Optimal scheduling of large-scale wind-hydro-thermal systems with fixed-head short-term model

© 2020 by the authors. In this paper, a Modified Adaptive Selection Cuckoo Search Algorithm (MASCSA) is proposed for solving the Optimal Scheduling of Wind-Hydro-Thermal (OSWHT) systems problem. The main objective of the problem is to minimize the total fuel cost for generating the electricity of thermal power plants, where energy from hydropower plants and wind turbines is exploited absolutely. The fixed-head short-term model is taken into account, by supposing that the water head is constant during the operation time, while reservoir volume and water balance are constrained over the scheduled time period. The proposed MASCSA is compared to other implemented cuckoo search algorithms, such as the conventional Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) and Snap-Drift Cuckoo Search Algorithm (SDCSA). Two large systems are used as study cases to test the real improvement of the proposed MASCSA over CSA and SDCSA. Among the two test systems, the wind-hydro-thermal system is a more complicated one, with two wind farms and four thermal power plants considering valve effects, and four hydropower plants scheduled in twenty-four one-hour intervals. The proposed MASCSA is more effective than CSA and SDCSA, since it can reach a higher success rate, better optimal solutions, and a faster convergence. The obtained results show that the proposed MASCSA is a very effective method for the hydrothermal system and wind-hydro-thermal systems

straightjacket is required for the synaptic stabilization of cacophony, a voltage-gated calcium channel α1 subunit

In a screen to identify genes involved in synaptic function, we isolated mutations in Drosophila melanogaster straightjacket (stj), an α2δ subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channel. stj mutant photoreceptors develop normal synaptic connections but display reduced “on–off” transients in electroretinogram recordings, indicating a failure to evoke postsynaptic responses and, thus, a defect in neurotransmission. stj is expressed in neurons but excluded from glia. Mutants exhibit endogenous seizure-like activity, indicating altered neuronal excitability. However, at the synaptic level, stj larval neuromuscular junctions exhibit approximately fourfold reduction in synaptic release compared with controls stemming from a reduced release probability at these synapses. These defects likely stem from destabilization of Cacophony (Cac), the primary presynaptic α1 subunit in D. melanogaster. Interestingly, neuronal overexpression of cac partially rescues the viability and physiological defects in stj mutants, indicating a role for the α2δ Ca2+ channel subunit in mediating the proper localization of an α1 subunit at synapses

Human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer: a new clinical entity

The incidence of oropharyngeal cancers is rising worldwide in both nonsmokers and nondrinkers. Epidemiology studies suggest a strong association between human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 infection, changing sexual behavior and cancer development. Despite initial presentation with locally advanced disease and poorly differentiated histology, HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma is associated with a good prognosis because its response to chemotherapy and radiation. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of oropharyngeal cancer in young people to avoid unnecessary delay in diagnosis and treatment. A history of oral sex should be elicited in young patients with enlarged neck nodes and/or tonsillar masse

The role of EGFR double minutes in modulating the response of malignant gliomas to radiotherapy.

EGFR amplification in cells having double minute chromosomes (DM) is commonly found in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM); however, how much it contributes to the current failure to treat GBM successfully is unknown. We studied two syngeneic primary cultures derived from a GBM with and without cells carrying DM, for their differential molecular and metabolic profiles, in vivo growth patterns, and responses to irradiation (IR). Each cell line has a distinct molecular profile consistent with an invasive "go" (with DM) or angiogenic "grow" phenotype (without DM) demonstrated in vitro and in intracranial xenograft models. Cells with DM were relatively radio-resistant and used higher glycolytic respiration and lower oxidative phosphorylation in comparison to cells without them. The DM-containing cell was able to restore tumor heterogeneity by mis-segregation of the DM-chromosomes, giving rise to cell subpopulations without them. As a response to IR, DM-containing cells switched their respiration from glycolic metabolism to oxidative phosphorylation and shifted molecular profiles towards that of cells without DM. Irradiated cells with DM showed the capacity to alter their extracellular microenvironment to not only promote invasiveness of the surrounding cells, regardless of DM status, but also to create a pro-angiogenic tumor microenvironment. IR of cells without DM was found primarily to increase extracellular MMP2 activity. Overall, our data suggest that the DM-containing cells of GBM are responsible for tumor recurrence due to their high invasiveness and radio-resistance and the mis-segregation of their DM chromosomes, to give rise to fast-growing cells lacking DM chromosomes

The perspective of psychology students on the areas of psychology

Perception is defined as the result of an awareness process about phenomena, things (living animals, plants, or humans), connections between objects by activities including noticing, observing, differentiating, and acknowledging. A recent study was conducted to investigate the undergraduate’s perception of areas of psychology. This research used the Vietnamese version of the Scale of Interests by Areas of Psychology (EIAPsi), including ten subscales to survey 252 psychology students (57 males and 195 females) from four universities in Vietnam. The findings showed significant effects of university and major on psychology undergraduate’s perception of areas of psychology. Students majoring in Counseling and Clinical Psychology had more general knowledge about the functions and roles of Clinical and Health Psychology and Neuropsychology than other undergraduates. Industrial and Organizational Psychology students had more general knowledge about Organizational Psychology than students in other majors

Supporting people with type 2 diabetes diabetes in effective use of their medicine through mobile health technology integrated with clinical care (SuMMiT-D pilot): results of a feasibility randomised trial

Background:The purpose of this 6-month intervention pilot feasibility randomised trial was to test sending brief messages using mobile phones to promote self-management through taking medication as prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. This was to inform the design and conduct of a future large-scale United Kingdom based clinical trial and establish feasibility of recruitment, the technology used, follow up, and data collection. Methods: A multicentre individually randomised, controlled parallel group trial in primary care, recruiting adults (≥35 years) with type 2 diabetes in England. Consenting participants were randomly allocated to receive short message system text-messages up to four times a week, or usual care, for a period of six months; messages contained behavioural change techniques targeting medication use. The primary outcome was the rate of recruitment to randomisation of participants to the trial with a planned rate of 22 participants randomised per month. The study also aimed to establish feasibility of follow up at 6-months, with an aim of retaining more than 80% of participants. Data, including patient reported measures, were collected at baseline and the end of the 6-month follow-up period, and a notes review was completed at 24 months. Results: The trial took place between 26 November 2018 and 30 September 2019. In total 209 participants were randomly allocated to intervention (n=103) or usual care (n=106). The maximum rate of monthly recruitment to the trial was 60-80 participants per month. In total, 12,734 messages were sent to participants. Of these messages, 47 were identified as having failed to be sent by the service provider. Participants sent 2,864 messages to the automated messaging system. Baseline data from medical records were available for >90% of participants with the exception of cholesterol (78.9%). At six months, a further HbA1c measurement was reported for 67% of participants. In total medical record data were available at six-months for 207 (99.0%) of participants and completed self-report data were available for 177 (84.7%) of participants. Conclusion: The feasibility of a large-scale randomised evaluation of brief message intervention for people with type 2 diabetes appears to be high using this efficient design. Failure rate of sending messages is low, rapid recruitment was achieved among people with type 2 diabetes, clinical data is available on participants from routine medical records and self-report of economic measures was acceptable

Design and simulation of automotive radar for autonomous vehicles

Modern automobile technology is pushing towards maximizing road safety, connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, etc. Automotive RADAR is core sensor technology used for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Technology), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking System), traffic assistance, parking aid, and obstacle/pedestrian detection. Despite being inexpensive, RADAR technology provides robust results in harsh conditions such as harsh weather, extreme temperature, darkness, etc. However, the performance of these systems depends on the position of the RADAR and its characteristics like frequency, beamwidth, and bandwidths. Moreover, the characterization of varied materials like layers of paint, polish, primer, or layer of rainwater needs to be analyzed. This performance can be predicted through real-time simulation using advanced FEM software like Altair FEKO&WinProp. These simulations can provide valuable insight into the performance of the system, allowing engineers to optimize the system for specific use cases. For example, simulation can be used to determine the optimal parameters of the RADAR system for a given application. This information can then be used to design and build a physical model or prototype that is optimized for the desired performance. These simulations play a prominent role in determining appropriate data collection and sensor fusion, which reduces the cost and time required for the development of a physical model or prototype. The continued growth and demand for advanced safety features in vehicles further highlight the importance of RADAR technology in modern automobile technology. By accurately characterizing the environment and simulating the system's behavior in real time, engineers can optimize RADAR systems for specific use cases, contributing to safer and more efficient driving experience