Multi-UAV Enabled Integrated Sensing and Wireless Powered Communication: A Robust Multi-Objective Approach

In this paper, we consider an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system with wireless power transfer (WPT) where multiple unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based radars serve multiple clusters of energy-limited communication users in addition to their sensing functionality. In this architecture, the radars sense the environment in phase 1 (namely sensing phase) and meanwhile, the communications users (nodes) harvest and store the energy from the radar transmit signals. The stored energy is then used for information transmission from the nodes to UAVs in phase 2, i.e., uplink phase. Performance of the radar systems depends on the transmit signals as well as the receive filters; the energy of the transmit signals also affects the communication network because it serves as the source of uplink powers. Therefore, we cast a multi-objective design problem addressing performance of both radar and communication systems via optimizing UAV trajectories, radar transmit waveforms, radar receive filters, time scheduling and uplink powers. The design problem is further formulated as a robust non-convex optimization problem taking into account the the user location uncertainty. Hence, we devise a method based on alternating optimization followed by concepts of fractional programming, S-procedure, and tricky majorization-minimization (MM) technique to tackle it. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for different scenarios

Upravljanje proizvodnom jedinicom spojenom na mrežu tijekom nesimetričnih napona na mreži temeljeno na kliznom režimu

The increasing presence of inverter-based distributed generation (DG) units in distribution networks (DNs) requires control methods that achieve high performance not only during normal operating conditions, but also under unbalanced conditions. With a high probability, a type of voltage unbalance in DNs is unequal three-phase voltage magnitudes at the fundamental system frequency. This can occur temporarily due to faults or permanently due to uneven distribution of unbalanced loads, on the three-phases of the DN. This paper proposes a sliding mode (SM) based controller for grid-connected DG units, under unbalanced grid voltage condition. The proposed control strategy employs a nonlinear control scheme to directly cancel out the negative-sequence (NS) components of DG output current under unbalanced voltage condition; and directly regulate the positive-sequence (PS) active and reactive power injected by DG units to main-grid. The control method proposed in this paper is shown to be robust and stable system parameter uncertainties. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified by using time-domain simulation studies, under the MATLAB/Simulink software environment.Povećanje udjela distribuiranih proizvodnih jedinica povezanih na mrežu frekvencijskim pretvaračima zahtjeva metode upravljanja koje dobro djeluju tijekom normalnih uvjeta na mreži kao i u nesimetričnim uvjetima. Najčešći tip nesimetričnog napona na distribuiranoj jedinici je nesimetrična amplituda trofaznog napona na fundamentalnoj frekvenciji. To se događa privremeno zbog kvarova ili trajno zbog nejednake distribucije nesimetričnih tereta na tri faze distribuirane proizvodne jedinice. U ovom radu predlaže se regulator temeljen na kliznom režimu za upravljanje proizvodnom jedinicom spojenom na mrežu tijekom nesimetričnih napona na mreži. Predložena strategija upravljanja koristi nelinearnu shemu upravljanja kako bi se izravno poništile inverzne komponente izlazne struje tijekom nesimetričnih uvjeta; i izravno upravlja direktnom komponentom radne i jalove snage isporučene u mrežu. Metoda upravljanja predložena u ovom radu pokazala se kao robusna i stabilna uz nesigurne parametre sustava. Opravdanost i učinkovitost predloženog regulatora provjerena je korištenjem simulacija u MATLAB/Simulinku

A statistical approach to estimates of geomorphological-morphotectonic diversity for evaluating the scientific value of geosites: a case study from the southeastern Lut desert, Iran

The present study aims to investigate the diversity index (dv-index) of morphotectonic and geomorphological landforms as one of the scientific value indices for evaluation of the geotouristic potential of the southeastern Lut desert using topographic statistical analysis. Scientific index scoring in most models is based on descriptive assessment by geotourists and experts. Statistical analysis of the dv-index in the present study helps experts to base their scoring on scientific methods. The dv-index is controlled by several items. In the present study, we analyse two of these, including the classification of topographic continuity pattern (TCP) and topographic slope position correlation (TSPC). For this purpose, a network of section lines is used to analyse slope continuity. The TSPC analysis is performed by using two parameters of absolute value and slope position. Results for these two evaluated items indicate a score of 1.46 (out of 2) for the dv-index. Given a rating of 5, the score obtained for the two items is a high one. Therefore, an initial estimate of the dv-index indicates a significant scientific value of the study area

Evaluation of polyethylene microplastic bio-accumulation in hepatopancreas, intestine and hemolymph of freshwater crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus

Microplastics (MPs) are one of the biggest environmental problems threatening aquatic life. The accumulation of MPs in the body of aquatic animals can play a role in transferring these pollutants into the food chain. These pollutants can significantly affect the physiology of aquatic animals. In this study, the bioaccumulation capability of MPs in the body of freshwater crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus has been evaluated. For this purpose, crayfish were exposed to 0, 500, and 1000 µg L-1 of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) for 28 days. Then, the accumulation of MPs in hemolymph, hepatopancreas, and intestine of crabs was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Bioaccumulation of PE-MPs in the hemolymph, hepatopancreas, and intestines was observed in the crayfish exposed to PE-MPs. This study showed that FTIR is a suitable method for identifying and measuring MPs in aquatic organisms

Design of QCA Full Adders without wire crossing

In the scale of nanometer, Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a new technology, which utilizes the QCA cells in order to design and implement logical circuits. QCA makes it possible for us to design in Nano scale. Furthermore, in comparison to CMOS technology, it has highly low consumption power. Thus, in the future, QCA technology will be a powerful rival for VLSI. This paper presents two new and optimized QCA designs for Full adder. In comparison to the previous designs, all of the QCA Full adders presented in this paper are relatively optimized. In addition, they are implemented without any wire crossing. In order to test the proposed QCA Layouts and also display the results of the simulations, QCADesigner software is used

Epidemiology of Guillain-BarréSyndrome in Iranian Children Aged 0-15 Years (2008-2013)

Abstract Objective: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy characterized by a rapid progressive symmetric weakness. This is the most common cause of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) in most parts of the world. This study was carried out to investigate the epidemiological features of GBS in Iranian children. Materials & Methods: Data were extracted using the AFP surveillance system: a National screening program to detect all cases of AFP aged 0-15 years, around the country. National Population Statistics data and AFP demographic data during 2008-2013 intervals was obtained from the relevant authorities in ministry of health. GBS cases were then extracted from this data base. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: 1884 cases of GBS were identified in years of study and average annual incidence rate was 1.72 per 100,000 populations. The highest incidence rate was in the range of 0-5 years. There was no statistically significant relation between the incidence of GBS and the season in the whole country. Conclusion: High costs of GBS treatment, morbidity and occasional mortality and the number of new cases which is estimated to be about 300 people per year, need particular attention of health system

An evaluation of the effect of pulsed wave low-level laser therapy on the biomechanical properties of the vertebral body in two experimental osteoporosis rat models.

Osteoporosis (OP) increases vertebral fragility as a result of the biomechanical effects of diminished bone structure and composition. This study has aimed to assess the effects of pulsed wave low-level laser therapy (PW LLLT) on cancellous bone strength of an ovariectomized (OVX-d) experimental rat model and a glucocorticoid-induced OP (GIOP) experimental rat model. There were four OVX-d groups and four dexamethasone-treated groups. A group of healthy rats was used for baseline evaluations. The OVX-d rats were further subdivided into the following groups: control rats with OP, OVX-d rats that received alendronate, OVX-d rats treated with PW LLLT, and OVX-d rats treated with alendronate and PW LLLT. The remaining rats received dexamethasone and were divided into four groups: control, alendronate-treated rats, laser-treated rats, and laser-treated rats with concomitant administration of alendronate. PW LLLT (890 nm, 80 Hz, 0.972 J/cm(2)) was performed on the spinal processes of the T12, L1, L2, and L3 vertebras. We extracted the L1 vertebrae and submitted them to a mechanical compression test. Biomechanical test findings showed positive effects of the PW LLLT and alendronate administration on increasing bending stiffness and maximum force of the osteoporotic bones compared to the healthy group. However, laser treatment of OVA-d rats significantly increased stress high load compared to OVA-d control rats. PW LLLT preserved the cancellous (trabecular) bone of vertebra against the detrimental effects of OV-induced OP on bone strength in rats compared to control OV rats

ハチスカケ カシンダン セイリツショ ノ メノト ロウジョ カンケイ シリョウ ニツイテ

Osteoporosis is determined by decreased bone strength that increases the threat of fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and alendronate (ALN), on the stereological parameters, and gene expression in callus of fracture in an experimental rat model of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis (OVX). The OVX was induced in 90 female rats. Fourteen weeks later, a complete fracture on the right femur was made. Rats were divided into five groups: 1) control: no treatment; 2) sham: received daily distilled water; 3) daily 3.00 mg kg-1 ALN subcutaneously (SC); 4) daily 200 mg kg-1 PTX (SC) and 5) daily PTX (SC) + ALN (same doses). The osteoclast count was significantly lower in all treatment groups, at 21 and 56 days post-surgery, compared to the control and sham groups. The PTX significantly increased total callus volume at 21 and 56 days post-surgery, compared to the other groups. The PTX+ALN treatment significantly increased both cortical bone volume on day 21, and osteocyte and osteoblast numbers on day 56, compared to the control and sham groups. It can be concluded that PTX and ALN have antiresorptive effects, in OVX rats. Also, PTX has increased the extracellular matrix on both 21 and 56 days after surgery, compared to the other groups. PTX+ALN elevated cortical bone volume on day 21, and osteocyte and osteoblast numbers compared to the control and sham groups on day 56. Keywords Fracture healing Osteoporosis Ovariectomy Real time PCR Stereolog

Antitumor effects of a recombinant baculovirus displaying anti-HER2 scFv expressing Apoptin in HER2 positive SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells

Aim: Since HER2 targeted therapies have shown clinical benefit in breast cancer, in the present study recombinant baculovirus (BV) displaying anti-HER2 single-chain variable domain fragment (scFv) expressing Apoptin was generated. Methods: The binding specificity and surface display of anti-HER2 scFv were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent andassay (ELISA) and electron microscopy, respectively. The targeting properties and cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells determined by fluorescence microscopy and MTT assays. Results: The results demonstrated that recombinant BV could specifically bind to HER2-overexpressing SK-BR-3 cells but not to the HER2 negative MCF-7 cells and reduced the viability of SK-BR-3 cells by expressing Apoptin. Conclusion: These results suggest that the antitumor effect of Apoptin in combination with HER2 targeting of this recombinant BV makes it a promising vector in targeted cancer therap