Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Business Model Innovation Strategies for Product Service Systems – An Explorative Study in the Manufacturing Industry

In saturated, product-oriented markets, services provide the potential for differentiation and growth. Innovating a firm’s business model (BM) by adopting product service systems (PSSs) seems promising. However, research provides only limited insights on how manufacturing firms can innovate their BM towards offering PSSs. Literature lacks strategies not only to adopt PSSs, but also to further innovate existing PSS BMs. Therefore, this study analyzes reoccurring PSS BM patterns as well as innovation strategies to transform from one pattern to another. We use an explorative, qualitative study with interviews in 14 business units of large manufacturing corporations that are engaged in a PSS BM innovation initiative. Results show three PSS BM patterns, i.e. product-oriented manufacturing, use-oriented enabling and result-oriented service offering. We demonstrate their practical implementation and further derive a conceptual framework for PSS BM innovation describing six evolutionary or transformative innovation strategies. Evolutions, i.e. universalization, digitization and service expansion, change only modules of a BM, whereas transformations, i.e. servitization, integration and leapfrogging, affect the whole architecture. Limitations are the small number of interviews and related limited number of cases. Nevertheless, findings indicate transformation paths and extensions to existing research on PSS types regarding the customization and ownership of PSSs.
Model Specification and Time-varying Jump Intensity : Evidence from S & P 500 Returns and Options

This paper explores the specifications of jumps for modeling stock price dynamics and cross-sectional option prices. We exploit a long sample of a b ut 16 years of S&P500 returns and option prices for model estimation. We explicitly impos e the time-series consistency when jointly fitting the return and option series. We specify a separate jump intensity process which affords a distinct source of uncertainty and persistence level from the volatility process. The models are estimated by MCMC method. Our overall conclus ion i that simultaneous jumps in return and volatility are helpful in fitting the retu rn, volatility and jump intensity time series, while time-varying jump intensities improve t h cross-section fit of the option prices. In the formulation with time-varying jump intensit y, both the mean jump size and standard deviation of jump size premia are strengthened.
Smoothed particle hydrodynamics modelling of fluids and solid

The study is concerned about the application of the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method within the computational fluid dynamics and elastodynamics. A brie f description of the SPH model for an incompressible fluid and for an elastic solid is presented. The implemented m o el of incompressible fluid is tested for internal flows as well as for flows involving a free surface of the fluid. T he implemented elastic solid model is examined during the simulation of the mechanical response of rubber r ings. c © 2007 University of West Bohemia. All rights reserved.
Application and stability criteria for rock and artificial units

The design tools given in this chapter on rubble mound structure armour layers are based on tests of schematised structures. Structures in prototype may differ substantially from the testsections. Results, based on design tools, can therefore only be used in a conceptual design. The confidence bands, which are given for most formulae, support the fact that reality may differ from the mean curve. It is advised to perform physical model investigations for detailed design of all important rubble mound structures. The armour layer of a rubble mound structure is one of the most important parts to design. Under-design of this layer may consequently lead to large damage or even failure of the structure. Three types of armour layers for seawalls and revetments will be described: • rock layers • concrete armour units • berm type protection The chapter will start with a description of some basic parameters used in design of armour layers and will finish with stepped and composite slopes.
Conformation traits of dairy cattle populations in selected Districts of Northwestern Amhara, Ethiopia

Mammo M, Alemayehu K, Tassew A. 2017. Conformation traits of dairy cattle populations in selected Districts of Northwestern Amhara, Ethiopia. Biodiversitas 18: 1669-1679. The study was conducted in three selected districts of northwestern Amhara. The objective was to quantify the characteristics of conformation traits of dairy cattle populations at smallholder farmers' level. 279 cattle keepers were selected for measurement of conformation traits. About 105 indigenous cattle from each district and 42 crossbred female cattle were considered for measurement. SPSS (2007) was used to analyze qualitative data and SAS (2014) for quantitative data. The results revealed that the conformation trait measurements (cm) of indigenous cattle had significant variation (P< 0.001) on neck length for dairy type (54.07 Â± 4.80) and meat type (51.96 Â± 4.05) traits. The width at the point of the shoulder was 7.72 Â±1.96, 6.60 Â± 1.68 and 5.35 Â± 1.61 for meat type, dual type and for dairy type cattle, respectively. A male cattle had significant variation over female except neck length. All qualitative traits were laid intermediate levels (4-6 point) except crossbred which was 63.64 %. About 30% of dairy type cattle had high rear udder depth and 43.33% dairy type cattle had strong central ligament. Crossbred cattle had 42.1% sickled rear leg. In general, about 57.5% dairy type cattle and 95.2% crossbred cattle have very angular shape as 75% of meat type cattle lack angularity. From this research, it could be concluded that there were significant differences of conformation traits between dairy type and beef type cattle from the cattle population considered in the study for developing specialized dairy or beef breed types. As well as indigenous dairy type cattle are comparable to other known dairy cattle breeds like Kanan, Fogera and Barka. However, farmers did not exercise in developing product specific and specialized breeds with their corresponding production system than multipurpose. Thus, selection and appropriate planed breeding program is crucial for future dairy cattle genetic improvement to match genotype and environment and meet producersâ€™ production objectives. Hence, conformation traits can be a vital tool to make decisions on cattle selection and breed improvement.
By-laws formulation and enforcement in natural resource management: lessons from the highlands of eastern Africa

Abstract Degradation of land, water and vegetation in the highlands of eastern Africa is on the increase in the face of the enforcement of natural resource management (NRM) policies and related by-laws. In this study, reasons behind the limited contribution of NRM by-laws in arresting degradation of natural resources in the highlands of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda are presented, and opportunities to improve effectiveness identified. Using key informants’ interviews, focus group discussions, workshops, case studies and literature review, it is shown that inadequate community participation in the process of by-laws formulation and enforcement is the main reason for the ineffectiveness of most NRM by-laws in the three countries. When communities are fully involved in the process of NRM by-laws formulation and enforcement and both conventional and indigenous by-laws enforcement mechanisms are adopted, incidences of abuse of natural resources were reduced by as much as 50% in some of the study sites.
Gender Differences, Anger Expression, and Cardiovascular Risk

Research has established the influence of serum cholesterol and anger management style as cardiovascular risk factors. However, mixed and sometimes contradictory results have created uncertainty with respect to contributions of anger. Some incongruities may be accounted for on the basis of gender differences since a number of studies have employed male samples rather than female samples or mixed samples. The present study examined both gender and anger management style in relation to cardiovascular risk. One hundred three (72 men and 31 women) midlevel executives completed questionnaires and a blood draw during a week long, succession training program within a large international organization. Gender, anger expression, and anger expressed outward were significant predictors for levels of high-density lipids, low-density lipids/very low-density lipids, and triglycerides, and cardiovascular risk ratios. Results replicate and extend previous research. Anger held inward and anger control were significant for men but not women, contrary to earlier gender-specific findings.
Visual Impressions of Interactions between Objects When the Causal Object Does Not Move

Stimuli were presented that consisted of a stationary row of black-bordered white rectangles. As observers watched, each rectangle in turn from left to right changed from white to black. The final rectangle did not change colour but moved off from left to right. The sequential colour change suggested motion from left to right, and observers reliably reported a visual impression that this illusory motion kicked or bumped the last rectangle, thereby making it move. The impression was stronger when the sequential colour change was faster, but was not significantly affected by the number of the rectangles in the row (ranging from 2 to 8). These results support the conclusion that neither contact nor motion of a causal object is necessary for a visual impression of causality to occur.
Experimental Study on Admissible Forces at the Incudomalleolar Joint

Hypothesis The forces that cause rupture of the incudomalleolar joint during the fixation of stapedial prostheses can be determined by means of load-deflection measurements at the long process of the incus. As in other tissues, 3 ranges of forces can be defined: micro rupture, rupture, and short-term maximum. Background A crucial step in stapes surgery is the attachment of the stapedial prosthesis to the long process of the incus. It is unknown which forces occur during the crimping process that increase the risk of damage to the incudomalleolar joint or incus luxation. The goal of this study was to assess the admissible range of forces at the long process of the incus that would be tolerable before damaging the structures and to compare them with the forces occurring during surgery. Methods Load-deflection curves in the lateral-medial and anterior-posterior direction were measured in 9 freshly frozen or fresh temporal bones. The force was measured with a load cell, and displacement was taken from the encoder information of the electrically driven translation stage on which the load cell was mounted. The long process of the incus was coupled to the load cell via a customized needle. We also monitored with video recordings for visual confirmation of findings. Results The rupture force at which the middle ear was found to be severely injured was 894 (724–1018) mN in the anterior-posterior direction and 695 (574–771) mN in the lateral-medial direction. Micro-ruptures occurred at forces around 568 (469–686) mN in the anterior-posterior direction and in the lateral-medial direction at 406 (254–514) mN. Short-term maximum forces of 1,321 (1,051–1,533) mN were measured in the anterior-posterior direction and 939 (726–1,132) mN in the lateral-medial direction. Conclusion Rupture forces of the incudomalleolar joint could be defined with high accuracy. These results were used to calculate risks of incus luxation or subluxation during stapes surgery. Compared with the use of clip and SMA prostheses, the risk of damage from a crimping procedure is significantly higher.
Evaluation of the Abuse Liability of Modafinil and Other Drugs for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Associated with Narcolepsy

Psychostimulants have been used routinely for the treatment of the disabling daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. However, the perceived and real potential for abuse of amphetamine and amphetaminelike stimulants prompted a search for new wake-promoting compounds with lower dependency and abuse liabilities. Modafinil is a novel wake-promoting agent with a mechanism of action that differs markedly from that of amphetamine and amphetamine-like stimulants. In controlled clinical trials, modafinil has been shown to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with narcolepsy. With a benzhydrylsulfinylacetamide structure, modafinil has a low level of solubility in water (<1 mg/mL) and is unstable at temperatures ≥180°C, physicochemical properties that reduce the potential for its abuse via intravenous injection and smoking, respectively. Available preclinical and clinical data on the abuse liability of modafinil suggest a much lower potential for abuse and dependency than amphetaminelike stimulants commonly used for treating EDS in patients with narcolepsy. Therefore, modafinil represents a valuable therapeutic option for the treatment of EDS associated with narcolepsy.
Selection of Capacitance for Compensated Self Excited Induction Generator Using MetaHeuristic Approach

The performance of self-excited induction generator was thoroughly analyzed regarding the values of the critical excitation capacitance and the frequency of the generated voltage. Analytical expressions were derived for the value of the minimum excitation capacitor under different load types/operating conditions. The advised expressions were verified experimentally and by, a robust meta-heuristic optimization technique, particle Swarm Algorithm. Furthermore, the feasibility, suitability and effectiveness. of the proposed formulas were corroborated for generators with different sizes/ratings through the correlation of the results from the derived expressions and Particle Swarm Algorithm for such machines. Keywords— Self Excitation, induction generator, particle swarm algorithm, critical capacitance, magnetizing reactance.
Title : THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT WITH MESENCHYMAL CELLS ISOLATED FROM ABDOMINAL ADIPOSE TISSUE DOES NOT PREVENT ELASTASE-INDUCED EMPHYSEMA IN THE RAT Short Title : The effect of Mesenchymal cells on COPD

Background: Emphysema and chronic bronchitis have different pathophysiology but are both significant components of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). The levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) in bronchoalveloar lavage fluid (BALF) and in serum are associated with emphysema.Intratracheal admnistration of elastase has been used to create a rat model of emphysema. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been postulated to prevent or reverse emphysema but this has not been examined in the rat moel of elastase-induced emphysema. Methods: In this study, 6/8week-old 31 Wistar albino rats weighing between 250300 g were assessed. On day 1 animals were treated intratracheally with 0.5 mls saline (Controls, n=10); 0.5 ml saline solution containing 0.1 IU porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as: Yıldız Gülhan P, Ekici MS, Niyaz M, et al. THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT WITH MESENCHYMAL CELLS ISOLATED FROM ABDOMINAL ADIPOSE TISSUE DOES NOT PREVENT ELASTASE-INDUCED EMPHYSEMA IN THE RAT. Turk Thorac J 2019; DOI: 10.5152/TurkThoracJ.2019. 180136 ©Copyright 2019 by Turkish Thoracic Society Available online at www.turkthoracj. org per animal (Elastase group, n=12) or PPE plus MSC (Elastase-MSC group, n=9). MSCs suspended in serum were injected via the caudal vein at day 21. At least 106 cell were injected. All animals were sacrificed on day 42 and the emphysema index (EI) was calculated and BALF and serum MMP-9 concentrations measured. Results: PPE induced a significant degree of emphysema compared to controls as determined by the EI index (p=0.008). This was not reversed by MSC treatment and the EI remained significantly reduced compared to controls (p=0.001) and no different from Elastase-treated animals. There was no statistically significant difference between serum and BALF MMP-9 levels between the control and treatment groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that therapeutic treatment with adipose tissuederived MSC in rats has no effect on emphysema or on MMP9 expression, a marker of emphysema.
Electromagnetic response of two-dimensional metamaterials constructed of a metal-mesh and dielectric spheres in the terahertz region

Mie resonances of dielectric spheres exhibit artificial dispersion in effective permeability and permittivity. We propose a simple and possible way to construct a two-dimensional metamaterial with negative refractive index in the terahertz region. The dielectric spheres made of TiO2 are periodically arranged on a metal-mesh. The transmission peaks caused by the interaction between the TiO2 spheres and the metal-mesh are obtained. The transmission and the phase shift spectra suggest that the negative refractive index is realized by the combination of the negative permittivity of the metal-mesh and the negative permeability of TiO2 of the Mie resonance.
Precision measurement of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays of 0 . 5 − 350

A precision measurement by AMS on the ISS of the positron frac tion in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 350GeV based on 6.8 million posit ron and electron events is presented. The very accurate data show that the positron fraction is steadily in creasing from 10 to∼250GeV, but, from 20 to 250 GeV, the slope decreases by an order of magnitude. The positron fr action spectrum shows no fine structure.
Seasonal variations of hemoglobin A 1 c in residents of Beijing , China

Objective: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is routinely used to evaluate glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Using HbA1c of ≥ 6.5% for screening and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is also recommended. The purpose of this study was to investigate seasonal variations of HbA1c in residents of Beijing city (China), including both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Methods: The study cohort included 61,167 HbA1c observations (HbA1c < 6.5%: n=36,174; HbA1c ≥ 6.5%: n=24,993) from residents who performed physical examination in Beijing Hospital over 5 years (from Jan 2007 to Apr 2011). We calculated monthly average HbA1c for both overall population and subpopulations defined by HbA1c values (HbA1c < 6.5% or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%). In addition, we analyzed whether there are any differences in HbA1c among subgroups divided by gender, age and time of blood specimen collection. Finally, general linear models (GLM) were applied to the data to assess the impact and potential interactions of various independent variables (age, time, month and gender) on the HbA1c changes. Results: For overall population, we observed a peak of HbA1c value (6.67%) in January and a trough (6.38%) in June to August. Surprisingly, it was noticed that the lowest value (6.36%) was in November. Similar monthly pattern was found in the subpopulations of HbA1c < 6.5%. For the subpopulations with higher values (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%), very slight changes were shown, with higher value (7.48%) in January to February and lower value (7.31%) in September. These seasonal fluctuations of monthly HbA1c values are statistically significant adjusted for all of the other factors in GLM analysis (age, time, and gender). Conclusion: In residents of Beijing, relatively higher HbA1c values in winter and lower values in summer were observed. In addition, the lowest HbA1c value was noticed in November, especially for subgroup of HbA1c < 6.5%. We think both geographical and cultural influences are directly related to HbA1c monthly variations. These findings have implications for epidemiologic studies and clinical assessment in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations.
Evaluation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production by microbiota endogenous to oleaginous plants

Aims: Microbiota endogenous to oleaginous plants have attracted special attention in recent years for their biotechnological potentials and applications including the production of biodegradable biopolyester poly(3hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] as an alternative to thermoplastics. The present study is aimed to screen the endophytic bacteria of selected oleaginous plants such as Arachis hypogaea L. , Brassica napus L. , Brassica nigra L. , Helianthus annuus L. , Ricinus communis L. and Sesamum indicum L. for the production of P(3HB). Methodology and results: Bacteria endogenous to the oleaginous plants were isolated from surface sterilized healthy tissues following sterilization with 70% ethanol and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and screened for P(3HB) production in mineral salts medium. Nile blue A staining method was used for detection of intracellular P(3HB), while the accumulated biopolyester was quantified spectrophotometrically following chemical conversion to chrotonic acid by treating with sulfuric acid. Five potent P(3HB) accumulating isolates have been selected and identified as Cellulosimicrobium cellulans AHS 01 (KX458038), Beijerinckia fluminensis AHR 02 (KX458039), Exiguobacterium acetylicum BNL 103 (KX458037), Bacillus toyonensis BNS 102 (KX458036) and Bacillus cereus RCL 02 (KX458035) based on morphological, physio-biochemical and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. These endogenously growing bacterial isolates accumulated intracellular biopolyester accounting 43-62% of their cell dry weight (CDW) when grown in mineral salts medium supplemented with yeast extract. Intracellular accumulation of P(3HB) by these isolates have also been confirmed by FTIR spectral analysis of lyophilized cell mass and HNMR spectra of the extracted polymer. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: These findings, first of its kind point to exploration of endogenous bacterial communities of oil-producing plants as a potential bioresource for production of P(3HB) bioplastics in a sustainable manner.
Non-fasting triglyceride levels in the Korean population with and without ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease

Background/Aims Associations between non-fasting triglyceride (TG) levels and a risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) have been suggested in Caucasians. We aimed to investigate whether non-fasting TG levels reflect the risk of IHD/CVA in Koreans. Methods We conducted an analysis of patients aged ≥ 30 years from the nationwide survey database. Fasting TG was defined as a measurement taken ≥ 12 hours since the last meal. Non-fasting TG was categorized by fasting duration of 0 to 3, 4 to 7, and 8 to 11 hours. Results In subjects without history of IHD/CVA, diabetes, or lipid-lowering medication, the TG level was significantly elevated for 7 hours in men compared to fasting TG levels (p = 0.011); the mean TG levels were 154.9 mg/dL (standard error [SE], 13.0), 177.0 mg/dL (SE, 12.1), 148.8 mg/dL (SE, 2.8), and 141.5 mg/dL (SE, 1.4) for 0 to 3, 4 to 7, 8 to 11, and ≥12 hours’ fasting, respectively. In women, there was no difference in TG level according to fasting duration after adjustment for confounders. In men without diabetes, the TG level from 4 to 7 hours’ fasting showed a significant difference between subjects with or without IHD/CVA even after adjustments for age, body mass index, lipid medication, exercise, and dietary factors (215.1 mg/dL vs. 177.3 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Conclusions In men, non-fasting TG levels from 4 to 7 hours’ fasting were significantly associated with IHD/CVA, and were superior to fasting TG levels level in the significant association with the history of IHD or CVA.