Intelligent Learning Algorithms for Active Vibration Control

YesThis correspondence presents an investigation into the comparative performance of an active vibration control (AVC) system using a number of intelligent learning algorithms. Recursive least square (RLS), evolutionary genetic algorithms (GAs), general regression neural network (GRNN), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) algorithms are proposed to develop the mechanisms of an AVC system. The controller is designed on the basis of optimal vibration suppression using a plant model. A simulation platform of a flexible beam system in transverse vibration using a finite difference method is considered to demonstrate the capabilities of the AVC system using RLS, GAs, GRNN, and ANFIS. The simulation model of the AVC system is implemented, tested, and its performance is assessed for the system identification models using the proposed algorithms. Finally, a comparative performance of the algorithms in implementing the model of the AVC system is presented and discussed through a set of experiments

Automatic Face and Hijab Segmentation Using Convolutional Network

Taking pictures and Selfies are now very common and frequent between people. People are also interested in enhancing pictures using different image processing techniques and sharing them on social media. Accurate image segmentation plays an important role in portrait editing, face beautification, human identification, hairstyle identification, airport Surveillance system and many other computer vision problems. One specific functionality of interest is automatic face and veil segmentation as this allows processing each separately. Manual segmentation can be difficult and annoying especially on smartphones small screen. In this paper, the proposed model uses fully convolutional network (FCN) to make semantic segmentation into skin, veil and background. The proposed model achieved an outperforming result on the dataset which consists of 250 images with global accuracy 92% and mean accuracy 92.69

Hepcidin and iron status in chronic kidney disease

Hepcidin is a critical inhibitor of iron export frommacrophages, enterocytes, and hepatocytes. Given that itis filtered and degraded by the kidney, its elevated levelsin renal failure have been suggested to play a role in thedisordered iron metabolism of uremia. It is a smalldefensin-like peptide whose production by hepatocytes ismodulated in response to anemia, hypoxia, orinflammation. Hepcidin could also act as an indicator offunctional iron deficiency (FID) in chronic kidneydisease (CKD) patients. This study was performed toassess hepcidin and its correlations with renal function,iron status parameters {serum iron, serum ferritin,transferrin saturation (TSAT) and soluble transferrinreceptor (sTfR)}, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6&IFN-?)and inflammatory markers (CRP) in patients with CKDeither on conservative treatment or on maintenancehemodialysis (HD). Serum prohepcidin was higher inHD patients compared to controls and CKD patients. Inthe whole patient group, serum hepcidin correlatedsignificantly with hemoglobin (Hb), IL-6, creatinine,CRP, sTfR and urinary hepcidin. In HD groupprohepcidin correlated significantly with creatinine.Multiple regression analysis showed that prohepcidinwas most predicted by serum creatinine and CRP.Elevated prohepcidin levels in HD patients studied couldmainly be due to its accumulation in impaired renalfunction in addition to low-grade inflammation,frequently encountered in this population

The role of three different contrast-enhanced, abbreviated MRI protocols as a screening tool of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Purpose: Our study aims to assess the role and diagnostic performance of 3 different contrast-enhanced, abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols as a screening tool of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Material and methods: Our retrospective study included 80 patients who were screened for HCC: 47 patients revealed 138 focal hepatic lesions. MRI examinations were performed including full CE-MRI protocols. The MRI was done on a 1.5 T machine. Then 3 different abbreviated contrast-enhanced MRI protocols were analysed separately. The standard dynamic contrast MRI and abbreviated protocols were evaluated following the LI-RADS 2018 lexicon diagnostic features. Results: A considerable overall kappa (k) agreement between the abbreviated 1, 2, and 3 protocols on LI-RADS classification was noted with k = 0.865. There was almost perfect agreement between all abbreviated protocols and full standard protocol on LI-RADS classification, with k = 0.890. As regards the k agreement on LI-RADS classification, there was a considerable highest agreement between the abbreviated 1 protocol and the full standard protocol, with k = 0.980. The abbreviated 1 and 2 protocols showed high diagnostic performance on LI-RADS classification of lesions, with 100% sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy, while the abbreviated 3 protocol showed a lesser but comparable sensitivity 96.9%, NPV 99.4, and accuracy 99.4%. Conclusions: Abbreviated contrast-enhanced MRI protocols can be used as a screening tool for the detection of HCC, with high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy close to the full protocol. There was a considerable highest agreement between the abbreviated 1 protocol and the full standard protocol. Subsequently, this protocol can be used as a standard protocol for screening high-risk patients

Real-time system identification using intelligent algorithms

This research presents an investigation into the development of real time system identification using intelligent algorithms. A simulation platform of a flexible beam vibration using finite difference (FD) method is used to demonstrate the real time capabilities of the identification algorithms. A number of approaches and algorithms for on line system identifications are explored and evaluated to demonstrate the merits of the algorithms for real time implementation. These approaches include identification using (a) traditional recursive least square (RLS) filter, (b) Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and (c) adaptive Neuro_Fuzzy (ANFIS) model. The above algorithms are used to estimate a linear discrete second order model for the flexible beam vibration. The model is implemented, tested and validated to evaluate and demonstrate the merits of the algorithms for real time system identification. Finally, a comparative performance of error convergence and real time computational complexity of the algorithms is presented and discussed through a set of experiments

Wound Healing Activity of Brown Algae plus Polyherbal Extract in Normal and Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

The aim of the present study was to assess the wound healing efficacy of the experimental medicinal extract mixture (EMEM) composed of brown algae, Cystoseira trinodis, plus three medicinal plants (garlic, liquorice and ginger). The extract was applied on induced excised wounds in rats, either healthy or induced hyperglycemia by alloxan. Healing activity was evaluated for up to 21 days after wounding in terms of decrease in surface area of wound, percentage of wound closure and tissue regeneration using digital planimetry analysis and histopathological examination. The study revealed that topical application of the extract improved and enhanced the healing process in diabetic rat model when compared with diabetic non-treated rats. The extract promoted wound contraction, reduced the wound closure time and induced proliferation of fibroblast as well as angiogenesis and re-epithelialization

Stellar Image Interpretation System using Artificial Neural Networks: Unipolar Function Case

An artificial neural network based system for interpreting astronomical images has been developed. The system is based on feed-forward Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) with error back-propagation learning. Knowledge about images of stars, cosmic ray events and noise found in images is used to prepare two sets of input patterns to train and test our approach. The system has been developed and implemented to scan astronomical digital images in order to segregate stellar images from other entities. It has been coded in C language for users of personal computers. An astronomical image of a star cluster from other objects is undertaken as a test case. The obtained results are found to be in very good agreement with those derived from the DAOPHOTII package, which is widely used in the astronomical community. It is proved that our system is simpler, much faster and more reliable. Moreover, no prior knowledge, or initial data from the frame to be analysed is required

Assessment of natural radionuclides and heavy metal concentrations in marine sediments in view of tourism activities in Hurghada city, northern Red Sea, Egypt

The specific activity of 40K, 232Th and 226Ra in marine sediment samples collected from National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) and Safier Hotel area in Hurghada city (the most important regions in Egypt), were measured by gamma ray spectrometry using NaI(Tl) detector. The values of specific activity varied from 7 ± 1 Bq kg-1 to 53 ± 4 Bq kg-1, 6 ± 1 Bq kg-1 to 32 ± 6 Bq kg-1, and from 167 ± 11 Bq kg-1 to 1120 ± 63 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The heavy metals have been measured and analysed by atomic absorption spectrometer. The major range values of heavy metals concentrations in marine sediment samples were: Cu (10.5-78.0 μg g-1), Zn (21-150 μg g-1), Pb (30-53 μg g-1), Cd (2.50-4.00 μg g-1), Fe (5100-13150 μg g-1), Mn (118-298 μg g-1), Ni (17-36 μg g-1) and Co (16-18 μg g-1). The total organic matter (TOC) and carbonates (CaCo3) distribution have been measured at some locations. Also, the frequency distribution and the value of (232Th/226Ra), (232Th/40K) and (226Ra/40K) ratio for all measured samples were determined. Additionally, evaluations have been made of the radiological hazards and the results are diagrammed by Surfer program in maps. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2019

Brucella abortus invasion of osteocytes modulates connexin 43 and integrin expression and induces osteoclastogenesis via receptor activator of NF-κB ligand and tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion

Osteoarticular brucellosis is the most common localization of human active disease. Osteocytes are the most abundant cells of bone. They secrete factors that regulate the differentiation of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts during bone remodeling. The aim of this study is to determine if Brucella abortus infection modifies osteocyte function. Our results indicate that B. abortus infection induced matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), receptor activator for NF-κB ligand (RANKL), proinflammatory cytokines, and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) secretion by osteocytes. In addition, supernatants from B. abortus-infected osteocytes induced bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMM) to undergo osteoclastogenesis. Using neutralizing antibodies against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or osteoprotegerin (OPG), RANKL's decoy receptor, we determined that TNF-α and RANKL are involved in osteoclastogenesis induced by supernatants from B. abortus-infected osteocytes. Connexin 43 (Cx43) and the integrins E11/gp38, integrin-α, integrin-β, and CD44 are involved in cell-cell interactions necessary for osteocyte survival. B. abortus infection inhibited the expression of Cx43 but did not modify the expression of integrins. Yet the expression of both Cx43 and integrins was inhibited by supernatants from B. abortus-infected macrophages. B. abortus infection was not capable of inducing osteocyte apoptosis. However, supernatants from B. abortus-infected macrophages induced osteocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our results indicate that B. abortus infection could alter osteocyte function, contributing to bone damage.Fil: Pesce Viglietti, Ayelén Ivana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Arriola Benitez, Paula Constanza. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Gentilini, Maria Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Velasquez, Lis Noelia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Fossati, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Giambartolomei, Guillermo Hernan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Delpino, María Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; Argentin

Some New Exact Solutions of Jacobian Elliptic Functions in Nonlinear Physics Problem

Abstract:An extended mapping method with symbolic computation is developed to obtain some new periodic wave solutions in terms of Jacobin elliptic function for nonlinear elastic rod equation arising in physics.As a result,many exact travelling wave solutions are obtained which include Jacobian elliptic functions solutions,combined Jacobian elliptic functions solutions and triangular function solutions.Solutions in the limiting cases have also been studied.It is shown that the mapping method provides a very effective and powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear evolution equations in physics