Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Risk into Technical Efficiency via a Semiparametric Analysis : The Case of ASEAN Banks

The objective of this paper is to incorporate risk in the technical efficiency of listed ASEAN banks in a panel data framework for the period 2000 to 2015. Many researchers apply frontier estimation techniques such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) or stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) for their efficiency analysis. However, the banks‟ complex production process requires more sophisticated techniques to account for internal structures within the black box, so relying on only traditional DEA or SFA is not adequate to deal with a multiple-input and multipleoutput production technology. To incorporate undesirable outputs such as risk into inefficiency, we rely on the directional distance function (DDF). We employ the DDF under both a parametric (SFA) and semi-parametric (SEMSFA) framework to make comparison efficiency scores with risk adjusted in two scenarios. Our results suggest that risk is such an important factor that bank managers should pay more attention to achieve long-term efficiency in ASEAN banks.
Consolidation settlements above deep tunnels in fractured crystalline rock : Part 1 — Investigations above the Gotthard highway tunnel

Surface subsidence associated with tunnelling in fractured crystalline rock masses is rarely considered to be large enough to be a cause for concern. Recent high precision levelling measurements along the Gotthard Pass road in Central Switzerland, however, have revealed up to 12 cm of subsidence along sections that pass several hundred metres above the Gotthard highway tunnel. Large-scale consolidation associated with pore-pressure reduction in the rock mass arising from tunnel drainage is believed to be the contributing mechanism. Although these settlements may appear to be small compared to those associated with groundwater or oil and gas withdrawal from more compliant porous media, they are large enough to adversely affect the structural integrity of sensitive concrete structures on the surface (e.g. thin-arch concrete dams). This is a concern for the 57 km long Gotthard Base Tunnel, which is currently under construction, as it will pass through similar geological conditions as the Gotthard highway tunnel and underneath several important dams. The prediction of the expected settlements requires a more complete understanding of the processes underlying the settlements than exist at present. This paper (Part 1) and a companion paper (Part 2) are a contribution towards this end. In Part 1 we examine the question of consolidation in fractured crystalline rock, introduce the geodetic data and the geological setting of the subsidence associated with the Gotthard highway tunnel. Possible mechanisms for the consolidation are described and estimates obtained for the key hydro-mechanical parameters that govern their action, such as the normal stiffness of fault zones. These data are used to condition analytical scoping calculations of expected subsidence based upon poro-elastic theory, and to provide input for a series of numerical models used to obtain a more detailed understanding of the data, which are presented in Part 2. r 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Balanced Distribution Method Of Cluster Head Selection For Clustering In Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor network includes hundreds or even thousands of sensor nodes, which are devices with low energy and often impossible to be replaced or recharged. For this reason, efficient use of energy is one of the major challenges in these networks. One way for increasing energy efficiency in such networks is clustering. Clustering protocols such as LEACH, TEEN, SEP and DEEC randomly select the cluster heads for the clustering process. This causes the cluster heads to be close together, decreasing the efficiency of protocols. For this reason, we proposed a new approach called EBDCH. In this method, when cluster heads are close together, we distribute them based on the energy situation. The proposed approach runs on the clustering protocols. The simulation results show that with the implementation of the proposed method, throughput is increased and network lifetime is improved compared to protocols LEACH, DEEC, SEP and EEHC respectively at 26%, 28%, 37% and 36%.
Lead, Cadmium and Iron Concentrations in Zea Mays Grown Within the Vicinity of Ori-Ile Battery Waste Dumpsite, Olodo, Ibadan, Nigeria

Agricultural produce resulting from the cultivation of polluted soil can result in undue exposure and health hazards for its consumers at different level along the food chain. Available literature has shown that maize absorbs and accumulates toxic heavy metals from polluted soils. This study was designed to determine the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and iron (Fe) within the leaf, stem, grains and root of maize grown on Ori-Ile battery waste dumpsite, Olodo, Ibadan Nigeria. Soil samples were collected every two months (March 2008 to July 2009) from the waste dumpsite and along the direction of the garden at 5m interval from the edge of the waste dump site. To determine the levels of uptake and accumulation of Pb, Cd, and Fe, maize was planted in a nearby house garden, situated within 25m distance away from the waste dumpsite and the root, stem, leaf and grains were harvested at maturity. All soil samples collected and the harvested maize parts were analysed for Pb, Cd, and Fe. Concentrations of Pb, Cd and Fe in soil were found to range from 3265.8±517.8 to 4351.3±1068.2; 163.96±23.2 to 258.38±123.1; 7712.90±473.8 to 8130.00±808.4 mg/kg respectively. These were significantly higher than values obtained from the reference soil (157.0±39.8, 2.2±1.2, 976.3±353.9 mg/kg respectively) and National Environmental Standard Regulation Agency (NESREA) limits (164mgPb/kg and 50mgCd/kg). Also, soil contamination factor values obtained were greater than 6 and this indicated severe contamination. Concentrations of Pb, Cd and Fe in maize-parts were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those cultivated on the reference site soil. Roots had the highest concentration of Pb (40.95±1.98 mg/L) and Cd (2.84±0.19 mg/L). In all maize-parts, bio-accumulation factor of the heavy metals was less than 1. Overall, these results have shown that the levels of metals in soil were several folds above the limits set by NESREA. Also, the range within the analysed plant parts was above the normal limit recommended for plants. High accumulation of heavy metals found in the soils of Ori-Ile battery waste dumpsite, Olodo, Ibadan bio-accumulated in maize-roots. Therefore, maize root is actively involved in phyto extraction of heavy metals from contaminated soils.
Bayesian variable selection in quantile regression

In many applications, interest focuses on assessing relationships between predictors and the quantiles of the distribution of a continuous response. For example, in epidemiology studies, cutoffs to define premature delivery have been based on the 10th percentile of the distribution for gestational age at delivery. Using quantile regression, one can assess how this percentile varies with predictors instead of using a pre-defined cutoff. However, there is typically uncertainty in which of the many candidate predictors should be included. In order to identify important predictors and to build accurate predictive models, Bayesian methods for variable selection and model averaging are very useful. However, such methods are currently not available for quantile regression. This article develops Bayesian methods for variable selection, with a simple and efficient stochastic search variable selection (SSVS) algorithm proposed for posterior computation. This approach can be used for moderately highdimensional variable selection and can accommodate uncertainty in basis function selection in non-linear and additive quantile regression models. The methods are illustrated using simulated data and an application to the Boston Housing data.
Rasch Model Based Analysis of the Force Concept Inventory.

The Force Concept Inventory (FCI) is an important diagnostic instrument which is widely used in the field of physics education research. It is therefore very important to evaluate and monitor its functioning using different tools for statistical analysis. One of such tools is the stochastic Rasch model, which enables construction of linear measures for persons and items from raw test scores and which can provide important insight in the structure and functioning of the test (how item difficulties are distributed within the test, how well the items fit the model, and how well the items work together to define the underlying construct). The data for the Rasch analysis come from the large-scale research conducted in 2006-07, which investigated Croatian high school students’ conceptual understanding of mechanics on a representative sample of 1676 students (age 17–18 years). The instrument used in research was the FCI. The average FCI score for the whole sample was found to be (27.7±0.4)%, indicating that most of the students were still non-Newtonians at the end of high school, despite the fact that physics is a compulsory subject in Croatian schools. The large set of obtained data was analyzed with the Rasch measurement computer software WINSTEPS 3.66. Since the FCI is routinely used as pretest and post-test on two very different types of population (non-Newtonian and predominantly Newtonian), an additional predominantly Newtonian sample (N=141, average FCI score of 64.5%) of first year students enrolled in introductory physics course at University of Zagreb was also analyzed. The Rasch model based analysis suggests that the FCI has succeeded in defining a sufficiently unidimensional construct for each population. The analysis of fit of data to the model found no grossly misfitting items which would degrade measurement. Some items with larger misfit and items with significantly different difficulties in the two samples of students do require further examination. The analysis revealed some problems with item distribution in the FCI and suggested that the FCI may function differently in non-Newtonian and predominantly Newtonian population. Some possible improvements of the test are suggested.
Demonstrating the Effect of Forage Source on the Carbon Footprint of a Canadian Dairy Farm Using Whole-Systems Analysis and the Holos Model: Alfalfa Silage vs. Corn Silage

Before recommending a feeding strategy for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, it is important to conduct a holistic assessment of all related emissions, including from those arising from feed production, digestion of these feeds, managing the resulting manure, and other on-farm production processes and inputs. Using a whole-systems approach, the Holos model, and experimentally measured data, this study compares the effects of alfalfa silage- versus corn silage-based diets on GHG estimates in a simulated Canadian dairy production system. When all emissions and sources are accounted for, the differences between the two forage systems in terms of overall net GHG emissions were minimal. Utilizing the functional units of milk, meat, and total energy in food products generated by the system, the comparison demonstrates very little difference between the two silage production systems. However, the corn silage system generated 8% fewer emissions per kg of protein in food products as compared to the alfalfa silage system. Exploratory analysis of the impact of the two silage systems on soil carbon showed alfalfa silage has greater potential to store carbon in the soil. This study reinforces the need to utilize a whole-systems approach to investigate the interrelated effects of management choices. Reported GHG reduction factors cannot be simply combined additively because the interwoven effects of management choices cascade through the entire system, sometimes with counter-intuitive outcomes. It is necessary to apply this whole-systems approach before implementing changes in management intended to reduce GHG emissions and improve sustainability.
Ancient versus modern mineral dust transported to high-altitude alpine glaciers evidences saharan sources and atmospheric circulation changes

Mineral dust aerosols collected during the years 2008/09 at the high-altitude research station Jungfraujoch (46°33' N, 7°59' E; 3580 m a.s.l.) were compared to windblown mineral dust deposited at the Colle Gnifetti glacier (45°55' N, 7°52' E, 4455 m a.s.l.) over the last millennium. Insoluble dust has been characterized in terms of mineralogy, Sr and Nd isotopic ratios, and trace element composition. Results demonstrate that the Saharan origin of the airborne dust did not change significantly throughout the past. Backward trajectories analysis of modern analogs furthermore confirms that major dust sources are situated in the north-central to north-western part of the Saharan desert. By contrast, less radiogenic Sr isotopic compositions are associated with lower abundances of crustal elements during low rates of dust deposition, suggesting intercontinental transport of background dust rather than activation of a secondary source. Saharan dust mobilization and meridional advection of air masses were relatively reduced during the second part of the Little Ice Age (ca. 1690–1870), except within the greatest Saharan dust event deposited around 1780–1790. Higher dust deposition with larger mean grain size and Saharan fingerprint began ca. 20 years after the industrial revolution of 1850, suggesting that increased mineral dust transport over the Alps during the last century was primarily due to drier winters in North Africa and stronger spring/summer North Atlantic southwesterlies, rather than to direct anthropogenic sources. Meanwhile, increasing carbonaceous particle emissions from fossil fuels combustion combined to higher lead enrichment factor during the last century, point to concomitant anthropogenic sources of particulate pollutants reaching high-altitude European glaciers.
A model of influences of environmental stakeholders on strategic information systems planning success in an enterprise

AbstractWorldwide spending of enterprises on information technologies (IT) in 2011 is projected to total USD 2.6 trillion with 350 enterprises each investing more than USD 1 billion. Despite such large and rapidly growing investment figures, the success rates of IT deployment projects over the past 20 years remained relatively low: approximately half of IT deployment projects were unsuccessful. Literature review reveals that inadequate strategic information system planning (SISP) is one of the main reasons for low deployment success rates of IT deployment projects and, thus, one of the current critical IT management issues. For this reason researchers and practitioners in the SISP field are currently directing their efforts into expanding the traditional understanding of SISP as a pure IT planning activity. In addition to the activities dedicated to the planning of IT investments, new SISP models should also include the contextual activities that enable adaptation of the deployed IT to the environment and.
A simple finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) algorithm for analysis of switching noise in printed circuit boards and packages

Simultaneous switching noise (SSN) compromises the integrity of the power distribution structure on multilayer printed circuit boards (PCB). Several methods have been used to investigate SSN. These methods ranged from simple lumped circuit models to full-wave (dynamic) three-dimensional Maxwell equations simulators. In this work, we present an efficient and simple finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) based algorithm that can simulate, with high accuracy, the capacity of a PCB board to introduce SSN. The FDFD code developed here also allows for simulation of real-world decoupling capacitors that are typically used to mitigate SSN effects at sub 1 GHz frequencies. Furthermore, the algorithm is capable of including lumped circuit elements having user-specified complex impedance. Numerical results are presented for several test boards and packages, with and without decoupling capacitors. Validation of the FDFD code is demonstrated through comparison with other algorithms and laboratory measurements.
Vibration‐based damage detection in a beam structure with multiple damage locations

Abstract During the last two decades structural damage identification using dynamic parameters of the structure has become an important research area for civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering communities. The basic idea of the vibration‐based damage detection methods is that a damage as a combination of different failure modes in the form of loss of local stiffness in the structure alters its dynamic characteristics, i.e., the modal frequencies, mode shapes, and modal damping values. A great variety of methods have been proposed for damage detection by using dynamic structure parameters; however, most of them require modal data of the healthy state of structure as a reference. In this paper a vibration‐based damage detection method, which uses the mode shape information determined from only the damaged state of the structure is proposed. To establish the method, two aluminium beams containing different sizes of mill‐cut damage at a single location as well as two aluminium beams containing different.
An Investigation into Some Factors Influencing the Intention to Use Internet Banking among Undergraduates in Nigeria.

The advent of globalization has brought innovation to business and development to the world in general. This development is also pronounced in the banking sector where internet facilities are used to bring about better banking services thereby leading to the achievement of the one of the cardinal goals of the Millennium Development Goals. This study investigated some factors that can influence the intention to use internet banking among undergraduates in a private university in Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. The subjects were made up of students from a private university drawn from three faculties. The study employed survey research with questionnaire used as data collection instrument. Three hundred and fifty-seven subjects cutting across different departments in the university. Five hypotheses were tested using multiple regression, correlation analysis and t-test. The study revealed that the six factors (triability, capability, compatibility, perceived risk, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) used in this study had positive significant relationship with the intention to use internet banking. These factors also influenced the intention to use internet banking. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended among others that banks in Nigeria should take into consideration technological development of the country when introducing innovative services. The banks should also consider the level of education before the introduction of world class technology. Keywords : Perceived usefulness, perceived risk, triability, capability, intention to use
Form-Fitting Strategies for Diversity-Tolerant Design

Conventional structural design proceeds by establishing a rough geometry for a structure, determining internal forces, and sizing members to resist these forces. This design process assumes effectively infinite supplies of standardised elements. There are some cases, however, where structural materials are available in strictly finite quantities, or may not be processed into standard sections. In these instances, conventional design approaches are slow or ineffective, requiring time-consuming trial and error to develop viable designs, or not finding solutions at all. This paper proposes new computational design strategies to help designers match finite sets of diverse structural elements with desired structural forms. The methods proposed build on algorithmic techniques developed for the Bin- Packing Problem. Two key applications are discussed: the reuse of steel elements from deconstructed structures, and the use of unsawn round timbers in spatial structures.
Authentication and Authorization for Mobile Devices

Nowadays market demand forces companies to adapt to mobile technology. For an enterprise company, this change will bring up security challenges. In this article, we investigate authentication and authorization aspects of security. We conduct a case study in Volvo IT in order to extract their requirements regarding to authentication and authorization of their current and future mobile applications. Also we investigate three security protocols: OAuth, OpenID and SAML to find out to what extent they can satisfy the challenges and requirements. Keywords-component; Authentication; Authorization; Mobility; Mobile Devices; OAuth; OpenID; SAML.
Method for preparation of uzrnb alloy powder passivation

Abstract The high density U-Zr-Nb uranium-based alloy is very promising to be used as a nuclear fuel not only in research reactors of low enrichment uranium but also in thermal power pressurized water reactors (PWR). This alloy needs to be processed into a powder to be useful in attainment metallic fuel plate fabrication. There are different methods to obtain powder from nuclear metallic alloy. In this study the hydriding-dehydriding method was chosen due to its relative simplicity and low cost fabrication. However, uranium powder is notably pyrophoric and moreover, the uranium powder in hydride form is more dangerous because of the hydrogen liberation during the burning, increasing the risk of an accident or an explosion. In this way, the U-Zr-Nb hydrided and dehydrided powders need to be passivated before its exposition to the air. The passivation is the spontaneous formation of a hard non-reactive surface film that inhibits further corrosion. This layer is usually an oxide that is a few atoms thick. In this paper the UZrNb alloy was hydrided, dehydrided and then passivated in a Sievert type apparatus. Several process for determining the passivation conditions were tested at times varying between 2 and 24 hours at room temperature. For these treatments a mixture of gases of 90% Ar with 10% O2, pressurized in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 Bar was used. The obtained U-Zr-Nb passivated powders during different thermal treatments were characterized in terms of optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction and then the results were discussed. All tests showed that the powders were of angular and irregular morphology. Keywords: U-Zr-Nb Alloy, Hydriding-Dehydriding Method, Passivation.
Two simple overmodulation algorithms for space vector modulated three-phase to three-phase matrix converter

In this study, the potential of the space vector modulation (SVM) to control the matrix converter beyond its intrinsic voltage transfer ratio (VTR) limitation (0.866) is investigated. Afterwards, a simple space vector overmodulation method to increase the VTR of matrix converter is proposed. Depending on the desired VTR, the method is divided into two modes. In the first mode, besides improving the VTR, the quality of the reference quantities is of main concern. In the second mode, the main goal is to reach the maximum achievable VTR at the expense of increased harmonic ripples in the converter waveforms. It is demonstrated that the maximum achievable VTR in both modes depends on the ratio of the desired output frequency to the input frequency. Experimental results confirm the feasibility and appropriate performance of the proposed method.