Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Price-maker strategies of a hydro producer in a day-ahead electricity market

In this paper, a stochastic mixed-integer linear programming approach is proposed to find the optimal operations planning of a hydro producer acting as a risk-neutral price-maker trading in the day-ahead market based on a pool. The proposed approach optimizes a set of scenarios using as decision variables the amount of power supplied by each generation unit facing the 24-hours residual demand curves of each scenario. The supply competitive curves are built and the optimal bidding strategy is developed in the day-ahead market, in order to maximize the expected profit of the price-maker hydro producer. Results from a real-world case study are presented. Finally, conclusions are duly drawn.
The structural cardiovascular factor in primary hypertension--pressure dependence and genetic reinforcement.

Experimental results suggesting a genetic facilitation of cardiovascular structural adaptation in primary hypertension are surveyed. Most such studies have been performed on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), a few on New Zealand genetically hypertensive (GH) and Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats, and primary human hypertension has also been explored. The evidence comes partly from various haemodynamic-morphometric analyses of the relationships between cardiovascular design and pressure level in vivo and partly from in vitro studies of SHR vascular smooth muscle in tissue culture. When combined, the experimental findings from the various approaches strongly suggest that genetic elements can so reinforce the normal process of structural cardiovascular adaptation in primary hypertension, that this factor becomes a primary element of great haemodynamic importance, particularly in SHR, probably in GH rats and perhaps in man, but hardly in Dahl-S rats. The overall support for this type of genetic reinforcement appears, in fact, to be stronger than for any other type of mechanism presently considered to be genetically linked to the induction of primary hypertension. This genetic structural endowment seems to be partly intrinsic in the muscle cells and partly the result of extrinsic 'trophic' effects, e.g. from catecholamines, consequent to a genetically based central accentuation of sympathetic activity, present in SHR and evidently often in man.
Angle-specific eccentric hamstring fatigue after simulated soccer.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of simulated soccer on the hamstrings eccentric torque-angle profile and angle of peak torque (APTeccH), and on the hamstrings:quadriceps torque ratio at specific joint angles (ASHecc:Qcon). METHODS The authors assessed dominant-limb isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee flexion and concentric knee extension at 120°/s in 9 semiprofessional male soccer players immediately before and after they completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). RESULTS The LIST resulted in significant decreases in eccentric hamstrings torque at 60°, 50°, and 10° and a significant (21.8%) decrease in ASHecc:Qcon at 10° (P < .05). APTeccH increased from 7.1° ± 1.0° to 18.8° ± 4.2° (P < .05). Eccentric hamstrings peak torque significantly declined from 185.1 ± 70.4 N·m pre-LIST to 150.9 ± 58.5 N·m post-LIST (P = .002), but there were no significant changes in hamstrings or quadriceps concentric peak torque (P = .312, .169, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Simulated soccer results in a selective loss of eccentric hamstrings torque and hamstrings-to-quadriceps muscle balance at an extended joint position and a shift in the eccentric hamstrings APT to a shorter length, changes that could increase vulnerability to hamstrings injury. These findings suggest that injury-risk screening could be improved by evaluating the eccentric hamstrings torque-angle profile and hamstrings strength-endurance and that the development of hamstrings fatigue resistance and long-length eccentric strength may reduce injury incidence.
Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded intestinal tissue by IS900 polymerase chain reaction.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate and compare methods for DNA extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and methods for detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis by IS900 PCR for confirmation of Johne's disease in ruminants. DESIGN A laboratory study. PROCEDURE Three methods of DNA extraction of differing complexity and two PCR protocols using different pairs of IS900 primers were compared. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using samples from ruminants with and without histological evidence of Johne's disease. RESULTS The simplest method of DNA extraction, which involved two cycles of boiling and freezing followed by centrifugation, gave more consistent results than two methods that required solvent extraction of paraffin, proteinase digestion and DNA purification. The sensitivity of detection of M avium subsp paratuberculosis in paraffin blocks stored for 1 to 6 years from 34 cases of Johne's disease in sheep, cattle and goats was 88% for a 229 bp IS900 PCR assay and 71% for a 413 bp assay, using the detection of acid-fast bacilli by Ziehl Neelsen staining of histological sections from the same blocks as the gold standard test. PCR results correlated with the abundance of acid-fast organisms in the tissues. No false positive reactions were detected. CONCLUSION PCR for identification of M avium subsp paratuberculosis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded intestinal tissues from ruminants is a rapid and useful method. A simple method of sample preparation is effective. Amplification of short fragments of IS900 is more effective than amplification of longer fragments.
Modelling Volatility Spillovers from Developed stock markets to Selected African Stock Markets

International stock markets have been characterized by increasing degree of integration. However, stock markets have been new phenomenon in Africa (more than half of African stock markets have been opened in the last decade). Development of stock market has an important role in promoting economical growth in the country. Due to financial linkage between stock markets, volatility could be spillovers from one to another. Thus, the main purpose of this thesis is to model volatility spillovers from developed stock markets to selected African stock markets using MGARCH models. The data for this purpose is weekly closing return data obtained from Bloomberg and span during the period from 1999 week 1 to 2017 week 46. Among many MGARCH methodologies to analysis volatility spillover, the conditional correlation model like CCC and DCC model are used in this study. Tri-variate VAR (1) model is fitted for the mean equation and have no serial correlation in the residuals while there were correlation in the squared residuals (ARCH effect) that is presence of volatility in the return data. The volatility of stock market returns was captured by Tri-variate DCC (1, 1) with t-distribution having 6 degree freedom in this thesis. From the results we concluded that there are volatility spillover from USA to South Africa, Europe to morocco and Europe to South Africa stock market returns. And volatility spillovers among those stock markets are strong and increasing over time in the study period. In sum volatility is spillovers from developed stock market returns to selected African stock markets except for Nigeria and Kenya and which agrees the finding of this thesis. This thesis attempts to recommend that further researcher could be investigate the volatility spillover from developed stock market to African stock market using conditional covariance model like BEKK and diagonal VECH and considering world financial crisis like 2008, to investigate volatility spillover effect before and after crisis . Last but not least, this thesis suggests further researcher would be dividing the study period in to two subsamples and forecasting volatility spillover.
Modeling and simulation of positron range effects for high resolution PET imaging

Employing a diffusion approximation for monoenergetic positrons and well-known theoretical and empirical relations we model positron range distributions and show them to be in close agreement with Monte Carlo simulation results produced using EGSnrc. We calculate the range-blurring effect on system resolution for 21 positron emitters of biomedical interest. The line-spread function for a tomograph with intrinsic spatial resolution of 1.5 mm FWHM is blurred to 1.7 mm FWHM for the low end-point energy emitters F-18 or Cu-64 and to about 4.3 mm FWHM for the high end-point energy emitters Rb-82 and I-120. Annihilation distributions exhibit a biphasic nature-very sharply peaked with long-range, low-intensity tails. The sharp peaks preserve high spatial frequencies while the tails, responsible for the predominant blurring effects, asymptotically approach exponential terms. By suitable manipulation of the model equations we derive the exponential constant-an apparent mass absorption coefficient-and find it to be in close agreement with a classical estimate. This long-range character introduces a blur component that can be removed during iterative reconstruction. Our model, while not entirely explicit, is conveniently formulated for application in linear algorithms such as Fourier transformation and re-projection during iterative reconstruction. The model thus facilitates range-blurring corrections, which are essential for high-resolution PET, particularly with high-energy emitters.
Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with air travel.

OBJECTIVE To investigate potential transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in aircraft from a crew member with tuberculosis. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study and survey. SETTING A large US airline carrier. PARTICIPANTS A total of 212 crew members and 59 passengers who were exposed to a crew member with tuberculosis during a potentially infectious period (May through October 1992). Comparison volunteer sample of 247 unexposed crew members. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Positive tuberculin skin test (TST) result or tuberculosis. RESULTS Rates of positive TST results were higher among foreign-born persons in all study groups. Among US-born comparisons and contacts, rates of positive TST results did not differ between comparisons and contacts exposed from May through July (5.3% vs 5.9%, respectively). However, contacts exposed from August through October had significantly higher rates of positive TST results than did contacts exposed from May through July (30% vs 5.8%, respectively; P < .001); two had documented TST conversions between September 1992 and February 1993. The risk of infection increased with increasing hours of exposure to the index case. Four (6.7%) of 59 frequent flyers were TST-positive; all flew in October. CONCLUSIONS Data support the conclusion that M tuberculosis was transmitted from an infectious crew member to other crew members on an aircraft. Because of the clustering of TST-positive frequent flyers in October when the index patient was most infectious, transmission of M tuberculosis to passengers cannot be excluded.
A Proposed New Approach to the Clinical Subclassification of Depressive Illness

This paper focuses on the classification of mood disorders. Data are reported from 227 outpatients who met DSM-III-R criteria for Major Depressive Episode. Each patient was evaluated by the Semistructured Interview for Depression (SID), which was developed and organized according to a decision tree model. The SID was used both to identify the sample with major depressive disorders and, then, to subclassify them into five subtypes. Three bipolar types (I, II, III) and two unipolar types (recurrent and single episode) were distinguished, and comparisons among the subtypes are presented. Therapeutic implications of the classification are discussed in relation to recent advances in targeting short and long-term treatments for specific subtypes.
Playing a Double Game? Pursuing Innovation Through Ambidexterity in an International Acquisition Program from the Arabian Gulf Region

Acquisitions represent a strategy for enhancing competitive responsiveness in the global management of technology and innovation. Even more than single and domestic acquisitions, cross&#8208;border acquisition programs present opportunities for firms seeking to sustain innovation. Yet, scant attention has been paid to the innovation dynamics of pursuing multiple, international acquisitions. We remedy this gap by investigating a multinational logistics firm enacting a multi&#8208;decade program of cross&#8208;border, technology intensive acquisitions and achieving dual competencies in (1) innovation and ambidexterity, (2) the exploration and exploitation capabilities of ambidexterity, and (3) tight and loose integration approaches. We determine that the firm relied on contextual, temporal, and structural manifestations of ambidexterity in acquisition integration. Findings illuminate the processual nature of an international acquisition program and suggest how ambidexterity benefits the acquisition of both innovation and innovative capabilities, when a firm applies a portfolio of tight&#8208;to&#8208;loose integration approaches.
Clonality and Diversity of the Fish Pathogen Lactococcus garvieae in Mediterranean Countries

ABSTRACT Infection with Lactococcus garvieae is considered the most important risk factor for the European trout industry, and the losses are approximately 50% of the total production. To improve our understanding of the genetic links among strains originating from different countries, we examined the population structure of L. garvieae by comparing 81 strains isolated from different sources and ecosystems (41 farms in six countries) in which the bacterium is commonly found. Genetic similarities (as assessed with molecular tools, including restriction fragment length polymorphism ribotyping with two endonucleases) were compared with serological data. The combined results reveal that in endemic sites the bacterial population displays a clonal structure, whereas bacterial diversity characterizes sites where the infection is sporadic.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE LEVEL OF BACTERIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION OF AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES, PUBLIC TOILETS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH HELMETS IN KIGALI CITY, RWANDA.

BACKGROUND The environments can be contaminated by infectious agents that constitute a major health hazards as sources of community and hospital-acquired infections due to various activities. OBJECTIVE A comparative study on the level of bacteriological contamination of automatic teller machines (ATMs), public toilets and commercial motorcycle crash helmets were conducted in Kigali city during the period of January to March, 2013. DESIGN Samples were collected from selected ATMs, public toilets and commercial motorcycle crash helmets surfaces. Micro-organisms identified from these samples were associated to infecting organisms recovered from unwashed hands surfaces and recorded results in the nearby hospital. SETTING Samples from each device and subject were transported to the laboratory where they were analysed for the presence of coliforms and other airborne, human skin and intestinal disease causing microorganisms. Microbiological methods including spread plate techniques and some biochemical tests were used to partially identify the microorganisms. SUBJECTS Subjects involved in this study were consented students from University of Rwanda and Kigali motorcyclists for collections of samples from hands and crash helmets respectively. RESULTS The following pathogenic bacteria have been found on the devices, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas. The commercial motorcycle crash helmets had the highest level of bacteriological contamination compared to ATMs and public toilets. There was no growth observed on samples collected after treatment from ATMs, public toilets, and commercial motorcycle crash helmets. Attempt to correlate this finding with infecting organisms recovered from unwashed hands surfaces and recorded results in the nearby hospital show that the presences of some of these infectious pathogens. CONCLUSION This study has revealed the ability of these public devices to serve as vehicle of transmission of microorganisms with serious health implications. To improve and ensure the safety of these public devices the use of disinfectants is of high importance on reducing bacteriological load on those public devices. Proper cleaning regimen to sanitise these facilities regularly and public education on their hygienic usage are recommended to reduce the associated risks.
Authentic Leadership: Its Significance in Developing Authentic Leadership Practices

Almost all types of organizations extending from the private, public or even the non-government organizations are struggling with encounters and challenges that extend from ethical ruin, squalor and degradation to radicalism, violence and terrorism. These encounters and challenges that are facing the contemporary organizational leaders are not melting down, instead they are snowballing at an alarming rate more especially with the experienced changes in market demands, technical and technological developments, and high competition. Due to these challenges and setback, a dire need arose in search of new leadership styles and new kinds of leaders that aim at reinstating, restoring and reestablishing hopefulness, confidence, assurance, sanguinity and buoyancy as well as leaders who can help employees and other stakeholders in the process of searching self-awareness and better networks at the place of work. It is through authentic leaders that organizations can develop authentic leadership practices in all their operations and endeavors. Keywords: Authentic Leadership & Leadership Practices.
Bioequivalence study of two limaprost alfadex 5 microg tablets in healthy subjects: moisture-resistant tablet (dextran formulation) versus standard tablet (lactose formulation).

OBJECTIVE A study was conducted to assess the bioequivalence of two limaprost alfadex 5 microg tablets, a moisture-resistant tablet (dextran formulation) and a standard tablet (lactose formulation). MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical investigation was designed as a randomized, open-labeled, two-part, two-treatment, two-period crossover study, in 120 healthy male volunteers. One tablet of either formulation was administered with 200 ml of water after 10-hour overnight fast. After dosing, serial blood samples were collected for a period of 6 hours. Plasma harvested from blood was analyzed for limaprost by a validated LC/MS/MS method. The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) values and time associated with the maximal concentration (tmax) were obtained from the observed data. The elimination rate constant (lambda z) was obtained as the slope of the linear regression of the log-transformed concentration values vs. time data in the terminal phase, and the elimination half-life (t1/2) was calculated as 0.693/lambda z. The area under the curve to the last measurable point (AUC0-t) was estimated by the linear trapezoidal rule. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out using log-transformed AUC0-t, AUC0-A yen and Cmax and untransformed tmax, and 90% confidence intervals for AUC0-t and Cmax were calculated. If the 90% confidence intervals (CI) for both AUC0-t and Cmax fell fully within the interval 80 - 125%, the bioequivalence of the two formulations was established. RESULTS The means of AUC0-t were 0.779 vs. 0.754 pg x h/ml (test vs. reference), and the means of the Cmax were 1.26 vs. 1.12 pg/ml (test vs. reference). The geometric mean ratios of the test formulation to reference formulation for AUC0-t and Cmax were 104.0 and 112.4%, respectively, and the 90% CI for AUC0-t and Cmax were 100.7 - 107.4% and 105.6 - 119.6%, respectively. Both 90% CI for AUC0-t and Cmax fell within the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan accepted bioequivalence range of 80 - 125%. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results, the moisture-resistant tablet was determined to be bioequivalent to the standard tablet.
Hypoxia, AMPK activation and uterine artery vasoreactivity

Uterine artery vasodilatation is a key mechanism for increasing utero‐placental blood flow and fetal nutrient supply. Since the pioneering work of Joseph Barcroft, the natural laboratory of high altitude has been used to study the mechanisms regulating uterine artery blood supply and fetal growth. Genes near the metabolic sensor adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been implicated in genetic protection from high altitude‐associated fetal growth restriction. We show that AMPK is present in utero‐placental tissues and has vasodilator effects in murine uterine arteries, and that exposure to chronic hypoxia sufficient to decrease fetal growth increases the vasodilator actions of AMPK in opposing phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction. These results point to AMPK as being a key link between maternal vascular responses to pregnancy and fetal growth. Manipulation of AMPK may be a novel mechanism for developing new therapies in pregnancies complicated by chronic hypoxia.
Isolation and characterization of native Cry j 3 from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen

Background: Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis is the most prevalent allergy in Japan. Recently, the Japanese cedar pollen allergen Cry j 3 was cloned as a homologue of Jun a 3, which is a major allergen from mountain cedar (Juniperus ashei) pollen. However, native Cry j 3 has not been isolated and there are no reports on its allergenic activity. The aims of this study were to isolate native Cry j 3 and assess its immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding capacity in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis.
Prediction of the main cortical areas and connections involved in the tactile function of the visual cortex by network analysis

We explored the cortical pathways from the primary somatosensory cortex to the primary visual cortex (V1) by analysing connectional data in the macaque monkey using graph‐theoretical tools. Cluster analysis revealed the close relationship of the dorsal visual stream and the sensorimotor cortex. It was shown that prefrontal area 46 and parietal areas VIP and 7a occupy a central position between the different clusters in the visuo‐tactile network. Among these structures all the shortest paths from primary somatosensory cortex (3a, 1 and 2) to V1 pass through VIP and then reach V1 via MT, V3 and PO. Comparison of the input and output fields suggested a larger specificity for the 3a/1‐VIP‐MT/V3‐V1 pathways among the alternative routes. A reinforcement learning algorithm was used to evaluate the importance of the aforementioned pathways. The results suggest a higher role for V3 in relaying more direct sensorimotor information to V1. Analysing cliques, which identify areas with the strongest coupling in the network, supported the role of VIP, MT and V3 in visuo‐tactile integration. These findings indicate that areas 3a, 1, VIP, MT and V3 play a major role in shaping the tactile information reaching V1 in both sighted and blind subjects. Our observations greatly support the findings of the experimental studies and provide a deeper insight into the network architecture underlying visuo‐tactile integration in the primate cerebral cortex.