74 research outputs found
A Memtic genetic algorithm for a redundancy allocation problem
In general redundancy allocation problems the redundancy strategy for each subsystem is predetermined. Tavakkoli- Moghaddam presented a series-parallel redundancy allocation problem with mixing components (RAPMC) in which the redundancy strategy can be chosen for individual subsystems. In this paper, we present a bi-objective redundancy allocation when the redundancy strategies for subsystems are considered as a variable of the problem. As the problem belongs to the NP-hard class problems, we will present a new approach for the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGAII) and Memtic algorithm (MA) with each one to solve the multi-objective model
Constructing binary neutron star initial data with high spins, high compactnesses, and high mass ratios
The construction of accurate and consistent initial data for various binary parameters is a critical ingredient for numerical relativity simulations of the compact binary coalescence. In this article, we present an upgrade of the pseudospectral SGRID code, which enables us to access even larger regions of the binary neutron star parameter space. As a proof of principle, we present a selected set of first simulations based on initial configurations computed with the new code version. In particular, we simulate two millisecond pulsars close to their breakup spin, highly compact neutron stars with masses at about of the maximum supported mass of the employed equation of state, and an unequal mass systems with mass ratios even outside the range predicted by population synthesis models (). The discussed code extension will help us to simulate previously unexplored binary configurations. This is a necessary step to construct and test new gravitational wave approximants and to interpret upcoming binary neutron star merger observations. When we construct initial data, one has to specify various parameters, such as a rotation parameter for each star. Some of these parameters do not have direct physical meaning, which makes comparisons with other methods or models difficult. To facilitate this, we introduce simple estimates for the initial spin, momentum, mass, and center of mass of each individual star
High-accuracy simulations of highly spinning binary neutron star systems
With an increasing number of expected gravitational-wave detections of binary neutron star mergers, it is essential that gravitational-wave models employed for the analysis of observational data are able to describe generic compact binary systems. This includes systems in which the individual neutron stars are millisecond pulsars for which spin effects become essential. In this work, we perform numerical-relativity simulations of binary neutron stars with aligned and anti-aligned spins within a range of dimensionless spins of . The simulations are performed with multiple resolutions, show a clear convergence order and, consequently, can be used to test existing waveform approximants. We find that for very high spins gravitational-wave models that have been employed for the interpretation of GW170817 and GW190425 are not capable of describing our numerical-relativity dataset. We verify through a full parameter estimation study in which clear biases in the estimate of the tidal deformability and effective spin are present. We hope that in preparation of the next gravitational-wave observing run of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors our new set of numerical-relativity data can be used to support future developments of new gravitational-wave models
Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of 15 days of betaine supplementation on muscle endurance, power performance and rate of fatigue in active college-aged men.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-four male subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group (BET; 20.4 ± 1.3 years; height: 176.8 ± 6.6 cm; body mass: 77.8 ± 13.4 kg) consumed the supplement daily, and the second group (PL; 21.4 ± 4.7 years; height: 181.3 ± 5.9 cm; body mass: 83.3 ± 5.2 kg) consumed a placebo. Subjects were tested prior to the onset of supplementation (T1) and 7 (T2) and 14 days (T3) following supplementation. Each testing period occurred over a 2-day period. During day one of testing subjects performed a vertical jump power (VJP) and a bench press throw (BPT) power test. In addition, subjects were required to perform as many repetitions as possible with 75% of their 1-RM in both the squat and bench press exercises. Both peak and mean power was assessed on each repetition. On day two of testing subjects performed two 30-sec Wingate anaerobic power tests (WAnT), each test separated by a 5-min active rest.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No differences were seen at T2 or T3 in the repetitions performed to exhaustion or in the number of repetitions performed at 90% of both peak and mean power between the groups in the bench press exercise. The number of repetitions performed in the squat exercise for BET was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that seen for PL at T2. The number of repetitions performed at 90% or greater of peak power in the squat exercise was significantly greater for BET at both T2 and T3 than PL. No differences in any power assessment (VJP, BPT, WAnT) was seen between the groups</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Two-weeks of betaine supplementation in active, college males appeared to improve muscle endurance of the squat exercise, and increase the quality of repetitions performed.</p
Thermogenic effect of meltdown RTD™ energy drink in young healthy women: a double blind, cross-over design study
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licens
The prevalence of depression among Iranian infertile couples: an update systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Depression is a common mental disorder. Infertility can lead to depression. The current systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among Iranian infertile couples. Seven electronic databases (Google Scholar, MagIran, SID, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched, up to August 2019, for relevant published studies. The pooled prevalence of depression also pooled mean of depression score was determined using a random-effects model with a 95 confidence interval (95 CI). All analyses performed using Stata ver11 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). The 0.05 was considered a significant level. The main body: Totally, 230 studies were retrieved and 31 studies included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression among infertile couples was about 35.3 (95 CI 24.1�46.5), and the prevalence of depression among females and males was 48.7 (95 CI 24.0�73.3) and 9 (95 CI 0 to 23.7), respectively. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a high prevalence of depression in infertile couples. The results can highlight an important and growing mental disorder among infertile couples that may be overlooked. © 2020, The Author(s)
Systematic review and meta-analysis of global prevalence of HBsAG and HIV and HCV antibodies among people who inject drugs and female sex workers
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their co-infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) and female sex workers (FSWs). Data sources were searched from January 2008 to October 2018 in different databases. Data were analyzed in Stata 16 software using the Metaprop command. The results showed that the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among PWID was 15, 60 and 6, respectively. The prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among FSWs was 5, 1 and 3, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV, HIV/HBV, HCV/HBV and HIV/HCV/HBV co-infections among PWID was 13, 2, 3 and 2, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infections among FSWs was 3 and 1, respectively. The results show that the prevalence of HCV and HIV infections in PWID and the prevalence of HIV in FSWs is higher than their prevalence in the general population. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and HCV in PWID appear to be poor, and may not be sufficient to effectively prevent HIV and HCV transmission. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland
Chitosan-based Nanoparticles in Mucosal Vaccine Delivery
Most infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic infiltrations from the mucosal tract. Nowadays, the use of vaccines has been widely investigated for the prevention of different infectious diseases, infertility, immune disorders, malignancies, and allergies. Broad-spectrum adjuvant substances have been studied for immune system stimulation with a greater efficiency against specific antigens. Various adjuvants have been developed such as inorganic, oil-based, and emulsion adjuvants, bacterial products and their derivatives, cytokines, cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) motifs, and particulate systems. Mucosal vaccine delivery is an alternative route to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. Applying nanoparticles in vaccine formulations allows not only improved antigen stability and immunogenicity, but also targeted delivery, and consequently, more specific release of the agent of interest. Chitosan nanoparticles have immunological activity and mucoadhesive properties. They have been used as a mucosal vaccine delivery system for many antigens. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in chitosan nanoparticles as a novel mucosal vaccine delivery system
Helicobacter pylori infection as a risk factor for diabetes: A meta-analysis of case-control studies
Background: There are several studies with varied and mixed results about the possible relationship between H. pylori and diabetes. Therefore, this current meta-analysis performed to determine the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of diabetes mellitus. Methods: A systematic literature searches of international databases, including Medline (PubMed), Web of Sciences, Scopus, EMBASE, and CINHAL (January 1990-March 2019) was conducted to identify studies investigating the relationship between H. pylori infection and diabetes mellitus. Only case-control studies were analyzed using odds ratio (OR) with 95 confidence intervals (CIs). Stratified and subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity between studies and assess effects of study quality. Logarithm and standard error logarithm odds ratio (OR) were also used for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 41 studies involving 9559 individuals (case; 4327 and control; 5232) were analyzed. The pooled estimate of the association between H. pylori infection with diabetes was OR = 1.27 (95 CI 1.11 to 1.45, P = 0.0001, I2 = 86.6). The effect of H. pylori infection on diabetes mellitus (both types), type 1 and type 2 diabetes was 1.17 (95 CI 0.94 to 1.45), 1.19 (95 CI 0.98 to 1.45), and 1.43 (95 CI 1.11 to 1.85) respectively. Subgroup analysis by the geographical regions showed in Asian population risk of the effect of H. pylori infection on diabetes was slightly higher than other population, Conclusion: In overall a positive association between H. pylori infection and diabetes mellitus was found. © 2020 The Author(s)
Sediment tracing from the catchment to reef 2016 to 2018: Flood plume, marine sediment trap and logger data time series
The sediment dynamics at marine sites in the inshore GBRL region likely fall into three separate categories including sites where:
1. input of new terrigenous sediments have by far the greatest influence on sediment exposure and subsequent resuspension (e.g. Dunk Island, Orpheus Island, Havannah Island, Cleveland Bay?);
2. input of new terrigenous sediments are at least equivalent to resuspension events which likely increases upon larger river discharge events (e.g. Cleveland Bay?, Orchard Rocks).
3. input of new terrigenous sediments are less than or equal to common resuspension events (e.g. Middle Reef, Geoffrey Bay).
This provides some of the first empirical data to support the findings of the satellite photic depth modelling of Fabricius et al. (2014, 2016) where the delivery of new terrigenous sediment considerably influences water clarity on the inshore Great Barrier Reef
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