Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Market Values of Islamic Banks and Ethical Identity

Ethical identity briefly refers to the collection of guidelines that promote ethical practices within and by the organization. The concept of ethical identity is embedded in the Islamic teaching. This study examine the ethical identity of Islamic banks in Bangladesh, Malaysia and Arab gulf states under eight distinctive dimensions to explore the difference between ideal and communicated ethical conducts via annual reports. Banks in the Gulf Region maintained a high standard of reporting in all dimensions; however, performed poorly in information disclosure regarding board of directors and top management, and commitments towards debtors. Banks in Bangladesh did not clearly indicate the status and role of board of directors and top management. Ethical identity has not been properly understood by the Banks in Malaysia; even though, banks in this region consistently reported few ethical identity issues rather clearly. Among the best and the worst performers according to their respective Ethical Identity Index (EII), Shamil Bank and Al-Rajhi Bank became the best and the worst bank respectively in the Gulf Region. Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited topped the list in Bangladesh. Based on our findings, commitments towards society, clarity in mission and vision statements and updated role and attributes regarding Shariah Supervisory Boards (SSB) were the areas of limited reporting. The findings of the study reveal an immediate appeal to develop ethical identity disclosure requirements for Islamic banks. Other areas of special importance include focused social and developmental goals, putting Islmaic Shariah strategically in the mission and vision statements, enhanced employee welfare policy and effective Shariah monitoring over banking operation.
Effect Factors on Grain Product in Main Grain Product Areas of China

The important effect of main grain product area in China on grain product has been studied in the thesis.The grey relationship coefficients to grain product has been study in grey relationship analytical method.The sequence of grey relationship coefficients from great to little is as commissariat sowing area greater than available irrigation area than commissariat product per area than replanting index than agriculture machine total impetus than drought and water logging keep harvesting area than machine sowing area than machine furrow area than country electrical using dosage than machine electrical irrigation and drainage area than fertilizer dosages than resulted disaster area.The effect of plantation area and water source status and available irrigation area and agricultural modernization level and agricultural science and technology progress had been studied.
Portability of Semantic Annotations for Fast Development of Dialogue Corpora

Generalization of spoken dialogue systems increases the need for fast development of spoken language understanding modules for semantic tagging of speaker’s turns. Statistical methods are performing well for this task but require large corpora to be trained. Collecting such corpora is expensive in time and human expertise. In this paper we propose a semi-automatic annotation process for fast production of dialogue corpora by automatically pre-annotating the corpus before performing manual cor-rections. For the pre-annotation we propose to port a system initiated from an existing corpus and to adapt it to the new data. The French M EDIA dialogue corpus (hotel reservation) is used as a starting point to produce two new corpora: one for a new language (Italian) and another for a new domain (theatre ticket reservation). We show that the automatic pre-annotation leads to a signiﬁcant gain in productivity compared to a fully manual annotation and thus allows to derive adaptation data which can be used in turn to further improve the systems.
Large, Pruned or Continuous Space Language Models on a GPU for Statistical Machine Translation

Language models play an important role in large vocabulary speech recognition and statistical machine translation systems. The dominant approach since several decades are back-off language models. Some years ago, there was a clear tendency to build huge language models trained on hundreds of billions of words. Lately, this tendency has changed and recent works concentrate on data selection. Continuous space methods are a very competitive approach, but they have a high computational complexity and are not yet in widespread use. This paper presents an experimental comparison of all these approaches on a large statistical machine translation task. We also describe an open-source implementation to train and use continuous space language models (CSLM) for such large tasks. We describe an efficient implementation of the CSLM using graphical processing units from Nvidia. By these means, we are able to train an CSLM on more than 500 million words in 20 hours. This CSLM provides an improvement of up to 1.8 BLEU points with respect to the best back-off language model that we were able to build.
Unified formulation for Reissner-Mindlin plates: a comparison with numerical results

A non-standard formulation is applied to find analytical solutions for elastic plates considering shear deformation using a computer-aided approach. Classical formulations of mechanics of elastic body solve each particular problem by obtaining standard differential equations. In contrast, the unified formulation used in this paper, which is described in Tassinari et al. [9], is based on a matrix framework inspired by the finite element method. For this reason, an implementation using mathematical software can be efficiently applied. The aim of this study is to use the proposed computer-aided method to solve analytically the problem and to compare the results with the finite element model predictions. In order to illustrate this approach, the case of the Reissner-Mindlin plate problem with simply support on two opposite edges is investigated (Reissner [6], Mindlin [7]). In addition, the general validity of the method and its applicability to several problems of structural mechanics is discussed. The analytical solution for a particular load case is presented showing the differences between the Reissner-Mindlin solution and the predictions given by the Love-Kirchhoff model (Kirchhoff [4], Love [5]). Finally, the vertical displacement field obtained analytically for different thickness-to-side ratios is compared with finite element method predictions. The results obtained from the proposed analytical method and numerical models presented in this study are comparable.
Wheat Invertases1 CHARACTERIZATION OF CELL WALL-BOUND AND SOLUBLE FORMS

Wheat coleoptiles have two distinct invertases, a soluble and a cell wall-bound form as indicated by results from cytochemical and biochemical studies. These enzyme activities differ in their pH optima, chromatographic behavior on diethyaminoethyl cellulose, kinetic properties, thermal stability, and response to light treatment. The soluble invertase was purified to near homogeneity by diethylaminoethyl-cellulose, concana-valin-A Sepharose, and Sephacryl S-300 chromatography. The overall purification was 175-fold with a recovery of about 26%. The holoenzyme has an apparent molecular weight of 158,000 and subunit molecular weight of 53,000 as estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. Illumination of wheat seedlings caused an increase in the cell wall, but not the soluble, invertase activity.
Digital governance, hotspot geoinformatics, and sensor networks for monitoring, etiology, early warning, and sustainable management

(1) Center for Statistical Ecology and Environmental Statistics, Department of Statistics, The Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA (2) District Executive Engineer, Department of Irrigation, Jalgaon, MS, India (3) Watershed Surveillance and Research Institute, JalaSRI, M.J. College, Jalgaon, MS, India (4) Information Science and Technology Division, ARL, The Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA (5) District Collectorate, Jalgaon, MS, India (6) Erallo Technologies Inc., Littleton, MA, USA
Varying styles of magmatic strain accommodation across the East African Rift

Observations of active dike intrusions provide present day snapshots of the magmatic contribution to continental rifting. However, unravelling the contributions of upper crustal dikes over the timescale of continental rift evolution is a significant challenge. To address this issue, we analyzed the morphologies and alignments of >1500 volcanic cones to infer the distribution and trends of upper crustal dikes in various rift basins across the East African Rift (EAR). Cone lineament data reveal along‐axis variations in the distribution and geometries of dike intrusions as a result of changing tectonomagmatic conditions. In younger (<10 Ma) basins of the North Tanzanian Divergence, dikes are largely restricted to zones of rift‐oblique faulting between major rift segments, referred to here as transfer zones. Cone lineament trends are highly variable, resulting from the interplay between (1) the regional stress field, (2) local magma‐induced stress fields, and (3) stress rotations related to mechanical interactions between rift segments. We find similar cone lineament trends in transfer zones in the western branch of the EAR, such as the Virunga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The distributions and orientations of upper crustal dikes in the eastern branch of the EAR vary during continental rift evolution. In early‐stage rifts (<10 Ma), upper crustal dikes play a limited role in accommodating extension, as they are confined to areas in and around transfer zones. In evolved rift basins (>10 Ma) in Ethiopia and the Kenya Rift, rift‐parallel dikes accommodate upper crustal extension along the full length of the basin.
A 330μW, 64-channel neural recording sensor with embedded spike feature extraction and auto-calibration

This paper reports an integrated 64-channel neural recording sensor. Neural signals are acquired, filtered, digitized and compressed in the channels. Additionally, each channel implements an auto-calibration mechanism which configures the transfer characteristics of the recording site. The system has two transmission modes; in one case the information captured by the channels is sent as uncompressed raw data; in the other, feature vectors extracted from the detected neural spikes are released. Data streams coming from the channels are serialized by an embedded digital processor. Experimental results, including in vivo measurements, show that the power consumption of the complete system is lower than 330μW.
Single-chain Antibodies for the Conformation-specific Blockade of Activated Platelet Integrin Α Iib Β 3 Designed by Subtractive Selection from Naïve Human Phage Libraries

Binding of fibrinogen to platelet integrin α IIb β 3 mediates platelet aggregation, and thus inhibition of α IIb β 3 represents a powerful therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular medicine. However, the currently used inhibitors of α IIb β 3 demonstrate several adverse effects like thrombocytopenia and bleeding, which are associated with their property to bind to non-activated α IIb β 3. To circumvent these problems, we designed blocking single-chain antibody-fragments (scFv) that bind to α IIb β 3 exclusively in its activated conformation. Two naïve phage libraries were created: a natural phage library, based on human lymphocyte cDNA, and a synthetic library, with randomized V H CDR3. We performed serial rounds of subtractive panning with depletion on non-activated and selection on activated α IIb β 3 , which were provided on resting and ADP-stimulated platelets and CHO cells, expressing wild-type or mutated and thereby activated α IIb β 3. In contrast to isolated, immobilized targets, as generally used for phage display, this unique cell-based approach for panning allowed the preservation of functional integrin conformation. Thereby, we obtained several scFv-clones that demonstrated exclusive binding to activated platelets and complete inhibition of fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation. Interestingly, all activation-specific clones contained an RXD pattern in the HCDR3. Binding studies on transiently expressed point mutants and mouse-human domain-switch mutants of α IIb β 3 indicate a binding site similar to fibrinogen. In conclusion, we generated human activation-specific scFvs against α IIb β 3 , which bind selectively to activated α IIb β 3 and thereby potently inhibit fibrinogen binding to α IIb β 3 and platelet aggregation. he ability of integrins to perform a conformational change upon cell activation, and thereby to increase the affinity for their ligands, enables a rapid response of cells to specific physiological stimuli (e.g., in inflammation and thrombosis). The platelet integrin α IIb β 3 (GP IIb/IIIa), which is constitutively expressed on platelets, and its major ligand T Page 1 of 29 (page number not for citation purposes) fibrinogen are present in the blood circulation in abundance (1, 2). However, the fateful binding of these two molecules, leading to platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, is possible only when the receptor adopts its activated conformation, which can be induced by inside-out signaling. Thus, the specificity of the soluble fibrinogen molecule for the activated conformation of the α IIb β 3 receptor is a crucial attribute in the regulation …
Controlling Hospital Costs : The Role of Government Regulation

The growing public concern over rapidly rising health care costs, particularly hospital care, is understandable, with direct and indirect expenditures now amounting to about $100 billion each year. In this book, economist Paul Joskow explores the reasons for these increasing costs, the burdens of excessive hospital expenditures on the economy; and the government's role in reducing them and eliminating inefficiencies that plague the system.
HISTOMORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF BONE REGENERATION AFTER USE OF PROPOLIS VERSUS NANOBONE GRAFT MATERIALS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CLASS II FURCATION DEFECTS IN DOGS

INTRODUCTION: Nanotechnology has been greatly utilized for bone regeneration strategies. It helps overcome some of the current limitations associated with bone regeneration methods Propolis is a natural substance made by the honeybee, it has effective antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, it has multiple biological effects including improvement of wound healing and bone regeneration. OBJECTIVES: comparison of the effectiveness of NanoBone graft and propolis material on the inter-radicular bone regeneration in Mongrel dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split mouth design was carried out using the third and fourth mandibular premolars of 3 healthy mongrel dogs. A total of 12 grade II furcation defects were surgically created. The defects in the right side were treated with NanoBone graft and then a collagen membrane was used to cover the defects. In the left side the defects were treated with propolis and then covered with collagen membrane. The dogs were sacrificed after 4 weeks. Segments of the jaw bone containing the defects were then dissected out and prepared for histological evaluation. RESULTS: Both percentage of bone fill and percentage of bone surface area in defects treated with propolis powder were higher than those in NanoBone-filled defects. CONCLUSIONS: Both propolis and NanoBone graft materials have bone regenerative effects with higher ability of propolis to regenerate bone. KEYWORDS: Regeneration, Furcation, NanoBone, Bone graft, Propolis, Antioxidant.
Hepatitis A and B immunity and vaccination in chronic hepatitis B and C patients in a large United States cohort.

BACKGROUND Hepatitis A and B vaccines are effective in preventing superinfection and sequelae in patients with chronic hepatitis B or C. We describe immunity and vaccination against hepatitis A and B in chronic hepatitis patients from the US Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study. METHODS We identified chronic hepatitis B and C patients with healthcare utilization during 2006-2008 and 12 months of enrollment. We used electronic laboratory records to determine immunity and medical and billing records for vaccination history. Immunity against hepatitis A was defined by positive hepatitis A antibody or documented vaccination. Immunity against hepatitis B was defined as hepatitis B surface antibody level ≥10 mIU/mL or core antibody positive, or by documented vaccination. RESULTS Among 1635 chronic hepatitis B patients, 978 (59.8%) were immune or vaccinated against hepatitis A, 122 (7.5%) had negative hepatitis A antibody tests, and 535 (32.7%) had no testing or vaccination record. Among 5328 chronic hepatitis C patients, 2998 (56.3%) were immune or vaccinated against hepatitis A, 659 (12.4%) had negative hepatitis A antibody tests, and 1671 (31.4%) had no testing or vaccination record. Additionally, 3150 (59.1%) chronic hepatitis C patients were immune or vaccinated against hepatitis B, 1003 (18.8%) had a negative test result, and 1175 (22.1%) were neither tested for nor vaccinated against hepatitis B. CONCLUSIONS Approximately 40% of chronic hepatitis B and C patients are susceptible to or have no documented immunity or vaccination against hepatitis A or hepatitis B. Clinicians should consider antibody testing and vaccination for this vulnerable population.
The Flash Crash: Trading Aggressiveness, Liquidity Supply, and the Impact of Intermarket Sweep Orders

During the Flash Crash on May 6, 2010, a short period of high stock market volatility, some stock prices declined to $0.01, while others increased to $100,000. Examining Intermarket Sweep Orders (ISOs) before, on, and after May 6, we find that ISO use is substantially higher on May 6. For those stocks whose prices fell the most, over 65% of the sell volume comes from ISOs. During the price recovery period for these stocks, about 53% of the buy volume comes from ISOs. We believe that the unusual behavior of ISOs contributed to the sudden drop and recovery of the market.
Learning through Crowdfunding∗

We develop a model where reward-based crowdfunding enables firms to obtain a reliable proof of concept early in their production cycle. The information gathered from a subsample of backers through a fixed length pre-selling campaign enables firms to update their beliefs about the preferences of all future consumers. This creates a valuable real option as firms invest only if updated demand is high. Further, such updating mitigates moral hazard: the higher the funds raised, the lower the firms’ incentives to divert them. Our results are consistent with stylized facts and provide new testable implications. JEL codes: D80, G30, L14, L26, O30
Chalmers Publication Library Two Novel Upper Bounds on the Sum Rate of Mimo Zf Receivers Two Novel Upper Bounds on the Sum Rate of Mimo Zf Receivers

Notice: Changes introduced as a result of publishing processes such as copy-editing and formatting may not be reflected in this document. For a definitive version of this work, please refer to the published source. Please note that access to the published version might require a subscription. Chalmers Publication Library (CPL) offers the possibility of retrieving research publications produced at Chalmers University of Technology. It covers all types of publications: articles, dissertations, licentiate theses, masters theses, conference papers, reports etc. Since 2006 it is the official tool for Chalmers official publication statistics. To ensure that Chalmers research results are disseminated as widely as possible, an Open Access Policy has been adopted. The CPL service is administrated and maintained by Chalmers Library. Abstract—In this paper, we introduce two novel upper bounds on the achievable sum rate of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with Zero-Forcing (ZF) receivers. The presented bounds are given in tractable closed-form and apply for different fading models, like uncorrelated/doubly correlated Rayleigh fading and Ricean fading. In addition, the first bound establishes an interesting relationship between the sum rate and the first negative moment of the unordered eigenvalue of the instantaneous correlation matrix. Based on our analytical expressions, we are able to explore the impact of the model parameters, such as number of antennas, spatial correlation and Ricean-K factor, on the sum rate of MIMO ZF receivers.
Integrated geophysical and hydromechanical assessment for CO2 storage: shallow low permeable reservoir sandstones

Geological reservoirs can be structurally complex and can respond to CO2 injection both geochemically and geomechanically. Hence, predicting reservoir formation behaviour in response to CO2 injection and assessing the resulting hazards are important prerequisites for safe geological CO2 storage. This requires a detailed study of thermal‐hydro‐mechanical‐chemical coupled phenomena that can be triggered in the reservoir formation, most readily achieved through laboratory simulations of CO2 injection into typical reservoir formations. Here, we present the first results from a new experimental apparatus of a steady‐state drainage flooding test conducted through a synthetic sandstone sample, simulating real CO2 storage reservoir conditions in a shallow (∼1 km), low permeability ∼1mD, 26% porosity sandstone formation. The injected pore fluid comprised brine with CO2 saturation increasing in steps of 20% brine/CO2 partial flow rates up to 100% CO2 flow. At each pore fluid stage, an unload/loading cycle of effective pressure was imposed to study the response of the rock under different geomechanical scenarios. The monitoring included axial strains and relative permeability in a continuous mode (hydromechanical assessment), and related geophysical signatures (ultrasonic P‐wave and S‐wave velocities Vp and Vs, and attenuations Qp−1 and Qs−1, respectively, and electrical resistivity). On average, the results showed Vp and Vs dropped ∼7% and ∼4% respectively during the test, whereas Qp−1 increased ∼55% and Qs−1 decreased by ∼25%. From the electrical resistivity data, we estimated a maximum CO2 saturation of ∼0.5, whereas relative permeability curves were adjusted for both fluids. Comparing the experimental results to theoretical predictions, we found that Gassmann's equations explain Vp at high and very low CO2 saturations, whereas bulk modulus yields results consistent with White and Dutta–Odé model predictions. This is interpreted as a heterogeneous distribution of the two pore fluid phases, corroborated by electrical resistivity tomography images. The integration of laboratory geophysical and hydromechanical observations on representative shallow low‐permeable sandstone reservoir allowed us to distinguish between pure geomechanical responses and those associated with the pore fluid distribution. This is a key aspect in understanding CO2 injection effects in deep geological reservoirs associated with carbon capture and storage practices.