Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short-term price forecasting of Nordic power market by combination Levenberg–Marquardt and Cuckoo search algorithms

This study proposes a new forecasting method for short-term spot prices in the Nordic power market. It proposes a Cuckoo search Levenberg–Marquardt (CSLM)-trained, CSLM feed-forward neural network (CSLM-FFNN) for the solving process that combines the improved Levenberg Marquardt and Cuckoo search algorithms. The proposed model considers actual power generation and system load as input sets to facilitate the efficient use of both transmission and power generation resources by direct market participants. During the training, the proposed CSLM-FFNN model generalises the relationship between the area prices and the system price for the same period. The model can be updated to track online the variation trend of the electricity price and to maintain accuracy because of the rapid training speed in CSLM learning algorithm. The developed model is tested with publicly available data acquired from the Nord Pool, and the model's performance is compared with state-of-the-art artificial neural networks and time-series models. Besides, the proposed approach is applied to forecast market-clearing price in the Spanish electricity market, to further assess the validity of the approach. The results show that the proposed CSLM-FFNN exhibits superior performance than other methods in terms of forecasting accuracy and training efficiency.
Interaction Mechanism Between the HSV-1 Glycoprotein B and the Antimicrobial Peptide Amyloid-β

Unravelling the mystery of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) requires urgent resolution given the worldwide increase of the aging population. There is a growing concern that the current leading AD hypothesis, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, does not stand up to validation with respect to emerging new data. Indeed, several paradoxes are being discussed in the literature, for instance, both the deposition of the Amyloid-Beta peptide (Aβ) and the intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) could occur within the brain without any cognitive pathology. Thus, these paradoxes suggest that something more fundamental is at play in the onset of the disease and other key and related pathomechanisms have to be investigated. The present study follows our previous investigations on the infectious hypothesis, which posits that some pathogens are linked to late onset AD. Our studies also build upon the shattering finding that Aβ is a powerful antimicrobial agent capable of inhibiting pathogens as observed in in vitro experiments. Herein, we ask what are the molecular mechanisms in play when Aβ neutralizes infectious pathogens? To answer this question, we probed at nanoscale lengths with FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer), the interaction between Aβ peptides and glycoprotein B (responsible of virus-cell binding) within the HSV-1 virion. We concluded that there is indeed a close interaction, likely nonspecific or semi-specific, between the two types of molecules, which participate in virus neutralization.
Analysis on the formation cause for the high-order wheel polygonization of the high-speed trains based on the finite element method

The formation cause of high-order wheel polygonization of high-speed trains is investigated. A modelling of wheelset/track interaction based on the finite element method (FEM) is set up. The stability of the wheelset-track system (WTS) is studied by using the complex eigenvalue analysis (CEA) based on the modal coupling theory. The dynamic response of the wheelset rolling on the rails is simulated by the transient dynamic analysis (TDA). The results show that the friction-induced vibration (FIV) of the WTS at about 540 Hz, which is composed of the fifth-order bending mode of the wheel axle and the antisymmetric yaw of the wheels, is the principal cause of the 23-order wheel polygon. The frequency of the FIV responsible for the 23-order polygonal wear hardly changes with the vehicle speed and the coefficient of friction (COF) between the wheel and rail, which coincides with the fact that the wheel polygon of high-speed trains in China tends to be frequency-fixed. The order of wheel polygon is inversely proportional to vehicle speed. The higher the wheel-rail COF and the vehicle speed, the faster the wheel polygonization evolves.
Ocimum sanctum, Zingiber officinale, and Piper nigrum extracts and their effects on gut microbiota modulations (prebiotic potential), basal inflammatory markers and lipid levels: oral supplementation study in healthy rats

Abstract Context Ocimum sanctum Linn (Labiatae) (OS), Zingiber officinale Rose (Zingiberaceae) (ZO), and Piper nigrum Linn (Piperaceae) (PN) are used in traditional medicine as immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, and bioavailability enhancer agents. Objective Active phytoconstituents of OS, ZO, PN hydro-alcoholic extracts and their effects on gut microbiota, basal inflammation and lipid profile were investigated in rats. Materials and methods Active phytoconstituents of extracts were analysed using HPLC and GC-MS. SD rats were supplemented with individual/combined extracts (OS-850; ZO-500; PN-100 mg/kg Bw) and Fructooligosaccharide (standard prebiotic-5g/kg-Bw), orally for 30 days. Haematology, lipid profile, LPS, CRP, IL-6, insulin and histology of vital organs were analysed. Caecal bacterial levels were assessed by RT-PCR. Results High content of phenolic compounds luteolin-7-O-glucoside (430 ± 2.3 mg/100g), gallic acid (84.13 ± 1.2 mg/100 g) and flavones (88.18 ± 1.8 mg/100 g) were found in OS, ZO, and PN, respectively. Combined extract was rich in luteolin-7-O-glucoside (266.0 ± 1.80 mg/100 g). Essential oils including methyleugenol (13.96%), 6-shogaol (11.00%), piperine (18.26%), and cyclopentasiloxane (10.06%) were higher in OS, ZO, PN and combined extract. Higher levels of caecal Lactobacillus (1.7–3.4-fold), Bifidobacterium (5.89-28.4-fold), and lower levels of Firmicutes (0.04–0.91-fold), Bacteroides (0.69–0.88-fold) were noted among extracts and FOS supplemented rats. Significant (p < 0.05) decrease in plasma lipid profile and LPS was noted in all supplemented rats. Discussion and conclusions The current study could be first of its kind in exploring prebiotic potential of OS, ZO, PN and their effect on native gut bacterial population.
Team boundary work and team workload demands: Their interactive effect on team vigor and team effectiveness

Drawing from team-level job demands-resources theory, we hypothesize that team workload demands moderate the positive link between team boundary work (i.e., boundary spanning and boundary buffering) and team effectiveness (i.e., team innovation and team performance), such that boundary work is more beneficial for team effectiveness when teams face higher team workload demands. Furthermore, we predict that this interaction occurs through increased team vigor, where team vigor is defined as an affective emergent state characterized by positive valences and high activation levels experienced by team members. We largely find support for our model across two field studies: a cross-sectional survey using three independent data sources (89 automotive research and development teams, including 724 team members, 89 team leaders and 18 managers) and a time-lagged survey using two independent data sources (139 teams working in a Chinese utility company, including 640 team members and 139 team leaders). Our article contributes to team research by broadening our understanding of when and how team boundary work is associated with greater team effectiveness.
Career Adapt-Ability and Social Support among Trainee Teachers

Career adapt-ability is a process that each individual need to go through including their attitudes, competencies, and behaviors to adapt to the work environment. While social support is the support from significant family, friends and individuals who contribute to one’s personal well-being in the process of career adapt-ability. This study aims to identify the level and relationship between career adapt-ability and social support of undergraduate students. This study uses descriptive and correlation design to measure the level and relationship between the variables. A total of 83 undergraduate students at a public university who were preparing for their internship were involved as respondents of this study. Two instruments were used in this study namely, the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) to measure career adjustment, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure social support. Findings found that the overall career adapt-ability and social support among undergraduate students are at high level. Findings also showed significant relationship between adapt-ability and friends support ( r = .216, p < .05). However, there is no significant relationship between career adapt-ability with family support ( r = .127, p > .05.) and significant others support ( r = .048, p > .05). This study has implications towards counsellor role in developing stu dent’s career program in terms of adaptation and social support. Thus, the recommendations for this study are (i) counsellors need to know and be skilled in using instruments; and (ii) further studies should focus on experimental design to measure the impact of an implemented career program.
Bacteria and fungi as major bio-sources to fabricate silver nanoparticles with antibacterial activities

ABSTRACT Introduction Mitigation of infectious diseases resulted from antibiotic-resistant bacteria is difficult by current antibiotics. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles specifically Ag nanoparticles can be efficient antibacterial agents considering their biocompatibility. In this way, biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles by living organisms or their metabolites has obtained more attention compared to chemical or physical methods. Areas covered Bacteria and fungi in extracellular and intracellular pathways and related primary and secondary metabolites can synthesize Ag nanoparticles with synergistic antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens. Expert opinion Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of these nanoparticles can lead by production of reactive oxygen species and inactivation of biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. The present review has tried to discuss recent progress and challenges about biosynthesis mechanisms and antibacterial activity of Ag nanoparticles bio-inspired by archaebacteria, actinomycetes, cyanobacteria, and fungi.
Investigation of Mitophagy Biomarkers in Corneal Epithelium of Keratoconus Patients

Abstract Purpose The pathological mechanisms of keratoconus (KC) have not been elucidated yet. Mitophagy is an important mechanism that eliminates damaged mitochondria under oxidative stress, and it could be one of the leading pathological causes of KC. This study aimed to find out the role of mitophagy in the keratoconic corneal epithelium. Methods The corneal epithelia were collected from the 103 progressive KC patients and the 46 control subjects. The real-time quantitative PCR was performed for PTEN-putative kinase-1 (PINK1), PARKIN, p62, and BNIP3 gene expressions in 31 KC and 9 control subjects. Western blot analyses were performed to investigate the protein expressions of PINK1, PARKIN, LC3B, ATG5, and BECLIN in the remaining 109 corneal epithelium samples from 72 patients and 37 control subjects. Results mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1 decreased significantly in the corneal epithelium of KC patients compared to the control subjects. No significant change was found in mRNA levels of PARKIN, p62, and BNIP3 in KC patients. The protein expression of PARKIN, LC3B, ATG5, and Beclin did not significantly differ between KC patients and control subjects. Gene expression levels of mitophagy biomarkers were not affected by the KC grade. Conclusions PINK1/PARKIN-dependent mitophagy is affected in the keratoconic corneal epithelium. We found significant decreases in both mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1 in the keratoconic corneal epithelium. However, we did not observe any other significant change in mitophagy markers. Mitochondrial stress-related mitophagy pathways could be interrupted by the decreased levels of PINK1 in the keratoconic corneal epithelium, but solely PINK1 dysregulation is not likely to induce KC pathogenesis.
Institutions matter: The impact of the covid‐19 pandemic on the political trust of young Europeans

Abstract In this paper, we study the short‐run evolution of political trust during the recent covid‐19 pandemic using survey data for a sample of young individuals living in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. In particular, we analyze whether pre‐pandemic perceptions and experiences of citizens about various dimensions of local governments and institutional quality had any mediating effect on the evolution of political trust after the outbreak of the covid‐19 pandemic. The results show a relative increase in political trust of about 9% in regions with high institutional quality (75th percentile) compared with regions with low institutional quality (25th percentile) over the period 2019−2020. This divergence can be associated with either a better performance of policymakers in high‐quality institutions regions, or to more positive attitudes toward politicians by citizens that, before the pandemic, believed to live in regions with efficient institutions. Overall results are not affected by the inclusion of regional fixed effects or by possible differential evolution of political trust according to a large set of observable regional characteristics.
Effects of Fasting and Administration of Octreotide Acetate and Ulinastatin on Clinical Outcomes of Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatoduodenectomy

Objective: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy is the most serious complication of these surgical procedures; therefore, we examine the effectiveness of fasting, and administration of octreotide acetate and ulinastatin as a method of prevention. Summary of Background Data : Although various drug therapies and surgical techniques have been used for the treatment of POPF, no decisive treatment for POPF exists. Methods: The clinical course of 30 patients who developed POPF was retrospectively evaluated and compared between no dietary intake (n=18), octreotide acetate (n=8), and ulinastatin (n=8) using an overlapping design. Patients were allocated to either the dietary intake or fasting (no dietary intake) group, and those in the no dietary intake group were further divided into the octreotide acetate or ulinastatin group. Results: Length of hospitalization was longer for the no dietary intake group than for the dietary intake group (p=0.002). When considering only grade B or C POPF cases, the no dietary intake group had a longer length of hospitalization and a higher white blood cell count on day 7 after the diagnosis of POPF than the dietary intake group (p<0.05). The white blood cell count was also higher in the octreotide acetate group than in the ulinastatin group (p=0.021). The length of hospitalization was shorter in the ulinastatin group than in the octreotide acetate group (p=0.025). Conclusions: The use of no dietary intake, octreotide acetate, and ulinastatin do not seem to contribute to the clinical course of patients with POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy.
PKD-1 Signaling Is Required for the Maintenance of CSCs with Epithelial-mesenchymal Plasticity in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are extremely heterogeneous and highly vascularized neoplasms that arise from endocrine cells in the pancreas. pNETs harbor a subpopulation of stem cell-like cancer cells (cancer stem cells/CSCs), which contribute to intratumoral heterogeneity and promote tumor maintenance and recurrence. In this study we demonstrated that CSCs in human pNETs co-expressed PKD-1 and CD44. We further identified PKD-1 signaling as a critical pathway in the regulation of CSC maintenance in pNET cells. PKD-1 signaling regulated the expression of a CSC-related gene signature and promoted CSC self-renewal. Intriguingly, pharmacological or genetic disruption of PKD-1 signaling in human pNET cells impaired lysophosphatidic acid-induced expression of genes associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), specifically E-cadherin and vimentin. This study indicates that PKD-1 signaling is essential for the maintenance of a subpopulation of CSCs in pNETs at an intermediate state along the epithelial–mesenchymal spectrum, thereby leading to a CSC phenotype with plasticity and partial EMT. Inhibiting the PKD-1 pathway may facilitate the elimination of CSC subpopulations to curb pNET progression, therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Given that the signaling networks associated with CSC maintenance and EMT are complex and extend across multiple levels of gene regulation, this study provides insight into signaling regulation of partial EMT in determining CSC fate and aids in developing potential therapeutic strategies that target different subsets of CSCs in a variety of cancers.
Effect of Graded Levels of Dietary Emamectin Benzoate on Immunity, Enzyme Activity, and Withdrawal Period in Labeo rohita Juveniles (Hamilton, 1822)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary emamectin benzoate (EB) levels on immune responses, serum enzyme activities, and retention of EB in muscle tissue to establish the withdrawal period in rohu, Labeo rohita juveniles (avg. wt. 18 ± 0.11 g). To ascertain this, 450 healthy L. rohita juveniles were fed with EB in graded doses viz., at 50 (1x), 125 (2.5x), 250 (5x), and 375 (7.5x) μg kg-1 of fish biomass day-1, respectively, in triplicate for 21 days through a basal feed. Upon completion of 21 days, the same experimental fish were fed with basal feed (without EB) for another 14 days to measure the retention of EB in the muscle tissue. Each 7-day interval, five fish were randomly sampled. The results showed that respiratory burst activity, myeloperoxidase activity, bacterial haemagglutination, and haemolysis activities were improved significantly ( p < 0.05 ) in 1x and 2.5x dose fed group from 7th day onwards until 14th day. Few selected enzyme activities viz., LDH and ALP were found to be significantly ( p < 0.05 ) high in the fish fed with EB at 5x and 7.5x dose compared to 1x. The LC-MS/MS study of the experimental fish discloses that EB was retained in muscle tissue at a dose-dependent manner and significantly ( p < 0.05 ) lowest level ( 0.341 ± 0.03 ppb) was retained in the fish fed with 1x dose of EB. Hence, 1x dose of EB may be adhered to treat L. rohita juveniles through feed with 14 days of withdrawal period.
Financial incentives to improve re-engagement in HIV care: results from a randomized pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective: Determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of financial incentives to motivate re-engagement in HIV care in Shinyanga, Tanzania. Methods: Out-of-care people living with HIV (PLHIV) were identified from medical records in four clinics and home-based care providers (HBCs) from April 13, 2018 to March 3, 2020. Shinyanga Region residents, ≥18 years, who were disengaged from care were randomized 1:1 to a financial incentive (∼$10 USD) or the standard of care (SOC), stratified by site, and followed for 180 days. Primary outcomes were feasibility (located PLHIV who agreed to discuss the study), acceptability (enrollment among eligibles), and re-engagement in care (clinic visit within 90 days). Results: HBCs located 469/1,309 (35.8%) out-of-care PLHIV. Of these, 215 (45.8%) were preliminarily determined to be disengaged from care, 201 (93.5%) agreed to discuss the study, and 157 eligible (100%) enrolled. Within 90 days, 71 (85.5%) PLHIV in the incentive arm re-engaged in care vs. 58 (78.4%) in the SOC (Adjusted Risk Difference [ARD] = 0.08, 95% CI: −0.03, 0.19, p = 0.09). A higher proportion of incentivized PLHIV completed an additional (unincentivized) visit between 90–180 days (79.5% vs. 71.6%, ARD = 0.10, 95% CI: −0.03, 0.24, p = 0.13) and remained in care at 180 days (57.8% vs. 51.4%, ARD = 0.07, 95% CI: −0.09, 0.22, p = 0.40). Conclusions: Short-term financial incentives are feasible, acceptable, and have the potential to encourage re-engagement in care, warranting further study of this approach.
Analysis of global prevalence of mental and substance use disorders within countries: focus on sociodemographic characteristics and income levels

Abstract This report presents the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders around the world discussing the impact of geographical, sociodemographic, and income characteristics on national epidemiological differences. We analysed data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation database published in 2019. The global prevalence of mental disorders was 13.0%, with higher prevalence of anxiety disorders rate (4.1%), followed by depressive disorders (3.8%, including major depressive disorder 2.49% and dysthymia 1.35%), intellectual disability (1.5%), ADHD (1.1%), conduct disorders (0.5%), bipolar disorders (0.5%), autism spectrum disorder s (0.4%), schizophrenia (0.3%), and eating disorders (0.2%, including bulimia nervosa 0.13% and anorexia nervosa 0.05%). The worldwide prevalence of substance-use disorders was 2.2%, not surprisingly, with higher prevalence of alcohol-use disorders (1.5%) than other drug-use disorders (0.8% total including: cannabis 0.32%; opioid 0.29%, amphetamine 0.10%; cocaine 0.06%). In general, high-income countries reported higher levels of mental and substance use disorders, with the exceptions of conduct and depressive disorders (no significant differences were found among low- and high-income countries), and intellectual disability (with higher prevalence in low-income countries). In regions of the America's prevalence rates of mental and substance use disorders were higher than in Europe. Western Pacific countries reported high levels of schizophrenia, and depressive disorders were highly prevalent in Africa as well as in the Americas. Intellectual disability reported higher rates in Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia. We discuss the cross-cultural variations in mental health expenditure and literacy as well as stigma-related factors and some of the environmental risk factors possibly related to these prevalence differences.
Nonlinear static pushover analysis on twin tower structure

Twin tower tall structure, which is widely used in recent years, is a kind of complicated tall structures. Based on the nonlinear static pushover analysis method, the seismic behavior of the twin tower structure is studied. In our research, the natural period of vibration, vibration mode, seismic reaction and structure deformation were investigated.Some advanced understandings of the twin tower structure can be put forward and some useful suggestion can be obtained by this study.