Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing Socioeconomic Impacts of Integrating Distributed Energy Resources in Electricity Markets through Input-Output Models

In competitive electricity markets, the growth of electricity generated by renewable sources will reduce the market price of electricity assuming marginal cost pricing. However, small renewable distributed generation (RDG) alone cannot modify the formation of electricity prices. By aggregating small RDG units into a Virtual Power Plants (as a single unit market) they are capable of dealing at the wholesale electricity market analogous to large-scale producer following in changes in wholesale prices. This paper investigates the socioeconomic impacts of different type of RDG technologies on Spanish economic sectors and households. To this end, we applied an input-output price model to detail the activities more sensitive to changes in electricity price due to RDG technologies deployment and the associated modifications in income and total output associated with the households’ consumption variation. Detailed Spanish electricity generation disaggregation of the latest available Spanish Input-Output table, which refers to 2015, was considered. It was found that the integration of RDG units in the electricity market project a better situation for the economy and Spanish households. This paper’s scope and information can be used to benefit decision-making with respect to electricity pricing policies.
Disentangling the effects of hedge fund activism on firm financial and social performance

Research Summary We investigate how hedge fund activism affects firms' financial and social performance. So far, research has examined either the impact of hedge fund activism on firms' short‐term financial performance, or how other types of shareholder activism affect firms' social performance. Crossing these boundaries with data on 1,324 activist hedge fund campaigns between 2000 and 2016, we find a clear trade‐off associated with hedge fund activism: benefits are shareholder‐centric and short‐lived, reflected in immediate increases in market value and profitability; however, these increases come at a mid‐ to long‐term cost to other stakeholders, captured by decreases in operating cash flow, investment spending, and social performance. We discuss our findings from a multi‐stakeholder perspective to move beyond a polarizing debate about the merits of hedge fund activism. Managerial Summary With hedge fund activism on the rise, determining the consequences of equity ownership by activist hedge funds on target companies' short‐term and long‐term financial and social performance takes on central importance. In this study, we find hedge fund campaigns are associated with three broad sets of outcomes for targeted companies: (a) an immediate but short‐lived increase in market value and profitability, and an immediate and long‐lived decline in operating cash flow; (b) decreases in number of employees, operating expenses, RD and (c) the suppression of corporate social performance. By capturing the range of positive and negative effects on target companies, our study presents the competing implications of hedge fund activism on business and society.
Knowledge Recombination and Inventor Networks: The Asymmetric Effects of Embeddedness on Knowledge Reuse and Impact

Inventors are triply embedded. They are embedded in a network of knowledge components that they can reuse in future inventions. They are embedded in an inventor network, where internal embeddedness (the strength of relationships between focal inventors and their colleagues upon whose knowledge the team builds) and network centrality influence access to information. Finally, they are embedded in the firm, with its specific routines that favor external or internal knowledge search, what we call search orientation. Using a sample of 39,785 semiconductor patents, we study the pattern of knowledge reuse, or the recombination of technologically similar components, on invention impact. We propose that reuse of internal knowledge affects invention impact in a concave manner and posit that internal embeddedness steepens this relationship while network centrality leads to an inflection point shift. We examine whether these effects differ for subsamples of firms with inward- or outward-looking search orientation. We find that inward-looking firms’ optimal pattern of internal knowledge reuse does not differ markedly from that of outward-looking firms. We find that inward-looking firms are more susceptible to internal embeddedness and that centrality in the collaborative network flattens rather than shifts the relationship between reuse and impact. These findings elevate the theoretical discourse of embeddedness from the effects of network positions on innovation outcomes to similar network positions having asymmetric effects that vary with the firm’s search orientation. Our results contribute to an emergent area in innovation research on how inventor networks shape the inventive process and its outcomes.
“We Want STEM”: Exploring Digital Toys in a Hong Kong Kindergarten

Limited research has examined STEM education in early childhood, or addressed how STEM is integrated into the curriculum in the kindergarten level. Teachers‟ conceptions of STEM appear to differ from the pedagogical theory. They may be aware of the basic subject concepts, but they lack the effective teaching approaches required to integrate the subject concepts into playful learning processes. Thus, it is important to investigate how teachers can design STEM activities that involve digital toys, in addition to the subject concepts, pedagogical approaches, and factors that affect teachers‟ pedagogical designs. The aims of this study were to 1) investigate the different types of STEM activities in a kindergarten in Hong Kong; 2) understand the perspectives of school management teams and teachers on implementing STEM activities, and 3) provide recommendations for STEM activities appropriate to kindergartens.
EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IN PATIENTS WITH RADICALLY TREATED DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CARCINOMA AND REPEATED EPISODES OF IATROGENIC HYPOTHYROIDISM.

Context Patients with radically treated differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) undergo multiple episodes of iatrogenously-acquired hypothyroidism for the oncological follow-up. In some patients, this elevates high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a cardiovascular risk biomarker. Objective We wanted to determine if there is any correlation between repeated hypothyroidism episodes, elevated hsCRP and an increased cardiovascular risk as stated through myocardial perfusion. Design Between July 2014-January 2015, we analyzed serological levels of hsCRP for identifying our patients' cardiovascular risk; we performed a myocardial perfusion scintigraphy to observe the alterations. Subjects and methods We included 27 patients (n=27), mean age of 52±10: CI (95%),14 female, all disease- free after thyroidectomy, radioiodine ablation and chronic thyroid hormone treatment. We assigned the cardiovascular risk category for each patient according to hsCRP levels; all patients underwent a myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in order to determine the cardiac perfusion index (CPI). Results hsCRP has been higher in > 65 years old male patients with more than 5 thyroid hormone withholdings. hsCRP is significantly associated with CPI (p=0.001). Spearman's rank correlation indicates a strongly positive linear correlation between these two parameters (r=0.745). Conclusions Repeated thyroid hormonal withdrawals in patients with DTC during the long-term follow-up elevated hsCRP at cardiovascular risk levels, having an impact on myocardial perfusion.
Enhancement of biocompatibility of PVA/HTCC blend polymer with collagen for skin care application

Abstract A biocompatible synthetic polymer, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and a water-soluble derivative of chitosan, (N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethyl-ammonium)-propyl] chitosan chloride) (HTCC), were blended and electrospun to develop a scaffold with good biocompatibility and mechanical properties in order to mimic skin. The optimum conditions to prepare PVA/HTCC fibers with minimum diameter determined as 80/20 and 13 kV. Then collagen, the most abundant material in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of skin, was co-electrospun with PVA/HTCC (80/20). Using HTTC provided excellent antibacterial properties (>99.9%). Also crosslinking improved all mechanical properties of the scaffold, except strain at break. The crosslinked PVA/HTCC (80/20) scaffold showed desirable cell attachment and proliferation. Addition of collagen improved its biocompatibility. As a result, the scaffold showed desirable mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility close to those of human skin. Graphical Abstract
Opium poppy capsule growth and alkaloid production is constrained by shade during early floral development

Morphinan alkaloids accumulate in the capsules of Papaver somniferum L. (opium poppy) most likely as defence against herbivory. Thus, capsule size is an important component of alkaloid yield. Shade during early cell division‐dominated growth of reproductive structures generally reduces final fruit size more than shade during later cell expansion‐dominated growth. The current study aimed to determine whether this response is found in opium poppy and the subsequent impact on alkaloid yield, composition and seed production. First the timing of key reproductive developmental events was resolved relative to macromorphological traits. Plants were then shaded during either (a) floral initiation, (b) early floral development or (c) capsule expansion before being harvested at maturation. Shade during floral initiation dramatically reduced final capsule size, alkaloid yield and seed number, and increased the concentration of precursor compounds relative to morphine, despite plants later returning to full sun. Shade during later capsule growth enhanced capsule size and alkaloid yield but had little effect on alkaloid composition or seed number. Thus, early developmental processes, including morphine biosynthesis, appear to have a relatively greater demand for carbohydrates compared with later processes. Crop management practices and environmental factors that limit carbohydrate availability during early development are thus predicted to have significant negative impacts on alkaloid production and reproductive success.
The development and feasibility of a culturally tailored Malaysian Diabetes Education Intervention using Motivational Interviewing (MY DEUMI) for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus

2 Acknowledgements . 5 DECLARATION FOR ACADEMIC (PhD) THESIS . 6 List of tables . 12 List of Figures . 13 Glossary of Abbreviations . 15 Chapter 1 : Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and it’s management in Malaysia . 17 1.1 Chapter Scope . 17 1.2 Population profile of Malaysia and health characteristics . 18 1.2.1 A profile of Malaysia . 18 1.2.2 Current burden of diabetes in Malaysia . 20 1.3 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus . 23 1.3. 1 Pathophysiology (Insulin response and disease progression) . 23 1.4 Disparities of type 2 diabetes mellitus risk factors for Asians and Malaysians 28 1.4. 1 Overweight and obesity . 28 1.4. 2 Cultural influences on perceptions and management of diabetes. 32 1.5 Management for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) . 36 1.5. 1 Non-pharmacological management . 37 1.5. 2 Surgical management of T2DM . 41 1.5. 2 Pharmacological management . 45 1.5. 3 Diabetes Self-management . 48 1.6 Diabetes self-management education (DSME) . 49 1.6. 1 What is structured diabetes education (SDE)? 51 1.7 Reflexivity statement . 55 1.7. 1 Pre-research stage . 56 1.7. 2 Data collection stage . 57 1.7. 3 Data analysis stage . 59 1.8 Summary . 61 Chapter 2 : A Systematic Review of Diabetes Self-Management Interventions for People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Asian Western Pacific Region. 62 2.1 Chapter scope . 62 2.2 Introduction . 63 2.3 Aims of the study . 67 2.4 Methods . 68 2.4. 1 Search strategy . 68 2.4. 2 Selection criteria . 70 2.4. 3 Data extraction . 72 2.4. 4 Quality assessment . 73 2.4. 5 Data synthesis and analysis . 73
Interleukin-8 and Matrix Metalloprotease 9 as Salivary Biomarkers of Pain in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder Myalgia: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To search the salivary factors that objectively indicate an pain in myalgia patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and determine the possibility of the factors as pain-biomarkers. Methods: Participants consisted of pain-free 15 persons (male 7, female 8, mean age±standard deviation (SD); 26.8±16.04 years) and 45 myalgia patients with TMD (male 21, female 24, mean age±SD; 27.98±13.01 years). They were divided into a pain-free group (numerical rating scale [NRS] score 0), a mild pain group (NRS 1-4), a moderate pain group (NRS 5-6), and a severe pain group (NRS 7-10) and members of all groups were age, sex matched. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9) were selected as pain biomarkers, by searching the Gene Expression Omnibus database and analyzing pain-relat-ed genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the concentration of IL-8 and MMP-9 in the patients’ saliva. Results: IL-8 and MMP-9 levels were statistically significantly higher in pain groups than in the pain-free group. Greater differences were observed in patients with acute pain (with painful duration under 3 months) than in the control group and in female patients than in male. Conclusions: Salivary IL-8 and MMP-9 may play a role as biomarkers of myalgia in patients with TMD.
Digital Practitioners? Analyzing Technology Use among Social Work Students

This paper presents a study of information and communication technology use among undergraduate social work students. The study included a sample of 108 students at two private Midwestern liberal arts colleges. Students were given an assignment presenting a generic practice scenario they may encounter in practice – finding information and referral resources for a client. Students completed a survey that gathered information regarding their use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and how they utilized ICTs to complete the assignment. Findings suggest the majority of students located adequate information on behalf of the client. Data also show that personal computers and laptops were the preferred devices for students despite high ownership of handheld devices. Finally, students indicated social media use as a primarily recreational pursuit, with limited utilization of such platforms for professional applications. Researchers present suggestions for further research and classroom application of the findings.
Soft-magnetic coatings as possible sensors for magnetic imaging of superconductors

Magnetic imaging of superconductors typically requires a soft-magnetic material placed on top of the superconductor to probe local magnetic fields. For reasonable results the influence of the magnet onto the superconductor has to be small. Thin YBCO films with soft-magnetic coatings are investigated using SQUID magnetometry. Detailed measurements of the magnetic moment as a function of temperature, magnetic field and time have been performed for different heterostructures. It is found that the modification of the superconducting transport in these heterostructures strongly depends on the magnetic and structural properties of the soft-magnetic material. This effect is especially pronounced for an inhomogeneous coating consisting of ferromagnetic nanoparticles.
An Effect Of Authentic Leadership As Moderator In Teachers’ Performance Appraisal Satisfaction

Appraisal satisfaction can be defined as the extent to which the employee accepts, satisfies and meets the needs of the employee in the performance appraisal process. Appraisal satisfaction known as one of the important dimensions in measuring performance appraisal effectiveness. This study was conducted to determine whether appraisal justice do affect appraisal satisfaction in teacher‘s performance appraisal and to what extent authentic leadership act as a moderator in this relationship. A total of 95 participants of secondary school teachers at the northern part of Malaysia respond to the online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using smartPLS3.0. The findings of the study clearly show that the three dimensions of appraisal justice (distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice) have a positive and significant relationship to appraisal satisfaction and that authentic leadership involved as a moderating variable in this study. This study clearly guides policy makers to ensure that elements of appraisal justice and authentic leadership are embedded in the implementation of the performance appraisal process.
Bandit algorithms in information retrieval evaluation and ranking

Bandit algorithms have been widely used in many application areas including information retrieval evaluation and ranking. This is largely due to their exceptional performance. The aim of this study is to examine the overall published studies in terms of trends that shape the use of bandit algorithms in the evaluation and ranking of information retrieval systems. This study also seeks to classify the bandit algorithms used in the research domain. In totality the evaluation metrics, datasets, contribution facets of primary studies as well as the bandit categories are discussed.
SMRT sequencing yields the chromosome-scale reference genome of tea tree, Camellia sinensis var. sinensis

Tea is the oldest and most popular nonalcoholic beverage consumed in the world. It provides abundant secondary metabolites that account for its diverse flavors and health benefits. Here we present the first high-quality chromosome-length reference genome of C. sinensis var. sinensis using long read single-molecule real time (SMRT) sequencing and Hi-C technologies to anchor the ∼2.85-Gb genome assembly into 15 pseudo-chromosomes with a scaffold N50 length of ∼195.68 Mb. We annotated at least 2.17 Gb (∼74.13%) of repetitive sequences and high-confidence prediction of 40,812 protein-coding genes in the ∼2.92-Gb genome assembly. This accurately assembled genome allows us to comprehensively annotate functionally important gene families such as those involved in the biosynthesis of catechins, theanine and caffeine. The contiguous genome assembly provides the first view of the repetitive landscape allowing us to accurately characterize retrotransposon diversity. The large tea tree genome is dominated by a handful of Ty3-gypsy long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon families that recently expanded to high copy numbers. We uncover the latest bursts of numerous non-autonomous LTR retrotransposons that may interfere with the propagation of autonomous retroelements. This reference genome sequence will largely facilitate the improvement of agronomically important traits relevant to the tea quality and production.
Official website or online travel agencies? The online ticket booking strategies of low-cost carriers

ABSTRACT This paper studies the optimal price and optimal profit for different online ticket booking strategies adopted by low-cost carriers (LCCs): official website or online travel agencies (OTAs). We consider the competitions among the airlines and the impact of passenger satisfaction on their choices. Moreover, we apply an empirical example (i.e. Spring Airlines and Qunar.com) to analyse the different strategies. The results show that when an OTA has advantage in ticket price, the optimal price has no relationship with the number of the airlines.
Measuring spatiotemporal disease clustering with the tau statistic

Introduction: The tau statistic uses geolocation and, usually, symptom onset time to assess global spatiotemporal clustering from epidemiological data. We explore how computation and analysis methods may bias estimates. Methods: Following a previous review of the statistic, we tested several aspects that could affect graphical hypothesis testing of clustering or bias clustering range estimates, by comparison with a baseline analysis of an open access measles dataset: these aspects included bootstrap sampling method and confidence interval (CI) type. Correct practice of hypothesis testing of no clustering and clustering range estimation of the tau statistic are explained. Results: Our re-analysis of the dataset found evidence against no spatiotemporal clustering p-value $\in$ [0,0.014] (global envelope test). We developed a tau-specific modification of the Loh & Stein bootstrap sampling method, whose more precise bootstrapped tau estimates led to the clustering endpoint estimate being 20% higher than previously published (36.0m,95% bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) CI (14.9,46.6), vs 30m). The estimated bias reduction led to an increase in the clustering area of elevated disease odds by 44%. We argue that the BCa CI is essential for asymmetric sample bootstrap distributions of tau estimates. Discussion: Bootstrap sampling method and CI type can bias the clustering range estimated. Moderate radial bias to the range estimate are more than doubled when considered on the areal scale, which public health resources are proportional to. We advocate proper implementation of this useful statistic, ultimately to reduce inaccuracies in control policy decisions made during disease clustering analysis.
Dual‐band dual‐polarized leaky‐wave structure with forward and backward beam scanning for circular polarization‐flexible antenna application

In this paper, a novel dual‐band dual‐polarized leaky‐wave antenna (LWA) with polarization diversity is proposed using half mode substrate‐integrated waveguide (HMSIW)‐based technology. HMSIW LWAs are generally single band. In this work, by etching simple spiral type slots on the HMSIW cavity, a novel dual‐band dual‐polarized LWA is designed. The proposed antenna resonates at 5.6 and 8.5 GHz. Moreover, the antenna radiates the linearly polarized wave in the lower band and circularly polarized (CP) wave in the higher operating band. Also, in the higher operating band between 8.7 and 9.3 GHz, the proposed overall antenna exhibits both right‐hand circular polarization as well as the left‐hand circular polarization in the near main beam direction. The −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna at the lower and the higher operating bands are 27% (4.86‐6.4 GHz) and 25% (7.4‐9.6 GHz), respectively. In the higher band, the 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 6.6% (8.7‐9.3 GHz) is achieved. The main beam of the antenna can be steered from 19° to 69° in the forward direction in the lower operating band. In the higher operating band, the antenna can steer the CP beam between −17° and −32°. In both the lower bands, the realized peak gain is observed around 13.3 dBi, whereas in the higher band, the realized peak gain is observed around 14 dBi.