Functional observer based controller for stabilizing Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time-delays

This paper investigates the construction of a fuzzy functional observer for nonlinear systems with time-delays, and the application of the observer to estimate the state functions of the parallel distributed compensation controller for stabilizing the system. Two types of time-delays are considered: constant and time-varying delays with bounded time derivative. Stability conditions are obtained using Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional approach; and the conditions are transformed into linear matrix inequalities with equality constraints so that observer parameters can be calculated using the solution of these inequalities. Functional observer construction procedures are presented considering both constant and time-varying time-delays. Two examples, including one for obtaining a power system stabilizer for a single machine infinite bus system, are presented to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed design procedures.     

Interaction between prey and mutually interfering predator in prey reserve habitat: Pattern formation and the Turing–Hopf bifurcation

In this paper, we propose a diffusive prey-predator system with mutually interfering predator (Crowley–Martin functional response) and prey reserve. In particular, we develop and analyze both spatially homogeneous model based on ordinary differential equations and reaction-diffusion model. We mainly investigate the global existence and boundedness of positive solution, stability properties of homogeneous steady state, non-existence of non-constant positive steady state, conditions for Turing instability and Hopf bifurcation of the diffusive system analytically. Conventional stability properties of the non-spatial counterpart of the system are also studied. The analysis ensures that the prey reserve leaves stabilizing effect on the stability of temporal system. The prey reserve and diffusive parameters leave parallel impact on the stability of the spatio-temporal system. Furthermore, we illustrate the spatial patterns via numerical simulations, which show that the model dynamics exhibits diffusion controlled pattern formation by different interesting patterns.     

Modified particle swarm optimization for optimum design of spread footing and retaining wall

This paper deals with the economically optimized design and sensitivity of two of the most widely used systems in geotechnical engineering: spread footing and retaining wall. Several recent advanced optimization methods have been developed, but very few of these methods have been applied to geotechnical problems. The current research develops a modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) approach to obtain the optimum design of spread footing and retaining wall. The algorithm handles the problem-specific constraints using a penalty function approach. The optimization procedure controls all geotechnical and structural design constraints while reducing the overall cost of the structures. To verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm, three case studies of spread footing and retaining wall are illustrated. Comparison of the results of the present method, standard PSO, and other selected methods employed in previous studies shows the reliability and accuracy of the algorithm. Moreover, the parametric performance is investigated in order to examine the effect of relevant variables on the optimum design of the footing and the retaining structure utilizing the proposed method.     

Detection of non-deletional type of hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) condition associated with 619 bp β°-thalassemia deletion

DNA samples from a family (parents and a son) with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) condition were subjected to amplification of a 1.214 kbp DNA fragment from β-globin gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The aim of this study was to identify the type of HPFH i.e. deletional or non deletional. Non deletional type of HPFH was identified in two samples and moreover, these samples were found to be associated with 619bp β^°-thalassemia deletion. This is the first report on the association of non deletional HPFH with 619bp β^°-thalassemia deletion.     

The changing faces of politics and repression in Malaysia

Abstract

For a long time popular music and aesthetics have been considered as mutually exclusive categories within the musicological discourse. Based on the predominance of idealistic autonomy aesthetics, the concept of the (musical) ‘work of art’, at its core, legitimised the exclusion of popular music from the realm of aesthetics. Since the concept of autonomy constituted the beauty of art as a sphere free from social functions and independent from interests of the culture industries, two antithetical strategies in researching pop music have recently emerged: on the one hand pop music has been described as art, on the other hand it has been considered as a cultural phenomenon solely explored through sociological approaches. This paper looks for an alternative way in order to overcome the dualisms of art and everyday life, aesthetics and society, without neglecting the inherent aesthetic dimension of popular music cultures or the processes of identity‐making of the involved people. For this purpose, concepts developed in theatre and ritual studies seem to be fruitful for describing pop music as ritual in social space (musicking), and in terms of an aesthetic of the performative. Based on participant observations and interviews, the paper discusses a rock concert that the Yoon Band from South Korea held in Germany. In view of the event character and of liminal and transformative processes within the performance, it gives an example of how Korean people in Germany negotiate their identities and draw national boundaries through actively participating in and through music. Thereby, the way popular music constitutes the diasporic community can be detected in the underlying social, symbolic, and sound patterns of the performance.     

Analysis of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Coagulation Pathway Factors in OCP Treated PCOS Women

Human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—a cluster of diseases displays various symptoms associated with endocrine and gynecological disorders in childbearing women. Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) being a drug of choice minimizes symptoms and complications associated with the disorder. But, the controversial data available in literature regarding use of OCPs compels us to setup a study design regarding effect of OCP treatment in PCOS subjects and the possible outcomes specifically regarding coagulation pathways. Two PCOS study groups have been selected according to Rotterdam Criteria: one with OCP treatment (n = 50) and other without any drug treatment i.e., drug naive (n = 50). Anthropometry, Biochemistry, Hormones, Insulin and various clotting factors like Factor XI, Factor V, tPA, TAT-III and D-dimer were analyzed in both groups. The results showed worsening of IR, Metabolic parameters and coagulopathy in OCP group comparative to drug naive group indicating adverse effects of the OCP treatment which puts these women at risk for number of future clinical implications especially Cardiovascular and metabolic complications.     

Entrepreneurship education in Malaysian universities

Entrepreneurship education in the strongly emerging market of Malaysia was examined throughout the country’s 20 public universities. A broad based interview process amongst multiple stakeholders profiled educational policies as well as revealing shortcomings in practice. Observers noted that students showed a preference for salaried jobs after graduation rather than setting up their own businesses, despite participation in entrepreneurship classes and programmes. Policymakers indicated that curricula had deficiencies despite their hype. Passive lectures were far more common than more interactive methods. It is suggested that if Malaysian universities are to promote entrepreneurship education in an effective way, they must address these issues.

     

Phytochemical composition,biological potential and enzyme inhibition activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scandix pecten-veneris</Emphasis> L.

Objective

Scandix pecten-veneris L. is a less studied wild edible herb and is considered an extinct plant species in many parts of the world. This study was designed to evaluate its phytochemical composition and biological potential of S. pecten-veneris L.

Methods

Phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins were determined in extracts of S. pecten-veneris. Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while reducing power was tested by ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial and four fungal strains was evaluated using agar well diffusion assay. Enzymes inhibition study was performed for urease, phosphodiesterase-I, and catalase-II.

Results

S. pecten-veneris showed moderate antiradical activity and reducing potential of hydroxyl radicals to about 20% of the initial value. The antioxidant activity of various extracts of S. pecten-veneris showed a linear correlation with total phenolic contents in the order of water>n-butanol>chloroform>ethyl acetate>methanol extracts. S. pecten-veneris leaves showed the highest inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus while the highest antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans. The plant extract was most potent against urease enzymes but showed moderate activity against phosphodiestrase-I and carbonic anhydrase-II.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that in addition to its culinary uses, S. pecten-veneris has good medicinal potential and hence could be used for treating some specific health ailments.

     

Interconversion of Fischer and zig-zag projections learning stereochemistry with the help of hands

Visualization of molecules in three dimensions is an important aspect of organic chemistry. The use of hands has been shown to be effective in the three-dimensional visualization of molecules [1]. A method of looking at one’s own hands as a model that allows students to see the interconversion of Fischer and zig-zag projections is described in this article.