Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Board Composition and performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Commercial banks play a critical role in mobilization of resources from surplus to deficit units required to foster economic growth and development especially in developing countries. Although, in quite a number of these countries the need for development of sound corporate governance has been recognized as critical in enhancing stability in the banking sector, research on the links between governance at firm level and corporate performance in commercial banks has been scanty. This paper has explored this issue, paying particular attention on the relationship between corporate board independence and the performance of commercial banks in Kenya for the period spanning 2001 to 2013. A period within which Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) issued three prudential guidelines on corporate governance that all commercial banks operating in Kenya must adhere to. Primary data for the study was obtained from 33 of the 43 commercial banks in Kenya by way of questionnaire administration, whereas secondary data was obtained from: annual published accounts, Nairobi Stock Exchange Publications, returns filed to the Registrar of companies at the Attorney General Chambers Nairobi, individual banks websites and Central Bank of Kenya website. Bank performance was defined by three key performance variables namely: ROA (Return on asset), ROE (Return on equity) and TBQ ratio (Tobin’s Q ratio); that are: financial, accounting and market measures of performance respectively. Bank size was adopted in the study as a moderating variable to capture bank specific characteristics. The data collected was analyzed using hierarchical regression under the panel data framework using SPSS 21.0 version. The key results indicated that board composition was not significant in the relationship between board composition and performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The results further indicated that there was no linear relationship between board composition and the TBQ ratio of commercial banks in Kenya when bank specific characteristics were excluded. Therefore if commercial banks in Kenya are to improve their performance they should direct their efforts towards other variables other than board composition. Keywords and abbreviations: Board composition, Banks performance, Corporate Governance, Central Bank of Kenya. V.I. F. is Variance inflation factor, ROE is return on equity, ROA is return on asset, and TBQ ratio is Tobin’s Q ratio
Effects of electron beam irradiation on the electrical properties of III-V semiconductor nanowires

Scanning electron microscopy is widely used in nanowire device fabrication. In spite of the attractive high resolution that scanning electron microscopy provides, it influences the electrical properties of III-V nanowires. Influence of electron beam irradiation on InAs, InSb and GaSb nanowires is investigated by fabricating field effect transistors using the heavily doped Si substrate as gate. It is found that due to modification of surface states upon electron beam irradiation of the nanowires, the electrical conductances of n-type (InAs and InSb) and p-type nanowires (GaSb) are affected. The effects are interpreted as exodiffusion of oxygen ions and detachment of ionic adsorbents by the high energy electron beam, which result in conduction enhancement of InAs and InSb nanowires and degradation of conductance in GaSb nanowires. Results suggest that irradiation of nanowires with acceleration voltage between 5 and 20 kV and electron dose higher than 260 $\mu Ccm^{-2}$ has the potential to locally modulate charge carriers in nanowires and affect their electrical characteristics.
Studies on structural and optical properties of ZnO and Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders

Well-crystalline ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in large-quantity via sol-gel process using the mixtures of zinc acetate and citric acid. The detailed structural properties were examined using x-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) which revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles are well-crystalline and possessing wurtzite hexagonal phase. Crystalline size, lattice parameters, unit cell volume and atomic packing fraction were determined from the obtained XRD data. The presence of functional groups in the samples was observed from FTIR spectra. The optical properties were studied by using UV visible spectroscopy. The nanoparticles are almost spherical shape with the average diameters of 15±10 nm.We also tried to study the effect on the structural and optical properties of Mn doped ZnO nanoparticles. The absorption edge shifts towards lower energy upto 0.1 at% doping concentration and shifts to higher energy when the Mn doping concentration increases upto 0.2 at % due to Burstein-Moss effect.
Existence Theorem for Abstract Measure Delay Integro-Differential Equations

In this paper, we have proved the existence and uniqueness results for an abstract measure delay integro-differential equation by using Leray-Schauder nonlinear alternative under certain Caratheodory conditions. The various aspects of the solutions of the abstract measure integro-differential equations have been studied in the literature using the various fixed point techniques such as Schauder,s fixed point principle and Banach contraction mapping principal etc. In this paper we have proved existence and uniqueness condition for Abstract Measure delay integro-differential equations.
IMPACTS ON SOFT-SEDIMENT MACROFAUNA: THE EFFECTS OF SPATIAL VARIATION ON TEMPORAL TRENDS'

Long-term studies provide useful insight into the functioning of populations and communities. Gaining a long-term perspective may be important in providing back- ground information upon which BACI (Before-After-Control-Impact)-type impact studies can be designed or in identifying many types of impact, particularly those of a large-scale and diffuse nature. Although marine soft-bottom communities commonly exhibit patchy distributions, in many long-term studies few replicates, from each site, are collected on each occasion. To illustrate potential problems encountered when spatial variation con- founds temporal patterns, we use data collected from a monitoring program of the intertidal sandflat communities of Manukau Harbour, New Zealand. Randomization techniques were used to generate possible temporal sequences, based on a sample size similar to that used in many long-term studies. In the generated sequences the timing and size of annual density changes were often different from the observed sequence, and indications of trends in density were often missed. In order to provide accurate descriptions of temporal variability in the soft-bottom communities of estuaries and coastal embayments, low bias and highly precise density estimates from each sampling occasion are required.
Pesticide use in South and South-East Asia: Environmental Public Health and Legal Concerns

Problem statement: The South and South East Asian countries are characterized by their rich biodiversity as well as cultural diversity. Agricultural expansion for livelihood security is leading to an increase in pesticide application in this region. It has been observed that because of the hot and humid conditions prevalent in this region, most farmers and pesticide applicators do not use proper protective gear, thereby exposing themselves to the hazards of pesticide poisoning. Another important issue is the exposure of infants and children to toxic pesticides, especially in congested urban slums and tenements. Approach: The biodiversity contained in the six biodiversity hotspots located in this region was also at considerable risk from the toxic effects of pesticides from agricultural fields as well as plantations of tea, coffee, rubber, oil palm, which were often present in close proximity of protected areas. Though a large number of countries in this region had ratified and/or signed important international conventions on pesticide manufacture, export-import and trans boundary movements such as the Stockholm, the Rotterdam and the Basel conventions. Results: A large number of hazardous pesticides was still in use in this region and require to be phased out. Information was lacking on the use status of several pesticides in smaller countries, thereby retaining a certain amount of ambiguity. Conclusion: Despite the grave nature of the pesticide use regulation issue in the Asia-Pacific, clear and uniform policy response is lacking in most countries of this region. These issues need to be addressed through dialogues and mutual cooperation both at national as well as international levels.
Evidence for significant protein-like dissolved organic matter accumulation in Sea of Okhotsk sea ice

Abstract Absorption and fluorescence of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in sea ice and surface waters in the southern Sea of Okhotsk was examined. Sea-water CDOM had featureless absorption increasing exponentially with shorter wavelengths. Sea ice showed distinct absorption peaks in the ultraviolet, especially in younger ice. Older first-year sea ice had relatively flat absorption spectra in the ultraviolet range. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) identified five fluorescent CDOM components, two humic-like and three protein-like. Sea water was largely governed by humic-like fluorescence. In sea ice, protein-like fluorescence was found in considerable excess relative to sea water. The accumulation of protein-like CDOM fluorescence in sea ice is likely a result of biological activity within the ice. Nevertheless, sea ice does not contribute excess CDOM during melt, but the material released will be of different composition than that present in the underlying waters. Thus, at least transiently, the CDOM introduced during sea-ice melt might provide a more labile source of fresher protein-like DOM to surface waters in the southern Sea of Okhotsk.
HIGH PRECISION K-SHELL PHOTOABSORPTION CROSS SECTIONS FOR ATOMIC OXYGEN: EXPERIMENT AND THEORY

Photoabsorption of atomic oxygen in the energy region below the 1s−1 threshold in X-ray spectroscopy from Chandra and XMM-Newton is observed in a variety of X-ray binary spectra. Photoabsorption cross sections determined from an R-matrix method with pseudo-states and new, high precision measurements from the Advanced Light Source (ALS) are presented. High-resolution spectroscopy with E/ΔE ≈ 4250 ± 400 was obtained for photon energies from 520 eV to 555 eV at an energy resolution of 124 ± 12 meV FWHM. K-shell photoabsorption cross section measurements were made with a re-analysis of previous experimental data on atomic oxygen at the ALS. Natural line widths Γ are extracted for the 1s−12s22p4(4P)np 3P° and 1s−12s22p4(2P)np 3P° Rydberg resonances series and compared with theoretical predictions. Accurate cross sections and line widths are obtained for applications in X-ray astronomy. Excellent agreement between theory and the ALS measurements is shown which will have profound implications for the modeling of X-ray spectra and spectral diagnostics.
The Relationship between Occupational Noise Exposure and Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in Small-Scale Industries: A Case Study in the City of Damavand, Iran

Background: Exposure to the excessive levels of occupational noise is one of the principal harmful agents affecting the workers’ health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the occupational noise exposure and the hearing loss caused by working in small-scale service industries in the city of Damavand, close to the metropolitan capital city of Tehran, Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the occupational noise levels within the 90 small-scale industries (mainly service industries and workshops) working under the supervision of Damavand healthcare network governed by the Iranian ministry of health and medical education. A sound level meter (Bruel and Kjaer 2250) was employed to determine the noise exposure levels based on the dB A, and according to the standard ISO 9612: 2009. The audiometric exam tests were performed by an audiometer (model MEVOX SA-900). The obtained data were then analysed by SPSS 16, using linear regression and t-test. Results: The highest measured 8-hour equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (Leqs) were associated with auto body mechanics (89.2 dB A), foundry and casting workers (88.8 dB A), aluminium products fabrication workers (86.32 dB A), blacksmiths and forging (85.8 dB A) carpenters (84.93 dB A), and cabinet manufacturers, respectively (84 dB A). Results from the hearing threshold shifts of the workers from the studied occupational groups revealed that the highest work related hearing loss associated with the right ear occurred among the auto body mechanics, aluminium products fabrication workers and carpenters. However, the most significant work-related hearing loss associated with the left ear was noticed among carpenters, aluminium products fabrication workers, and auto body mechanics, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient was tested between Leqs, work experience and hearing loss, and the results implied that the progress of workers’ hearing loss was correlated with the increase in work history and experience. Conclusions: The 8-hour Leqs and work experience were, respectively, the most important factors affecting the rate of hearing loss among the participants of this study. Keywords: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, Sound Pressure Level, Small-Scale Industries
Emerging evidence of global economic crisis in South African peoples' lives and possible policy responses

The global economic crisis has a direct impact on the welfare of the lives of South Africans. The global economic crisis of 2007/2008/2009 is no exception, and the magnitude of these impacts depend on the length of the crisis, the pace of recovery and the socio-economic programs in place at country level. This paper aims to measure the effects of the global recession on the well-being of South African peoples’ lives within selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province, taking into account the effect of the global economic crisis on South African citizens, which depend directly or indirectly on peoples’ financial income. Two areas, namely Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, a Coloured and Black urban area (Algoa) and Buffalo Municipality, and a Black urban area in the Eastern Cape (Mdantsane) were selected as survey sites to analyze the impact of the global economic crisis on the well-being of South African peoples’ lives. However, critical features of the province’s socio-economic situation lay in glaring demographic realities such as the high rural population, the proportion of poorly paid employees, and the high unemployment rate (with women comprising a majority of the unemployed). The study of the impact of the global economic crisis on the well-being of South Africans was based largely on quantitative and qualitative data, which was collected from civil servants, students, unemployed persons, and entrepreneurs in selected studyareas of Algoa and Mdantsane. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires and interviews were administered to respondents (unemployed people, pensioners, youth university staff and students). Key words: Global economic crisis, human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), pensioners, programs, South Africa, unemployment.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository Reconstruction of icesheet changes in the Antarctic Peninsula since the Last Glacial Maximum

This paper compiles and reviews marine and terrestrial data constraining the dimensions and configuration of the Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheet (APIS) from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) through deglaciation to the present day. These data are used to reconstruct grounding-line retreat in 5 ka timesteps from 25 ka BP to present. Glacial landforms and subglacial tills on the eastern and western Antarctic Peninsula (AP) shelf indicate that the APIS was grounded to the outer shelf/shelf edge at the LGM and contained a series of fast-flowing ice streams that drained along cross-shelf bathymetric troughs. The ice sheet was grounded at the shelf edge until ~20 cal ka BP. Chronological control on retreat is provided by radiocarbon dates on glacimarine sediments from the shelf troughs and on lacustrine and terrestrial organic remains, as well as cosmogenic nuclide dates on erratics and ice moulded bedrock. Retreat in the east was underway by about 18 cal ka BP. The earliest dates on recession in the west are from Bransfield Basin where recession was underway by 17.5 cal ka BP. Ice streams were active during deglaciation at least until the ice sheet had pulled back to the mid-shelf. The timing of initial retreat decreased progressively southwards along the western AP shelf; the large ice stream in Marguerite Trough may have remained grounded at the shelf edge until about 14 cal ka BP, although terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide ages indicate that thinning had commenced by 18 ka BP. Between 15 and 10 cal ka BP the APIS underwent significant recession along the western AP margin, although retreat between individual troughs was asynchronous. Ice in Marguerite Trough may have still been grounded on the midshelf at 10 cal ka BP. In the Larsen-A region the transition from grounded to floating ice was established by 10.7e10. 6 cal ka BP. The APIS had retreated towards its present configuration in the western AP by the mid-Holocene but on the eastern peninsula may have approached its present configuration several thousand years earlier, by the start of the Holocene. Mid to late-Holocene retreat was diachronous with stillstands, re-advances and changes in ice-shelf configuration being recorded in most places. Subglacial * Corresponding author. Tel. : þ44 1913341890; fax: þ44 1913341801. E-mail address: colm.ocofaigh@durham.ac. uk (C. O Cofaigh). 1 Now at: Centre for Quaternary Research, Department of Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.
Wine absorption by cork stoppers

To evaluate the magnitude of wine absorption by cork under conditions as close to reality as possible and its evolution in time, ready-to-use natural cork stoppers and “1+1” cork stoppers were used to close bottles filled with red wine. Stoppers were removed after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of contact to determine absorption of liquid and liquid progression along the lateral surface of the cork stopper. Variation of absorption with contact time was studied by adjusting the model Absorption = at (R2: 82.19 - 93.63%). A scheme of the evolution of wine absorption with time is proposed, differentiating liquid flow along cork-glass interface, diffusion in cell walls and liquid flow through the cell lumens. In conditions of use, a value of 4.48·10-13 m2 s-1 was obtained for non-radial diffusion coefficient (D).
Can haptic maps contribute to spatial knowledge of blind sailors

In this preliminary study, we compared the capability of a blind sailor to access geographical information needed to navigate via an haptic device and via a tactile map. We assessed this spatial knowledge in an egocentered, an allocentered and a combined frame of reference. The subject first explored haptic or tactile maps before answering a series of questions in order to locate 6 salient objects within each map. Then, we used the triangulation technique to obtain easily scoreable physical representations of these cognitive locations. Basically, our results showed no difference between haptic and tactile condition even if slight differences were observed between the frames of reference. We suggest that the subject took great advantage of the haptic map because its sequential and dynamic features implied to focus on learning and memorizing the movement patterns rather than directly touching the global layout with reduced movements as it is the case when using a tactile map.
The incidence of incentives for t-commerce acceptance: improving television as a distribution channel

Purpose This paper aims to explore the impact of incentives on the behavioral intention to use electronic commerce through interactive television to enhance a deeper understanding of how television platforms can improve the attractiveness of television to enterprises as a channel of communication and distribution. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a questionnaire to collect empirical data on preferences related to perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, attitude toward the use of t-commerce and behavioral intention to use t-commerce and incentives. The measurement scales of the variables were tested using exploratory factor analysis. The hypotheses were tested using the results of forgotten effects analysis applied to the incidences of incentives on the precedents of the behavioral intention to use t-commerce. Findings The findings suggest that there are no significant direct incidences between incentives and the behavioral intention to use t-commerce, but the direct incidence is only part of the total incidence and on many occasions is only a small part, as the result of causal relationships between causes and effects. The results indicate indirect incidences between incentives and the behavioral intention to use t-commerce through its precedents. Practical Implications Marketing managers of television platforms may consider the use of incentives to encourage behavioral intention to use t-commerce to achieve the development of interactive television as a distribution channel. Originality/value Research on t-commerce acceptance, especially research that uses extrinsic variables, is scarce. This paper addresses that gap by exploring the use of incentives to attract users.
Neuropsychological Bases for the Introduction of Changes to the Classification of Sexual Disorders Neuropsychologiczne podstawy wprowadzenia zmian w klasyfikacji zaburzeń seksualnych

This paper aims to compare and contrast proposed American Psychiatric Association website DSM 5 definitions of sexual dysfunctions with that of ICD-10 — F52 and explains the rationale for making changes. All the DSM classifications until present time based definitions of sexual dysfunctions on expert opinions that were not supported by sufficient clinical or epidemiological data. Additionally, included vague terms such as satisfactory, soon after, rapid, short, minimal, recurrent and persistent which were not precise and difficult to interpret. Showed male and female sexual dysfunctions on the same continuum based on unified sexual response cycles. The fifth version of the APA’s classification was released in May 2013. The DSM-5 merged female desire and arousal diagnosis into one entity defined as female sexual interest and arousal disorders, vaginisimus and dyspareunia as genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, deleted sexual aversion, the diagnostic classification separated for men and women. DSM attempted to operationalize the diagnostic criteria and avoided vague terms. It is also expected to introduce changes in the classification of disorders in ICD-10. (JNNN 2014;3(3):136–141)