Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Board Characteristics and Financial Performance of Islamic Banks

Board of directors (BODs) is one of the crucial components of corporate governance mechanism that play immense roles in protecting the interests of the stakeholders. BODs are responsible to ensure bank achieves the desired profitability level and sustainability in the long term. The purpose of this paper is to review past literature on the impact board’s characteristics on the bank performance by focusing on the main board’s characteristics, which are board size, board independence and board diversity. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to investigate these relationships in the context of Islamic banking. It is expected that BODs characteristics significantly impact the performance of Islamic banking. This paper shed light on the BODs characteristics and performance of Islamic banks and serves as preliminary study to further examine this topic in the future.
Suicide and Primary Health Care in Swedish Regions - Do Increasing Number of Healthcare Centres Prevent Suicides?

Suicide is a public health concern in Sweden and suicide preventive work is being made in many areas. This study aims to examine the relationship between suicide rates and primary health care. The study exploits a set of reforms implemented in Swedish regions between 2007-2010, that aimed to increase patients’ choice of health care provider and the competition in the primary health care market. In order to estimate a causal relationship between primary healthcare centres and suicide rates, we examine the effect of the reforms on suicide rates using panel data over Sweden’s regions between 2006-2018. We also examine first stage effects of the reforms on health care personnel and health care visits, to further study the relationship between suicide and primary health care. The study finds no causal effect of healthcare centres on suicide rates but finds a significant negative effect of the reforms on suicide rates. The study also finds that the reforms increased visits to general practitioners but not to other professions, and the number of health care personnel did not increase after the reform. The study concludes that a negative effect of primary health care on suicide rates should be expected, but due to a limited data set, the effect is not significant in this study. The increase in access to general practitioners support this conclusion, but the lack of increase in access to other professions suggests that the effect of primary health care on suicide rates should be of low magnitude. Bachelor’s thesis in Economics, 15 credits Fall Semester 2019 Supervisor: Anna Bindler Department of Economics School of Business, Economics and Law University of Gothenburg
Photocatalytic degradation of pentachlorophenol by activated carbon-supported ZnO

Activated carbon (AC) was used to support zinc oxide to develop AC/ZnO system. ZnO was used as a photocatalyst to impregnate the carbonaceous material. The samples studied (AC, ZnO and AC/ZnO) were characterized by measuring iodine number, Methylene blue number, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy. Equilibrium adsorption studies of pentachlorophenol (PCP) from aqueous solutions by the samples studied showed that the experimental data were well adapted to Langmuir and Freundlich models. Degradation kinetics of PCP was well described by the pseudo-first-order model of Langmuir–Hinshelwood. Photocatalytic activity of ZnO and the hybrid system AC/ZnO was evaluated by degradation of PCP in aqueous solution. A synergistic effect of AC and ZnO was observed where a complete photodegradation of PCP was reached within 90 min by AC/ZnO and about 65% using ZnO alone. Degradation of PCP was followed up by monitoring COD. The PCP molecules were adsorbed by the AC hybrid and then efficiently degraded by the ZnO particles supported on AC.
The physical oceanography of the transport of floating marine debris

Marine plastic debris floating on the ocean surface is a major environmental problem. However, its distribution in the ocean is poorly mapped, and most of the plastic waste estimated to have entered the ocean from land is unaccounted for. Better understanding of how plastic debris is transported from coastal and marine sources is crucial to quantify and close the global inventory of marine plastics, which in turn represents critical information for mitigation or policy strategies. At the same time, plastic is a unique tracer that provides an opportunity to learn more about the physics and dynamics of our ocean across multiple scales, from the Ekman convergence in basin-scale gyres to individual waves in the surfzone. In this review, we comprehensively discuss what is known about the different processes that govern the transport of floating marine plastic debris in both the open ocean and the coastal zones, based on the published literature and referring to insights from neighbouring fields such as oil spill dispersion, marine safety recovery, plankton connectivity, and others. We discuss how measurements of marine plastics (both in situ and in the laboratory), remote sensing, and numerical simulations can elucidate these processes and their interactions across spatio-temporal scales.
Becoming a construction worker in the connected classroom: Opposing school work with smartphones as happy objects

This article aims to fill a very specific and acute gap; in addition to the few studies on youth and digitalisation, smartphones and other mobile tools, it is very clear that the field of research concerning these issues in regards to vocational education and training is close to non-existent. By examining male Building and Construction programme students’ collective use of smartphones in interaction during classes, this study contributes to increased knowledge about some of the challenges and possibilities that arise with the digitalisation of vocational education and training. The study uses new and innovative methods regarding how students’ digital activities in the classroom could be captured and studied, and approaches video recorded data through the lens of Sara Ahmed’s ideas of happy objects (2010), and the concept of community of practice (Wenger, 1998). The analyses show how the identity constructing processes that take shape when the students orient towards the smartphone as a happy object intersect with the students’ future vocational identity as building and constructing workers, as well as explicating an anti-school culture.
ABUNDANCE AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF AMMONIA OXIDIZING ARCHAEA AND BACTERIA IN RESPONSE TO PEANUT GROWTH UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITION IN SHANDONG, CHINA

Based on a three-year field experiment under controlled condition in Ji’nan, China, the effects of peanut growth on the variation in the abundance and community structure of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) before and after peanut growth were investigated through quantitative PCR and cluster analysis of terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Our results show that the community composition of AOA and AOB was greatly affected by the peanut growth leading to the decreased abundance of AOA and increased abundance of AOB. Furthermore, AOA and AOB community structures varied before and after peanut growth. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all AOA and AOB community sequences were clustered into the uncultured group. Altogether, the results suggested that the abundance of AOA and AOB in soil and their community compositions can be greatly affected by the peanut growth.
Performance of CT Scan in diagnosis of Sinonasal mass

Objective:To establish CT scan as a sensitive modality in the diagnosis of sinonasal mass by correlating with the findings of histopathological examination. Methods:This cross sectional study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) from 01/07/2013 to 30/06/2014. A total of 32 cases were studied. Results: In this study male and female ratio was 1.4:1. So, the incidence of sinonasal mass slightly higher in male (59.3%) compared to the female (40.6%). Incidence of malignant tumour was found more in age group above 60 years. Out of 32 patients, 6 patients (18.7%) were diagnosed histopathologically as infective, 7 patients (21.8%) were benign and 19 patients (59%) had malignant sinonasal mass. Conclusion: Computed tomography (CT) scan examination of the sinonasal mass correlate well in most of the cases with histopathological results. It is therefore can be concluded that CT examination of nose and paranasal sinuses is a useful modality in the evaluation of sinonasal mass.
Unionized Employees’ Influence on Executive Compensation: Evidence from Korea

This article explores the relationship between executive compensation and employee voice using a panel dataset from Korean firms. It was found that the existence and rate of labour unionization are both negatively associated with executive compensation payment, and that the negative association is progressively stronger for upper percentile executive pay. Labour union existence also has a strong negative correlation with stock option use in executive compensation packages, but unionization rate does not, implying that union existence is more critical in shaping executive compensation structures than the strength of the union.Membership of large family-owned business conglomerates (chaebol), high financial risk and high employee wages are identified as channels that reinforce the negative influence of labour unions on executive compensation.
Skills frameworks: A focus on supply chains

Background: Supply chain management (SCM) has grown considerably, owing largely to globalisation, advancements in technology and its pivotal role in meeting the dynamic needs of customers. As supply chains (SCs) expand, complexity also increases, as does the associated demand for well-skilled SC professionals. To achieve the expected SCM skills in organisations, a skills framework is likely to guide managers and practitioners. Unfortunately, research on SCM skills frameworks is fragmented, providing little or no guidance to practitioners. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to document the SC skills described in the literature, identify existing frameworks and propose a framework to guide practitioners and academics. Method: A systematic literature review design was followed. The data obtained were analysed using content analysis. Results: About 270 SCM skills were identified. The skills were grouped using many SC skills frameworks, including business logistics management, T-shaped, expertise level, SCM skills and hard and soft skills. The proposed skills framework included skills related to business, logistics, management, and ethics and environment. Emerging skills such as the application of blockchain technology, big data and SC sustainability have been included in the framework. Conclusion: The proposed framework provides a guide to SC managers about which skills groups to focus on and advises a contingency-based approach to identify the relevant skills per group in line with organisational requirements.
Effects of Blocking Patents on RD: A Quantitative DGE Analysis

What are the effects of blocking patents on R&D and consumption? This paper develops a quality-ladder growth model with overlapping intellectual property rights and capital accumulation to quantitatively evaluate the effects of blocking patents. The analysis focuses on two policy variables (a) patent breadth that determines the amount of profits created by an invention, and (b) the profit-sharing rule that determines the distribution of profits between current and former inventors along the quality ladder. The model is calibrated to aggregate data of the US economy. Under parameter values that match key features of the US economy and show equilibrium R&D underinvestment, I find that reducing the extent of blocking patents by changing the profit-sharing rule would lead to a significant increase in R&D, consumption and welfare. Also, the paper derives and quantifies a dynamic distortionary effect of patent policy on capital accumulation.
Assessment of the Usefulness of the Twin-Screw Press in Terms of the Pressing Efficiency and Antioxidant Properties of Apple Juice

The paper presents the possibility of applying a twin-screw press for juice extraction from apples with different textural properties. The research was carried out with six different varieties; namely, Granny Smith, Modi, Ligol, Lobo, Boscop and Szampion. During the experiment, the following properties were measured: texture properties, pressing yield and polyphenolic content; and ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity both in raw apples and apple juice. Based on the analysis, three hardness levels of apples can be distinguished, impacting the course of juice pressing in a twin-screw press (low hardness below 30 N, medium hardness 30–50 N and high hardness 50 N). The study showed that only high hardness apples are suitable for pressing on a twin-screw press. The mechanism by which texture properties influence the juice pressing process in the studied press was explained. It was further demonstrated that the hardness of apples has a positive impact on the degree of extraction of polyphenols and ascorbic acid into apple juice. This is caused by the different fracture patterns of tissues with different mechanical properties. High hardness apples (Granny Smith and Modi) were characterized by a considerably greater degree of bioactive substance extraction into juice than medium hardness apples.
CD19CD24CD38 B Cell Dysfunction in Primary Biliary Cholangitis

CD19CD24CD38 B cells are immature transitional B cells that, in normal individuals, exert suppressive effects by IL-10 production but are quantitatively altered and/or functionally impaired in individuals with various autoimmune diseases. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune disease, clinically presents as chronic cholestasis and nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis. A role for CD19CD24CD38 B cells in PBC is unknown. This study investigated the frequency and functional variation of circulating CD19CD24CD38 B cells in PBC patients. Flow cytometry was employed to quantify the percentage of CD19CD24CD38 B cells in peripheral blood samples. Correlations between CD19CD24CD38 B cells and routine laboratory parameters were assessed. Levels of IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12, and Tim-1 in CD19CD24CD38 B cells from PBC patients were analyzed. The effect of CD19CD24CD38 B cells on CD4T cell differentiation was evaluated. The percentage of CD19CD24CD38 B cells in PBC patients was significantly higher than in healthy controls and was positively correlated with liver cholestasis. After activation by anti-B cell receptor and CpG, the production of IL-10 was decreased and the production of IL-6 and IL-12 was increased in CD19CD24CD38 B cells from PBC patients. Moreover, Tim-1 levels were significantly downregulated in CD19CD24CD38 B cells from PBC patients. Coculture showed that PBC-derived CD19CD24CD38 B cells were less capable of CD4T cell inhibition, but promoted Th1 cell differentiation. In conclusion, PBC patients have expanded percentages, but impaired CD19CD24CD38 B cells, which correlate with disease damage. In PBC patients, this B cell subset has a skewed proinflammatory cytokine profile and a decreased capacity to suppress immune function, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of PBC.
Corneal transplantation and immunosuppressants

e-mail: nurakkayap@gmail.com ABSTRACT Corneal graft is the most common and most transplanted tissue due to its immune privilege. After corneal transplantation, topical or systemic immunosuppression is applied depending on the patient’s case and condition. Immunosuppressants are a group of drugs that suppress the body's immune system and prevent organ rejection by preventing the transplanted organs from being perceived as foreign by the body and stimulating the body's natural immunity. Immunosuppressants are subdivided into corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, interleukin 2 receptor blockers, and mTOR inhibitors. Inflammation or corneal vascularization in the transplant recipient increases the risk of graft rejection and affects the success of transplantation. To prevent rejection, systemic immunosuppressants are used in high-risk transplantation patients, however, long-term immunosuppressants have low efficacy and severe side effects, making it difficult to manage this process. Patient-specific immunomodulation therapy is currently thought to be the most effective treatment for the high-risk transplantation group. In this review, the characteristics, effects, and efficacy of topical and systemic immunosuppressants used in the post-transplantation period are described in scope of the possibility of corneal graft rejection after transplantation and according to the immune privilege of cornea and risk factors for corneal transplantation. Novel immunoregulators and cellular therapies that may increase the success of corneal transplantation without side effects of immunosuppressants are also emphasized.
On the Contrasts Between sí ‘yes’ and sí que ‘yes that’ in Spanish and the Structure of the Complementizer Phrase Domain

Abstract This paper aims to account for a host of old and novel syntactic contrasts between the emphatic polarity particle sí ‘yes’ and its putative counterpart with an instance of the complementizer que –sí que ‘yes that’ in Spanish. Even though the two constructions appear to be synonymous in certain contexts, closer inspection reveals that the two elements display a number of non-trivial asymmetries in their behavior and distribution and convey different meanings. We thus argue that the two elements should be treated differently. Building on Hernanz (2007 and subsequent work), we propose that sí, which marks focal positive polarity, i.e., verum focus, originates in ΣP and then moves to FocusP. By contrast, sí que is directly merged in a projection below TopicP but higher than FocusP in the left periphery, does not encode polarity, and instead renders the meaning that the speaker is extremely confident about the propositional content, be it positive or negative. We argue that sí que involves more CP structure than sí, which makes a variety of correct empirical predictions.
The role of bone marrow stromal cells in blood diseases and clinical significance as a crucial part of the hematopoietic microenvironment

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) usually refers to a group of multipotential, heterogenous members within the bone marrow that act as stem/progenitor cells of the bone tissue and are indirectly responsible for hematopoiesis. They could differentiate into diverse phenotypes, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, etc. which together form the skeletal structure and compose most of the hematopoietic microenvironment (HME) sponsoring the regular production of blood elements. However, when blood diseases happening, these sponsors neglect their duty to become hypofunctional or even revolt to support tumor growth resulting in the suppression of normal hematopoiesis and progression of the disease. Consequently, in this review, we focus on BMSCs, a crucial part of the HME, discussing their changes under the pathological condition and expounding their profound roles involving in several hematopoietic diseases. By understanding the performance of BMSCs, more potential therapeutic applications and targets will be discovered and thus, the available regimen could be supplied to achieve a satisfactory curative effect.
CHARLES UNIVERSITY IN PRAGUE

Despite a number of studies demonstrating that women are more risk averse than men, this strong consensus has recently been questioned. In this thesis we discuss what may be the reason for such contradicting outcomes. Firstly, we describe the most common elicitation methods and compare them from the perspective of reporting gender differences in risk attitudes. We also summarize current literature in the topic. Then we describe a design and analyze original dataset from a survey experiment conducted with university students, mainly investigating responses to a general risk question. We examine the role of variables that are different between genders and can explain risk preferences to see whether the gender difference is robust. We further focus on different dimensions of risk: we ask about risk taking in driving, financial, sports, career, and health domains. Our findings show that the gender differences in risk preferences are significant, ubiquitous, and can be detected by a simple survey measure, even after controlling for additional characteristics that are known to play role in attitudes to risk and differ between men and women. This applies for all studied domains except for the health one.
Exploring Young Adults’ Understanding and Experience with a Digital Legacy Management System

The current society produces and consumes large amounts of digital content, especially young people. Each person accumulates throughout their lives a set of digital items that will constitute their own digital legacy. Recently, a number of works that focus on post-mortem data and technology have been published. Our work adds to the existing body of work, and explores the perspective of Brazilian young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 on digital legacy management systems. We investigate how this public understands the new concepts introduced by this domain, and what are their attitude towards it based on their experience with the different roles offered by the system, namely the account owner, the trusted contact and the heirs. We selected the system Afternote to provide a context for our exploration. The first step in our study was to perform a systematic analysis of the system, followed by two user studies in which young adults explored and shared their views of the system, based on their focus on the role of account owner or trusted contact. Our results show that participants could understand the novel concepts introduced by Afternote, but some of the processes that would take place in the future represented more of a challenge. They believed the system was useful, but raised many issues and costs associated to its use. These results contribute to the ongoing research, evaluation and design of Digital Legacy Management Systems.
Natural resources with sweetener power: phytochemistry and antioxidant characterisation of Stevia Rebaudiana (Bert.), sensorial and centesimal analyses of lemon cake recipes with S. Rebaudiana incorporation.

Stevia rebaudiana leaf extracts are calorie-free sweeteners of natural origin, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant known as a natural sweetener, which contains steviol glycosides and others bioactive compounds recognized by their biological properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the total phenolics (26.0 mg gallic acid/g) and total flavonoids contents (9.7 mg catechin/g) of a hydroalcoholic extract of Stevia rebaudiana dried leaves. A similar hydroalcoholic extract of commercial powder steviol sweetener was also evaluated, showing lower contents of bioactive compounds (11
KEKB Injection Developments

The e-/e+ SuperKEKB collider is now under commissioning. As e-/e+ beam injection for SuperKEKB greatly depends on the efforts during the previous KEKB project, the injection developments during KEKB are outlined as well as the improvements towards SuperKEKB. When KEKB was commissioned, approximately ten experimental runs per day were performed with e-/e+ injections in between. As another collider PEP-II had a powerful injector SLAC, the KEKB injector had to make a few improvements seriously, such as injection of two bunches in a pulse, continuous injection scheme, eventual simultaneous top-up injections, as well as many operational optimizations. The design of SuperKEKB further required the beam quality improvements especially in the lower beam emittance for the nano-beam scheme, as well as in the beam current for the higher ring stored current and the shorter lifetime.