Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards the European Union - Impact of FDI and Technological Change on Turkish Banking

Despite the fact that Turkey has the 17th largest economy in the world and the 6th largest economy in the European Union (EU), its financial system is still relatively small compared to most of the EU countries (State Planning Organisation, 2009). Even though increased competition has been monitored over the last decade particularly due to removal of barriers on foreign entry into the Turkish banking sector, there are still doubts on Turkey’s competitive strength with the EU countries. What is important is that financial performance of institutions has become a primary concern of investors, lenders, shareholders, and in particular to managers, in planning and controlling their activities. We believe, financial progress since the 2000-01 twin crises, enforcement of internationally accepted banking regulatory and supervisory standards, for instance Basel I and II, as well as implementation of macroeconomic reforms increased stability and trust in Turkey. We expect these developments to have positive impact on bank performances attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the banking sector and as a result increase transfer of know how and apllication of new technological advances.
Novel Ceiling Neuronal Model: Artificial Neural Networks

In this research paper, a novel neuronal model named “Ceiling Neuron” has been proposed. Learning algorithm and proof of convergence of such a model are discussed. An activation function which mimics the ceiling behavior is proposed for Multi Layer Neural Networks. The dynamic nature of the proposed activation function is discussed. An associative memory based on Ceiling neuron is proposed and its dynamics are studied. The proposed model is tested on MNIST dataset and results are shown.
Fracture characterization using frequency-dependent shear wave anisotropy analysis of microseismic data

SUMMARY The presence of fractures in hydrocarbon reservoirs can enhance porosity and permeability, and consequently increase production. The use of seismic anisotropy to characterize fracture systems has gained much interest in the last two decades. However, estimating fracture sizes from observations of seismic anisotropy has not been possible. Recent work has shown that frequency-dependent anisotropy (FDA) is very sensitive to the length-scale of the causative mechanism for the anisotropy. In this study, we observe FDA in a microseismic data set acquired from a carbonate gas field in Oman. The frequency-dependent shear wave anisotropy observations are modelled using a poroelastic model, which considers fluid communication between grain size pore spaces and larger scale fractures. A grid search is performed over fracture parameters (radius, density and strike) to find the model that best fits the real data. The results show that fracture size varies from the microscale within the shale cap rocks, to the metre-scale within the gas reservoir, to the centimetre-scale within the non-producing part of the carbonate formation. The lateral variation in fracture density agrees with previous conclusions from ordinary shear wave splitting (SWS) analysis. Cumulatively, the results show the potential for characterizing fracture systems using observations of FDA.
Transfer of Rust Resistance from Triticum aestivum L. Cultivar Chinese Spring to Cultivar WL 711

Durable rust resistance can be o btained in wheat cultivars by deployment of slow rusting and adult plant resistance genes as against the race specific resistance genes effectiveness of which is short lived. Triticum aestivum cultivar Chinese Spring possess slow rusting genes. Chinese Spring with Ph I was used to induce homoeologous pairing for precise transfer of rust resistance for 5M chromosome of Aegilops ovata to 5D of wheat in WL711 background. The advance back cross generation derivatives and their progenies were screened, at seedling stage against two pathotypes of leaf rust and one pathotype of yellow rust and, under field conditions with an aim to identify the resistant introgression lines carrying rust resistant genes transferred from Aegilops ovata. The introgression lines were analysed with 5D specific microsatellite markers to identify resistant plants carrying minimum alien chromatin. However, a number of plants with susceptible infection type at seedling stage like Chinese Spring and without any 5D specific Aegilops ovata alleles showed low incidence of both the rusts indicating that the slow rusting genes from Chinese Spring have been transferred to WL711.
Stall Flutter Control of a Smart Blade Section Undergoing Asymmetric Limit Oscillations

Stall flutter is an aeroelastic phenomenon resulting in unwanted oscillatory loads on the blade, such as wind turbine blade, helicopter rotor blade, and other flexible wing blades. Although the stall flutter and related aeroelastic control have been studied theoretically and experimentally, microtab control of asymmetric limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) in stall flutter cases has not been generally investigated. This paper presents an aeroservoelastic model to study the microtab control of the blade section undergoing moderate stall flutter and deep stall flutter separately. The effects of different dynamic stall conditions and the consequent asymmetric LCOs for both stall cases are simulated and analyzed. Then, for the design of the stall flutter controller, the potential sensor signal for the stall flutter, the microtab control capability of the stall flutter, and the control algorithm for the stall flutter are studied. The improvement and the superiority of the proposed adaptive stall flutter controller are shown by comparison with a simple stall flutter controller.
Perceptions of Pre-Service Teachers on Student Burnout, Occupational Anxiety and Faculty Life Quality

Perceptions of pre-service teachers on burnout, occupational anxiety and faculty life quality were investigated in this research. The research group consisted of 461 pre-service teachers in total studying at Afyon Kocatepe University faculty of education. “Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Form”, “Faculty Life Quality Scale” and “Occupational Anxiety Scale for Pre-Service Teachers” were used in the collection of the research data. The information on the demographic features of the participants was collected as gender, age, branch and division. Arithmetic mean and T-test were used in the analysis of the data. In the research, it was seen that the burnout levels of pre-service teachers are at moderate level, and they are centred the dimension of feeling competent. It was found that occupational anxiety is centred in appointment related anxiety. It was seen that the level of satisfaction on the quality of faculty life is at a moderate level and it is centred on the dimension of satisfaction with the teaching staff. It was found that the faculty life quality satisfaction levels of female pre-service teachers are higher than male pre-service teachers. On the other hand, the burnout and occupational anxiety levels of female pre-service teachers were found significantly higher than male pre-service teachers.
Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) Practices in Danish Small Businesses

[Abstract] This paper examines the extent to which the adoption of CRM software packages is a pre-requisite of customer orientation strategies of small firms. This is done by conducting an empirical investigation into the internal determinants of CRM adoption behavior of 179 randomly selected small firms in the Northern Jutland region of Denmark. The results suggest that top managers in these firms endorse the strategic value of customer orientation to their businesses but do not consider CRM software packages as necessary for building strong relationships with their customers. This suggests that small firms may make their CRM adoption/rejection decisions on the basis of a trade-off between expected benefits from using the available CRM packages compared with alternative modes of achieving customer loyalty.
Determination of Elastic Parameters of Near-Surface Layers Over Subsidence Trough Development During Longwall Exploitation

Seismic and geodetic studies were carried out before, during, and after underground exploitation of a coal bed in Katowice – Kleofas Coal Mine, located in the Upper Silesia Coal Basin, Poland. Development of a subsidence trough was completed approximately 3 months after passage of a longwall exploitation in the coal seam. This was the time required for the subsidence trough to appear on the surface, which was confirmed by levelling measurements. Sharp changes in the elastic parameters were observed on each profile during subsidence trough development. This observation can result from changing tension and compression forces caused by increase and/or decrease of the elastic parameters of the rock mass. After completion of subsidence trough development, the rock mass appeared to return to its isotropic state and the observed changes ceased. Some minor fluctuations were noted, but they probably resulted from changes in groundwater levels, which might have affected the measured parameters.
Ghanaian Teachers’ Career Orientations and Their Turnover Intentions

The study empirically investigated what career anchors were dominant among Ghanaian teachers, and whether the teachers’ career orientations significantly influenced their turnover intentions. The study employed the quantitative survey design and sampled 297 teachers (141 males, 156 females) from basic schools (year 1-9) and senior high schools (year 10-12). The average age of the participants was 31.4 years. Two sets of standardized instruments – Schein’s 8-factor Career Orientations Inventory and the 3-item Turnover Intention Scale from the Michigan Organizational Assessment Questionnaire were adapted to collect data for the study. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that, of the eight measures of the Career Orientations Inventory, service and dedication to a cause, entrepreneurial creativity and functional competence were the most dominant among the teachers. Concerning the influence of the various career anchor measures on turnover intentions, the results indicate that, all the anchors, except security and stability and service and dedication to cause, significantly influenced turnover intentions of teachers. The implications of these results are discussed and recommendations made to help curb teacher attrition in Ghanaian schools. Key w ords: Career orientation, carer anchor, turnover intentions, teachers, Ghanaian.
Efficacy of Flea Beetle Control of Leafy Spurge in Montana and South Dakota

Abstract Black (Aphthona lacertosa and Aphthona czwalinae) and brown (Aphthona nigriscutis) flea beetles are among the more successful biological control agents used in the control and management of leafy spurge on a relatively large scale in the Northern Great Plains. The objectives of this study were to document leafy spurge population dynamics in response to control by black and brown flea beetles, determine the role of selected site characteristics on establishment and persistence of the beetles, and evaluate the general response of the resident vegetation to control of leafy spurge. In late June 1998, about 3 000 insects of each species were released into permanently marked plots in northwestern South Dakota and southeastern Montana. Beetle abundance, density and foliar cover of leafy spurge, and foliar cover of the resident vegetation were evaluated each year from 1998 through 2004. Black beetles increased rapidly and peaked at 65% of their measurable potential abundance within 2 years (P < 0.05) following release and dominated all release plots throughout the study. Although population growth characteristics of black flea beetles were highly variable, the successful patterns in reducing the dominance of leafy spurge were fairly consistent. By 2004, foliar cover of leafy spurge on both release and nonrelease plots was significantly reduced compared to prerelease values. Foliar cover of grass and grasslike plants increased concomitantly with the reduction in leafy spurge dominance while cover of forbs on release and nonrelease plots remained consistently below noninfested values.
IMPROVED ESTIMATION OF TRAFFIC FLOW FOR REAL-TIME CONTROL (DISCUSSION AND CLOSURE)

A critical review of the most widely accepted demand prediction algorithms is presented. Based on data collected at four intersections, sensitivity analysis of the best existing algorithms indicates that very little improvement in their performance could be achieved. A new, simpler algorithm, which requires considerably less information and fewer computations, is subsequently proposed and compared with the best of the existing algorithms. The results suggest that for 5-min prediction the second-generation Urban Traffic Control System predictor (UTCS-2) is usually better. However, in cycle-by-cycle prediction the proposed algorithm is considerably (as much as 41 percent) better than the best of the existing algorithms. (Authors)
Why Anticorruption Reforms Fail—Systemic Corruption as a Collective Action Problem

With an increased awareness of the detrimental effects of corruption on development, strategies to fight it are now a top priority in policy circles. Yet, in countries ridden with systemic corruption, few successes have resulted from the investment. On the basis of an interview study conducted in Kenya and Uganda—two arguably typically thoroughly corrupt countries—we argue that part of an explanation to why anticorruption reforms in countries plagued by widespread corruption fail is that they are based on a theoretical mischaracterization of the problem of systemic corruption. More specifically, the analysis reveals that while contemporary anticorruption reforms are based on a conceptualization of corruption as a principal–agent problem, in thoroughly corrupt settings, corruption rather resembles a collective action problem. This, in turn, leads to a breakdown of any anticorruption reform that builds on the principal–agent framework, taking the existence of noncorruptible so-called principals for granted.
INDIGENOUS CHICKEN MARKETING CHANNELS AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN MAU-NAROK DIVISION OF NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Poultry production in Kenya is an important source of livelihood for small-scale farmers who produce 80% of the national poultry production. Compared to other livestock species, indigenous chicken (IC) rearing remains attractive to poor households because the IC are hardy; adapt well to the rural environment; require less start-up capital and have low maintenance costs. They are a cheap source of animal proteins for financially unstable households. Although majority of small-scale farmers rear indigenous chicken, it has been reported that very few engage in it as a commercial enterprise for household income. The reasons why commercial rearing of indigenous chicken among most small-scale farmers remains low despite their high demand in the market are not well documented. The purpose of this study was therefore to study the difference in household income obtained by smallscale farmers in Mau-Narok Division of Nakuru County from different IC marketing channels. A cross-sectional survey research design was used. The target population consisted of small-scale farmers who reared IC in Mau-Narok Division. Using the coefficient of variation method, a sample size of 120 respondents was randomly selected from a sampling frame of 10,479 households. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis and all tests were computed at α= 0.05. Study findings indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between the income obtained by small-scale farmers in Mau-Narok Division from selling IC products at the farm and the income obtained from selling IC products off farm. This finding is contrary to the norm, whereby off farm marketing results in higher income. This could be due to the minimal price difference realised when farmers sold their products off farm. There is need for further studies to shed more light in this area.
The Impact of Fibromyalgia and Sensory Processing on Participation of Daily Activities

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a pain disorder that involves a variety of symptoms including painful joints, fatigue, muscle stiffness, and sleep disturbances. Cognitive symptoms are also a hallmark of FM, which result in difficulties with thought articulation, concentration, and mental fatigue. There is a gap in research substantiating increased levels of sensory defensiveness symptoms in individuals with FM and the effects in daily life. Currently, only one research study has provided evidence of increased sensory sensitivity across multiple modalities in individuals with FM. The purpose of this research was to determine whether women with FM had increased levels of sensory defensiveness in daily life when compared to pain free age matched women. This research also examined whether women with FM had decreased quality of life (QOL) and participation in daily occupations. Lastly, this study investigated if there was a relationship between sensory defensiveness, participation in typical patterns of daily activities, and QOL. This study was a quantitative, multi-group, quasi-experimental comparison design. Participants were recruited from South Central Wisconsin and Northern California. A total of 20 women participated in the study, 11 in the control group and 9 in the FM group. The data was collected through the following three distinct questionnaires and one activity: Medical Outcome Survey-Short Form 36 (SF-36), Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and the Activity Card Sort (ACS). Data was analyzed using two-tailed t-Test and Pearson's r Correlations. Women in the FM group reported significantly more symptoms for sensory defensiveness and participation in fewer daily activities than the control group. Women with FM reported decreased QOL when compared to the control group. Symptoms of sensory defensiveness were moderately, but not significantly, correlated
SYSTEMATIC BORDER CONTROL ON ROAD BCP – CHALLENGES OF SERVICE ORGANIZATION

The authors of this article describe the current situation in the service organization of the road border crossing points of the State Border Guard (SBG) of the Republic of Latvia. There are summarized the information based about the legal acts regulating the systematic border control in the international and national legislation and the essence of their execution. There are analysed the use of human resources and possible solutions at the border crossing points and are provided comparative description of the border control points, emphasizing positive and negative features, and also the need for different approaches to service organization by organizing effective systematic border control.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Sovereign Risk: A Debt Sustainability Analysis

This paper analyses the effect of the debt sustainability indicator on sovereign risk. This stochastic indicator uses simulations of real interest and growth rates to capture uncertainty and combines this with the expected fiscal response of changes in debt levels. A two-variable VAR model is used for the Monte Carlo simulations of real interest and growth rates. The expected fiscal response is determined using long time series of eighteen countries. The results suggest that the indicator has a significant and positive relationship with sovereign CDS spreads. A one percentage point increase of relative deviation of upper-bound debt levels with respect to the median paths leads to an increase of 26.68 bps on average of 5-year sovereign CDS spreads over the subsequent five years. Lastly, inflation, trade-to-GDP and Export-to-Import have a significant effect on sovereign CDS spreads as well.
TRIGLAV-W a Windows Computer Program Package with Graphical Users Interface for TRIGA Reactor Core Management Calculations

TRIGLAV-W is a program package for reactor calculations of TRIGA Mark II research reactor cores. This program package runs under Microsoft Windows operating system and has new friendly graphical user interface (GUI). The main part of the package is the TRIGLAV code based on two dimensional diffusion approximation for flux distribution calculation. The new GUI helps the user to prepare the input files, runs the main code and displays the output files. TRIGLAV-W has a user friendly GUI also for the visualisation of the calculation results. Calculation results can be visualised using 2D and 3D coloured graphs for easy presentations and analysis. In the paper the many options of the new GUI are presented along with the results of extensive testing of the program. The results of the TRIGLAV-W program package were compared with the results of WIMS-D and MCNP code for calculations of TRIGA benchmark. TRIGLAV-W program was also tested using several libraries developed under IAEA WIMS-D Library Update Project. Additional literature and application form for TriglavW program package beta testing can be found at http://www.rcp. ijs.si/triglav/.
Preventive effect on spalling of UFC using jute fiber at high temperature

In this study, we examined the relationship between spalling behaviour and spalling ratio of UFC with three kinds of short fibers (jute, polypropylene, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol) at high temperature. The heating temperatures were 400 ◦ C and 600 ◦ C. Although the specimen with jute fiber dosage of 0.19% by volume was occurred explosive spalling, the damage of specimen was slightly small. It appears that the addition of jute fiber to UFC is effective for preventing spalling.
Relationship between Internet Addiction and Academic Performance among University Undergraduates.

The purpose of this study was to study the relationship between Internet addiction and academic performance among university undergraduates. The study also focused to examine the gender differences among students on internet addiction. The sample comprised of 359 university undergraduates. Their responses to the “Internet Addiction Scale” and GPA for the previous semester were collected and analyzed using methods including descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and simple linear regression analysis. The results suggested that internet addiction was a significantly negatively correlated with academic performance of university undergraduates. Results also suggested gender difference in internet addiction. Male students had higher internet addiction than female ones. Based on the above findings, some suggestions were proposed as a reference for practical applications and future research. Key words: Internet addiction, academic performance, gender.
Spawning areas and larval distributions of anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in relation to environmental conditions in the Gulf of Tunis (Central Mediterranean Sea)

Early life stages of anchovy were investigated in the Gulf of Tunis by means of four seasonal surveys carried out from summer 2002 to spring 2003. Anchovy eggs and larvae were found all year round, but they were much more abundant in spring and summer. In spring, the main spawning area was located in the north of the Gulf, to the west and southwest of Zembra Island. In summer, higher egg and larva abundances were also observed to the southwest of Zembra Island, but secondary spawning grounds were detected in the vicinity of the mouths of the Rivers Majreda and Meliane. No direct correlations between sea surface temperature (SST), salinity (SSS) and chlorophyll a and the horizontal distribution of eggs and larvae were observed. However, egg distributions in all seasons and larval distributions in summer and autumn were significantly related to depth. The temporal variation of temperature seems to control the spawning intensity and the beginning of spawning seems to be triggered by the increase in SST.