Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-Carbon Electricity Network Transition Considering Retirement of Aging Coal Generators

In order to achieve sustainable development goals, modern power systems need to achieve a low-carbon transition. Retirement and replacement of aging coal-fired power plants (CFPP) is the major part of electricity network transition. However, the sudden retirement of large aging CFPP could lead to power supply or reserve shortages and generally, it takes several years to complete the replacement process. This paper proposes a low-carbon electricity network transition model, helping to plan aging CFPP retirement and renewable power plants installation as well as network augmentation. The trade-off decisions are found among three conflicting objectives including cost, risk and carbon emission. Moreover, the carbon emission flow (CEF) model is applied in the planning process to calculate carbon emissions from the demand side, in order to assess the efficacy of the low-carbon transition. A relatively new multi-objective natural aggregation algorithm (MONAA) is introduced and applied to find the optimal solution. The proposed model is verified on a modified IEEE 24-bus RTS system and a modified IEEE 118-bus system. According to the numerical results, the proposed model can achieve carbon mitigation, cost and risk benefits and provide a roadmap to guide the energy network transformation towards a low-carbon economy.
Nigella sativa: Valuable perspective in the management of chronic diseases

Objective(s): Over the past 20 years, increasing interest in the use of medicinal plants as alternative or adjuvant treatments of several chronic diseases was observed. Accordingly, Nigella sativa or black cumin, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, has been used worldwide for food purposes or in traditional medicines. This paper aims to reveal N. sativa potential as adjunct treatment in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hematological malignancies, due to their increasing prevalence and difficult management in everyday life. Materials and Methods: Databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used to search the literature data. Keywords like anti-inflammatory effect, anti-oxidant effect, antihypertensive effects, hypolipidemic effects and hematological malignancies were used in combination with N. sativa. Results: Because of its numerous pharmacological actions, but especially for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated N. sativa positive effect against diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, all of them associated to cardiovascular diseases progression. Also, it was proved to have marked anti-proliferative, cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic effects, in both solid cancers and hematological malignancies. Conclusion: N. sativa used as complementary treatment to classical medications can improve the management of several chronic diseases.
Using of neural networks for assessing of the financial stability of companies

The stability of the activities of organizations in the real sector of the economy at the macroeconomic level is the basis for creating the country's gross domestic product, developing technologies and strengthening the competitiveness of the country's products within the global economic system. To plan and forecast their activities, States and business participants are increasingly using modern methods of assessing the financial stability of companies. Today, approaches to building models for assessing the sustainability of companies are based mainly on econometric and statistical linear multidimensional methods of calculation, which does not allow us to identify hidden and nonlinear relationships that are inherent in the real world economy and the activities of economic entities. The article considers approaches to assessing the financial condition of organizations using neural network modeling and comparing it with previously used methods. In the course of the research, we developed a neural network for evaluating the financial condition of companies in the real sector of the economy, which allowed us to draw conclusions about the validity of this method of assessment in modern conditions. The article also highlights the key advantages and disadvantages of the neural network modeling method as a financial analysis tool. The scientific novelty of the article is to develop and evaluate a financial analysis tool that can be applied for practical purposes the economic entities and the substantiation of the complexity of neural network models in predicting bankruptcy; lack of methodological support; the need to develop special software; the duration of the learning process to achieve the required accuracy of the model; compliance with the requirement for equal proportions of the studied groups of objects; the correct choice of neural network architecture for research purpose; representativeness and consistency of source data.
Molecular Components and Functions of the Endocannabinoid System in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex

Background Cannabinoids have deleterious effects on prefrontal cortex (PFC)-mediated functions and multiple evidences link the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system, cannabis use and schizophrenia, a disease in which PFC functions are altered. Nonetheless, the molecular composition and the physiological functions of the endocannabinoid system in the PFC are unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, using electron microscopy we found that key proteins involved in endocannabinoid signaling are expressed in layers V/VI of the mouse prelimbic area of the PFC: presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) faced postsynaptic mGluR5 while diacylglycerol lipase α (DGL-α), the enzyme generating the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) was expressed in the same dendritic processes as mGluR5. Activation of presynaptic CB1R strongly inhibited evoked excitatory post-synaptic currents. Prolonged synaptic stimulation at 10Hz induced a profound long-term depression (LTD) of layers V/VI excitatory inputs. The endocannabinoid -LTD was presynaptically expressed and depended on the activation of postsynaptic mGluR5, phospholipase C and a rise in postsynaptic Ca2+ as predicted from the localization of the different components of the endocannabinoid system. Blocking the degradation of 2-AG (with URB 602) but not of anandamide (with URB 597) converted subthreshold tetanus to LTD-inducing ones. Moreover, inhibiting the synthesis of 2-AG with Tetrahydrolipstatin, blocked endocannabinoid-mediated LTD. All together, our data show that 2-AG mediates LTD at these synapses. Conclusions/Significance Our data show that the endocannabinoid -retrograde signaling plays a prominent role in long-term synaptic plasticity at the excitatory synapses of the PFC. Alterations of endocannabinoid -mediated synaptic plasticity may participate to the etiology of PFC-related pathologies.
The Evolution of Dispersal in Spatially and Temporally Varying Environments

Using a simple two-patch model, we examine how patterns of spatial and temporal variation in carrying capacities affect natural selection on dispersal. The size of the population in each patch is regulated separately, according to a discrete-generation logistic equation, and individuals disperse from each patch at propensities determined by their genotype. We consider genotypes that express the same dispersal propensities in both patches and genotypes that express patch-specific disperal propensities. Contrary to previous analyses, our results show that some level of dispersal is favored by selection under almost all regimes of habitat variability, including a spatially varying and temporally constant environment. Furthermore, two very different polymorphisms are favored under different conditions. When carrying capacities vary spatially but not temporally, any number of genotypes with patch-specific dispersal propensities in ratios inversely proportional to the ratio of the carrying capacities can coexist. This result extends previous analyses to show that dispersal is favored in such an environment if individuals can alter dispersal propensities in response to environmental cues. In contrast, when carrying capacities vary both spatially and temporally but differ in mean or variance, a polymorphism of only two genotypes (a high-dispersal and a no-dispersal genotype) is favored when the only genotypes possible are ones expressing the same dispersal propensity in both patches. However, this dimorphism can be invaded and replaced by one genotype with a particular combination of patch-specific dispersal propensities in a ratio also inversely proportional to the ratio of the average population sizes. We discuss a number of testable predictions this model suggests about the amounts of phenotypic and genetic variation in dispersal characters that are expected both within and between populations, and the degree to which the expression of phenotypic characters affecting dispersal propensity should be sensitive to environmental conditions. The model also suggests novel mechanisms for coexistence between competing species in varying environments.
Food Habits and Prey Impact by Feral and House-Based Domestic Cats in a Rural Area in Southern Sweden

Natural prey of domestic cats ( Felis catus ) in the Revinge area in southern Sweden during 1974–79 was related to prey abundance, annual production, and availability. Of 1,437 scats collected, 996 contained remains of vertebrate prey. Most cats (80–85%) were house-based and obtained from 15 to 90% of their food from natural prey, depending on abundance and availability of the latter. Wild rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) were the most important prey, and cats responded functionally to changes in abundance and availability of this prey. Prolonged snow cover made rabbits vulnerable to cats irrespective of abundance. Small rodents were the second most important cat prey, while brown hares ( Lepus europeus ) and birds were less important. In a period with high rabbit abundance, cat predation corresponded to 4% of annual production of rabbits and to about 20% of annual production of field voles ( Microtus agrestis ) and wood mice ( Apodemus silvaticus ). Prey choice of feral cats was similar to that of house-based cats, but as the former subsisted almost completely on natural prey, their absolute intake (294 g/day during years with high rabbit abundance) was four times that of an average house-based cat (66 g/day).
Downregulation of CLCA4 expression is associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer

The molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) are not completely understood. The present study aimed to identify potential novel genes involved in the development and progression of CRC. Database analysis revealed that the mRNA level of the chloride channel accessory 4 (CLCA4) was frequently lower in primary tumor tissues compared with that in corresponding non-cancerous colon tissues, and was even lower in liver metastases than in primary tumors. Further analyses through The Human Protein Atlas (THPA) website and immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based tissue microarray (TMA) confirmed that CLCA4 mRNA and protein expression were downregulated in CRC tissues. Furthermore, IHC-based TMA analysis revealed a gradual decrease in CLCA4 protein expression among colorectal normal, adenoma and carcinoma tissues. Survival analysis revealed that the decrease in CLCA4 mRNA expression was associated with the overall survival rate of patients with different types of tumor, including CRC, breast cancer, head and neck cancer and stomach cancer. Overall, downregulated CLCA4 expression may influence the development and progression of CRC.
Data-driven compressibility transformation for turbulent wall layers

A crucial step in understanding compressible turbulent boundary layers is to relate mean compressible profiles with their incompressible counterparts. The seminal work of Van Driest relied on re-mapping of the mean velocity profile, which worked only for adiabatic wall conditions. An improved transformation for internal flows by Trettel and Larsson followed in 2016. The transformation presented here relies on re-mapping both the wall-normal space coordinate and velocity profile, achieving excellent universality for both internal and boundary-layer flows across a wide range of flow parameters.
Anthocyanin extraction, microencapsulation, and release properties during in vitro digestion

ABSTRACT Among bioactive compounds studied in fruits and vegetables, anthocyanins have been well studied in recent years due to increasing reports of health benefits. The inherent instability of anthocyanins to environmental conditions presents opportunities for a variety of stabilization processes prior to health applications. Different approaches have been used in extracting anthocyanins, but the implications of the methods used have only been reported recently. Similarly, anthocyanins have been encapsulated using a variety of methods and the physicochemical characteristics of the microcapsules were reported. Evidence on changes in bioactive contents and antioxidant activity during storage or simulated digestion highlight the need to review anthocyanin extraction techniques and characterization methods to improve stability. In vitro release studies show that encapsulation stabilizes anthocyanins and functions as a delivery method. Encapsulated anthocyanins may meet average intake rates in human diets; however, in vivo and human studies need to be conducted.
Can a distributed project be agile?

—Both agile software development and distributed software development are recent trends in software engineering. Both approaches essentially aim at a shorter time to market, more quality and less costs. The question, which remains to be answered, is whether these two approaches can be effectively combined to research an even greater beneﬁt. In this paper ideas and facts of current research will be presented .
Size and reproduction of Thelypteris limbosperma and Athyrium distentifolium along environmental gradients in Western Norway

The performance of the ferns Thelypteris limbospgrma and Athyrium distentifolium, as expressed by number of son on pinnules and frond size, has been related to environmental gradients. Data have been collected from homogenous fern-dominated stands from different geographical areas in Western Norway. Number of sori produced, which was assumed to indicate fern fertility, was highly variable. There were significant correlations between frond size and fertility, but only 35–46 % of the variation in fertility could be explained by differences in frond size. The highest number of sori was found on plants of medium size, and for A. distentifolium there was a statistically significant reduction in sori number on fronds taller than 125 cm. For the linear relationships between fertility and size, it is suggested that the small X-intercept and slope defines the high competitive ability of A. distentifolium in sites with a long-lasting snow cover. The ferns may dominate in large stands even though their fertility is low or zero, which indicates that they under certain ecological conditions mainly reproduce vegetatively. Both ferns show decreased fertility both toward their altitudinal and lowland distribution limits, but their fertility optima were different. The performances of the two fern species showed highly different responses to geographical and climatical variables. The fertility of T. limbosperma could be predicted by mean July- and January temperatures, humidity and canopy cover, while the fertility of A. distentifolium could not be predicted by any of the site environmental variables investigated.
A longitudinal perspective on frequency of parent–child activities and social–emotional development

ABSTRACT Surprisingly little research has considered whether parent–child activities facilitate social–emotional development and whether these associations differ for boys and girls. To address this gap, this study leveraged the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (2006–2008) to examine the extent to which story reading, storytelling and music activities longitudinally predicted social–emotional development. Parents reported the frequency of parent–child activities when children (N = 2567) were aged 3–6 and their social–emotional functioning two years later. Multi-group analyses indicated significant sex differences after controlling for family income. Story reading was negatively associated with hyperactivity and emotional/anxiety problems whereas storytelling was negatively associated with physical and indirect aggression among boys, but not girls. Storytelling and music activities were associated with lower hyperactivity among girls. More frequent parent–child activities predicted more prosocial behaviours among both boys and girls. This study highlights that each parent–child activity has its own distinctive implications on social–emotional functioning.
Seasonal Larval Fish Abundance in Waters off Diablo Canyon, California

Abstract A 15-month study was conducted to describe the seasonal changes of total larval fish densities, fish egg densities, and species composition in the nearshore marine environment of Diablo Canyon, San Luis Obispo County, California. Samples were collected at an inshore and offshore station located 300 m and 1,500 m southwest of the seaward perimeter of Diablo Cove, respectively. There were no statistical differences in total larval fish densities and total fish egg densities between the inshore and offshore stations. Statistical differences were found in two of the six most abundant taxa, Artedius spp. (greater densities found inshore) and Stenobrachius leucopsarus (greater densities present offshore). The greatest larval fish densities, 163.5/100 m3, occurred February 1975, and the period of greatest abundance was January to March 1975. A peak fish egg density of 475/100 m3 occurred in September 1975, and egg densities averaged 79.8/100 m3 throughout the study period. A comparison of day and night .
Comparative Study of Kissiris, γ-Alumina, and Calcium Alginate as Supports of Cells for Batch and Continuous Wine-Making at Low Temperatures

Kissiris, γ-alumina, and calcium alginate were the supports for immobilization of a cryotolerant and alcohol-resistant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae species. Continuous wine-making with immobilized cells on each above support was performed at ambient and low temperatures. To evaluate the results of continuous wine-making with immobilized cells, batch fermentations were performed using immobilized and free cells separately, in the same range of temperatures. Fourfold higher ethanol productivities at room temperature and 10-fold higher productivities at low temperatures were obtained by continuous wine-making, in comparison to batch fermentations performed with free cells. Specifically, at 7 °C, ethanol productivities achieved by continuous wine making were 16.7, 13.8, and 23.2 g L -1 day -1 and by batch wine-making were 4.5, 5.1, and 5.6 L -1 day -1 , respectively, for kissiris, y-alumina, and calcium alginate. For free cells ethanol productivity was 1.5 g L -1 day -1 at 7 °C. The three continuous systems were operated continuously for 80 days without any infection and diminution of the ethanol productivity. Also, the wines were produced with low total and volatile acidities.
Lipid-induced β-cell dysfunction and oxidative stress

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by both insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion. Obesity is the major predisposing factor for Type 2 diabetes and is associated with excessive release of fatty acids from the expanded adipose tissue, leading to elevated plasma free fatty acid, known to induce insulin resistance and decrease β-cell function and mass. The purpose of this review is to discuss the mechanisms of the effect of prolonged fat exposure on pancreatic β-cells, known as lipotoxicity, with particular regard to β-cell function. The role of oxidative stress is emphasized, as it was shown by recent studies to play a significant role in the development of lipotoxicity and Type 2 diabetes.
Autonomous UAV Navigation for Active Perception of Targets in Uncertain and Cluttered Environments

The use of Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAVs) has grown exponentially owing to an increasing number of autonomous capabilities. Automated functions include the return to home at critical energy levels, collision avoidance, take-off and landing, and target tracking. However, sUAVs applications in real-world and time-critical scenarios, such as Search and Rescue (SAR) is still limited. In SAR applications, the overarching aim of autonomous sUAV navigation is the quick localisation, identification and quantification of victims to prioritise emergency response in affected zones. Traditionally, sUAV pilots are exposed to prolonged use of visual systems to interact with the environment, which causes fatigue and sensory overloads. Nevertheless, the search for victims onboard a sUAV is challenging because of noise in the data, low image resolution, illumination conditions, and partial (or full) occlusion between the victims and surrounding structures. This paper presents an autonomous Sequential Decision Process (SDP) for sUAV navigation that incorporates target detection uncertainty from vision-based cameras. The SDP is modelled as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) and solved online using the Adaptive Belief Tree (ABT) algorithm. In particular, a detailed model of target detection uncertainty from deep learning-based models is shown. The presented formulation is tested under Software in the Loop (SITL) through Gazebo, Robot Operating System (ROS), and PX4 firmware. A Hardware in the Loop (HITL) implementation is also presented using an Intel Myriad Vision Processing Unit (VPU) device and ROS. Tests are conducted in a simulated SAR GPS-denied scenario, aimed to find a person at different levels of location and pose uncertainty.