Short Term Load Forecasting for Smart Grids Using Apache Spark and a Modified Transformer Model

Smart grid is an advanced electrical grid that enables more efficient distribution of electricity. It counters many of the problems presented by renewable energy sources such as variability in production through techniques like load forecasting and dynamic pricing. Smart grid generates massive amounts of data through smart meters, this data is used to forecast future load to adjust distribution. To process all this data, big data analysis is necessary. Most existing schemes use Apache Hadoop for big data processing and various techniques for load forecasting that include methods based on statistical theory, machine learning and deep learning. This paper proposes using Apache Spark for big data analysis and a modified version of the transformer model for forecasting load profiles of households. The modified transformer model has been tested against several state-of-the-art machine learning models. The proposed scheme was tested against several baseline and state-of-the-art machine learning models and evaluated in terms of the RMSE, MAE, MedAE and R2 scores. The obtained results show that the proposed model has better performance in terms of RMSE and R2 which are the preferred metrics when evaluating a regression model on data with a large number of outliers

Pasting Characteristics of Stored Wheat in Hermetic Bags and Conventional Methods

This study was performed in India to observe the effect of type of structure on pasting characteristics of stored wheat. Wheat of WH-711 variety was stored in hermetic bag and two conventional grain storage structures viz. steel bin and gunny bag piles which are usually employed in India. Pasting characteristics of wheat flour were measured in the Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA). The results revealed the significant influence of type of structure on pasting properties of stored wheat. Highest values of peak, trough, setback and final viscosity were observed in steel bins storage and minimum were in the gunny bag storage. Peak, trough, and final viscosity were found to be increased with the advancement of storage time in all structures. Setback and breakdown viscosity decreased with time. Breakdown and maximum setback viscosity were found minimum in hermetic bag storage, gave equal final viscosity as steel bins. Gelatinization temperature and peak time of all structures were same and remained constant. A small increase in the value of pasting temperature was observed in all the structures but maximum increase (about 1.5˚C) was recorded in gunny bags and minimum (0.8˚C) in hermetic storage than initial values

Comparison of Nitroglycerin versus Lignocaine Spray to Attenuate Haemodynamic Changes in Elective Surgical Patients Undergoing Direct Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation: A prospective randomised study

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of nitroglycerin (NTG) versus lignocaine spray in blunting the pressor response during direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Methods: This study was conducted between January and June 2018 in the Department of Anesthesiology, Teerthankar Mahaveer Medical College, Moradabad, India. A total of 90 elective surgical patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status grades I or II were divided into three groups, comprising two treatment groups and one control group. Patients in the treatment groups received either one puff (1.5 mg/kg) of lignocaine 10% spray or one puff (400 μg) of NTG spray in the oropharynx one minute prior to the induction of anaesthesia. Haemodynamic variables and mean rate pressure product at baseline and one, two, three, four and five minutes post-induction were compared. Results: There was a significant reduction in mean heart rate at 3–5 minutes in both treatment groups compared to the control group (P <0.050), as well as lower increases in mean arterial pressure at 1–3 minutes (P <0.050). However, at 2–4 minutes, there was a significantly greater decrease in mean systolic blood pressure in the NTG group compared to both the lignocaine and control groups (P <0.050). Moreover, a greater decrease in mean rate pressure product response at 1–5 minutes was observed in the NTG group compared to the lignocaine and control groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The NTG spray was more effective than lignocaine in attenuating blood pressure increases and rate pressure product during elective laryngoscopy and intubation.Keywords: Endotracheal Anesthesia; Intubation; Laryngoscopy; Lignocaine; Nitroglycerin; Comparative Effectiveness Research; India

Assessment of soil quality at selected sites around Karwi town, Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), India

Every living organism on this planet prioritises food. Sustainable crop production is the need of the present hour to fulfil the basic needs of the large population of the country. The production of any crop, along with many other factors, largely depends on the soil quality of the area. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to ascertain the quality of the soil in the study area. To fulfil the aim of the present study, four sites {Karwi Mafi (SS-1), Karwi (SS-2), Amanpur (SS-3), and Narainpur (SS-4)} were selected around Karwi town, Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), India. The soil samples were collected from the selected sites following the Grab sampling method for 12 months (January 2021 to December 2021). A total of 80 soil samples were collected and analysed for various physical parameters, primary and secondary nutrients, micronutrients, and heavy metals. The results obtained showed that soil moisture ranged from 44.56% to 48.12%. Among all the four sites, the soil quality of SS-03 (pH=6.79±0.03) was observed to be slightly acidic in nature. Phosphorous ranged from 48.10 to 56.53 mg/kg. Similarly, all other studied primary and secondary nutrients were observed in sufficient quantity at all the study sites. The concentration of all the studied micronutrients (Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe) ranged from 0.95-1.31 mg/kg, 4.39-5.23 mg/kg, 2.47-3.62 mg/kg, 14.29-21.42 mg/kg, and 4.83-6.01 mg/kg, respectively. Chromium ranged from 0.96 to 1.58 mg/kg. On the basis of the present study, it can be concluded that the quality of soil in the study area is in good condition. The findings of the present study are important as they reveal the soil quality of pure residential and agricultural areas without any anthropogenic or natural dumping of solid or liquid waste

The Influence of Race on Health Status Outcomes One Year After an Acute Coronary Syndrome

ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to compare health status (symptoms, function, and quality of life) outcomes of whites and blacks one year after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).BackgroundAlthough racial differences in the use of angiography and revascularization after ACS are known to exist, differences in health status outcomes have not been described.MethodsWe conducted a prospective registry of 1,159 consecutive ACS patients treated between February 1, 2000 and October 31, 2001. One-year health status was quantified with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and Short Form-12 Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS). Multivariable models were used to adjust for racial differences in sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics.ResultsMortality rates were similar among the 196 black and 963 white patients (7.1% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.93); 81 died during follow-up, and 199 (17%) could not be interviewed. At one year, blacks had a higher prevalence of angina (43.4% vs. 27.1%), worse quality of life (SAQ score = 70.6 ± 28.3 vs. 83.9 ± 20.8), and poorer physical function (SF-12 PCS = 36.8 ± 12.3 vs. 43.2 ± 11.4; p < 0.0001 for all). Multivariable models, including hospital treatments, revealed a trend for more angina (odds ratio 1.46 [95% confidence interval 0.91 to 2.34]) and significantly worse quality of life (mean difference = −7.7 ± 2.4, p = 0.002) and physical function (−3.6 ± 1.3, p = 0.005).ConclusionsBlacks have more angina, worse quality of life, and worse physical function one year after an ACS than do whites. Closer surveillance of black ACS patients is needed to determine whether additional treatment can improve their outcomes

Magnetic Studies on Spinel Ferrite Nanoparticles and Bulk Samples Synthesized by Citrate Combustion Route

We report structural, microstructural and magnetic studies of ZnFe2O4, MnFe2O4 and mixed Mn-Ni-Zn ferrites in nanoparticles and bulk forms. Polycrystalline samples were prepared by citrate combustion synthesis, which resulted in homogeneous and nanograin powders. Particle sizes estimated from the XRD and SEM were found to be below 100 nm for the calcined powders (600 degrees C) and above 300 nm range for the sintered (1200 degrees C) samples. Substitution of Ni and Zn for Mn enhanced the saturation magnetization and coercivity, because of the redistribution between octahedral and tetrahedral iron sites. Curie temperature were found to be higher for the calcined powders as compared to corresponding sintered samples due to particle size effects

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of single dose intravenous iron carboxymaltose verses multidose iron sucrose in post-partum cases of severe iron deficiency anemia

Background: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Anemia is the most common treatable, direct/indirect cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries like India.Methods: 100 cases with iron deficiency anemia in post-partum patient were selected from postpartum wards and assigned in two groups of 50 each. In group A iron carboxymaltose injection administered by intravenous infusion up to a maximum single dose of 20 ml of iron carboxymaltose injection (1000 mg of iron). In group B Iron sucrose was given as 200mg elemental iron (2 ampules of 5 ml) in 100ml of 0.9% normal saline infusion over 1 5 min alternate days up to 5 days. All patients were monitored for rise in hemoglobin level and any adverse effect at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks of iron therapy.Results: In group A mean Hemoglobin level rise is 3.95 g/dl and in group B it is 3.32 g/dl at 4 weeks of initial therapy. In group A 100% cases achieved target hemoglobin at 12 weeks after therapy while in group B 98% cases achieved target hemoglobin at 12 weeks after therapy. In group A 12% cases have grade 1 adverse reaction while in group B 20% cases have adverse reaction.Conclusions: Administration of intravenous iron has a good clinical result, with minimum adverse reactions. Thus we can conclude that intravenous ferric carboxymaltose therapy is safe, convenient, more effective and faster acting than intravenous iron sucrose for treatment of severe iron deficiency anemia in postpartum patient

Structure and expression analysis of early auxin-responsive Aux/IAA gene family in rice (Oryza sativa)

Auxin exerts pleiotropic effects on plant growth and development by regulating the expression of early auxin-responsive genes of auxin/indoleacetic acid (Aux/IAA), small auxin-up RNA, and GH3 classes. These genes have been studied extensively in dicots like soybean and Arabidopsis. We had earlier characterized a cDNA of the first monocot member of Aux/IAA family from rice. The achievement of the large scale rice genome sequencing combined with the availability of full-length cDNA sequences from Knowledge-based Oryza Molecular Biological Encyclopedia provided us the opportunity to draw up the first comprehensive list of Aux/IAA genes in a monocot. By screening the available databases, we have identified 31 Aux/IAA genes having high sequence identity within the conserved domains I, II, III, and IV. The genomic organization as well as chromosomal location of all the Oryza sativa indoleacetic acid (OsIAA) genes is reported. The rice Aux/IAA proteins can be classified in two groups (A and B) on the basis of their phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis Aux/IAA proteins. An evolutionary pattern of the rice Aux/IAA genes has been discussed by analyzing their structure (exon/intron organization) and duplications. Interestingly, the duplication of rice Aux/IAA genes was found to be associated with chromosomal block duplication events in rice. The in-silico analysis has been complemented with real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis to quantify transcript levels of all Aux/IAA family members. OsIAA genes showed differential and overlapping organ-specific expression patterns in light- and dark-grown seedlings/plants. Although auxin enhanced the transcript abundance of most of the OsIAA genes, the effect was more pronounced on OsIAA9, 14, 19, 20, 24, and 31. These results provide a foundation for future studies on elucidating the precise role of rice Aux/IAA genes in early steps of auxin signal transduction

Evaluation of safety, clinical outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes after meniscus repair using surestitch all inside meniscal repair implant: a retrospective and observational study

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and meniscus injuries frequently co-occur, underscoring the interconnected nature of knee joint structures. Meniscus injuries, often caused by sports trauma or degenerative changes, necessitate careful management to preserve joint function and prevent complications like osteoarthritis. This retrospective observational study evaluates the safety, clinical outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes of meniscus repair using Surestitch all inside meniscal repair implant, a contemporary solution designed to optimize meniscal repair. Methods: The study, approved by the institutional ethics committee, included patients aged 18-80 years who underwent meniscus repair with Surestitch between October 2020 and July 2022. Data on demographics, surgical details, and outcomes were collected from medical records and telephonic follow-ups. Results: Among 36 subjects, the mean age was 36.89 years. The mean (SD) duration of follow-up was 364 days (127). There was no meniscus repair failure noted in any of the patients. Functional patient-reported outcomes assessed using international knee documentation committee (IKDC) with a score of (60.15±12.40), and Lysholm scores (77.03±14.45) demonstrated favorable results. The knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) of (54.63) further indicated positive knee health across domains. There were no adverse events or reoperations. Conclusions: The study demonstrated favorable safety, clinical outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes, yielding satisfactory results, and consequently establishing the safety and effectiveness of the Surestitch All inside meniscal repair implant in meniscus repair