a b s t r a c tIn order to perform predictions of a photovoltaic (PV) system power production, a neural network architecture system using the Nonlinear Autoregressive with eXogenous inputs (NARX) model is implemented using not only local meteorological data but also measurements of neighbouring PV systems as inputs. Input configurations are compared to assess the effects of the different inputs. The added value of the information of the neighbouring PV systems has demonstrated to further improve the accuracy of predictions for both winter and summer seasons. Additionally, forecasts up to 1 month are tested and compared with a persistence model. Normalized root mean square errors (nRMSE) ranged between 9% and 25%, with the NARX model clearly outperforming the persistence model for forecast horizons greater than 15 min.

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Compared to the canonical sphingoid backbone of sphingolipids (SLs), atypical long-chain bases (LCBs) lack C1–OH (1-deoxy-LCBs) or C1–CH2OH (1-deoxymethyl-LCBs). In addition, when unsaturated, they present a cis-double bond instead of the canonical  Δ4-5 trans-double bond. These atypical LCBs are directly correlated with the development and progression of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1 and diabetes type II through yet unknown mechanisms. Changes in membrane properties have been linked to the biological actions of SLs. However, little is known about the influence of the LCB structure, particularly 1-deoxy­(methyl)-LCB, on lipid–lipid interactions and their effect on membrane properties. To address this question, we used complementary fluorescence-based methodologies to study membrane model systems containing POPC and the different LCBs of interest. Our results show that 1-deoxymethyl-LCBs have the highest ability to reduce the fluidity of the membrane, while the intermolecular interactions of 1-deoxy-LCBs were found to be weaker, leading to the formation of less-ordered domains compared to their canonical counterpartssphinganine and sphingosine. Furthermore, while the presence of a trans-double bond at the Δ4-5 position of the LCB increased the fluidity of the membrane compared to a saturated LCB, a cis-double bond completely disrupted the ability of the LCB to segregate into ordered domains. In conclusion, even small changes on the structure of the LCB, as seen in 1-deoxy­(methyl)-LCBs, strongly affects lipid–lipid interactions and membrane fluidity. These results provide evidence that altered balance between species with different LCBs affect membrane properties and may contribute to the pathobiological role of these lipids.

The availability of first-line medicines for the treatment of drug susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) is inconsistent across European countries. This is particularly worrisome for child-friendly medicines. There were reported examples of physicians being forced to adapt and/or combine formulations intended for adults to treat children with TB. Reduced compliance, unknown effects on treatment outcomes and unpredictable toxicity are potential consequences of resorting to these sub-optimal treatment options. Furthermore, the use of these alternatives may increase the risk of drug resistant TB. This study analyzed the availability and use of TB medicines in the European Union (EU)/ European Economic Area (EEA), with a particular focus on child-friendly formulations. We sought to carry out a full review of the situation by means of a survey involving the EU regulatory network. Countries were asked to confirm marketing status of anti DS-TB medicines, ways used to overcome their absence in their territory and the general difficulties they face to treat children with TB. Results confirmed that rifampicin suspension is the only child-friendly formulation available in Europe, approved in just ten Member States. Overall, 24 countries out of 30 considered the lack of adequate DS-TB medicines an unmet medical need. To overcome this, countries confirmed that they resort to importation or use adapted formulations. The joint forces of European institutions and pharmaceutical industry are crucial for the development of pediatric formulations and contribute to better compliance and health outcomes.