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Abstract In this paper, a novel hybrid sine-cosine and spotted Hyena-based chimp optimization algorithm (hybrid SSC) is adopted for the precise tuning of proportional-integral (PI) controllers in a microgrid system. The microgrid integrates multiple renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, a fuel cell, and a battery storage system, all connected to a common DC bus. This DC bus interfaces with the main grid through a voltage source converter (VSC). The microgrid comprises a total of eight PI controllers distributed across various components: the boost converter in the wind system, the fuel cell system, the battery energy storage device, and the VSC controller. The hybrid SSC optimization algorithm effectively combines the exploration capabilities of the sine-cosine algorithm (SCA) with the exploitation strengths of the spotted Hyena optimizer (SHO) and Chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA), aiming to achieve optimal tuning of the PI controllers. This hybrid approach ensures an enhanced dynamic response and overall system performance by minimizing the integral of the time-weighted squared error (ITSE) for each controller. The simulation results, directed in a MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, demonstrate the efficacy of the hybrid SSC algorithm in improving the stability, response time and efficacy of the microgrid. The proposed technique significantly outperforms traditional tuning techniques, ensuring robust operation and seamless addition of renewable energy sources with the main grid. This study contributes to the advancement of intelligent control strategies for modern microgrids, emphasizing the importance of hybrid optimization algorithms in achieving optimal performance in complex energy systems.

FCM is a new approach to lesson delivery in most of the developing world, and neither the (higher education) system, nor the teachers and learners are prepared and well-equipped to handle the demands of the approach. The present study was conducted to document the challenges before teachers implementing FCM in EFL/ESL classrooms. The study was conducted as an end-of-term survey using questionnaires and interview techniques for data collection. The questionnaire was comprised of statements on methods, materials, mode of delivery, and feedback to learners, while the semi-unstructured interviews were meant to gather a narrative account of teachers' experiences in implementing FCM approach to language teaching. 50 university teachers from Saudi Arabia were surveyed for the study. The obtained results present a picture of difficulties before ESL teachers in implementing FCM. The majority of the participants (mean=49.8) opine that they face one or the other challenge when they use FCM approach in ESL classrooms. Roughly one third (mean=31.6) of the participants expressed that they do not face any challenges in implementing FCM. In the semi-structured interview sessions, the teachers expressed their dissatisfaction with the approach, and said they are generally ill-equipped to deliver lessons and address feedback issues effectively.

Listening and speaking are active language skills and need special attention in English language pedagogy, especially in ESL/EFL contexts. English in India is taught as a second language in almost all the states, and the secondary education boards stipulate the teaching of all the four language skills as the objective of teaching English, yet the teaching and assessment system is only read-write intensive, and the active language skills, i.e., listening and speaking, are neglected in teaching as well as in assessment. The present paper is the result of a survey of the language teaching objectives, learning outcomes and assessment policies of two secondary education boards in India to investigate whether there exists any divergence between the stated objectives regarding teaching English language skills, and the testing pattern followed. The findings of the study suggest that there exists a divergence between the objectives stated by state level secondary education boards and their assessment patterns set for the English language. The study recommends that there should be a uniform standard of teaching and assessment of English in secondary schools in India, and there should be more research studies on the potential negative impact of the neglect of teaching and assessment of active language skills.

BackgroundSalt sensitivity of blood pressure is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The exact mechanism by which salt intake increases blood pressure and cardiovascular risk is unknown. We previously found that sodium entry into antigen-presenting cells (APCs) via the amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel EnaC (epithelial sodium channel) leads to the formation of IsoLGs (isolevuglandins) and release of proinflammatory cytokines to activate T cells and modulate salt-sensitive hypertension. In the current study, we hypothesized that ENaC-dependent entry of sodium into APCs activates the NLRP3 (NOD [nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain]-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome via IsoLG formation leading to salt-sensitive hypertension.MethodsWe performed RNA sequencing on human monocytes treated with elevated sodium in vitro and Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from participants rigorously phenotyped for salt sensitivity of blood pressure using an established inpatient protocol. To determine mechanisms, we analyzed inflammasome activation in mouse models of deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-induced hypertension as well as salt-sensitive mice with ENaC inhibition or expression, IsoLG scavenging, and adoptive transfer of wild-type dendritic cells into NLRP3 deficient mice.ResultsWe found that high levels of salt exposure upregulates the NLRP3 inflammasome, pyroptotic and apoptotic caspases, and IL (interleukin)-1β transcription in human monocytes. Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing revealed that components of the NLRP3 inflammasome and activation marker IL-1β dynamically vary with changes in salt loading/depletion. Mechanistically, we found that sodium-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is ENaC and IsoLG dependent. NLRP3 deficient mice develop a blunted hypertensive response to elevated sodium, and this is restored by the adoptive transfer of NLRP3 replete APCs.ConclusionsThese findings reveal a mechanistic link between ENaC, inflammation, and salt-sensitive hypertension involving NLRP3 inflammasome activation in APCs. APC activation via the NLRP3 inflammasome can serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for salt sensitivity of blood pressure.

The workers maintaining cleanliness in cities are popularly known as sanitation workers throughout India. Sanitation Worker refers to all sorts of workers engaged in cleaning jobs, who handle dry and wet waste, and those who sweep. They are exposed to a variety of chemicals which pose an occupational hazard by exposing them to a wide range of health problems. Therefore this study has been undertaken, to assess the sociodemographic profile and awareness among sanitation workers in Aligarh. Across-sectional study was conducted in Aligarh including Sanitation workers under Nagar Nigam. The study period was one year, i.e., from July 2018 to June 2019. A total of 450 Sanitation workers were studied in a cross sectional study using multistage sampling conducted on sanitation workers employed under Nagar Nigam, Aligarh using structured questionnaires. The Questionnaire used in the study included Socio-demographic characteristics, Standard of Living Index, Health Problems, Health Seeking Behaviour and Satisfaction from Health System, Quality of Life, Stigma and Discrimination, Occupational Health Hazards, Alcohol Consumption and General Awareness. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 20. Data entry and analysis were presented using descriptive statistics, which included percentages, means, and frequencies. In this study, males constituted most of the respondents, reflecting male dominance in urban municipal work. Urban residents accounted for 95.8%, likely due to employment-driven migration. Marital status was varied, with 80.9% married. As almost all of the Safai Karamchari were unaware of government schemes. The older age group of 41-50 years was found having higher health problems. On the analysis of health problems with the mean age of Sanitation workers, it was found to be significantly associated with a higher age. There is a need to acknowledge, improve and strengthen services, including improving the working environment and better health care to the sanitation workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present review article focuses on exploring the wide dimensions of barley including botanical description, nutritional composition, phytochemistry, experimental pharmacology, and clinical studies along with its traditional uses in Unani medicine. Background: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) which is referred to as 'Jao' in the Unani system of medicine has a long history of utilization as a food and medicine. It belongs to family Poaceae and is considered as one of the founder crops of old-world agriculture. Methodology: A manual literature survey of classical Unani texts was conducted to collect the information available on 'Jao'. Besides, a comprehensive search of electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, was carried out to collect all the available information regarding its phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical studies. Result: In Unani medicine, barley is an important drug commonly used in many disorders of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, musculoskeletal system, skin, etc. It is used to treat obesity, diabetes, headache, pain and inflammation of the throat, acute swelling of joints and gout, chronic swellings, diarrhoea, fever, skin eruptions, hyperpigmentation of the skin, etc. Recent studies revealed that barley constitutes beta-glucan and a myriad of bioactive compounds that play numerous biological activities such as hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anticancer, and wound healing activities. Conclusion: Barley is a potent drug that exhibits a wide range of health benefits, most of which have been confirmed via preclinical and clinical studies. This review may thus be helpful for the research community as well as common people to avail the benefits of this drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examine the effect of leadership and reward systems on employee engagement, focusing on the comparative context of organizational culture between public and private organizations in Zanzibar. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from employees across both sectors through surveys, interviews, and organizational documents. The study examines the relationship between leadership styles and reward systems and employee engagement levels. Additionally, it explores how organizational culture influences the effectiveness of these leadership and reward practices in fostering employee engagement. The findings shed light on the unique dynamics of public and private sector organizations in Zanzibar and provide insights into the mechanisms through which leadership styles and reward systems interact with organizational culture to impact employee engagement outcomes. The study offers implications for organizational leaders, policymakers, and future research directions in the field of employee engagement and organizational behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diacerein (DCN) is used mainly to treat degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis. DCN is marketed commercially in solid dosage forms. Liquid formulations of diacerein (DCN) have been hindered by its poor chemical stability in aqueous media. This work aims to develop a novel, stable, oral, liquid preparation of DCN having a concentration of 50 mg/5 ml. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of DCN were prepared using cetyl alcohol as the lipid matrix and Tween 80® as a surfactant. A quality-by-design approach was utilized to optimize DCN-SLNs. The optimum DCN-SLNs were dispersed in a structured vehicle to formulate the liquid dosage form. This liquid preparation was subjected to accelerated stability studies at 40 °C and 75% RH for 6 months. The potential of the liquid preparation to minimize the diarrheal effect of DCN was assessed. Optimum concentrations of cetyl alcohol (2%) and Tween 80® (0.9%) were chosen to obtain the desired characteristics of SLNs. Interestingly, we determined that 0.05% of citric acid was the maximum concentration that can be added to the liquid preparation of diacerein to modify its pH without compromising its stability. The results of the stability studies show that the liquid preparation was robust and it withstood storage conditions (40 °C, 75% RH) for 6 months. The encapsulation of diacerein helps to protect it from degradation and significantly reduced the occurrence of diarrhea as a side effect (p < 0.0001). Liquid preparations of DCN-SLNs can thus be marketed as a new dosage form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]