Complex-conjugate control of a linear magnetic-geared permanent-magnet machine for Archimedes wave swing based power generation

Paper no. YF-005177This paper deals with control of a linear magnetic-geared permanent-magnet machine for Archimedes wave swing based wave power generation using maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Firstly, the linear magnetic-geared permanent-magnet generator structure is presented. The machine modeling is established based on finite element analysis (FEA). Secondly, by analyzing the dynamic model of wave power, the MPPT algorithm for direct-drive wave power generation is developed. Then, the performance for maximizing wave power absorption is verified and evaluated by the circuit simulator. The results verify that the MPPT algorithm is valid for the direct-drive wave power generation. © 2015 IEEE.postprin

A six-phase transverse-flux-reversal linear machine for low-speed reciprocating power generation

In this paper, a 6-phase permanent-magnet flux-reversal linear machine for low-speed reciprocating power generation is presented. By increasing the phase number, the phase current is reduced for the same rated power which results in a lower ohmic loss. In addition, the thrust force ripple can be reduced accordingly. By borrowing the transverse-flux concept, the electric loading and the magnetic loading is decoupled and the thrust density can be improved accordingly. The stator of the proposed machine adopts the modular design, and each phase is magnetically decoupled with each other which gives more flexibility and controllability of the generator. Based on the same topology, the proposed machine can be extended to a machine with an arbitrary number of phase to suit different applications.published_or_final_versio

A transverse flux permanent magnet linear generator for hybrid electric vehicles

Article: TD-007358This paper presents a transverse flux permanent magnet (TFPM) linear generator for the free-piston generation application, which not only possessing the merits of the existing TFPM machine, but also providing a simple structure which is essential for power generation with maintenance-free operation. Also, the machine configuration is optimized such that the induced voltage is maximized while the cogging force is minimized. Hence, a 2-phase linear TFPM is resulted, which is well supported by performance analysis.published_or_final_versio

An adaptive training framework for increasing player proficiency in games and simulations

To improve a player's proficiency at a particular video game, the player must be presented with an appropriate level of challenge. This level of challenge must remain relative to the player as their proficiency changes. The current fixed difficulty settings (e.g. easy, medium or hard) provide a limited range of difficulty for the player. This work aims to address this problem through developing an adaptive training framework that utilities existing work in Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment to construct an adaptive AI opponent. The framework also provides a way to measure the player's proficiency, by analysing the level of challenge the adaptive AI opponent provides for the player. This work tests part of the proposed adaptive training framework through a pilot study that uses a real-time fighting game. Copyright is held by the owner/author(s)

Extracts From New Zealand Undaria Pinnatifida Containing Fucoxanthin As Potential Functional Biomaterials Against Cancer in Vitro

This study tested extracts from New Zealand seaweed Undaria pinnatifida containing fucoxanthin, in parallel with pure fucoxanthin, in nine human cancer cell lines, for anticancer activity. Growth inhibition effects of extracts from Undaria pinnatifida were found in all types of cancer cell lines in dose- and time- dependent manners. Cytotoxicity of fucoxanthin in three human non-cancer cell lines was also tested. Compared with pure fucoxanthin, our extracts containing low level of fucoxanthin were found to be more effective in inhibiting the growth of lung carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma and neuroblastoma. Our results suggest that fucoxanthin is a functional biomaterial that may be used as a chemopreventive phytochemical or in combination chemotherapy. Furthermore, we show for the first time that some unknown compounds with potential selective anti-cancer effects may exist in extracts of New Zealand Undaria pinnatifida, and New Zealand Undaria pinnatifida could be used as a source for either functional biomaterial extraction or production of functional food

Cost-effectiveness comparison of coaxial magnetic gears with different magnet materials

This paper presents a comparative study between the non-rare-earth permanent magnet (PM) and rare-earth PM based coaxial magnetic gears. Firstly, by using finite element analysis, the electromagnetic performances of four coaxial magnetic gears which are installed with non-rare-earth PMs or rare-earth PMs are analyzed and quantitatively compared based on the same structure. Then the cost-effectiveness of coaxial magnetic gears adopting different types of PMs is assessed. The results support that the non-rare-earth PM, especially the aluminum-nickel-cobalt (Alnico), is preferred for application to coaxial magnetic gears.postprin

Quantitative comparison of linear magnetic gear with different types of PMs

This paper presents a quantitative comparison between the non-rare-earth permanent magnet (PM) and rare-earth PM based linear magnetic gear. By using the finite element analysis, three linear magnetic gears adopting either the non-rare-earth PM or rare-earth PM are analyzed and discussed. Hence, the cost-effectiveness comparison among different types of PMs is conducted. The results indicate that the non-rare-earth PM is preferred to the rare-earth PM for application to linear magnetic gears when cost-effectiveness is emphasized.postprin

A low-speed linear harmonic generator for grid-tied and stand-alone operation using hybrid excitation topology

Paper no. BP-09Since intermediate mechanical conversion mechanisms for speed, torque and motion conversion can be entirely eliminated, the direct-drive wave power generation attracts more and more attention [1]. Among various proposed generators, the permanent-magnet (PM) vernier generator is considered as a viable solution for the wave energy harvesting. This generator can efficiently harness this low-speed and high-power energy source via a so-called vernier effect by utilizing the effective harmonic magnetic field [2]. However, since only PMs are engaged for field excitation and the harmonic magnetic field is adopted, it is incapable to provide a flexible voltage control and power factor improvement. Moreover, the voltage regulation is incredible high. The purpose of this paper is to design a linear harmonic generator for producing electricity in a wave farm. Except for the PM excitation, the proposed generator is equipped with a set of DC field winding for the hybrid excitation. With this merit, the proposed generator exhibits a satisfactory performance for voltage regulation and power factor improvement which is desirable for both grid-tied and stand-alone operation [3]. © 2015 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

MiR-1303 Regulates Mycobacteria Induced Autophagy by Targeting Atg2B

MicroRNAs are emerging post-transcriptional regulators of gene expressions in both innate immunity and adaptive immunity. In mycobacteria infection, autophagy plays an important role in innate defense mechanism and is tightly regulated by the autophagy-related proteins. Here, we show that Atg2B is involved in the regulation of mycobacteria-induced autophagy. MiR-1303, which function is not defined yet, is found to negatively regulate mycobacteria-induced Atg2B protein production, ultimately down-regulate mycobacteria-induced autophagy. MiR-1303 production is shown to be upregulated during BCG infection and its production is regulated by PI3K and NFκB. It is also demonstrated that miR-1303 targets putative target sites on Atg2B and possibly represses its translation.published_or_final_versio

The role of c-Myc in phagocytosis of mycobacteria in human macrophages

Poster Presentation (Doctor’s Session)This journal issue contain proceedings of the CongressMycobacterium tuberculosis is an intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of the disease tuberculosis. Macrophages are the major immunocytes to initiate host immunity against mycobacteria. Among the multiple strategies employ by macrophages to defence against mycobacteria, phagocytosis is the first step. Throughphagocytosis, macrophages could not only clear the pathogens from infection sites, but also present antigens derived from the engulfed bacteria to lymphoid cells. c-Myc is a transcription factor that regulates a variety of target genes. It can form a complex with Max and bind to the enhancer box sequences of the promoter to mediate the transcription. Recently, our group revealed that c-Myc has a potential role in regulating the antimicrobial responses in macrophages. Here, we further revealed that c-Myc may play a positive role in phagocytosis and contribute to host defense to mycobacteria. Pretreatment of c-Myc inhibitor, 10058-F4, could significantly reduce the amount of mycobacteria internalised by macrophages. The acidification of phagolysosome in mycobacteria infected macrophages was also inhibited by 10058-F4. Further investigation showed that macrophages phagocytose mycobacteria in a PI3K/Akt independent pathway. And the action of c-Myc inhibitor does not affect the expression levels of Rho family GTPases. However, we found that 10058-F4 could significantly inhibit phorsphorylation of ERK1/2 kinase, which has been indicated to play a role in FcR mediated phagocytosis in macrophage. In conclusion, c-Myc may play a role in phagocytosis of mycobacteria through regulating phorsphorylation of ERK1/2.published_or_final_versio