Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decision support for bids in international plant engineering

The intensive competition in the international market for plant engineering is characterized by high pricing pressure, increase of local content requirements and decrease of project durations. This leads to intricate problems with regard to the choice of production locations and project scheduling. These interacting decisions are to be considered in the bidding phase of a plant project already. This dissertation proposes a mixed-integer optimization model to determine the lower bound of the bid price. ProGen benchmark suits developed in the field of resource-constrained project scheduling problems are extended to evaluate the model. To solve problems with large size and high complexity, a solution method using the Branch & Bound paradigm is developed. Computational results demonstrate the advantage of the solution method in comparison with the application of the commercial software package ILOG CPLEX. Finally, the decision support of the developed model for bidding is demonstrated in an application case using real data from an international plant manufacturing company.
Is it disgusting to be reminded that you are an animal?

ABSTRACT Six studies (Ns = 65, 96, 120, 129, 40, 200) tested the hypothesis that being reminded of our animal nature makes us feel disgust. Participants from three cultural groups indicated the intensity of their disgust reactions to pleasant and unpleasant animal reminder stories and pictures as well as to a statement directly reminding them of their animal nature. Findings did not support the hypothesis: Pleasant animal reminders reminded respondents of their animal nature (even more powerfully than did unpleasant ones), but were not disgusting. The direct reminder of our animal nature was not disgusting. There was no significant correlation between disgust and being reminded of animal nature for disgusting (unpleasant) animal reminders. Thus, some disgusting events remind us of our animal nature, but they are not disgusting because they remind us of our animal nature. Animal reminders per se are not disgusting.
Linkage modifications and sex difference in recombination.

IN a previous paper entitled “Modification of linkage intensity by natural selection,” NEI (1967) showed that linkage intensity may be modified either through structural changes of chromosomes or through selection of modifier genes affecting recombination frequencies, provided that there is gene interaction or epistasis between the loci whose recombination value is to be modified. In the study of selection of modifier genes, it was assumed that the modifier genes are inherited independently of the genes between which recombination is to be modified in both haploid and diploid populations. Most viruses and bacteria, however, appear to have only one chromosome, so that all genes are necessarily linked, although a pair of genes located far apart may be inherited almost independently. Even in higher organisms, those genes located near the modifier genes are not inherited independently of the latter. It is, therefore, desirable to consider the modification of linkage intensity with a linked modifier gene. In some organisms, recombination values differ between the two sexes. For example, male Drosophila melanogaster show no intrachromosomal recombination, while such recombinations do occur in females. It seems that wherever crossing over is absent or markedly reduced in one sex, that sex is the heterogametic sex, as indicated by HALDANE ( 1922) and HUXLEY (1 928), though there are several exceptions (DUNN and BENNETT 1967). In the present paper we will consider the modification of linkage intensity between genes on the autosomes as well as on the sex chromosomes, assuming an arbitrary degree of linkage between the modifier gene and two genes whose recombination frequency is to be modified. In this paper emphasis will be on the efficiency of linkage modification by a linked modifier rather than on the relationship between linkage modification and genotype fitnesses, since this relationship has been dealt with in the previous paper. LINKAGE MODIFICATION WITH A LINKED MODIFIER
Delayed Cerebrovascular Protective Effect of Lipopolysaccharide in Parallel to Brain Ischemic Tolerance

Cerebrovascular abnormalities, in endothelium and smooth muscle compartments, occur in the course of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion as evidenced by the impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation and decrease in potassium inward rectifier density in occluded middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). The authors investigated whether a delayed vascular protection occurred in a model of brain ischemic tolerance. A low dose of lipopolysaccharide (0.3 mg/kg) administered 72 h before MCA occlusion induced a significant decrease in infarct volume. In parallel to this delayed neuroprotective effect, lipopolysaccharide prevented the ischemia–reperfusion–induced impairment of endothelium relaxation. In addition, lipopolysaccharide prevented the postischemic alteration of potassium inward rectifier–dependent smooth muscle relaxation as well as the decrease in potassium inward rectifier density measured by patch-clamp in dissociated vascular smooth muscle cells originated from the occluded MCA. These results suggest that during brain ischemic tolerance, lipopolysaccharide is able to induce both a delayed neuroprotective and vasculoprotective effect.
The Influence of Corporate Strategy for Multi-Channel Network on Firm Performance: Make, Buy, or Ally?

The attention towards Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs) is notable in the media sector. Many firms adopt MCN business to capture the potential value created by new media trend. Consequently, the new investment, merger and acquisition (M&A), and in-house establishment trend is shaking up the media market. However, the short history of MCNs is yet reflected in the academia. Especially, there is limited literature on the industry-level analysis of MCNs. To fill the gap, this research attempts to understand how the firms are participating in the MCN industry across time, sectors, and regions. In other words, the firms' corporate strategies on the MCN adoption are analyzed. This paper classifies the type of strategic decision by Make, Buy, and Ally, then evaluates the influence of three strategic decisions on firm performance. It further investigates whether a first mover advantage exists in the MCN industry. To examine the firm performance, two accounting-based measures are employed: return on asset (ROA) and Tobin's Q. Research results indicate that Make leads better firm performance than Buy and Ally. In addition, the first mover advantage is confirmed in the MCN industry. Besides, some descriptive analyses of the MCN industry are presented in the study. As preliminary research examining the firms' corporate strategy on the adoption of MCN business, this paper provides meaningful implications for both practitioner and academia.
Asbestos‐stimulated tumour necrosis factor release from alveolar macrophages depends on fibre length and opsonization

Fibre length has been shown to be an important factor in the ability of respirable fibres to cause lung fibrosis and cancer. We have reported that a long sample of amosite asbestos is more carcinogenic and fibrogenic than a short sample of similar diameter. These amosite asbestos samples were studied with regard to their ability to stimulate the release of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF) from rat alveolar macrophages in vitro. The long fibre sample was found to stimulate substantially greater release of the cytokine than the short sample. Furthermore, on treatment of the fibres with rat immunoglobulin G (IgG), there was an increase in the ability of both the long and the short sample to stimulate TNF secretion, although the long sample retained by far the greatest activity. Coating of the fibres with a range of other proteins had no substantial effect on their ability to stimulate TNF secretion. Quartz and titanium dioxide (TiO2) were included as control particles and the TNF‐stimulating activity of quartz was notably increased by opsonization with IgG. TiO2 showed a similar low activity to that of the short fibre sample of amosite but this again could be modestly increased by opsonization with IgG. The simulation of TNF release caused by treatment with immunoglobulin‐opsonized long fibre amosite could be inhibited by treatment of the macrophages with the protein kinase C‐inhibitor staurosporine. The study demonstrates a fibre length‐related ability to stimulate cytokine secretion by alveolar macrophages, and its enhancement by opsonization with IgG. This is likely to be relevant to the relationship between fibre length and pathogenic potential to the lung.
Impact of CPAP on activity patterns and diet in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

STUDY OBJECTIVES Patients with severe OSA consume greater amounts of cholesterol, protein, and fat as well as have greater caloric expenditure. However, it is not known whether their activity levels or diet change after treatment with CPAP. To investigate this issue, serial assessments of activity and dietary intake were performed in the Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES); a 6-month randomized controlled study of CPAP vs. sham CPAP on neurocognitive outcomes. METHODS Subjects were recruited into APPLES at 5 sites through clinic encounters or public advertisement. After undergoing a diagnostic polysomnogram, subjects were randomized to CPAP or sham if their AHI was ≥ 10. Adherence was assessed using data cards from the devices. At the Tucson and Walla Walla sites, subjects were asked to complete validated activity and food frequency questionnaires at baseline and their 4-month visit. RESULTS Activity and diet data were available at baseline and after 4 months treatment with CPAP or sham in up to 231 subjects (117 CPAP, 114 Sham). Mean age, AHI, BMI, and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) for this cohort were 55 ± 13 [SD] years, 44 ± 27 /h, 33 ± 7.8 kg/m(2), and 10 ± 4, respectively. The participants lacking activity and diet data were younger, had lower AHI and arousal index, and had better sleep efficiency (p < 0.05). The BMI was higher among women in both CPAP and Sham groups. However, compared to women, men had higher AHI only in the CPAP group (50 vs. 34). Similarly, the arousal index was higher among men in CPAP group. Level of adherence defined as hours of device usage per night at 4 months was significantly higher among men in CPAP group (4.0 ± 2.9 vs. 2.6 ± 2.6). No changes in consumption of total calories, protein, carbohydrate or fat were noted after 4 months. Except for a modest increase in recreational activity in women (268 ± 85 vs. 170 ± 47 calories, p < 0.05), there also were no changes in activity patterns. CONCLUSION Except for a modest increase in recreational activity in women, OSA patients treated with CPAP do not substantially change their diet or physical activity habits after treatment.
Exploring Gender Differences in the Relationships between Eldercare and Labour Force Participation*

RÉSUMÉ Cette étude a examiné la relation réciproque entre les soins des parents et la participation au marché du travail, afin de déterminer si (1) la prestation de soins est liés à l’emploi subséquent; (2) un emploi est lié à la prestation de soins subséquente; (3) la participation de la prestation de soins et la population travaillant a montré une relation réciproque à travers le temps; et (4) s’il existe des différences entre les sexes dans ces relations. Pour l’analyse, nous avons utilisé la modélisation par équation structurelle. L’échantillon de l’étude comprenait les enfants adultes de 51 ans et plus, vivant avec des parents ou beaux-parents. Aucune relation de réciprocité a été trouvée entre la prestation de soins et la participation de la population active, mais des différences de sexe étaient évidentes. Femmes soignantes en 2006 étaient moins susceptibles de travailler en 2008, bien que le statut d’emploi n’ était pas liée à la prestation de soins subséquente. En revanche, les hommes qui travaillaient en 2008 étaient moins susceptibles d’être engagés dans la prestation de soins en 2010, bien que la prestation de soins n’était pas liée à l’état de l’emploi subséquent. Ces résultats suggèrent que le sexe joue un rôle important dans la relation entre la prestation de soins et la participation au marché du travail. ABSTRACT This study investigated the reciprocal relationship between parental caregiving and labour force participation to determine whether (1) caregiving related to subsequent employment; (2) employment related to subsequent caregiving; (3) caregiving and labour force participation had a reciprocal relationship across time; and (4) gender differences existed in these relationships. A cross-lagged panel design was applied with structural equation modeling. The study sample included adult children aged 51 or older with living parents or parents-in-law. No reciprocal relationship was found between caregiving and labour force participation, but gender differences were evident. Women caregivers in 2006 were less likely to be working in 2008, whereas employment status was not related to subsequent caregiving. In contrast, men working in 2008 were less likely to be caregiving in 2010, whereas caregiving was not related to subsequent employment status. Findings suggest that gender plays an important role in the relationship between caregiving and labour force participation.
Blood L‐arginine Levels in Early Respiratory Distress Syndrome

L‐arginine is the precursor of nitric oxide which plays an important role on pulmonary circulation and pulmonary vascular tone. Our aim was to compare the levels of L‐arginine between infants with respiratory distress syndrome and infants without respiratory distress syndrome and to determine the relationship between plasma L‐arginine concentrations and severity of disease. Thirty premature infants who were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit were included the study. Seventeen of these infants with respiratory distress syndrome were study group and the other 13 infants without respiratory distress syndrome served as controls. Blood collection was made before any treatment or intervention given to infants and tandem mass spectrometry was used for laboratory testing. In the respiratory distress syndrome group mean L‐arginine level was 33.0 (± 11.5) mM/l, and in controls it was 79.0 (± 23) mM/l. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was a reverse relationship between L‐arginine levels and oxygenation index (r = 0.732, P = 0.001). If level of L‐arginine is low or insufficient in respiratory distress syndrome patients' nitric oxide level would decrease in pulmonary circulation and results increased pulmonary resistance and severity of respiratory distress syndrome. We concluded that L‐arginine levels are low in patients with rspiratory distress syndrome and for further investigations, supplementation of respiratory distress syndrome patients with L‐arginine may decrease disease severity. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DEMODEX FOLLICULORUM AND BLEPHARITIS.

For many years Demodex folliculorum has been recognized as an inhabitant of the pores of the skin, particularly in the face. Except for a detailed study by Stcherbatchoff in 1903, only casual reference has been made to its presence in the eyelid structures of man. Freshly collected material from the pores and eyelashes, placed in glycerin, can be examined readily under the low power microscope for the presence of the organism. In some patients the association of a Demodex infection of the eyelids and blepharitis appear to be associated etiologically. Satisfactory, if not ideal, eyelid treatment has been devised through the careful use of Selsunef ointment. * Concurrent treatment of Demodex infestation of the face is imperative to prevent reinfection of the eyelash structures.
Applications of Blockchain Within Healthcare

There are several areas of healthcare and well-being that could be enhanced using blockchain technologies. These include device tracking, clinical trials, pharmaceutical tracing, and health insurance. Within device tracking, hospitals can trace their asset within a blockchain infrastructure, including through the complete lifecycle of a device. The information gathered can then be used to improve patient safety and provide after-market analysis to improve efficiency savings. This paper outlines recent work within the areas of pharmaceutical traceability, data sharing, clinical trials, and device tracking. Keywords: Asset Tracking, Blockchain, Drug tracking, Ethereum, Healthcare, Internet of Things, IoT
Dispersal, habitat differences, and comparative phylogeography of Southeast Asian seahorses (Syngnathidae: Hippocampus)

Four distinct phylogeographical patterns across Southeast Asia were observed for four species of seahorse (genus Hippocampus) with differing ecologies. For all species, genetic differentiation (based on cytochrome b sequence comparisons) was significantly associated with sample site (ΦST = 0.190–0.810, P < 0.0001) and with geographical distance (Mantel's r = 0.37–0.59, P < 0.019). Geographic locations of genetic breaks were inconsistent across species in 7/10 comparisons, although some similarities across species were also observed. The two shallow‐water species (Hippocampus barbouri and Hippocampus kuda) have colonized the Sunda Shelf to a lesser degree than the two deeper‐water species (Hippocampus spinosissimus and Hippocampus trimaculatus). In all species the presence of geographically restricted haplotypes in the Philippines could indicate past population fragmentation and/or long‐distance colonization. A nested clade analysis (NCA) revealed that long‐distance colonization and/or fragmentation were likely the dominant forces that structure populations of the two shallow‐water species, whereas range expansion and restricted dispersal with isolation by distance were proportionally more important in the history of the two deeper‐water species. H. trimaculatus has the most widespread haplotypes [average clade distance (Dc) of nonsingleton haplotypes = 1169 km], indicating potentially high dispersal capabilities, whereas H. barbouri has the least widespread haplotypes (average Dc = 67 km) indicating potentially lower dispersal capabilities. Pleistocene separation of marine basins and postglacial flooding of the Sunda Shelf are extrinsic factors likely to have contributed to the phylogeographical structure observed, whereas differences among the species appear to reflect their individual ecologies.
Localization of immunoreactive transthyretin (prealbumin) and of transthyretin mRNA in fetal and adult rat brain.

We used a combination of immunohistochemical and molecular-biological techniques to investigate the localization of transthyretin (TTR) in the brains of adult and fetal rats. The immunohistochemical studies employed antibodies purified by immunosorbent affinity chromatography, permitting the specific staining and localization of TTR using the unlabeled peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. TTR mRNA levels were measured by Northern-blot analysis of poly (A+) RNA, followed by hybridization to 32P-labeled TTR cDNA; TTR mRNA was localized in brain tissue sections by in situ hybridization. Immunoreactive TTR was found to be specifically localized in the choroid plexus epithelial cells of adult rat brain. High levels of TTR mRNA were found in poly (A+) RNA samples obtained from the choroid plexus. In addition, the specific localization of TTR mRNA in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus was demonstrated by in situ hybridization. Neither immunoreactive TTR nor TTR mRNA were found in other regions of adult rat brains. The levels of TTR mRNA in the choroid plexus were at least 30 times higher than those observed in the adult liver. Immunoreactive TTR was observed in the brains of fetal rats on as early as the 11th day of gestation. This immunoreactive TTR was localized in the tela choroidea, the developmental forerunner of the choroid plexus. Immunoreactive TTR was also observed in the fetal choroid plexus as it began to form (14th day of gestation) as well as in the more completely developed choroid plexus (18th day of gestation). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Resistance of cell membranes to different detergents

Partial resistance of cell membranes to solubilization with mild detergents and the analysis of isolated detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) have been used operationally to define membrane domains. Given the multitude of detergents used for this purpose, we sought to investigate whether extraction with different detergents might reflect the same underlying principle of domain formation. We therefore compared the protein and lipid content of DRMs prepared with a variety of detergents from two cell lines. We found that the detergents differ considerably in their ability to selectively solubilize membrane proteins and to enrich sphingolipids and cholesterol over glycerophospholipids as well as saturated over unsaturated phosphatidylcholine. In addition, we observed cell type-dependent variations of the molecular characteristics of DRMs and the effectiveness of particular detergents. These results make it unlikely that different detergents reflect the same aspects of membrane organization and underscore both the structural complexity of cell membranes and the need for more sophisticated analytical tools to understand their architecture.
Genetic and Bacterial Memetic Programming approaches in hierarchical-interpolative fuzzy system construction

As a straightforward continuation of our previous work in this paper new memetic (combined evolutionary and gradient based) methods are proposed for constructing hierarchical-interpolative fuzzy rule bases in the frame of a supervised machine learning system modeling black box systems defined by input-output pairs. In this work the resulting hierarchical rule bases are constructed by using structure building Genetic and Bacterial Memetic Programming Algorithms, thus stochastic evolutionary optimization methods containing deterministic local search steps. Applying hierarchical-interpolative fuzzy rule bases has proved an efficient way of reducing the complexity of knowledge bases, whereas memetic techniques often ensure a relatively fast convergence in the learning process. The literature has highlighted the advantages of memetic methods against pure evolutionary algorithms, thus the combination of hierarchical-interpolative fuzzy rule bases with memetic techniques may form promising hierarchical-interpolative machine learning systems.
Revue critique des arguments en faveur et à l'encontre de la théorie humienne de la motivation

Although remaining orthodoxy in philosophy of mind, the humean theory of motivation (according to which motivation always comes from a desire, never from a belief alone) has often been criticized in the last decades. Here I review the main arguments put forward both to support and reject this theory. On the humean side, I examine the argument from identical beliefs, the direction of fit argument and the argument from theoretical uniformity. On the anti-humean side, the objection that direction of fit caracterizations are circular, the objection from irrational beliefs and the objection according to which there could be mental states with two directions of fit. I conclude that none of these objections should lead us to reject the humean theory, but also that this one finds its main support in theoretical unifomity considerations and not in the direction of fit argument as many think.