Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prepare for Impact: Measuring Large C&I Customer Response to DR Programs

This paper presents the results of an hourly load impact assessment of summer 2005 price responsive Demand Response (DR) programs targeted to large nonresidential customers. This impact assessment is one component of a larger overall statewide evaluation of the 2005 price responsive and reliability programs in California. The primary goals of this evaluation were to assess program marketing and implementation, and to analyze the load impacts attributable to these programs. Deriving hourly load impacts from the 2005 DR programs and evaluating methods to improve planning estimates of future impacts from DR programs were key research objectives necessary to inform key stakeholders on the range of load reduction they can count on from future DR program events. This paper will discuss several methods used for calculating load reduction impacts for large CI however, impacts varied widely across event days and utilities. 2) Although enrollment is comparatively high for DBP, bidding rates for 2005 events were very low. On average, only six percent of participants bid for each of the 2005 events. 3) The presence of a few large customers with highly unpredictable loads adds considerable uncertainty to the impact estimation process for the day-ahead programs. 4) The method currently used by the utilities to estimate baseline loads for the DBP program, and to report both DBP and CPP impacts to the CPUC, appears to be biased high by two or perhaps as much as four times.
Nanoparticle-Induced Airway Eosinophilia Is Independent of ILC2 Signaling but Associated With Sex Differences in Macrophage Phenotype Development

Key Points Following MWCNT exposure, eosinophilic inflammation is more severe in female airways. ILC2s are not required for MWCNT-induced eosinophilia. Female AMs develop a more exaggerated M2a phenotype than those of males after MWCNT exposure. Visual Abstract The majority of lung diseases occur with a sex bias in terms of prevalence and/or severity. Previous studies demonstrated that, compared with males, female mice develop greater eosinophilic inflammation in the airways after multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) exposure. However, the mechanism by which this sex bias occurs is unknown. Two immune cells that could account for the sex bias are type II innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and alveolar macrophages (AMs). In order to determine which immune cell type was responsible for MWCNT-induced airway eosinophil recruitment and subsequent sex differences in inflammation and disease, male and female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to MWCNTs (2 mg/kg) via oropharyngeal aspiration, and the respiratory immune response was assessed 7 d later. Greater eosinophilia and eotaxin 2 levels were observed in MWCNT-treated females and corresponded with greater changes in airway hyperresponsiveness than those in MWCNT-treated males. In MWCNT-treated females, there was a significant increase in the frequency of ILC2s within the lungs compared with control animals. However, depletion of ILC2s via α-CD90.2 administration did not decrease eosinophil recruitment 24 h and 7 d after MWCNT exposure. AMs isolated from control and MWCNT-treated animals demonstrated that M2a macrophage phenotype gene expression, ex vivo cytokine production, and activation of (p)STAT6 were upregulated to a significantly greater degree in MWCNT-treated females than in males. Our findings suggest that sex differences in AM phenotype development, not ILC2 signaling, are responsible for the observed female bias in eosinophilic inflammation after MWCNT inhalation.
Local adaptation at a small geographic scale observed in Juniperus excelsa populations in southern Turkey

Cengiz Yücedağ , Nuray Çiçek , Oliver Gailing (3-4) Juniperus excelsa is one of the most common tree species and has a wide geographical and altitudinal distribution in Turkey. It is also resistant to drought and frost damages and can cope with poor soils. In this study, we explore whether there are any differences among eight J. excelsa populations from a narrow geographic region grown in a common garden test site in terms of growth and contents of photosynthetic pigments, proline and nutrients of their 10-year-old saplings. Phenotypic trait differentiation (QST) at all traits, FST at neutral SSRs among six of the populations and associations of traits with environmental conditions at provenance regions were also analysed to test for patterns of local adaptation. Sapling traits of eight J. excelsa populations of from Lakes District in Turkey at the test site showed that populations significantly differed for growth, photosynthetic pigments, proline and nutrient contents. The mean height and diameter of 10-year-old saplings were found as 94.5 cm and 41.6 mm, respectively. Eğirdir-Barla and Sütçüler-Tota populations showed the highest performance for the majority of traits at age 10 compared to all other populations. Nutrient contents in leaves were generally in the sufficiency range reported for plant growth. Considering photosynthetic pigments and proline, it could be concluded that the populations were not exposed to severe stress. Among the environmental variables, the best predictors of growth were annual mean minimum temperature and soil texture at the populations’ origin, accounting for 49% of the variation in height and diameter, respectively. Also, higher phenotypic trait differentiation for most traits than genetic differentiation at neutral genetic markers suggests local adaptation at a small geographic scale. The present study revealed adaptive divergence between populations at a small geographic scale. However, environmental similarity between region of origin and test site was not a good indicator of growth-related traits. The results can be used in the early selection of provenances for J. excelsa for plantation establishment.
Effects of Wrapping Method and Soil Contact on Hay Stored in Large Round Bales in Central Wisconsin

A 2-yr study was conducted during 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 to evaluate the effects of outdoor weathering on the nutritive value, ruminal disappearance kinetics of dry matter (DM), and recoveries of DM from 1.4- × 1.2-m large-round bales. The study consisted of (n = 90) bales that were allocated within a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement of hay types [orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) or alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)] and storage treatments. Bales were wrapped with either sisal twine or net, and they were positioned outdoors either elevated on wooden pallets or directly on the ground. For both hay types, positive controls were wrapped with net and stored indoors. Generally, the main effects of hay type and storage treatment did not interact, but both main effects interacted with year. During 2006-2007, wrapping with net did not improve recovery of DM compared to bales wrapped with twine (93.7% vs. 93.4%; P = 0.781), but recovery was improved by elevating bales on wooden pallets (95.0% vs. 92.1%; P < 0.001). However, control hays surpassed by 4.6 percentage units the overall recovery mean for all bales wintered outdoors (98.1% vs. 93.5%; P < 0.001). Precipitation was above normal during 2007-2008; this resulted in a 7.3-percentage-unit recovery advantage for indoor storage compared to all bales stored outdoors. Unlike the previous year, bales wrapped with twine and placed directly on the ground were especially vulnerable to weathering, recovering only 85.2% of initial DM, while recoveries for other treatments stored outdoors ranged from 89.6% to 91.1%. During the relatively dry conditions observed during 2006-2007, the energy density (total digestible nutrients; TDN) of the 0.15-m surface layer for all bales wintered outdoors was depressed, but by only 1.4 percentage units (60.8% vs. 59.4%; P = 0.017) relative to indoor controls. With much greater precipitation during 2007-2008, this differential increased only marginally (57.3% vs. 54.1%; P < 0.001). Generally, kinetic estimates obtained from in situ evaluations of ruminal disappearance of DM were consistent with responses observed for TDN. In summary, recoveries of DM from large-round bales always were greatest with indoor storage. The results of these studies suggest that elevating bales off of the soil surface and wrapping with net offer the highest probability of maximizing recovery of DM following outdoor winter storage in northern climates.
Internal audit and risk management in South Africa : adherence to guidance

Risk management is a relatively new addition to the wider concept of corporate governance. Sound corporate governance requires, among other things, that the board should ensure that there is an effective risk-based internal audit. The importance of internal audit within risk management and assisting the board of directors in this regard cannot be over-emphasised. The formal guidance of the IIA should be a starting point for internal auditors when performing their duties. Further applicable and comprehensive guidelines and legislation in this regard are urgently needed. This article aims to obtain input from heads of prominent internal audit functions within the private and public sectors on the role of internal auditing in the management of risk. Interne oudit en risikobestuur in Suid-Afrika : voldoening aan riglyne Risikobestuur is 'n relatief nuwe ontwikkeling binne die groter konsep van kor-poratiewe beheer. Goeie korporatiewe beheer vereis onder andere dat 'n direksie moet verseker dat effektiewe risikogebaseerde interne oudit uitgevoer word. Die belangrikheid van interne oudit binne risikobestuur en hul rol om die direksie in die verband by te staan, kan nie oorbeklemtoon word nie. Die formele riglyne van die IIA moet die beginpunt wees vir interne ouditeure tydens die uitvoering van hul pligte. Verdere toepaslike en omvattende riglyne hieroor word dringend benodig. Hierdie artikel het ten doel om insette van hoofde van prominente interne ouditdepartemente in die private en openbare sektore aangaande die rol van interne oudit in die bestuur van risiko te bekom.
RF performance of a novel planar millimeter-wave diode incorporating an etched surface channel

A whiskerless millimeter-wave mixer diode that yields performance comparable to that of the highest-quality whisker-contacted diodes is discussed. The diode uses an etched surface channel and planar air bridge to obtain greatly reduced parasitic capacitance. At 94 GHz, the room-temperature diode exhibited a conversion loss of 5.3 dB+or-0.5 dB and an equivalent input noise temperature of 518 K+or-50 K SSB (single sideband). >
Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain Are Associated with Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Based on Chinese Women

The objective of the study is to analyze the association between early pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and maternal and neonatal outcomes. The retrospective cohort study was conducted at Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University from January 2018 to May 2021, with 552 women enrolled. Women were divided into the underweight group, normal weight group, overweight group, and obese group according to early pregnancy BMI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. The absolute risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in the early pregnancy BMI group was calculated to further analyze the association between GWG and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Of the 552 women, 390 (70.65%) women had adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The result revealed that overweight was associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes (odds ratio (OR): 1.643, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.006-2.684), maternal complications (OR: 1.937, 95% CI: 1.188-3.159), and large for gestational age (LGA) (OR: 1.905, 95% CI: 1.061-3.422). In the obese group, the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes (OR: 5.760, 95% CI: 1.997-16.786), maternal complications (OR: 3.112, 95% CI: 1.645-5.887), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR: 2.943, 95% CI: 1.509-5.741), cesarean section (OR: 1.899, 95% CI: 1.002-3.599), and preterm delivery (OR: 4.752, 95% CI: 1.395-16.185) increased. Besides, there was an association between insufficient GWG and decreased risk of LGA (OR: 0.392, 95% CI: 0.187-0.826) and higher risk of preterm delivery (OR: 2.818, 95% CI: 1.171-6.784). This study demonstrates that BMI and GWG are related to maternal and neonatal outcomes. It is necessary to regularly monitor the weight of pregnant women during pregnancy. And regional guidelines for GWG also need to be explored.
Analysis on Influence of Business Intelligence Information Quality over User Information Adoption Based on Multiple Mediating Effects

From the perspective of information, this paper constructs a theoretical model based on information system (IS) success model and information adoption model (IAM), aiming to further disclose the action mechanism of business intelligence (BI) on user information adoption (UIA). Firstly, the BI factors affecting UIA were modeled in reference to the existing literature. Next, a questionnaire survey was carried out to collect valid samples from 423 Chinese enterprises. After that, an empirical analysis on structural equations was conducted on Amos 24.0 and SPSS 26.0. The results show that BI information content quality (ICQ), expected performance (EP), expected ease-of-use (EEOU), and perceived risk (PR) have a direct and significant influence on UIA, and ICQ further significantly influences UIA via mediators such as EP, EEOU, and PR; BI information access quality (IAQ) has a direct yet insignificant influence on UIA, but exerts a significant positive effect on UIA of BI via EP and EEOU. The research provides a new perspective into BI user behaviors in the context of big data, and a good reference for the successfully implementation and use of BI in practice.
An Estimation of the Optical Constants of Copper Based on the FEFF 9 Package

The FEFF software package is based on a first-principles real space Green function (RSMS) scattering theory to calculate X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS), and forward scattering amplitudes (FSA). From these, an energy-dependent complex dielectric constant can be calculated, and from it other “optical constants”, like the complex index of refraction, absorption coefficient, the reflectance, and energy-loss function, can be derived. A procedure to estimate these using FEFF version 9 is outlined applied to crystalline metallic copper as an example, and the results compared to values taken from the literature.
Replication protein A associates with nucleolar R loops and regulates rRNA transcription and nucleolar morphology

Here, Feng and Manley report novel functions of the DNA replication and repair factor replication protein A (RPA) in control of nucleolar homeostasis. Their findings both indicate new roles for RPA in nucleoli through pre-rRNA transcriptional control and also emphasize that RPA function in nucleolar homeostasis is linked to R-loop resolution under both physiological and pathological conditions.
Parasitic losses in synchronous-machine damper windings

The paper develops, from theoretical considerations, formulae for the parasitic losses in both squirrel-cage and insulated phase-wound damper windings of synchronous machines. It shows that in squirrelcage windings the parasitic losses can be substantially reduced but not (except in one instance) eliminated, by a suitable choice of stator and rotor slot pitches; and that the losses in phase-wound dampers can, with little difficulty, be eliminated.Methods are given for calculating both the pulsation and the surface losses in the rotor-pole laminations, thus showing to what extent these losses are dependent on disposable machine constants. Numerical examples are worked out for two machines, and the results, together with those of two other machines, are given in the form of open-circuit core-loss curves on which test results are plotted for the purpose of comparison.
Performance Rating of De-icing Chemicals for Winter Operations

The cost of deicing chemicals is a significant part of the Nebraska Department of Road's winter maintenance budget. Many products are available for use in highway and bridge deicing and new products are introduced each year. The objectives of this research are to develop a laboratory test to evaluate the performance of chemical deicers, to investigate national, state, and local standards, and to develop best maintenance practices to optimize the use of chemical deicers. This research project consists of two phases: Phase 1: conduct a literature survey to find data from existing laboratory tests used to evaluate deicer performance. Phase 2: develop a laboratory test to evaluate the performance of chemical deicers and correlate the results with field data from roadway maintenance. Use the data from the laboratory, the field, and the literature survey to develop a summary of the best use of chemical deicers. 3 The laboratory tests were developed by obtaining samples of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium acetate, and beet juice based chemical deicers for evaluation. Two of the magnesium chloride based deicers were made from byproducts of the ethanol industry. The deicers were tested for ice melting performance, resulting pavement friction, the effect from direct sunlight, and the time to refreeze after application. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems installed on plow trucks in concert with the Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS). The MDSS is a computerized system that collects weather data from area weather stations and gives maintenance crews recommended application rates for different weather events. The Shaker Test was developed to evaluate the performance of chemical deicers. The test works well for assessing the ice melting capacities of liquid and solid deicers, but more research is needed for prewet solids. The beet juice based deicers were found to perform well at temperatures as low as 14°F when exposed to direct sunlight. A summary was compiled to outline the recommended standards of practice for anti-icing and de-icing operations using the selected deicing chemicals during particular types of winter storms. 4 Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr. Tuan for getting me involved with this project and for advising throughout my graduate career. I would also like to thank Mike Mattison of NDOR for advising me on this project and for training me in the use of the MDSS. and the other maintenance managers and employees for their input and feedback and for their cooperation …
Introducing a Group Therapy Program (PLAN D) for Young Outpatients with Derealization and Depersonalization: A Pilot Study

Depersonalization and derealization (DD) cause significant distress and are associated with poor role and social functional outcomes. Despite the relatively high prevalence of DD symptoms and the chronic course in those suffering from a DD disorder, there still exists a need for effective interventions. Preliminary evidence indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered in an individual setting demonstrates some positive intervention effects for patients with DD regarding their symptom levels. By considering DD-specific treatment needs, a group therapy program was developed as an add-on therapy based on CBT techniques called PLAN D comprising the following elements: psychoeducation, lifestyle interventions, acceptance and mindfulness training, and new patterns of DD-related cognitions. In a pilot study, we present an 8-week group intervention for adolescents and young adults with DD disorder. To our knowledge, no standardized group intervention program for DD exists so far. Thus, this novel intervention represents a promising opportunity to positively influence long-term outcomes and course of DD.
Dynamics of light-induced charge transfer between carbon nanotube and CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals

The integration of semiconducting colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a single device presents a unique platform that combines optical flexibility with high charge carrying capability. These qualities are desirable in many applications such as photovoltaic cells, photocatalysis, and light sensors. Here, we present hybrid devices that incorporate various CdSe/CdS core/shell NCs, such as seeded quantum dots and asymmetric seeded nanorods (a-sNRs), with a single-wall CNT in a field-effect transistor geometry. We used electrical measurements to probe a light-induced charge transfer (LICT) between the CdSe/CdS NCs and the CNT. We investigate the effect of gate voltage on the LICT magnitude and temporal characteristics. Surprisingly, the measured photo-response depends on the gate voltage, and we observe both electrons and holes transfer from the a-sNRs to the CNT. Furthermore, a comparison between LICT measurements on different devices with different CNTs and NC types reveals that the charge transfer time is directly proportional to the shell-thickness around the CdSe core and inversely correlated with the NCs size. The recovery of the charge trapped inside the CdSe/CdS NCs is characterized by two distinct fast and slow relaxation times, which depend on the NCs size and CNT type. Although, the charge relaxation time is similar between the symmetric QDs and the asymmetric sNRs, the overall percentage of the remaining charge in the QDs is significantly larger than in the sNRs. Understanding both gate voltage and NCs size effect on the LICT processes can optimize the performance of optoelectronic devices.
Effect of Endectocides and Antibiotic Dung Poisoning on Mortality of Dung Beetle Species

We explored the effect of endectocides (deltamethrin and trichlorophenol) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline) on dung beetle species, 0nthophagus gazella and 0nitis excavatus under laboratory conditions. 0. gazella and 0. excavatus were collected from pastures and crop lands of Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan. The selected endectocides and antibiotics were applied on dung pats placed over soil @ 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1 ppm and kept in glass containers of 2' x 2' x 1.5' size. The laboratory bioassay was carried out at 28 ± 2 °C temperature and 65 ± 5 % RH with 12:12 of light to darkness ratio. Our results demonstrated that deltamethrin, trichlorophenol and oxytetracycline were toxic to both species, 0. gazella and 0. excavatus after two weeks of the exposure. Comparatively higher dung beetle mortality was recorded in both deltamethrin and trichlorophenol when applied @ 1 ppm as compared to 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 ppm concentrations in 0. gazella and 0. excavatus showed significantly higher mortality against oxytetracycline (53.3 % and 93.3 %, respectively), trichlorophenol (80 % and 94 %, respectively) and deltamethrin (88% and 76 %, respectively) at 1 ppm concentrations, whereas no mortality was recorded in all concentrations of enrofloxacin. 0. gazella and 0. excavatus responded negatively to the presence of different concentrations of veterinary parasiticides. In addition to the hazardous effect of 0. gazella and 0. excavatus, the study reports that these dung beetle species can be exploited as bio-indicators for environmental assessment in ecosystem studies.