Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumers’ acceptance on Islamic home financing: empirical evidence on Bai Bithaman Ajil (BBA) in Malaysia

Bai Bithaman Ajil (BBA) is the most predominant mode of home financing in Malaysia since the introduction of Islamic banking in 1983. BBA is a deferred installment sale where bank capitalizes its profit up front in the sale of property. The concept is similar to debt financing which is often resulted in high cost. BBA as practiced in Malaysia is seen not to be in compliant with the Shariah principle as the bank does not take the risk of ownership and liability on the property. Given the controversial features of BBA, it is anticipated that there is high level of dissatisfaction among the present and potential BBA customers including Muslim and the Non-Muslim. Based on a survey of 300 owners and potential house owners, there is high level of dissatisfaction among the customers as evidenced by their low intention to use BBA Muslim customers in general are concerned about the features of BBA notably its compliance with Shariah as well as its inability to fulfill the broad objective of justice, equality and societal well being. The Non-Muslim customers however seem to have greater beliefs in BBA and its ability to fulfill socially desirable objectives. The discontent feelings signal the urgent need by the bankers to come up with alternatives of Islamic home financing product. Musharakah Mutanaqisah or the Diminishing Partnership concept has been proposed to replace BBA for its esteemed features.
In Vitro Biological Control of Strongyles (Strongylida) in Llamas (Lama glama) Coming from a Zoo, in Southeastern Brazil

Fowler and Cubas (2001) mentions that Lama glama (LINNAEUS, 1758) belonging to the Camelidae family, Artiodactyla Order, and Tylopoda Sub-order, is a docile animal, easy to manage and can be found throughout North America, Europe and Australia. They are herbivorous mammals that have a wide distribution, adapting to different regions of South America. This designation encompasses both domestic Llamas are ruminant mammals belonging to the camelids family, which also suffer from gastrointestinal parasites. Thus, in vitro studies under laboratory conditions were conducted to evaluate the predatory activity of fungal isolates in in vitro biological control of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in llamas, coming from a zoo in southeastern Brazil. The species Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001 and CG768); Arthrobotrys conoides (I40); Arthrobotrys robusta (I31); Monacrosporium sinense (SF53) and Monacrosporuim thaumasium (NF34) were used in the experiment, grown in 2% agar-water culture (AW2%) in 9.0 cm in diameter petri dishes. After seven days of interaction it was observed that all fungal isolates were efficient in the capture and destruction of L3, however, not differing in their predatory activity within each other (p> 0.01), but differing from the control group. At the end of the experiment the following reduction percentages were obtained 87.56% (AC001); 90.45% (CG768); 93.07% (I40); 94.58% (I31); 90.28% (SF53); 92.30% (NF34), in relation to the control group. It was concluded that all fungal isolates were effective in the in vitro biological control of L3 nematodes in llamas. However, larger studies, particularly in the field are required toobtain a more effective control of the free life forms of these parasites in Lamasraised in a zooin southeastern Brazil. K ey wo rd s
Cuticle of 'Gala' and 'Galaxy' Apples Cultivars under Different Environmental Conditions

This study aimed to analyze the cuticle thickness and pattern of epicuticular wax deposition in 'Gala' and 'Galaxy' apple cultivars (Malus domestica Borkh,) from three Brazilian producing areas: Vacaria (RS), Fraiburgo (SC) and Sao Joaquim (SC) with altitudes of 971, 1,048 and 1,353m, respectively. Harvested fruit were kept under two storage conditions: regular atmosphere (RA) (0 oC and 90% RH) and controlled atmosphere (CA) (1.5% O2, 2.5% CO2, 0oC and 90% RH). Cuticle thickness measurements were made using LM and the deposition pattern of epicuticular wax observed with a SEM. Altitude among the apple producing areas was not a factor in deposition pattern of waxes between the cultivars but at higher altitudes, the cuticle was thicker in both the cultivars. In the freshly-harvested fruits, waxes deposition in the form of platelets and the mechanism of “tear and repair” were observed. Severity of microcracks in the cuticle was more evident on the fruits from CA.
Isolation of gut associated bacteria from mangrove crabs collected from different mangrove regions of Tamil Nadu, South east coast of India

Mangrove crabs are mostly herbivorous which consume more amount of leaf litter of various mangrove species and also plays most important role in leaf degradation. Several studies reported that crab harbor bacteria from the environment through water and food. Bacterial species of the gut can influence the health and robustness of the host. The present study aims to isolate and enumerate the bacterial count from the gut of crabs collected from different mangrove environments. The results shows that maximum bacterial load was recorded in Sesarma brockii crabs gut collected from Pichavaram mangroves and minimum was observed in Metopograpsus maculatus crabs collected from Uppanar estuarine mangrove. In the same way, maximum bacterial load was observed in both water and sediment samples of Pichavaram. Bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Aeromonas were found at higher levels in all the different mangrove regions. In conclusion, crabs in the various mangrove environments carry a particular bacterial flora, which reflects their environment. The Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem is endowed with a high bacterial load due to the continuous shedding of foliage into the water and subsequent decomposition than other mangrove environments. SEM results confirm that crowded populations of bacteria were attached to the gut region of the mangrove crabs. Key words: Mangrove crabs, gut microflora, isolation, characterization, sediments.
Modeling copper price: A regime-switching approach

This paper explores the virtues of Markov-Switching models to characterize the behavior of copper price. In particular, we study the performance of several univariate specifications of this type of models, both in and out of sample, comparing them also with constant parameter models such as ARMA and GARCH. The main finding is that allowing for a regime-switching variance in the error term is most relevant in explaining the behavior of this price.
A Duble Quasi-Sinusidal Waveform Elicitation from Matrix Converter Based on Orthogonal Strategy

This paper has scrutinized an effective approach regarding to how to elicit double quasi-sinusoidal waveform with orthogonal angles that can be applicable for two-phase induction motors. Hither, to be more precisely declared, a switching strategy is proposed so that the provided voltages by Matrix Converter (MC) i.e., A and B phases have 900 difference with each other. This switching strategy assists two-phase induction motors aimed at operating in appropriate state. As the created frequency is an important item for this motor, matrix converter can also undertake this function. It is worth mentioning that, the switching is somehow performed until bio-directional switches couldn’t be simultaneously triggered and withal taken place in the accurate switching order. Its related circuit in order to producing appropriate current and voltage has been tested considering MATLAB Simulink and experiment. The simulation result is extracted with respect to inductive and resistive load. Meantime, PWM method is carried out to extract experimental results that clearly show its effectual performance.
web search restructuring

For some sort of broad-topic and unclear question, unique people may have unique search goals whenever they post this to a search engine. The actual inference and research associated with individual search goals can be extremely helpful with bettering search results importance and individual encounter. In this document, we propose some sort of novel way of infer individual search goals simply by studying search results question fire wood. Primary, we propose some sort of structure to find out unique individual search goals for just a question simply by clustering your offered comments consultations. Opinions consultations are made out of individual click-through fire wood and will correctly indicate the details wants associated with people. Second, we propose some sort of novel way of generate pseudo-documents to higher represent your comments consultations pertaining to clustering.
A Case Study of Processes Impacting Precipitation Phase and Intensity during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

AbstractAccurate forecasting of precipitation phase and intensity was critical information for many of the Olympic venue managers during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Precipitation forecasting was complicated because of the complex terrain and warm coastal weather conditions in the Whistler area of British Columbia, Canada. The goal of this study is to analyze the processes impacting precipitation phase and intensity during a winter weather storm associated with rain and snow over complex terrain. The storm occurred during the second day of the Olympics when the downhill ski event was scheduled. At 0000 UTC 14 February, 2 h after the onset of precipitation, a rapid cooling was observed at the surface instrumentation sites. Precipitation was reported for 8 h, which coincided with the creation of a nearly 0°C isothermal layer, as well as a shift of the valley flow from up valley to down valley. Widespread snow was reported on Whistler Mountain with periods of rain at the mountain b.
ON THE INDEXES TO QUALIFY AN HVDC CONNECTED TO VERY WEAK AC NETWORKS

This paper develops a voltage stability analysis of ac/dc systems using static and modal indexes. The indexes are normalized and compared for different short circuit ratios, SCR, for several known networks at a common voltage base. Two new indexes are proposed to provide more information on reactive power requirements for voltage stability. The first index proposes critical values for several SCR´s, whereas the second allows featuring two types of systems, soft and non-soft, to qualify requirements of reactive power. The approach can assist for considering the reactive compensation or control strategies in HVDC applications.
Percentage-Based versus Statistical-Power-Based Vote Tabulation Audits

Several pending federal and state electoral-integrity bills specify hand audits of 1% to 10% of all precincts. However, percentage-based audits are usually inefficient, because they require large samples for large jurisdictions, even though the sample needed to achieve good accuracy is much more affected by the closeness of the contest than population size. Percentage-based audits can also be ineffective, since close contests may require auditing a large fraction of the total to provide confidence in the outcome. We present a plausible statistical frame-work that we have used in advising state and local election officials and legislators. In recent federal elections, this audit model would have required approximately the same effort and resources as the less effective percentage-based audits now being considered.
Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth in fresh calf minced meat using low density Polyethylene films package promoted by titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Antibacterial properties of TiO2, ZnO as well as mixed TiO2-ZnO nanoparticles coated low density polyethylene films on Staphylococcus aureus PTCC1112 were investigated. Bactericidal efficiency of 0.5, 1 and 2 Wt% for TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles and also 1 Wt% mixed TiO2-ZnO nanoparticles with TiO2:ZnO ratios of 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 were tested under UV and fluorescent lights exposure at two different states: films alone (Direct effect) and fresh calf minced meat packed inside the films. ZnO nanoparticle showed good antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus PTCC1112. Maximum CFU reduction of 99.59% and 97.07% were obtained using 2 and 1 Wt% ZnO nanoparticle coated LDPE film under UV light for films alone as well as 62.43% and 59.57% for fresh calf minced meat packed. The best antibacterial functionalities of 96.25% and 77.11% CFU reduction were recorded for 1 Wt% TiO2 nanoparticle coated LDPE films in the presence of UV light at direct contact with bacteria and fresh calf minced meat packed, respectively. In the case of mixed TiO2-ZnO, maximum CFU reductions of 98.37% and 97.84% were obtained using 50:50 ratio of TiO2: ZnO nanoparticles at the presence of UV light for direct effect and fresh calf minced meat packed, respectively. 2 Wt% ZnO nanoparticle as well as 1 Wt% mixed TiO2-ZnO nanoparticles in ratio of 50:50 coated LDPE films were identified as the best case to improve shelf life and prevent Staphylococcus aureus PTCC1112 growth in fresh calf minced meat.
Challenges in Forest Management Planning

Public interest on forest related issues has been rising during the last decades. This has changed forest management planning to value different forest functions on more equal basis. Almost any planning situation is unique in problem setting and forests involved as well as it is based on long-term forecasts, models, simulations and assessment of risks. Several features of forests cannot be described with conventional forest data and new approaches are essential for assessment of these features. Forest management planning aims to propose a rational set and schedule of actions for the management of a forest property [1]. Most common objective is maximum economic yield under the sustainability constraints regarding to the wood production as well as nature conservation. But there are some other considerations and objectives in the planning process as well. By its nature, planning is hierarchical process with multiple objectives and several constraints and usually has no the only optimal solution. As we cannot predict the future precisely, there are many equally good solutions.
MIDGUT HISTOLOGICAL PICTURE OF THE HONEY BEE (APIS MELLIFERA L.) FOLLOWING CONSUMPTION OF SUBSTITUTE FEEDS SUPPLEMENTED WITH FEED ADDITIVES

Summary. The histological picture of the honey bee ventricu lus undergoes changes as a result of action of such factors as, among others: toxic subs tances, incorrect nutrition, bacterial infections or age of the insect. The objective of this researc h project was to assess morphological changes in the midgut of the honey bee with a special emphasis on the degree of the peritrophic membrane production following the consumption of sugar syrup or pollen substitute to which either lactic acid or probiotic preparation were added. The perfo rmed investigations failed to reveal significant levels of bee deaths and the recorded high percenta ge proportion of live insects indicates their good physical condition. The histological analysis of the morphological changes of the midgut epithelial cells of bees fed substitute feeds confi rmed slight changes in the cell structures. Differences were recorded in the quantities of the develo ped peritrophic membranes. The microscopic pictures of midguts of worker bees fed carbohydrate or protein pollen substitute revealed that the highest numbers of peritrophic membranes could be found when the sugar syrup or pollen substitute was supplemented with the probiotic preparatio n.
A miniature microstrip patch antenna array with defected ground structure

The aim of this work is to miniaturize a microstrip patch antenna array resonating at 10 GHz. It presents an improved method of size reduction of a microstrip antenna array with circular polarisation using Defected Ground Structure (DGS) which is used to perform serious LC resonance property in certain frequency. By integrating Defected Ground Structure elements, the resonance frequency was shifted from 10 GHz to 7.5 GHz. The proposed structure of DGS is incorporated in the ground plane of our array antenna. Prototype of the antenna was fabricated with FR4 substrate and tested. The simulation and measurement results were in good agreement.
Innovation and Competitiveness of European Regions

The recent debate on European development policies is articulated around two major filelds of researches that are highly integrated with each other. One of this is investments in research, innovation and the innovative capacity of the European regions. Another is the degree of competitiveness of production and European regional systems. This research enters the debate on development and regional competitiveness related to innovation and research, by presenting recent data on innovation and competitiveness in the different European regions. Firstly we present the degree of innovation of European regions referring one of the main document “The Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2016”. This document provides a comparative assessment of the performance in terms of innovation in 190 regions of the EU, making use of a limited number of indicators of research and innovation. It also shows what the differences in the level of innovation performance among EU Member States are still considerable and are reduced only slowly. Secondary we present recent data on the degree of competitiveness of the regions by specifying the selected indicators of competitiveness within the EU with a base map existing (The Europe 2020 Competitiveness Report 2014). The aim of this paper is to understand the correlation between the degree of innovation and the degree of competitiveness comparing first the above mentioned dataset and mapping the most innovative and competitive regions. In the light of this comparison the differences and similarities will be highlighted, as well as the correlation between the index of innovation and to regional competitiveness. At the end are presented some policy indications on possible courses of action for innovation and competitiveness of European regions.
Limnology and food web structure of a large terminal ecosystem, Walker Lake (NV, USA)

Walker Lake is a large, terminal, saline lake in the Western Great Basin of the United States. Diversions have greatly reduced river inflow, which has lead to a decrease in lake volume by 75% since the 1880s. As a result there has been a concomitant increase in salinity levels and alteration to biotic community structure. This study provides a contemporary snapshot of the water quality, phytoplanktonzooplankton biomass, and the lake’s food web structure. Water quality and zooplankton were sampled monthly (March to October 2007) from six locations at discrete depths. Nutrient concentrations were highly variable (ammonium levels 0 to 30 ppb, nitrate 0 to 12 ppb, total and dissolved phosphorus 500 to 1000 ppb, and soluble reactive phosphorus 400 to 600 ppb). The food web structure determined from stable isotope measurements (carbon and nitrogen) and stomach contents suggests benthic resources contributed greatly to fisheries energetics.
Reforming the Retirement Scheme: Flexible Retirement versus Legal Retirement Age

We compare a social security system where people can retire at an age of their own choice with one in which there is a legal retirement age elected through a majority voting process. We show that individuals prefer a legal retirement age higher than the one they would choose in the flexible scheme. In spite of this, we show that when the legal retirement age significantly limits the retirement age of high-wage workers, a flexible scheme would improve the financing of the pension system. Finally, we show that even when pension benefits are higher with a legal retirement age, a flexible system might be implemented.
Efficacy of Physiologically Active Anti-Transpirants on Excised Leaves Spathiphyllum sweet checo and Calathea rufibarba

Pot plant production in green house is most of the time under high relative humidity and frequent irrigation. While, during shipping and retailing plants may be exposed to high temperature and infrequent irrigation. These unfavorable conditions often cause water loss, desiccation of plants and short shelf life. To reduce the deteriorating effect of water loss, application of anti-transpirants is one of the integral options to implement. In this study we evaluated several physiologically active stomata closing compounds. Spathiphyllum sweet checo and Calathea rufibarba were sprayed with different active compound formulations. Weight loss of leaves as gram of water per gram of initial leaf weight and gram of water per centimeter square leaf area and stomatal conductance were measured. On both plant species most physiologically active compound treatments reduce weight loss and stomatal conductance significantly. 1.5 mM Abscisic acid (ABA), 5 mM Salicylic acid (SA) and 200 µM Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on Spathiphyllum sweet checo and 1.5 mM ABA ,200 µM SNP and 200 µM Pyrabactin on Calathea rufibarba were the three most effective active compound treatments. Significant positive correlation were found between weight loss and stomatal conductance on both plant species (R=0.888, P<0.05), (R=0.811, P<0.05) for Spathiphyllum and Calathea respectively. The relative efficacy of different active compound treatments and the effects of leaf weight and leaf area on water loss were also inseparable in both plant species.
The Commercial Energy Consumer: About Whom Are We Speaking?

Who are commercial sector customers, and how do they make decisions about energy consumption and energy efficiency investment? The energy policy field has not done a thorough job of describing energy consumption in the commercial sector. First, the discussion of the commercial sector itself is dominated by discussion of large businesses/buildings. Second, discussion of this portion of the commercial sector’s consumption behavior is driven primarily by theory, with very little field data collected on the way commercial sector decision-makers describe their own options, choices, and reasons for taking action. These limitations artificially constrain energy policy options. This paper reviews the extant literature on commercial sector energy consumption behavior and identifies gaps in our knowledge. In particular, it argues that the primary energy policy model of commercial sector energy consumption is a top-down model that uses macrolevel investment data to make conclusions about commercial behavior. Missing from the discussion is a model of consumption behavior that builds up to a theoretical framework informed by the micro-level data provided by commercial decision-makers themselves. Such a bottom-up model could enhance the effectiveness of commercial sector energy policy. In particular, translation of some behavioral models from the residential sector to the commercial sector may offer new opportunities for policies to change commercial energy consumption behavior. Utility bill consumption feedback is considered as one example of a policy option that may be applicable to both the residential and small commercial sector.