Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An assessment of TQM implementation, and the influence of organisational culture on TQM implementation in Libyan banks

TQM has become a competitive strategy for organisations and has been widely implemented throughout the world. Over the previous three decades, there has been a dramatic growth globally in the implementation of total quality management (TQM) in many organisations with the aim of improving the quality of their products and services, and meeting customers‘ needs. Although the literature in the field relates the success of many organisations in the implementation of TQM, it also refers to the fact that there have been some failures or shortcomings and barriers to the implementation of TQM. These failures or barriers to adoption and implementation are due not only to a lack of top management commitment or weak understanding of total quality management, but also encompass organisational cultural factors. The purpose of this research is to assess the level of TQM implementation, and to explore the influence of organisational culture on TQM implementation in Libyan banks. In addition, this research identifies the main obstacles that affect the implementation of TQM in Libyan banks. This study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to achieve the objectives of the research. A questionnaire was designed to determining the level of TQM implementation in Libyan banks, and to identify the causal relationships between factors, in order to explore the influence of organisational culture on TQM implementation. Complimentary semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and supervisors to gain a greater understanding of some additional issues with regard to TQM practice and organisational culture. The results of data analysis show that the level of TQM implementation in Libyan banks was low. The competing value framework (CVF) as proposed and tested by Denison and Spreitzer (1991) was used to explore the influence of organisational culture types on TQM implementation factors in Libyan banks. The findings showed that group culture and developmental culture had a positive influence on all TQM implementation factors. In addition, hierarchical culture and rational culture did not have any influence on TQM implementation factors in this context. Moreover, the study revealed that some of the obstacles that affected the achievement of a high level of TQM implementation in Libyan banks were: a lack of top management commitment; a lack of training programmes relating to quality management; and a weak focus on customer expectations and satisfaction. The findings of this study make an original contribution to the academic and practical knowledge of TQM. It is the first exploratory study to have assessed TQM implementation, and to have investigated the influence of organisational culture types on TQM implementation in Libyan banks. Besides presenting some recommendations for Libyan banks, the research offers suggestions for further research in this area.
Antenna beamforming for EW using adaptive layered networks

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) provide an alternative 'inverse processing' solution for angle-of-arrival (AOA) estimation in the form of an adaptive layered network. A suitably trained supervised ANN, such as the multi-layer perceptron, can classify signal AOA into a number of sectors with processing input taken directly from the receiving array elements. The main problems are that uniform angular sectoring is not compatible with linear array functions, and unless the output space is carefully code-mapped, rays with AOA near the boundaries will give large estimation errors. These and other problems were resolved by modifying the ANN method using least squares and a novel graphical solution together with unit distance (Gray) coding. >
A Sugeno-Type Fuzzy Expert System for Rough Turning

This work describes a fuzzy expert system for rough turning. In order to automate unmanned turning, safety of the process must be ensured. In addition, any quality requirements should be fulfilled and, within these constraints, productivity maximized. The traditional approach in adaptive control of machining is to keep a measured quantity, such as power, within acceptable limits. However, there have been some studies measuring distinct phenomena in machining and identifying “cutting states” based on the phenomena. By identifying cutting states corresponding to phenomena monitored by human experts, it is possible to construct an intelligent machining system emulating the decision making of a human expert. This paper concentrates on defining the requirements for the inference part of such of an intelligent machining system. This work concentrates on both functional requirements, such as capability to take into account specific cutting states. The existence of process monitoring subsystems which detect and measure the cutting phenomena is assumed. As a result, a Sugeno-type fuzzy control is suggested, and feasibility and the level of completeness of such a system are discussed and issues requiring further study are identified.
A Review of Tracking and Clustering Multiple Objects by Using Graph Mining Algorithms

Video tracking is the process of propagating a position of moving object over time by using a camera. The group and extended object tracking become a big problems and challenges in any applications. Groups are structures objects, formations of entities moving in a coordinated fashion, whose number vary in time, it can split, merge, can be near to each other or can spawn new groups. The main purpose of this paper is to present how to identify multiple moving objects in a scene and then apply preprocessing operations to prepare them for tracking. After that we illustrate the ways to find the trajectories of the objects in order to use graph mining algorithms to cluster these trajectories.
Weak injection locked DFB semiconductor laser for optical fiber sensing

Two DFB semiconductor lasers are adopted as master and slave lasers to investigate the properties of the weak injection locked DFB laser, such as the stable locking range, the phase noise and the power stability. A Brillouin/erbium fiber laser pumped by the master DFB laser is injected into the slave DFB laser to validate the improvements of power stability and spectral purity through the laser injection locking technology, which also demonstrates the feasibility of single frequency extraction. The locked laser acts like a tunable narrow-band optical filter with central frequency and bandwidth decided by the input signal. The experimental results give rise to some potential configurations useful for Brillouin distributed fiber sensing and signal processing in microwave photonics.
Supply Chain System Model of Components for Assembly Lines Based on Kanban and Milk Run Methodologies

Seeking to optimize the raw material supply for the assembly lines in many industries, the following case study, starting with a direct observation of a motorcycle factory and an electronics assembly factory, based on a rich theoretical analysis of the Lean wastes, describe the factories present processes and focus on developing a fast, feasible and low cost solution, gathering concepts of Kanban and Milk Run methodologies, resulting in a proposal of a system of real time management of the production status, allowing a better organization for the logistics teams of the named companies.
Spatially variant apodization for sidelobe control in SAR imagery

Presented here is a class of nonlinear operators which significantly reduce sidelobes in SAR imagery without degrading mainlobe resolution. Implementation is via sequential nonlinear operations applied to complex-valued (undetected) SAR images. SAR imaging is used to motivate the concepts developed in this paper. However, these nonlinear apodization techniques have potentially broad and far-ranging applications in antenna design, sonar, digital filtering, etc., i.e. whenever data can be represented as the Fourier transform of a finite-aperture signal. <<ETX>>
Stable Reference Gene Selection for qRT-PCR Normalization in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Leaves under Different Stress and Light-Quality Conditions

Selecting an appropriate reference gene is of crucial importance for improving the accuracy of qRT-PCR analyses. In this study, strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) seedlings were subjected to different environmental conditions including heat, cold, drought, salt, white-light, blue-light, and red-light treatments. The expression levels of seven candidate reference genes, including Fa18S, FaGAPDH, FaPIRUV, FaDBP, FaHISTH4, FaACTIN1, and FaACTIN2, in the strawberry leaves were measured by qRT-PCR. Then, four programs (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder) were employed as tools to evaluate the expression stability of the candidate reference genes. The results showed that the expression stability of the reference genes varied under different conditions. For the cold stress and white-light treatments, FaACTIN2 was evaluated to be the most stable reference gene. FaGAPDH should be used as the reference gene under salt-stress condition and red-light treatment. For the data normalization under drought-stress treatment, FaDBP is the recommended reference gene with the highest expression stability. FaHISTH4 was observed to be the best reference gene for data normalization under heat stress and blue-light treatment. This work provides information on selecting reference genes for accurate gene expression analyses of target genes in strawberry leaves under various abiotic stress and light-quality conditions.
Multiplexing efficiency of multiple antenna systems

Multiplexing efficiency is proposed as a simple and intuitive metric for characterizing multiple antenna systems in the spatial multiplexing mode of operation. Instead of comparing channel capacities of MIMO systems with different antennas, the metric offers valuable insights into the impact of antenna efficiency, efficiency imbalance and correlation on multiplexing performance. It is particularly useful in antenna design with the goal to achieve the optimum MIMO system performance. Experimental results involving mobile terminal prototypes highlight the effectiveness of the proposal.
Organisational reward strategies and performance of front line managers : analysis of Pakistani textile industry

The current study seeks to contribute specifically to the literature on reward management and managerial performance. In doing so, it aims to address certain gaps in the existing literature; particularly a noticeable lack of research in rewards and individual performance relationships in a developing country, Pakistan. This study has sought to examine the relationship of extrinsic rewards comprising of pay, bonuses, opportunities for promotion and intrinsic rewards such as sense of recognition, job characteristics with individual performance measured as task and contextual performance including citizenship behaviour. Furthermore, the study has sought to examine the mediation role of organisational justice elements such as procedural and distributive justice in reward performance relationships. The study aims at identifying different rewards being offered in textile organisations and their relationships with performance of front line managers in textile sector organisations. The study focuses primarily on key research questions: 1. What is the relationship between extrinsic rewards such as pay and bonus based incentives with the performance of front line managers? 2. How do opportunities for promotion relate with performance of front line managers in textile industry?
Circularly Permuted Far-Red Fluorescent Proteins

The color palette of genetically encoded fluorescent protein indicators (GEFPIs) has expanded rapidly in recent years. GEFPIs with excitation and emission within the “optical window” above 600 nm are expected to be superior in many aspects, such as enhanced tissue penetration, reduced autofluorescence and scattering, and lower phototoxicity. Circular permutation of fluorescent proteins (FPs) is often the first step in the process of developing single-FP-based GEFPIs. This study explored the tolerance of two far-red FPs, mMaroon1 and mCarmine, towards circular permutation. Several initial constructs were built according to previously reported circularly permuted topologies for other FP analogs. Mutagenesis was then performed on these constructs and screened for fluorescent variants. As a result, five circularly permuted far-red FPs (cpFrFPs) with excitation and emission maxima longer than 600 nm were identified. Some displayed appreciable brightness and efficient chromophore maturation. These cpFrFPs variants could be intriguing starting points to further engineer far-red GEFPIs for in vivo tissue imaging.
High performance InP-based HEMTs with dry etched gate recess for the fabrication of low-noise microwave oscillators

In this paper, a technology for the fabrication of high performance InP-based HEMTs using dry gate recess etching is reported. The dry etched devices show better uniformity and considerably reduced low-frequency noise compared to conventionally wet etched ones. As an application of the technology, a dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO) operating in the frequency range of 23.2-24.8 GHz was designed and fabricated using dry or wet etched InGaAs-InAlAs-InP HEMTs. An output power of 12 dBm and a phase noise of -107 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset from the carrier were measured for DROs with dry etched HEMTs. These values were superior by nearly 10 dB to those obtained with conventionally wet etched devices. The reduction in phase noise is attributed to hydrogen trap passivation during dry gate recess etching with a methane/hydrogen plasma.
Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Illness and the Improvement of Mental Health Care

Application These Principles shall be applied without discrimination of any kind such as on grounds of disability, race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, legal or social status, age, property or birth. Definitions In these Principles: "Counsel" means a legal or other qualified representative; "Independent authority" means a competent and independent authority prescribed by domestic law; "Mental health care" includes analysis and diagnosis of a person's mental condition, and treatment, care and rehabilitation for a mental illness or suspected mental illness; "Mental health facility'' means any establishment, or any unit of an establishment, which as its primary function provides mental health care; "Mental health practitioner'' means a medical doctor, clinical psychologist, nurse, social worker or other appropriately trained and qualified person with specific skills relevant to mental health care; "Patient" means a person receiving mental health care and includes all persons who are admitted to a mental health facility; "Personal representative" means a person charged by law with the duty of representing a patient's interests in any specified respect or of exercising specified rights on the patient's
Autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation combined with high-dose chemotherapy for refractory neuroblastoma

Abstract Background: Neuroblastoma is a common solid malignant tumor in children. Despite the development of new treatment options, the prognosis of high-risk neuroblastoma patients is still poor. High-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation might improve survival of patients with refractory neuroblastoma. In this study, we aimed to summarize the efficacy of autologous or allogeneic HSC transplantation combined with high-dose chemotherapy for patients with refractory neuroblastoma through the meta-analysis. Methods and analysis: Relevant clinical trials of autologous or allogeneic HSC transplantation for the treatment refractory neuroblastoma patients will be searched in Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Scientific Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang Database from their inception to December 2020. Two researchers will perform data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently. The clinical outcomes including tumor response, overall survival, event-free survival (EFS), quality of life (QoL) and adverse events, were systematically evaluated by using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0 statistical software. Results: The results of this study will provide high-quality evidence for the effect of autologous or allogeneic HSC transplantation combined with high-dose chemotherapy on tumor response, survival, and QoL in patients with refractory neuroblastoma. Conclusions: The conclusions of this meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and provide more evidence-based guidance in clinical practice.
Effects of pulse-width-modulated supply voltage on eddy currents in the form-wound stator winding of a cage induction motor

The eddy currents of a form-wound multi-conductor stator winding because of the non-sinusoidal supply voltage in a cage induction motor are studied. The time and space dependence of the field, circuit variables and the motion of the rotor are modelled with the time-discretised finite-element analysis. A pulse-width-modulated voltage is used to supply the motor. The eddy-current loss distribution of the stator bars and the total eddy-current losses are studied. The radial distance of the stator bars from the air gap is re-emphasised as a design parameter because of its effect on the losses and the hot spots. The means for minimising the losses and avoiding the local hot spots are studied.
Design of structural health monitoring robot using modified structured light

Localisation and map building of mobile robots are key technologies in implementing autonomous navigation systems. Because of many efforts in the past decade it has proved that simultaneous localisation and map building (SLAM) is possible both theoretically and practically. Features or landmarks obtained from sensor measurements are registered and associated in SLAM if they are sustainable and correctly matched ones. To have such features it is essential to use a sensor system that provides precise range measurements. Typical sensors for SLAM includes the laser range finder (LIDAR), ultra sonic and vision sensor. LIDARs provide very accurate and long range measurements whereas measurements from ultrasonic sensors are shorter and coarse due to cone shaped beam patterns. In this article, a structured light system, which combines laser and vision is thus considered for use with structural displacement measurement. This article proposes a multiple dual laser-vision system to be used as a structural displacement measurement system. The proposed dual laser-vision system is quite similar to the structured light system but it solves accurate relative pose instead of range map of the environment. Some simulations were done to determine the minimal configuration and to show the effectiveness of the system for the long span structural displacement monitoring.
Impact of Organic Amendments and Mineral Fertilizers on the Growth of Vitroplants of the Great Dwarf Cultivar of Banana (Musa sp) Installed on a Ferralsol

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, banana is the third largest source of starch after cassava and maize and is the primary fruit crop. However, its cultivation remains secondary due to its high mineral demand, the infertility of tropical soils (ferralsol) and the low income of farmers. The dynamics of mineral elements and the understanding of its influence on crop growth are a necessity for a better use of fertilizers and an optimal crop production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organo-mineral amendment inputs on banana growth and improvement of soil chemical properties. The experiment was set up in a randomised complete block design with 9 treatments spotted 6 times. The treatments consisted of T0 (unfertilized control) ; T1 : 250g NPK (10-20-10) +187.5g urea (46%) ; T2 : 500g NPK (10-20-10) + 375g urea (46%); T3 : 750g NPK (10-20-10) +562.5g urea (46%) ; T4 : 1000g NPK compound fertilizer (10-20-10) +750g urea (46%), T5 : 12 kg (chicken droppings) ; T6 : 18 kg (chicken droppings) ; T7 : 24 kg (chicken droppings) and T8 : 30 kg (chicken droppings) per plant. The vitroplant banana of the great dwarf cultivar were planted and vegetative parameters were observed. Before and during the trial, soil samples were taken from the surface layer for chemical analysis. The results show that the different doses applied to the soil significantly decreased the sodium content (p=0.008) after the trial. On the other hand, similar effects were observed on the other chemical parameters (K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Total C and Organic N) before and during the experiment. On the crop, the results show positive effects of organic amendments and mineral fertilization on the development of banana vitroplants. The mineral fertilizer treatments showed a high performance on the crop followed by the manure treatments compared to the control treatment which showed a low performance. However, positive relationships were obtained on soil mineral elements with some crop parameters. Based on these results, it should be noted that the use of organo-mineral amendments contributes to the growth of banana and the reduction of sodium in the soil through the presence of organic matter.
Targeting the Annexin A1-FPR2/ALX pathway for host-directed therapy in dengue disease

Host immune responses contribute to dengue’s pathogenesis and severity, yet the possibility that failure in endogenous inflammation resolution pathways could characterise the disease has not been contemplated. The pro-resolving protein Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is known to counterbalance overexuberant inflammation and mast cell (MC) activation. We hypothesised that inadequate AnxA1 engagement underlies the cytokine storm and vascular pathologies associated with dengue disease. Levels of AnxA1 were examined in the plasma of dengue patients and infected mice. Immunocompetent, IFNα/βR-/-, AnxA1-/- and FPR2/ALX-/- mice were infected with Dengue virus (DENV) and treated with the AnxA1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26 for analysis. Additionally, the effect of Ac2-26 on DENV-induced MC degranulation was assessed in vitro and in vivo. We observed that circulating levels of AnxA1 were reduced in dengue patients and DENV-infected mice. While the absence of AnxA1 or its receptor FPR2/ALX aggravated illness in infected mice, treatment with AnxA1 agonistic peptide attenuated disease manifestations. Both clinical outcomes were attributed to modulation of DENV-mediated viral load-independent MC degranulation. We have thereby identified that altered levels of the pro-resolving mediator AnxA1 are of pathological relevance in DENV infection, suggesting FPR2/ALX agonists as a therapeutic target for dengue disease.