Skeleton-aware size variations in digital mannequins

The general trend in character modeling is toward the personalization of models with higher levels of visual realism. This becomes possible with the development of commodity computation resources that are capable of processing massive data in parallel across multiple processors. On the other hand, there is always a trade-off between the quantity of the model features that are simulated and the plausibility of the visual realism because of the limited computation resources. Also, to keep the resources' to be used efficiently within the other modeling approaches such as skin reflectance, aging, animation, etc., one must consider the efficiency of the method being used in the simulation. In this paper, we present an efficient method to customize the size of a human body model to personalize it with industry standard parameters. One of the major contributions of this method is that it is possible to generate a range of different size body models by using anthropometry surveys. This process is not limited by data-driven mesh deformation but also adapts the skeleton and motion to keep the consistency between different body layer

Performance analysis of real-time PSO tuned PI controller for regulating voltage and frequency in an AC microgrid

In this study, a control strategy based on the self-tuning method and synchronous reference frame (SRF) with PI regulator is proposed to achieve optimum quality of power in an autonomous micro grid (MG). The MGS is based on multiple distributed generation (DG) connected with 120 kV power grid. The proposed system is first simulated with fixed gain values for PI controller which are not optimal for sudden changes in the system i.e. transition of MG to islanding mode, load variations. So, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been utilized for tuning of PI controller parameters which ensure flexible performance and superior quality of power. The principal parameters considered in this study are, regulation of voltage and frequency, steady-state and dynamic response and harmonic distortion, mainly when microgrid is islanded. The performance of PI and PI-PSO is compared in this study by simulating AC microgrid in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Summarized results of the system are provided to authenticate viability of proposed arrangement. The proposed controller performs intelligently while regulating voltage and frequency of the MGS and utility system.

Synthesis and antimicrobial screening of tetra Schiff bases of 1,2,4,5-tetra (5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-yl)benzene

AbstractIn the present study, novel tetra Schiff bases were synthesized by condensation of 1,2,4,5-tetra (5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-yl)benzene with different aromatic aldehydes. The chemical structures were confirmed by means of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. All compounds were screened for antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-9144, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC-155, Micrococcus luteus ATCC-4698, Bacillus cereus ATCC-11778, Escherichia coli ATCC-25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-2853) and antifungal (Aspergillus niger ATCC-9029 and Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC-46645) activities by paper disc diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the compounds were also determined by agar streak dilution method. Among the synthesized compounds 1,2,4,5-tetra[5-(4-nitrobenzylideneamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-yl]benzene 7 was found to be the most potent antimicrobial activity with MICs of 3.4, 2.1, 1.2, 2.0, 3.1, 2.4, 1.1, and 1.7μg/mL against the above mentioned respective strains

Development of a validated HPLC method for determination of an active component in Pycnocycla spinosa and tablets prepared from its extract

Introduction: Pycnocycla spinosa, a native plant of Iran with approved antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activities, could be a suitable candidate and an alternative remedy for the treatment of diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, the aim of this study is formulation of an acceptable dosage form and development of a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for analysis of active ingredients in its extract and pharmaceutical forms.Methods: Different formulations of P. spinosa tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time and drug assay. HPLC was carried out based on the extract active ingredient: 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hexanoic acid (HMPHA) determination in P. spinosa extract and tablets.Results: The mean weight, friability, hardness, and disintegration time of selected formulation (tablet 5 mg) were 217.26 mg, 0.69, 53.6 N and 95.8 seconds, respectively. Similar acceptable results were also found for 10 mg tablets. The assay test showed that the content of HMPHA in each 5 mg and 10 mg tablets were 1.64 μg and 3.59 μg, respectively. The HPLC method showed a good linearity and suitability in its working range: 4.5 to 15 μg/mL.Conclusion: The data showed that the selected formulation of P. spinosa tablets has acceptable physicochemical features

Transformational Practices of Academic Leaders in Universities: Suggestions for Improvement

The study aimed to identify the transformational practices of academic leaders in Jordanian universities: proposals for improvement. The qualitative approach was adopted, and interviews were conducted with (30) faculty members from Jordanian universities. The results of these interviews showed that the faculty members presented five proposals to improve the transformational practices of academic leaders. It included: Jordanian universities’ efforts to develop digital infrastructure and activate it within their centers and administrative and organizational structures, and universities’ efforts to provide modern electronic and technical platforms that suit the requirements of workers and suit their current technical skills, and Jordanian universities’ efforts to encourage workers to accept the change taking place in university work environments. It is adopted in all practices without exception, directs universities to increase financial allocations concerned with digital transformation in all its forms, and universities adopt mechanisms that develop the technical skills of workers in Jordanian universities. The study recommended activating and enhancing transformative practices among academic leaders in universities

The relationship between vitamin D level and severity and control of bronchial asthma among adult Sudanese patients

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between vitamin D level and severity and control of bronchial asthma among adult Sudanese patients at Alshaab Teaching Hospital.Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study, conducted at Alshaab Teaching Hospital, Khartoum Sudan in the period from June to August 2015. Eighty-six asthmatic patients participated in the study after taking their consent. Demographic data were collected using structured questionnaire, the clinical parameters of asthma severity and control were measured according to the criteria of Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention 2014 of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Airway limitation was assessed using Peak Flow Meter. Three ml of blood was taken from each patient to measure vitamin D (25(OH)D) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.Results: Normal serum 25(OH)D (30-50ng/ml) was found in only 2.3% of patients. The mean serum 25(OH)D level in patients with controlled asthma was 25.82±17.27ng/ml while in patients with uncontrolled asthma it was16.48±7.14ng/ml. (P value = 0.005). The mean serum 25(OH)D level in patients with severe asthma was 16.15±6.9ng/ml (P value = 0.151).Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between vitamin D level and bronchial asthma control and a negative correlation with bronchial asthma severity among the study group

Elevated Incidences of Antimicrobial Resistance and Multidrug Resistance In the Maumee River (Ohio, USA), a Major Tributary of Lake Erie

Maumee River, the major tributary in the western basin of Lake Erie, serves as one of major sources of freshwater in the area, supplying potable, recreational, and industrial water. In this study we collected water samples from four sites in the Maumee River Bay between 2016–2017 and E. coli was isolated, enumerated, and analyzed for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multidrug resistance (MDR). Strikingly, 95% of the total isolates were found to be resistant to at least one antibiotic. A very high resistance to the drugs cephalothin (95.3%), ampicillin (38.3%), tetracycline (8.8%), gentamicin (8.2%), ciprofloxacin (4.2%), cefoperazone (4%), and sulfamethoxazole (1.5%) was observed within isolates from all four sampling sites. Percentages of AMR and MDR was consistently very high in the summer and fall months, whereas it was observed to be lowest in the winter. A remarkably high number of the isolates were detected to be MDR—95% resistant to ≥1 antibiotic, 43% resistant to ≥2 antibiotics, 15% resistant to ≥3 antibiotics, 4.9% resistant to ≥4 antibiotic and 1.2% resistant to ≥5 antibiotics. This data will serve in better understanding the environmental occurrence and dissemination of AMR/MDR in the area and assist in improving and establishing control measures

Cuscuta Chinensis potentiate the effect of methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Induced Rats.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic destructive inflammatory disease related to a breakdown in immune tolerance. This disease is characterized by joint inflammation, swelling, and in severe cases deformation may occur. Cuscuta Chinensis (C. Chinensis) is a parasitic plant, grow around other plants to absorb nutrient and water from them. C. Chinensis has a wide range of chemicals that produce a wide range of pharmacological activates. Because of its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, it was considered as a good candidate to assess its role in RA. Methods: Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant inside the foot-pad of male albino rats. The animals were grouped in four groups as follows group 1 considered as a normal control group, group 2 consider as positive control arthritis, group 3 treated with methotrexate (MTX), group 4 treated with MTX and C. Chinensis extract. On day 14 of immunization, treatments began and last for 21 days, at the end of the experiment all animals were sacrificed and serum was collected. The serum markers that had been evaluated were MMP3, VEGF, and SOD. Throughout the experiment time the body weight was evaluated. Results The combination significantly (P-value ≤ 0.05) improves objective parameter of RA which was the body weight. Also significantly decrease (P-value ≤ 0.05) the serum level of MMP3, VEGF, and considerably increase serum SOD. Conclusion: The combination has a significant beneficial role in suppression of destructive enzyme (MMP3), angiogenic stimulators (VEGF), and increase serum SOD enzyme