Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategic Adoption of Technological Innovations on Competitive Advantage of Commercial Banks in Kenya

The current study sought to establish the relationship between strategic adoption of technological innovations and competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya. Specific objectives were to establish the influence of E-Money transfer technologies, telephone banking technologies, internet banking technology and internal controls on competitive advantage of Commercial Banks in Kenya. Theories adopted include: Resource-Based View Theory, Innovation diffusion theory, Competitive advantage theory and Disruptive Innovation Theory. The study design employed was descriptive research design. The target population comprised of 43 commercial banks operating in Kenya where the unit of analysis comprised of 1 Branch Manager, 1 Head of Customer Service, 1 Head of IT Support and 2 Relationship officers from each bank making a total of 215 respondents. The primary data collection instruments used was a semi-structured questionnaire containing both closed and open-ended questions and issued to 215 study population respondents. The collected data was analyzed by employing both inferential analysis and descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) V25 and Microsoft Excel. A random pilot study carried on 21 respondents was done to assess the data collection instrument on validity and reliability. Out of the issued 215 questionnaires to the respondents, 192 were completed and successfully returned. This equates to 89.3% response rate, an appropriate for conducting analysis and making inferences. Tables and figure formats were used in presenting the study results and findings. The study findings were that the adoption of innovative technologies (E-Money transfer, Telephone banking, Internet banking and, Internal controls) had positive and significant influence on competitive advantage of Commercial banks in Kenya. The study recommended the use of credit cards to make online transactions like Cardless payments to improve access to financial services, Commercial banks to consider adapting mobile-based innovative Fintech to increase overall reach of the banking services to the populace, commercial banks to incorporate automated alert systems in case of theft at the ATMs and finally, appropriate systems authenticating user identity be put in place in remote areas to enhance security and increase user confidence in using internet technologies.
A 94-GHz Monopulse Duplexing Horn Antenna for a 3D Tracking Radar

This paper presents the first demonstration of a full-waveguide feed at W-band, enabling transmit-receive duplexing and 2D tracking of targets. The proposed device is a compact unit designed to be used as feed of a 94-GHz space-borne radar. Its duplexing concept relies on a septum orthomode transducer polarizer for transmitting and receiving sum signals with opposite circular polarizations. Additionally, the first higher order mode of circular waveguide (TM01) is allowed to propagate inside the device to extract a difference signal for tracking. By comparing received sum and difference signals in amplitude and phase, both angular directions of a target position can be derived. A prototype of the duplexer was fabricated and tested: measurements at 94 GHz show return loss and isolation above 23 dB at all ports, with reasonable performance from 92 GHz to 96 GHz. The measured monopulse characteristic enables 2D tracking of targets deviated by less than 8.5° from boresight.
Evaluation of Boride Layers on C70W2 Steel Using a New Approach to Characterization of Boride Layers

In this study, boride layers on C70W2 steel, obtained by boronizing at temperatures ranging from 870 to 970 °C and durations from 4 to 8 h, were investigated. The characterization of the layers was carried out using a new approach based on the change in the volume fraction of the boride phase. Analysis of the change in volume fraction showed that an increase in temperature and duration resulted in thicker layers, with temperature having a greater influence. Based on the volume fraction of the boride phase, the layer is divided into compact and toothed parts. With increasing temperature, the thicknesses of both parts of the layer increased. The thickness of the toothed part was the highest after 6 h of boronizing and further prolongation of boronizing led to a decrease in the thickness. Regression equations were estimated for the prediction of the volume fraction of the boride phase, the thickness of the compact part, and that of the toothed part of the boride layer as a function of the boronizing parameters. This study has shown that characterization based on the volume fraction of the boride phase offers advantages over the conventional method based on the average thickness of the layer.
Three-Dimensional Planning and Patient-Specific Instrumentation for the Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Background and Objectives: Three-dimensional planning and guided osteotomy utilizing patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) with the contralateral side used as a reference have been proven as effective in the treatment of malunions following complex fractures of the distal radius. However, this approach has not yet been described in relation to fracture reduction of the distal radius. The aim of this study was to assess the technical and logistical feasibility of computer-assisted surgery in a clinical setting using PSI for fracture reduction and fixation. Materials and Methods: Five patients with varied fracture patterns of the distal radius underwent operative treatment with using PSI. The first applied PSI guide allowed specific and accurate placement of Kirschner wires inside the multiple fragments, with subsequent concurrent reduction using a second guide. Results: Planning, printing of the guides, and operations were performed within 5.6 days on average (range of 1–10 days). All patients could be treated within a reasonable period of time, demonstrating good outcomes, and were able to return to work after a follow-up of three months. Mean wrist movements (°) were 58 (standard deviation (SD) 21) in flexion, 62 (SD 15) in extension, 73 (SD 4) in pronation and 74 (SD 10) in supination at a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Conclusions: Three-dimensional planned osteosynthesis using PSI for treatment of distal radius fractures is feasible and facilitates reduction of multiple fracture fragments. However, higher costs must be taken into consideration for this treatment.
EVALUATION OF VAT COLLECTION ON TRADING THROUGH ELECTRONIC SYSTEM

This research aims to evaluate the Value-added Tax (VAT) collection on trading through the electronic system (TTES) from the TTES VAT Collector’s perception, based on "The Four Maxims" tax collection principle. This research uses a qualitative research method with a case study approach. Data was collected using interview techniques with eight respondents from TTES VAT Collectors. The results showed that TTES VAT collection in Indonesia has fulfilled the equality, convenience and efficiency principles based on "The Four Maxims". However, the collection of TTES VAT in Indonesia has failed to meet the criterion of certainty, owing to uncertainties in the definition, the legal status of the collector, the method for calculating the tax basis, tax procedures, and the enforcement of fines.
No evidence for collateral effects of electromagnetic fields used to increase dissolved oxygen levels on the behavior and physiology of freshwater fishes

Hypoxia in surface waters driven by warming climate and other anthropogenic stressors is a major conservation concern, and technological solutions for water quality remediation are sorely needed. One potential solution involves the use of low‐intensity electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to increase dissolved oxygen levels, but potential collateral effects of the EMFs on aquatic animals have not been formally evaluated. We examined the effects of EMF exposure on wild‐caught, captive sunfish (Lepomis spp.) over 8‐day and 3‐day exposures, with and without aeration in mesocosms and stock tanks (respectively). We also quantified ambient fish abundance in close proximity to EMF devices deployed in Opinicon Lake (ON). We found no significant differences in a suite of blood‐based stress physiology biomarkers, behaviors, and putative aerobic capacities between EMF and control conditions over 8 days. Aerated mesocosms equipped with activated EMFs consistently had higher oxygen levels in the water than aerated controls. There were no differences in mortality during 3‐day oxygen depletion trials under EMF or control conditions, and we detected no differences in fish abundance when the devices were activated in the lake. Our findings suggest that deploying EMF devices in field settings is not likely to exert negative effects on exposed fish populations.
Effect of fine percentage on properties of subbase material

Finding sub-base material as per required specifications is a major issue in many parts of Sri Lanka. Therefore, in some cases, crushed stone is used as an alternative to sub-base material. Since good quality material is scarce, it is worthwhile to study the use of marginal materials to ensure sustainable development of the highway sector. The specification used in Sri Lanka for road constructions is the Standard Specification for Construction and Maintenance of Roads and Bridges (SCA/5) (SSCM) (ICTAD, 2009). Sub-base material is classified as lower sub-base material and upper sub-base material according to their Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit (PL), Maximum Dry Density (MDD), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Sieve Analysis. A questionnaire survey was conducted among those engaged in the construction industry, to collect information on sub-base construction and on issues connected with the current specification relating to the passing percentage of the fine fraction. As a result, an experimental study was conducted by altering the fine fraction of soil from 0% to 40%. It was also verified whether the grading band of No.200 sieve passing can be relaxed up to a certain percentage if the soil sample satisfies the specified CBR, Plasticity Index (PI) value and swell percentage requirement. It was found that the proposed changes have been adopted in AASHTO and Road Note 31 specifications. Furthermore, linear regression models were fitted to assess the CBR of material in relation to fine fractions (percentage passing of 425 μm, 300 μm, 75 μm sieves). These passing percentages were identified as the most important percentages in predicting the CBR of the soil tested.
Dietary Cysteamine Supplementation Remarkably Increased Feed Efficiency and Shifted Rumen Fermentation toward Glucogenic Propionate Production via Enrichment of Prevotella in Feedlot Lambs

Cysteamine (CS) is an essential nutritional regulator that improves the productive performance of animals by regulating somatotropic hormone secretion. To investigate the fattening potential and effects of CS on rumen microbial fermentation, 48 feedlot lambs were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets supplemented with different CS concentrations (0, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg BW). An increase in dietary CS concentrations linearly increased the average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (p < 0.05) but decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.01). For the serum hormone, increasing the dietary CS concentration linearly decreased somatostatin and leptin concentration (p < 0.01) but linearly increased the concentration of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (p < 0.01). Regarding rumen fermentation, ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and butyrate content did not differ among the four treatments, although dietary CS supplementation linearly increased microbial protein and propionate and decreased the amount of acetate (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an increase in dietary CS concentrations quadratically decreased the estimated methane production and methane production per kg ADG (p < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing revealed that increased dietary CS concentrations quadratically increased Prevotella (p < 0.05), and Prevotella and norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014 were positively correlated with growth performance and rumen fermentation in a Spearman correlation analysis (r > 0.55, p < 0.05). Overall, a CS concentration higher than 20 mg/kg BW produced growth-promoting effects by inhibiting somatostatin concentrations and shifting the rumen toward glucogenic propionate fermentation by enriching Prevotella. In addition, Prevotella and norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014 were positively correlated with growth performance in lambs.
Blended Work and Employment Participation of Older Workers: A Further Discussion

In the context of population aging and related policy aims to prolong working lives, it is highly important to get a better understanding of factors that may stimulate or rather inhibit prolonged employment. Dropkin and colleagues (Dropkin, J., Moline, J., Kim, H., & Gold, J. E. (2016). Blended work as a bridge between traditional workplace employment and retirement: A conceptual review. Work, Aging and Retirement . doi:10.1093/workar/waw017) present blended work as a form of work that may help to extend the working lives of older workers, particularly among knowledge workers. Although the article provides a description of the literature on blended work and older workers, limited connection is made to the retirement literature. In this article, I describe theory and empirical findings on antecedents of retirement timing and link it to the notion of blended work. Furthermore, I argue that both characteristics of blended work and characteristics of older workers should be taken into account when formulating concrete predictions about its impact on the timing of retirement. I conclude this article by discussing potentially fruitful directions for future research.
Experimental Investigation of Performance of Conventional Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle Using Geothermal Cooling in Extreme Hot Weather Conditions

The well-known traditional vapor compression refrigeration cycle is considered to be the most effective technique used in the field of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. It’s used almost in every facility including industrials, homes and food storages. There are some environmental hazards concerning the use of vapor-compression cycles such as global warming and ozone layer depletion mainly due to refrigerant's leakages. However, it's still considered as a leading technology for its capability of producing high cooling and heating powers with great coefficient of performance. The present work represents an experimental investigation of the effect of the condenser's temperature on the thermal performance of a conventional vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The geothermal cooling technique was introduced and utilized for cooling the temperature of the condenser that operates in harsh climate conditions. The experiment was performed using two additional heat exchangers for enabling heat exchange with geothermal temperature. The first heat exchanger (primary HX1) was connected directly to the condenser while the other one (secondary HX2) was installed inside the geothermal hole intended for heat exchange with the geothermal temperature. These exchangers (HX1 and HX2) were thermally connected via two PVC tubes with straight water circulating inside them (using a DC water pump). The experimental results proved the success of the current utilized method in improving the thermal performance of the system. Cooling the condenser via geothermal cooling has led to a considerable reduction in the temperature of the refrigerant and improved the overall performance of the cycle. The experimental apparatus showed an increase in both cooling capacity and COP by 25% and 21.5%, respectively. In addition, a considerable enhancement in the temperature of the evaporator was accomplished to reach a minimum temperature of 14. 5ºC.
Troll pilot sheds light on seabed separation

It didn't always go strictly to plan but nonetheless the pioneering Subsis - subsea separation and injection system - technology employed by ABB for the first time on Norway's Troll C pilot project is today doing a sterling job for operator Norsk Hydro and providing useful pointers for the seabed processing facilities of tomorrow. Rick von Flatern catches up with one of the system's developers.
A description of a novel swimming behavior in a dioecious population of Craspedacusta sowerbii, the rediscovery of the elusive Astrohydra japonica and the first genetic analysis of freshwater jellyfish in Japan

: Freshwater jellyﬁsh comprising the genus Craspedacusta are thought to have originated in the Yangtze River, China and have since spread to all continents except Antarctica. In this study, jellyﬁsh were collected from Haruta-ike, an artiﬁcial pond in Chikuma City, Nagano (Japan). Medusae were identiﬁed as Craspedacusta sowerbii using morphological and molecular techniques. Despite the existence of Haruta-ike since prior to the Edo era (ca. 1603), this work represents the ﬁrst published record of freshwater jellyﬁsh in this pond. Herein, we report on the novel swimming behavior documented in this population, which includes both male and female C. sowerbii medusae. Addi-tionally, we discuss the life cycle of polyps reared in culture from Machikane-ike, a pond in Osaka for which we have published the ﬁrst complete mitochondrial genome of C. sowerbii from Japan. Finally, we report on the morphology and life cycle of the rare Japanese freshwater jellyﬁsh Astrohydra japonica in Lake Biwa (Shiga), documented only a few times in the 40 years since its original discovery in Japan. The results of our robust phylogenetic analysis using the 16S rRNA gene and COI markers of C. sowerbii and A. japonica in this study and for C. sowerbii material from Singapore, together with all publicly available sequences for these markers for the two species worldwide, revealed two major C. sowerbii clades suggesting the Nagano and Osaka populations originated from two distinct introduction events. This collaborative research was made possible through international collaborations among multiple research facilities, museums and one wildlife reserve.
Comparative dynamic analysis of value added created by industry ""manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, Except furniture; Manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials"" in baltic states and finland

The goal of the research is to carry out the comparative dynamic Input-Output analysis of economics of the industry “Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials” (C16) in the Baltic States and Finland. The information for the study is the National Input-Output Tables for the period 2000-2014 as part of the World Input-Output Database. The theoretical basis in the general sense is the Input-Output analysis and linear algebra as well. The investigation tool is the original version of the Input-Output model elaborated by the authors according to the structure of the National Input-Output Tables. The purpose of the work is the dynamic comparative Input-Output analysis of industry’s C16 operating as an economic unit in the Baltic States and Finland in order to highlight the differences in the sales and purchases structures as factors for industry’s value added creation and industry’s influence to the national economy as a whole. The investigations concern the gross output sales structure, intermediate consumption structure, Leontief inverse, Ghosh inverse, direct and total backward linkages, direct and total forward linkages of the industry C16. Comparison the industry’s C16 operating in Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania in the dynamic aspect allows us to discover the cost and revenue factors of the industry’s “Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials” value added creation efficiency in the referred countries. All indicators calculated with help of the Input-Output model contain the pithy information for the managers of the industry “Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials”. Our results are original because of the specific object of current research and the dynamic comparative Input-Output investigation method employed by us.
A hybrid approach based on ANP, ELECTRE and SIMANP metaheuristic method for outsourcing manufacturing procedures according to supply chain risks - Case study: A medical equipment manufacturer company in Iran

Article history: Received February 25, 2016 Received in revised format: March 28, 2016 Accepted June 26, 2016 Available online June 26 2016 Nowadays enterprises should consider seeking to reduce the supply chain risks as a crucial part of their activities in order to improve their competitiveness in the international context. Choosing the suitable strategy in connection with assigning some parts of the production process to outside the organization is a complex multi-criteria decision making problem and it gets more complicated when supply chain risk factors as the factors to select the strategy as well as dependence and the close ties between these criteria also be considered. In this paper, after the identification of risks in the supply chain of a medical equipment manufacturer company, dependence and ties between criteria in line with choosing the best strategy among existing alternatives has been examined in the form of a combined ANP-ELECTRE method. This combined model has high performance to give a solution to the problem considered in this paper. Because of the complexity and time consuming nature of the AHP and ELECTRE, in this study a metaheuristic algorithm is developed called SIMANP that despite the simplicity of computing and high-speed, is good in the terms of precision and efficiency. The results of comparing SIMANP algorithm and the proposed ANP ELECTRE method are presented at the end of the paper. Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 7 © 201
Impact of mupirocin and betadine-impregnated urethral catheter on the incidence rate of catheter-related bacteriuria and urinary tract infections, in comparison with conventional catheterization

Introduction: One of the most common nosocomial infections is urinary tract infection (UTI), which more commonly seen in patients with urethral catheter. Inappropriate use of urinary catheter can lead to certain complications including infection. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using mupirocin and betadineimpregnated urethral catheters in comparison with conventional catheterization on the incidence rate of catheter-related bacteriuria (CRB) and UTIs. Patients and Methods: In this parallel randomized clinical trial, phase III, a total of 150 patients (male and female) ranging from 18-75 years who needed urinary catheterization were randomly assigned into three evenly distributed groups; betadine, mupirocin, and conventional (control) through permuted block randomization. Sterile urine samples were examined for bacteriuria after catheter insertion and at the time of catheter removal. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.81 (±15.11) years. UTI was seen most frequently in the conventional group (56%), and least frequently in the mupirocin group (24%) (P<0.004). A significant difference was observed in incidence of post-catheterization UTI between the conventional and mupirocin groups, as well as between the conventional and betadine groups (P=0.001 and P=0.04, respectively). Conclusion: Using antibiotic and antiseptic-impregnated catheters (both mupirocin and betadine) could help to decrease the incidence rate of UTI in comparison to the conventional catheterization. Trial registration: The trial was registered with the TCTR ID: TCTR20200627001 (http:// www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php? tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=s earch&task2=view1&id=6442).