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Swarm-based nature-inspired optimization techniques are developing rapidly due to their universal acceptance and capability in solving various real-life challenges efficiently. Hybridization of swarm intelligence based optimization algorithms with multi-objective based solution techniques is creating a wide door in the field of optimization. The main focus of this work is, developing a hybrid Non-dominated Sorting Whale Optimization Algorithm (NSWOA), where swarm-based Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is hybridized with multi-objective based, non-dominated sorting technique. This is done to develop an algorithm with efficient optima searching ability and faster computational speed. The application of NSWOA in optimizing the controller parameters of an islanded microgrid consisting of both static and dynamic load has been also described. SPSS software has been used to compare the performance of proposed NSWOA with non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) and Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA) technique in optimizing the controller parameters of islanded microgrid model with multi-objective problem. It is obtained that, NSWOA requires an average of 4 iterations to reach the best optimum solution, which is less than other existing algorithms. Moreover, the computational time required by NSWOA is 2.9201 s, which proves that, it converges at a much faster rate compared to existing NSGA-II and SPEA algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low frequency oscillation (LFO) is one of the major concerns for reliable operation of the power system. This LFO occurs due to the failure of the rotor to supply sufficient damping torque to compensate the imbalance between mechanical input and electrical output. Hence, in this paper, we adopt a third generation flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device named generalized unified power flow controller (GUPFC) based damping controller in order to investigate its effect for mitigating LFO for an single machine infinite bus (SMIB) system. To find an effective damping controller-optimizer pair, we integrate proportional–integral (PI) or lead–lag as a controller and grey wolf optimizer (GWO), differential evolution (DE), particle swarm optimization (PSO), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and chaotic whale optimization algorithm (CWOA) as an optimizer. Later, we investigate the performances for the above mentioned controller-optimizer pairs through time domain simulation, eigenvalue analysis, nyquist stability test, and quantitative analysis. Moreover, we carry out two non-parametric statistical tests named as one sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test and paired sample t − t e s t to identify statistical distribution as well as uniqueness of our optimization algorithms. Our analyses reveal that the GWO tuned lead–lag controller surpasses all other controller-optimizer combinations. • Adoption of third generation FACTs device such as GUPFC for mitigating LFO. • Identification of the most suitable GUPFC control input using controllability and residue indices. • Selection of efficient damping controller-optimizer pair from ten different combinations. • Demonstration of effectiveness for these combination through Eigen value analysis, time-domain analysis, quantitative analysis, and non-parametric statistical test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joint reconstruction following resection of malignant bone tumors is challenging in itself in spite of several options in hand. Ability to restore joint anatomy, function and mobility while achieving optimal oncological outcomes are the requirement of reconstructions today. While biological reconstructions (allograft or recycled tumor autografts) following tumor bone surgery are popular for intercalary resections not involving the joint, their use for osteo-articular reconstructions are associated with concerns over cartilage and joint health. We have used extracorporeal radiation therapy (ECRT) and re-implantation of the osteoarticular segment as a size matched recycled tumor autograft reconstruction after complex acetabular and proximal ulnar resections; owing to the lack of significantly superior reconstruction alternatives in these locations and also review the current literature on other biological/non-biological reconstruction options. (1) What are the oncological, reconstruction and functional outcomes with osteo-articular reconstruction using ECRT and re-implantation of recycled tumor autograft for the acetabulum and olecranon? (2) Is there an evidence of cartilage loss, joint damage or avascular necrosis resulting from irradiation of the articular autograft? 19 patients with primary bone tumors underwent limb salvage surgery with en-bloc resection and reconstruction using the resected articular tumor bone after treating it with extra-corporeal irradiation of 50–60Gy. These included 16 acetabular and 3 proximal ulnar. While all patients were included for oncological assessment; minimum follow-up of 24 months was considered for final outcome assessment of function and joint status. MSTS scores of the 16 acetabular reconstruction patients with minimum 2 years follow-up was 87% (26/30). Neither delayed union, non-union at osteotomy sites nor was any fractures reported in the irradiated graft. There was no local recurrence within the irradiated graft and only 1 patient required graft excision for uncontrolled infection. All 3 patients of proximal ulna reconstruction achieved healing and full range of movement of the elbow. Scores of MSTS: 100% (30/30), MEPS: 100 and DASH: zero was achieved. Two patients developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head; one requiring a joint replacement and one awaiting replacement. One patient of acetabular reconstruction has joint space narrowing on radiographs with mild clinical symptoms. Extracorporeal radiotherapy and re-implantation after osteo-articular resection is an oncologically safe option offering promising outcome in our small series. The availability of size-matched graft, thus avoiding inherent problems of allograft also provides a better economic option over endoprosthesis and its associated complications in select sites. The results can deteriorate over time that may require secondary reconstructive procedures like joint replacement. Level IV, Therapeutic Study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α -Glucosidase enzyme is a therapeutic target for diabetes mellitus and its inhibitors play a vital role in the treatment of this disease. A new series of aryl-oxadiazole Schiff bases (1 – 18) were synthesized and evaluated for α -glucosidase inhibitory potential. Fifteen compounds 1 – 8 , 11 – 13 , and 15 – 18 showed excellent inhibition with IC 50 values ranging from 0.30 ± 0.2 to 35.1 ± 0.80 µM as compared to the standard inhibitor acarbose (IC 50 = 38.45 ± 0.80 µM), nonetheless, the remaining compounds were found to have moderate activity. Among the series, compounds 7 (IC 50 = 0.30 ± 0.2 μM) with hydroxy groups at phenyl rings on either side of the oxadiazole ring was identified as the most potent inhibitor of α -glucosidase. The molecular docking studies were conducted to understand the binding mode of active inhibitors with the active site of enzyme and results supported the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzimidazole derivatives 1 – 20 were synthesized and evaluated for antiglycation and antioxidant potentials. Among the series some analogs showed antiglycating potential ranging in between 182.30 ± 1.20 and 473.51 ± 2.17 when compared with standard rutin (IC 50 value 295.09 ± 1.04 µM) and for antioxidant potential ranging between 22.42 ± 0.26 and 82.30 ± 1.33 when compare with standard Propyl gallate (IC 50 value 29.20 ± 1.25). Compound 2 , 6 , 10 and 19 showed potent antioxidant and antiglycation inhibitory potentials. Compounds 7 , 11 , 13 , 1 5 and 20 showed moderate antiglycating potential with IC 50 values 473.51 ± 2.17, 325.20 ± 1.70, 440.0 ± 3.60, 370.60 ± 2.80 and 415.20 ± 3.20 μM, and these compounds also showed excellent antioxidant potential with IC 50 values 73.51 ± 1.17, 45.63 ± 0.92, 82.30 ± 1.33, 75.41 ± 1.51, 40.60 ± 0.80 and 64.92 ± 1.41 μM respectively. The remaining compounds 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 8 , 9 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 and 18 were found inactive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Diverse soliton solutions to the space–time fractional foam drainage and the Boussinesq equations in the sense of beta derivative are investigated by an analytical technique. • We establish the kink, flat kink-shaped, the parabolic-shaped, the bell-shaped, and the compacton soliton solutions. • The effects of the fractional-order derivative β on the wave profiles have been investigated. The space–time fractional foam drainage and the Boussinesq equations are valuable mathematical models to describe different complex physical phenomena, including the drainage of soap films in bubbles and foams, the behavior of surface water waves in oceans and rivers, the propagation of long waves, etc. In this research, we explore several unrivaled and some existing analytical soliton solutions to the above-stated equations using an effective expansion scheme, known as the G ′ / (G ′ + G + A) -expansion scheme within the framework of Atangana's beta derivative. A fractional composite transformation is used to interpret the considered equations into nonlinear equations of a single independent variable. The wave dynamics of the outcomes are illustrated through three- and two-dimensional graphical representations and contour plots. The solutions include kink, flat kink-shaped, the parabolic-shaped, the bell-shaped, and the compacton solitons. The study reveals that the fractional-order derivative in the projected equations influences the wave behavior, providing deeper insights into wave composition when the fractional derivative approaches larger. The comparison table demonstrates the effectiveness of the method across various fractional orders, with results approaching accuracy as the fractional-order approaches integer values. This study emphasizes the computational robustness and adaptability of the proposed method for investigating various phenomena across a wide range of physical science and engineering disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Designing efficient routes for a transit network is one of the main problems faced by city planners of the world. Due to the largeness and complexity of modern day road networks it is impossible to make a good route design manually. So, at present computer algorithms are used to design the routes. Designing routes for transit network is a multi-criteria decision making problem which has to search a large solution space to find an optimal solution. This paper presents a novel heuristic that can quickly generate good solutions. Also we propose a Stochastic Beam Search algorithm with a heuristic inspired successor operator. We conduct extensive experiments on some benchmark datasets and perform statistical tests on the results. We show that our algorithm can successfully explore the search space. Also we compare our results with previous studies and show that our algorithms produce superior results. In particular, for large datasets, the solutions generated by our heuristic in less than a second turn out to be better than solutions generated in two hours by the state of the art algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New solitons solutions for two different nonlinear models were constructed. • The solutions of these models were found using the rational (G'/G,1/G)-expansion technique. • The Physical meaning for the obtained solutions is graphically investigated. In the electrical transmission lines, the processing of cable signals distribution, computer networks, high-speed computer databases and discrete networks can be investigated by the modified Zakharov-Kuznetsov (mZK) equation as a data link propagation control model in the study of nonlinear Schrödinger type equations as well as in the analysis of the generalized stationary Gardner equation. The proposed Gerdjikov–Ivanov model can be used in the field of nonlinear optics, weakly nonlinear dispersion water waves, quantum field theory etc. In this work, we developed complete traveling wave solutions with specific t-type, kink type, bell-type, singular solutions, and periodic singular solutions to the proposed mZK equation and the Gerdjikov-Ivanov equation with the aid of the double G ′ / G , 1 / G - expansion method. These settled solutions are very reliable, durable, and authentic which can measure the fluid velocity and fluid density in the electrically conductive fluid and be able to analysis of the flow of current and voltage of long-distance electrical transmission lines too. These traveling wave solutions are available in a closed format and make them easy to use. The proposed method is consistent with the abstraction of traveling wave solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticle formation from their respective precursors through bottom-up method is a very fascinating practice in nanotechnology. This research contribution discusses two promising bottom-up methods: (i) controlled precipitation of Ni, Fe, and Co nanoparticles and reinforcement with silicate through modified Stöber method and (ii) chemical vapor deposition of nanocarbon from methane. Experimental results reveal that metal oxide particles were formed as single-crystal nanoparticles after silicate addition and exhibited catalytic activity enhancing features, such as low particle size and high surface area and porosity. The single-point surface area increased from 62.22 m 2 /g to 91.50 m 2 /g, 35.13 m 2 /g to 97.31 m 2 /g, and 14.29 m 2 /g to 48.96 m 2 /g for n -NiO, n -FeO, and n -CoO nanoparticles, respectively, after silicate incorporation. Preliminary catalytic activity was also analyzed in a fixed-bed pilot plant. n -NiO/SiO 2 nanoparticles were found to be the most efficient catalyst for thermocatalytic methane decomposition and generated 57.28% hydrogen at 730 °C. Physical and chemical characteristics of the fabricated nanocatalysts were determined using N 2 adsorption–desorption measurement (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses. Produced nano-carbon was inspected with TEM, FESEM and XRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen isolates of Rhizoctonia solani collected from infected rice plants in four different locations of Bangladesh were studied by using morphological characters and molecular markers. Anastomosis study with a reference isolate confirmed that all the isolates belonged to R. solani. Significant variation was observed in sclerotial size, shape and distribution. Un-weighted pair group method with arithmetic mean dendrogram constructed based on the Gower's general similarity coefficient showed that these isolates were grouped into four clusters at the 0.68 similarity coefficent according to morphological characters. Cluster I was a major cluster consisting of 13 isolates, while clusters II to IV consisted of 1 or 2 isolates. Analyses by variable number of tandem repeat and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers showed that the isolates were grouped into five and three clusters at a similarity coefficient of 0.64 and 0.69, respectively. Although most of the variability was found between isolates from different regions as expected, significant variation was observed within the isolates collected from similar agro-ecological regions. Our results suggest the presence of different races of R. solani within the same local geographic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A variant in the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) gene increases asthma risk and is predicted to decrease IL-6 classic signaling and increase IL-6 trans-signaling. This suggests that inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling, but not classic signaling, might suppress allergic airway inflammation. Objectives We sought to determine whether IL-6 signaling contributes to (1) acute experimental asthma induced by clinically relevant allergens and (2) variation in asthma clinical phenotypes in asthmatic patients. Methods Mice were sensitized to house dust mite (HDM) or cockroach at day 0, treated with IL-6R inhibitors at day 13, and challenged with the same allergen at days 14 to 17. End points were measured 3 hours after the final challenge. IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) expression in induced sputum of asthmatic patients was correlated with asthma clinical phenotypes. Results Both HDM and cockroach induced a type 2/type 17 cytokine profile and mixed granulocytic inflammation in the airways. Both allergens increased IL-6 expression in the airways, but only cockroach induced sIL-6R expression. Therefore HDM challenge promoted IL-6 classic signaling but not trans-signaling; in this model treatment with anti–IL-6R did not suppress airway inflammation. In contrast, cockroach-induced inflammation involved activation of IL-6 trans-signaling and production of IL-17A by γδ T cells. Anti–IL-6R, selective blockade of sIL-6R, or γδ T-cell deficiency significantly attenuated cockroach-induced inflammation. Asthmatic patients with high airway IL-6 and sIL-6R levels were enriched for the neutrophilic and mixed granulocytic subtypes. Conclusion Experimental asthma associated with both high IL-6 and high sIL-6R levels in the airways is attenuated by treatment with IL-6R inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioproduct production from wastewater microalgae has the potential to contribute to societal needs with value added chemicals. Microalgae can remediate wastewater to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals and can be processed to produce biofuels and bioproducts. It was previously demonstrated that recombinant Escherichia coli could produce polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs) when cultured on a wastewater microalgae wet lipid extracted media. In this present study, microalgae were harvested from the effluent of a wastewater treatment facility via centrifugation and hydrolyzed to create a liquid medium for recombinant E. coli growth and PHB production. Standard E. coli growth media was supplemented with various concentrations of hydrolyzed algal extract to produce a maximum of 31% PHB of the E. coli dry cell weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a liquid undergoes boiling by homogeneous nucleation during non-equilibrium heating is very important as the characteristics of the system before and after the occurrence of homogeneous boiling explosion is significantly different. In the present study, we studied homogeneous boiling explosion condition from an energy point of view: how much energy is required to boil the liquid by homogeneous nucleation from a given initial temperature. As a representative one, water heating at atmospheric pressure has been considered under three different heating conditions namely; i) linear heating at the boundary ii) high heat flux pulse heating and iii) liquid contact with high temperature surface. The analytical formulations for cumulative energy distribution in the liquid under various liquid heating conditions have been derived and the cumulative energy density within the liquid are calculated. It has been found that the instantaneous cumulative energy density very near to the liquid boundary is several times higher than that corresponding to the thermal penetration depth for all liquid heating cases. The present study shows that, the cumulative energy density at the boiling explosion over a characteristic liquid cluster being equal to the size of a critical embryo is independent of the heating parameter and for a given initial condition, it has been found to be almost constant for all liquid heating conditions. However, the cumulative energy density at the boiling explosion decreases as the liquid initial temperature increases for all liquid heating cases. The obtained results are compared with other numerical results reported in the literature for water subjected to uniform volumetric heating at atmospheric pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of homogeneous boiling in ethanol subjected to rapid heating with a linearly increasing boundary temperature condition have been studied by applying a theoretical model. A finite liquid control volume or cluster at the liquid boundary hasbeen considered in this model where energy is stored due to external heating while some energy is consumed due to bubble nucleation and subsequent growth. A particular state of liquid heating has been defined as the boiling explosion condition when massive scale vaporization causes the liquid sensible energy to decrease. As the size of liquid cluster, two different length scales have been adopted such as, size of a critical vapor embryo ( 2r c ) and thermal penetration depth . For ethanol heating with initial and boundary conditions identical to those reported in the literature, the model predicts the time of the homogeneous boiling explosion with reasonable agreement with the experiments with the liquid cluster size being assumed to be that of a critical vapor embryo ( 2r c ); while the consideration of the thermal penetration depth results in late prediction of the occurrence of boiling explosion. However, the temperature at the boiling explosion essentially corresponds to the same for both sizes of the liquid cluster. The obtained results have been presented and discussed in terms of the average liquid temperature rise inside the liquid cluster, maximum attainable cluster temperature and time to reach the boiling explosion condition for a wide range of boundary heating rates (10-10 9 K/s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduces Chaotic Slime Mould Algorithm (CSMA) as an optimal load shedding scheme of islanded DG integrated systems. • A fitness function comprising of maximum amount of remaining load and voltage stability margin (VSM) is adopted. • IEEE 33 bus and IEEE 69 bus distribution systems are used to assess the algorithm's efficacy. • The proposed CSMA algorithm is compared with Slime mould algorithm (SMA) and Backtrack search algorithm (BSA). In addition, non-parametric statistical analysis have been conducted to adequately compare the algorithms. • In terms of fitness value, time consumption, and convergence characteristics, CSMA outperforms both BSA and SMA. In addition, CSMA ensures a better voltage profile and provides a solution with the least amount of load to be shed. The critical challenge for an efficient islanding operation of a distribution system having Distributed Generation (DG) is preserving the frequency and voltage stability. Contemporary load shedding schemes are inefficient and do not adequately assess the optimum amount of load to shed which results in either excessive or inadequate load shedding. Hence, this paper presents an optimal load shedding technique using Chaotic Slime Mould Algorithm (CSMA) with sinusoidal map in order to achieve greater efficiency. A constrained function with static voltage stability margin (VSM) index and total remaining load after load shedding was applied to accomplish the evaluation. A total of three islanding scenarios of IEEE 33 bus and IEEE 69 bus radial distribution systems were used as test systems to assess the efficacy of the proposed load shedding approach using MATLAB software. To identify performance enhancements, the developed method was compared to Backtrack Search Algorithm (BSA) and the original SMA. According to the results, CSMA outperforms both BSA and SMA in terms of remaining load and voltage stability margin index values in all the test systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) shares common ligands and signaling pathways with TLR4, a key mediator of house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) (HDM) sensitization. We hypothesized that RAGE and its ligand high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) cooperate with TLR4 to mediate HDM sensitization. Objectives To determine the requirement for HMGB1 and RAGE, and their relationship with TLR4, in airway sensitization. Methods TLR4-/-, RAGE-/-, and RAGE-TLR4-/- mice were intranasally exposed to HDM or cockroach (Blatella germanica) extracts, and features of allergic inflammation were measured during the sensitization or challenge phase. Anti-HMGB1 antibody and the IL-1 receptor antagonist Anakinra were used to inhibit HMGB1 and the IL-1 receptor, respectively. Results The magnitude of allergic airway inflammation in response to either HDM or cockroach sensitization and/or challenge was significantly reduced in the absence of RAGE but not further diminished in the absence of both RAGE and TLR4. HDM sensitization induced the release of HMGB1 from the airway epithelium in a biphasic manner, which corresponded to the sequential activation of TLR4 then RAGE. Release of HMGB1 in response to cockroach sensitization also was RAGE dependent. Significantly, HMGB1 release occurred downstream of TLR4-induced IL-1α, and upstream of IL-25 and IL-33 production. Adoptive transfer of HDM-pulsed RAGE+/+dendritic cells to RAGE-/- mice recapitulated the allergic responses after HDM challenge. Immunoneutralization of HMGB1 attenuated HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. Conclusion The HMGB1-RAGE axis mediates allergic airway sensitization and airway inflammation. Activation of this axis in response to different allergens acts to amplify the allergic inflammatory response, which exposes it as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To identify risk factors associated with relapse of uveitis in patients with recurrent uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) after treatment with immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) and durable remission of 1 year. Methods: The medical records of 30 patients with JIA-associated uveitis who were successfully treated with IMT to a state of corticosteroid-free remission and subsequently remained in remission after discontinuation of IMT for a period of at least 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. In subsequent follow-up, some patients had relapse of uveitis, whereas others continued to be in remission. Remission was defined as <1 + cells in the anterior chamber and <1 + vitreous haze grading; relapse was defined as ≥1 + cell in the anterior chamber or ≥1 + vitreous haze grading. Results: A total of 30 patients were included. Of these, 17 (56.7%) patients remained in uveitic remission, whereas 13 (43.3%) relapsed. The patients in remission received IMT earlier in the course of disease compared with patients who relapsed (median, 12 months vs 72 months; P = 0.002 [Mann-Whitney test]). Patients in remission had received treatment with IMT at a younger age compared with the relapse group (median age, 7 years vs 13 years; P = 0.02 [Mann-Whitney test]). None of the other factors studied revealed a statistically significant association. Conclusions: Patients with JIA-associated uveitis who were treated with IMT earlier in the course of disease and at a younger age were associated with a lower rate of relapse of uveitis after durable remission and 1 year of quiescence, compared with similar patients who relapsed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Amidst COVID-19 pandemic, the health care delivery in India faces major challenges owing to the overwhelming hospitals, exhausted healthcare workers, and shortage of crucial medical supplies such as ventilators and oxygen. The study aims to propose a novel successful interventional home care model, the Virtual COVID In-Patient (VCIP) care for effective COVID management. The Covid-19 positive patients enrolled in VCIP were chosen for the study. A 24/7 active multidisciplinary WhatsApp group was created for each patient, for remote monitoring of temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose, respiratory and pulse rate along with the symptoms. Advice on sleep and exercises were given along with the medication via video-audio consultations. Lab facility was provided at the doorstep. Training on various devices, medications including steroids, delivering subcutaneous injections etc were given via video platforms. Among the 220 patients who availed the VCIP facility, only two were hospitalized, yielding a 99.5 % success rate in preventing hospitalizations and patients enrolled have been immensely satisfied with their experience. With similar pandemics anticipated in near future, VCIP model may be considered for successful domiciliary treatment and overcoming the challenges. • VCIP is a novel concept of providing 'inpatient' level care at home during Covid-19 to prevent overwhelming of hospitals. • Active interventions such as providing steroids, injectables etc. were carried out in indicated patients via telemedicine. • With only 2 hospitalizations, the method has proven 99.5 % successful in preventing Covid-19 hospitalizations. • VCIP could be a replicable cost-effective telemedicine model in a subset of people and may be adopted during a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]