78 research outputs found
Advanced modelling and control of 5MW wind turbine using global optimization algorithms
This article presents a methodological approach for controller gain tuning of wind turbines using global optimization algorithms. For this purpose, the wind turbine structural and aerodynamic modeling are first described and a complete model for a 5 MW wind turbine is developed as a case study based on a systematic modeling approach. The turbine control requirements are then described and classified using its power curve to generate an appropriate control structure for satisfying all turbine control modes simultaneously. Next, the controller gain tuning procedure is formulated as an engineering optimization problem where the command tracking error and minimum response time are defined as objective function indices and physical limitations (overspeed and oscillatory response) are considered as penalty functions. Taking the nonlinear nature of the turbine model and its controller into account, two meta-heuristic global optimization algorithms (Imperialist Competitive Algorithm and Differential Evolution) are used to deal with the defined objective functions where the mechanism of interaction between the defined problem and the used algorithms are presented in a flowchart feature. The results confirm that the proposed approach is satisfactory and both algorithms are able to achieve the optimized controller for the wind turbine
An analytical approach for the nonlinear forced vibration of clamped-clamped buckled beam
Analytical solutions are attractive for parametric studies and consideration of the problems physics. In addition, analytical solutions can be employed as a reference framework for verification of numerical results. In this paperHomotopy analysis method and Homotopy Pade technique which are approximate analytical methods, are used to obtain nonlinear forced vibration response of Euler-Bernoulli clamped-clamped buckled beam subjected to an axial force and transverse harmonic load for the first time. Analytical solutions for nonlinear frequency are derived via Homotopy analysis method, Homotopy Pade technique and Runge Kutta method and the results are compared with experimental results of literature. Also the time response of the beam is obtained for free and forced vibration via analytical and numerical methods. In addition, the frequency response is drawn. Comparison of analytical results with numerical results and literature results reveals that Homotopy analysis method and Homotopy Padetechnique have excellent accuracy for wide range of nonlinear parameters and predict system behavior precisely
DLQI scores in vitiligo: reliability and validity of the Persian version
BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to translate and to test the reliability and validity of the 10-item Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire in Iranian patients with vitiligo. METHODS: Using a standard "forward-backward" translation procedure, the English language version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian (the Iranian official language) by two bilinguals. Seventy patients with vitiligo attending the Department of Dermatology, Saadi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, were enrolled in this study. The reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire were assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Spearman's correlation, respectively. Validity was performed using convergent validity. RESULTS: In all, seventy people entered into the study. The mean age of respondents was 28.3 (SD = 11.09) years. Scores on the DLQI ranged from 0 to 24 (mean Ā± SD, 7.05 Ā± 5.13). Reliability analysis showed satisfactory result (Cronbach's Ī± coefficient = 0.77). There were no statistically significant differences between daily activity (DA) and personal relationship (PR) scale mean scores in generalized versus focal-segmental involvement in sufferers (P = 0.056, P = 0.053, respectively). There were also strong differences between the mean scores of the PR (personal relationship) scale with the involvement of covered only and covered/uncovered areas (P= 0.016) that was statistically significant in the second group. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings showed that the Persian version of the DLQI questionnaire has a good structural characteristic and is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used for measuring the effects of vitiligo on quality of life
The Possible Anti-nociceptive Effect of Troxerutin and Neural Interactions Using Formalin and Writhing Tests in Mice
Background: Previous reports suggest flavonoids as potent analgesic compounds.
Objectives: Based on these observations, the present study investigated the anti-nociceptive action of troxerutin and neural interactions with opioidergic, serotoninergic, and nitrergic systems in mice.
Methods: A total of 340 male mice were randomly divided into 2 categories. Each category included four experiments with four groups. In the first experiment of formalin examination, the animals intraperitoneally received saline and troxerutin (50, 150, and 300 mg/kg). In the second experiment, the animals received saline, naloxone (2 mg/kg), troxerutin (300 mg/kg), and troxerutin+naloxone. In the third and fourth experiments, L-NAME (L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester) and cyproheptadine were injected. In this test, formalin was injected and paw licking time (pain sense) was recorded. In the writhing test, experimental groups were treated similarly and the mice were injected with acetic acid. Then, the inhibition of the writhing movements was recorded.
Results: According to the findings, troxerutin decreased pain in the formalin test and writhing movements in the writhing test (P=0.001). Naloxone and troxerutin decreased licking time and writhing movements (P=0.001). L-NAME+troxerutin significantly diminished the anti-nociceptive effect of troxerutin on paw licking and inhibited pain response (P=0.001).
Conclusion: These results suggested that troxerutin decreases inflammatory pain in mice, and this effect is mediated by opioidergic and nitrergic systems
Machine learning tools to improve nonlinear modeling parameters of RC columns
Modeling parameters are essential to the fidelity of nonlinear models of
concrete structures subjected to earthquake ground motions, especially when
simulating seismic events strong enough to cause collapse. This paper addresses
two of the most significant barriers to improving nonlinear modeling provisions
in seismic evaluation standards using experimental data sets: identifying the
most likely mode of failure of structural components, and implementing data
fitting techniques capable of recognizing interdependencies between input
parameters and nonlinear relationships between input parameters and model
outputs. Machine learning tools in the Scikit-learn and Pytorch libraries were
used to calibrate equations and black-box numerical models for nonlinear
modeling parameters (MP) a and b of reinforced concrete columns defined in the
ASCE 41 and ACI 369.1 standards, and to estimate their most likely mode of
failure. It was found that machine learning regression models and machine
learning black-boxes were more accurate than current provisions in the ACI
369.1/ASCE 41 Standards. Among the regression models, Regularized Linear
Regression was the most accurate for estimating MP a, and Polynomial Regression
was the most accurate for estimating MP b. The two black-box models evaluated,
namely the Gaussian Process Regression and the Neural Network (NN), provided
the most accurate estimates of MPs a and b. The NN model was the most accurate
machine learning tool of all evaluated. A multi-class classification tool from
the Scikit-learn machine learning library correctly identified column mode of
failure with 79% accuracy for rectangular columns and with 81% accuracy for
circular columns, a substantial improvement over the classification rules in
ASCE 41-13
Effect of long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation on alpha-Int1 gene sequence of Candida albicans
AbstractOver the last decade, communication industries have witnessed a tremendous expansion, while, the biological effects of electromagnetic waves have not been fully elucidated. Current study aimed at evaluating the mutagenic effect of long-term exposure to 900-MHz radiation on alpha-Int1 gene sequences of Candida albicans. A standard 900MHz radiation generator was used for radiation. 10ml volumes from a stock suspension of C. albicans were transferred into 10 polystyrene tubes. Five tubes were exposed at 4Ā°C to a fixed magnitude of radiation with different time periods of 10, 70, 210, 350 and 490h. The other 5 tubes were kept far enough from radiation. The samples underwent genomic DNA extraction. PCR amplification of alpha-Int1 gene sequence was done using one set of primers. PCR products were resolved using agarose gel electrophoresis and the nucleotide sequences were determined. All samples showed a clear electrophoretic band around 441bp and further sequencing revealed the amplified DNA segments are related to alpha-Int1 gene of the yeast. No mutations in the gene were seen in radiation exposed samples. Long-term exposure of the yeast to mobile phone radiation under the above mentioned conditions had no mutagenic effect on alpha-Int1 gene sequence
A new taxonomic backbone for the infrageneric classification of the speciesārich genus Silene (Caryophyllaceae)
The systematization of species in plant taxonomy based on the phylogenetic relationships among them are of utmost importance and also very challenging in large genera. In those, phylogenetic results often may suggest substantially different relationships than previous classifications, and call for largeāscale taxonomic revisions. Delimitation of the genus Silene has been and is still somewhat controversial, and recent molecular phylogenetic studies have settled several monophyletic groups that differ substantially from previous taxonomies. The infrageneric taxonomy of Silene s.str. has not been updated as a whole taking the phylogenetic information into account. In this study, we review previous phylogenetic results based on multiple loci, and conducted comprehensive gene tree analyses based on the nrDNA ITS and cpDNA rps16 regions for 1586 and 944 samples representing 415 and 397 species, respectively, including Silene and its allies, as well as a species tree analysis including 262 samples representing 243 species. We sampled representatives from all 44 sections recognized in the most recent global revision of the genus. The results support the recognition of three subgenera, i.e., S. subg. Behenantha, S. subg. Lychnis and S. subg. Silene, which is partly in agreement with previous molecular phylogenetic findings and contradicts all previous traditional classifications. Silene sect. Atocion, with a few annual species showing a narrow distribution range in the eastern Mediterranean, is treated as incertae sedis because of its uncertain phylogenetic position, possibly due to exceptionally high substitution rates. Silene subg. Lychnis, weakly supported as sister to the other subgenera, splits into three main clades and includes four sections. Silene subg. Behenantha, which forms a possible sister group in relation to S. subg. Silene, is poorly resolved basally and includes a large number of mostly small clades recognized as 18 sections. In S. subg. Silene, 11 sections are recognized, among which four are broadly circumscribed: S. sect. Auriculatae, S. sect. Sclerocalycinae, S. sect. Silene and S. sect. Siphonomorpha. Silene sect. Acutifoliae and S. sect. Portenses are described here as new taxa, whereas new status or new combinations are proposed for S. sect. Anotites, S. sect. Muscipula, S. sect. Petrocoma, S. sect. Pulvinatae, S. sect. Sclerophyllae and S. sect. Uebelinia. Five new combinations and two new names are proposed for taxa in Silene formerly assigned to Lychnis and Uebelinia. The correct infrageneric nomenclature compatible with the new infrageneric system is provided along with synonymy and type citations. Shortcomings of this study, such as the lack of a morphological diagnostic key and sparse sampling of some large sections, are listed and discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/156144/5/tax12230.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/156144/4/tax12230-sup-0006-Supinfo06.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/156144/3/tax12230-sup-0001-Supinfo01.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/156144/2/tax12230-sup-0007-FigureS1.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/156144/1/tax12230_am.pd
Optimizing of the quality of rose grown with varying ratios and periods of Red: Blue light-emitting diodes in commercial greenhouse
Purpose: This research investigated the effect of different regimes of supplementary LED light on physiological and morphological traits of two cultivars of cut Roses. Research method: In this study, treatments included cultivars (Allstar and Dolcevita) and nine light regimes including (Control, LED night from 5 pm to 7 am, LED day from 7 am to 5 pm, LED night day (24 hours light) and LED dark (24 hours, without sunlight) which were all applied in two intensities of 2000 and 4000 lux. Findings: The results showed that the LED light regime had a positive effect on morphological traits such as the number of buds and mean harvest, length, diameter and fresh weight of flowers. LED day 4000 lux improved bud diameter and mean harvest by 18% and 112% respectively compared with control in Dolcevita cultivar. The light regime also caused a significant improvement in physiological characteristics so that in Allstar cultivar LED day 4000 lux, chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoid were increased by 66%, 60%, 63%, and 64% respectively compared with control. The vase life in Allstar cultivar by LED night day 4000 lux intensity and Dolcevita cultivar by LED day 4000 lux were 44.5% and 133.2% higher than the control treatment, respectively. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: The results showed that LED night day with 4000 lux intensity had the best results in vase life in Allstar cultivar and LED day supplementary light with 4000 lux intensity increased the quantity and quality characteristics of roses
Analysis of 5HT3Ra gene expression by real time PCR in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients
Systemic lupus erythemathosus is an autoimmune disease that affected many various types of tissues in 10% of world population and over 30 genes has associated with it. Nouroimmunoendocrynology concepts have shown that immune system could be affected by neuron system and vice versa, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor a (5HT3Ra) was studied as a main receptor in these relations.In this study, peripheral blood sample were collected from (SLE) patient and normal individuals. The total cellular RNAs were extracted and the cDNAs were synthesized. This process was followed by real-time PCR using specific primers for 5HT3Ra gene and beta-actin gene as internal control. Eventually PCR products have been sequenced.Results of this study suggested that this special receptor expressed in polymorpho-nuclear cells. We found over expression of 5HT3Ra in patients in comparison with healthy individuals group. Interestingly, some nucleotide changes have been found in 5HT3Ra gene in patients but not found sequential nucleotide changes in healthy individuals group.This study supposed that over expression of 5HT3Ra gene in SLE patients lead to over activation of immune cells that derived from over stimulationĀ of them from serotonin blood serum that finally lead to autoimmune reactions that terminated in SLE
Cyproheptadine for Prevention of Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects of Efavirenz: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Cyproheptadine prevention of the neuropsychiatric adverse effects of an antiretroviral regimen including efavirenz
has been evaluated in a randomized clinical trial. Twenty-five patients (16 males and 9 females with
mean ā SD ages of 36 ā 9 years) in a cyproheptadine group, and 26 patients (17 males and 9 females with
mean ā SD ages of 34 ā 7 years) in a control group completed the trial. Sexual contact and injection drug use were
the main routs of HIV infection in both groups. The patientsā neuropsychiatric adverse effects were evaluated
based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome
Scale, Beck Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation,
and Somatization Subscale of Symptom Checklist 90 at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Cyproheptadine
significantly decreased the scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Positive
and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, Positive and Negative
Suicide Ideation of the patients after 4 weeks in comparison with control group. All of the scores increased in
control group following antiretroviral therapy. Although short duration of the patientsā follow-up was a major
limitation of the study, the results of the study showed that cyprohepradine is effective in prevention of
depression, anxiety, hallucination, aggressive behaviors, emotional withdrawal, poor rapport, poor impulse
control, active social avoidance, suicidal ideation, and improved sleep quality of HIV-positive patients after
initiation of antiretroviral therapy including efavirenz
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