Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central Bank Communication and Monetary Policy Predictability under Uncertain Economic Conditions

Abstract Modern central banks increasingly value monetary policy transparency, and attempt to build credibility by communicating their decisions to the public. This paper studies whether the communication of central banks can be used to explain upcoming changes in their most important monetary policy instrument, the short-term refinancing rate, and whether the public can trust central bank communication during times of financial crisis. This is done by constructing an indicator to measure the predictability of monetary policy by calculating the median of the policy makers’ official comments. The performance of this indicator is studied with ordered probit methods. The results show that predictability was reached relatively well at central bank level during the financial crisis despite the rapid growth of economic uncertainty, and that communication can be a useful tool for central banks during uncertain times.
Pulse-width modulation of Z-source inverters

Z-Source inverters have recently been proposed as an alternative power conversion concept as they have both voltage buck and boost capabilities. These inverters use a unique impedance network, coupled between the power source and converter circuit, to provide both voltage buck and boost properties, which cannot be achieved with conventional voltage-source and current-source inverters. To facilitate understanding of Z-source inverter modulation, this paper presents a detailed analysis, showing how various conventional pulse-width modulation strategies can be modified to switch a voltage-type Z-source inverter either continuously or discontinuously, while retaining all the unique harmonic performance features of these conventional modulation strategies. This paper starts by analyzing the modulation requirements of a single-phase H-bridge Z-source inverter, and subsequently extends the analysis to cover the more complex three-phase-leg and four-phase-leg Z-source inverters, with carrier-based implementation reference equations derived for all the inverters. The theoretical and modulation concepts presented have been verified both in simulation and experimentally.
Behaviour of asset pricing models in pre and post-recession period: an evidence from India

The study endeavours to assess empirically the performance of various models of asset pricing employing risk factors such as market premium, book to market equity, size, investment, momentum and profitability and attempts to unearth the effects of value, size, investment, momentum and profitability. It also compares the behaviour of five different asset pricing models: standard capital asset pricing model, three and five-factor model of Fama French, four-factor model of Carhart and six-factor model during the periods of pre-recession, recession and post-recession in the Indian equity market. The study uses constituents of S&P BSE 500 as a sample, traded over the period 1st July 2005 to 31st September 2017. The results exhibit that three-factor model is an effective model which brings a lot of improvements over CAPM and suggests that market premium and size factors are the most effective and strong factors explaining the variation in returns, throughout the study period. Four-factor model performs a little better for few portfolios created based on size-momentum during 2009-17 and 2005-17. Five and six-factor model do not make any further improvement if compare with the three-factor asset pricing model. Size effect is present in all the above models and across all the time periods, however, factors such as the premium for profitability, investment and momentum are found redundant during the study period in the Indian equity market.
Improved upper bounds to the causal quadratic rate-distortion function for Gaussian stationary sources

We improve the existing achievable rate regions for causal and for zero-delay source coding of stationary Gaussian sources for mean squared error (MSE) distortion. First, we define the information-theoretic causal rate-distortion function (RDF), R<sup>it</sup><inf>c</inf>(D). In order to analyze R<sup>it</sup><inf>c</inf>(D), we introduce R<sup>it</sup><inf>c</inf>̄(D), the information theoretic causal RDF when reconstruction error is jointly stationary with the source. Based upon R<sup>it</sup><inf>c</inf>̄(D), we derive four closed form upper bounds to the gap between R<sup>it</sup><inf>c</inf>̄(D) and Shannon's RDF, two of them strictly smaller than 0.5 bits/sample at all rates. We then show that R<sup>it</sup><inf>c</inf>̄(D) can be realized by an AWGN channel surrounded by a unique set of causal pre-, post-, and feedback filters. We show that finding such filters constitutes a convex optimization problem and propose an iterative procedure to solve it. Finally, we build upon R<sup>it</sup><inf>c</inf>̄(D) to improve existing bounds on the optimal performance attainable by causal and zero-delay codes.
Generalized Contractive Mappings and Related Results in b-Metric Like Spaces with an Application

In this article, a general contractive mapping is presented and some fixed point results in complete b-metric-like spaces are studied. The results obtained here extend and improve some related results in the literature. Also, new common fixed point results for a graphic contraction mappings are proved. Some comparative examples are given to support the obtained results. Moreover, an analytical solution of an integral equation has been presented as an application.
ABO Blood Group System: Its Association with Anthropometric Indices among Young Adults of Yoruba Ethnicity

Introduction: The ABO blood group system is unique in immunology and haematology because it is the only system in which antibodies are consistently and predictably present in the serum of normal individuals whose red cells lack the antigens. Several epidemiological studies have reported that the distribution of different ABO blood groups vary markedly among the populations of different geographical areas reflecting racial differences. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the association between ABO blood group and anthropometric indices among apparently healthy young adults of Yoruba ethnicity. Study Design: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Department of Physiological Sciences and University Health Centre, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife between May 2016 to June 2017. Methodology: Eighty apparently healthy young adults who were purposely selected participated in the study after screening for the ABO blood groups following the standard protocol. They were divided into four equal groups; 20 in each of blood groups A, B, AB and O who were age- and sex - matched. The weight (kg) and height (cm) of the participants were measured following standard protocol. Body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were estimated from weight and height using Quetelex and Mosteller formulae respectively. Chi-square was used to compare grouped data while the comparison of means of parameters among the four blood groups was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A p-value of < 0.05 was taken statistically significant. Results: Out of the total 80 participants, 15% were males. The mean ± SD of height(m) of participants with blood groups A, B, O and AB were 1.65 ± 0.06, 1.63 ± 0.08, 1.62 ± 0.08 and 1.63 ± 0.08 (F= 0.349, p= 0.790) respectively. The mean ± SD of weight(kg) of the participants with blood group A,B, O and AB were 56.15 ± 8.71, 56.00 ± 11.21, 57.10 ± 12.73 and 58.05 ± 10.35 (F= 0.154, p= 0.927) respectively. The mean ± SD of BMI in kg/m2 for blood groups A, B, O and AB were 20.74 ± 3.22, 20.86 ± 2.91, 21.79 ± 5.10 and 21.91 ± 4.21 (F= 0.472, p= 0.703) respectively while the mean ± SD of BSA (m2) for blood group A, B, O and AB were 1.60 ± 0.12, 1.59 ± 0.19, 1.60 ± 0.18 and 1.62 ± 0.15 (F= 0.098, p= 0.961) respectively. Conclusion: AB Blood group may be predisposed to metabolic syndrome due to the higher mean of weight, BSA and BMI found in this group.
Plateletpheresis: A Comparative Study Between Haemonetics MCS Plus and Spectra Trima

Background and Aim: Platelet collection by apheresis techniques has rapidly increased recently owing to its advantages as reduced disease transmission, alloimmunization, in addition to storage characteristics. In this study we compared two apheresis instruments (Haemonetics MCS plus and Spectra Trima) with regard to Platelet (PLT) yield, Collection Rate (CR), White Blood Cell (WBC) and Red Blood Cell (RBC) contamination for selecting equipment for apheresis units. Materials and Methods: Eighty data obtained by Haemonetics MCS plus and Spectra Trima systems (40 for each) were randomly selected among donors attending to the Central blood bank of Ain Shams university for blood donation. Platelet yield/session, number of therapeutic doses, collection rate and WBC/ RBC contamination were recorded for each session. Results: No significant difference was found between 2 instruments regarding pre-apheresis variables; however PLT yield/unit, therapeutic dose and CR showed a higher significant difference (p<0.0001) (p=0.004), being higher with Trima [7.6±1.26 (×10 11 ), 3.47±0.57 and 0.089±0.019 (platelet × 10 11 / min)]. RBC contamination was significantly higher in Haemonetics’ products (p=0.0005) in contrast to WBC contamination (p=0.1995). Conclusion: We concluded that CR and PLT yield values were more by Trima machines than Hemonetics, with no WBC contamination of both instruments’ products.
Radar Rainfall Estimation in Morocco: Quality Control and Gauge Adjustment

This study focused on investigating the impact of gauge adjustment on the rainfall estimate from a Moroccan C-band weather radar located in Khouribga City. The radar reflectivity underwent a quality check before deployment to retrieve the rainfall amount. The process consisted of clutter identification and the correction of signal attenuation. Thereafter, the radar reflectivity was converted into rainfall depth over a period of 24 h. An assessment of the accuracy of the radar rainfall estimate over the study area showed an overall underestimation when compared to the rain gauges (bias = −6.4 mm and root mean square error [RMSE] = 8.9 mm). The adjustment model was applied, and a validation of the adjusted rainfall versus the rain gauges showed a positive impact (bias = −0.96 mm and RMSE = 6.7 mm). The case study conducted on December 16, 2016 revealed substantial improvements in the precipitation structure and intensity with reference to African Rainfall Climatology version 2 (ARC2) precipitations.
A High Step Up SEPIC-Based Converter Based on Partly Interleaved Transformer

In this paper, a novel modified single-ended primary industry converter (SEPIC) converter based on transformer is proposed with the integration of some passive components, the proposed converter obtains better performance such as high-voltage gain, low-voltage stress, and soft switching characteristic, which is suit for high frequency and high voltage gain applications like photovoltaic and fuel cell systems. For better high-frequency characteristics, GaN switch and planar magnetic components based on high-frequency material are used. Moreover, in the process of magnetic component optimization, an integrated scheme is applied to improve power density, and partly interleaved structure is adopted for lower parasitic capacitance as well as leakage inductance. Working principles, accurate steady-state analysis, and optimization process are presented in detail. An 80 W prototype has been designed to demonstrate theoretical analysis. Obtained efficiency was up to 93.1% at full load. Experimental results show good agreement with theoretical analysis and high feasibility of proposed converters.
Resistance of Four Potato Varieties to the Potato Tuber Moth, Phthorimaea Operculella (Zell.) in Storage

Insect-free tubers of four potato varieties, namely Kenya Baraka, Anett, Kerrs Pink and Roslin Gucha were exposed to adult Phthorimaea Operculella for 14 days in uncontrolled conditions in storages. On examination of the tubers 16 days after exposure, the percentage of infested tubers was determined: Kenya Baraka—62.50, Anett—77.50, Kerrs Pink—85.00 and Roslin Gucha—86.25%. The larvae made the following mean tunnel lengths: 44.65, 95.33, 88.33 and 104.23 cm in Kenya Baraka, Anett, Kerrs Pink and Roslin Gucha varieties, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant differences in the number of tubers infested (per cent), there were significant differences in the mean length of tunnels made by the larvae in Kenya Baraka and the other three varieties at P < 0.05. The mean number of larvae which survived in 10 tubers were 6.75, 11.25, 15.75 and 18.00 for Kenya Baraka, Anett, Kerrs Pink and Roslin Gucha varieties, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between Kenya Baraka and Kerrs Pink; Kenya Baraka and Roslin Gucha; and Roslin Gucha and Anett varieties (P < 0.05). Thus Roslin Gucha was the least resistant of the four varieties tested, whereas Kenya Baraka emerged as the most resistant variety. The mechanism of resistance in this case was most probably antibiosis.
Perspective of Yemeni students on use of online learning

Purpose Online learning has evolved into a necessary means of learning because of its capability to enhance the education quality with minimum resources and infrastructure. Nevertheless, while academics have studied the espousal and use of online learning in various settings, the effect of compatibility and transformational leadership (TL) still remains to be seen, with regards to the Yemeni context. The purpose of this paper is to forward the Delone and Mclean Information System (IS) success Model by integrating compatibility and TL constructs as precursors to user contentment and actual use for estimating performance of students. Design/methodology/approach The questionnaire technique was utilised for gathering primary data from 448 students in nine state-funded Yemeni universities. The six variables in the recommended framework were gauged utilising current scales. Data analysis was done by deploying structural equation modelling through SmartPLS 3.0. Findings The outcomes encompassed three key results: overall quality (data, system and service quality), compatibility and TL have a favourable effect on user satisfaction and actual use; actual use considerably estimates user satisfaction; and user satisfaction and actual use have a favourable effect on performance of students. Research limitations/implications Because the research populace comprised students from nine state-funded universities, it did not include administrative and academic staff. Furthermore, as the study was cross-sectional, it studied the variables at a single point of time. Attaining experience in utilising online learning would transform the convictions of students, and this cannot be traced through a cross-sectional scrutiny. Moreover, the research relies upon self-testified measures for ascertaining the recommended research model. The reason behind this is that obtaining objective information regarding performance was not likely because of the privacy concern. Practical implications Despite the fact that Yemen is a low-income emerging nation with inadequate resources (World Development Indicators, 2017), it can capitalise on online-based learning that provides the advantage of excellent education and that too with limited supplies (Dokhan and Akkoyunlu, 2016; Yang et al., 2016). Additionally, online learning can enhance administration and communication, empower learning anywhere and anytime, and endorse fairness of education. Originality/value This study supplements the existing studies on information systems by blending overall quality, compatibility, TL, actual use and client satisfaction for estimating the effect of online learning among students from nine state-funded Yemeni universities. Moreover, the recommended model’s predictive prowess has a higher capability to elucidate and estimate the performance effect as against those acquired from few of the previous studies.
0.6V Threshold Voltage Thin Film Transistors With Solution Processable Indium Oxide (In2O3) Channel and Anodized High- $\kappa$ Al2O3 Dielectric

Low-voltage operation and low processing temperature of metal oxide transistors remain a challenge. Commonly metal oxide transistors are fabricated at very high processing temperatures (above 500°C) and their operating voltage is quite high (30–50 V). Here, thin-film transistors (TFT) are reported based upon solution processable indium oxide (In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) and room temperature processed anodized high-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\kappa $ </tex-math></inline-formula> aluminum oxide (Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) for gate dielectrics. The In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> TFTs operate well below the drain bias (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{V}_{\textsf {ds}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) of 3.0 V, with on/off ratio <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{{5}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, subthreshold swing (SS) 160 mV/dec, hysteresis 0.19 V, and low threshold voltage (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{V}_{\textsf {th}})~0.6$ </tex-math></inline-formula> V. The electron mobility (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${ \mu }$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) is as high as 3.53 cm<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{{2}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>/V.s in the saturation regime and normalized transconductance (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{g}_{\textsf {m}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$75~\mu \text{S}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>/mm. In addition, the detailed capacitance–voltage (C–V) analysis to determine interface trap states density was also investigated. The interface trap density (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{D}_{\textsf {it}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) in the oxide/semiconductor interface was quite low, i.e., <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${0.99}\times {10}^{{11}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${2.98}\times {10}^{{11}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> eV<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{-{1}}\cdot $ </tex-math></inline-formula>cm<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{-{2}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, signifying acceptable compatibility of In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> with anodic Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>.
Gut Microbiota as a Target for Food Allergy

The purpose of this review is to present an overview on the potential role of gut microbiota as target of intervention against food allergy.Many studies suggest a key pathogenetic role for gut microbiota modifications (dysbiosis) in food allergy development. Several factors responsible for dysbiosis have been associated with the occurrence of food allergy, such as caesarean delivery, lack of breast milk, drugs use (mainly antibiotics and gastric acidity inhibitors), antiseptic agents use, and low fibers/hight fat diet. No specific bacterial taxa have been consistently associated with food allergy, but evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis occurs even before food allergy signs and symptoms presentation. Data from animal and human studies highlight the ability of particular bacterial taxa to ferment dietary fibers for the production of short chain fatty acids that affect host immunity and help to explain their health‐promoting role.Modulation of gut microbiota composition and/or function represents a promising strategy for treatment and prevention of food allergy in childhood.
Indications and Recommendations by Societies and Institutions for the Use of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Paediatric Functional Intestinal Disorders

To report the indications and/or recommendations by Societies and Institutions for the use of probiotics and prebiotics in functional intestinal disorders in childhood.A position by Societies and Institutions is available only for infant colic, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. Supplementation with the probiotic L reuteri DSM 17938 in breastfed term infants with colic appears to be effective in reducing crying, while still debated is its role in the prevention of colic. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder in children and at present no specific treatments are available; existing data show that although high‐quality studies are still needed, some evidence support the efficacy of LGG and VSL#3 in paediatric IBS. At present there is no evidence for the use of pre‐ or probiotics in childhood constipation.Probiotics in a near future may have a definite role is some FGIDs of infants and children. The main limitations for the recommendation by Societies and Institutions are the methodological issues that limit the quality of the evidence and the heterogeneity of treatments (probiotic strain and dose, mode, dose and duration of supplementation, primary outcomes, etc). Some specific strains are promising for infant colic (L. reuteri DSM 17938) and irritable bowel syndrome (LGG) while at present there is no indication for their use in the treatment of childhood constipation.
Replacement of Chromium by Non-Toxic Metals in Lewis-Acid MOFs: Assessment of Stability as Glucose Conversion Catalysts

The metal–organic framework MIL-101(Cr) is known as a solid–acid catalyst for the solution conversion of biomass-derived glucose to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF). We study the substitution of Cr3+ by Fe3+ and Sc3+ in the MIL-101 structure in order to prepare more environmentally benign catalysts. MIL-101(Fe) can be prepared, and the inclusion of Sc is possible at low levels (10% of Fe replaced). On extended synthesis times the polymorphic MIL-88B structure instead forms.Increasing the amount of Sc also only yields MIL-88B, even at short crystallisation times. The MIL-88B structure is unstable under hydrothermal conditions, but in dimethylsulfoxide solvent, it provides 5-HMF from glucose as the major product. The optimum material is a bimetallic (Fe,Sc) form of MIL-88B, which provides ~70% conversion of glucose with 35% selectivity towards 5-HMF after 3 hours at 140 °C: this offers high conversion compared to other heterogeneous catalysts reported in the same solvent.
On the noise component in muzzle voltage traces

The muzzle voltage in a solid-armature railgun is an important diagnostic because it can provide information about the state of the rail/armature interface. Large changes in amplitude in the muzzle voltage usually indicate a transition from nonarcing to arcing contact. Medium and small amplitude changes are also observed in the muzzle voltage. Although the meaning of these is less understood, it has been suggested that these too might contain information about the condition of the rail/armature interface. This paper reports on an experiment in which features of the muzzle voltage trace were correlated to physical features of the launcher that most likely perturbed the inductance gradient of the gun. Although we could not conclusively determine which specific physical features make the majority of the contributions, our results suggest that physical features of the railgun do account for aspects of the secondary structure in our muzzle voltage traces.