Novel Improved Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Control of Inverter and Supervisory Energy Management System of a Microgrid

In this paper, energy management and control of a microgrid is developed through supervisor and adaptive neuro-fuzzy wavelet-based control controllers considering real weather patterns and load variations. The supervisory control is applied to the entire microgrid using lower-top level arrangements. The top-level generates the control signals considering the weather data patterns and load conditions, while the lower level controls the energy sources and power converters. The adaptive neuro-fuzzy wavelet-based controller is applied to the inverter. The new proposed wavelet-based controller improves the operation of the proposed microgrid as a result of the excellent localized characteristics of the wavelets. Simulations and comparison with other existing intelligent controllers, such as neuro-fuzzy controllers and fuzzy logic controllers, and classical PID controllers are used to present the improvements of the microgrid in terms of the power transfer, inverter output efficiency, load voltage frequency, and dynamic response

1-Phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde

In the title mol­ecule, C10H8N2O, the five- and six-membered rings form a dihedral angle of 10.14 (9)°. The aldehyde group is almost coplanar with the pyrazole ring to which it is connected [O—C—C—C torsion angle = −179.35 (17)°]. In the crystal, inversion dimers are linked by four C—H⋯O inter­actions as the carbonyl O atom accepts two such bonds. The dimeric aggregates are linked into supra­molecular layers in the ac plane by C—H⋯π and π–π [ring centroid(pyrrole)⋯ring centroid(phen­yl) = 3.8058 (10) Å] inter­actions

Evaluation of Selected Performance Properties of Nanoclay-Modified Asphalt Binders

Asphalt binders are often modified with additives such as acid, polymer, or a combination of multiple additives to achieve improved performance to sustain heavy loads and adverse weather conditions. According to some previous researches, nanoclay can be a good alternative of currently practiced Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) modification, and the former is expected to reduce the overall cost of the asphalt binder. Three types of nanoclay (Cloisite 10A, 11B, and 15A) were blended with asphalt binders prepared from two different sources (Arabian Crude and Canadian Crude). A blending protocol has been developed to blend nanoclay with the base binders. Mechanical properties including viscosity, rutting parameter have undergone significant changes after the nanoclay modification. It was also observed that nanoclay modified binders offer different moisture susceptibility while bonding with different aggregates; the nanoclay modified asphalt binder exhibits better bonding with gravel than sandstone. Mechanistic properties such as viscosity and rutting parameter are found to be highly correlated with the chemical compositions. Binders from the Canadian crude showed more colloidal stability than binders from the Arabian crude after nanoclay modification

Stem Cell Organoids in Primary Cultures of Human Non-Malignant and Malignant Colon

YesA sub-population of cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs) that initiate and promote tumour growth have been demonstrated to exist in several malignancies including colon carcinoma. The objective of our pilot study was to isolate CD133+CD26+CD44+ CSCs from patient colon tumours, culture spheres or organoids and observe their proliferation in primary cultures. Parallel cultures of non-cancer controls from colon normal lining and nonadenomatous polyps were set up. Magnetic activated cell sorting was used to isolate CD133+CD26+CD44+ cell populations followed by primary cell culturing under stem cell culture conditions. Number, cells/organoid and daughter generations of organoids were calculated using phase contrast microscope. Trypan blue exclusion method was used to test the viability of the cells. Both colon tumour and colon non-adenomatous polyp formed floating organoids in suspension; however non-adenomatous polyp cultures did not show self-renewal properties for more than 1 passage. Normal colon singlecell suspension did not create organoids. Metastatic colon tumours rapidly produce cancer cell organoids in less than 24 hours in larger numbers compared to non-metastatic colon tumours (1-3 weeks). Metastatic colon tumour organoids have the ability for proliferation for upto five daughter generations in primary culture compared to three generations for those grown from non-metastatic tumours. This in vitro CSC organoid model will help study colon cancer biology, in particular providing a valuable source of primary cell-derived tissue for studying personalized molecular profiling using ‘omics strategies to direct therapeutic intervention

(4Z)-4-Benzyl­idene-2-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-5(4H)-one

In the title compound, C17H13NO2, the benzene ring is twisted slightly out of the plane of the oxazole ring to which it is attached [dihedral angle = 7.98 (8)°]. Similarly, there is a twist [dihedral angle = 5.50 (8)°] between the oxazole and phenyl rings that are linked via the C=C bond [1.348 (2) Å]; the conformation about the latter is Z. In the crystal, the presence of C—H⋯O, C—H⋯π and π–π inter­actions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.5259 (9) Å] link the mol­ecules into a three-dimensional architecture

The Prevalence of Obesity among School Students and its Relation to Dietary and Physical Habits

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that unhealthy food practices and lack of exercise are the main cause of the progressive increase in the obesity prevalence. AIM: We aim to assess the prevalence of obesity among school students and its relationship to dietary and physical habits. METHODS: A cross-sectional study from 18 intermediate and high schools located in Taif, Saudi Arabia, between April 2014 and June 2015. We excluded any student with a psychological disease or chronic diseases. We calculated the body mass index (BMI) of students by measuring their height and weight. Dietary, physical, sleep habits, and socioeconomic status were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 2943 students participated with a mean age of 15.4 ± 1.7 years. The majority of these were boys and attending government schools with a mean BMI 22.7 ± 8.6 kg/m2. Overall, 13.6% were overweight and 12.8% were obese. One-third of students report a sedentary lifestyle. Compared to girls, boys were more likely to have lower BMI (p < 0.001), be overweight (p < 0.001), exercise for >300 min/week (p < 0.001), own electronic devices other than smartphone (p < 0.001), use the electronic devices <3 h/day (p = 0.007), eat their meals with their family (p < 0.001), eat fruits and vegetables daily (p < 0.05), exercise for >300 min/week (p < 0.001), and walk to and from school at least once weekly (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A quarter of the students were either overweight or obese. Girls were more likely to be obese with less favorable socioeconomic, media consumption, dietary, and physical profiles

N-(4-Sulfamoylphen­yl)acetamide

In the title compound, C8H10N2O3S, the dihedral angle between the acetamide group and the benzene ring is 15.59 (12)° and the amino group is close to being perpendicular to the benzene ring [N—S—Car—Car (ar = aromatic) torsion angle = 109.4 (2)°]. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked into supra­molecular tubes parallel to [001] by amine–amide N—H⋯O inter­actions and these are connected into the three-dimensional architecture by amide–sulfonamide N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The crystal studied was a racemic twin

Application of Ethnobotanical Indices on the Use of Traditional Medicines against Common Diseases

The present study was aimed at documenting the detailed ethnomedicinal knowledge of an unexplored area of Pakistan. Semistructured interviews were taken with 55 informants randomly chosen regarding detailed ethnomedicinal and sociocultural information. The study exposed 67 medicinal plant species used to prepare 110 recipes and the major modes of herbal formulation were decoction and powdering (20% each). The disease categories with the highest Fic values were gastrointestinal and dermatological (0.87 each). The study determined 3 plant species, i.e., Acacia modesta Wall., Caralluma tuberculata R.Br., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal with a FL of 100%. DMR results showed that Olea ferruginea (Sol.) Steud. ranked first, Morus alba L. ranked second, and Melia azedarach L. ranked third. Among the 55 informants, the male concentration was high (61%) and most of them were over 40 years old while a leading quantity of respondents (45%) was uneducated. There is a dire need to take necessary steps for the conservation of important medicinal plants by inhibiting overgrazing and providing alternate fuel resources. Young generations should be educated regarding the importance of ethnomedicinal knowledge and plants with high Fic and FL values should be further checked chemically and pharmacologically for future exploration of modern medicine

In Vitro Release Studies of Diclofenac Potassium Tablet from Pure and Blended Mixture of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymers

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pure and blended mixtures, with different compositions of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and carnauba wax (CW) on the release of diclofenac potassium from matrix tablets. Fifteen different matrix tablet formulations were prepared by direct compression process by using Carver Hydraulic laboratory press having 13 mm flat dies set at constant pressure. The paddle dissolution apparatus II (Curio DL 2020) was used to assess the dissolution of drug in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 for 8 h. The release data was fitted to different release models. Zoom stereo micrography was done to evaluated the release mechanism of drug from polymers. The interaction of polymer mixture and different ratios of drug in polymer mixture was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The type and content of polymer in the matrix system influenced the release characteristics. Higher polymeric content in the matrix decreased the drug release rate because of increased tortuosity and decreased porosity. Retardation of drug release from pure carnauba was higher as compared to that with pure HPMC matrices. The polymers blends controlled drug release pattern effectively. The drug released showed better linearity with Higuchi release kinetics. The Korsmeyer equation revealed n value ranged from 0.388-0.627 or non - Fickian transport mechanism of drug release was predominant. The FTIR and DSC suggested that there were no chemical interaction between drug and polymers.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire