Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PcLoRa: Point-coordinating LoRa with new Channel Structure for massive, reliable and low- latency IoT

LoRa is an unlicensed band-based low-power and wide-area (LPWA) technology, which has great network resource constraints because of its limited available frequency resource due to narrow industrial scientific medical (ISM) band, long response time due to its low data rate and low resource utilization due to its primitive medium access control (MAC). This paper studies efficient resource allocation scheme for LoRa, aiming to improve the utilization and the efficiency. Firstly, we define a novel LoRa channel model based on the unique channel characteristic depending on spreading factor (SF) and band-width (BW). Secondly, we present channel selection candidate models suitable for the channel model and LoRaWAN standard. Lastly, we show that our allocation problem is similar to minimum weighted sum bin packing problem (BPP), which is aimed to minimize (i) the number of bins or (ii) the amount each bin contains, known for NP-hard and NP-complete problem respectively. Then with two goals, the energy consumed by all nodes in the network or the response time for all request to be dealt can be optimized.
The Effect of Estrogen Replacement Therapy on Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease in Postmenopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is a common treatment method for menopausal syndrome; however, its therapeutic value for the treatment of neurological diseases is still unclear. Epidemiological studies were performed, and the effect of postmenopausal ERT on treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), was summarized through a meta-analysis. Methods: Twenty-one articles were selected using a systematic searching of the contents listed on PubMed and Web of Science before June 1, 2019. Epidemiological studies were extracted, and relevant research data were obtained from the original articles based on the predefined inclusion criteria and data screening principles. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2 software was used to pool effective size, test heterogeneity, conduct meta-regression and subgroup analysis, and to calculate publication bias. Results: Our results showed that ERT significantly decreased the risk of onset and/or development of AD [odds ratio (OR): 0.672; 95% CI: 0.581–0.779; P < 0.001] and PD (OR: 0.470; 95% CI: 0.368–0.600; P < 0.001) compared with the control group. A subgroup and meta-regression analysis showed that study design and measure of effect were the source of heterogeneity. Age, sample size, hormone therapy ascertainment, duration of the treatment, or route of administration did not play a significant role in affecting the outcome of the meta-analysis. Conclusion: We presented evidence here to support the use of estrogen therapy for the treatment of AD and PD.
Ancient Chinese Medicine Herbal Formula Huanglian Jiedu Decoction as a Neoadjuvant Treatment of Chemotherapy by Improving Diarrhea and Tumor Response

Background Diarrhea is a major gastrointestinal complication in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Prognosis and treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) remain unsatisfactory. This study aims to explore the potential of an ancient Chinese Medicine herbal formula Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) as an adjuvant treatment on CID. Method HLJDD extract was prepared by GMP manufacturing standard with quality and stability being checked. 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and irinotecan (CPT-11)-induced diarrhea model in mice was established and pre-, co- and post-treatment of HLJDD was implemented. Mechanism of action was explored by detecting related protein expression. In addition, the effect of HLJDD on diarrhea and tumor response induced by clinical regimens FOLFOX and FOLFIRI was measured in murine orthotopic colorectal cancer model. Results HLJDD exhibited consistency in quality and stability after 24-month storage. Pre-treatment of HLJDD, but not co-treatment or post-treatment, could significantly improve the diarrhea score, body weight loss and intestinal damage in 5-Fu- and CPT-11-treated mice. Pre-treatment of HLJDD reduced cell apoptosis in the intestine of chemotherapy-treated mice, and promoted renewal of intestinal cell wall. CD44 was predicted as the potential target of HLJDD-containing compounds in CID. HLJDD pre-treatment induced presentation of CD44-postive cells in the intestine of chemotherapy-treated mice, and initiated expression of stemness-associated genes. Transcriptional products of the downstream Wnt signaling of CD44 were elevated. Furthermore, pre-treatment of HLJDD could significantly improve the tumor response of clinical chemotherapy regimens FOLFOX and FOLFIRI in orthotopic colorectal cancer, and reduce diarrhea and intestinal damage. Conclusion: Our study suggests the potential of HLJDD as a neoadjuvant treatment of chemotherapy by reducing diarrhea and improving tumor response.
A Combinational Strategy for Effective Heterologous Production of Functional Human Lysozyme in Pichia pastoris

Human lysozyme (hLYZ), known for its bacteriolytic activity, is widely applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an antimicrobial agent. However, its extensive application was limited by its low large-scale production efficiency. In this study, a combinational method of integrating codon optimization, multiple gene copies, and ER molecular chaperone co-expression was developed to improve the heterologous production of hLYZ in Pichia pastoris GS115. Our results showed that increasing the copy number of the optimized hLYZ gene in P. pastoris could enhance its secretory production level up to 1.57-fold. The recombinant opt-hLYZ-6C strain that contains six copies of opt-hLYZ gene exhibited the highest mRNA transcription levels, giving the highest production of 0.22 ± 0.02 mg/mL of hLYZ in the medium supernatant with a bacteriolytic activity of 14,680 ± 300 U/mL against Micrococcus lysodeikticus in the shaking flask experiment. Moreover, co-overexpression of ER retention molecular chaperones, such as Pdi1 or Ero1, in the recombinant opt-hLYZ-6C strain both presented positive effects on the secretory production of hLYZ. Our further characterization indicated that tandem co-expression of Ero1 and Pdi1 together presented an added-up effect. The secretory production of hLYZ in the medium supernatant reached 0.34 ± 0.02 mg/mL of the recombinant opt-hLYZ-6C-EP strain in the shaking flask experiment, with a bacteriolytic activity of 21,200 ± 400 U/mL. Compared to the recombinant opt-hLYZ-1C strain, these final improvements were calculated as 2.43-fold and 2.30-fold on secretory protein levels and antibacterial activity, respectively. Finally, the recombinant opt-hLYZ-6C-EP strain was applied for high-density cultivation in 5 L of fermenter, in which the secretory yield of hLYZ reached 2.34 ± 0.02 mg/mL in the medium supernatant, with a bacteriolytic activity of 1.76 ± 0.02 × 105 U/mL against M. lysodeikticus. All these numbers presented the highest heterologous production levels of hLYZ in microbial systems.
Transcriptional Responses of Dictyostelium discoideum Exposed to Different Classes of Bacteria

Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae feed by ingesting bacteria, then killing them in phagosomes. Ingestion and killing of different bacteria have been shown to rely on largely different molecular mechanisms. One would thus expect that D. discoideum adapts its ingestion and killing machinery when encountering different bacteria. In this study, we investigated by RNA sequencing if and how D. discoideum amoebae respond to the presence of different bacteria by modifying their gene expression patterns. Each bacterial species analyzed induced a specific modification of the transcriptome. Bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Mycobacterium marinum induced a specific and different transcriptional response, while Micrococcus luteus did not trigger a significant gene regulation. Although folate has been proposed to be one of the key molecules secreted by bacteria and recognized by hunting amoebae, it elicited a very specific and restricted transcriptional signature, distinct from that triggered by any bacteria analyzed here. Our results indicate that D. discoideum amoebae respond in a highly specific, almost non-overlapping manner to different species of bacteria. We additionally identify specific sets of genes that can be used as reporters of the response of D. discoideum to different bacteria.
Multifractional Brownian Motion and Quantum-Behaved Partial Swarm Optimization for Bearing Degradation Forecasting

Gradual degradation of the bearing vibration signal is usually studied as a nonstationary stochastic time series. Roller bearings are working at high speed in a heavy load environment so that the combination of bearing faults gradually degraded during the rotation might lead to unpredicted catastrophic accidents. The degradation process has the property of long-range dependence (LRD), so that the fractional Brownian motion (fBm) is taken into account for a prediction model. Because of the dramatic changes in the bearing degradation process, the Hurst exponent that describes the fBm will change during the degradation process. A priori Hurst value of the conventional fBm in the prediction is fixed, thus inducing a minor accuracy of the prediction. To avoid this problem, we propose an improved prediction method. Based on the following steps, at the initial data processing, a skip-over factor is selected as the characteristics parameter of the bearing degradation process. A multifractional Brownian motion (mfBm) replaces the fBm for the degradation modeling. We will show that also our mfBm has the same property of long-range dependence as the fBm. Moreover, a time-varying Hurst exponent H(t) is taken to replace the constant H in fBm. Finally, we apply the quantum-behaved partial swarm optimization (QPSO) to optimize H(t) for a finite interval. Some tests and corresponding experimental results will show that our model QPSO + mfBm have a much better performance on the prediction effect than fBm.
Load Prediction Based on Hybrid Model of VMD-mRMR-BPNN-LSSVM

Power system load forecasting is an important part of power system scheduling. Since the power system load is easily affected by environmental factors such as weather and time, it has high volatility and multi-frequency. In order to improve the prediction accuracy, this paper proposes a load forecasting method based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and feature correlation analysis. Firstly, the original load sequence is decomposed using VMD to obtain a series of intrinsic mode function (IMF), it is referred to below as a modal component, and they are divided into high frequency, intermediate frequency, and low frequency signals according to their fluctuation characteristics. Then, the feature information related to the power system load change is collected, and the correlation between each IMF and each feature information is analyzed using the maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR) based on the mutual information to obtain the best feature set of each IMF. Finally, each component is input into the prediction model together with its feature set, in which back propagation neural network (BPNN) is used to predict high-frequency components, least square-support vector machine (LS-SVM) is used to predict intermediate and low frequency components, and BPNN is also used to integrate the prediction results to obtain the final load prediction value, and compare the prediction results of method in this paper with that of the prediction models such as autoregressive moving average model (ARMA), LS-SVM, BPNN, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), and VMD. This paper carries out an example analysis based on the data of Xi’an Power Grid Corporation, and the results show that the prediction accuracy of method in this paper is higher.
Overview of the TREC 2010 Legal Track

TREC 2010 was the ﬁfth year of the Legal Track, which focuses on evaluation of search technology for discovery of electronically stored information in litigation and regulatory settings. The TREC 2010 Legal Track consisted of two distinct tasks: the Learning task , in which participants were required to estimate the probability of relevance for each document in a large collection, given a seed set of documents, each coded as responsive or non-responsive; and the Interactive task , in which participants were required to identify all relevant documents using a human-in-the-loop process
Facilitators and barriers to the protection and promotion of the health and safety of older workers

Abstract Individuals may experience health issues or physical, sensory or psychological capability changes related to ageing. With the removal of the default retirement age in the UK, older workers can remain in work well into later life. Health and safety statistics, however, indicate that they are a vulnerable group. Older workers have much to contribute, but employers have a responsibility to examine the working environment to protect those with reduced capabilities. This article reviews two qualitative studies examining the facilitators and barriers to implementing age management strategies to promote the health and safety of older workers. The findings reveal that employers are uncertain how to proceed with implementing actions to protect older workers. Discussions with older workers reveal they do not feel supported or engaged. They are fearful of reporting any capability changes that may affect their ability to perform work tasks as they believe this may have negative consequences for their future employment. A co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach between human resources, operational management, health and safety specialists and occupational health functions is required.
State-Estimator-Based Asynchronous Repetitive Control of Discrete-Time Markovian Switching Systems

This paper investigates the problem of asynchronous repetitive control for a class of discrete-time Markovian switching systems. The control goal is to track a given periodic reference without steady-state error. To achieve this goal, an asynchronous repetitive controller that renders the overall closed-loop switched system mean square stable is proposed. To reflect realistic scenarios, the proposed approach does not assume that the system modes are available synchronously to the controller but instead designs a detector that provides estimated values of the system modes to the controller. Based on a detected-mode-dependent estimator, the plant and asynchronous repetitive controller are formulated as a closed-loop stochastic system. By utilizing tools from stochastic Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability theory, we develop sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) such that the closed-loop system is mean square stable and also simultaneously establish a synthesis procedure for obtaining the gain matrices. We provide numerical simulations on an electrical circuit switched system to illustrate the approach.
An Enhanced VMD with the Guidance of Envelope Negentropy Spectrum for Bearing Fault Diagnosis

Currently, study on the relevant methods of variational mode decomposition (VMD) is mainly focused on the selection of the number of decomposed modes and the bandwidth parameter using various optimization algorithms. Most of these methods utilize the genetic-like algorithms to quantitatively analyze these parameters, which increase the additional initial parameters and inevitably the computational burden due to ignoring the inherent characteristics of the VMD. From the perspective to locate the initial center frequency (ICF) during the VMD decomposition process, we propose an enhanced VMD with the guidance of envelope negentropy spectrum for bearing fault diagnosis, thus effectively avoiding the drawbacks of the current VMD-based algorithms. First, the ICF is coarsely located by envelope negentropy spectrum (ENS) and the fault-related modes are fast extracted by incorporating the ICF into the VMD. Then, the fault-related modes are adaptively optimized by adjusting the bandwidth parameters. Lastly, in order to identify fault-related features, the Hilbert envelope demodulation technique is used to analyze the optimal mode obtained by the proposed method. Analysis results of simulated and experimental data indicate that the proposed method is effective to extract the weak faulty characteristics of bearings and has advantage over some advanced methods. Moreover, a discussion on the extension of the proposed method is put forward to identify multicomponents for broadening its applied scope.
IT-Enabled Self-Monitoring for Chronic Disease Self-Management: An Interdisciplinary Review

Self-monitoring is a strategy that patients use to manage their chronic disease and chronic disease risk factors. Technological advances such as mobile apps, web-based tracking programs, sensing devices, wearable technologies, and insideable devices enable IT-based self-monitoring (ITSM) for chronic disease management. Since ITSM is multidisciplinary in nature and our understanding is fragmented, a systematic examination of the literature is performed to build a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. We review 159 studies published in 108 journals and conferences between 2006 and 2017. By adapting affordance actualization theory, we develop an overarching framework to organize the existing literature on ITSM for chronic disease management. Four themes emerge: key ITSM functionalities that enable affordances; effects on ITSM system use; effects on the achievement of chronic care goals; and the role of intermediary outcomes. For each theme, we identify what is known, what is unknown, and opportunities for future research. We also discuss cross-theme opportunities for future research where more diverse theoretical perspectives can contribute to our understanding of the phenomenon. This work provides research directions for IS researchers studying ITSM for chronic disease self-management.
Assessing the Food Availability and Food Insecurity Situation among Communities of Matam Region, Senegal

ABSTRACT Matam is one of the poorest and most food-insecure regions of Senegal. In the past years, repeated environmental shocks such as drought have limited the access to food and it is unclear whether food insecurity is more a function of food availability (FA) and accessibility at the community level (CL) or more related to FA at the household level (HL). To better understand the FA and food security (FS) situation in this region, in 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 103 households living in four villages. Through focus group discussions and direct observations, data on food available at HL and CL were collected as well as on food affordability and household FS. Overall, between 49 and 64 different foods, mostly from plant source, were identified. Around 75% of households had 0 to 3 foods and 7%, 7 to 10; 64% of all households were severely food insecure. FA at HL and its socioeconomic status were positively associated with household FS whereas FA at the CL was negatively associated. Although food assistance may be required to respond to shocks in the area, investments could be made to improve households` socioeconomic level to enhance their access to food.
The Mediating Role of Family and Cultural Food Beliefs on the Relationship between Family Communication Patterns and Diet and Health Issues across Racial/Ethnic Groups

ABSTRACT Consumption of red meat has been linked to a variety of health issues, yet Americans are resistant to reducing their meat consumption. Family communication environments shape beliefs about food and meat consumption, and therefore are locations for potential interventions to change the way people think about food. Families are embedded in cultures, and both family and cultural norms shape beliefs about what people should eat. This study (N = 773) is interested in understanding how family communication is associated with food beliefs, meat consumption, and health issues across three racial/ethnic groups: Black/African American (n = 256), Hispanic (n = 260), non-Hispanic White (n = 257). Structural equation modeling results showed that conversation orientation was consistently associated with stronger endorsement of family cultural food beliefs across race/ethnicity groups. Family food beliefs were associated with either more health issues or more meat consumption depending on race/ethnicity and mediated the association between conversation orientation and health issues/meat consumption. Conversation orientation moderated the association between conformity orientation and food beliefs for Hispanic and non-Hispanic White participants. Implications for family communication patterns theory and health scholars are discussed along with recommendations for culturally tailored family-focused health interventions.
Toxicological considerations in the prescription of baclofen for the treatment of substance use disorders

ABSTRACT Introduction: For many years, applications for baclofen have widened in the treatment of substance abuse disorder (SUD), mainly alcohol use disorder, with a growing rate of off-label prescriptions in Europe. Clinical effects seem to be both a decrease of craving and anxiety, leading to a decrease of drug or alcohol consumption. We described baclofen poisoning circumstances, therapeutic options and outcomes when used in substance use disorders. Areas covered: This review summarizes the toxicological considerations where baclofen was prescribed in humans for substance use or abuse disorder in randomized clinical trials, case series, case reports and observational studies between 1990 and 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic reviews and Meta-Analysis. Expert opinion: The most frequent cause of severe intoxication is self-poisoning. A dose above 180 mg are expected to cause severe toxicity and death. The treatment is only symptomatic as no antidote is available. Off-label prescription remains unsafe because the optimal dose is not known and varies greatly between patients. As SUD are frequently associated with psychiatric disorders and such patients may have suicidal thoughts, the risk of self-poisoning is high. Potential co-ingestants should also be considered, especially CNS depressants, and they need to be closely monitored.
Use of Benefit Enhancement Strategies among 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) Users: Associations with Mystical, Challenging, and Enduring Effects

ABSTRACT 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent, fast-acting psychedelic. Anecdotal reports from 5-MeO-DMT users suggest that they employ a variety of benefit enhancement (BE) strategies aimed to increase positive effects and decrease any potential challenging effects of the substance, but no empirical study has investigated this claim. We examined the prevalence of BE strategy use using secondary data from a survey of 5-MeO-DMT users (n = 515; Mage = 35.4, SD = 11.7; Male = 79%; White/Caucasian = 86%). Results indicated that BE strategy use was common in this sample. As a secondary aim, we assessed whether the use of BE strategies was associated with acute subjective (i.e., mystical-type, challenging) and persisting effects of 5-MeO-DMT among a subset of respondents who reported using 5-MeO-DMT once in their lifetime (n = 116). Results showed that the use of several BE strategies were associated with significantly more intense mystical-type effects and enduring beliefs about the personal meaning and spiritual significance of their experience, and some BE strategies were associated with less intense or challenging experiences. Data suggests that BE strategies are commonly used, and that the use of BE strategies may be associated with increases in positive mystical-type and enduring effects. The causal influence of BE strategies on acute/persisting effects of 5-MeO-DMT should be examined in longitudinal research.