Data envelopment analysis with classification and regression tree – a case of banking efficiency

Abstract: Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a non‐parametric method for measuring the efficiency and productivity of decision‐making units (DMUs). On the other hand data mining techniques allow DMUs to explore and discover meaningful, previously hidden information from large databases. Classification and regression (C&R) is the commonly used decision tree in data mining. DEA determines the efficiency scores but cannot give details of factors related to inefficiency, especially if these factors are in the form of non‐numeric variables such as operational style in the banking sector. This paper proposes a framework to combine DEA with C&R for assessing the efficiency and productivity of DMUs. The result of the combined model is a set of rules that can be used by policy makers to discover reasons behind efficient and inefficient DMUs. As a case study, we use the proposed methodology to investigate factors associated with the efficiency of the banking sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.     

Power-domain non orthogonal multiple access (PD-NOMA) in cooperative networks: an overview

Wireless Networks - Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme is emerging as a favourable multiple access scheme for future 5G networks. Compared to orthogonal multiple access techniques, NOMA...     

Training size optimization with reduced complexity in cell-free massive MIMO system

Training sequence is used in multiple antenna systems to estimate channel state information and mitigate channel distortion between transmitter and receiver. However, the training sequence or pilot must be limited to a certain size in order to reduce the impact of overhead loss due to limited channel coherence length in mobile users. In this paper, we proposed to use training size optimization in cell-free massive MIMO system. In addition, we proposed and compared the performance of different training size optimization algorithms, namely exhaustive search optimization, bisection optimization and min–max optimization, with each method has different level of calculation complexities. The results showed that in general, all of the 3 training length optimization methods improved the downlink rate compared to the conventional pilot length method. We also showed that the training optimization methods are more effective when the coherence length is small or the number of users is very large. In the case of large number of users or small coherence length, the exhaustive search has the best median downlink rate, followed closely by min–max optimum and finally the bisection method. Even though the exhaustive search optimization has the best downlink rate, we showed that the proposed reduce optimization complexity methods has significantly less calculation complexity. In addition, the median downlink rate performance of min–max optimization method is only slightly less than that of the exhaustive search method for various number of users and coherence length.

     

The Use of Multiplex PCR to Determine the Prevalence of Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Milk,Feta Cheese,and Hand Swabs

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can cause mastitis in cattle and, therefore, can be present in milk. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of coagulase positive S. aureus and its enterotoxin genes sea, seb, and sec in isolates recovered from raw milk, feta cheese, and human hand swabs of milk and cheese handlers in Beni‐Suef province, Egypt. A total of 100 samples of raw milk and 50 samples of pasteurized‐milk feta cheese were collected. In addition, 50 hand swabs from milk handlers and 25 hand swabs from cheese handlers were examined for the presence of coagulase positive S. aureus. The isolates were characterized by multiplex PCR for detection of sea, seb, and sec genes, and for resistance to 5 classes of commonly used antibiotics. Twelve (12/100), 12 (6/50), and 17% (13/75) of milk, cheese, and hand swab samples, respectively, were positive for coagulase positive S. aureus. One isolate was obtained from each positive sample (31 isolates), and none contained genes for SEA or SEC production. Twenty‐five percent, 33%, and 31%, respectively, of the isolates contained the genes for SEB, resulting in 3%, 4%, and 5% of samples being positive for toxin producing coagulase positive S. aureus, respectively. At least one isolate was resistant to each of the antibiotics tested. Despite the low potential for SEB production shown, preventative measures, such as maintenance of the cold‐chain and good hygienic practices should be implemented to further reduce the potential risk to public health from SEB, and to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance.     

Effect of iodine on some properties of iodine doped selenium films

The effects of iodine on some properties of iodine-doped selenium films are investigated by X-ray, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), Raman spectroscopy and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (X.P.S.)

Informations on the growth, composition, morphology and texture of the films have been obtained

We have shown that the grain size decreases with the increase of the quantity of iodine present in the samples. It is found that iodine is not uniformly distributed in the films and that only a small proportion of iodine in the form of I₃⁻ reacts with the selenium The remaining part probably segregates at the grain boundaries, giving spontaneous sublimation of iodine when the quantity present in the films is of the order greater or equal to 1%.     

Characterization of the Interface of a Non-Ferrous Dissimilar Realized by Rotary Friction Welding

Russian Journal of Nondestructive Testing - The need for assembly between dissimilar materials often arises in complex industrial applications. It avoids problems inherent in conventional welding....