Evaluating the Impact of Integrating Similar Translations into Neural Machine Translation

Previous research has shown that simple methods of augmenting machine translation training data and input sentences with translations of similar sentences (or fuzzy matches), retrieved from a translation memory or bilingual corpus, lead to considerable improvements in translation quality, as assessed by a limited set of automatic evaluation metrics. In this study, we extend this evaluation by calculating a wider range of automated quality metrics that tap into different aspects of translation quality and by performing manual MT error analysis. Moreover, we investigate in more detail how fuzzy matches influence translations and where potential quality improvements could still be made by carrying out a series of quantitative analyses that focus on different characteristics of the retrieved fuzzy matches. The automated evaluation shows that the quality of NFR translations is higher than the NMT baseline in terms of all metrics. However, the manual error analysis did not reveal a difference between the two systems in terms of total number of translation errors; yet, different profiles emerged when considering the types of errors made. Finally, in our analysis of how fuzzy matches influence NFR translations, we identified a number of features that could be used to improve the selection of fuzzy matches for NFR data augmentation.

SMA-LinR Energy and SLA aware autonomous management of virtual machines

Cloud datacenters consume enormous energy and generate heat, which affects the environment. Hence, there must be proper management of resources in the datacenter for optimum usage of energy. Virtualization enabled computing improves the performance of the datacenters in terms of these parameters. Therefore, Virtual Machines (VMs) management is a required activity in the datacenter, which selects the VMs from the overloaded host for migration, VM migration from the underutilized host, and VM placement in the suitable host. In this paper, a method (SMA-LinR) has been developed using the Simple Moving Average (SMA) integrated with Linear Regression (LinR), which predicts the CPU utilization and determines the overloading of the host. Further, this predicted value is used to place the VMs in the appropriate PM. The main aim of this research is to reduce energy consumption (EC) and service level agreement violations (SLAV). Extensive simulations have been performed on real workload data, and simulation results indicate that SMA-LinR provides better EC and service quality improvements.

Editorial Notes: Issues in Islamic Economics, Banking and Financial Institutions during the Covid-19 Pandemic

In this second issue of the 2021 edition, we mostly received manuscripts discussing the challenges of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions (IBFIs) within the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, they discuss various topics within the field, such as institutional and employees' performances, financial stability, waqf institutions, the trend of Islamic economics research, and the relevance of Islamic economics and finance essential components to the modern economy. Approaching the publication deadline, only ten were accepted out of the dozen manuscripts that were reviewed. Nine were ready for publication, while the rest still needed quality improvements. As for the process, each manuscript will have to pass an initial review from our editor(s) before forwarding it to suitable reviewers. Some manuscripts would have to go through several rounds before being accepted. The reviewers' feedback was taken into consideration to provide the final decisions. Following that, the manuscripts would have to pass the editing stages, including proof-reading and layout, where our editor(s) will intensely communicate with the authors if needed. It is to ensure that each published manuscript has undergone a quality check. Interestingly, of the published articles, five of them discuss the performance issues in Islamic financial institutions, whilst the rest discuss Islamic economics and financial matters in other topics ranging from waqf institutions, the trend of Islamic economics research, to the relevance of Islamic economics and finance essential components to the modern economy. Please check the PDF file for detailed information.

Patterns of Internal Communication in the Implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) at Manufacturing Organisations

Organisations need to perform, productivity needs to be improved and organisations’ activities need to be more effective, especially after the world economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, the need for quality improvements is crucial in both manufacturing and service sectors. The main purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of internal communication patterns in TQM implementation in Malaysia's manufacturing organisations. This is a multiple case study done using qualitative in-depth interview technique of data collections with 14 informants representing five large manufacturing organisations. Open-ended questions in semi-structured interviews enabled informants to describe their answers based on themes. The study has been carried out in manufacturing organisations originating from three different continents; two Malaysian local organisations, two eastern and one western organizations, and all of them located in Malaysia. In selecting the informants, the study adopts a judgment type of purposive sampling techniques. Results show that the most preferable and reliable communication medium between superiors and subordinates is still face-to-face meetings, although we are in the era of technology and IR4.0. Meanwhile, telephones are popular among the administration staff. The preferable form of communication between internal-operational is formal, without denying that informal form ofl communication is also important. Keywords: Internal communication, organizational communication, multiple case study, systematic process analysis, TQM.

Kajian Integratif Urgensi Kemitraan Sekolah dalam Menjaga Keberlangsungan Hidup Lembaga Pendidikan Islam

Previous theoretical and empirical studies have directed partnerships as part of educational activities. However, implementation at the level of Islamic educational institutions is still less than optimum, and studies on the importance of partnerships in Islamic educational institutions are also minimal. In fact, during the current pandemic, partnerships are not the only choice activity for Islamic educational institutions to carry out but are a must for achieving educational goals. For this reason, there is a need to present an integrative literature review on partnerships in the context of Islamic educational institutions that analyzes the crucial reasons for implementing partnerships systematically by Islamic educational institutions. By first discussing what school partnerships are and who is involved in school partnerships, the results of the integrative literature review suggest three crucial reasons why Islamic Education Institutions need to develop partnerships: sustainability, good governance, and quality improvements. The development of school partnerships is urgent and strategic, not only for the sake of realizing the goals of Islamic education but also as an effort to maintain the viability of Islamic education institutions in rapid environmental changes.

Genetic Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci for End-Use Quality and Grain Minerals in Hard Red Winter Wheat

To meet the demands of different wheat-based food products, traits related to end-use quality become indispensable components in wheat improvement. Thus, markers associated with these traits are valuable for the timely evaluation of protein content, kernel physical characteristics, and rheological properties. Hereunder, we report the mapping results of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to end-use quality traits. We used a dense genetic map with 5199 SNPs from a 90K array based on a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from ‘CO960293-2′/’TAM 111′. The population was evaluated for flour protein concentration, kernel characteristics, dough rheological properties, and grain mineral concentrations. An inclusive composite interval mapping model for individual and across-environment QTL analyses revealed 22 consistent QTLs identified in two or more environments. Chromosomes 1A, 1B, and 1D had clustered QTLs associated with rheological parameters. Glu-D1 loci from CO960293-2 and either low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits or gliadin loci on 1A, 1B, and 1D influenced dough mixing properties substantially, with up to 34.2% of the total phenotypic variation explained (PVE). A total of five QTLs associated with grain Cd, Co, and Mo concentrations were identified on 3B, 5A, and 7B, explaining up to 11.6% of PVE. The results provide important genetic resources towards understanding the genetic bases of end-use quality traits. Information about the novel and consistent QTLs provided solid foundations for further characterization and marker designing to assist selections for end-use quality improvements.

Sustainable Production Enhancement of Valuable Products Via Operational Rectification

ADNOC LNG lies in the middle stream of the value chain, receiving and processing LP and HP gases from ADNOC Offshore. Supporting ADNOC Upstream's current oil production and future growth strategy while reducing its associated emissions of the process by delivering the associated gases to ADNOC LNG battery limit ADNOC LNG processes associated and non-associated gases to produce LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), Propane, Butane, Paraffinic Naphtha (P. Naphtha) and Sulfur. LNG constitutes Methane, Ethane and a little Propane and butane, with minimum constraints on GHV and density. In order to deal with market competitiveness in the context of a potentially prolonged low-price environment, ADNOC LNG has embarked on various initiatives to maximize its production by driving agility and efficiency throughout the value chain process. Delivering upon efficiency improvements, one of the contributing studies included optimizing the propane content i.e. reducing the C3 content, in LNG Propane content in LNG has been varied, within operational limits, to maximize production of propane, which is more valuable/profitable when compared to LNG, whilst maintaining minimum LNG specification. In addition, slighting higher feed gas has been processed, to maintain LNG production rate. This has been achieved without hampering the plant stability. The extensive review and analysis of the rectification units has been conducted as well as optimization in terms of temperature profiles and reflux flow rates was able to generate overall better product purification, thereby increasing production of desired and more valuable products. This study has driven the investigation of additional benefits in production enhancement and quality improvements as the market value of Propane is relatively higher than that of LNG and thus yielding greater benefits. The overall performance trial basis deduced a total added benefit equivalent to 9 MMUSD/year YTD for train 3.

Can Good Products Drive Out Bad? A Randomized Intervention in the Antimalarial Medicine Market in Uganda

How can quality be improved in markets in developing countries, which are known to be plagued by substandard and counterfeit (“fake” , in short) products? We study the market for antimalarial drugs in Uganda, where we randomly assign entry of a retailer (NGO) providing a superior product - an authentic drug priced below the market - and investigate how incumbent firms and consumers respond. We find that the presence of the NGO had economically important effects. Approximately one year after the new market actor entered, the share of incumbent firms selling fake drugs dropped by more than 50% in the intervention villages, with higher quality drugs sold at significantly lower prices. Household survey evidence further shows that the quality improvements were accompanied by consumers expecting fewer fake drugs sold by drug stores. The intervention increased use of the antimalarial drugs overall. The results are consistent with a simple model where the presence of a seller committed to high quality, as opposed to an average firm, strengthens reputational incentives for competing firms to improve quality in order to not be forced out of the market, leading to ‘good driving out bad’.