Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal PEM-FCPP operation considering detailed model based on artificial intelligence

In this paper, a novel two-stage modification firefly Optimization algorithm (MFA) is proposed for the placement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Power Plants (PEM-FCPP) in distribution systems. FCPPs, as Distributed Generation (DG) units, can be taken into account as combined sources of Heat, Power, and Hydrogen (CHPH). The overall system efficiency can be improved by CHPH operation of FCPPs. Also, it will produce hydrogen which can be stored for the future use of FCPPs or can be sold to make a profit. The objective functions under investigation consist of the operating costs of electrical energy generation of distribution substations and FCPPs, the voltage deviation and the total emission. In this paper, only the placement of CHPH FCPPs is considered while investment cost of devices is not considered. Owing to the different, non-commensurable and nonlinear objectives, using conventional single-objective approaches makes difficulties to solve the problem. Other than that, the placement of FCPP in distribution systems is a mixed integer problem. Therefore, in order to overcome these problems, the firefly algorithm is utilized. In addition, a new two-stage modification is employed to search the problem area globally. Due to the multi-objective characteristic of the optimization, implementing the proposed MFA leads to obtain a set of solution in the problem instead of only one. The proposed algorithm is tested on a 69-bus distribution system to validate the effectiveness and impressiveness of the approach.
Evolutionary approach to optimisation of the operation of electric power distribution networks

An idea of using a classifying system and co-evolutionary algorithm for operation support of electric power distribution systems operators has been presented in the paper. The method proposed by the author of the work is typified by the short time of designating the most rational post breakdown configurations in complex electric power Medium Voltage distribution network structures. It is the use by the classifying system working with the co-evolution algorithm that enables the effective creation of substitute scenarios for the Medium Voltage electric power distribution network. The method drawn up may be used in current systems managing the work of distribution networks to assist network operators in taking decisions concerning connection actions in supervised electric power systems.
Ceramic Brackets Revisited

Increasing demand for esthetics during fixed appliance therapy has led to a significant increase in the demand for and use of ceramic brackets. This comprehensive review covers the physical properties as well as rebonding and debonding of polycrystalline and monocrystalline ceramic brackets. Furthermore, this review aims to present the advantages and disadvantages as well as the refinements these brackets underwent since their introduction in the late 1980s. Interestingly, the introduction and development of these brackets were a part of a quickly expanding ceramic technology in many industries. The authors strongly believe that the novice will particularly benefit from this review presenting up-to-date knowledge.
Investigation of the wettability and washing, perspiration and rubbing fastness of denim fabric in the presence of some nano-metal oxides and nano-Ag

Abstract In this study, we analysed finished denim fabric for hydrophobic wettability, washing, perspiration and rubbing fastness of TiO2 (anatase), CuO, ZnO and Ag nanomaterials. The presence of nanoparticles on dyed denim fabric surfaces was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope and EDAX. According to the contact angle, washing, perspiration and rubbing fastness measurements, these nanomaterials were improved surface properties of denim fabric. The coatings made by these nanomaterials increased hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties by changing wetting capability of denim fabric surface. Additionally, nano-metal oxide particles were improved fastness values. The highest contact angle and fastness values were found on denim fabric treated with nano-TiO2 (anatase) and the lowest contact angle and fastness values were found for denim fabric plated with nano-Ag.
Assessment of the MODIS LAI Product Using Ground Measurement Data and HJ-1A/1B Imagery in the Meadow Steppe of Hulunber, China

The leaf area index (LAI) is a crucial parameter of vegetation structure. It provides key information for earth surface process simulations and climate change research on the global and regional scales. Focusing on the meadow steppe in Hulunber, Inner Mongolia, China, the present study assessed the accuracy of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LAI product in the study area. First, seven field campaigns collecting ground-based measurements were conducted during the growing season in 2013, and 252 pairs of LAIs and spectra were collected. Then, seven scenes of high-resolution LAI maps were obtained from the corresponding 30 m Chinese HJ-1A/1B charge-coupled diode (CCD) images by employing a regression approach. Finally, comparisons between the MODIS LAI product and the high resolution LAI maps were made to determine the accuracy of the MODIS LAI product. Moreover, the corresponding 500 m MODIS LAI maps were derived from the daily MODIS surface reflectance product to support the findings using the 1 km HJ LAI product and the ground-based comparison. The results showed that, compared to the ground data, the MODIS LAI product followed a reasonable seasonal trajectory during the growing season. However, an anomaly existed at the beginning of the growing season. Also, a slight overestimation was found for the MODIS LAI product compared to the HJ-retrieved LAI maps. The average overestimation for the LAI was approximately 0.4 m 2 /m 2 , and the relative absolute errors of the product ranged from 10%-50%. The overestimation at the beginning and end of the growing
The media's representation of the ideal male body: a cause for muscle dysmorphia?

OBJECTIVE This study sought to examine the effects of media images on men's attitudes toward their body appearance. METHOD A group of college men viewed advertisements showing muscular men, whereas a control group viewed neutral advertisements. Immediately thereafter, participants performed a computerized test of body image perception while unaware of the hypotheses being tested in the study. RESULTS The students exposed to the muscular images showed a significantly greater discrepancy between their own perceived muscularity and the level of muscularity that they ideally wanted to have. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that media images, even in a brief presentation, can affect men's views of their bodies.
Geriatric Health in India: Concerns and Solutions

India is in a phase of demographic transition. As per the 1991 census, the population of the elderly in India was 57 million as compared with 20 million in 1951. There has been a sharp increase in the number of elderly persons between 1991 and 2001 and it has been projected that by the year 2050, the number of elderly people would rise to about 324 million. (1) India has thus acquired the label of “an ageing nation” with 7.7% of its population being more than 60 years old. The demographic transition is attributed to the decreasing fertility and mortality rates due to the availability of better health care services. It has been observed that the reduction in mortality is higher as compared with fertility. There has been a sharp decline in the crude death rate from 28.5 during 1951–1961 to 8.4 in 1996; while the crude birth rate for the same time period fell from 47.3 to 22.8 in 1996. (2) Over the past decades, India's health program and policies have been focusing on issues like population stabilization, maternal and child health, and disease control. However, current statistics for the elderly in India gives a prelude to a new set of medical, social, and economic problems that could arise if a timely initiative in this direction is not taken by the program managers and policy makers. There is a need to highlight the medical and socio-economic problems that are being faced by the elderly people in India, and strategies for bringing about an improvement in their quality of life also need to be explored.
Examining the Relationship between IT Governance Domains, Maturity, Mechanisms, and Performance: An Empirical Study toward a Conceptual Framework

This study theoretically argues and empirically evaluates how a firm's five governance domains impact the level of IT governance maturity and how a firm's five proposed governance mechanisms impact the overall effectiveness of IT governance. Using data from 20 Emirati organizations within financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, and public service, this study found robust empirical evidence that the maturity of the firm's five suggested governance domains greatly enhances the level of IT Governance Maturity. Moreover, this study found robust empirical evidence that the existence of the firm's five proposed governance mechanisms greatly enhances the overall effectiveness of IT governance.
Post-1500 Population Flows and the Long Run Determinants of Economic Growth and Inequality

We construct a matrix showing the share of the year 2000 population in every country that is descended from people in different source countries in the year 1500. Using the matrix to adjust indicators of early development so they reflect the history of a population's ancestors rather than the history of the place they live today greatly improves the ability of those indicators to predict current GDP. The variance of early development history of a country's inhabitants is a good predictor for current inequality, with ethnic groups originating in regions having longer histories of organized states tending to be at the upper end of a country's income distribution.
The Work Ability Index as a screening tool to identify the need for rehabilitation: longitudinal findings from the Second German Sociomedical Panel of Employees.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the predictive value of the Work Ability Index (WAI) for different indicators of the need for rehabilitation at 1-year follow-up. DESIGN Cohort study. METHODS Data were obtained from the Second German Sociomedical Panel of Employees, a large-scale cohort study with postal surveys in 2009 and 2010. RESULTS A total of 457 women and 579 men were included. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the one-dimensionality of the WAI. Regression analyses showed that poor and moderate baseline WAI scores were associated with lower health-related quality of life and more frequent use of primary healthcare 1 year later. Subjects with poor baseline work ability had 4.6 times higher odds of unemployment and 12.2 times higher odds of prolonged sick leave than the reference group with good or excellent baseline work ability. Moreover, the odds of subjectively perceived need for rehabilitation, intention to request rehabilitation and actual use of rehabilitation services were 9.7, 5.7 and 3 times higher in the poor baseline WAI group and 5.5, 4 and 1.8 times higher in the moderate baseline WAI group, respectively. A WAI score ≤ 37 was identified as the optimal cut-off to predict the need for rehabilitation. CONCLUSION The WAI is a valid screening tool for identifying the need for rehabilitation.
Improved Glucose Metabolism In Vitro and In Vivo by an Allosteric Monoclonal Antibody That Increases Insulin Receptor Binding Affinity

Previously we reported studies of XMetA, an agonist antibody to the insulin receptor (INSR). We have now utilized phage display to identify XMetS, a novel monoclonal antibody to the INSR. Biophysical studies demonstrated that XMetS bound to the human and mouse INSR with picomolar affinity. Unlike monoclonal antibody XMetA, XMetS alone had little or no agonist effect on the INSR. However, XMetS was a strong positive allosteric modulator of the INSR that increased the binding affinity for insulin nearly 20-fold. XMetS potentiated insulin-stimulated INSR signaling ∼15-fold or greater including; autophosphorylation of the INSR, phosphorylation of Akt, a major enzyme in the metabolic pathway, and phosphorylation of Erk, a major enzyme in the growth pathway. The enhanced signaling effects of XMetS were more pronounced with Akt than with Erk. In cultured cells, XMetS also enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose transport. In contrast to its effects on the INSR, XMetS did not potentiate IGF-1 activation of the IGF-1 receptor. We studied the effect of XMetS treatment in two mouse models of insulin resistance and diabetes. The first was the diet induced obesity mouse, a hyperinsulinemic, insulin resistant animal, and the second was the multi-low dose streptozotocin/high-fat diet mouse, an insulinopenic, insulin resistant animal. In both models, XMetS normalized fasting blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance. In concert with its ability to potentiate insulin action at the INSR, XMetS reduced insulin and C-peptide levels in both mouse models. XMetS improved the response to exogenous insulin without causing hypoglycemia. These data indicate that an allosteric monoclonal antibody can be generated that markedly enhances the binding affinity of insulin to the INSR. These data also suggest that an INSR monoclonal antibody with these characteristics may have the potential to both improve glucose metabolism in insulinopenic type 2 diabetes mellitus and correct compensatory hyperinsulinism in insulin resistant conditions.
Method and apparatus for increasing the resolution in additively manufactured three-dimensional articles

A method for increasing the resolution in forming the three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of the powder bed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vacuum chamber, comprising: providing an electron gun, a on the work table in the vacuum chamber 1, providing a powder layer, a step to be melted in position the powder layer selected to form a first end face of the three-dimensional article to send e-beam across the work surface from the electron gun, the second powder layer on the work surface the method comprising: providing, to form a second end surface of the three-dimensional article provides the first step of sending over the electron beam is second powder layer is melted at the selected positions on the work surface, wherein the first powder layer and the second powder layer between which, including the step of reducing to a second pressure level a pressure of the vacuum chamber from the first pressure level All.
NOX2 Deficiency Protects Against Streptozotocin-Induced β-Cell Destruction and Development of Diabetes in Mice

OBJECTIVE The role of NOX2-containing NADPH oxidase in the development of diabetes is not fully understood. We hypothesized that NOX2 deficiency decreases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and immune response and protects against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced β-cell destruction and development of diabetes in mice. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Five groups of mice—wild-type (WT), NOX2−/−, WT treated with apocynin, and WT adoptively transferred with NOX2−/− or WT splenocytes—were treated with multiple-low-dose STZ. Blood glucose and insulin levels were monitored, and an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed. Isolated WT and NOX2−/− pancreatic islets were treated with cytokines for 48 h. RESULTS Significantly lower blood glucose levels, higher insulin levels, and better glucose tolerance was observed in NOX2−/− mice and in WT mice adoptively transferred with NOX2−/− splenocytes compared with the respective control groups after STZ treatment. Compared with WT, β-cell apoptosis, as determined by TUNEL staining, and insulitis were significantly decreased, whereas β-cell mass was significantly increased in NOX2−/− mice. In response to cytokine stimulation, ROS production was significantly decreased, and insulin secretion was preserved in NOX2−/− compared with WT islets. Furthermore, proinflammatory cytokine release induced by concanavalin A was significantly decreased in NOX2−/− compared with WT splenocytes. CONCLUSIONS NOX2 deficiency decreases β-cell destruction and preserves islet function in STZ-induced diabetes by reducing ROS production, immune response, and β-cell apoptosis.
The Opportunity for Canalization and the Evolution of Genetic Networks

There has been a recent revival of interest in how genetic interactions evolve, spurred on by an increase in our knowledge of genetic interactions at the molecular level. Empirical work on genetic networks has revealed a surprising amount of robustness to perturbations, suggesting that robustness is an evolved feature of genetic networks. Here, we derive a general model for the evolution of canalization that can incorporate any form of perturbation. We establish an upper bound to the strength of selection on canalization that is approximately equal to the fitness load in the system. This method makes it possible to compare different forms of perturbation, including genetic, developmental, and environmental effects. In general, load that arises from mutational processes is low because the mutation rate is itself low. Mutation load can create selection for canalization in a small network that can be achieved through dominance evolution or gene duplication, and in each case selection for canalization is weak at best. In larger genetic networks, selection on genetic canalization can be reasonably strong because larger networks have higher mutational load. Because load induced through migration, segregation, developmental noise, and environmental variance is not mutation limited, each can cause strong selection for canalization.
High-Speed Software Development Practices: What Works, What Doesn't

To gain a better understanding of the pros and cons of some of the more popular high-speed software development practices, an empirical study was conducted involving 10 US companies. Detailed case studies of Internet software development in the 10 companies were reviewed and knowledge was synthesized on best practices for quality and agility. The study identified six common problems these companies experience in high-speed development and the practices they use to address them. Together these practices address time-to-market, a changing environment, programmer and designer productivity, and fluid requirements. The study showed that in a high-speed development setting, cultural attitudes and values are also critical ingredients and are typically present in organizations that embrace the six practices
Epigenetic silencing in transgenic plants

Epigenetic silencing is a natural phenomenon in which the expression of genes is regulated through modifications of DNA, RNA, or histone proteins. It is a mechanism for defending host genomes against the effects of transposable elements and viral infection, and acts as a modulator of expression of duplicated gene family members and as a silencer of transgenes. A major breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of epigenetic silencing was the discovery of silencing in transgenic tobacco plants due to the interaction between two homologous promoters. The molecular mechanism of epigenetic mechanism is highly complicated and it is not completely understood yet. Two different molecular routes have been proposed for this, that is, transcriptional gene silencing, which is associated with heavy methylation of promoter regions and blocks the transcription of transgenes, and post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), the basic mechanism is degradation of the cytosolic mRNA of transgenes or endogenous genes. Undesired transgene silencing is of major concern in the transgenic technologies used in crop improvement. A complete understanding of this phenomenon will be very useful for transgenic applications, where silencing of specific genes is required. The current status of epigenetic silencing in transgenic technology is discussed and summarized in this mini-review.
In Vivo Assay for Low-Activity Mutant Forms of Escherichia coli Ribonucleotide Reductase

ABSTRACT Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the essential production of deoxyribonucleotides in all living cells. In this study we have established a sensitive in vivo assay to study the activity of RNR in aerobic Escherichia coli cells. The method is based on the complementation of a chromosomally encoded nonfunctional RNR with plasmid-encoded RNR. This assay can be used to determine in vivo activity of RNR mutants with activities beyond the detection limits of traditional in vitro assays. E. coli RNR is composed of two homodimeric proteins, R1 and R2. The R2 protein contains a stable tyrosyl radical essential for the catalysis that takes place at the R1 active site. The three-dimensional structures of both proteins, phylogenetic studies, and site-directed mutagenesis experiments show that the radical is transferred from the R2 protein to the active site in the R1 protein via a radical transfer pathway composed of at least nine conserved amino acid residues. Using the new assay we determined the in vivo activity of mutants affecting the radical transfer pathway in RNR and identified some residual radical transfer activity in two mutant R2 constructs (D237N and W48Y) that had previously been classified as negative for enzyme activity. In addition, we show that the R2 mutant Y356W is completely inactive, in sharp contrast to what has previously been observed for the corresponding mutation in the mouse R2 enzyme.
Simultaneous Multiwavelength Observations of the Blazar 1ES 1959+650 at a Low TeV Flux

We present the results from a multiwavelength campaign on the TeV blazar 1ES 1959+650, performed in 2006 May. Data from the optical, UV, soft- and hard-X-ray, and very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray (E > 100 GeV) bands were obtained with the Suzaku and Swift satellites, the MAGIC telescope, and other ground-based facilities. The source spectral energy distribution (SED), derived from Suzaku and MAGIC observations at the end of 2006 May, shows the usual double hump shape, with the synchrotron peak at a higher flux level than the Compton peak. With respect to historical values, during our campaign the source exhibited a relatively high state in X-rays and optical, while in the VHE band it was at one of the lowest level so far recorded. We also monitored the source for flux spectral variability on a time window of 10 days in the optical-UV and X-ray bands and 7 days in the VHE band. The source varies more in the X-ray than in the optical band, with the 2-10 keV X-ray flux varying by a factor of ~2. The synchrotron peak is located in the X-ray band and moves to higher energies as the source gets brighter, with the X-ray fluxes above it varying more rapidly than the X-ray fluxes at lower energies. The variability behavior observed in the X-ray band cannot be produced by emitting regions varying independently and suggests instead some sort of “standing shock” scenario. The overall SED is well represented by a homogeneous one-zone synchrotron inverse Compton emission model, from which we derive physical parameters that are typical of high-energy peaked blazars.
Sleep-Awake Switch with Spiking Neural P Systems

Spiking Neural P Systems are a kind of Membrane Systems developed with the aim of incorporating ideas from biological systems, known as spiking neurons, in the computational field. Initially, these systems were designed to take concepts of the neural science based on action potentials with the purpose of testing its possibilities from a computational point of view and not to be used as neurological models. In this work, a basic approach in the opposite sense is reviewed by means of the application of such systems on a well-known biological phenomenon. This phenomenon refers to the fluctuations among neural circuits which are responsible for swapping between awakeasleep states. This basic approach is analyzed and new issues are exposed.