Contingency-Constrained Optimal Power Flow Using Simplex-Based Chaotic-PSO Algorithm

This paper proposes solving contingency-constrained optimal power flow (CC-OPF) by a simplex-based chaotic particle swarm optimization (SCPSO). The associated objective of CC-OPF with the considered valve-point loading effects of generators is to minimize the total generation cost, to reduce transmission loss, and to improve the bus-voltage profile under normal or postcontingent states. The proposed SCPSO method, which involves the chaotic map and the downhill simplex search, can avoid the premature convergence of PSO and escape local minima. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in two power systems with contingency constraints and compared with other stochastic techniques in terms of solution quality and convergence rate. The experimental results show that the SCPSO-based CC-OPF method has suitable mutation schemes, thus showing robustness and effectiveness in solving contingency-constrained OPF problems

Investigating lightning arrester behaviour in substations.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban.Abstract available in PDF

Curcumin Suppresses the Activity of Inhibitor-κB Kinase in an in vitro Inflamed Human Intestinal Mucosa Model by S-nitrosylation

Abstract In previous study, we found curcumin to possess anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage cells due to the involvement of curcumin and S-nitrosylation in the NF-κB pathway. However, the role of curcumin on regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway through S-nitrosylation in an in vitro inflamed human intestinal mucosa model has not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to concern inhibitory effects of curcumin on NF-κB pathway in two type of inflamed human intestinal cells, Caco-2 and HT-29. Western blot presented the protein expression of iNOS can be reduced by treated curcumin with 30 μM for 12h. Consistently, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα and IFN-γ was also repressed. The results also shows curcumin reduced the amount of nitrite and nitrate in inflamed human intestinal cells, Caco-2 and HT-29, maintained total S-nitrosylation level on proteins. Furthermore, the protection of S-nitrosylation on IKKβ in inflamed Caco-2 and HT-29 cells by curcumin caused the repression of IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB activation. In conclusion, this study verified that curcumin-mediated S-nitrosylation may be as an important regulator for anti-inflammation in an in vitro inflamed human intestinal mucosa model. Keywords: curcumin, S-nitrosylation, inflamed human intestinal cells, NF-κB, IκB, IKK, nitric oxide Cite This Article: Ning-Jo Kao, and Zwe-Ling Kong, "Curcumin Suppresses the Activity of Inhibitor-κB Kinase in an in vitro Inflamed Human Intestinal Mucosa Model by S-nitrosylatio

Aesthetic Evaluation of Royal Palace in Yadanapon Period (Eastern Royal Zone)

Mandalay is one of the old cities in Yadanapon Period (1858.AD-1885.AD), and the last devastating war had seriously destroyed the palace buildings and left with only the memories of the past grandeur of the seat of the two kings: reign Mindon and Thibaw. In Yadanapon Period, the Royal Architecture or Palace Architecture arouse the desire to visualize the glittering halls and spires that they stood on the platform in the center of the fort. It remains many architectural significant of Myanmar Architecture for our future generation. Therefore, the author traces back the style of Mandalay Old Palace at first, which is derived from which previous styles and then he studies on the layout, functional relationships and spatial relationships of Palace Buildings which are mainly taken into consideration. Then, the author analyzes the architectural aspects and design elements of Palace Buildings. The purpose of this paper is to conserve the ritual expression, architectural styles, and characteristics of Myanmar Architecture. Moreover, the author would like to figure out the aesthetic evaluation of Royal Architecture in Yadanapon Period with systematic analysis which is based on literature review, site studies, observations and his opinions

Therapeutic effects of antibiotics loaded cellulose nanofiber and κ-carrageenan oligosaccharide composite hydrogels for periodontitis treatment

peer-reviewedPeriodontitis is an infammatory disease that can lead to the periodontal pocket formation and tooth loss. This study was aimed to develop antimicrobials loaded hydrogels composed of cellulose nanofbers (CNF) and κ-carrageenan oligosaccharides (CO) nanoparticles for the treatment of periodontitis. Two antimicrobial agents such as surfactin and Herbmedotcin were selected as the therapeutic agents and the hydrogels were formulated based on the increasing concentration of surfactin. The proposed material has high thermal stability, controlled release, and water absorption capacity. This study was proceeded by investigating the in vitro antibacterial and anti-infammatory properties of the hydrogels. This material has strong antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, a signifcant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) production and a decrease in bioflm formation and metabolic activity of the bacteria was observed in the presence of hydrogel. Besides, it reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, transcription factor, and cytokines production in human gingival fbroblast cells (HGF) under infammatory conditions. In conclusion, the hydrogels were successfully developed and proven to have antibacterial and anti-infammatory properties for the treatment of periodontitis. Thus, it can be used as an excellent candidate for periodontitis treatment.Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean Universit

Fucoxanthin-Rich Brown Algae Extract Decreases Inflammation and Attenuates Colitis-associated Colon Cancer in Mice

Abstract Fucoxanthin is a natural carotenoid that is isolated from seaweed. We evaluated the effects of fucoxanthin-rich brown algae extract (FX-BAE) on the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, and colitis-associated colon cancer (CACC) in BALB/c mice. Colitis mice were given drinking water containing 3% DSS for 14 days, and fed with or without FX-BAE (1, 2.5, or 5 g/kg bodyweight/day) from day 8 to day 14. Another way, CACC mice were treated with azoxymethane (AOM) and 2% DSS, and fed with or without FX-BAE at 0.5, 1, or 2.5 g/kg every 2 days. Results revealed the disease activity index (DAI), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were all significantly less in FX-BAE treated mice. Additionally, FX-BAE not only decreased the incidence of colonic neoplasm, but also increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) production, lymphocyte proliferation and survival rate in CACC mice

Effect of Cistanche Tubulosa Extracts on Male Reproductive Function in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is a chronic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to decreased levels of insulin or the inefficiency of the tissue to use it effectively. Infertility is known as a major outcome of diabetes and affects the male reproductive system by causing sperm impairment and gonadal dysfunction. Cistanche tubulosa is a parasitic plant which has the capacity to improve memory, immunity, and sexual ability, reduce impotence, and minimize constipation. This study was focused on the investigation of the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of echinacoside (ECH) in Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) on the male reproductive system of the diabetic rats. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects of CTE were evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo methods. The in vitro results show that the ECH inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improved StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and HSD17β3 protein expression. The in vivo analysis was carried out with three doses of echinacoside (ECH) (80, 160, and 320 mg/kg) in CTE. In total, 0.571 mg/kg of rosiglitazone (RSG) was administered as a positive control. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg) in combination with a high-fat diet (45%). The in vivo studies confirmed that the ECH improved blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and lipid peroxidation. It can restore kisspeptin 1 (KiSS1), G protein-coupled receptor GPR 54, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in the hypothalamus and recover sex hormone level. Thus, this study confirmed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and steroidogenesis effects of CTE

Protective Effects of Echinacea purpurea Ethanol Extract on Male Reproductive Dysfunction in Obese Rats

Obesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation and it may affect reproductive health by altering the sperm parameters, hormonal profiles, and gonadal functions. Echinacea purpurea is a medicinal herb and is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the beneficial effects of E. purpurea ethanol (EPE) extract on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced reproductive damage. The obese condition in male Sprague–Dawley rats was induced by feeding with a high-fat diet (45%) and later three different doses of EPE (93, 186, 465 mg/kg per day) were tested for 5 weeks. The results showed that the level of antioxidant enzymes was increased, whereas lipid peroxidation, blood glucose level, nitric oxide production, IL-6 level, and TNF-α level were decreased in the presence of EPE extract. In addition to this, the sperm counts, motility, morphology, DNA damage, and mitochondrial membrane potential were also improved. Additionally, the protein expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha (PPAR-α), and Phospho-Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Alpha ½ (AMPKα1/2) phosphorylation in liver tissue and Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) and 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 3 (17β-HSD3) expressions in testes were increased. In conclusion, the administration of EPE extracts beneficially regulated the inflammation and reproductive damage in obese rats

CHARACTERISATION, WHOLE GENOME-BASED PREDICTION AND CONJUGATIVE TRANSFER OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN SALMONELLA SPP

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (FOS