Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peer to Peer Distributed Energy Trading in Smart Grids: A Survey

Due to the expansion of distributed renewable energy resources, peer to peer energy trading (P2P DET) is expected to be one of the key elements of next generation power systems. P2P DET can provide various benefits such as creating a competitive energy market, reducing power outages, increasing overall efficiency of power systems and supplementing alternative sources of energy according to user preferences. Because of these promising advantages, P2P DET has attracted the attention of several researchers. Current research related to P2P DET include demand response optimization, power routing, network communication, security and privacy. This paper presents a review of the main research topics revolving around P2P DET. Particularly, we present a comprehensive survey of existing demand response optimization models, power routing devices and power routing algorithms. We also identify some key challenges faced in realizing P2P DET. Furthermore, we discuss state of the art enabling technologies such as Energy Internet, Blockchain and Software Defined Networking (SDN) and we provide insights into future research directions.
Investigation of dynamic characteristics of InGaAsP/InP laser diodes

We present the investigation results of dynamic characteristics for InGaAsP quantum-well lasers, where we look for the problems that have an inuence on laser diode modulation speed, quality, and reliability. The experiments have shown that the investigated distributed feedback laser diodes have shorter turn-on delay time (from 0.6 ns to 1.2 ns) than FabrynPerot lasers (from 0.8 ns to 1.4 ns). Different design samples have been investigated and it is found that the turn-on delay time increases with laser cavity length due to the active region volume increase. It is also shown that for the investigated structures the main carrier recombination mechanism is the non-radiative recombination through defects. The same defects have the main inuence to the laser operation characteristic degradation during ageing.
Selected Aspects of Labour Market Regional Structure Analysis in AP Vojvodina

During the first decade of transition there were considerable changes and different fluctuations in every field of human activity in AP Vojvodina, especially on the labour market. Those tendencies are expressed as substantial limitations toward planned and proclaimed economic reforms. At the same time, the majority of analyses only partially considered economic, social, or political issues while lacking the territorial and regional approach. This paper examines statistical analysis of regional disparities on the labour market of AP Vojvodina. The analysis represents the results of quantitative analysis of selected aspects on the labour market and is based on the sample of 7 regions during the period 2002-2009 (70 panel observations). It shows the persistence of regional disparities concerning labour market indicators and their changes over time. The analysis also represents the basis for creation of economic policy measures to mitigate the regional differences on the labour market.
Does Foreign Aid Promote Growth? Exploring the Role of Financial Liberalization

This paper examines the impact of foreign aid on the process of economic development in India by controlling for the degree of financial liberalization. A composite index is constructed using the method of principal component analysis to capture the joint influence of various financial sector policies. The results show that while foreign aid exerts a direct negative influence on output expansion, its indirect effect via financial liberalization is positive. Therefore, an important implication of the findings in this paper is that adequate liberalization in the financial system of the host country is a crucial requirement for effective foreign aid. Our results are robust to a number of control variables and estimation techniques.
ICOMP-89-16 Calculation of Turbulence-Driven Secondary Motion in Ducts With Arbitrary Cross Section

Calculation methods for turbulent duct flows are generaliied for ducts with arbitrary crosssections. The irregular physical geometry is transformed into a regular one in computational space, and the flow equations are solved with a finite-volume numerical procedure. The turbulent stresses are calculated with an algebraic stress model derived by simplifying model transport equations for the individual Reynolds stresses. Two variants of such a model are considered in the present study. These procedures enable the prediction of both the turbulence-driven secondary flow and the anisotropy of the Reynolds stresses, in contrast to some of the earlier calculation methods. Model predictions are compared to experimental data for developed flow in triangular duct, trapezoidal duct and a rod-bundle geometry. The correct trends are predicted, and the quantitative agreement ia mostly fair. The simpler variant of the algebraic stress model procured better agreement with the measured data. *On leave from University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. Work funded under Space Act Agreement C W G .
Overview of different types of fly ash and their use as a building and construction material

Fly ash is produced, in massive amount, as a waste material of burning fossil fuel (coal combustion) for the thermal generation of electricity. Currently about 900 million tonnes of fly ash produced, worldwide, annually and about 30-40% of this residue is being utilized for various purposes including in cement and concrete production. Disposing the remaining percentage is costly as it should be done carefully to avoid any environmental pollution, mainly groundwater contamination. There are different types of fly ash, including Class F and Class C, generated by burning black coal and brown coal respectively. Class F and Class C are being utilized in making building materials such as concrete, lightweight aggregate, bricks etc. Also fly ash is used as a material for road construction and earth filled dam construction. This paper outlines an overview of using fly ash as a raw material in producing various building materials and methods of how fly ash is being incorporated with other materials. The major benefits and limitations of using fly ash as a building and construction materials are discussed.
Population structure and intergeneric hybridization in harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena in British Columbia, Canada

We used variation at microsatellite loci and in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to detect and quantify (1) hybridization between the harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena and the Dall's porpoises Phoconoides dalli and (2) the genetic population structure of harbour porpoises in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We assayed variation across 262 individuals (204 putative har- bour, 44 putative Dall's, 9 putative hybrids, and 5 unidentified porpoises) obtained primarily from strandings and initially identified morphologically. Our assays identified 198 pure (probability ≥ 0.95) harbour porpoises, 37 pure Dall's porpoises, and 27 individuals of mixed ancestry, and we found that hybrids between the 2 species occurred over a larger geographic range than previously known. Analysis of 8 microsatellite loci was used to estimate a value of FST between the Strait of Georgia region and waters outside this area that was low and non-significant (FST = 0.0025, p > 0.25). Cluster-based Bayesian analysis of population structure in harbour porpoises suggested a single genetic population across our sample area. Within the harbour porpoise, there were 50 mtDNA haplotypes that differed from each other by an average of 0.015 substitutions per nucleotide site. Hierarchical AMOVA indicated that there was no significant divergence between the waters within and the waters outside the Strait of Georgia region (ΦST = −0.022, p > 0.9). Our findings suggest that harbour porpoises inhabiting coastal waters of southern BC constitute a sin- gle genetic population, which should be reflected in management decisions. Our data also suggest that these management efforts should take into account occasional hybridization with sympatric Dall's porpoise.
Oocyte Production, Fecundity, and Size at the Onset of Reproduction of Tripalea clavaria (Cnidaria: Octocorallia: Anthothelidae) in the Southwestern Atlantic

fecundity, and size at the onset of reproduction of Tripalea clavaria (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Anthothelidae) in the southwestern Atlantic. Zoological Studies 50(4): 434-442. The octocoral Tripalea clavaria is a gonochoristic species distributed in the southwestern Atlantic from Rio de Janeiro to the Magellan Strait and is restricted to waters with temperatures of < 20°C. Female colonies are significantly more abundant than males, and their gonads are present throughout the entire year. Male fertile colonies were found only in Dec.-June, because the spermatogenic cycle is shorter than oogenesis, as is characteristic of other octocorals. Fertilization is probably internal, taking place within polyps of female colonies in Mar.-May. Planulae of T. clavaria were found in Apr.June. The length of larvae was 554-1980 µm, and a maximum of 4 planulae was observed per polyp. The high number of large oocytes per polyp implies that this species allocates most of it energetic resources to sexual reproduction. Regarding the variability of volume of oocytes per polyp, the lowest value was 1.35 × 10 -5 mm 3 , and the highest was 0.17 mm 3 . Although the reproductive features of T. clavaria are similar to those of other gorgonian octocorals, it has some exceptional features. Despite having small and unbranched colonies, this species exhibits a small colony size at 1st reproduction (2.7 cm) and is highly fecund, producing high numbers of large oocytes compared to other octocorals. Such reproductive traits could explain its successful recruitment on the limited available substrate of rocky outcrops, often characterized by strong currents and turbulence. http://zoolstud.sinica. edu.tw/Journals/50.4/434.pdf
Sublethal effects of cadmium on energy reserves in the edible Mollusk Donax trunculus

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic metals for marine organisms. The current experiment aimed to test two sublethal concentrations (LC10 and LC25-96h) of Cd on the main gonad components (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) of an edible Mollusk Donax trunculus L. (Bivalvia, Donacidae). The samples were collected at El Battah a relatively clean site, during the reproduction period of the bivalves, and reared under laboratory conditions. Physico-chemical parameters of water such as temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were measured during the exposure period. The amount of biochemical components was determined at different exposure times (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96h) for both sexes. Our results revealed that female gonads are richer in energy reserves than males, and Cd caused a significant decrease in proteins and carbohydrates levels in both sex. Moreover, Cd reduced the lipid levels only in females. In fact, the effects of Cd are more pronounced in females as compared to males. A three-way ANOVA indicated significant effects of concentration, time and sex for each biochemical component.
Comparison of the Molli(cid:12)cation Method, Wavelet Transform and Moving Average Filter for Reduction of Measurement Noise E(cid:11)ects in Inverse Heat Conduction Problems

This paper proposes a procedure to smooth temperature data by wavelet transform, moving average (cid:12)lter and the molli(cid:12)cation method prior to utilizing the IHCP methods (i.e. the conjugate gradient method, the Tikhonov regularization method) for unknown heat (cid:13)ux estimation. The measured transient temperature data utilized in the solution may be obtained from locations inside the body or from locations on its inactive boundaries. Two case studies are used to investigate the e(cid:14)ciency and accuracy of the mentioned procedure. The (cid:12)rst case study is performed on a rectangular body. The second case study demonstrates the ability of the proposed method to estimate heat (cid:13)ux in a more complicated geometry. Smoothing measured data causes an increase in the accuracy and stability of the estimation.
Quality and appropriateness of referrals for dementia patients

Objective To evaluate the quality and appropriateness of referrals from general practitioners (GPs) to geriatricians of patients with suspected dementia.Design A retrospective review of referrals from primary health care to a department of geriatric medicine. A data sheet was developed froma reviewof previous literature. Two GPs and two geriatricians assessed the quality and appropriateness of the referrals.Setting Patient records in the geriatric department were collected, registered and scrutinised.Subjects A total of 135 first-time referrals from January 2002 to December 2002 were evaluated. All patients and relatives were informed that participation was voluntary and anonymity was guaranteed. Main outcomes Assessment of the appropriateness of referrals.Results The mean age of all referred patients was 78.7 years (standard deviation (SD) 7.3; range 42–90 years) and 61.5% were female; 81 (60.0%)referrals were initiated by GPs, 33 (24.4%) by family members, three (2.2%) by community nurses, nine (6.7%) by the patients themselves and referral initiation was not specified for nine (6.7%). The agreement on appropriateness of referrals between the geriatricians was 83.7% (kappa 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55– 0.79; P = 0.03) and the GPs was 71.1% (kappa 0.21; 95% CI 0.07–35.3; P < 0.001). After consensus, theagreement between the geriatricians and GPs was 57.8%(kappa 0.08; 95% CI 0–0.23). This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion There was disagreement between geriatricians and GPs regarding the appropriateness of referrals. It was found that time-consuming tests were infrequently performed or reported, and key medical information was absent from the referral letters.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Scanning Laser Polarimetry and Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy in Normal Tension Glaucoma

Background: To investigate the potential of optic nerve head measurements using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) and nerve fiber layer images by means of scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) in the longterm follow-up of normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods: Retrospective study of 49 NTG patients with an average age of 65.5 years that have been followed for about 5 years. The long-term change of various parameters of perimetry, CSLO and SLP was examined for all patients. In addition patients were classified according to their Aulhorn glaucoma classification score as beginning (AGS<3) or advanced (AGS ≥ 3) and progressive and non-progressive NTG trying to reveal differences of the parameters in stage and time. Results: Intraocular pressure (IOP), mean defect (perimetry), neuroretinal rim and CDR (CSLO) did not show significant changes over the time. In CSLO, average depth and cupping shape were significantly different over the time and between progressive and non-progressive NTG. SLP revealed significant decrease especially in the superior retinal nerve fiber layer (66.1 vs 57.3 μm), but only relative parameters such as NFI, superior ratio and ellipse modulation were different between beginning and advanced NTG. Discussion: Our study points out that especially relative parameters in SLP such as ellipse modulation or NFI and CSLO-values of optic disc steepness and depth might be helpful in the follow-up of glaucoma patients. They show a better correlation to progression of the disease than classical parameters such as MD, IOP, neuroretinal rim or CDR.
C ENTRE FOR A PPLIED M ACROECONOMIC A NALYSIS The Australian National University C OMBATING C HINA ’ S E XPORT C ONTRACTION : F ISCAL E XPANSION OR A CCELERATED I NDUSTRIAL R EFORM ?

Initially, the global financial crisis caused a surge of financial inflows to China, raising investment, but this abated in 2008, leaving a substantial contraction in export demand. The government’s key response was to commit to an unprecedented fiscal expansion. Two oft-ignored consequences are, first that government spending is on non-traded goods and services and so enlarges the consequent real appreciation and, second, that a more inward-looking economy causes firms to face less elastic demand and hence to increase oligopoly rents, further enlarging the real appreciation. Both are important for China because of the contribution of its real-exchange-rate sensitive, low-margin labour-intensive export sector to total employment. An economy-wide analysis is offered, using a model that takes explicit account of oligopoly behaviour. The results suggest that a conventional fiscal expansion would further contract the Chinese economy. On the other hand, notwithstanding the export contraction further industrial reform, emphasising the largely state-owned sectors, would reduce costs and foster growth in both output and modern sector employment.
A Preliminary Study on the Heavy Metal Levels of Dwarf Eelgrass Zostera Noltii Homermann in the Black Sea

In the present study, the concentrations of aluminium, arsenic, copper, zinc, mercury, iron, cadmium and lead have been measured in sediment and in dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltii, collected from Sinop coast of the Black Sea, Turkey in 2013. Concentrations of Al, As, Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe were generally higher in sediment than those in dwarf eelgrass. Cd concentrations, however, were higher in the dwarf eelgrass samples. Hg was below the limit of detection (<0.05 mg/kg dry wt) in dwarf eelgrass, and it was detected mean 0.02 mg/kg dry wt. in sediment. Cd had the highest CF mean and As showed the lowest CF value. It may be concluded that dwarf eelgrass is able to accumulate the heavy metals from the marine environment and is suitable as bio-indicator to assess the fluctuations in metal pollution in the Black Sea.
THE APPLICATION OF CHEMICAL ELICITORS IMPROVES THE FLAVONOID AND SAPONIN PROFILES OF BLACK BEANS AFTER SOAKING

El frijol negro es una excelente fuente de moleculas bioactivas como flavonoides y saponinas que previenen enfermedades cronicas. En este estudio, se evaluo el efecto de elicitores quimicos [L-prolina (L-pro), giberelinas (GAs) y sacarosa (Suc)], en el contenido de flavonoides y saponinas del frijol negro. Los elicitores se adicionaron al agua de remojo (0.5% w/v), y la concentracion de flavonoides y saponinas se determino despues del remojo y a las 18 h de germinacion. La combinacion de Suc y L-pro resulto en la mayor acumulacion de la mayoria de los compuestos cuantificados despues del remojo. Para ese tratamiento, la quercetina-3 O -glucosido, la malvidina-3 O -glucosido, y la soyasaponina Af, incrementaron 68.9%, 42.8%, and 50.7% respectivamente, comparado con el control. Los resultados indican que la adicion de Suc en combinacion con L-pro en el agua de remojo puede ser empleda como un metodo efectivo para mejorar la concentracion de compuestos bioactivos en el frijol negro, los cuales pueden ser posteriormente utilizados como materia prima para la produccion de alimentos procesados o suplementos nutraceuticos.
Further Molecular Characterization and Effect on Host Photosynthetic Pigments and Carbohydrate Pools of an Egyptian Isolate of TBSV

The Egyptian isolate of Tomato bushy stunt virus, the TBSV Egh was further characterized with respect to its coat protein gene (P42CP), movement protein gene (P22MP) and replication protein gene (P33RP). All 3 genes were amplified by PCR from TBSV Egh purified virus. Both P42CP and P22MP were further cloned, partially sequenced and deposited into the gene bank under accession numbers HM439101 NCBI and JX418297 respectively. Phylogenetic analysis illustrates evolutionary relationship between TBSV Egh P22 and P42 partial sequence indicated that this isolate may represent a new different strain of TBSV. Loss in chlorophyll content of TBSV Egh infected Lycopersicon esculentum and Cucurbita pepo hosts are reported. Variable significant differences in glucose, sucrose and polysaccharides have been observed
Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge towards the Proper Dosing Instructions and Interactions of Alendronate Therapy

Alendronate is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis and other diseases characterized by increased bone resorption. Poor compliance increases the fracture risks, and ultimately treatment failure. This study aims to evaluate Palestinian pharmacist’s knowledge of the proper administration instructions, interactions and side effects of Alendronate as this significantly affect the medical effectiveness and the development of adverse effects. Selfadministered questionnaires were completed by 230 pharmacists working in community pharmacies in the northern area of the West Bank. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire consisting of 4 sections and analyzed by descriptive statistics. A scoring scheme was developed to estimate the knowledge scores of participants for the various parameters. The obtained knowledge scores were correlated with the socio-demographics characteristics of the pharmacist's. The median knowledge score of the pharmacists regarding the proper use of Alendronate was moderate i.e., 6 out of a possible maximum score of 9. The knowledge score of Alendronate interactions with food and other medications was 10.5 out of a possible maximum of 14 which is considered as a moderate score, whereas, that for side effects was 4 (0-8). Factors affecting the knowledge towards Alendronate dosing instructions, side effects, and interactions were gender, employment status, years of experience and work place. In conclusion, Palestinian pharmacists have intermediate knowledge about the proper use, drug-food interactions and side effects of Alendronate. Knowledge gaps were identified by this study. Therefore, improving pharmacist's knowledge is of great importance to achieve better efficacy and safety from the treatment.
LLE-ELM Recognition Method for the Joint Range of Shoulder and Elbow Motion

This paper presents an LLE-ELM recognition model, which can identify upper limb motions with EMG signal acquisition system. In this study, the recognizing target set is established by the different angles of the two joint motions, surface electromyogram (sEMG) of shoulder and elbow actions are used as information sources, and the time-domain feature of the sEMG is formed to the characteristic vector space. LLE is used to reduce the difficulty of data calculation, and ELM is used to improve the speed and accuracy of motion recognition. Result shows that the validity of the LLE-ELM mixed model to identify the joint range of motions is verified.
Plan Format and Participation in 401(k) Plans: The Moderating Role of Investor Knowledge

There is continuing concern that many people are not saving enough for retirement. The authors conduct three studies to determine whether simple alterations to the format of 401(k) plans can increase plan participation rates, especially among people with low levels of financial knowledge. In Study 1, offering a larger number of funds for investment reduces plan participation among low-knowledge investors, unless the plan also offers a target retirement date (i.e., life-cycle fund) option. In Study 2, the authors find those with low knowledge are more likely to participate if the funds offered for investment are grouped by asset class rather than listed alphabetically. In Study 3, the authors find that participation increases when fund descriptions include star ratings (but not fund style boxes). They also find that star ratings increase decision satisfaction among low-knowledge investors because of a reduction in perceived task difficulty. Limitations, implications, and further research are discussed.