Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Cost Efficiency of Ethiopian Banks

The study has explored the efficiency level of banks using cost models. It has used the Data Envelopment Analysis score to examine the efficiency level of banks under both constant and return of scale. In addition, it has explored the scale efficiency of all the models with a statistical test on the significance of variation among Ethiopian Banks. The study finds that banks efficiency level has witnessed a wide variation across various bank groupings. The study has also finds that the state banks efficiency has been consistently on the efficiency frontier reflecting the high dominance of the banks in the Ethiopian banking system. In addition, the study finds that the small private banks efficiency is growing overtime while the middle size private banks are facing difficult to improve their level of efficiency. The parametric and non-parametric tests also witness that state and private banks possess different management and technology capabilities. This shows that despite the scale advantage the state banks have, the difference in their management and technology capabilities has contributed for better efficiency performances. On the other front, the statistical test on efficiency determinants shows that deposit growth rate, loan size and earning asset growth are positively and significantly related to efficiencies. Nevertheless, branch size and fixed asset growth rate are negatively and insignificantly related to efficiencies. Consistent to such finding, the benchmarking practice suggests that banks holding excessive deposits limiting their intermediation activities are disadvantaged to count on their efficiency performances. Keywords : Cost, Efficiency, Ethiopian Banks, DEA
EFFECT OF RADURIZATlON AND PACKAGING ON THE SHELF.L1FE AND QCALlTY OF THE ANCHOVY (ENGRAULiS ENCRAStCALUS) i

Bu cahsma ile radurizasyon ve paketlemenin 0-3 C o de depolanan hamsi bahgm1l1 korunma suresi, duyusal, kimyasal ve mikrobiorolojik kalitesi uzerine etkileri incelendi, Vakitm, CO'! ,:hava (60+40) ve normal atmosfer altmda paketlenen taze balik orneklerine i kGy doz uygulandi. Depolama oncesi cig ve pisirilmis olarak yaprlan organolep/ik muayenelerde, lsmlannlls ve ls1l11anmamisbahk ornekleri arasmda onemli bir farkhlik buliinmadi. i kGy dozla ismlaiian hamsi orneklerinin 0-3 Co deki korunma sureleri normal atmo! Jfer altmda paketlemelerde iO gun, vakum ve COi ortam h paketlemelerde i3 gun olarak biiiundu. Vakum-ismlama ve C01-ismlama komhinasyonlannm aerob ik mezofilik ve anaerobik ve fakultatif' anaerobik mikroorganizmalar uzerine daha etkili olduklan goruldu. lsmlanmis ve ismlanmamis orneklerin TV B-N degerlerinin depolama suresince organoleptik det! isikliklerle iyi korelasyon verdigi belirlendi. Sonucta vakum paketleme ile birlikte i kGy doz uygulamas1l1m, taze hamsi balrgm1l10-3 oC de korunma suresini kontrola gore 9 gun daha fazla uzatarak tercih edilir durumda oldugu hulundii.
Middle Jurassic deposits and fauna of the Magura Succession, near Szlachtowa, Pieniny Klippen Belt (Carpathians)

Based on new finds of pelecypods and ammonites, a Middle Jurassic age of controversial deposits in the vicinity of Szlachtowa, Pieniny Klippen Belt (Polish Carpathians) has been established. These deposits, recently distinguished as the older Szlachtowa Formation and the younger Opaleniec Formation, represent the oldest lithostratigraphic units of the Magura Succession in Poland.
Avoiding Extremes: Benefits of Staying below +1.5 °C Compared to +2.0 °C and +3.0 °C Global Warming

The need to restrict global mean temperature to avoid irreversible climate change is supported by scientific evidence. The need became political practice at the Conference of the Parties in 2015, where the participants decided to limit global warming to not more than +2.0 °C compared to pre-industrial times and to rather aim for a limit of +1.5 °C global warming. Nevertheless, a clear picture of what European climate would look like under +1.5 °C, +2.0 °C and +3.0 °C global warming level (GWL) is still missing. In this study, we will fill this gap by assessing selected climate indices related to temperature and precipitation extremes, based on state of the art regional climate information for Europe taken from the European branch of the World Climate Research Program Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (EURO-CORDEX) ensemble. To assess the impact of these indices under climate change, we investigate the spatial extent of the area of the climate change signal in relation to the affected population. This allows us to demonstrate which climate extremes could be avoided when global warming is kept well below +2.0 °C or even +1.5 °C compared to higher GWLs. The European north–south gradient of tropical nights and hot days is projected to be intensified with an increasing global warming level. For precipitation-related indices, an overall increase in precipitation extremes is simulated, especially under +3.0 °C GWL, for mid- and northern Europe, whereas an increase in dry days is projected for many regions in southern Europe. The benefit of staying below +1.5 °C GWL compared to +2.0 °C GWL is the avoidance of an additional increase in tropical nights and hot days parallel to an increase in dry days in parts of southern Europe as well as an increase in heavy precipitation in parts of Scandinavia. Compared to +3.0 °C GWL, the benefit of staying at +1.5 °C GWL is to avoid a substantial increase (i.e., an increase of more than five dry days and ten tropical nights) in dry days and tropical nights in southern European regions, while, in several European regions and especially in northern Europe, a substantial increase (i.e., more than two heavy precipitation days) in heavy precipitation days could be avoided. This study shows that a statistically significant change in the investigated climate indices can be avoided under +1.5 °C GWL compared to the investigated higher GWLs +2.0 °C and +3.0 °C for the majority of the population in almost all regions. Future studies will investigate compound events where the severity of single extreme events is intensified.
Tifton 85 grass responses to different nitrogen levels and cutting intervals

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of five levels of N and two regrowth intervals on the structural, productive, and nutritional characteristics of Tifton 85 grass (Cynodon spp). The experiment was conducted in a hay production field at the State University of West Parana, planted in 2004 with Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85. The experiment was established in a randomized block design with factorial treatments of five N fertilization amounts (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1 cut-1) applied as urea after each cut, and two regrowth intervals (28 and 35 d), with four replicates. N application promoted changes in plant structure, such as increased canopy height, stem length, leaf elongation rate, and dry mass (DM) production. The greatest N use efficiency, considering the four harvests, occurred in the plot with 25 kg N ha-1 cut-1 at the 35-d interval, with a production of 13.79 kg DM kg-1 of N applied. A nutritional analysis indicated that 100 kg ha-1 of N cut-1 promoted higher crude protein (CP) at 28 d, with the highest concentration observed in the fourth cut (208.2 g kg-1 DM) and the lowest in the second cut (140.12 g kg-1 DM). The content average in the four cuts for CP and LIG at 28 days of regrowth was 175.85 and 104.33 kg-1 g MS and at 35 days of regrowth interval was of 164.45 and 118.65 g kg-1 DM, respectively. No differences were found between regrowth intervals in the contents of mineral matter and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Environmental factors including the wide variation in precipitation (greater than 200 mm between the peak in December 2010 and the lowest in March 2011) greatly influenced Tifton 85 grass production, affecting DM and the nutritional value of the forage in each cut.
Experiences from RILEM TC 235-CTC in recommending a test method for chloride threshold values in concrete

Chloride threshold value is an important input parameter in service life predictions. There has been a need for a reliable method for testing this value in order to improve the understanding of basic factors influencing the corrosion initiation. For this reason RILEM technical committee (TC) 235-CTC was formed with the ultimate aim to recommend a suitable test method capable of delivering data with acceptable measurement uncertainty. During the TC’s life, a test method was proposed and a Round-Robin Test (RRT) was organised to evaluate it. Due to the unexpected results from the RRT, the ultimate aim of the TC was not reached. There were some experiences obtained from the TC’s work especially in designing the test method which are worthy for supporting future researchers continuing to search for a reliable test method for it. This technical letter presents the TC’s experiences.
The Survival of Childhood Leukemia and its Related factors in Kerman, Iran

Background and Purpose: Leukemia is the most prevalent type of cancer in children and its prognostic factors vary in different geographic locations. The aim of this study was to estimate the 5 years survival rate of children suffering from leukemia in Kerman, Iran and to investigate the factors which might influence it. Materials and Methods: This was a cohort study conducted on patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Cases were all younger than 15 years old admitted to Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran between 1998 and 2009, and included 219 patients. Survival rates were estimated by applying the Kaplan–Meier method. Log-rank test was used to estimate the statistical difference in survival probability and the effect of independent variables on survival was examined using Cox regression. All analyses were performed using STATA-12 . Results: The cumulative 5 years rate of survival in this study was 58% and 43% for ALL and AML, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0030). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that white blood cell (WBC) ≥ 50,000 µ l (P = 0.0100) and relapse (P = 0.0060) of ALL patients has a significant effect on survival. In AML due to the small number of patients significant results were not achieved. The cumulative survival rate at the end of 1 year for low, medium and high-risk patients were estimated 97%, 94%, and 78%. Conclusion: Leukemia patients with and WBC ≥ 50,000 µ l and a history of relapse had less survival.
Effect of Massage Therapy on Children with Asthma

Objective: Asthma is the most common chronic illness in childhood and despite significant improvements for disease control and development of many different drugs, its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Recently, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in treatment of many diseases is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of massage therapy on children with asthma. Material & Methods: In this work, 44 asthmatic children aged 5 to 14 years were studied in the allergy and asthma clinic. The samples were chosen randomly divided into two groups. The first group received massage therapy the second group received routine therapy and care (control group). Parents in the massage group were instructed and asked to conduct a 20 minutes child massage every night at bedtime for one month. The massage involved stroking and kneading motions in face, head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet and back. Data was collected through interview and spirometry measurements. The control group received only standard asthma therapy for one month. A spirometry along with exercise was done in both groups at baseline. A one month ambulatory observation followed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the findings. Findings: There was a statistically significant difference in mean spirometric indexes in massage group at baseline and after one month follow up [forced vital capacity (FVC) with ( P =0.05) Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) with ( P =0.02) and FEV1 after exercise with ( P = 0.0005). Indeed; there is significant difference between mean changes of FVC (2-1) with (P=0.05) and FEV1 (2-1) in two groups with ( P =0.04). Conclusion: According to the obtained results, daily massage can improve airway tonicity, decrease airway sensitivity, and better control of asthma. Applying this method can decline the use of non reasonable drugs and can be considered as a complementary method to pharmaceutical methods.
Plankton studies in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA. IV. Tintinnids, 1987 to 1988

Tintinnids were collected from Buzzards Bay. Massachusetts. USA, from October 1987 to September 1988. Tintinnids were collected by screening 3 1 of seawater with a 20 pm mesh. Eight stations throughout the bay were sampled at monthly or twice-monthly intervals. A total of 30 species of tlntinnids were recorded, half of which were members of the genus Tintinnopsis. Tintinnid abundances ranged from 0 to 3.3 X 103 cells I ' . Tintinnlds were least abundant at the Cape Cod Canal and in northern Buzzards Bay, and most abundant at the New Bedford sewage outfall. Unlike dinoflagellates, tintinnids did not show higher abundances in New Bedford Harbor than in the main part of the bay. The effect of screening tintinnid samples with a 20 pm mesh screen was examined by comparisons of abundance of tintinnids in screened and unscreened whole-water samples concentrated by gravitational sedimentation. Tintinnid abundance estimates were significantly higher in the screened samples.
The Role of Architecture on Urban Revitalisation: The Case of 'Olympic Arenas' in Berlin - Prenzlauer Berg

This paper investigates socioeconomic impacts of three multifunctional sports arenas situated in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, Germany. The three arenas were chosen for their potential to contribute to revitalisation of their economically deprived neighbourhoods. We employ a difference-in-differences approach to check for structural breaks in development of land values within areas of potential impact. Our results suggest that arenas emanate positive externalities and apparently have accelerated the process of gentrification going on in Prenzlauer Berg. However, evidence also supports concerns that congestion problems may adversely affect property values, at least when not addressed appropriately during planning.
Three-dimensional Nonlinear Bond Model incorporating Transverse Action in Corroded RC Members

Reinforcing bar corrosion induces splitting cracks in concrete along the bar axis and leads to bond deterioration. This can adversely affect the crack spacing in an RC member and have a serious effect on its serviceability. This study looks at axial nonlinearity in corroded RC members under tension and shows that fewer transverse cracks with greater spacing occur as steel corrosion progresses. The open-slip coupled model, which takes into account the transverse action associated with longitudinal bond stress transfer in the bond transition zone, is extended to cover corroded reinforcement and is successfully used to simulate the behavior of RC members in tension. Modeling of the bond transition zone and of the layer of corrosion products is found to be crucial to understanding residual bond performance after corrosion has occurred.
Gastrointestinal symptoms among waste recycling workers

It is expected that exposure to airborne microorganisms among waste recycling workers depends on type of plant (composting, biogas-producing, and sorting plant). Previous studies among waste recycling workers at selected plants indicated gastrointestinal symptoms related to bioaerosol exposure. This nationwide study reports findings of self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms by self-reported type of plant. A questionnaire based survey among Danish waste recycling workers (n = 432) at all composting, biogas-producing, and sorting plants collected data on occupational exposures, present and past work environment, the psychosocial work environment, and health status. Two hundred and seventy-seven participated and the response rate was 64%. Prevalence Proportion Ratios (PPR) adjusted for other possible types of job and relevant confounders were estimated by multivariate logistic regression with a comparison group of non-exposed workers. Sorting of paper was associated with reports of diarrhoea. Working with sorting of plastic was associated with nausea, and working with compost was associated with diarrhoea. Females reported more symptoms than males. This study confirmed the association between gastrointestinal symptoms and the type of recycling plant. Address for correspondence: Ulla I. Ivens, Department of Occupational Medicine, National Institute of Occupational Health, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. E-mail: uii@ami.dk
Throughfall quantity and carbon input beneath canopy gaps of varying size in degraded tropical peatland forest of West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Astiani D, Curran Lm, Mujiman, Salim R. 2017. Throughfall quantity and carbon input beneath canopy gaps of varying size in degraded tropical peatland forest of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 1258-1264. Tropical peatland forest ecology, is mostly determined by peatland hydrological conditions. However, deforestation, forest degradation, or any other environmental disturbance can transform hydrological patterns and processes for peatland water movement, and thus alter carbon flow via water in this type of ecosystem. These changes arise from alteration in the quantity of throughfall (water that falls through plant canopies), in its interception, and in its evaporation to the atmosphere from vegetation surfaces. We have investigated the effects of a gradient of forest degradation levels, represented by canopy gaps (open, intermediate and closed), on throughfall quantity to the peatland forest floor. Nine plots, 50m x 50m in size, were stratified into the three forest canopy gap classes. Nine bucket collectors were used for throughfall, and tipping bucket rain gauges were set up for precipitation monitoring. Results show that annual precipitation in the area was 3,168.8 Â± 111.3 mm, with a mean monthly rainfall of 264.0 Â± 15.3 mm. Throughfall monitoring demonstrated that closed canopies transferred significantly more water as throughfall than intermediate or open canopies, due to differences in their effect on water movement through the canopies. The proportion of precipitation that passed through the canopies to the forest floor as throughfall was measured to be 76.5%, 77.3% and 89.4 %, or 202, 204 and 236 mm per month, respectively for open, intermediate, and closed canopies. It was found that higher levels of canopy cover resulted in significantly higher amounts of total organic carbon (TOC) content per unit of throughfall; specifically, 2.5 2.8 and 3.4 mg L-1 respectively for the open, intermediate, and closed canopies. When coupled with the higher quantity of throughfall in the closed canopy, the higher concentration of carbon results in a greater amount of carbon brought to the peatland forest floor by the throughfall pathway. This could also have impacts for other nutrients in the peatland soil.
Occurrence and distribution of Ascosphaera apis in North America : chalkbrood in feral honey bee colonies that had been in isolation on Santa Cruz Island , California for over 110 years 1

mdash; Twenty strains of Ascosphaera apis were cultured from larval mummies and discolored larvae from feral honey bee colonies that had been in isolation on Santa Cruz Island, California for over 110 years, long before chalkbrood was first reported from the USA in 1968. Disease symptoms and enzyme patterns of A apis differed from those found on the mainland. Island strains showed little variability. These results and the history of the bees suggest that the pathogen accompanied the bees to the island and that the bees survived chalkbrood by a combination of hygienic behavior and microorganisms that inhibit A apis which were isolated from larvae and stored pollen.
Ruthenium Nanoparticles in Ionic Liquids – A Saga

Ionic liquids (ILs) are excellent media for the generation and stabilisation of metallic nanoparticles (NPs). Their ionic character coupled with 3-D structural pre-organisation in the liquid state, serves to direct the growth of transition metal NPs generated in situ, and to subsequently protect and stabilise them. Until now, many different NPs have been successfully synthesised within these media, however much attention has been paid to Ru-NPs. These have been prepared with small sizes and narrow size distributions by reduction of organometallic compounds with molecular hydrogen as well as decomposition of transition-metal complexes in the zero-valent state. These stable Ru-NPs immobilised in the ILs have proven to be efficient green catalysts for several reactions in multiphase conditions, including important energy-related processes such as biomass refinement. Furthermore, they present potential novel materials for use in the production of smarter electronic devices. In this review, the synthesis, stabilisation and size-control of Ru-NPs via various methods in different ILs is discussed, followed by their varied application in catalysis and potential in new fields.
The Long-Run Discount Rate Controversy

The choice of the rate at which one should discount the long-term benefits of mitigating climate change is highly controversial. Both the level and the slope of the term structure of discount rates have been discussed intensively in relation to the determination of the social cost of carbon. Although some of the parameters of the problem are ethical and outside the scope of economic analysis, we claim that there are converging and convincing arguments in favor of using an annual real risk-free discount rate going from approximately 4% to approximately 1% for maturities going from zero to infinity. Investing in climate mitigation yields highly uncertain future benefits. Such uncertainty should also be taken into account in the selection of the discount rate, although the appropriate approach is highly controversial.
The Impact Of Fiscality On The Behaviour Of Taxpayer. Analysis On The Example Of Romania

The structure and functioning of the tax system bears the imprint of fiscal policy promoted by the state in a certain period of time. The tax systems of the world countries can be classified into two patterns: antagonist and synergistic. The aim of the paper was to examine the behavioural coordinates of tax subjects in Romania having as a starting point the tensions between taxpayers on the one hand, and the tax system, on the other hand. The study reveals that while in Romania the tax elements pressed and are pressing overwhelmingly on taxpayers, their behaviour was shaped and folded on a negative pattern. This type of behaviour associated with the conduct of tax authority set on the distrust and anti-tax fraud virulent strategies generated a fiscal climate strained, antagonist.
An African view of women as sexual objects as a concern for gender equality: A critical study

South African society consists of people who value honour, respect and dignity. One of the most worrying factors in our democratic country is the escalation of sex-related violations like rape, sexual harassment and sexual abuse. According to media reports, the rape and abuse of women are daily occurrences. Statistics also suggest that most marriages will at some point need to resolve the emotional trauma resulting from an extra-marital affair. It is imperative that whilst the police are trying to get the culprits into custody, we as a society should help to find out what has gone so wrong that the beautiful gift of a sexual relationship is being abused and degraded by the people. This delicate issue may be an indication of the influence of patriarchal systems in some African cultures. Rape statistics reveal that most of the perpetrators are well-known members of a community. There are many possible reasons why our society is facing this challenge; however, this study will explore the view that women are considered as sexual objects and how this perspective reveals itself as the cause of sexual offences.