Values Of Parameters Research Articles

In Silico Analysis of Natural Plant-Derived Cyclotides with Antifungal Activity against Pathogenic Fungi.

Fungal infections in plants, animals, and humans are widespread across the world. Limited classes of antifungal drugs to treat fungal infections and loss of drug efficacy due to rapidly evolving fungal strains pose a challenge in the agriculture and health sectors. Hence, the search for a new class of antifungal agents is imperative. Cyclotides are cyclic plant peptides with multiple bioactivities, including antifungal activity. They have six conserved cysteine residues forming three disulfide linkages (CI-CIV, CII-CV, CIII-CVI) that establish a Cyclic Cystine Knot (CCK) structure, making them extremely resistant to chemical, enzymatic, and thermal attacks. This in silico analysis of natural, plant-derived cyclotides aimed to assess the parameters that can assist and hasten the process of selecting the cyclotides with potent antifungal activity and prioritize them for in vivo/ in vitro experiments. The objective of this study was to conduct in silico studies to compare the physicochemical parameters, sequence diversity, surface structures, and membrane-cyclotide interactions of experimentally screened (from literature survey) potent (MIC ≤ 20 μM) and non-potent (MIC > 20 μM) cyclotides for antifungal activity. Cyclotide sequences assessed for antifungal activity were retrieved from the database (Cybase). Various online and offline tools were used for sequence-based studies, such as physicochemical parameters, sequence diversity, and neighbor-joining trees. Structure-based studies involving surface structure analysis and membrane-cyclotide interaction were also carried out. All investigations were conducted in silico. Physicochemical parameter values, viz. isoelectric point, net charge, and the number of basic amino acids, were significantly higher in potent cyclotides compared to non-potent cyclotides. The surface structure of potent cyclotides showed a larger hydrophobic patch with a higher number of hydrophobic amino acids. Furthermore, the membrane-cyclotide interaction studies of potent cyclotides revealed lower transfer free energy (ΔG transfer) and higher penetration depth into fungal membranes, indicating higher binding stability and membrane-disruption ability. These in silico studies can be applied for rapidly identifying putatively potent antifungal cyclotides for in vivo and in vitro experiments, which will ultimately be relevant in the agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors.

Bifurcation analysis and exact wave solutions of the nano-ionic currents equation: Via two analytical techniques

In this work, numerous nonlinear evolution equations, namely the nano-ionic current equation, have wide applications in various fields of science and technology. To achieve this, we employ the generalized auxiliary equation and extended hyperbolic function techniques to investigate the exact wave solutions of the model under consideration. We obtained a range of exact wave solutions, including bright, dark, singular-periodic, periodic, and w-shape solutions, for the nonlinear model under examination, as well as rational and exponential function solutions with various structures, which are explored in our manuscript. In this paper, we compared the solutions obtained using the GAE and EHF approaches and also compared the obtained solutions using the GAE scheme with the solutions reported in Aljahdaly et al. [43]. Moreover, the three-dimensional and contour graphs are included to illustrate the structure of some obtained solutions by selecting specific parameter values. Bifurcation analysis is illustrated by phase plane analysis; phase plots are employed to depict the dynamic structure and are also analyzed for the existence of other solutions. These techniques serve as reliable, simple, and potent tools to analyze various nonlinear evolution equations found in physics, applied mathematics, and engineering.

Optimal control of ribosome population for gene expression under periodic nutrient intake.

Translation of proteins is a fundamental part of gene expression that is mediated by ribosomes. As ribosomes significantly contribute to both cellular mass and energy consumption, achieving efficient management of the ribosome population is also crucial to metabolism and growth. Inspired by biological evidence for nutrient-dependent mechanisms that control both ribosome-active degradation and genesis, we introduce a dynamical model of protein production, that includes the dynamics of resources and control over the ribosome population. Under the hypothesis that active degradation and biogenesis are optimal for maximizing and maintaining protein production, we aim to qualitatively reproduce empirical observations of the ribosome population dynamics. Upon formulating the associated optimization problem, we first analytically study the stability and global behaviour of solutions under constant resource input, and characterize the extent of oscillations and convergence rate to a global equilibrium. We further use these results to simplify and solve the problem under a quasi-static approximation. Using biophysical parameter values, we find that optimal control solutions lead to both control mechanisms and the ribosome population switching between periods of feeding and fasting, suggesting that the intense regulation of ribosome population observed in experiments allows to maximize and maintain protein production. Finally, we find some range for the control values over which such a regime can be observed, depending on the intensity of fasting.

An Experimental Study on the Effectiveness of the Backward-Facing Step Technique on Small-Scale Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine Rotor Blades

The aim of this research work was to explore how modifying the design of small-scale HAWT rotor blades through the backward-facing step technique affects their efficiency under varying wind speeds. The study involved altering step parameters such as location, length, and depth to create four distinct stepped blade shapes and enhance the aerodynamic performance of a rotor with a diameter of 280 mm. A specific blade profile, NREL S822, was selected to meet both aerodynamic and structural criteria. The rotor models were examined at a Reynolds number of 4.7 × 104 for wind speeds between 8.5 and 15.5 m/s and tip-speed ratios between 2 and 5. The experimental results indicated that for certain geometric step parameter values, the efficiency of the rotor model (B3) increased by approximately 47% compared to the base model (B1), particularly for tip-speed ratios lower than around 3.2. However, beyond this point, the rotor efficiency dropped significantly, reaching approximately 60% in one case. Additionally, a hybrid rotor model (B6) was generated by combining the shape of the rotor model (B4) with the most efficient rotor model from the literature, generated using the leading-edge wavy shape technique. This hybrid rotor model enhanced rotor efficiency for specific values of tip-speed ratio and also ensured its smoother operation. Overall, the rotor model (B2), distinguished by smaller step parameter values and a shift as well as broadening of the power coefficient curve towards lower tip-speed ratio values, exhibited a higher peak power coefficient, approximately 1.4% greater than the base rotor (B1). This increase occurred at a lower tip-speed ratio, allowing the rotor to operate with higher efficiency across a broader range of tip-speed ratios.

Reparameterizing Litter Decomposition Using a Simplified Monte Carlo Method Improves Litter Decay Simulated by a Microbial Model and Alters Bioenergy Soil Carbon Estimates

AbstractLitter decomposition determines soil organic matter (SOM) formation and plant‐available nutrient cycles. Therefore, accurate model representation of litter decomposition is critical to improving soil carbon (C) projections of bioenergy feedstocks. Soil C models that simulate microbial physiology (i.e., microbial models) are new to bioenergy agriculture, and their parameterization is often based on small datasets or manual calibration to reach benchmarks. Here, we reparameterized litter decomposition in a microbial soil C model (CORPSE ‐ Carbon, Organisms, Rhizosphere, and Protection in the Soil Environment) using the continental‐scale Long‐term Inter‐site Decomposition Experiment Team (LIDET) dataset which documents decomposition across a range of litter qualities over a decade. We conducted a simplified Monte Carlo simulation that constrained parameter values to reduce computational costs. The LIDET‐derived parameters improved modeled C and nitrogen (N) remaining, decomposition rates, and litter mean residence times as compared to Baseline parameters. We applied the LIDET litter decomposition parameters to a microbial bioenergy model (Fixation and Uptake of Nitrogen – Bioenergy Carbon, Rhizosphere, Organisms, and Protection) to examine soil C estimates generated by Baseline and LIDET parameters. LIDET parameters increased estimated soil C in bioenergy feedstocks, with even greater increases under elevated plant inputs (i.e., by increasing residue, N fertilization). This was due to the integrated effects of plant litter quantity, quality, and agricultural practices (tillage, fertilization). Collectively, we developed a simple framework for using large‐scale datasets to inform the parameterization of microbial models that impacts projections of soil C for bioenergy feedstocks.

Online water quality monitoring: a case study in the umbulan drinking water supply system, East Java, Indonesia

Conventional systems that monitor the supply system periodically are considered to be very inadequate. This can cause the water supply distributed to the community to be of poor quality. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate water quality periodically by measuring water parameters such as pH, chlorine and turbidity for 30 days using an online system and portable unit. Portable tools used to measure pH, turbidity and residual chlorine are as follows, namely pH meters (Hanna, HI98017), Turbidity Meters (Hanna, HI 98703), Residual Chlorine meters and measurements with an online system using "Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition”. The average parameter value of the results of online daily monitoring for a month for the pH parameter was a minimum 6.92, a maximum of 7.46, a minimum turbidity of 0.08 nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) and a maximum of 0.94 NTU. While the residual chlorine minimum of 0.29 mg/L and a maximum of 0.58 mg/L. To determine the accuracy of the offline measurements, measurements were also performed with a portable device four times a month. The comparison of the measurement results is very small, which is the difference in pH parameters is between 0.37-0.50, turbidity is between 0.05-0.21 NTU, and residual chlorine is 0.002-0.006 mg/L. Offline measurements using the portable device are consistent with the online daily monitoring. Future research should focus on optimizing sensor technology for enhanced accuracy and reliability, and developing automated data analysis algorithms to streamline evaluation processes.

Precursor influence on the raman spectrum of KNNLiTaLa0.01 prepared by two different methods

This work presents a study of ceramics with the (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)0.97La0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O3 composition through their Raman spectra. In the previous studies [1], this particular composition has shown good permittivity and piezoelectric parameter values that justify a deeper investigation. Two sets of samples of these ceramic compounds were prepared using different methods. The first set was prepared using a classical solid-state reaction of oxides and carbonates, as described in Ref. 2. The second set was prepared using the NaNbO3 as a precursor. The Raman spectra of the samples obtained by the direct ceramic method consisted of 4 modes. In contrast, the spectra of the samples obtained using the precursor showed a shift of the wavenumber of the A1g(ν1) mode peak towards lower values and consisted of six modes with the appearance of two additional IR modes, F1u(ν3) and F2g(ν4). Notably, the use of the precursor preparation route led to important improvements resulting in a more straightforward method than that of Saito et al. [3].

Techno-economic assessment and wind energy potential of Nagad in Djibouti

The use of small scaled horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines in urban installation is increasing over the world. However, in Djibouti, the latter is still in the development phase. The paper presents a techno-economical analysis and wind energy potential for the period of five years (2015-2019) in Nagad based on actual measured wind speed data collected every 10 min at 10 m height. The energy pattern factor method has been used to estimate the Weibull parameters. With this method, the mathematical complexity is reduced with a minimization of the error at any heights and locations when calculating the wind power density. At 50 m height, the shape parameter showed a small variation for different periods. The scale parameter values of 7.78 m/s and 4.8 m/s were obtained in the hot and cold seasons, respectively. The results showed that the Nagad site is suitable for wind power development. According to the economic viability, RX30, Vestas V20, Enercon, Nordex N27, and Vestas V44 wind turbines are recommended for the Nagad site due to their low energy price ranging from 0.05$/kWh to 0.31$/kWh. This is 2-6 times cheaper than the average local tariff of electricity in Djibouti.

Hematological parameters as diagnostic biomarkers for patients with rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Systemic inflammation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Many studies have reported hematological parameters as biomarkers for diseases with inflammatory processes. However, the diagnostic value of hematological parameters in rosacea remains a puzzle. This study involved 462 patients with rosacea, including erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR, n = 179), papulopustular rosacea (PPR, n = 250), and phymatous rosacea (PhR, n = 33), and 924 healthy control subjects. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory information was collected and compared between rosacea subtypes. The hematological parameters of the patients and the healthy controls were compared retrospectively. The platelet volume (MPV) and platelet crit (PCT) were significantly upregulated, and the lower red cell distribution width (RDW) was significantly downregulated in rosacea compared to healthy controls, and they were identified as the diagnostic biomarkers for rosacea with area under the curve values of 0.828, 0.742, and 0.787, respectively. Comparing the hematological parameters among the three rosacea subtypes, we found that platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio values in the ETR group were significantly higher than those in the PPR and PhR groups. The correlation between hematological parameters and clinical scores showed that RDW was negatively correlated with the Clinician Erythema Assessment score. However, there was no significant correlation between the Investigator Global Assessment score and hematological parameters. In conclusion, PCT, MPV, and RDW have diagnostic value for rosacea, and RDW is correlated with the severity of rosacea erythema, implying the potential applications of PCT, MPV, and RDW in the diagnosis and monitoring of rosacea.

Unsteady Compressed Williamson Fluid Flow Behavior under the Influence of a Fixed Magnetic Field (Numerical Study)

A numerical investigation is conducted into a two-dimensional mathematical model of magnetized unsteady incompressible Williamson fluid flow over a sensor surface with fixed thermal conductivity and external squeezing accompanied by viscous dissipation effect. Based on the flow geometry under consideration, the current flow model was created. The momentum equation takes into consideration the magnetic field when describing the impact of Lorentz forces on flow behavior. The energy equation takes varying thermal conductivity into account while calculating heat transmission. The extremely complex nonlinear, unstable governing flow equations for the now under investigation are coupled in nature. Due to the inability of analytical or direct methods, the Runge-Kutta scheme (RK-4) via similarity transformations approach is used to tackle the physical problem under consideration. The physical behavior of various control factors on the flow phenomena is described using graphs and tables. For increasing values of the Weissenberg parameter and the permeable velocity parameter, the temperature boundary layer thickens. As the permeable velocity parameter and squeezed flow index increased, the velocity profile shrank. The velocity profile grows as the magnetic number rises. Squeezed flow magnifying increases the Nusselt number's magnitude. Furthermore, the extremely complex nonlinear complex equations that arise in fluid flow issues are quickly solved by RK-4. The current findings in this article closely align with the findings that have been reported in the literature.

Temperature Dependent Dielectric Properties Using Reflectrometric Technique of (Drumstick) Moringa oleifera Lam.

Abstract: The use of dielectric properties of agricultural products for sensing moisture in seeds and their powder form and their applications in microwave dielectric heating are discussed briefly. Values of dielectric properties of products in powder form are presented in tables and graphically to show the dependence of these properties on frequency, moisture content, and temperrature. Use of dielectric properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. For moisture measurement has been most prominent agricultural applications for such data. The results show that, there was a systematic increase in dielectric constant (ε') and loss factor (ε") with increasing values of relative packing fraction (δr) and decrease in dielectric constant and loss factor with increasing temperature. The moisture percentage measured by Thermo -gravimetric method. Experimental results of different relative packing fractions were further used to obtain transformation to 100% solid bulk using correlation equations of Landau-Lifshitz- Looyenga and Bottcher. The result shows that, there is a fair agreement between experimental values and theoretical values of different dielectric parameters.

Automatic smooth map generation of internal combustion engines via local-global model based calibration technique

The addition of new sensors and actuators to the engine, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions besides improving the engine operation, complicates the control commands stored in the engine control unit (ECU). Substitution of mechanical actuators with electronic ones increases the engine’s degrees of freedom and the number of control parameters, which results in the increased engine calibration time and cost. The aim of this paper is to take advantage of optimization techniques to achieve optimal values of control parameters in a fast and automated way. In this regard, it requires replacing the real engine with the virtual model and implementing the model-based calibration by coupling the virtual engine model with optimization algorithms. In this study, deep neural network (DNN) modeling and genetic algorithm (GA, NSGA-II) optimization are used for model-based calibration. The effect of all input control parameters, including ignition angle, continuously variable valve timing, etc., on all output control parameters including, brake-specific fuel consumption, emissions level, knock limit, combustion stability, etc., are investigated simultaneously by a valid global model, which is a remarkable achievement in the model-based calibration. Dynamic lag of some actuators delays the execution of control commands sent from ECU. To avoid abrupt variations in the actuators values, smoothness of the engine maps is considered in the calibration process. To reduce fuel consumption, decrease emission levels and attain smooth maps, the calibration of control parameters is performed by local-multi-objective optimization and global-single-objective optimization. Local-global model-based calibration presented in this study reduces 3.7% of the brake-specific fuel consumption and 7%–10% of emissions level at breakpoints of the engine map compared to manual calibration. In addition, the calibration time and costs while producing better engine performance can be reduced by automating the calibration process. Finally, calibrated maps are stored as a lookup table (LUT) in ECU. Generating an optimal lookup table involves the pre-calculation of several points that cover the calculation domain and allow the interpolation for other points. Selecting the optimal points for exact calculation is of great importance in the size and accuracy of LUT. In this study, an optimization tool is also presented to generate accurate and efficient LUT.

Ergodicity Breaking Under Confinement in Cold-Atom Quantum Simulators

The quantum simulation of gauge theories on synthetic quantum matter devices has gained a lot of traction in the last decade, making possible the observation of a range of exotic quantum many-body phenomena. In this work, we consider the spin-1/2 quantum link formulation of 1+1D quantum electrodynamics with a topological θ-angle, which can be used to tune a confinement-deconfinement transition. Exactly mapping this system onto a PXP model with mass and staggered magnetization terms, we show an intriguing interplay between confinement and the ergodicity-breaking paradigms of quantum many-body scarring and Hilbert-space fragmentation. We map out the rich dynamical phase diagram of this model, finding an ergodic phase at small values of the mass μ and confining potential χ, an emergent integrable phase for large μ, and a fragmented phase for large values of both parameters. We also show that the latter hosts resonances that lead to a vast array of effective models. We propose experimental probes of our findings, which can be directly accessed in current cold-atom setups.

A New Approach for Discontinuity Extraction Based on an Improved Naive Bayes Classifier

An increasing number of methods are being used to extract rock discontinuities from 3D point cloud data of rock surfaces. In this paper, a new method for automatic extraction of rock discontinuity based on an improved Naive Bayes classifier is proposed. The method first uses principal component analysis to find the normal vectors of the points, and then generates a certain number of random point sets around the selected training points for training the classifier. The trained, improved Naive Bayes classifier is based on point normal vectors and is able to automatically remove noise points due to various reasons in conjunction with the knee point algorithm, realizing high-precision extraction of the discontinuity sets. Subsequently, the individual discontinuities are segmented using a hierarchical density-based spatial clustering method with noise application. Finally, the PCA algorithm is used to complete the orientation by plane fitting the individual discontinuities. The method was applied in two cases, Kingston and Colorado, and the reliability and advantages of the new method were verified by comparing the results with those of previous research, and the discussion and analysis determined the optimal values of the relevant parameters in the algorithm.

Observation constraints on scalar field cosmological model in anisotropic universe

In this study, we have explored a scalar field cosmological model in the axially symmetric Bianchi type-I universe. In this study, our aim is to constrain the scalar field dark energy model in an anisotropic background. For this purpose, the explicit solution of the developed field equations for the model is determined and analyzed. Constraints on the cosmological model parameters are established utilizing Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis and using the latest observational datasets of OHD, BAO, and Pantheon. For the combined dataset (OHD, BAO, and Pantheon), the best-fit values of Hubble and density parameters are estimated as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The model shows a flipping nature and redshift transition occurs at [Formula: see text], and the present value of decelerated parameter is computed to be [Formula: see text] for the combined dataset. We have explored characteristics like the universe’s age, particle horizon, deceleration parameter, and jerk parameter. The dynamical properties, such as energy density [Formula: see text], scalar field pressure [Formula: see text], and equation of state parameter [Formula: see text], are analyzed and presented. We have also described the behavior of the scalar potential [Formula: see text] and scalar field. Furthermore, the authors also described the behavior of energy conditions in scalar-tensor cosmology. The scenario of the present accelerated expansion of the universe is described by the contribution of the scalar field.

Heat exchange under the longitudinal movement of wet steam in finning heat exchangers

The paper is devoted to the study on hydrodynamics and heat exchange of two-phase medium. While designing technological equipment, when the wet steam is used as the operating medium, the features of the interaction between liquid drops and the heat exchange surface are not considered in most cases. In full, this applies to steam turbines operating on the wet steam whose moisture content depends on the primary and secondary removal of liquid drops from the separation blocks. Purpose. Improving the method of calculation of recuperative heat exchangers, if wet steam is used as the operating medium. Methodology. It is based on the analysis of the physical model of moving the two-phase medium in the heat and mass exchange conditions, considering the design characteristics of the heat transfer surface. Findings. The correlation of critical values of two-phase flow parameters was obtained to determine the lower boundary of the process of plucking the drops from the liquid film depending on the irrigation density, geometric characteristics of the channel and physical properties of the liquid and gas. Correlations were obtained for pipes with longitudinal finning as the Π-shaped profile, based on which we recommend optimizing the geometric characteristics of longitudinal finning. Originality. Determining the limit modes of secondary removal formation during the movement of a two-phase medium in separation devices and the features of heat and mass transfer of wet steam in finning recuperative heat exchangers. Practical value. The presented results make it possible to optimize the design of recuperative heat exchangers with longitudinal Π-shaped finning.

Investigation of Light Baryons in Hot QCD

We investigate the behavior of light baryons in hot QCD. To this aim, we evaluate the light baryons mass and residue in hot medium using the thermal correlation function with two-point by means of the thermal QCD sum rule. In sum rule calculations, we consider the additional thermal condensates appearing in Wilson expansion at T≠0. We determine the thermal continuum threshold using obtained sum rules expressions to analyze numerically. We observe that the masses and residues of light baryons stay approximately the same until the temperature reaches a certain value and then they fall with the temperature increase. We see that vacuum values of parameters in our calculations are in good consistency with other studies in the literature. Also, we define the fit functions that show how the spectroscopic parameters for light baryons behave at T≠0.

Desain Motor Kapasitor Dua Fasa Simetris 1 kW

Single phase induction motors are one of the most frequently used types of motors because of their economical, sturdy, simple and easy maintenance advantages. One application is for electric vehicles. When single phase induction motors are applied to electric vehicles there are problems related to torque regulation based on vehicle operating conditions where when operating on light road conditions the torque produced by the motor remains high. In this research, a single-phase induction motor was made to have the same proportion of torque produced by the main coil and auxiliary coil or a 1kW 1000 rpm symmetrical two-phase induction motor. The type of winding applied to the stator is divided screws with the main and auxiliary coils each occupying 18 stator slots, 45 conductors per slots,, with a conductor diameter of 1.2 mm. As a phase shifter at start and operation so that they differ by 90°, a capacitance of 505.51 µF is used. As a result of the winding modification, the induction motor parameter values ​​for each stator winding are the same. So the starting torque of the main and auxiliary coils is 3.89 Nm and 3.88 Nm respectively and the nominal torque produced by the main and auxiliary coils is 4.28 Nm and 4.29 Nm respectively.

Enhancing Seismic Performance of Semi-Commercial Apartment having Telecommunication Tower at Roof

Abstract: When studying the impact of seismic activities on a structure, we focused on the efficient case and didn't consider the worst-case scenario. If a telecommunication tower is planned on a multistoried building in the future, and the tower is in the worst possible location, certain measures need to be taken to stabilize it and adjust the parametric values. In this research, we analyzed a total of 5 semi-commercial apartment building cases with G+19 floors, each having different telecommunication tower locations. After the analysis, we identified the worst case and implemented an outrigger system, as discussed in the graphical representations in the discussion section. In conclusion, we compared parametric results and observed that Case TTD is very efficient, while Case TTA is the worst among all the cases. We also improved the stability of the worst-case TTA and transformed it into Case TTO through the implementation of the outrigger system, as indicated by our results and discussions.

Optimization of use case point through the use of metaheuristic algorithm in estimating software effort

Use Case Points estimation framework relies on the complexity weight parameters to estimate software development projects. However, due to the discontinue parameters, it lead to abrupt weight classification and results in inaccurate estimation. Several research studies have addressed these weaknesses by employing various approaches, including fuzzy logic, regression analysis, and optimization techniques. Nevertheless, the utilization of optimization techniques to determine use case weight parameter values has yet to be extensively explored, with the potential to enhance accuracy further. Motivated by this, the current research delves into various metaheuristic search-based algorithms, such as genetic algorithms, Firefly algorithms, Reptile search algorithms, Particle swarm optimization, and Grey Wolf optimizers. The experimental investigation was carried out using a Silhavy UCP estimation dataset, which contains 71 project data from three software houses and is publicly available. Furthermore, we compared the performance between models based on metaheuristic algorithms. The findings indicate that the performance of the Firefly algorithm outperforms the others based on five accuracy metrics: mean absolute error, mean balance relative error, mean inverted relative error, standardized accuracy, and effect size.