Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Bank Regulation and Supervision on the Efficiency of Islamic Banks

This study investigates the impact of bank regulation and supervision on the efficiency of banking sectors on 108 Islamic banks from 26 countries offering Islamic banking and finance products and services. The technical efficiencies of individual Islamic banks have been analyzed using the data envelopment analysis method (DEA). The ordinary least square estimation method is employed to examine the impact of country supervision and regulation on the technical efficiency of Islamic banks. The empirical findings suggest that supervisory power, activity restrictions and private monitoring positively influence the efficiency of Islamic banks. The study revealed that Islamic banks that are operating in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and middle-income countries are more technically efficient given the less stringent rules on capital requirement and we found that there is statistically significant evidence that higher capital requirements are negatively associated with the efficiency of Islamic banks. The empirical findings of this study are expected to help policy-makers and government officials to better understand how their decisions affect the
Max-Min Rate Fairness Optimization for In-Band Full-Duplex IoT Networks: User Grouping and Power Control

The skyrocketing growth in the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices will certainly pose a huge traffic demand for fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks and beyond. In-band full-duplex (IBFD), which is theoretically expected to double the spectral efficiency of a half-duplex (HD) wireless channel and to connect more devices, has been considered as a promising technology to accelerate the development of IoT. To exploit the full potential of IBFD, the key challenge is how to handle network interference (including self-interference, co-channel interference and multiuser interference) more effectively. In this paper, we propose a simple yet efficient user grouping method, where a base station (BS) serves strong downlink users and weak uplink users and vice versa in different frequency bands, mitigating severe network interference. We aim to maximize a minimum rate among all users subject to bandwidth and power constraints, which is formulated as a highly nonconvex optimization problem. By leveraging inner approximation framework, we develop a very efficient iterative algorithm to solve this problem, which guarantees at least a local optimal solution. Numerical results are provided to show not only the benefit of using full-duplex raido at BS, but also the advantage of the proposed user grouping method.
Identity Distress, Parental Response, and Problem Behaviors in Juvenile Justice-Involved Boys

Youth involved with the juvenile justice system are not exempt from experiencing identity-related turmoil that is common during adolescence. Parents’ responses may exacerbate or mitigate this turmoil and, in turn, youth problem behaviors. Thus, this study investigated identity distress as a mediator of the relationship between parental response to adolescents’ distress and their problem behaviors among 113 detained males aged 12 to 18 (Mage = 15.3, SD = 1.44) in Connecticut, USA. Participants completed measures of identity distress, parental response to their developmental distress, and multiple problem behaviors. A latent mediation model indicated that a supportive parental response was directly associated with decreased problem behaviors, whereas an avoidant parental response was indirectly associated with increased problem behaviors through increased identity distress. Developmentally salient identity-related distress of juveniles and the corresponding response of their parents are important to consider in understanding youth externalizing problem behaviors within the juvenile justice system.
MYZAP a newly protein expressed in the skin is autoantigen for patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia

© Our Dermatol Online 4.2020 340 How to cite this article: Abreu Velez AM, Upegui-Zapata YA, Valencia-Yepes CA, Upegui-Quiceno E, Yi H, Howard MS. MYZAP a newly protein expressed in the skin is autoantigen for patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia. Our Dermatol Online. 2020;11(4):340-345. Submission: 02.07. 2020; Acceptance: 07.07. 2020 DOI: 10.7241/ourd.20204. 2 MYZAP a newly protein expressed in the skin is autoantigen for patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia
Magnetophoretic potential at the movement of cluster products of electrochemical reactions in an inhomogeneous magnetic field

An electric field arises from the influence of a nonuniform static magnetic field on charged colloid particles with magnetic susceptibility different from that of the surrounding liquid. It arises, for example, under the influence of a nonuniform static magnetic field in clusters of electrochemical reaction products created during metal etching, deposition, and corrosion processes without an external electric current passing through an electrolyte near a magnetized electrode surface. The corresponding potential consists of a Nernst potential of inhomogeneous distribution of concentration of colloid particles and a magnetophoretic potential (MPP). This potential has been calculated using a thermodynamic approach based on the equations of thermodynamics of nonequilibrium systems and the Onsager relations for a mass flow of correlated magnetic clusters under a gradient magnetic force in the electrolyte. The conditions under which the MPP contribution to the total electric potential may be significant are discussed with a reference to the example of a corroding spherical ferromagnetic steel electrode.
Business Model Representations for Value Creation Through Service information System

Developing new service business - models is an essential task for various companies, driven by technological advances and lucrative market opportunities. To support the innovation process, various methods and techniques have been developed for creating new business models. However, the present business model strategies lack a reflection of market characteristics such as co-creation and as well as contextualization, restricting their appeal for creative service - business - models. The Service, Business Model Canvas “SBMC” will address this shortcoming founded on a combined research framework that pursues to advance the current business - model - representation. Aimed at this reason, a focusing group sessions method was conducted that suggested using the SBMC to design, understand, and evaluate co-creation in dealing business models. Besides, this research offers insights to how business model representations are implemented in the process of product creation.
Autoregressive process of monthly rainfall amounts in Catalonia (NE Spain) and improvements on predictability of length and intensity of drought episodes

Advantages offered by a pluviometric network in Catalonia (NE Spain) have permitted a detailed analysis of the two primary results derived from the autoregressive ARIMA process applied to monthly rainfall amounts. The first was the spatial distribution of the necessary number of previous monthly amounts needed to predict the next amount. The second was the spatial distribution of discrepancies between the real recorded amount and those derived from the autoregressive process. The heterogeneous spatial distribution of both parameters of the ARIMA process is in accordance with the complex spatial distribution of the monthly rainfall regime in Catalonia and fractal/multifractal analyses of several monthly rainfall time series. The statistical distribution of monthly discrepancies also permits a prediction of the probable evolution at monthly scale of drought episodes in terms of length and accumulated rainfall deficit. The results of the ARIMA algorithm are characterized by a few cases of rain gauges with remarkable differences (10–20 mm⋅month–1) between real and autoregressive amounts, a predominant number of emplacements lowering 10 mm⋅month–1 and a not negligible number of cases with discrepancies lower than 5 mm⋅month–1. In terms of percentages with respect to average monthly amounts, most of discrepancies do not exceed 15%, and only in a very few cases they are within the 20–40% range. It is also worth mentioning that the discrepancies between real and predicted drought lengths use to be no longer than 1 month. Results corresponding to monthly series recorded at two Earth Sciences observatories are described with more detail to illustrate the advantages offered by the ARIMA autoregressive process in the prediction of beginning, continuity and end of drought episodes.
Controlled evolution of carbon nanotubes coated by nanodiamond. the realization of a new class of hybrid nanomaterials

We report a new class of nanostructured carbon materials, which couple nanosized diamond with single-walled carbon nanotubes. This exciting material is being produced in our laboratories in a modified CVD reactor by means of reactions between carbon nanopowders and atomic H. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) have been used to study samples grown for various deposition times. The information achieved by combined use of these characterization techniques has enabled the construction of a time-growth sequence for the two carbon nanophases and has enlightened the peculiar growth of such hybrid carbon systems. The tubular inner structures are found to be bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) up to 15 μm long, and the outer deposits consist of well-shaped diamond crystallites with diameters in the 20−100 nm range. The one-step synthesis approach described here provide.
Collective action for improved market access among smallholder maize farmers in Masindi District, Uganda

Smallholder farmers dominate maize production in Uganda. They produce limited quantities of the crop and market individually. Collective action offers an opportunity of reducing transaction costs, increasing bargaining power thus making it possible to contract with large buyers for better prices. Masindi Seed and Grain Growers Association Limited (MSGGL) with help from Uganda Development Trust (UDET), African Development Bank (ADB) and Masindi District Local Government constructed a 3000 metric tons store to help farmers bulk and get better prices. However, the store has been underutilized since 1999 leaving out farmers on the benefits of collective marketing. A survey of 253 maize famers forming two strata of participants and non-participants was employed. Descriptive statistics are used to explain preference for each marketing option while the Tobit model analyzed factors for intensity of participation. Lack of trust, stringent requirements, delayed payments, absence of groups, lack of information, high costs of marketing, lack of interest, low price incentive and time consumption explain poor participation in collective marketing. Better prices, reliable markets, availability of training and extension, availability of credit and availability of input loans encourage collective marketing. Price of maize offered at the collective centre, distance to the marketing centre, land size, income of the farmer and age of the farmer influence the intensity of participation in collective marketing. There is need to establish more collection centres, improve road networks and quality regulation to ensure price incentives for better quality maize grain. Key words: Collective action, market access, smallholder maize farmers.
The Recruitment, Selection, and Preparation of Expatriates

For organisations and for individuals, effective recruitment, selection and preparation of new employees or employees in new circumstances are always important. This issue is exacerbated in the case of international assignments, where issues of cross-national adjustment complicate the picture. The objective of this chapter is to examine and summarise the extant research on expatriate recruitment, selection and preparation. The chapter is structured as follow. First, we discuss expatriate recruitment sources, methods, and the expatriates’ motivations to work abroad. Second, we examine expatriate selection criteria, methods, and how expatriates are selected in practice. Third, we present the variety of expatriate preparation methods, discuss expatriate training effectiveness and expatriate preparation in practice. We conclude by considering future avenues of research. Overall, there is good material for researchers to build on and a growing understanding of the key issues. Nevertheless, there remains here a rich field for exciting research in the future.
Burn Out among Anaesthesiologists during COVID-19and Resilience in this New Normal

Out Anaesthesiologists COVID-19 Resilience in this New Normal”. The unprecedented health system crisis following COVID-19 pandemic is a pertinent concern for all, especially when it comes to medical personnel, it has different facets. The risk of contracting contagious disease and transmission to family members along with the stress associated with workload and demands of the system. COVID-19 pandemic has proved as a double edged sword to the anaesthesiologist; from being in spotlight as frontline warrior with professional recognition and satisfaction while dealing high risk of viral infection as frontline warriors in ICUs and operation theaters during emergency surgeries and jeopardizing own mental health while working in a system which is ever-changing, challenging and new to everyone. Burnout is the term used in any field, to describe chronic psychological and physical stress related to their work. Burnout in anaes thesia is real and 25% of anesthesiologists are at high risk of developing it [1]. It is the topic of discussion in anaesthesia in recent years. highlighted the importance of occupational wellbeing to
Thermal properties of tropical wood–polymer composites

Wood–polymer composites (WPC) of Geronggang (GE; Cratoxylon arborescens), a light tropical hardwood, impregnated with methyl methacrylate (MMA), styrene-co-acrylonitrile (3: 2; STAN), methyl methacrylate-co-bis (2-chloroethyl) vinyl phosphonate (3 : 1; MVP) and methyl methacrylate-co-bis (chloropropyl)-2-propene phosphonate (3:1;MPP), were prepared by in situ polymerization using γ-radiation or catalyst-heat treatment. Thermal characterization of these WPC by limiting oxygen index measurements (LOI), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the impregnants greatly modified the wood properties. The LOI values of the GE–MVP and GE–MPP composites were much higher than that for GE and the other composites, indicating the effectiveness of the phosphonates as flame retardants. Concomitantly, the flaming characteristics also compared favorably against that for GE and the other composites. The decomposition temperature and maximum rate of weight loss determined by TG for GE–MVP and GE–MPP were substantially reduced, whereas the char yields were greatly higher. These observations again indicate that phosphonates imparted flame-retarding properties to their composites. The thermal properties of GE–MMA and GE–STAN composites were not vastly different from that of untreated GE. Flame retardancy in the phosphonate-containing composites was effected through both the condensed- and gaseous-phase mechanisms due to the presence of phosphorus and chlorine, respectively. Indication of grafting of polymer to wood was found for GE–STAN, GE–MVP, and GE–MPP composites, but not for GE–MMA. Composites prepared by γ-radiation or by the catalyst-heat treatment had similar thermal characteristics.
Dissolved Gas Analysis of Insulating Oil in Electric Power Transformers: A Case Study Using SDAE-LSTM

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is the most important tool for fault diagnosis in electric power transformers. To improve accuracy of diagnosis, this paper proposed a new model (SDAE-LSTM) to identify the dissolved gases in the insulating oil of power transformers and perform parameter analysis. The performance evaluation is attained by the case studies in terms of recognition accuracy, precision ratio, and recall ratio. Experiment results show that the SDAE-LSTM model performs better than other models under different input conditions. As evidenced from the analyses, the proposed model achieves considerable results of recognition accuracy (95.86%), precision ratio (95.79%), and recall ratio (97.51%). It can be confirmed that the SDAE-LSTM model using the dissolved gas in the power transformer for fault diagnosis and analysis has great research prospect.
Synergistic effect of humic and fulvic acids on Ni removal by the calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide

Discharge of Ni(II) containing wastewater to terrestrial environment can lead to serious pollution issues. This study presents a facile, cost-effective and highly efficient method to rapidly remove Ni(II) from wastewater using a calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH), which is a pioneering investigation of using the calcined LDH to remove the positively charged Ni(II) ions. The kinetic studies showed that the removal of Ni(II) was very rapid with a pseudo first order k of up to 3.6 ± 0.5 h−1, and maximum removal of Ni(II) was up to 204.2 ± 10.6 mg g−1. In addition, our results reveal that both humic (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) can strongly bind to the surface of the LDH, which demonstrates that the calcined LDH can effectively remove both cationic and anionic pollutants in a single process. With the increase of pH up to 7.5, the removal of Ni, HA and FA by the calcined LDH are all drastically enhanced. Our study also demonstrated a strong synergetic effect of FA and HA on the Ni(II) removal by the calcined LDH, with a maximum Ni(II) removal of 290.6 ± 16.4 mg g−1 and 480.4 ± 21.3 mg g−1 at pH 7, respectively. The possible mechanism of the Ni(II) removal can be due to the incorporation of Ni into the layered structure by replacing the leached Mg in the layers of the LDH during the process of rehydration of the calcined LDH. The HA or FA bound on the surface of the rehydrated LDH can induce an additional Ni(II)-HA or -FA complexation consequently leading to the enhancement of the Ni removal. The trial of treating a high Ni-containing wastewater in practice indicates that the calcined LDH is a promising material for metal containing wastewater treatment.
Active Sediment Generation on Coral Reef Flats Contributes to Recent Reef Island Expansion

The ongoing development of Jeh Island in the Marshall Islands was investigated using aerial photographs, high‐resolution satellite imagery, and radiometric dating of island sediments. Remote sensing observations show the present‐day island of Jeh is the product of two or more smaller islands merging together between 1943 and 2006 which are continuing to expand despite local sea‐level rise (SLR). Remote sensing observations show modern island development involving a complex multistage merging of smaller islands on a linear atoll rim. Radiometric ages of sediments demonstrate that island development is occurring through the active generation and delivery of modern sediments. Results highlight that at sites where sediment production regimes are in a healthy state, island building under conditions of SLR is possible. The findings have implications for interpreting island evolution from morphostratigraphic studies and understanding future island behavior with further SLR.
CEO Characteristics and Firm Performance: A Study of Saudi Arabia Listed Firms

This paper aims to investigate the impact of chief executive officer’s (CEO) attributes on firms’ performance. Specifically, it examines the influence of CEOs’ education, professional experience, and tenure on Saudi firms’ performance. We look at a sample of 120 listed firms on Tadawul stock exchange from 2014 to 2017. Data on financial and accounting variables are obtained from the annual reports of the selected companies. We follow the existing empirical literature and use a panel model and formulate three different equations using the GMM estimator. Findings prove that CEO educational background does matter. In particular, companies employing CEOs with business administration, economics, finance, or accounting degree will perform outstandingly better. Similarly, stock performance gets improved when the CEO has a postgraduate qualification, i.e., when the CEO holds an MBA, a master, or a PhD degree. Besides, results reveal that executives who have an experience in a related field will positively affect the firm’s performance. Finally, evidence shows that high CEOs tenure improves corporate performance. Overall, these findings demonstrate that executives’ attributes are key factors that would explain differences in Saudi firms’ performance. These results would help shareholders to make the right decision in selecting CEOs to manage the
Real-Time Validation of Power Flow Control Method for Enhanced Operation of Microgrids

This paper describes a control methodology for electronic power converters distributed in low-voltage microgrids and its implementation criteria in general microgrid structures. In addition, a real-time simulation setup is devised, implemented, and discussed to validate the control operation in a benchmark network. Considering these key aspects, it is shown that operational constraints regarding the power delivered by sources, flowing through network branches, and exchanged at the point of connection with the main grid can generally be fulfilled by the presented control approach. The control is performed considering a cost function aiming at optimizing various operation indexes, including distribution losses, current stresses on feeders, voltage deviations. The control system allows an enhanced operation of the microgrid, specifically, it allows dynamic and accurate power flow control enabling the provision of ancillary services to the upstream grid, like the demand–response, by exploiting the available infrastructure and the energy resources. Then, the validation of the approach is reported by using a real-time simulation setup with accurate models of the power electronic converters and related local controllers, of the grid infrastructure, of the power flow controller, and of the communication network used for data exchange. It is also shown that the implemented platform allows to fully reproduce, analyze, and finally validate all the relevant steady-state and dynamic behaviors related in the considered scenario.