Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, How Wonder Islamic Finance: Up Above the World So High, Like a Diamond in the Sky

This study investigates empirically into the acclaimed positive role played financial market leading growth, with evidence from the MENA Islamic finance. Utilising, several econometric techniques models, such as unit root test, co-integration test and formal tests of ARDL framework developed by Granger causality and quarterly MENA data for the period 2000:1- 2014:2. Empirical findings revealed that both Engle-Granger and Johansen co-integration test support the view that there is a short and long-run relationship between financial Islamic banking development and economic growth in MENA. On the other hand, there was no evidence to support the view that financial Islamic banking development in MENA is a leading sector in the process of the country’s economic development. In particular, the causality relationship between RGDP growth and finance of Islamic banks in MENA is a bi-directional long-run granger causality, which reflects positively growth contribution of financial Islamic banking development in the economic development. Higher development in the financial Islamic banking causes higher real economic growth. High economic growth in turn promotes development in the financial Islamic banking. This study’s results will be useful in reaching policy decisions to develop financial Islamic banking to increase economic growth in developing countries or/ emerging economies, in general, and within MENA, in particular. Furthermore, providing empirical evidence regarding this critical issue within specific emerging economies will add to the literature on financial Islamic banking related to the role of Islamic finance development and its influence on economic growth and, thus, initiate an exciting topic for research as it is one of the pioneering studies of Islamic finance.
A Comparison of an Individually Tailored and a Standardized Asthma Self-Management Education

Abstract Background: Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States and can be life-threatening. There are a rising number of adults with asthma that cannot be prevented or cured but may be controlled. Selfmanagement education is essential for long-term asthma control; however, the most effective type of education is unknown. Purpose: The study examined and compared effects of an individually tailored (n = 44) and a standardized (n = 44) asthma self-management program on adult asthma control. The individually tailored education utilized an andragogical framework. Methods: A comparative, pretest-posttest design was used. Education curricula were based on National Asthma Education Prevention Program guidelines. Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Peak Expiratory Flow readings were pre and post-test measures. Independent t-test, chi-square, and repeated measure general linear model compared groups. Results: A significant difference in ACT scores between pre and post-test (F = 4.43, p = 0.038) and a decrease in mean number episodes of shortness of breath (F =6.22, p = 0.015), regardless of asthma teaching method was found. Over 50% of participants reported not receiving previous asthma education. Physicians were the primary source of education reported. Discussion: Asthma education is needed. Both the standardized and individually tailored education may improve asthma control. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health educators must take an active role in providing asthma education based on the rising number of adults with asthma and reports of those receiving no education. Practitioners can determine the type of education based on the setting and learner needs.
TTG and Potassic Granitoids in the Eastern North China Craton: Making Neoarchean Upper Continental Crust during Micro-continental Collision and Post-collisional Extension

As the major component, Archean granitoids provide us with an insight into the formation of the early continental crust. We report the study of a series of Neoarchean granitoids, including tonalite- trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) and potassic granitoids, in the Xingcheng region of the eastern North China Craton. Zircon U-Pb dating shows that the TTG granitoids were emplaced in the Neoarchean within a 75 Myr period (2595-2520 Ma), with coeval mafic magmatic enclaves, followed by intrusion of potassic granitoids. The geochemistry of the TTG granitoids is consistent with partial melting of Mesoarchean enriched mafic crustal sources at different depths (up to 10-12 kbar equivalent pressure) during a continental collision event. The potassic granitoids are derived from either low-degree melting of Mesoarchean enriched mafic crustal sources or remelting of Mesoarchean TTGs in response to post-collisional extension, and were hybridized with Neoarchean mantle-derived mafic melts to various degrees. The TTG and potassic granitoids in the Xingcheng region record the evolution from collision of micro-continental blocks to post-collisional extension, consistent with other studies, suggesting that the amalgamation of micro-continental blocks is what gave rise to the cratonization of the North China Craton at the end of the Archean. The rock assemblage of these granitoids resembles those of syn-and post-collisional magmatism in Phanerozoic orogenic belts, and the estimated average composition is similar to that of the present-day upper continental crust, suggesting that a prototype upper continental crust might have been developed at the end of the Archean from a mixture of TTG and potassic granitoids. Together with concurrent high-grade metamorphism in the North China Craton, we conclude that collisional orogenesis is responsible for continental cratonization at the end of the Archean in the North China Craton.
What will it take for laser driven proton accelerators to be applied to tumor therapy

After many years on the periphery of cancer therapy, the successes of proton and ion beams in tumor therapy are gradually receiving a higher degree of recognition. The considerable construction and acquisition costs are usually invoked to explain the slow market penetration of this favorable treatment modality. Recently, high-intensity lasers have been suggested as a potential, cost-saving alternative to cyclotrons or synchrotrons for oncology. This article will detail the technical requirements necessary for successful implementation of ion beam therapy (IBT)—the general term for proton and heavier-ion therapy. It will summarize the current state of laser acceleration of protons and will outline the very substantial developments still necessary for this technology to be successfully applied to IBT.
3D Optical Imaging of Fluorescent Agents in Biological Tissues

Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (fDOT) is an imaging modality which goes beyond well-established techniques such as 2D fluorescence imaging and fluorescence microscopy. Being a 3D tomographic modality, it seeks to overcome limitations of 2D systems as are: (i) the determination of the depth of fluorescent objects and (ii) a correction of the broadening of the fluorescence signal due to the massive scattering of photons.
Unconditionally secure Oblivious Polynomial Evaluation protocol

Oblivious polynomial evaluation is a protocol involving two parties: a sender whose input is a polynomial and a receiver whose input is a value a . Most of existing Oblivious Polynomial Evaluation protocols were built based on some cryptographically intractable problems which made them a higher computation complexity. By using some random and hiding secure information in them, this paper presents an unconditionally secure oblivious polynomial evaluation protocol. It does not rely on any cryptographic assumption and involves only simple computation. Further, our protocol does not include any third party and is more practice.
Locomotive Schedule Optimization for Da-qin Heavy Haul Railway

The main difference between locomotive schedule of heavy haul railways and that of regular rail transportation is the number of locomotives utilized for one train. One heavy-loaded train usually has more than one locomotive, but a regular train only has one. This paper develops an optimization model for the multilocomotive scheduling problem (MLSP) through analyzing the current locomotive schedule of Da-qin Railway. The objective function of our paper is to minimize the total number of utilized locomotives. The MLSP is nondeterministic polynomial (NP) hard. Therefore, we convert the multilocomotive traction problem into a single-locomotive traction problem. Then, the single-locomotive traction problem (SLTP) can be converted into an assignment problem. The Hungarian algorithm is applied to solve the model and obtain the optimal locomotive schedule. We use the variance of detention time of locomotives at stations to evaluate the stability of locomotive schedule. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization model, case studies for 20 kt and 30 kt heavy-loaded combined trains on Da-qin Railway are both conducted. Compared to the current schedules, the optimal schedules from the proposed models can save 62 and 47 locomotives for 20 kt and 30 kt heavy-loaded combined trains, respectively. Therefore, the effectiveness of the proposed model and its solution algorithm are both valid.
Determinants of the Profitability in the Czech Banking Industry

The aim of this paper is to estimate the banking profitability determinants of the Czech commercial banks during the period 2004-2014. For estimation of banking profitability we used three common measures, namely the Return on Assets, Return on Equity and Net Interest Margin. We estimated twelve determinants of banking performance. The effect of the determinants of banking profitability is estimated using panel data analysis. The data set is consists of seventeen commercial banks in the Czech Republic. The results show that the profitability was positively influenced by the bank’s size, capitalization, credit risk, level of concentration, ownership structure and bank’s market share. Number of branches of the bank had the negative impact on ROA and ROE. on the other hand, the variables Gross Domestic Product, interest rate, liquidity risk, riskiness of bank’s portfolio and affiliation with financial conglomerate have not got the significant influence on profitability of the Czech commercial banks.
Análise fatorial em series temporais com long-memory, outliers e sazonalidade : aplicação em poluição do ar na região da Grande Vitória-ES

Studies about air pollution typically involve measurements and analysis of pollutants, such as PM10 (particulate matter), SO2 (sulfur dioxide) and others. These data typically have important features like serial correlation, long dependency, seasonality and occurence of atypical observations, and many others, which may be analyzed by means of multivariate time series. In this context, a robust estimator of fractional robust autocovariance matrix of long dependence and seasonal frequency for SARFIMA model is proposed. The model is compared to SARMA model and is applied to SO2 concentrations. In addition of the mentioned features the data present high dimensionality in relation to sample size and number of variables. This fact complicates the analisys of the data using vector time series models. In the literature, the approach to mitigate this problem for high dimensional time series is to reduce the dimensionality using the factor analysis and principal component analysis. However, the long dependence characteristics and atypical observations, very common in air pollution series, is not considered by the standard factor analysis method. In this context, the standard factor model is extended to consider time series data presenting long dependence and outliers. The proposed method is applied to PM10 series of air quality monitoring network of the Greater Vitoria Region ES.
Takaful (Islamic Insurance): When We Started and Where We are Now

The idea and practice of Takaful is not new as it was practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by its adoption of the concept of Aqilah. Due to the complex nature of business activities and evolving human needs, Takaful is now fully commercialised and is an important part of the financial markets. Since it is important in our daily life, we believe that it is necessary to highlight when and how Takaful started and how it has developed. By doing so, we will know that the practice of Takaful is inherited from the Prophet (PBUH) and we will better appreciate the contributions of Muslim scholars to revitalize this industry. The discussion of this paper focuses on the historical development of Takaful, its available products, models, and regulatory framework. The practice of insurance was officially prohibited in 1976. Since then, Takaful has been introduced as Shari’ah compliant insurance product. Currently, there are 174 Takaful operators in the key Takaful markets and a variety of Takaful products are available to cater the market need. To achieve the sustainable development of the Takaful industry in the conventional world, Shari’ah scholars have developed several Takaful models. In addition, international organisations such as the Islamic Financial Services Board and the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions are supporting the industry by providing guidelines. This paper acknowledges that the Takaful industry is one of the fastest growing financial industries and current loopholes can be improved upon jointly by the industrial players, Shari’ah advisors and internal organisations
Quantitative benchmark computations of two‐dimensional bubble dynamics

Benchmark configurations for quantitative validation and comparison of incompressible interfacial flow codes, which model two‐dimensional bubbles rising in liquid columns, are proposed. The benchmark quantities: circularity, center of mass, and mean rise velocity are defined and measured to monitor convergence toward a reference solution. Comprehensive studies are undertaken by three independent research groups, two representing Eulerian level set finite‐element codes and one representing an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian moving grid approach.
Strategy Formation in Public Agencies

Johanson deals with the alternative ways of categorising strategy in public agencies. Strategic design, internal strategic scanning and strategic governance capture the essence of micro-level strategies within government agencies. These strategy modes differ from one another in terms of temporal orientation, the role of the managerial control, the position of the professions and the primary type of capital.
Rapid differentiation of Alectoris rufa L., 1758 and Alectoris chukar (Gray, 1830) (Galliformes: Phasianidae) by melting curve analysis of a parathyroid hormone gene SNP

Current DNA-based methods for identifying introgression levels of closely related species imply post-polymerase chain reaction manipulations that requires additional time and expenses for sample processing. Melting curves analysis is a technique that uses species-specific primers. Here we show this method to be highly accurate for the rapid differentiation of pure individual partridges of Alectoris chukar and A. rufa species, using a SNP of the parathyroid hormone gene in a simple, rapid and efficient way. Seventy eight individuals were analyzed, (A. chukar, n=15; A. rufa, n=63), and no hybrids were detected. This method should find wide use for the management polices based on strict genetic controls for partridge stocks reproduced in farms and used in restocking or other hunting activities.
A STORY ON LEADERSHIP STYLES FROM MACEDONIAN COMPANIES: COMPONENTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL VS. TRANSACTIONAL LEADERSHIP INFLUENCED BY ASPECTS OF EMOTIONALL INTELLIGENCE

The purpose of the research is to empirically evaluate leadership behavior of managers, focusing on transformational vs. transactional leadership at the same time exploring the relationship between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership in a specific economic and cultural setting, as the Republic of Macedonia. Questionnaire-based survey on managers at different management levels in Macedonian companies was conducted in order obtain the data necessary for evaluating the leadership styles and testing the proposed hypotheses The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analysis. Results indicate that leaders in Macedonian companies show higher affection towards transformational leadership. The ability to perceive and understand emotions and the ability to manage emotions have a positive impact on transformational leadership style. As a theoretical and practical implication of research, we aim to generalize the idea for the positive relationship between the emotional intelligence and transformational leadership by confirming the applicability of the model that examines this relationship in the case of the Republic of Macedonia
CMS-SMP-14-014 Measurement of the WZ production cross section in pp collisions at √ s = 7 and 8 TeV and search for anomalous triple gauge couplings at √ s = 8 TeV

The WZ production cross section is measured by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in proton-proton collision data samples corresponding to integrated luminosities of 4.9 fb−1 collected at √ s = 7 TeV, and 19.6 fb−1 at √ s = 8 TeV. The measurements are performed using the fully-leptonic WZ decay modes with electrons and muons in the final state. The measured cross sections for 71 < mZ < 111 GeV are σ(pp → WZ; √ s = 7 TeV) = 20.14 ± 1.32 (stat) ± 1.13 (syst) ± 0.44 (lumi) pb and σ(pp → WZ; √ s = 8 TeV) = 24.09± 0.87 (stat)± 1.62 (syst)± 0.63 (lumi) pb. Differential cross sections with respect to the Z boson pT, the leading jet pT, and the number of jets are obtained using the √ s = 8 TeV data. The results are consistent with standard model predictions and constraints on anomalous triple gauge couplings are obtained. Submitted to the European Physical Journal C c © 2016 CERN for the benefit of the CMS Collaboration. CC-BY-3.0 license ∗See Appendix A for the list of collaboration members ar X iv :1 60 9. 05 72 1v 1 [ he pex ] 1 9 Se p 20 16
Managing Credit Risk to Optimize Banks’ Profitability: A Survey of Selected Banks in Lagos State, Nigeria

This study examines the impact of managing credit risk and profitability of banks in Lagos state. It also focused on the need for prompt, effective and efficient service to numerous customers. The research hypothesis was tested and analyzed in relation to adequate credit risk management and its significant effect on banks’ profitability. It was also the aim of this research to evaluate how effective it is for a bank to manage its credit risk effectively to enhance profitability. In the course of this work, data was gotten through administering structured questionnaires which were answered by respondents. Correlation coefficient was used to decide whether or not credit risk management has an impact on profitability. It was then revealed through the analysis of data from the questionnaire that credit risk management operations plays a significant role in the profitability and performance of banks in Lagos State. Therefore, management need to be cautious in setting up a credit policy that might not negatively affects profitability and also they need to know how credit policy affects the operation of their banks to ensure judicious utilization of deposits. Key w ords: Credit Risk, Managing, Banks Profitability, Performance, Utilization of Deposits
Mafic alkaline metasomatism in the lithosphere underneath East Serbia: evidence from the study of xenoliths and the host alkali basalts

Abstract Effects of mafic alkaline metasomatism have been investigated by a combined study of the East Serbian mantle xenoliths and their host alkaline rocks. Fertile xenoliths and tiny mineral assemblages found in depleted xenoliths have been investigated. Fertile lithologies are represented by clinopyroxene (cpx)-rich lherzolite and spinel (sp)-rich olivine websterite containing Ti–Al-rich Cr-augite, Fe-rich olivine, Fe–Al-rich orthopyroxene and Al-rich spinel. Depleted xenoliths, which are the predominant lithology in the suite of East Serbian xenoliths, are harzburgite, cpx-poor lherzolite and rare Mg-rich dunite. They contain small-scale assemblages occurring as pocket-like, symplectitic or irregular, deformation-assisted accumulations of metasomatic phases, generally composed of Ti–Al- and incompatible element-rich Cr-diopside, Cr–Fe–Ti-rich spinel, altered glass, olivine, apatite, ilmenite, carbonate, feldspar, and a high-TiO2 (c. 11 wt%) phlogopite. The fertile xenoliths are too rich in Al, Ca and Fe to simply represent undepleted mantle. By contrast, their composition can be reproduced by the addition of 5–20 wt% of a basanitic melt to refractory mantle. However, textural relationships found in tiny mineral assemblages inside depleted xenoliths imply the following reaction: opx+sp1 (primary mantle Cr-spinel) ±phlogopite+Si-poor alkaline melt=Ti–Al-cpx+sp2 (metasomatic Ti-rich spinel)±ol±other minor phases. Inversion modelling, performed on the least contaminated and most isotopically uniform host basanites (87Sr/86Sr=c. 0.7031; 143Nd/144Nd=c. 0.5129), implies a source that was enriched in highly and moderately incompatible elements (c. 35–40× chondrite for U–Th–Nb–Ta, 2× chondrite for heavy rare earth elements (HREE), made up of clinopyroxene, carbonate (c. 5%), and traces of ilmenite (c. 1%) and apatite (c. 0.05%). A schematic model involves: first, percolation of CO2- and H2O-rich fluids and precipitation of metasomatic hydrous minerals; and, second, the subsequent breakdown of these hydrous minerals due to the further uplift of hot asthenospheric mantle. This model links intraplate alkaline magmatism to lithospheric mantle sources enriched by sublithospheric melts at some time in the past.
Ex situ conservation of two threatened ferns of the Western Ghats through in vitro spore culture

The present study was intended to produce a protocol for the conservation of two endangered ferns of southern Western Ghats of India using in vitro spore culture. In addition this study reports spore germination, gametophyte development, changes in the reproductive phases and sporophytes formation of the medicinally important ferns Pronephrium triphyllum (Sw.) Holttum and Sphaerostephanos unitus (L.) (Holttum). Matured spores of the two selected ferns were harvested, filtered through 40μM nylon membrane and sterilized with 0.1% mercuric chloride for 3 to 5 min and rinsed with sterile distilled water for 15 min showed less frequency of mortality and a high percentage of spore germinations. For Pronephrium triphyllum, the spores sown on the Knop’s basal agar medium showed the highest percentage (38.3 plus or minus 1.13) of germination. Highest percentage (52.3 plus or minus 1.43) of sporophyte formation was observed in Knop’s liquid medium. For Sphaerostephanos unitus, the highest percentage (36.8 plus or minus 1.31) of spore germination was observed in the Knop’s basal agar. The highest percentage of sporophyte formation was observed only in Knop’s medium (76.8 plus or minus 1.41), other media failed to induce sporophyte formation. The in vitro raised plantlets were hardened and established in the natural habitat and distributed to various botanic gardens as a part of ex situ conservation. Cytological and isoperoxidase analysis confirmed the genetic uniformity between mother plants and in vitro raised sporophytes / plants. The established protocol of the present study will be useful for the multiplication and conservation of the two threatened ferns of the Western Ghats. The same protocol may also be applicable to similar threatened ferns.