Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Operational Environment-Adjusted Nationwide Bank Efficiency in China

In addition to managerial factors, the operational environment also brings favorable and unfavorable effects upon banks. This study attempts to separate the inefficiency caused by management and the inefficiency caused by operational environment. Applying the four-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach proposed by Fried et al. (1999), this paper studies the operational environment-adjusted efficiency of eleven nationwide banks in China from 1995 to 2004. There are two outputs (investment and loans) and three inputs (deposits, employees, and fixed assets) in the DEA model. All nominal variables are transformed into real variables by the GDP deflators at the 1995 price level. After adjusting the input variables by excluding effects caused by environmental factors, state-owned banks show a greater improvement on efficiency. This implies that joint-equity ownership significantly favors nationwide banks in China. State-owned banks can hence engage in ownership reform to improve their efficiency.
Biaxial Anisotropic Material Development and Characterization using Rectangular to Square Waveguide

Abstract : The advent of 3-D printing provides a new way to develop complex electromagnetic media. Complex media poses measurement challenges and require new techniques to characterize sample constitutive parameters. A biaxial anisotropic sample is designed using crystallographic symmetry and tensor elements are predicted using equivalent capacitive and inductive lumped elements. Samples are measured using the Waveguide Rectangular to Waveguide Square (WRWS) cubic sample measurement system. The WRWS system supports the analysis of a cubic biaxial anisotropic sample by measuring the sample in di erent measurement orientations. The orientation S-parameter data is used to extract tensor element permittivites and permeabilities using an analytic, closed-form technique. Research performed in this document demonstrates a sample synthesis methodology, a measurement representative computational electromagnetic (CEM) prediction of WRWS sample measurements and tests results of an electrically biaxial sample. An uncertainty analysis is also conducted on the experimental data to evaluate potential error sources. The lumped element and CEM predictions agree with the test results. Supplemental discussion also provides a comparison between test data and a free-space simulated results as well as simulated example of an electrically biaxial sample loaded with alumina. These two examples demonstrate the utility of a crystallographic sample design.
Using Twitter to track immigration sentiment during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Large-scale coordinated efforts have been dedicated to understanding the global health and economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the rapid spread of discrimination and xenophobia against specific populations has largely been neglected. Understanding public attitudes toward migration is essential to counter discrimination against immigrants and promote social cohesion. Traditional data sources to monitor public opinion are often limited, notably due to slow collection and release activities. New forms of data, particularly from social media, can help overcome these limitations. While some bias exists, social media data are produced at an unprecedented temporal frequency, geographical granularity, are collected globally and accessible in real-time. Drawing on a data set of 30.39 million tweets and natural language processing, this article aims to measure shifts in public sentiment opinion about migration during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Results show an increase of migration-related Tweets along with COVID-19 cases during national lockdowns in all five countries. Yet, we found no evidence of a significant increase in anti-immigration sentiment, as rises in the volume of negative messages are offset by comparable increases in positive messages. Additionally, we presented evidence of growing social polarization concerning migration, showing high concentrations of strongly positive and strongly negative sentiments.
Mobile Wallet Acceptance in Sabah: An Empirical Analysis

Purpose - Technological proliferation has changed the practice in which financial services are transacted, with mobile wallet being the latest development in this area. This paper aims at explaining the factors that encourage bank customers to adopt mobile wallet in Sabah. Design/methodology/approach – Extends the applicability of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in a mobile wallet context, by adding perceived expressiveness, knowledge about mobile wallet and perceived credibility in addition to perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Findings - Results suggest that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived expressiveness and knowledge about mobile wallet are important determinants of mobile wallet acceptance. Research limitations/ implications - The relatively small size of the sample somewhat limits generalizations. However, this is not a serious limitation, as the author believes this sample size able to contribute significantly, at least at exploratory level. Moreover, there may be a need to add for additional independent variables to the extended TAM, further expanding the number of situations to which it applies. Practical implications - This study will be primarily beneficial to the commercial banks since they will understand the usable factors toward mobile wallet acceptance. Originality/value - Develops a specific version of TAM to better reflect mobile wallet context in Malaysia.
Cycle-Resolved LDV Measurements In a Motored Diesel Engine and Comparison with K-ε Model Predictions

Cycle-resolved LDV measurements of tangential mean velocities and turbulence intensities were made in a motored, single cylinder, Cummins NH diesel engine at 300 and 600 rpm. The measurements were made at eight locations in a plane 0.9 cm below the cylinder head. The combustion chamber and intake configuration of this low-swirl, low-squish engine were nearly identical to the stock configuration. For improved optical access, however, the compression ratio was lower in the test engine (10:1) than in the production engine (14.5:1). The measured turbulence intensities were compared to values computed with KIVA, an in-cylinder fluid dynamics flow code with a {kappa}-{epsilon} turbulence model. The measurements show that the mean velocity field is three-dimensional before TDC, consisting of both a weak swirling motion and a weak tumbling motion.
Effect of sowing dates and spacing on growth and yield of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in subtropical climate of Assam, India

A field experiment was conducted during the year 2009 to 2011 in rainy season to find out the optimum time of sowing and plant spacing of cluster bean (var. Pusa Naubahar) in Assam . Four sowing time viz. 1st July, 15th July, 1st August and 15th August and three spacing plant spacing i.e. 45 x 30 cm,60 x 30 cm and 45 x 45cm were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The obtained results showed that all characters were markedly affected by sowing dates and spacing. Most of the characters studied except flowering date, decreased by delaying sowing date from Ist Jul to 15th Aug. Increasing spacing from 30 to 60 cm significantly increased pods/plant and leaf area, but decreased maturity date and plant height. The % disease infestation of collar rot was found minimum with earlier sowing plants. The interaction effect of (S x D) was significant for plant height, pods/plant and leaves/plant. Sowing the crop on 1st July at a spacing of 45 x 30 cm produced the highest pod yield (12.46 t/ha) and the lowest pod yield 7.12 t/ha was recorded in Aug 15th sowing with 45x45 cm spacing. Results of the present study revealed that 1st July sowing and 45 x 30 cm spacing was suitable for cluster bean production under agro climatic condition of Assam. Evaluation of production economics revealed 1st July sowing with 45 x 30 cm plants was also most remunerative option with a highest benefit: cost ratio of 2.83.
The subsequent newborn effects of stillbirth and abortion, a longitudinal study.

Introduction This study was conducted to assess the effects of stillbirth and abortion on the health of the subsequent newborn. Methods A prospective cohort study was implemented. The data were collected from January 2015 to August 2019. The study participants were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using interviewing the pregnant mothers, reviewing medical charts, analyzing the blood samples from the newborn, and scheduled medical checkups. General linear model was used to assess the effects of stillbirth and abortion on the health of the newborn, Poisson regression was used to identify predictors of childhood infectious diseases episodes and Kaplan Meier survival curve were used to estimate time to childhood pneumonia and diarrhea. Results 2872 infants were included giving for the response rate of 88.97%. Neonate born from mothers with a previous history of stillbirth or abortion had low birth weight, low serum iron, and zinc levels. High infection episodes of diarrhea and pneumonia were observed among infants born from a previous history of stillbirth and abortion mothers. The infection episodes during the childhood period were determined by serum zinc level [IRR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61- 0.83], birth weight [IRR 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81 – 0.91], breastfeeding frequency [IRR 0.9; 95% CI: 0.87-0.93]. Conclusion The birth weight, serum iron and zinc levels of neonates born from the previous history of stillbirth and abortion were lower. The infection episodes of newborns born from mothers with previous history stillbirth or abortion were higher.
Stability Analysis of Dual Solutions Magnetohydrodynamics Stagnation-Point Flow of Carreau Fluid Towards a Stretching/Shrinking Surface with Induced Magnetic Field and Convective Boundary Conditions

Stability Analysis of Dual Solutions Magnetohydrodynamics Stagnation-Point Flow of Carreau Fluid Towards a Stretching/Shrinking Surface with Induced Magnetic Field and Convective Boundary Conditions Mohamad Mustaqim Junoh1*, Fadzilah Md Ali1,2, Norihan Md Ariffin1,2 and Norfifah Bachok1,2 1Institute for Mathematical Research, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia 2Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Predictive model to monitor the transport of E. coli in homogeneous aquifers in port harcourt Niger delta of Nigeria

Predictive model to monitor the transportation of E. coli inhomogenous aquifer has been evaluated. The model where generated from amathematical expression derived from E. coli experiment. Least square methodwhere apply to resolve the equations, theoretical value where generated fromthe mathematical equation, this values were compared with other experimentalvalues from o different locations, both parameters expressed a valuable fit.The expression from both parameters shows that the concentration develop arapid increase at three meters, were we have lateritic soil, while the lowestconcentration where deposited at thirty meters where we have homogenous fineand coarse sand, this expression displayed a physical process of concentrationinfluenced by variation of distance, which is from high to low concentration.This study is imperative because the model has absolutely defined the behaviorof E. coli with respect to change in concentration and depths, formationcharacteristic like deltaic nature of the soil including high rate of porosityhas been confirmed to influence the E. coli transport to ground water aquifers.The study expressed high concentration of E. coli at thirty meters and itdeposited 0.51mg/l, comparing to world health organization of zero deposit ofE. coli concentration on water implies that ground water at those depths arenot good for human consumption, therefore it is recommended that where there isregeneration of contaminant, water treatment plant should be applied in groundwater design at shallow aquifers.
Comparative analysis of combined phosphorus and drought stress-responses in two winter wheat

Phosphorus stress and drought stress are common abiotic stresses for wheat. In this study, two winter wheat varieties “Xindong20” and “Xindong23” were cultured in a hydroponic system using Hoagland nutrient solution and treated with drought stress under conventional (CP: 1.0 mmol/L) and low (LP: 0.05 mmol/L) phosphorus levels. Under drought stress, the root growth was better under LP than under CP. Under LP, root phosphorus content was increased by 94.2% in Xindong20 and decreased by 48.9% in Xindong23 at 3 d after re-watering, compared with those at 0 d under drought stress. However, the potassium (K) content was the highest among the four elements studied and the phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) content were reduced in the root of the two varieties. Under CP, the zinc (Zn) content was higher than that under LP in Xindong23. The GeneChip analysis showed that a total of 4,577 and 202 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected from the roots of Xindong20 and Xindong23, respectively. Among them, 89.9% of DEGs were involved in organelles and vesicles in Xindong20, and 69.8% were involved in root anatomical structure, respiratory chain, electron transport chain, ion transport, and enzyme activity in Xindong23. Overall, LP was superior to CP in mitigating drought stress on wheat, and the regulatory genes were also different in the two varieties. Xindong20 had higher drought tolerance for more up-regulated genes involved in the responses compared to Xindong23.
Mechanical Properties of QH-E Lunar Soil Simulant at Low Confining Stresses

AbstractThe low-moon gravity has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of lunar soils at low-stress levels. To better understand the shear strength and deformation behavior of lunar soils at low confining stress and to facilitate the modeling and simulation of lunar activities, a series of consolidated drained triaxial compression tests were performed on numerous samples of lunar-soil simulant developed by Tsinghua University, China (named as QH-E). Great care was taken to conduct the experimental studies at low confining stresses such that reliable results can be obtained. The measured data suggest that QH-E samples exhibited strain-softening behavior with typical residual shear strength behavior characteristics. It was also found the residual internal friction angle φcs approximately 40°, regardless of confining stress, σ3 and relative density, Dr, whereas the peak apparent cohesion intercept ca−p is not equal to zero owing to the nonlinear behavior of shear strength of QH-E. However, the.
Mismatch of lateral field metal-oxide-metal capacitors in 180 nm CMOS process

Metal-oxide-metal (MOM) capacitors represent an attractive alternative to metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors in mixed-signal integrated circuits. Since they are made of metal lines, they can be integrated in standard CMOS processes, and tailored over a wide range of sizes. Mismatch data of MOM capacitors, however, is scarce and typically conservative. Presented is the design and the test results of a custom ADC that employs an array of 1024 MOM capacitors sized at 2 fF. Static performance metrics are presented and compared with those for an ADC based on MIM capacitors. Mismatch data is computed from the results.
Coaching for skill development in sport: a kinesio-cultural approach

ABSTRACT Skill development was traditionally seen through a positivist lens. Research was based on mind-body, individual-environment, and performer-skill dualisms, and researchers assumed that universal principles would ensure optimal development. Metaphorically, these assumptions represented a target hitting understanding of skill development. The goal was for the performer to hit the target of optimal performance as reliably as possible. Such an understanding commits researchers and practitioners to practical and methodological approaches. The aim of this paper is to reconsider skill development and think beyond a target hitting metaphor. To achieve this aim, we outline a kinesio-cultural exploration approach to skill development. This approach is based on a metaphoric understanding of skill development as familiarizing oneself with a landscape. Attaining familiarity in movement landscapes, or ‘kinescapes’, requires spending time in these fields, attending to critical aspects, and remaining flexible. From this perspective, skilled performers are qualitatively different to ‘target hitting’ performers.
Teaching Culture In Arabic: Perspectives On The Use Of Blended Learning And Hypermedia

In contemporary foreign language pedagogy, effective teaching of intercultural communicative competence cannot be separated from the use of technology. Web 2.0, social media, mobile devices, online and blended learning, and wearing technology have made it nearly impossible to develop effective courses without basing them on the culture of the target language. Teaching culture, however, is not salient in foreign language teaching; it is the most neglected part (Sercu, 2005) and culture has to defend its legitimacy to be integrated in teaching languages, just as Kramsch (1995) put it “. culture, in order to be legitimate, has always had to justify itself” (p. 85). As a result, teachers devote around 20% of their teaching time to teaching culture (Castro, Sercu & Garcia, 2004). In recent years, nevertheless, there has been a shift in understanding, implementing and integrating teaching culture in foreign language settings (Bayyurt, 2006, Chamberlin-Quinlisk, 2012; Gonen & Aglam, 2012; Castro, et. al., 2004; Byram, 2002), but at a slow pace (Castro et al., 2004; Sercu, Garcia, & Castro, 2005) The situation of teaching culture using technology in Arabic as a foreign language is not as advanced as for other foreign languages and the attempts to remedy the problems are limited. Although interest in learning Arabic has noticeably increased in the last twenty years, educational institutions are far from ready to absorb the new enrollments. The two main areas that have received little attention in research are the integration of culture and the integration of technology in the Arabic teaching context. This is in evidence in the lack of well-prepared teachers, the scarcity of Web tools that specifically address the particularities of the Arabic language, and the shortage of well-designed and innovative teaching materials and assessment tools.
Making Sustainable Strategy in Complex Management Environments: Proposition for a Systemic and Practice-Oriented Methodology

The increasing complexity of the modern world creates both higher risks and new interdependencies in the socioeconomic environment. To cope with these challenges powerful new tools must be applied to find sustainable solutions. System dynamics is a field that offers potential assistance in dealing with complex issues. However, managers and politicians often lack the knowledge and necessary skills to apply quantitative methods in their decision-making process. In contrast, qualitative approaches are easily understood and handled but have limited capacities for analysis. To address this gap, we have developed a bundle of tools tailored for managers and politicians facing complex problems. These tools enable executives to recognize effective levers and assess potential consequences of specific interventions in a highly interconnected system. The approach detailed here equips decision makers with a powerful method to develop, test, and communicate strategies to find long-term sustainable solutions for complex issues in business and society.
Navy Career Sea Pay: Is it Still a Viable Compensating Wage Program? A Historical and Financial Analysis

Abstract : Resources should be allocated to those programs that provide benefits greater than their costs. This project examines if the Navy's Career Sea Pay program is effective at meeting that criteria for its enlisted component. Using five representative ratings, an historical review of changing trends in the Navy's use of sea pay is conducted to determine the program's intent. Cost data and measures of satisfaction with the amount of pay including survey responses and sea duty generation amounts are compared and analyzed. Empirical evidence suggests that the increase in Career Sea pay rates in fiscal year 2002 generated an increase in the willingness to go to sea; however, the increase was short-lived due to the loss in the real value of the compensation due to inflation. Additionally, statistical analysis provides no consistent verification of the relationship between the cost and intended benefit of Career Sea Pay and is unable to determine Sailors assessment of the cost of sea duty. Two alternatives are proposed to improve the effectiveness of Career Sea Pay as an incentive to willingly perform sea duty.
Locomotion With Loads: Practical Techniques for Predicting Performance Outcomes

Abstract : Here, load carriage interventions for walking energy expenditure and running speed have been designed to: 1) advance existing models and 2) contribute needed data to the broader effort to develop load-carriage decision-aid tools for modern soldiers. We hypothesize first that our height, weight (including load), speed, and grade algorithms proposed will allow walking metabolic rates to be predicted to within 6.0 and 12.0% in laboratory and field settings, respectively. We hypothesize second that the speed-load carriage algorithms will allow load-induced decrements in all-out sprint running speeds to be predicted to within 6.0% in both laboratory and field settings. Respective load-carriage algorithms for walking energy expenditure and running speed will be developed and tested (Technical Objectives 1.0 and 2.0) in the laboratory and the field.
Socio-Economic Impacts of Conflicts between Farmers and Cattle Herdsmen in Rural Households of Benue State, Nigeria

The survey was conducted to determine socio-economic impacts of conflicts between farmers and cattle herdsmen in rural households Questionnaire/interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 118 respondents used for the study. Frequency, percentage and factor analysis were used for analyzing data collected for the study. Findings of this study indicate that major effects of conflict between farmers and cattle herdsmen on agricultural production were named socio-economic, loss of lives and property-related and shortage of food-related factors. Furthermore, the respondents revealed that the coping strategies used in avoiding conflict between farmers and cattle herdsmen were avoiding crops destruction by cattle (88.1%), strict supervision of grazing by adult herdsmen (78.8%), establishment of ranches (78.0%) and avoiding cattle rustling (78.0%). It is recommended that government at all levels (federal, state and local) should liaise with community leaders to ensure adequate security of lives and property in rural communities in order to sustain the livelihoods of the rural dwellers.