Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance in Indian Banks Post Subprime Crisis

This paper attempts to unearth quality of corporate governance practices of Indian Banking sector and highlight whether the corporate governance practices of listed public and private sector banks are symmetric post subprime crisis. The study examines that whether the key corporate governance factors like capital adequacy ratio, board size, number of independent directors and CEO duality affects the performance of banks. In addition to this, the paper goes on to find the essence of shareholding by non-executive directors and the regularity of directors in attending the board meetings. Further, for the perusal of corporate governance practices followed in the Indian banking sector a corporate governance index has been compiled from the data of all listed Indian banks. Moreover, the paper endeavors to exhume any relationship between the educational qualification of directors and its contribution on the banks’ performance, if any. The results provides an insight of the corporate governance structure of Indian banking sector and exhibit that the public and private sector banks have asymmetric corporate governance practices post subprime crisis. The empirical results of multiple regression analysis demonstrate a positive impact of corporate governance factors on Indian bank’s performance.
The Authentic Leadership is Source of Intrinsic Motivation in Work Engagement with Moderating Role of Overall Trust (Cognitive and Affective Trust)

The current research was conducted to examine the impact of authentic leadership on work engagement of followers. The existing study extend the research to check mediating effect of intrinsic motivation of employee in the relationship between authentic leadership and work engagement. This study also evaluates the moderating effect of cognitive and affective trust on authentic leadership and intrinsic motivation. Data was obtained from private sector, 350 employees of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan responded to the questionnaire. Keywords: Authentic Leadership, Work engagement, intrinsic motivation, trust, cognitive trust, affective trust.
A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF TUBERCULOSIS IN CHAKDARA TOWN, PAKISTAN

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the status of tuberculosis among the local population of Chakdara Town, District Dir(L), Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa(KPK), Pakistan. For the present investigation the data was collected from the local Hospital located in Chakdara, District Dir (Lower). Total 35 entries were recorded officially in which 19 are positive and 16 are negative. The registered cases for TB were categorized in age, sex and month wise. It has been found that the register cases of TB are high among the population between 41 to 60 years (75%) and >60 years (75%), whereas the sex is concern male were found comparatively highly affected than female. The high TB cases were found in the month of February (66.66%). The major contributing factors in the spread of TB are Lack of health education, poor housing, poverty, overcrowding. It was concluded that the TB is still prevalent in Chakdara Town. The result of present investigation will be very significant in epidemiological prediction for any outbreak of TB in Chakdara Town.
INFLUENCE OF LOWER EXTREMITY JOINT MOTIONS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE KICK IN BREASTSTROKE SWIMMING

The study investigated how characteristics of an effective whip kick were influenced by movements of the feet relative to the hip and by the lower-extremity joint angles during the whip kick execution. Breaststroke swimmers of different skill levels were videotaped performing whip kick sprints. The obtained three-dimensional coordinates of selected body landmarks were used to determine the lower extremity joint angles and other pertinent characteristics of the whip kick. The results indicate that an effective downsweep is characterized by a small hip abduction angle, a negligible external hip rotation, partial hip extension, and increasing internal knee rotation. An effective insweep is characterized by negligible hip rotation, and ankle plantarflexion and inversion that were fine-tuned to the orientation of the other joints and the overall movement velocity.
Is more exchange rate intervention necessary in small open economies? The role of risk premium and commodity shocks

We estimate how the monetary policy works in small open economies with inflation target. To do so, we build a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model that incorporates the basic features of these economies. We conclude that the monetary policy in a group of representative small open economies (including Australia, Chile, Colombia, Peru and New Zealand) presents strong differences due to shocks from the international financial markets (risk premium shocks, mainly) that explain mostly the variability of the real exchange rate, which has important reallocation effects in the short run. By using the allocations of the Ramsey problem as benchmark, this article shows that if the central banks in small open economies want to reduce the observed volatility of the inflation rate and the output gap, more exchange rate intervention is necessary in order to reduce the volatility produced by risk premium shocks.
REFINEMENT OF THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURES OF EPIDOTE, ALLANITE AND HANCOCKITE

Complete, three-dimensional crystal structure studies, including site-occupancy refinement, of a high-iron epidote, allanite, and hancockite have yielded cation distributions Cal. ooCal.oo(Alo. 93F eo.05) Ah. 00(Alo.24F eo.76) Si30'3H for epidote, Ca,. oo(REo.74Ca0.26) (Alo.FeO.34)Ah.oo(Alo.17Feo. 83) ShO'3H for allanite, and Cal.oo(Pbo.5Sro.25Cao.'5) (Alo.86FeO.14)Al,. 00(Alo.16Feo.84)Si30,3H for hancockite. These results when combined with those obtained in previous epidote-group refinements establish group-wide distribution trends in both the octahedral sites and the large-cation sites. Polyhedral expansion or contraction occurs at those sites involved in composition change but a simple mechanism, involving mainly rigid rotation of polyhedra, allows all other polyhedra to retain their same geometries in all the structures examined.
Lane-Based Optimization for Macroscopic Network Configuration Designs

Lane markings (arrows) at individual intersections serve as interfaces to connect upstream and downstream intersections in signal-controlled networks. Demand flows from origins to destinations may need to pass through a series of intersections. If lane markings are not well established to ban turns at intersections, then paths connecting origin and destination (OD) pairs could be inefficient. Due to indirect connections, road users need to take longer paths to reach their destinations. Conventionally, network configurations are fixed inputs for network analysis. In the present study, concepts of the lane-based designs for individual signalized intersections are extended for signal-controlled network designs. Taking OD demand flows as inputs, the proposed algorithm will optimize all lane markings and assigned lane flows on approach lanes. Paths (flows) will then be optimized by linking up the optimized lane markings across upstream and downstream intersections. Traffic signal settings at individual intersections will be optimized simultaneously by maximizing the reserve capacity for the entire OD demand flow matrix. The problem is formulated as a Binary-Mixed-Integer-Linear-Program (BMILP) and a standard branch-and-bound routine is applied to solve for global optimum solutions. A numerical example using a 4-intersection network will be given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design methodology.
Special Issue: JGI Scholar’s Award, Category B Gambling and Video Game Playing Among Youth

Gambling and video game playing represent two leisure activities in which adolescents and young adults participate. There are psychological and behavioural parallels between some forms of gambling (e.g., slot machines, video lottery terminals, electronic gambling machines) and some types of video games (e.g., arcade games). Both activities operate on behavioural principles of variable reinforcement schedules in order to reward and prolong play and use exciting and stimulating sound and light effects within game play. Additionally, both activities have similar negative effects associated with excessive play (e.g., poor academic performance, moodiness, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, and interpersonal conflict). Thus, there is concern that children and adolescents who are attracted to video games, for both psychological rewards and the challenge, may be at greater risk to gamble. We examined the gambling and video game playing behaviour among 1,229 adolescents and young adults. Results indicate that gamblers, relative to non-gamblers, were more likely to play video games. Video game players were more likely than nonplayers to gamble. Both social and problem gamblers had higher rates of video game playing than did non-gamblers, and addicted gamers had higher rates of gambling than did social and non-gamers. Results from the current study suggest significant overlap in youth participation in both gambling activities and video game playing. These results have implications for future research and the treatment of problem gambling and video game addiction.
Sex, androgens, and whole‐organism performance in an Australian lizard

Understanding underlying physiological differences between the sexes in circulating androgens and how hormonal variation affects morphology–performance relationships may help clarify the evolution of sexual dimorphism in diverse taxa. Using a widely distributed Australian lizard (Eulamprus quoyii) with weak sexual dimorphism and no dichromatism, we tested whether circulating androgens differed between the sexes and whether they covaried with morphological and performance traits (bite force, sprint speed, endurance). Males had larger head dimensions, stronger bite force, faster sprint speed, and longer endurance compared to females. We found that the sexes did not differ in androgen concentrations and that androgens were weakly associated with both morphological and performance traits. Interestingly, high circulating androgens showed a nonlinear relationship with bite force in males and not females, with this relationship possibly being related to alternative male reproductive tactics. Our results suggest that androgens are not strongly correlated with most performance and morphological traits, although they may play an important organizational role during the development of morphological traits, which could explain the differences in morphology and thus performance between the sexes. Differences in performance between the sexes suggest differential selection on these functional traits between males and females. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 111, 834–849.
Improved Method for Specifying Solar Wind Speed Near the Sun

We have found an improved technique for empirically specifying solar wind flow speed near the Sun (∼0.1 AU) using a set of three simple inter‐linked coronal/solar wind models. In addition to magnetic field expansion factor, solar wind speed also appears to be influenced by the minimum angular distance that an open field footpoint lies from a coronal hole boundary. We conduct our study using polar field corrected Mount Wilson Solar Observatory Carrington maps from 1995. During this period, the Sun was in the declining phase of the solar cycle and the solar wind had relatively simple global structure.
Impact of a Stochastic Kinetic Energy Backscatter scheme across time‐scales and resolutions

Stochastic physics is one of the preferred methods to represent model uncertainty in ensemble prediction systems of medium‐range weather prediction and seasonal forecasting. These schemes increase the ensemble spread and improve probabilistic skill scores. However, little is known about how the stochastic perturbations interact with different atmospheric processes. In order to provide deeper insight into the impacts of stochastic physics on the representation of the atmosphere the stochastic kinetic energy backscatter (SKEB2) scheme has been used in the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) across different time‐scales. We use ‘classic’ verification techniques such as the Root Mean Error Square (RMSE) index in combination with novel ‘object‐oriented’ verification metrics such as the Reading University Tracking system (RUTRACK) for extratropical cyclones. We find that the SKEB2 degrades the RMSE and Anomaly Correlation Coefficient (ACC) of individual short‐range deterministic forecasts. On average the kinetic energy backscatter by the SKEB2 counteracts the excessive dissipation of extratropical cyclones, improving the model, but its forcing does not scale well across resolutions. Over the Tropics the SKEB2 improvements of the mean climatology and temporal variability are noteworthy, but driven by spurious Rossby waves. There are aspects of the SKEB2 that could be improved to create a more realistic stochastic representation of model uncertainty.
A new time-independent formulation of fractional release

Abstract. The fractional release factor (FRF) gives information on the amount of a halocarbon that is released at some point into the stratosphere from its source form to the inorganic form, which can harm the ozone layer through catalytic reactions. The quantity is of major importance because it directly affects the calculation of the ozone depletion potential (ODP). In this context time-independent values are needed which, in particular, should be independent of the trends in the tropospheric mixing ratios (tropospheric trends) of the respective halogenated trace gases. For a given atmospheric situation, such FRF values would represent a molecular property. We analysed the temporal evolution of FRF from ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model simulations for several halocarbons and nitrous oxide between 1965 and 2011 on different mean age levels and found that the widely used formulation of FRF yields highly time-dependent values. We show that this is caused by the way that the tropospheric trend is handled in the widely used calculation method of FRF. Taking into account chemical loss in the calculation of stratospheric mixing ratios reduces the time dependence in FRFs. Therefore we implemented a loss term in the formulation of the FRF and applied the parameterization of a mean arrival time to our data set. We find that the time dependence in the FRF can almost be compensated for by applying a new trend correction in the calculation of the FRF. We suggest that this new method should be used to calculate time-independent FRFs, which can then be used e.g. for the calculation of ODP.
Plasma Physics and Technology

The reaction kinetics in argon flowing afterglow (post-discharge) with the air addition was studied by optical emission spectroscopy. The optical emission spectra were measured along the post-discharge flow tube. A zero-dimensional kinetic model for the reactions in the afterglow was developed. This model allows to calculate the time dependencies of particle concentrations.
A Simple Formula to Estimate Settling Velocity of Natural Sediments

A simple formula to calculate the settling velocity of natural sediment particles for grain sizes between 0.063 and 1 mm is presented. The formula has been derived from the previous work of Dietrich, and it predicts the dimensionless settling velocity W * as a function of a dimensionless fluid-sediment parameter S * , provided the sediment shape factor and roundness are known. In case no information on shape and roundness factors is available, this paper recommends using the formula with a shape factor of 0.7 and a roundness value of 3.5 for naturally worn particles. The formula is tested against several independent data sets, and its performance is compared to other existing simple settling velocity formulas. For fine sediments with nominal diameters dN between 0.063 and 0.25 mm, for which sediment suspension in natural conditions is most likely to occur, the proposed formula is shown to perform the best in terms of standard error of the estimation.
Awareness to Implementation on Select Quality and Patient Safety Indicators Among Nursing Staff

Objective: This study aimed to determine the awareness level of the nursing staff for policies and procedures related to quality of care, patient safety and general safety and assess the congruence of knowledge with implementation. Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted on 85 Nurses (Front line nurses) in a tertiary health care facility in April 2012 and implementation statistics on select quality and patient safety indicators were obtained from clinical audit programme (CAP) for the same month. Results: The awareness level of the nurses on quality, patient safety and general safety was found to be good. The compliance on quality and patient safety policies was lower than the knowledge level. A conceptual framework has been devised addressing the knowledge-implementation gap. Conclusion: The awareness level of the nurses on quality, patient safety and general safety was found to be good. The compliance on quality and patient safety indicators was lower than the knowledge level. The challenge of transforming knowledge to patient care practices needs to take account of work environment determinants (such as; strong general and departmental orientation of nurses, patient/nurse ratio, clinicians involving nurses in clinical decision making process and tracking outcomes of care, mutual trust among team members, teams of physicians and nurses learning together by doing rather than traditional teaching, effective supervision of nurses, and presence of enabling champions in the unit).
Willingness of residents to invest in flood mitigation measures and to purchase flood insurance

Approximately 12,000 people live in the flood risk areas in Finland. New flood risk management plans were prepared for 21 areas as a part of the EU Floods Directive in 2015. In connection with this work, we conducted a survey in three flood risk areas in 2014. The total number of recipients was 4,710 and the response rate 39%. The study provided an indication of how local citizens perceive flood risk, and specifically whether they have already invested or would be willing to invest in private flood mitigation measures or to purchase flood insurance. We also examined how previous personal experiences of flooding affected their responses. The questionnaires were georeferenced in GIS and compared with flood hazard maps on a detailed scale. Over 27% of the respondents had experienced a recent flooding event, but only 9% had implemented flood mitigation measures and 10% knew that flood coverage was included in their insurance. A young age and having property at risk of flooding increased the willingness of respondents to consider implementing flood protection measures and purchasing flood insurance.
The Economics of Bitcoins -- Market Characteristics and Price Jumps

This paper deals with the economics of Bitcoins in two ways. First, it broadens the discussion on how to capture Bitcoins using economic terms. Center stage in this analysis take the discussion of some unique characteristics of this market as well as the comparison of Bitcoins and gold. Second, the paper empirically analyses Bitcoin prices using an autoregressive jump-intensity GARCH model; a model tested and proven by the empirical finance community. Results suggest that Bitcoin price are particularly marked by extreme price movements; a behaviour generally observed in immature markets.
Opportunities to Learn for Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Enthusiasm

The aim of this study was to identify opportunities to learn for teachers’ motivational orientations. Motivational orientations are relevant characteristics of psychological functioning, which are important for the behavior of a teacher and mandatory for effective teaching. We focus on three domains: self-efficacy, subject-specific enthusiasm, and enthusiasm for teaching the subject. Self-efficacy covers the belief of an individual that he or she is capable of performing required behaviors to produce a desired outcome. Teacher enthusiasm is an affective teacher orientation that is related to a specific subject and to teaching this specific subject. Different opportunities to learn are considered for teachers’ motivational orientations. Since teacher education particularly focuses on the acquisition of professional knowledge, we added a further exploratory focus to the study and investigated the relationships between motivational orientations and professional knowledge (content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge). 134 biology teachers participated in the study. The results reveal that teacher education at university, the attendance in professional development courses, and self-study provide opportunities to learn for self-efficacy and enthusiasm for teaching the subject. Moreover, we found self-efficacy and subject-specific enthusiasm to be positively related to pedagogical content knowledge.
Load-Sensing Pump Design to Reduce Heat Generation of Electro-Hydrostatic Actuator Systems

The electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) with variable pump displacement is considered to be a promising alternative to the currently popular EHA with fixed pump displacement in terms of heat reduction. This paper presents a load-sensing pump for the EHA which requires no additional power source and can adjust its volumetric displacement automatically with load pressure. A load-sensing pump prototype was developed and experiments were carried out on a test rig for it under different operating conditions. In addition, an experimental campaign was performed on an EHA test bench with a load-sensing pump and a fixed displacement pump. The results show that the load-sensing pump can decrease its volumetric displacement automatically at high pressure and thus reduce the heat generation of EHA system effectively.
Does wing dimorphism affect mobility in Metrioptera roeselii (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)?

Range shifts are among the most conspicuous effects of global warming. Marked changes in distribution are recorded both for highly mobile species of insects, which are capable of flight, and wing-dimorphic species with predominantly short-winged individuals. One of these species is the bush-cricket Metrioptera roeselii, which occasionally produces long-winged individuals. However, there is little known about the locomotory behaviour of wing-dimorphic insects. Yet to be able to predict potential range shifts it is necessary to know the dispersal potential of macropters. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in which individually marked M. roeselii were released at four sites. Different movement parameters, such as daily movement, activity radius, dispersal range, net displacement and crowding rate, were calculated. The statistical analyses showed that the movement of long-winged and short-winged individuals did not differ, but the percentage of individuals that were not seen again was twice as high for long-winged bush-crickets. These results suggest that most of the long-winged individuals that were seen again did not fly; i.e., they had the same basic mobility as the short-winged individuals. However, the comparatively low number of long-winged individuals that were seen again suggests that at least some macropters are long-distance dispersers, which is relevant for the dispersal process. The comparison of sexes showed that males were significantly more mobile than females. This sex-specific locomotory behaviour in M. roeselii might depend on a complex series of social interactions and physiological conditions.