Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Did Islamic banking perform better during the financial crisis? Evidence from the UAE

This paper examines the performance (on profitability and productivity) of the main Islamic financial instruments after the recent financial crisis at two levels. Using balance sheet data for 25 national banks of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a compensating differential framework, the performance gap between the conventional and Islamic banking systems is assessed. Unconditional and conditional performance differences show that, unlike other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, in the UAE, the conventional banking system is performing better than the Islamic one. However, after the crisis, Islamic banks seem to close the difference for most of these performance indicators.
Dispelling misconceptions in the management of familial adenomatous polyposis

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis require surgical intervention at some point in their lives. The diagnosis is often apparent from their phenotype and family history, however, this is not always the case. Many factors can influence the surgical strategy although the polyposis burden and distribution remain the main consideration. While prophylactic removal of the rectum and colon is often required, sparing the rectum at the index surgery is safe in select patients. This article aims to dispel misconceptions in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.
Variation Thresholds for Extinction and Their Implications for Conservation Strategies

We examine the degree to which fitting simple dynamic models to time series of population counts can predict extinction probabilities. This is both an active branch of ecological theory and an important practical topic for resource managers. We introduce an approach that is complementary to recently developed techniques for estimating extinction risks (e.g., diffusion approximations) and, like them, requires only count data rather than the detailed ecological information available for traditional population viability analyses. Assuming process error, we use four different models of population growth to generate snapshots of population dynamics via time series of the lengths commonly available to ecologists. We then ask to what extent we can identify which of several broad classes of population dynamics is evident in the time series snapshot. Along the way, we introduce the idea of “variation thresholds,” which are the maximum amount of process error that a population may withstand and still have a specified probability of surviving for a given length of time. We then show how these thresholds may be useful to both ecologists and resource managers, particularly when dealing with large numbers of poorly understood species, a common problem faced by those designing biodiversity reserves.
Fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser followed by topical sodium stibogluconate application: A treatment option for pediatric cutaneous leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan zoonotic parasitic infection with cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral manifestations. Israel is endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a self‐limited disease but is associated with scarring, which is often a source of psychological and social burden for patients. Scars can be especially devastating for children and teenagers. A wide range of physical and medical approaches is used to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis, among which intralesional injections of sodium stibogluconate rank among the most frequently used. Unfortunately, despite being effective, this therapeutic modality can be very painful. Fractional ablative laser creates a controlled mesh‐like pattern of tissue ablation in the skin that promotes dermal remodeling and collagen production while at the same time facilitating enhanced delivery of topically applied medications.
Genetic Screening for Bovine Citrullinaemia in Holstein Friesian Cattle and its Crosses

Fifty Holstein Friesian (H.F) cattle were screened for Bovine Citrullinaemia (BC) using PCR-RFLP. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein in 2 ml capacity vaccutainers (K2 EDTA) and the DNA was isolated by using whole blood extraction kit. The PCR was performed for amplification of polymorphic region of ASS gene (185 bp) on bovine chromosome 11. The PCR products were digested with Ava II endonuclease enzyme. The normal allele in unaffected cattle produced two fragments of 103 bp and 82 bp. No animal was found carrier for ASS gene. The genotype frequency of normal individuals and the gene frequency of normal allele were found to be one.
Automated system-level safety testing using constraint patterns for automotive operating systems

The automotive operating system is a typical safety-critical system that is tightly coupled with the operational environment through system services. However, existing automated techniques come short of testing the interface of such operating systems. We introduced an automated test generation method for system-level safety testing of the automotive operating systems, by utilizing the operational constraints defined in the specification. This work extends the idea by adding configuration-dependent and state-dependent constraint patterns, and by developing a tool chain to automate the constraint-based system-level testing. The effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated through a series of experiments, and a comparative analysis is performed between our method and concolic testing.
Quality Evaluation of Milk Products Retailed in Hisar City of Haryana State

The present study was aimed to determine the chemical quality and microbiological safety of some selected milk products retailed in Hisar city of Haryana state. Samples of burfi, paneer, rasogolla and gulabjamun were collected three times from five different sweet shops of Hisar city. The chemical and microbiological analysis of samples were carried out and compared with Indian standard (IS) as given by Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS). Significant (P<0.05) deviation in moisture, titratable acidity and lactose content of burfi from specification were observed. Chemical analysis of paneer, rasogolla and gulabjamun also indicated a variation from the specification. Microbiological safety was assessed by determining standard plate count (SPC) and coliform counts. SPC of rasogolla samples was reported significantly (P<0.05) higher than specification. The coliform count was found under specified limit by BIS. The higher bacterial load indicated poor hygiene practices during preparation and packaging of products and which may cause serious health hazards to consumers.
The Overall Survival, Complication-Free Survival, and Related Complications of Combined Tooth-Implant Fixed Partial Dentures: A Literature Review

This paper reviews the literature regarding possible complications, complication-free survival, and overall survival of fixed dental prostheses that use both implants and natural teeth as abutments. The paper also provides clinical guidelines for treatment based on this literature review. An electronic search utilizing the MEDLINE, BIOSIS Citation Index, and Web of Science™ Core Collection databases was undertaken, and a review of the 25 selected texts studying 22 different patient cohorts was carried out. From a total of 1610 implants reviewed, 40 were lost (33 due to loss of integration and 7 due to fracture), whereas, out of a total of 1301 teeth, 38 were lost, of which 16 were due to fracture. Seventy-three cases of tooth intrusion were detected. From a total of 676 frameworks reviewed (metal n = 645, Zirconia n = 31), 7 fractured, while veneer material fracture occurred in 70 out of 672 bridges. Overall, 502 out of 531 tooth-implant fixed prostheses (TIPFs) remained functional, and 336 out of 439 prostheses showed no technical or biological complications and remained functional. Rigid TIFPs permanently cemented to teeth with sufficient coronal structure and with limited use of prosthetic attachments offer a good long-term treatment option to patients with good oral hygiene following sound implant placement. This mode of treatment should be used when free-standing implant-supported options may not be possible. Larger randomized control studies and other clinical studies comparing tooth-to-implant-connected treatment with other forms of treatment are needed to better understand the place of TIFP treatment in oral rehabilitation.
Fine-resolution forest tree height estimation across the Sierra Nevada through the integration of spaceborne LiDAR, airborne LiDAR, and optical imagery

ABSTRACT Forests of the Sierra Nevada (SN) mountain range are valuable natural heritages for the region and the country, and tree height is an important forest structure parameter for understanding the SN forest ecosystem. There is still a need in the accurate estimation of wall-to-wall SN tree height distribution at fine spatial resolution. In this study, we presented a method to map wall-to-wall forest tree height (defined as Lorey’s height) across the SN at 70-m resolution by fusing multi-source datasets, including over 1600 in situ tree height measurements and over 1600 km2 airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. Accurate tree height estimates within these airborne LiDAR boundaries were first computed based on in situ measurements, and then these airborne LiDAR-derived tree heights were used as reference data to estimate tree heights at Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) footprints. Finally, the random forest algorithm was used to model the SN tree height from these GLAS tree heights, optical imagery, topographic data, and climate data. The results show that our fine-resolution SN tree height product has a good correspondence with field measurements. The coefficient of determination between them is 0.60, and the root-mean-squared error is 5.45 m.
Highly sensitive MoS2 photodetectors with graphene contacts

Two-dimensional materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are ideal candidates to create ultra-thin electronics suitable for flexible substrates. Although optoelectronic devices based on TMDs have demonstrated remarkable performance, scalability is still a significant issue. Most devices are created using techniques that are not suitable for mass production, such as mechanical exfoliation of monolayer flakes and patterning by electron-beam lithography. Here we show that large-area MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition and patterned by photolithography yields highly sensitive photodetectors, with record shot-noise-limited detectivities of 8.7 × 1014 Jones in ambient condition and even higher when sealed with a protective layer. These detectivity values are higher than the highest values reported for photodetectors based on exfoliated MoS2. We study MoS2 devices with gold electrodes and graphene electrodes. The devices with graphene electrodes have a tunable band alignment and are especially attractive for scalable ultra-thin flexible optoelectronics.
Tall oil fatty acid inclusion in the diet improves performance and increases ileal density of lactobacilli in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. Studies were conducted with tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) to determine their effect on broiler chicken performance and ileal microbiota. TOFA, a product originating from coniferous trees and recovered by fractional distillation of side-streams from pulp production, mainly comprises free long-chain fatty acids (~90%) and resin acids (~8%). Conjugated linolenic acids and pinolenic acid are characteristic fatty acid components of TOFA. 2. TOFA products at 750 mg/kg feed were tested in two 35-day broiler chicken trials, each using a wheat soya-based diet and with 12 replicate pens per treatment. In both trials, TOFA improved body weight gain at all time points (P < 0.001) and feed conversion efficiency during the first 21 days (P < 0.01). Two different dry TOFA formulations (silica carrier and palm oil coating) were tested and showed performance effects similar to liquid TOFA. 3. Ileal digesta of the broiler chickens was analysed for total eubacteria, Lactobacillus spp. , Enterococcus spp. , Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens on days 14 and 35. TOFA significantly increased total eubacteria and lactobacilli density on day 14 (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between these bacterial groups and broiler body weight on day 14 (P < 0.01). 4. A numerical reduction in C. perfringens was observed. In vitro growth inhibition studies showed that C. perfringens was strongly inhibited by 10 mg/l TOFA (P < 0.001), while common lactobacilli were resistant to >250 mg/l. The in vitro results were thus in line with in vivo observations. 5. The mechanisms behind the bacterial shifts and their role in performance improvement are unknown. Further purification of TOFA components is needed to identify the effective agents.
A search for human influences on the thermal structure of the atmosphere

The observed spatial patterns of temperature change in the free atmosphere from 1963 to 1987 are similar to those predicted by state-of-the-art climate models incorporating various combinations of changes in carbon dioxide, anthropogenic sulphate aerosol and stratospheric ozone concentrations. The degree of pattern similarity between models and observations increases through this period. It is likely that this trend is partially due to human activities, although many uncertainties remain, particularly relating to estimates of natural variability.
Conventional vs. daylight photodynamic therapy for patients with actinic keratosis on face and scalp: 12‐month follow‐up results of a randomized, intra‐individual comparative analysis

Daylight PDT (DLPDT) is a new PDT procedure. Several trials demonstrate that DLPDT achieves similar response rates with conventional PDT (CPDT) in the treatment of non‐hyperkeratotic actinic keratoses (AKs) in a nearly painless way. It seems that DLPDT represents a more convenient and equally effective treatment modality. Data on long‐term efficacy of DLPDT are limited.
Performance and prospects of far ultraviolet aluminum mirrors protected by atomic layer deposition

Abstract. Metallic aluminum mirrors remain the best choice for high reflectance applications at ultraviolet wavelengths (90 to 320 nm) and maintain good performance through optical and infrared wavelengths. Transparent protective coatings are required to prevent the formation of an oxide layer, which severely degrades reflectance at wavelengths below 250 nm. We report on the development of atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for thin protective films of aluminum fluoride that are viable for application at substrate temperatures <200°C. Reflectance measurements of aluminum films evaporated in ultrahigh vacuum conditions, and protected mirrors encapsulated with ALD AlF3 are used to evaluate the far ultraviolet (90 to 190 nm) and near ultraviolet (190 to 320 nm) performance of both the ALD material and the underlying metal. Optical modeling is used to predict the performance of optimized structures for future astronomical mirror applications.
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder in a KwaZulu-Natal HIV clinic: A prospective study

Introduction HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is a consequence of HIV infection of the central nervous system. The prevalence ranges between 15% and 60% in different settings. Objectives This prospective study determined the prevalence of HAND at a peri-urban HIV clinic in KwaZulu-Natal. Factors associated with HAND were examined, alternate neurocognitive tools were tested against the international HIV dementia scale (IHDS) score and an association between HAND and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) was explored. Methods Between May 2014 and May 2015, 146 ART-naïve outpatients were assessed for HAND. IHDS score ≤ 10 established a diagnosis of HAND. Functional capacity was assessed using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score. Chi-squared test was used to identify risk factors for HAND. The get-up-and-go test (GUGT) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale – revised (CESD-r) were tested against the IHDS. HIV viral load done six months after initiating ART was used as a surrogate marker for adherence to ART. Results The prevalence of HAND was 53%. In total, 99.9% of patients with HAND had no functional impairment. Age > 50 years old was associated with HAND (p = 0.003). There was no correlation between the GUGT, CESD-r and the IHDS score. HAND was not associated with non-adherence (p = 0.06). Conclusions While the prevalence of HAND is high, it is not associated with functional impairment which suggests that asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment is prevalent. Age > 50 years old is a risk factor for HAND. The GUGT and CESD-r are not useful diagnostic tools for HAND. The relationship between HAND and non-adherence should be further explored.
Variation in Test Day Milk Yield and Composition at Day 15 and 60 Postpartum in Surti and Jafarabadi Buffaloes

The study was carried out to study individual test day variability in yield and composition of Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes milk at day 15 and 60 postpartum (pp). 10 healthy Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes of each breed were selected at random from Livestock Research Station, Navsari and Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh, Gujarat, respectively. Buffaloes were further divided into four different groups for data analysis and comparisons. Overall mean Test day milk yield (TDMY) was found to be steady without any notable significant differences among the four groups of buffaloes. There was increase of 0.88 kg and 0.33 kg in mean Fat and protein corrected test day milk yield (FPCTDMY) with advancement of lactation between day 15 and 60 pp in Surti and Jafarabadi buffaloes, respectively. The mean FPCTDMY of S15 and J15 groups were found to be significantly different (p≤0.05), showing 45.07% higher yield in Jafarabadi buffaloes. The mean fat percent of Jafarabadi buffaloes was significantly (p≤0.05) higher with magnitude of 28.79% over fat% of Surti buffaloes at day 60 pp. The mean SNF% in milk of Jafarabadi buffaloes was 12.27%, significantly (p≤0.05) higher than Surti buffaloes milk at day 15 pp. The mean protein% in milk of Jafarabadi buffaloes was 17.71 and 10.51% significantly (p≤0.05) higher than Surti buffaloes milk at day 15 and 60 pp, respectively. The mean lactose% in milk of Jafarabadi buffaloes was 13.39 % higher than Surti buffaloes milk at day 15 pp, the difference being statistically significant (p≤0.05). As major finding, Jafarabadi buffaloes produced significantly higher milk in terms of FPCTDMY (at day 15 pp) and Fat percent (at day 60 pp) as compared to Surti buffaloes, respectively.
USE OF PLASTIC WASTE IN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS

Disposal of waste materials including waste plastic bags has become a serious problem and waste plastics are burnt for apparent disposal which cause environmental pollution. Utilization of waste plastic bags in bituminous mixes has proved that these enhance the properties of mix in addition to solving disposal problems. Plastic waste which is cleaned is cut into a size such that it passes through 2-3mm sieve using shredding machine. The aggregate mix is heated and the plastic is effectively coated over the aggregate. This plastic waste coated aggregate is mixed with hot bitumen and the resulted mix is used for road construction. The use of the innovative technology will not only strengthen the road construction but also increase the road life as well as will help to improve the environment. Plastic roads would be a boon for India’s hot and extremely humid climate, where temperatures frequently cross 50°C and torrential rains create havoc, leaving most of the roads with big potholes. In my research work I have done a thorough study on the methodology of using plastic waste in bituminous mixes and presented the various tests performed on aggregates and bitumen.
One minute sit‐to‐stand test is an alternative to 6MWT to measure functional exercise performance in COPD patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently associated with a reduced functional exercise performance. Even if this parameter is routinely evaluated using 6‐minute walking test (6MWT), new field tests are regularly investigated as alternative tests. The aim of this study was to compare functional exercise performance evaluation by sit‐to‐stand test (STST) and 6MWT and to evaluate reliability and repeatability of the STST in COPD patients.
Simple tests for assessing materials for use in conservation

A range of tests for conservation materials is described. For resins, these are reversibility, flexibility, shrinkage, heat aging, light aging and mechanical strength tests (tear strength, breaking strength in bend, elastic modulus). Corrosion tests and pH measurements are mentioned briefly. All of these are carried out on cured samples, with products already in use as controls. The limitations of these comparative test procedures are discussed, particularly for heat aging. Results of tests on the Araldite 2000 series of resins (general properties, solubility and light aging), on two poly(vinyl butyrals) and two established textile consolidants (flexibility and solubility following aging) on four heat-lamination adhesives (softening point, pH, retention of flexibility) and on five silicone rubber molding materials (flexibility) are given. The tests do not require high cost equipment. See AATA 19-1053.
Utility based data mining for time series analysis: cost-sensitive learning for neural network predictors

In corporate data mining applications, cost-sensitive learning is firmly established for predictive classification algorithms. Conversely, data mining methods for regression and time series analysis generally disregard economic utility and apply simple accuracy measures. Methods from statistics and computational intelligence alike minimise a symmetric statistical error, such as the sum of squared errors, to model ordinary least squares predictors. However, applications in business elucidate that real forecasting problems contain non-symmetric errors. The costs arising from over- versus underprediction are dissimilar for errors of identical magnitude, requiring an ex-post correction of the prediction to derive valid decisions. To reflect this, an asymmetric cost function is developed and employed as the objective function for neural network training, deriving superior forecasts and a cost efficient decision. Experimental results for a business scenario of inventory-levels are computed using a multilayer perceptron trained with different objective functions, evaluating the performance in competition to statistical forecasting methods.