Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INCREASING NETWORK CAPACITY BY OPTIMISING VOLTAGE REGULATION ON MEDIUM AND LOW VOLTAGE FEEDERS

The maximum allowable voltage variation is a major and often primary constraint in the planning and design of distribution networks. Assumed or assigned volt drop limits affect the capital and lifetime costs of the networks. This paper describes recent research directed to: • reducing the costs of extending and strengthening MV and LV networks, • improving voltage regulation on existing networks, and • standardising the maximum voltage drop limits used for planning, designing and operating MV and LV networks, taking into account the characteristics of urban and rural networks.
Predictors of Positive or Close Surgical Margins in Breast-Conserving Surgery for Patients with Breast Cancer

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the clinical and pathological factors associated with a higher rate of positive or close margins after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) by comparing these patients to patients with a negative margin. The second aim was to evaluate intraoperative resection margin status and reoperation rates for margin control in patients who underwent BCS. Methods: We reviewed the clinical and pathological data of all women diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at our institution between January 2006 and December 2016. Results: During the 10-year study period, 785 patients were diagnosed with either IBC or DCIS, and 402 of these patients had undergone a total mastectomy as the primary treatment. The remaining 383 patients who underwent BCS were included in the final analysis. Of these, 100 patients (26.1%) had intraoperative positive or close margins. The remaining 283 patients (73.9%) had a negative margin intraoperatively, but 32 of these patients had positive or close margins on permanent sections. In the multivariate analyses, microcalcifications on mammograms (vs. none; odds ratio [OR], 1.911; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.156–3.160), in situ carcinomas larger than 2.0 cm (vs. ≤2.0 cm; OR, 3.106; 95% CI, 1.193–8.086), and lumpectomy (vs. quadrantectomy; OR, 2.863; 95% CI, 1.268–6.622) showed a significant association with a positive or close surgical margins. Patients with intraoperative positive or close margins underwent more reoperation than those with negative margins (5.0% vs. 2.8%). Conclusion: After BCS, microcalcifications on mammograms, largesized in situ carcinomas, and lumpectomy were more likely to have positive or close margins.
Osteoblast-Derived Giant Plasma Membrane Vesicle: A Novel Candidate for Biomimetic Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Directed osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) via the biomimicry of hMSC osteoblast cross-talk is a fascinating possibility. Here, we hypothesized that osteoblast-derived giant plasma membrane vesicle (GPMV) can partly mimic the role of osteoblast in vitro up on interaction with hMSC, therefore can direct the osteogenic differentiation of hMSC in a biomimetic way. To test the hypothesis, we generated GPMV from human osteoblast (MG-63 cell line) and allowed it to interact with hMSC in vitro. GPMV of different membrane characteristics were generated by using combinations of chemical vesiculant, actin destabilizer, and cholesterol sequestering agent. The GPMVs were characterized in terms of size, number, structural complexity and lipid composition using confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and NMR spectroscopy. We showed that the GPMV carries cytoplasmic content as a cargo and got fused with the mesenchymal stem cells up on interaction in vitro. Confocal microscopy based image analysis and flow cytometry together showed that the extent of fusion of GPMV with hMSC varies with the membrane property of the GPMV. The hMSCs fused with GPMVs were found viable and metabolically active. We checked the differentiation status of the GPMV treated hMSC by analyzing the cellular expression of different osteogenic markers at mRNA and protein level. RT-PCR showed that GPMVs are capable of inducing higher expression of a number of osteogenic differentiation markers like alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, Runx2 and osteocalcin in hMSC. A similar result was also obtained at the protein level. Interestingly, here we also noticed a membrane composition dependent variation in osteogenic differentiation properties of GPMVs. The present study opens up a possibility of tuning the course of differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in a biomimetic way by changing the membrane composition of the GPMV. In summary, the use of osteoblast-derived GPMV for osteogenic differentiation hMSC could be a promising strategy for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Synchrotron Methods of the Conduction Band Electronic Structure Analysis

The experimental and theoretical studies of the density of states for unoccupied conduction band are a valid source of knowledge on the electronic structure of condensed matter. Among known analytical methods of density of states for unoccupied states a significant place is occupied by the methods with the use of intensive synchrotron radiation beam. Adequately chosen monochromatic beam excites electrons from the occupied core states or the valence band to unoccupied states in the conduction band. The most universal experimental method for the studies of the unoccupied conduction band is the X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis for X-ray edges of the constituent atoms of the material. A satisfying description of the unoccupied conduction band density of states can be also reached by the analysis of reflectivity coefficient in the vacuum ultraviolet (above 10 eV). The photoelectron energy distribution curves elaborated by the constant initial state and constant final state procedures deliver valuable information on the high excited states of conduction band. In the paper the menaces of the correct interpretation of the experimental results will be discussed. The efficiency of the unoccupied conduction band density of states studies with application of X-ray absorption near edge structure and analysis of reflectivity coefficient of light will be presented on the basis of several binary and ternary semiconductor compounds of II–VI group with transition metals as well as of some other compounds. To avoid a misinterpretation of the experimental results, the data were compared and discussed with an adequate theoretical band structure calculation.
Impact of different vinification techniques on the formation of reductive notes in Vitis vinifera cv. Vernatsch

The grape variety Vernatsch is prone to the formation of severe reductive notes during alcoholic fermentation (AF), spoiling the fruity aroma characteristic for this variety. We investigated the impact of eight different vinification treatments on the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and their impact on the sensorial quality of the wines in this susceptible grape variety. Without the addition of sulfur under the form of potassium metabisulfite (K2 S2 O5 ) to the crushed grapes, wines were significant less reductive. The clarification treatment showed promising results for the diminution of reductive notes, but might not be a feasible strategy for commercial wineries. Changing fermentation temperature, adding air, bentonite or copper to fermenting wines increased the appearance of reductive notes. The addition sulfur prior AF increased reductive notes in Vernatsch wines and needs to be considered as a crucial factor for the formation of reductive notes.
Interpretive layering in nature-based tourism: a simple approach for complex attractions

This paper considers the role of interpretive layering, that is, combining multiple sources of interpretation in order to repeat the interpretive message, in nature-based tourism. We explore interpretive layering at an attraction (the Great Barrier Reef (GBR)) that presents several challenges to tourists and operators. The GBR, Australia, represents an extraordinary site where tourists typically have limited previous experience with the physical conditions, tourists are encouraged to shape their experience by choosing from a multitude of activities on offer, and where focused interpretive activities are more difficult due to the (underwater) nature of the attraction. Using 775 visitors surveys distributed on the return trip from the reef, we analysed the relationship between the number of interpretive types used and changes in visitors' knowledge levels, attitudes and behavioural intentions. The results highlight the important additive effects of a variety of interpretive sources on visitors' understanding of this attraction. We propose that interpretive layering may be particularly relevant to attractions that are harder to accommodate within visitors' existing frames of reference and might also be usefully applied in (post-Fordist) tourism that is characterised by a trend away from packaged mass tourism, towards products that favour flexibility, individuality, hybridity and activity.
Does inflation targeting lead to excessive exchange rate volatility

This paper analysis whether the adoption of inflation targeting affects excessive exchange rate volatility, i.e. the share of exchange rate fluctuations not related to economic fundamentals. Using a signal-extraction approach to estimate this excessive volatility in multivariate exchange rates in a sample of forty-four countries, the empirical results show no systematic relationship between inflation targeting and excessive exchange rate volatility. Joint analysis of the effects of inflation targeting and EMU membership shows, however, that a membership in the monetary union significantly reduces this excessive volatility. Together, the results suggest that floating exchange rates not only serve as a shock absorber but are also an independent source of shocks, and that these excessive fluctuations in exchange rates can be reduced by joining a monetary union. At the same time the results suggest that adopting inflation targeting does not by itself contribute to excessive exchange rate volatility.
Knowledge and attitude towards antiretroviral therapy and adherence pattern of HIV patients in southwest Nigeria

Strict adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy remains a challenge that has important implications for treatment success. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and adherence pattern of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV patients attending an adult antiretroviral clinic in a tertiary health facility in Lagos, southwest Nigeria. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on 361 patients who were selected by systematic sampling method. This study showed that 83.1% of respondents had good knowledge about ART with the more educated having significantly better knowledge (p<0.05), 98.1% had positive attitude towards ART and most of them had positive perception about their healthcare providers across most of the areas asked. The self-reported adherence level was 78.4% and older age was significantly associated with good adherence (p<0.05). A third of the respondents who missed doses did so because they were away from home. Further emphasis on good adherence during counselling sessions especially to younger patients, continuous use of reminders and use of inconspicuous pillboxes when patients are away from home are recommended.
Réalisation de nanofils de protéines

Ce travail de these propose de realiser un nanofil electrique auto-assemble constitue de proteines. L'unite de base de ce nanofil est une proteine chimere comprenant un domaine capable de former des fibres amyloides (Het-s 218-289) et un domaine capable d'effectuer des transferts d'electrons (une rubredoxine). Le premier domaine permet la realisation d'une fibre par auto-assemblage tandis que le deuxieme est expose a la surface de cette structure. Les caracteristiques redox du domaine expose permettent aux electrons de se deplacer d'un bout a l'autre de la fibre par sauts successifs. Un tel nanofil a ete cree et caracterise par differentes techniques biophysiques. Ensuite, la preuve de la conduction des nanofils a ete apportee sur des ensembles d'objets, de maniere indirecte par electrochimie, et de maniere directe par des mesures tension/courant. Ces travaux ouvrent la voie a la realisation d'objets biocompatibles, biodegradables, possedant des proprietes electroniques exploitables dans des dispositifs technologiques.
Embedded human interface device for voice and data communication

The development of a proprietary profile that integrates the three wireless applications, mouse, headset and data port, into a single Bluetooth transceiver has not been exploited. In this paper, we propose a design solution of integrating both voice and data communications into a single device based on Bluetooth technology. The design solution presented in this paper is to integrate the primary functions of PC mouse, headset, laser pointer and data transfer unit into a single device targeted for all PC users. A new mouse design is introduced to reduce the data rate needed for the mouse through wireless link. We have successfully implemented that Bluetooth human interface device with the integration of the above four functions into a single device and the device works properly.
Nicholson Blowflies Differential Equations Revisited : Main Results and Open Problems

This review covers permanence, oscillation, local and global stability of solutions for Nicholson’s blowflies differential equation. Some generalizations, including the most recent results for equations with a distributed delay and models with periodic coefficients, are considered. AMS (MOS) subject classification: 34K20, 34K11, 92D25
An isokinetic profile in senior female and male karate athletes

Background & Study Aim: Using isokinetic testing in order to detect antagonist/agonist strength ratios we can get reliable and reproducible measurements which can be used for injury prevention. Knowledge of these phenomena is essential in order to de‐ tect possible differences and similarities, as well as compare results between genders of karate athletes. The aim of this study is isokinetic profile in elite female and male karate athletes. Material & Methods: The testing group was comprised of 9 male and 9 female karate athletes and they were all members of National ka‐ rate team of Serbia. Each participant completed the testing in single session (~1.5 h), and each group completed the testing over the course of 3 days, with testing occurring at the same time of the day. We investigated conventional concentric strength ratios and contralateral differences for both shoulders and knees at both 60°/s and 180°/s testing speeds. For the results analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 20.0 was used. Results: Significant differences were observed in knee and shoulder strength between female and male karate athletes. Both female and male karate athletes showed recommended results for conventional concentric H:Q strength ratio, as well as in contralateral concentric H and Q strength ratio. Also, both athletes showed higher conventional concen‐ tric ER:IR strength ratio than recommended. Conclusions: There was a number of individuals with imbalances greater than recommended, but karate group as a whole was at a low risk of musculoskeletal injury and it can be concluded that karate stimulate body symmetrically during train‐ ing over the years.
Measuring the Shadow Economy in the ASEAN Nations: The MIMIC Approach

The purpose of this empirical study is to estimate the size of the shadow economy and its trend for countries in the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), except Singapore and Brunei, for the period from 1995 to 2014. While other approaches, which can be used for the same purpose, such as a monetary demand approach or an electricity consumption approach only focus on one indicator/factor, an extensive economic literature review indicates that the shadow economy is affected by various factors such as production, labour and monetary market. In this study, a MIMIC approach is adopted to estimate the size of the shadow economy and its trend for the ASEAN nations including Vietnam. The findings from this study indicate that the shadow economy of Viet Nam lies between 25 per cent and 30 per cent of the official economy for the period from 1995 to 2014, given the base year estimate of 15.8 per cent in 1999 being adopted. A deep concern is that this size of the shadow economy in Vietnam has been on a rise at a more significant level over the last 20 years, from 1995 to 2014 in comparison with other countries in the sample. Findings from this study also present evidence that tax rate, labour freedom, and business freedom have provided significant effect to the shadow economy of the ASEAN countries. Implications for macroeconomic policies in Vietnam, in particular, and for other ASEAN nations, in general, are that reducing the shadow economy of the ASEAN nations requires a larger degree of labour and business freedom. In addition, the government may also need to consider lowering the tax rate in the economy.
Spatial Distribution of Grain Size Characteristics and its Role in Interpreting the Sedimentary Depositional Environment, Kodaikanal Lake, Tamil Nadu, India

The surface sediments of Kodaikanal Lake is situated in the palani hills at an altitude of 2,285 m above sea level, the geo co-ordinates of the lake are lies between 10°14’ N latitude and 77°28’ E longitudes. In the present study determination of grain size and its deposition environment were carried out for surface sediments collected from different parts of the Lake. The study permits to infer the changes in the depositional environment during the period of infilling at the sites. The spatial distribution of Mean size of the sediments varies from medium sand to medium silt, moderately well sorted to very poorly sorted characteristics, near- symmetrical to very fine-skewed type, and falling in platykurtic to very leptokutic nature. United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) textural triangle plot expresses sediments are clustered tightly in silty sand variable, and its type ranges falls within the field of Loamy sand, sand, sandy loam and silty loam fractions. Thus, the Lake sediments are dominance of silt and sand fractions. Multivariant statistics (discriminant analysis) express that the plots fall scattered in Turbidite and Aeolian environment. The Bivariate textural plot falls in Quiet water environment. The polymodel nature of the sediments also implies that transportation by rolling, sliding, saltation and suspension processes in the Kodaikanal Lake.
Supervision and Survival of Banks: Evidence from the Nigerian Banking Industry

The paper establishes a relationship between supervisionand survivability of banks. The study employs EVIEW statistical software using the two stage least square method to evaluate a set of factors which affect bank survivability. Data for the study were extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) statistical bulletin and bureau of statistics publications (1981 – 2013). The results confirm positive significant relationship amongcapital protection, earnings strength and bank liquidity while cash reserve ratio and bank strength had negative impact on bank liquidity. These variables were found to be inelastic due to time lag banks may take to adjust to supervision patterns, reforms and finding alternatives. A short time frame given by the supervisory authority to implement a new regulation by banks resulted to inelastic bank liquidity. The strength-supervision model showed positive significant relationship among bank liquidity, asset quality and bank strength. The supervisory authority as a watch dog cannot be an umpire and a player,but rather would prefer giving a fitting burial to banks that have failedrather than jeopardize the whole system. It is therefore worthwhile to devote considerable resources to the establishment of effective supervision and inspection. Keywords : Bank supervision, Bank liquidity, Bank strength, cash reserve ratio, earnings strength.
EDGAR DUARTE DE JESUS VALENTE MARQUES COELHO TRANSDUÇÃO DE SINAIS NOS SINAPTOSSOMAS NA DOENÇA DE ALZHEIMER SYNAPTOSOMAL SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques (APs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which consist of Abeta aggregates and hyperphosphorylated tau, respectively. It is known that increasing Abeta concentrations precede NFT production. Moreover, several lines of evidence suggest that the increase in APP and tau phosphorylation is the result of Abeta neurotoxicity. Although, the precise effects of the neurotoxic peptide on APP and tau phosphorylation remain yet to be fully elucidated. Synapses exhibit high concentrations of protein kinases (PKs) and protein phosphatases (PPs). Therefore, it is essential to adopt a model system that mimics what happens at the synapse. Synaptosomes are actually recognized as “in vitro synapses” and for that reason were the model system used. Our data revealed that there was a considerable enrichment of preand postsynaptic markers in the synaptosomal fraction after synaptosome isolation. Given these results, we went on to test the effects of Abeta on synaptosomal viability, which was found to be slightly decreased, confirming the high viability of synaptosomes. In addition, we observed the increase of APP and tau phosphorylation after Abeta treatment, while holo-APP and total tau levels were maintained, independently of Abeta concentrations. These results suggest that Abeta can actually induce APP and tau hyperphosphorylation. The conclusions attained from this dissertation are important to comprehend the pathways related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Synaptosomal signal transduction in Alzheimer’s Disease Edgar Duarte Coelho
Imazamox absorption, desorption, and metabolism by Eurasian watermilfoil.

Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum ) is a submersed invasive species currently infesting 45 states, including Colorado. Several laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the response of Eurasian watermilfoil to imazamox [2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-(methoxymethyl)-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid]. Experiments were (1) imazamox absorption rate using 14 C-imazamox, (2) the influence of external imazamox concentration on absorption, (3) imazamox desorption when plants were transferred to clean water, and (4) imazamox metabolism over a 6 d time course. Imazamox absorption by Eurasian watermilfoil 24 h after treatment (HAT) was only 0.5% of the herbicide applied, and absorption increased to 0.97% 72 HAT. External imazamox concentration affected imazamox absorption. At 200 µg L -1 imazamox, Eurasian watermilfoil plants absorbed 1.05 µg/ plant, while at 800 µg L -1 absorption increased to 4.06 µg/ plant. The percent of applied imazamox absorbed was the same regardless of the external concentration, indicating that absorption was the result of simple diffusion driven by a concentration gradient. Desorption occurred rapidly, reaching equilibrium 12 h after plants were transferred to clean water, with 46% of absorbed imazamox moving into the surrounding water column. The metabolism study indicated 69.04% of absorbed 14 C-imazamox was found in the bound fraction 144 HAT, while 11.52% appeared as soluble metabolites, and only 21.44% as intact imazamox.