analysis. Result: The pathway shows hated self, disturbed intrapersonal relationship, and the inability to direct compassion for self may increase NSSI. Borderline personality traits and premenstrual dysphoria form indirect but contributory factors to strengthen the association between internal traits and NSSI. Conclusion: Thus it may be concluded from the present finding that external shame has significant negative effect on self-compassion and external shame has a significant positive effect on hated self. Also, self-compassion has a significant negative effect, and hated self as well external shame have significant positive effects on borderline traits. Thus, exploring this path would help to plan a suitable preventive action.