Development of a laboratory model of SSSC using RTAI on Linux platform

This paper presents the implementation of Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) controller on Real Time Application Interface (RTAI) for Linux Operating System (OS). RTAI provides real-time capability to Linux General Purpose Operating System (GPOS) over and above the capabilities of non real-time Linux environment, e.g. access to TCP/IP, graphical display and windowing systems, file and database systems. Both Type II controllers, DC voltage and current scheduling controllers, are implemented in RTAI. To create a user friendly environment, Graphical User Interface (GUI) is developed in Linux OS in user space (non real-time) using a software available from Quasar Technologies (Qt). The controller is tested on a small scale laboratory model of a Voltage Source Converter (VSC) connected in series with a transmission line. The real time controller performs well in both inductive and capacitive regions

Heart failure report

Despite advancements in diagnosis and pharmacotherapy, heart failure (HF) remains as a major health problem. The prevalence in the general population is estimated to range from 0.3% to 2.0%, increases considerably with age, and approximately doubles with every additional decade of life. In the last two decades, hospital admission rates for HF have increased steadily. The prevalence of HF can be estimated at 1–2% in the Western world and the incidence approaches 5–10/1000 persons/year. Estimates of the occurrence of HF in the developing world are largely absent. In a recent US population-based study, the prevalence of HF was 2.2% (95 confidence interval 1.6–2.8%), increasing from 0.7% in persons aged 45 through 54 years to 8.4% for those aged 75 years or older. In this article, we look at the major papers published in HF in the past 1 year

Global dynamics and parameter identifiability in a predator-prey interaction model

This paper discusses a predator-prey model with prey refuge. We investigate the role of prey refuge on the existence and stability of the positive equilibrium. The global asymptotic stability of positive interior equilibrium solution is established using suitable Lyapunov functional, which shows that the prey refuge has no influence on the permanence property of the system. Mathematically, we analyze the effect of increase or decrease of prey reserve on the equilibrium states of prey and predator species. To access the usability of proposed predator-prey model in practical scenarios, we also suggest, the use of Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) method for associated parameter estimation problem. Numerical results demonstrate faithful reconstruction of system dynamics by estimated parameter by LM method. The analytical results found in this paper are illustrated with the help of suitable numerical example

Split-hand/foot malformation type 1 with sensorineural hearing loss (SHFM1D): A case report

Split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM), also known as ectrodactyly is a rare genetic condition characterized by malformation of the limbs with median clefts of the hands and feet and aplasia/hypoplasia of the phalanges, metacarpals, and metatarsals. It has a prevalence of 1:10,000-1:90,000 worldwide. It can occur as an isolated malformation or in combination with other anomalies, such as tibial aplasia, craniofacial defects, genitourinary abnormalities, and deafness. SHFM is a rare congenital anomaly. When present as an isolated anomaly, it is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant form. We report a rare case of SHFM with sensorineural hearing loss

Poland syndrome

Poland′s syndrome is a rare congenital condition, characterized by the absence of the sternal or breastbone portion of the pectoralis major muscle, which may be associated with the absence of nearby musculoskeletal structures. We hereby report an 8-year-old boy with typical features of Poland syndrome, the first documented case from Uttar Pradesh, India

Sirt1 and Sirt3 Activation Improved Cardiac Function of Diabetic Rats via Modulation of Mitochondrial Function

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Sirt1, Sirt3 and combined activation in high fructose diet-induced insulin resistance rat heart and assessed the cardiac function focusing on mitochondrial health and function. We administered the Sirt1 activator; SRT1720 (5 mg/kg, i.p.), Sirt3 activator; Oroxylin-A (10 mg/kg i.p.) and the combination; SRT1720 + Oroxylin-A (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg i.p.) daily from 12th week to 20th weeks of study. We observed significant perturbations of most of the cardiac structural and functional parameters in high fructose diet-fed animals. Administration of SRT1720 and Oroxylin-A improved perturbed cardiac structural and functional parameters by decreasing insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and improving mitochondrial function by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, OXPHOS expression and activity in high fructose diet-induced insulin-resistant rats. However, we could not observe the synergistic effect of SRT1720 and Oroxylin-A combination. Similar to in-vivo study, perturbed mitochondrial function and oxidative stress observed in insulin-resistant H9c2 cells were improved after activation of Sirt1 and Sirt3. We observed that Sirt1 activation enhances Sirt3 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis, and the opposite effects were observed after Sirt1 inhibition in cardiomyoblast cells. Taken together our results conclude that activation of Sirt1 alone could be a potential therapeutic target for diabetes-associated cardiovascular complications

Sirt1 and Sirt3 Activation Improved Cardiac Function of Diabetic Rats via Modulation of Mitochondrial Function

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Sirt1, Sirt3 and combined activation in high fructose diet-induced insulin resistance rat heart and assessed the cardiac function focusing on mitochondrial health and function. We administered the Sirt1 activator; SRT1720 (5 mg/kg, i.p.), Sirt3 activator; Oroxylin-A (10 mg/kg i.p.) and the combination; SRT1720 + Oroxylin-A (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg i.p.) daily from 12th week to 20th weeks of study. We observed significant perturbations of most of the cardiac structural and functional parameters in high fructose diet-fed animals. Administration of SRT1720 and Oroxylin-A improved perturbed cardiac structural and functional parameters by decreasing insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and improving mitochondrial function by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, OXPHOS expression and activity in high fructose diet-induced insulin-resistant rats. However, we could not observe the synergistic effect of SRT1720 and Oroxylin-A combination. Similar to in-vivo study, perturbed mitochondrial function and oxidative stress observed in insulin-resistant H9c2 cells were improved after activation of Sirt1 and Sirt3. We observed that Sirt1 activation enhances Sirt3 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis, and the opposite effects were observed after Sirt1 inhibition in cardiomyoblast cells. Taken together our results conclude that activation of Sirt1 alone could be a potential therapeutic target for diabetes-associated cardiovascular complications

Collaborative Reinforcement Learning of Energy Contracts Negotiation Strategies

This paper presents the application of collaborative reinforcement learning models to enable the distributed learning of energy contracts negotiation strategies. The learning model combines the learning process on the best negotiation strategies to apply against each opponent, in each context, from multiple learning sources. The diverse learning sources are the learning processes of several agents, which learn the same problem under different perspectives. By combining the different independent learning processes, it is possible to gather the diverse knowledge and reach a final decision on the most suitable negotiation strategy to be applied. The reinforcement learning process is based on the application of the Q-Learning algorithm; and the continuous combination of the different learning results applies and compares several collaborative learning algorithms, namely BEST-Q, Average (AVE)-Q; Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-Q, and Weighted Strategy Sharing (WSS)-Q. Results show that the collaborative learning process enables players’ to correctly identify the negotiation strategy to apply in each moment, context and against each opponent.This work has been developed under the MAS-SOCIETY project - PTDC/EEI-EEE/28954/2017 and has received funding from UID/EEA/00760/2019, funded by FEDER Funds through COMPETE and by National Funds through FCT.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Oxygen releasing and antioxidant breathing cardiac patch delivering exosomes promotes heart repair after myocardial infarction

Constant oxygen supply is inevitable for cardiac tissue function and survival. Myocardial infarction (MI) leaves heart tissue in a state of oxygen deficiency, causing oxidative stress and irreversible death of cardiomyocytes. Although vital in treating MI, restoration of oxygen supply and attenuation of oxidative stress has not been successfully utilized as a therapeutic strategy. Herein, we developed and evaluated an oxygen releasing antioxidant nanofibrous bi-layered cardiac patch (PUAO-CPO-Collagen) supplemented with adipose derived stem cell exosomes (ADSC-EXO) to promote heart repair. Antioxidant polyurethane was synthesised and calcium peroxide (CPO) was incorporated as an oxygen releasing material. The bilayered cardiac patch consists of an oxygen releasing antioxidant polyurethane, electrospun over a porous collagen scaffold and supplemented with adipose derived stem cell exosomes. The patch demonstrated sustained release of oxygen and exosomes. Under in-vitro conditions, bilayered patch and ADSC exosomes illustrated proliferative, pro-angiogenic and pro-survival effect. In an in-vivo rat MI model, the bi-layered patch demonstrated enhanced cardiac function, reduced scar formation, significantly attenuating adverse cardiac remodelling through improved angiogenesis and decreased oxidative stress. Our study demonstrated an innovative and promising cell free biomaterial approach for delivering oxygen, promoting angiogenesis, and attenuating oxidative stress for enhanced heart regeneration after myocardial infarction