Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WOA-DBSCAN: Application of Whale Optimization Algorithm in DBSCAN Parameter Adaption

Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) is a classic density-based clustering method that can identify clusters of arbitrary shapes in noisy datasets. However, DBSCAN requires two input parameters: the neighborhood distance value (Eps) and the minimum number of sample points in its neighborhood (MinPts), to perform clustering on a dataset. The quality of clustering is highly sensitive to these two parameters. This paper introduces a parameter-adaptive DBSCAN clustering algorithm based on the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA-DBSCAN) to tackle this issue. The algorithm determines the parameter range based on the dataset distribution and utilizes the silhouette coefficient as the objective function. It iteratively selects the two input parameters of DBSCAN within the parameter range using the WOA. This approach ultimately achieves adaptive clustering of DBSCAN. Experimental results on five typical artificial datasets and six real UCI datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed WOA-DBSCAN algorithm. Compared with DBSCAN and its related optimization algorithms, WOA-DBSCAN shows significant improvements. The F-values of WOA-DBSCAN increased by 9.8%, 13.2%, and 2%, respectively, in two-dimensional artificial datasets. Additionally, the accuracy values on low to medium dimensional real datasets increased by 22.3%, 10%, and 23.3%. Hence, WOA-DBSCAN can maintain the clustering ability of DBSCAN while achieving adaptive parameter clustering.
In Silico Structural and Functional Annotations of Hypothetical Protein All4871 as a 1-Acyl-sn-Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferase from Nostoc sp. PCC 7120

In this study, the in silico structural and functional characterization of a hypothetical protein All4871 from Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 was performed. The 287 amino acid residue protein sequence revealed considerable homology with 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT) from different organisms. Multiple sequence alignment of All4871 with the AGPAT isomers showed the presence of conserved motifs (motif I-IV) crucial for acyltransferase activity. The All4871 protein depicted the characteristic topology of membrane-bound AGPATs. Both N- and C-terminus of the All4871 protein face the inner side of the membrane. The predicted tertiary structure of All4871 has an N-terminal helix and αβ catalytic core, which are characteristic features of AGPATs. Amongst the CASTp predicted binding pockets, pocket 1 acts as a groove-spanning active site crucial for acyltransferase catalysis, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and acyl coA (MCL) binding site. Docking studies further supported pocket 1 as the binding site for both LPA and MCL, which act as substrates for acyltransferase catalysis. So, the overall analyses have pointed toward the possibility that the hypothetical protein All4871 from Nostoc sp. PCC7120 may act as a 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase.
Construction of Recombinant Escherichia coli JM109/LBH-10 and Comparison of Its Optimal Condition for Production of Carboxymethyl cellulase with Its Wild Type, Psychrobacter aquimaris LBH--10

A gene encoding the Carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) of a psychrophilic marine bacterium, Psychrobacter aquimaris LBH-10 was cloned in Escherichia coli JMB109. The optimal conditions of rice bran, ammonium chloride, and initial pH of the medium for cell growth of E. coli JM109/LBH-10 were 73.4 g/L, 5.8 g/L, and 6.5, respectively, whereas those for production of CMCase were 57.1 g/L, 6.4 g/L, and 6.7. The optimal temperatures for cell growth and the production of CMCase by E. coli JM109/LBH-10 were found to be and 40 and 35°C, respectively. The optimal agitation speeds and aeration rates of a 7 L bioreactor for cell growth and production of CMCase were 480 rpm and 1.0 vvm. In this study, the optimal conditions for cell growth and the production of CMCase by E. coli JM109/ LBH-10 were found to be different from those for its wild type, P. aquimaris LBH-10. The maximal production of CMCase by E. coli JM109/LBH-10 was 576.8 U/mL, which was 1.80 times higher than that by P. aquimaris LBH-10. Construction of Recombinant Escherichia coli JM109/LBH-10 and Comparison of Its Optimal Condition for Production of Carboxymethyl cellulase with Its Wild Type, Psychrobacter aquimaris LBH--10
Potentially Highly Effective Drugs for COVID-19: Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking Study Through PyRx-Vina Approach

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) infection outbreak a global health emergency. Drug repurposing, which concerns the investigation of existing drugs for new therapeutic target indications, has emerged as a successful strategy for drug discovery due to the reduced costs and expedited approval procedures.Material and Methods: The crystal structure of a protein essential for virus replication has been filed in the Protein Data Bank recently. Based on this structure and existing experimental datasets for SARS-CoV2(COVID-19) we present results deriving from the virtual screening of a database of more than 1000 drugs in the DrugBank that have been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Results: Results showed that some of the known protease inhibitors currently used in HIV and Cancer infections might be helpful for the therapy of COVID-19 also. Results also showed that Levomefolic acid, or vitamin B9, is recommended therapy because of its oral sources and no side effects.Conclusion: Between all studied FDA-approved drug, VitaminB9 and Etoposide which used for HIV protease inhibitor, revealed strong interaction with protease binding pocket and placed well into the pocket even better than the lopinavir-ritonavir, and since this compound is FDA-approved and successfully passed various testing steps, therefor there is a hope that this drug, could be a potential drug to treating the COVID-19.
The Mechanism of Anti-Tumor Activity of 6-Morpholino- and 6-Amino-9-Sulfonylpurine Derivatives on Human Leukemia Cells

The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of antitumor effect of (E)-6-morpholino-9-(styrylsulfonyl)-9H-purine (6-Morpholino-SPD) and (E)-6-amino-9-(styrylsulfonyl)-9H-purine (6-Amino-SPD). The effects on apoptosis induction, mitochondrial potential, and accumulation of ROS in treated K562 cells were determined by flow cytometry. The RT-PCR method was used to measure the expression of Akt, CA IX, caspase 3, and cytochrome c genes, as well as selected miRNAs. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of Akt, cytochrome c, and caspase 3. The results demonstrate the potential of the tested derivatives as effective antitumor agents with apoptotic-inducing properties. In leukemic cells treated with 6-Amino-SPD, increased expression of caspase 3 and cytochrome c genes was observed, indicating involvement of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in the induction of apoptosis. Conversely, leukemic cells treated with 6-Morpholino-SPD showed reduced expression of these genes. The observed downregulation of miR-21 by 6-Morpholino-SPD may contribute to the induction of apoptosis and disruption of mitochondrial function. In addition, both derivatives exhibited increased expression of Akt and CA IX genes, suggesting activation of the Akt/HIF pathway. However, the exact mechanism and its relations to the observed overexpression of miR-210 need further investigation. The acceptable absorption and distribution properties predicted by ADMET analysis suggest favorable pharmacokinetic properties for these derivatives.
Deriving Models of Cartilaginous Cells From Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy Images to Estimate Dielectric Properties

The dielectric properties of cartilage are essential for the development of reliable numerical models of electrical stimulation devices intended for the regeneration of cartilage. They are, however, not widely known. To determine the dielectric properties of cartilage, we propose a numerical workflow that incorporates detailed tissue-specific 3-D geometries based on fluorescent microscopic images and describes how different parameters can affect the results. We investigated a typical bioimpedance setup that can be used for impedance sensing and electrical stimulation. The obtained results provided valuable insights that can aid in the design and implementation of future experiments, ensuring their accuracy and reliability.
Optimal Placement of PV-DSTATCOM Based EV Charging Stations With Dynamic Pricing

This article proposes incorporation of a method for optimal sizing and placement of a PV-DSTATCOM (a D-STATCOM feeding active power through the dc link from a PV array) combined with an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) in a radial distribution system. This device can inject active power from DC side and also compensate var on AC side to maintain voltage stability of the network. The DC side of the PV-DSTATCOM is also utilized for an EVCS, drawing power from PV source or the distribution grid based on PV availability and demand at a given time. The point of common coupling (PCC) of the PV-DSTATCOM is determined by the proposed method for IEEE-38 bus system. It uses modal analysis with sensitivity indices to assess the voltage stability and find critical buses where PV-DSTATCOMs can be placed to improve the overall network stability. The method also combines particle swarm optimization (PSO) for optimal sizing of the PV-DSTATCOM with EVCS provision. In addition, this work proposes a dynamic pricing scheme using an adaptively trained artificial neural network (ANN) for EVCSs to effectively manage demands during peak hours (thereby improving network stability) and benefit EV users in terms of charge per kWh of electricity depending upon the present state of charge (SOC) of their vehicle battery and the level of congestion at EVCS. The results obtained show that the proposed scheme improves voltage stability and reduce line loss of the radial distribution system.
Optical Fibre-Based Sensors—An Assessment of Current Innovations

Optical fibre sensors are an essential subset of optical fibre technology, designed specifically for sensing and measuring several physical parameters. These sensors offer unique advantages over traditional sensors, making them gradually more valuable in a wide range of applications. They can detect extremely small variations in the physical parameters they are designed to measure, such as analytes in the case of biosensing. This high sensitivity allows them to detect subtle variations in temperature, pressure, strain, the refractive index of analytes, vibration, and other environmental factors with exceptional accuracy. Moreover, these sensors enable remote sensing capabilities. Since light signals are used to carry information, the sensing elements can be placed at distant or inaccessible sites and still communicate the data back to the central monitoring system without signal degradation. In recent times, different attractive configurations and approaches have been proposed to enhance the sensitivity of the optical fibre-based sensor and are briefly explained in this review. However, we believe that the choice of optical fibre sensor configuration should be designated based on the specific application. As these sensors continue to evolve and improve, they will play an increasingly vital role in critical monitoring and control applications across various industries.
Changes in Optimal Stimulation Frequency with Time for Gait Disturbances in Patients with PD after STN-DBS—A Longitudinal Study

Aim: To assess the changes in frequency parameters of STN-DBS stimulation over 6 months required to optimize gait in PD patients. Methods: It's a single center, open label longitudinal study of PD patients after STN-DBS with gait disorders. Gait assessment using stand–walk–sit (SWS) test and freezing of gait (FOG) scores were done at baseline and after 6 months. Gait was assessed in five frequencies settings, that is, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 130 Hz, 180 Hz and stimulation “OFF” during medication ON state. Voltage was maintained. Results: Fifteen post-deep brain stimulation (DBS) patients were included. Mean duration after surgery was 3.73 ± 2.82 years. In SWS and FOG at baseline, five patients have good response at 180 Hz frequency, five at 130 Hz, one at 90 Hz, two patients at 60 Hz, one both 60 and 90 Hz, and one at both 90 and 180 HZ. And after 6 months out of the 13 patients who were able to perform the test, four patients had good response at 180 Hz frequency, four at 130 Hz, two at 90 Hz, one each for 60 Hz and battery OFF state, and one for both 130 Hz and 180 Hz. At 6 months, four patients had good response at the same frequency as baseline, while 11 patients have change in frequency from baseline. Conclusion: Optimal frequency for gait varies in patients—both low and high frequency may be useful. Optimal frequency for improving gait changes over period of time. Regular assessment and changing frequency may improve gait after DBS.
Robust Command-Filtered Control With Prescribed Performance for Flexible-Joint Robots

This article proposes a robust command-filtered control method with prescribed performance for flexible-joint robots (FJRs) wherein matched and mismatched disturbances are compensated by designing generalized proportional integral observers (GPIOs). The contributions are threefold. First, a prescribed performance function (PPF), compared with those of the previous schemes, frees the assumption that the initial value of tracking errors within a predetermined region and thus is global, further enhances dynamic response and steady-state precision. Secondly, unlike most existing backstepping controllers that handle only internal uncertainties, the method presented here also considers time-varying external disturbances which may affect the tracking performance of the FJRs. Third, a second-order command filter and a filter error compensation system are designed to avoid the “complexity explosion” problem encountered in the traditional backstepping scheme. Analysis with the Lyapunov function proves the asymptotical stability of the closed-loop system. Simulations and experiments are performed to validate the feasibility and fine performance of the recommended control strategy.
The association between watching television and obesity in children of school-age in Saudi Arabia

Background: There is little information on the association between watching Television (TV) and obesity in the Arabian Peninsula. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to explore the association between the watching of television and obesity in Saudi children of school-age. Materials and Methods: A case-controlled study was conducted with students between the ages of 9 and 14 years who attended the school health clinic in King Abdulaziz Housing for National Guard (Iskan), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the study period (February to April 2012). During each clinic, children were selected by simple random sampling (five obese and five non-obese). For data collection, two trained physicians interviewed the participants using a 20-item Arabic questionnaire. Well-trained nurses collected the anthropometric measurements of weight and height. Results: The study included 397 students. Higher (body mass index) BMI was associated with a higher number of televisions at home (P < 0.001), watching TV for more than three hours per day at the weekend (P = 0.047), eating more than three snacks per day (P = 0.005), watching TV at night (P = 0.026), and siblings’ decisions on how much TV to watch (P = 0.025). The prevalence of childhood obesity was significantly lower among those whose mothers determined how much TV they could watch (P = 0.03). In logistic regression analysis, the increase in the child's age, the presence of more than one TV at home, having his or her own TV, and an increase in the number of hours of watching TV over the weekend were significantly associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. Personal computers and the Internet were not significantly associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. Conclusion: The present investigation revealed that watching TV represents an important risk factor for obesity in children of school-age.
Feeling Well: Using the Augmented Touch of E-Textiles to Embody Emotion and Environment as a “Self-Health” Intervention for Female Student Wellbeing

Abstract COVID-19 led to unprecedented levels of isolation for students, and the withdrawal of social support mechanisms left them detached from their networks. This significantly affected their mental health, with more female than male students reporting increased anxiety. Unparalleled restrictions in accessing outdoor environments led to a sense of nature-deficit which further compounded their stress. As learning off-campus becomes the new social norm, students are seeking alternative ways to self-support their emotional wellbeing. This paper explores how students can take a “self-health” approach by drawing upon the restorative powers of nature as a coping mechanism. It considers individuals’ relationships between their personal environments and somatosensory experiences through the medium of e-textiles. The research is underpinned by Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory. Utilising a bricolage methodology it extends the author’s previous research in this field and explores these theories through textile-led, practice-based research. It describes the design of 3 crafted e-textile concepts to explore alternative approaches to self-managing student mental wellbeing. The concepts investigated ways that students could connect virtually with nature through e-textiles using affective touch and haptic-mnemonics to embody natural environments. The textiles sensed physiological biomarkers related to un-noticed stress and created augmented cues which triggered felt experiences and tactile memories. These moderated the biomarkers and educed a sense of calm. The concepts demonstrated the potential to integrate with everyday clothing and create opportunities for students to enhance awareness and management of their mental wellbeing. The mixed-methods research was evaluated through a focus group. The results affirmed that the concepts had technology and social value and were effective in moderating stress by creating place-attachment. The paper concludes that commingling opportunities for visual, virtual and embodied feedback through augmented and affective touch creates a “somato-haptic nexus” which offers a complementary model of early intervention for self-supported student wellbeing.
The Tensor Discriminant Ridge Regression Model With Extreme Learning Machine for Hyperspectral Image Classification

Multivariate ridge regression (MR), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and extreme learning machine (ELM) have been widely used in hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. However, these methods do not consider the influence of noise in HSIs, spatial information, and the internal relationship between samples. As a result, the sample distribution is not ideal and the classification effect cannot be improved. This article extends LDA and MR to the field of tensors, that can not only use the spatial information of the sample, but also can make the distribution of homogeneous samples more concentrated. Besides, this article analyzes the relationship between the number of neurons in the hidden layer of ELM and the classification accuracy. Finally, singular spectral analysis (SSA) is chosen to improve classification accuracy. The tensor discriminant ridge regression model with ELM and SSA for HSI classification is proposed. Experiments show compared with tensor-based classifiers, ELM and other state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method is efficient and effective.
Levels of small extracellular vesicles in patients treated with hyperbaric oxygenation

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy involves the inhalation of pure oxygen in a pressure chamber under increased ambient pressure. Recent research indicates that circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play important roles in human physiology and pathology. Therefore, the objective of this pilot study was to monitor the impact of HBO2 therapy on the levels of circulating sEVs in the serum of patients with necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTI), aseptic bone necrosis (ABN) or idiopathic sudden sensory neural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Serum-derived sEVs were isolated and quantified in 80 patients before and after HBO2 therapy applied for NSTI, ISSNHL and ABN patients as well as in normal controls who received neither HBO2 therapy nor steroids.We observed a significant increase of circulating sEVs in patients with ISSNHL after HBO2 therapy (p < 0.05), as well as significantly elevated levels of sEVs after HBO2 therapy compared to patients with NSTI (p < 0.05) and ABN (p < 0.01). The increase in the levels of sEVs in ISSNHL may be evidence for both the intended reduction of inflammation as a result of steroid therapy and the inhibitory effect of oxidative stress induced by HBO2 therapy. Thus, sEVs released during HBO2 therapy might play an important biological role in mediating the response to therapy and might be a promising approach to gain further insights into the therapeutic efficacy of HBO2 therapy.
Merging science and management in a rapidly changing world: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III and 7th Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts; 2012 May 1-5; Tucson, AZ

The Madrean Archipelago or Sky Islands region of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico is recognized for its unique biological diversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. This 2012 conference brought together scientists, managers, students, and other interested parties from the United States and Mexico to share their knowledge and passion about the region and to identify needs and creative solutions for existing and emerging problems. More than 300 people attended the conference including a large and energetic contingent from northern Mexico. The conference provided a forum to update the state-of-knowledge that has evolved since the first conference in 1994 and the second conference in 2004. It also provided a setting for the formation of new friendships and partnerships. These proceedings contain 80 of the 190 oral and poster presentations and all abstracts from the plenary sessions and the concurrent sessions. Abstracts in Spanish are included. Topics include climate change in the Sky Island Region, southwestern cienegas, the Northern Jaguar Reserve, amphibian conservation, biodiversity of plants and animals, fire effects, grasslands, and human impacts, and tools. The conference hosted a symposium about Santa Cruz River Watershed Conservation. A lively open forum at the end of the conference generated a list of future scientific and management needs for the Madrean Archipelago and a commitment to increase international cooperation. Mexican participants graciously offered to host the next conference, Speakers stressed the importance for all interested parties to collaborate - to work side-by-side and constantly inform one another about relevant research, timely events, and cross-pollination opportunities throughout the region.