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Dama

''Look up'' [[dama]] ''in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.'' Dama may refer to:
  • [[European fallow deer]] (''Dama dama''), a species of ruminant mammal also known as the fallow deer (Biology)
  • [[Dama gazelle]] (''Nanger dama''), a species of antelope (Biology)
  • [[Dama, Syria]], a village in Syria (Geography)
  • [[Dama, Larestan County]], a village in Iran (Geography)
  • [[Dama River]], a river in Iran (Geography)
  • [[Dama language|Dama]] (Khoekhoe dialect), a dialect of the Khoekhoe language (Languages)
  • [[Dama language|Dama]] (Mono language), a language spoken in Vanuatu (Languages)
  • [[Turkish draughts]], a board game also known as Dama (Culture and society)
  • [[Dama (fruit)|Dama fruit]], a type of fruit (Arts and fiction)
  • [[Dama ceremony]], a funeral rite among the Dogon people (Religion and philosophy)
  • [[Dama (temperance)|Dama]] (temperance), a concept in Jainism (Religion and philosophy)
  • [[Demand Assigned Multiple Access]], a satellite communications protocol (Science and technology)
  • [[DAMA/LIBRA]], a dark matter detection experiment (Science and technology)
  • Other uses, including people, places, and fictional characters (see sections below)

Biology

European fallow deer

The European fallow deer (Dama dama) is a medium-sized ruminant mammal belonging to the family Cervidae, native to Eurasia and widely introduced to other regions such as North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is recognized for its distinctive palmate antlers in males, which are flattened and multi-branched, typically measuring 50–70 cm in length and shed annually, as well as the spotted coat of its fawns, which provides camouflage in woodland environments. The species exhibits variable coloration, including common chestnut brown with white spots in summer, darkening to a rougher, spotted winter coat, though forms like white, menil, and black variants occur due to selective breeding or natural variation. The Dama was established by Johann Daniel Frisch in 1775, with Dama dama serving as the ; originally classified as Cervus dama by in 1758, it was later reassigned to reflect its distinct morphological traits separating it from other deer . Within Cervidae, Dama dama belongs to the subfamily , sharing close relations with other deer like those in the Cervus. Physically, adult males measure 1.3–1.75 m in head-body length, stand 0.9–1.0 m at the shoulder, and weigh 46–80 kg on average, while females are slightly smaller at 1.2–1.5 m in length, 0.8–0.95 m at the shoulder, and 30–50 kg. is evident, with males possessing larger bodies, prominent , and the antlers used in displays and combat, whereas females lack antlers and exhibit a more gracile build.

Dama gazelle

The (Nanger dama), formerly classified as Gazella dama, is a large species of endemic to the and regions of . It features a distinctive pale coat, often reddish-brown on the upper parts fading to white on the underparts, face, and rump, with a prominent white throat patch. Both males and females possess slender, S-shaped horns that curve backward and upward, typically measuring 25–35 cm in length, with males having slightly longer ones. This species is the largest among gazelles and shares similarities with other members of the family in its graceful build and adaptation to arid environments. The species was first described by naturalist Peter Simon Pallas in 1766 as Gazella dama. Historically, it was placed within the genus Gazella alongside many other gazelle species, but taxonomic revisions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries elevated Nanger from subgenus to full genus status for the largest gazelles, including N. dama, N. granti, and N. soemmerringii, based on morphological and genetic distinctions. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) adopted this classification in its assessments around 2003, reflecting updated phylogenetic understanding. Physically, the dama gazelle measures 1.4–1.65 m in body , with a shoulder height of 0.8–0.95 m and a of 25–35 cm. Adults weigh between 35 and 75 kg, with males generally heavier than females at 40–75 kg compared to 35–40 kg. These traits contribute to its elegant, long-legged form suited for traversing sandy and semi-desert landscapes. The species is , with as of 2024 estimates ranging from fewer than 100 to 200 individuals remaining in the wild, primarily due to loss from and , compounded by historical overhunting. Conservation efforts, including and reintroductions, aim to mitigate these threats and preserve its North range.

Geography

Dama, Syria

Dama is a village in the As-Suwayda Governorate of southwestern , located in the northern part of the province within the rugged Lejah lava plateau. This volcanic region, known for its rock formations and challenging terrain, spans much of and features numerous small settlements amid the lava fields. The village lies approximately 29 km northwest of As-Suwayda city, with coordinates around 32°57′N 36°26′E. According to the 2004 census, Dama had a population of 1,799. As a small rural settlement, Dama is home to a primarily Druze community, reflecting the demographic makeup of the broader Jabal al-Arab (Jabal al-Druze) area, where Druze form the majority. The local economy centers on agriculture, supported by the fertile pockets within the otherwise arid plateau, though the village maintains limited modern infrastructure typical of remote rural areas in the governorate.

Dama River

The Dama River is a stream located in Bua Province on island, Fiji, within the Northern Division. This tropical river originates in the island's interior highlands and flows generally northward through the rugged terrain of northern . As part of 's northern river network, the Dama River plays a key role in the local hydrological system, channeling water from upland areas toward coastal zones and contributing to dynamics in the region. It supports surrounding ecosystems by providing and water flow essential for in 's forested and agricultural landscapes. Local communities in the sugarcane-growing areas of northern rely on such rivers for manual to supplement rainfed farming practices. The river is prone to seasonal flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall events, which can affect nearby low-lying areas and highlight its integration into Fiji's broader island geography of interconnected waterways.

Languages

Dama (Khoekhoe dialect)

The Dama dialect, also referred to as Damara or Central Damara, is a variety of (Khoekhoegowab), a language within the Khoe branch of the . It is spoken primarily in and to a lesser extent in by the Damara ethnic group. Characteristic of , Dama incorporates click consonants as core phonological elements, including dental, alveolar, palatal, and lateral clicks, which influence and . Associated with the , who are traditionally herders, the Damara population in was approximately 170,000 as of the 2023 , though fluent speakers of the Dama dialect are uncertain and likely fewer due to ; broader varieties have around 170,000-200,000 speakers as of the 2020s. Historically, Dama emerged through a language shift among the Damara from possible earlier substrates, such as proto-Kwadi elements, adopting Khoekhoe features during migrations into Namibia. This shift is documented in early 20th-century accounts like those of Heinrich Vedder (1927), building on 19th-century missionary records of Khoekhoe varieties among herding communities, with notable influences from the Nama dialect in forming a regional koine. Revitalization efforts, including community programs and educational initiatives, continue to support Khoekhoe languages in Namibia as of 2024. Primarily an oral language, Dama serves daily communication and traditional among Damara communities, though it faces endangerment from the dominance of and other languages in education and commerce. efforts, including sound recordings from the mid-20th century, highlight its vitality in cultural contexts despite pressures leading to .

Dama (Mono language)

Dama is an of the Niger-Congo , classified within the Adamawa branch and closely related to Mono, which some sources describe as a possible dialect variety of it. It is spoken by a small community in the North Region of , particularly in the Mayo-Rey department near the border with the , including villages such as Gobtikéré, Mbadjouma, and Ouro Bé. The language has fewer than 100 speakers, primarily older adults over the age of 60, with a 2001 sociolinguistic survey reporting approximately 50 fluent speakers at that time; no recent surveys confirm the current status, but decline is presumed ongoing. Dama is moribund and endangered, with no transmission to younger generations and a rapid to Fulfulde (the dominant local ) and (the of ). This vitality decline reflects broader patterns among minority languages in northern , where intergenerational use has ceased. Linguistic documentation of Dama is extremely limited, with the language first systematically noted in mid-20th-century surveys and more detailed assessment occurring in the early . As part of the Adamawa group, it exhibits typical Niger-Congo traits such as a tonal system and morphology, though specific analyses remain scarce due to its near-extinct status. Remaining speakers use Dama occasionally among peers for casual interaction, but it plays no role in formal or broader communication.

Culture and society

Turkish draughts

Turkish draughts, known locally as dama or Türk daması, is a two-player variant of the draughts family, played on an 8×8 checkered board with alternating light and dark squares. Each player starts with 16 pieces, placed on the second and third rows closest to them, occupying all dark squares in those rows. The objective is to capture all of the opponent's pieces or block them so they have no legal moves. Pieces, called men, move one square orthogonally forward or sideways to an empty adjacent dark square, but cannot move backward. Capturing occurs by the short : a jumps over an adjacent enemy to an empty square immediately beyond it, in a forward or sideways direction, removing the captured immediately. Captures are mandatory, and if multiple options exist, the player must choose the that captures the maximum number of pieces; men cannot capture backward during their turn. Upon reaching the opponent's back row (the eighth row for or first for ), a promotes to a , called dama, which becomes active on the next turn and can then move any number of unoccupied squares orthogonally in any direction—forward, sideways, or backward. capture by jumping over an opponent's (adjacent or from a distance) to any empty square beyond it in an orthogonal direction, removing the captured immediately, and can continue in a multi- if possible. This variant differs from (also known as ) primarily in its starting setup with more pieces and the long-range flying capabilities of , which can move and capture across multiple squares orthogonally. The game emphasizes tactical jumps and positional control, with white typically moving first. Dama has been popular in and surrounding Middle Eastern regions since the era, with the earliest documented references appearing in the late . It spread through territories and coastal communities in the region, evolving as a recreational pastime among diverse populations. While traditional rules varied locally, the Fédération Mondiale du Jeu de Dames (FMJD) has codified standardized international rules for competitive play, recognizing it as an official variant since the early . In Turkish culture, dama remains a widespread recreational game enjoyed in homes, cafes, and parks, fostering social interaction and . It holds particular significance in everyday leisure, often played informally without clocks. Organized tournaments, including , are held regularly in , with the first FMJD World Championship taking place in in 2014, highlighting its enduring competitive appeal.

Chinese dama

In Chinese society, "dama" (Chinese: 大妈; pinyin: dàmā) is a colloquial term referring to middle-aged women, typically those over 40, often used as an informal address similar to "auntie." Historically, it denoted a kindly, hardworking mature woman or the first wife in polygamous families, carrying a positive or neutral connotation. The term gained widespread international recognition in 2013, when it was popularized by Western media to describe groups of these women engaging in collective economic activities. Socially, damas are frequently rural migrants living in urban areas, where they participate in communal activities such as in public spaces, fostering social bonds and exercise among retirees and empty-nesters. This practice, known as , has become emblematic of their visibility in city life, though it sometimes sparks conflicts over noise and space usage. Their investment behaviors reflect a blend of caution and opportunism, with many turning savings into assets like gold, stocks, or even , often relying on group discussions and intuition rather than formal analysis—a phenomenon linked to higher herding tendencies among female investors in China's markets. The term's prominence surged during the April 2013 gold-buying frenzy, when thousands of damas in Beijing and other cities purchased an estimated 300 tons of gold bars over 10 days amid a global price drop of about 15 percent, helping to rebound and stabilize the market temporarily against short-sellers. This event, hyped as outsmarting Wall Street, showcased their economic influence but drew ridicule after prices crashed later that year, portraying them as naive investors. By the 2020s, "dama" has evolved into a multifaceted label, sometimes pejorative for domineering or uncultured women, but also highlighting their assertiveness in defying ageist norms through public participation and financial savvy—evident in media portrayals of their gains from rising gold prices and group advocacy in urban issues. This shift reflects broader discussions of middle-class women's agency in social and economic spheres, though the term retains sexist undertones in online discourse.

D.A.M.A. (band)

D.A.M.A., stylized as D.Δ.M.A or DAMA, is a Portuguese pop band formed in Lisbon in 2008 by Francisco "Kasha" Pereira, Miguel Coimbra, and Miguel Cristovinho. The band's name is an acronym for Deixa-me Aclarar-te a Mente Amigo, translating to "Let me clear your mind, friend" in English, reflecting their aim to deliver uplifting and relatable music. Emerging from a close friendship among the members, D.A.M.A quickly gained traction in the local scene through energetic performances and catchy melodies that blend pop with hip-hop and electronic elements. The band's discography includes five studio albums as of 2023, beginning with their debut Uma Questão de Princípio in 2014, which achieved double in for exceeding copies and topped charts for weeks. Follow-up releases such as Dá-me Um Segundo (2016), which also went platinum, and Lado a Lado (2017) featured hits like "Às Vezes" and "Não Dá," known for their infectious hooks and themes of love and perseverance. Later albums, including Sozinhos à Chuva (2020) and Casa, Bagunça e Viagem (2022), incorporated collaborations with artists like Ivandro and Bárbara Bandeira, expanding their sound while maintaining emotional depth and pop accessibility. In 2025, the band released singles such as "Terra da Maria," "Rio do Esquecimento (Feiras Novas)," and "Ficar Óai" featuring Zé Amaro. D.A.M.A's music style emphasizes mainstream pop with rap-infused verses, acoustic-electronic fusions, and lyrics addressing social and personal relationships, often delivered through high-energy live shows that foster strong audience connection. Their performances have sold out major venues like MEO Arena and Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon and Porto. Achievements include multiple certifications—29 platinum and 6 gold records overall—and being the most-streamed Portuguese band on platforms like Spotify in the mid-2010s, with hits surpassing millions of plays. The group has won awards such as Best Group at the 2016 SIC Golden Globes and Band of the Year at the 2016 Trend Music Awards, solidifying their status as a leading act in contemporary Portuguese pop.

Dama (Mahaleo musician)

Dama is the stage name of Rasolofondraosolo Zafimahaleo, a prominent Malagasy musician born on May 26, 1954, in Marolambo, near , Madagascar. As a guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, harmonica player, and kabosy performer, he co-founded the influential band and has been a key figure in blending traditional Malagasy sounds with modern folk elements. Holding a university degree in sociology, Dama has also served as an independent member of the Malagasy National Assembly for two terms and works as a farmer, reflecting his commitment to social and environmental causes through music and activism. Mahaleo was formed in 1972 by Dama and six university classmates in Antananarivo during the rotaka student protests against neocolonial influences, marking the band's emergence as a voice for political change in post-independence Madagascar. The group quickly gained prominence by fusing folk-pop melodies inspired by artists like Bob Dylan and the Beatles with traditional Malagasy rhythms, hainteny , and instruments such as the kabosy, creating accessible yet poignant songs that addressed everyday struggles. Dama and bandmate Dadah were among the first to compose original protest songs during these early performances, setting the tone for Mahaleo's role in the cultural landscape of the era. Dama's songwriting contributions to Mahaleo focused on themes of , , and human dignity, with lyrics that critiqued issues like desertification, inequality, and political corruption in poetic, proverb-like Malagasy style. The band's debut album, Mahaleo (1975), became iconic during Madagascar's turbulent independence period, featuring tracks that resonated with the youth movement and amplified calls for reform. Subsequent works, such as the 1976 album Madagascar, continued this tradition, using hybrid instrumentation to highlight ecological and societal concerns. Mahaleo has remained active into the with Dama continuing to perform and compose despite challenges in the Malagasy solidifying the band's enduring impact on protest music traditions in Madagascar. His work has inspired generations of artists to engage with social and environmental advocacy through folk expressions, extending subtle influences to broader African musical dialogues.

Arts and fiction

Dama (Dune character)

Dama is a prominent antagonist in Frank Herbert's 1985 novel Chapterhouse: Dune, serving as the Great Honored Matre and supreme leader of the Honored Matres, a violent and domineering sisterhood originating from humanity's Scattering across the universe. Introduced as a figure of immense authority and fear, she orchestrates aggressive campaigns against the , including devastating attacks on their strongholds, driven by a desire to consolidate power and eliminate rivals in the ongoing War of the Sisterhoods. Her leadership embodies the Honored Matres' philosophy of absolute control through violence and sexual dominance, contrasting sharply with the more subtle manipulative strategies of the . As a character, Dama exhibits ruthless cunning and strategic acumen, enhanced by the Honored Matres' use of an addictive orange spice melange variant that amplifies physical abilities such as agility and sexual prowess, allowing her to wield influence through seduction and intimidation. She captures Reverend Mother Lucilla during the Honored Matres' operations and interrogates her on Lampadas, seeking Bene Gesserit techniques for internal body chemistry control to combat a mysterious external threat from the Scattering—knowledge Lucilla withholds, leading Dama to execute her in a fit of anger. Later, Dama engages in tense negotiations with Bene Gesserit Mother Superior Darwi Odrade on the planet Junction, where underlying power struggles escalate into violence, highlighting Dama's paranoia and her reliance on a cadre of loyal but treacherous advisors. Dama's arc culminates in her assassination by her chief advisor Logno, who poisons her during the chaotic Battle of Junction, a pivotal confrontation between the Honored Matres and Bene Gesserit forces; this betrayal allows Logno to seize control and perpetuates the cycle of internal strife within the Matres. Through Dama, Herbert explores themes of tyrannical leadership and the perils of unchecked aggression, positioning her as a foil to earlier messianic figures like Paul Atreides in the broader Dune saga, where power dynamics evolve from prophetic destiny to institutional survival.

Dama fruit

The Dama fruit is a fictional element introduced in L. Frank Baum's 1908 novel Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, the fourth book in the Oz series. It originates from the enchanted Valley of Voe, a hidden subterranean realm accessed through a tunnel in a glass mountain, where the fruit grows abundantly on low bushes with broad, spreading leaves. The fruit itself is described as resembling a small peach in size and appearance, featuring delicate colors and a sweet, enticing fragrance that tempts travelers. The primary property of the Dama fruit is its ability to render consumers invisible to both human and animal eyes upon ingestion, a magical effect tied to the valley's unique enchantment. Inhabitants of the Valley of Voe, including humans and fierce bears, regularly consume it to evade detection and predation, maintaining their invisibility as long as they remain within the valley's influence. The effect proves temporary for outsiders; for instance, the Wizard's nine tiny piglets become invisible after eating the fruit but regain visibility once the group departs the valley, demonstrating that the magic does not persist beyond its boundaries. This whimsical trait underscores Baum's inventive use of magical realism to create humorous and perilous scenarios in his tales. In the plot, the Dama fruit serves as a key device to heighten adventure and comedy during the protagonists' journey through the underground realms. Dorothy, the Wizard, and their companions— including Zeb, Jim the cab-horse, and the piglets—encounter the fruit while navigating the Valley of Voe, where they hear disembodied voices revealing its properties. The piglets' accidental consumption leads to chaos, as the now-invisible animals scatter amid attacks from invisible bears, forcing the group to unseen foes using and The Valley of Voe residents, perpetually invisible due to their diet, offer guidance but warn of the fruit's dangers, emphasizing themes of temptation and survival. This episode highlights Baum's signature blend of peril and playfulness, propelling the narrative toward further wonders like the Mangaboo kingdom. As part of Baum's early 20th-century children's fantasy literature, the Dama fruit exemplifies his tradition of embedding everyday objects with extraordinary powers to engage young readers' imaginations.

Religion and philosophy

Dama ceremony

The Dama ceremony is a multi-day funerary ritual performed by the Dogon people of Mali to honor the deceased and facilitate the soul's journey to the afterlife. This joyous celebration, rather than a somber event, involves elaborate masked dances, music, and sacrifices, where participants embody ancestral spirits to guide the departed (known as kikinu) away from the living world. The ritual employs over 80 types of masks made from wood and fibers, depicting humans, animals, and cosmological symbols, to represent the transition from earthly life to the spiritual realm. Rooted in ancestral traditions, the Dama has been practiced by the Dogon since ancient times in the Bandiagara Escarpment region, where it reinforces their complex cosmology and social structure. The ceremony is organized and led by the Awa society, a male initiation group of elders responsible for mask creation and ritual performance, ensuring the event's spiritual efficacy. While individual funerals may include smaller-scale damas, collective ceremonies for multiple deceased occur periodically, often every few years or up to 12 years in some villages, allowing communities to collectively address accumulated deaths. These rituals are integral to Dogon society, blending religious, artistic, and communal elements passed down through generations. The Dama unfolds over several days, typically six, beginning with private mourning phases involving sacrifices and impromptu dances restricted to Awa society members. This is followed by public stages of mask performances, where dancers in costumes like the kanaga (symbolizing creation) or sirige (evoking purity) execute rhythmic group and solo dances accompanied by drums and bullroarers on a designated village ground. The climax features a procession of masqueraders escorting the souls from the village to their final resting place, often incorporating children's leaf masquerades to teach cultural roles and mark seasonal transitions. Communal feasts conclude the event, fostering unity among participants. The ceremony holds profound significance in Dogon cosmology, marking the end of the mourning period, recalling the people's mythical origins, and ensuring harmony between the living, ancestors, and the environment. By guiding souls to the it prevents spiritual unrest that could bring misfortune, while strengthening social bonds through shared participation and reinforcing hierarchical roles under elder guidance. The Dama, as part of broader Dogon cultural practices, contributes to the UNESCO World Heritage status of the Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogon), recognized in 1989 for its exceptional testimony to ongoing traditions and intangible cultural heritage.

Dama (temperance)

In Hindu philosophy, dama is a Sanskrit term denoting self-control, moderation, and restraint, particularly the mastery over the external senses to prevent them from pursuing sensory objects. It forms one of the six virtues known as shat-sampatti, which are essential components of ethical and spiritual discipline in , alongside shama (control of the mind), uparati (dispassion toward worldly objects), titiksha (endurance of opposites), shraddha (faith in scriptures and guru), and samadhana (single-pointed concentration). These virtues collectively purify the mind and prepare the seeker for higher knowledge, emphasizing dama as the regulation of sensory impulses to foster inner discipline. Philosophically, dama is highlighted in key texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, where verses 16.1-3 describe it as a divine quality (daivī sampad) that characterizes individuals of sattvic (pure) nature, balancing it with virtues like fearlessness, purity, and charity to counteract rajasic and tamasic tendencies. This positioning underscores dama's role in ethical living, where sense restraint aligns actions with dharma and supports the cultivation of equanimity amid life's dualities. In the broader context of Indian philosophical virtues, dama complements concepts like ahimsa and satya by ensuring that self-mastery underpins moral conduct. The practice of dama involves disciplined techniques such as yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation to withdraw the senses (pratyahara) from external distractions, promoting ethical living through non-attachment and leading to inner peace. It is intrinsically linked to the realization of atman (the true self), as controlling sensory urges allows the practitioner to transcend ego-driven perceptions and experience the unity of individual consciousness with the universal. Historically, dama holds a central place in Vedanta tradition, where it is emphasized as a foundational discipline for attaining moksha (spiritual liberation) by freeing the soul from karmic bondage. Adi Shankara, the eighth-century philosopher who systematized Advaita Vedanta, integrated dama into the sadhana chatushtaya (fourfold means of practice), viewing it as indispensable alongside viveka (discernment) for eradicating ignorance and achieving self-realization. This emphasis has influenced subsequent Vedantic teachings, positioning dama as a practical pathway to transcend material illusions and attain eternal bliss.

Science and technology

Demand Assigned Multiple Access

Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) is a multiple-access technique in satellite communications that dynamically allocates bandwidth resources to users based on their demand, enabling efficient sharing of capacity among multiple terminals without fixed pre-assignments. This approach contrasts with static allocation methods by allowing channels to be assigned only when needed, optimizing spectrum utilization for networks such as Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems where traffic is often bursty or intermittent. The mechanism of DAMA relies on dedicated control channels, typically including a return orderwire (ROW) for user requests and a forward orderwire (FOW) for the central controller to issue assignments, ensuring coordinated access without collisions. It supports hybrid implementations combining Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA); for instance, TDMA/DAMA divides time slots within frames for data and control, while FDMA/DAMA segments bandwidth into carriers with guard bands, reducing latency and improving efficiency for variable-rate traffic like voice or data bursts. This dynamic assignment minimizes idle resources and adapts to fluctuating demands, making it suitable for environments with unpredictable usage patterns. DAMA finds applications in military communications, such as the U.S. Department of Defense's Super High Frequency (SHF) DAMA and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS), where it provides prioritized, preemptive access for secure voice and data in tactical scenarios. In maritime settings, it enables mobile satellite terminals for ship-to-shore connectivity in global navigation and operations. For rural broadband, DAMA supports integrated voice and IP data services in remote areas via VSAT networks, enhancing access in underserved regions. These uses are governed by standards from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), including DISA SHF DAMA specifications for interoperability. Historically, DAMA originated in the 1970s with the INTELSAT SPADE () system deployed on INTELSAT IV satellites in 1971, marking the first widespread use of distributed demand assignment for international telephony. By the 2000s, it evolved to support IP-compatible protocols through advancements like (MF-TDMA) in standards such as , facilitating broadband internet over satellite with dynamic return link allocation.

DAMA/LIBRA experiment

The DAMA/LIBRA experiment is an Italian-led astroparticle physics project located at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), designed to search for dark matter particles, specifically Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), through the detection of nuclear recoils in scintillation detectors. It employs an array of highly radiopure thallium-doped sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) crystals as the target material, which produces scintillation light upon particle interactions. The experiment builds on the earlier DAMA/NaI setup, which operated from 1996 to 2002 with approximately 100 kg of NaI(Tl) detectors, and transitioned to DAMA/LIBRA in 2008 with an upgraded sensitive mass of about 250 kg across 25 crystals, each viewed by two photomultiplier tubes. This configuration allows for low-background measurements deep underground to shield against cosmic rays, focusing on the model-independent annual modulation signature in event rates. The modulation arises from the Earth's orbital velocity relative to the galactic dark matter halo, expected to peak around June 2 each year with a period of one year, phase near 0, and amplitude on the order of 0.01 counts per day per kg per keV in the 2–6 keV energy range. The core strategy of DAMA/LIBRA involves analyzing single-hit events (interactions in one detector) while rejecting multiple-hit events to suppress backgrounds, with data collected over multiple annual cycles to fit for modulation parameters. The predecessor DAMA/NaI phase reported an initial 4σ confidence level (C.L.) evidence for the modulation signal after four annual cycles in the late 1990s, rising to 6.3σ C.L. by 2002 with 0.29 ton×yr exposure. DAMA/LIBRA-phase1 (2008–2015) confirmed this with 1.33 ton×yr exposure, yielding 9.3σ C.L., and phase2 (from 2011, with upgrades including new photomultipliers and a lowered to 0.5 keV since 2021) extended the total exposure to 2.86 ton×yr over 22 cycles by 2024, achieving 13.7σ C.L. for the modulation in the 1–6 keV range. Recent updates, as presented in March 2025 publications with data from the phase2-empowered configuration through fall 2024, continue to show consistency with parameters such as an amplitude of 0.01014 ± 0.00074 cpd/kg/keV, phase of 142.4 ± 4.2 days, and period of 0.99834 ± 0.00067 yr, supporting interpretations compatible with light-mass WIMPs or other candidates in various interaction models. Despite these claims, the DAMA/LIBRA results remain highly controversial due to the absence of corroboration from other direct detection experiments using different targets or techniques. Independent efforts, such as the COSINE-100 and ANAIS-112 experiments with similar NaI(Tl) detectors, have reported no significant modulation signal, ruling out the DAMA/LIBRA interpretation at levels exceeding 3σ in model-independent analyses with comparable exposures. In September 2025, the COSINE-100 collaboration released results from their full dataset (operated 2016–2024), finding no evidence of annual modulation and excluding the DAMA/LIBRA signal at greater than 3σ confidence level. Critics highlight potential systematic effects, such as unaccounted backgrounds or detector-specific issues, though the DAMA collaboration maintains that their model-independent approach isolates the signal robustly. This ongoing debate underscores DAMA/LIBRA's pivotal yet unresolved role in the quest to detect dark matter.

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