Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uncertainties in the Value of Bill Savings from Behind-the-Meter, Residential Photovoltaic Systems: The Roles of Electricity Market Conditions, Retail Rate Design, and Net Metering

Net metering has become a widespread policy mechanism in the U.S. for supporting customer adoption of distributed photovoltaics (PV), allowing customers with PV systems to reduce their electric bills by offsetting their consumption with PV generation, independent of the timing of the generation relative to consumption. Although net metering is one of the principal drivers for the residential PV market in the U.S., the academic literature on this policy has been sparse and this dissertation contributes to this emerging body of literature.This dissertation explores the linkages between the availability of net metering, wholesale electricity market conditions, retail rates, and the residential bill savings from behind-the-meter PV systems. First, I examine the value of the bill savings that customers receive under net metering and alternatives to net metering, and the associated role of retail rate design, based on current rates and a sample of approximately two hundred residential customers of California's two largest electric utilities. I find that the bill savings per kWh of PV electricity generated varies greatly, largely attributable to the increasing block structure of the California utilities' residential retail rates. I also find that net metering provides significantly greater bill savings than alternative compensation mechanisms based on avoided costs. However, retail electricity rates may shift as wholesale electricity market conditions change. I then investigate a potential change in market conditions - increased solar PV penetrations - on wholesale prices in the short-term based on the merit-order effect. This demonstrates the potential price effects of changes in market conditions, but also points to a number of methodological shortcomings of this method, motivating my usage of a long-term capacity investment and economic dispatch model to examine wholesale price effects of various wholesale market scenarios in the subsequent analysis. By developing three types of retail rates (a flat rate, a time-of-use rate, and real-time pricing) from these wholesale price profiles, I examine bill savings from PV generation for the ten wholesale market scenarios under net metering and an alternative to net metering where hourly excess PV generation is compensated at the wholesale price. Most generally, I challenge the common assertion that PV compensation is likely to stay constant (or rise) due to constant (or rising) retail rates, and find that future electricity market scenarios can drive substantial changes in residential retail rates and that these changes, in concert with variations in retail rate structures and PV compensation mechanisms, interact to place substantial uncertainty on the future value of bill savings from residential PV.
The effects of location-based-services on consumer purchase intention at point of purchase

Purpose – This paper aims to empirically test a conceptual model, analysing the effects that features of mobile phone location-based advertising (MLBA) services (customisation, permission and intrusiveness) have on attitudes and purchase intentions, using the theory of interactive advertising. In addition, the moderating effect of receiving such messages at point of purchase (POP) is assessed. Design/methodology/approach – Scenario-based online surveys were used, which manipulated the timing and levels of customisation of the message. Responses were received from 422 “net generation” consumers. Findings – Customisation, permission and intrusiveness all have a direct effect on consumer attitudes towards MLBA messages, and subsequently purchase intention. In addition, receiving such messages at POP strengthens the relationships between intrusiveness and attitudes, but surprisingly weakens the effect of customisation on attitudes. Research limitations/implications – Future research could consider more widesp.
An exploratory inquiry into the perceived effectiveness of a global information system

As globalization has driven and has also been driven by innovation in information technology (IT), an effective utilization of IT has become critical in improving global operations. In this paper, we report an exploratory inquiry into what factors influence the effectiveness of IT on coordinating international operations as perceived by managers at global firms. As an initial study, our research focuses on a specific set of variables which we propose are fundamental elements for determining the IT effectiveness in the global context, i.e. firm’s globalization level, IT application, and IT department dedication. We put forth two propositions: first, a global firm can enhance its IT effectiveness by advancing the IT application level; second, as its globalization level expands, the global firm must put in place a comparable amount of organizational support (measured by IT department dedication) for the global IT system if it wants to heighten IT performance by raising the IT application level. In order to verify the propositions, we collected survey data from 35 Korean firms, each of which operates on a global scale, doing operations in foreign countries through subsidiaries. Our analysis result led us to reach conclusions upholding the propositions.
Isoflavone bioavailability from foods and supplements dietary factors impacting utilization

Isoflavones comprise a group of phytoestrogenic polyphenols with antioxidant properties occurring especially in plants of the Leguminosae family, and are consumed by humans mostly in form of soy (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ) and products. Soy rich isoflavone products have been promoted recently as foods or supplements with functional or nutraceutical characteristics, especially for the prevention of osteoporosis, for improved cardio-vascular function, and against prostate and breast cancer. However, there is controversial discussion on the bioavailability of isoflavones, a prerequisite for their action in the human body, depending potentially on the type of isoflavonoid, its chemical binding state (aglycon vs. glucosides), and the food matrix, such as the presence of dietary fibre. In addition, dosing and factors altering gut microflora, such as prebiotics, have been suggested to affect utilization of isoflavones. KEYWoRdS: isoflavonoids, health, supplements, food matrix, bioavailability. Torsten Bohn
UPLC-PDA quantification of chemical constituents of two different varieties (golden and royal) of apple leaves and their antioxidant activity.

BACKGROUND Malus domestica is the most widely cultivated fruit tree and is well known for its therapeutic value. Apple leaves are known to contain phenolic compounds but the nature of these has not been explored to the same extent as in apple fruit. A simple, rapid and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (UPLC-DAD) quantification method has been developed. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, as well as the antioxidant activity of golden and royal apple leaves were evaluated. RESULTS Four compounds, namely rutin, 3-hydroxyphloridzin, phloridzin and quercetin-3-O-arabinoside were identified by UPLC. The separation was achieved in less than 7 min. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were found to be slightly higher in apple golden variety than royal variety. The IC50 values determined by the DPPH assay were 49.94 µg mL(-1) for golden apple leaves and 43.89 µg mL(-1) for royal apple leaves. IC50 values determined by the ABTS assay were 47.10 and 66.53 µg mL(-1) for golden and royal apple leaves, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined as 24.45 and 21.15 mg ascorbic acid g(-1) for golden and royal apple leaves, respectively, by using the FRAP assay. CONCLUSION This study showed that apple leaves (both varieties) contain considerable amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids and are also a promising source of phloridzin.
Purification and properties of the Escherichia coli deoxyribonucleic acid-unwinding protein. Effects on deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in vitro.

Abstract The DNA-unwinding protein from Escherichia coli has been purified to homogeneity. It is a single polypeptide of 22,000 daltons; the native molecular weight is 90,000. The effect of the protein on the activity of the three DNA polymerases of E. coli has been studied. The activities of DNA polymerases I and III are significantly reduced, whereas DNA polymerase II activity is enhanced in the presence of unwinding protein. The rate of transcription catalyzed by E. coli RNA polymerase in the presence of the protein is reduced when single-stranded, but not double-stranded, DNAs are employed as templates. Using fd DNA as template in a DNA synthetic reaction that is dependent on both RNA polymerase and DNA polymerase II, the unwinding protein was found to be essential for the synthesis of a DNA product that is equal in size to the template. With the use of crude cell-free extracts of E. coli, it was shown that DNA polymerase II can convert bacteriophage fd DNA to the replicative form. These experiments suggest a possible physiological role for DNA polymerase II and the unwinding protein of E. coli.
Public Policy in Support of Small Business: The American Experience

Information problems in small enterprise credit markets can result in a market equilibrium characterized by credit rationing. These information problems are potentially more severe during sharp economic downturns such as the recent Great Recession. Government interventions to alleviate credit constraints on small firms need to be designed to correct the specific market failure resulting in socially suboptimal credit flows. We argue that Small Business Administration loan guarantees are a potentially appropriate intervention and provide a review of empirical research that supports our contention.
Performance-Vesting Provisions in Executive Compensation

The usage of performance-vesting (p-v) equity awards to top executives in large U.S. companies has grown from 20 to 70 percent from 1998 to 2012. We measure the effects of p-v provisions on value, delta, and vega of equity-based compensation. We find large differences in the value of p-v awards reported in company disclosures versus economic value. We also find that equity-based grants continue to convey significant compensation convexity (vega) after ASC 718 (2005) and that, counter to recent claims in the literature, our analysis empirically reaffirms the presence of a causal relation between compensation convexity (vega) and firm risk.
Risky Coupon Bond Option Pricing: Intensity Approach

In this paper we revisit Jarrow and Turnbull’s seminal paper on risky zero-bond option pricing and present two its extensions. Firstly, we are generalizing the zero-coupon bond option formula to coupon bond option formula while still preserving the analytical tractability. Secondly, we allow for intensity term-structure instead of just constant default intensity parameter. These two extensions result in comprehensive pricing framework for options linked on defaultable bonds.
Determinants of CD4 Independence for a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Variant Map outside Regions Required for Coreceptor Specificity

ABSTRACT Although infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) typically requires an interaction between the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env), CD4, and a chemokine receptor, CD4-independent isolates of HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus have been described. The structural basis and underlying mechanisms for this phenotype are unknown. We have derived a variant of HIV-1/IIIB, termed IIIBx, that acquired the ability to utilize CXCR4 without CD4. This virus infected CD4-negative T and B cells and fused with murine 3T3 cells that expressed human CXCR4 alone. A functional IIIBx env clone exhibited several mutations compared to the CD4-dependent HXBc2 env, including the striking loss of five glycosylation sites. By constructing env chimeras with HXBc2, the determinants for CD4 independence were shown to map outside the V1/V2 and V3 hypervariable loops, which determine chemokine receptor specificity, and at least partly within an area on the gp120 core that has been implicated in forming a conserved chemokine receptor binding site. We also identified a point mutation in the C4 domain that could render the IIIBx env clone completely CD4 dependent. Mutations in the transmembrane protein (TM) were also required for CD4 independence. Remarkably, when the V3 loop of a CCR5-tropic Env was substituted for the IIIBx Env, the resulting chimera was found to utilize CCR5 but remained CD4 independent. These findings show that Env determinants for chemokine receptor specificity are distinct from those that mediate CD4-independent use of that receptor for cell fusion and provide functional evidence for multiple steps in the interaction of Env with chemokine receptors. Combined with our observation that the conserved chemokine receptor binding site on gp120 is more exposed on the IIIBx gp120 (T. L. Hoffman, C. C. LaBranche, W. Zhang, G. Canziani, J. Robinson, I. Chaiken, J. A. Hoxie, and R. W. Doms, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96:6359–6364, 1999), the findings from this study suggest novel approaches to derive and design Envs with exposed chemokine receptor binding sites for vaccine purposes.
The bank credit "crumble."

The role played by cutbacks in commercial loan supply in the U.S. economic downturn in 1990 remains controversial. This article investigates the importance of the credit "crumble" and bank capital shortfalls in the contraction of the commercial loan supply in 1990. The author explores the link between the strength of bank balance sheets and the recent slowdown in commercial and industrial loans to U.S. companies.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects against photothrombotic cortical ischemic injury in mice

In this study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis purified from honeybee hives, on photothrombotic cortical ischemic injury in mice. Permanent focal ischemia was achieved in the medial frontal and somatosensory cortices of anesthetized male C57BL/6 mice by irradiation of the skull with cold light laser in combination with systemic administration of rose bengal. The animals were treated with CAPE (0.5–5 mg/kg, i.p.) twice 1 and 6 h after ischemic insult. CAPE significantly reduced the infarct size as well as the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, hypoxiainducible factor-1α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-1α, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in the cerebral cortex ipsilateral to the photothrombosis. Moreover, it induced an increase in heme oxygenase-1 immunoreactivity and interleukin-10 expression. These results suggest that CAPE exerts a remarkable neuroprotective effect on ischemic brain injury via its anti-inflammatory properties, thereby providing a benefit to the therapy of cerebral infarction.
Impaired glucose transport as a cause of decreased insulin-stimulated muscle glycogen synthesis in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Insulin resistance, a major factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, is due mostly to decreased stimulation of glycogen synthesis in muscle by insulin. The primary rate-controlling step responsible for the decrease in muscle glycogen synthesis is not known, although hexokinase activity and glucose transport have been implicated. METHODS We used a novel nuclear magnetic resonance approach with carbon-13 and phosphorus-31 to measure intramuscular glucose, glucose-6-phosphate, and glycogen concentrations under hyperglycemic conditions (plasma glucose concentration, approximately 180 mg per deciliter [10 mmol per liter]) and hyperinsulinemic conditions in six patients with type 2 diabetes and seven normal subjects. In vivo microdialysis of muscle tissue was used to determine the gradient between plasma and interstitial-fluid glucose concentrations, and open-flow microperfusion was used to determine the concentrations of insulin in interstitial fluid. RESULTS The time course and concentration of insulin in interstitial fluid were similar in the patients with diabetes and the normal subjects. The rates of whole-body glucose metabolism and muscle glycogen synthesis and the glucose-6-phosphate concentrations in muscle were approximately 80 percent lower in the patients with diabetes than in the normal subjects under conditions of matched plasma insulin concentrations. The mean (+/-SD) intracellular glucose concentration was 2.0+/-8.2 mg per deciliter (0.11+/-0.46 mmol per liter) in the normal subjects. In the patients with diabetes, the intracellular glucose concentration was 4.3+/-4.9 mg per deciliter (0.24+/-0.27 mmol per liter), a value that was 1/25 of what it would be if hexokinase were the rate-controlling enzyme in glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Impaired insulin-stimulated glucose transport is responsible for the reduced rate of insulin-stimulated muscle glycogen synthesis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
VENTRICULAR WEIGHT IN CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY

Ventricular hypertrophy is usually estimated at necropsy by weighing the heart as a whole and by measuring the thickness of the ventricular walls. The weight of the heart as a whole is open to the objection that a large and varying proportion of the weight is accounted for by structures other than the myocardium, and the thickness of the ventricular wall is not a satisfactory criterion because it may be greatly modified by dilatation of the cavity. The traditional methods are particularly unsatisfactory when used to assess slight or moderate hypertrophy of the right ventricle. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties, Muller (1883), Lewis (1914), and Herrmann and Wilson (1922) stripped off non-myocardial tissue and subsequently divided the myocardium into right and left parts. Their techniques are time-consuming, however, and the methods of dividing the septum are open to question so that they have not come into general use. The present investigation is an attempt to evolve a simpler technique for measuring hypertrophy of each ventricle separately, with the special object of assessing lesser degrees of right ventricular hypertrophy.
Transcutaneous periorbital electrical stimulation in the treatment of dry eye

Purpose To evaluate efficacy and safety of transcutaneous application of electrical current on symptoms and clinical signs of dry eye (DE). Methods 27 patients with DE underwent transcutaneous electrostimulation with electrodes placed onto the periorbital region of both eyes and manual stimulation with a hand-piece conductor moved by the operator. Each patient underwent 12 sessions of 22 min spread over 2 months, two sessions per week in the first month and one session per week in the second month. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining of the cornea, Schirmer I test and adverse events were evaluated at baseline, at end of treatment and at 6 and 12 months. Results OSDI improved from 43.0±19.2 at baseline to 25.3±22.1 at end of treatment (mean±SD, p=0.001). These effects were substantially maintained at 6-month and 12-month follow-up evaluations. Improvement of the values of TBUT was recorded for the right eye at the end of treatment (p=0.003) and found in the left eye after 12 months (p=0.02). The Oxford scores changed in both eyes at the end of treatment and at the 6-month evaluation (p<0.001), and in the right eye at the 12-month evaluation (p=0.035). Schirmer I improved significantly at the end of treatment in the left eye (p=0.001) and in both eyes at the 12-month evaluation (p=0.004 and p=0.039 for the left and right eye, respectively). A significant reduction of the use of tear substitutes was found at the end of treatment (p=0.003), and was maintained during the follow-up (p<0.001). No complications occurred and patients found the treatment satisfying. Conclusions Transcutaneous electrical stimulation was shown to improve DE, both subjectively and objectively, without any adverse effects and has the potential to enlarge the armamentarium for treating DE.
Hat die Befristung von Arbeitsverträgen einen Einfluss auf die berufliche Weiterbildung geringqualifiziert beschäftigter Personen? (Does temporary employment affect the work-related training of low-skilled employees?)

"Similar to other European countries, the use of fixed-term contracts in Germany has been deregulated since the 1980s. Though temporary employment can be seen as a possibility to re-enter the labour market, it is argued that temporary employment may lead to 'dead-ends' and to lower investments in further training. From a theoretical perspective, there are arguments for higher and for lower investments in further training for employers and employees. Thus, it is not clear whether firms and employees invest differently when temporary contracts are used. Using the German Mikrozensus 2004, this paper analyses the effect of temporary contracts an work-related training for low-skilled workers. To take systematic differences between temporary and permanent employees into account, we estimate a bivariate probit model for whether fixed-term employment affects participation in work-related training. We conclude that holding a temporary contract does not have systematic disadvantages in access to further training. The use of temporary contracts does not therefore worsen the situation of low-skilled employees in terms of their human capital accumulation. " (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en)) Additional Information Kurzfassung (deutsch) Executive summary (English)
LVRT control strategy for three-phase grid connected PV systems

This paper presents a control strategy for a grid connected system fed by a photovoltaic (PV) source. A two stages topology with boost converter followed by a three phase VSI (voltage source Inverter) is used for the grid interface. The boost DC converter is controlled using an Incremental conductance maximum power point tracking technique in order to feed the maximum of power to the grid in the normal grid voltage mode. In this paper, an additional dc-bus voltage regulator is added in the control of the boost for ensuring the operation of the proposed system in the case of low grid voltage or voltage sag as well as in the normal grid voltage mode. The proposed system is simulated via the MATLAB/SIMULINK and the validity of the proposed concept is confirmed and the performance of the proposed control is satisfactory.
Shareholder Bylaws, Shareholder Nominations, and Poison Pills

Shareholder bylaws limiting or directing board action raise a tough and fascinating question of statutory interpretation under state law as well as an important policy question. In particular, over the last decade shareholders have sought to use bylaws to limit poison pills and to grant shareholders access to the corporate proxy materials to nominate directors. This paper argues that an expansive, although not unlimited, shareholder power to enact bylaws is both a plausible interpretation of Delaware's statutory scheme and desirable as a policy matter. Shareholder bylaws that set general rules of corporate governance and procedure should be valid unless more specific statutory provisions remove a specific matter from the bylaw power. Applied to poison pill and proxy access bylaws, both are valid under the general analysis, although poison pill bylaws may not be valid due to a more specific provision of Delaware law. The SEC should require boards to include bylaw proposals unless the particular proposal is clearly invalid under relevant state law. Board bylaws and certificate provisions could limit shareholder bylaws in some corporations, but it is likely that in many corporations boards will not be willing or able to enact such limits.