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Since decades mathematicians have been designing the transfer function for the available physical models followed by the involvement of control engineers to work on it. Through the study of the offered representations, many systems were found to be of higher order which are nevertheless not easy to study and analyze in their core form. Furthermore, again uncertainties within the system was found that cannot be ignored. All these increases the complexities for analysis of the physical systems. This demands a technique for order reduction to derive an approximate lower order representation of the higher order systems. In continuation, this paper is an attempt to propose a computationally efficient approach for obtaining the reduced interval model based on Routh Approximation technique. The proposed approach is a novel method for discrete-time interval system and is discussed in detail in the article content ahead. The provided examples offer the desired explanation for the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Duzce University Journal of Science & Technology is the property of Duzce University Journal of Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Presently, the triangular cell sunflower seed metering roller has not been evaluated in field conditions using a power tiller. This study was undertaken to evaluate its working performance in the field conditions. Randomized complete block design with three replications and three level of forward speed and a quantity of seeds in hopper was used to evaluate performance of the triangular cell sunflower seed metering roller. Performance indices namely mean spacing; miss index, multiple indexes, quality of feed index, precision index, and coefficient of variation were used to describe the performance of the triangular cell sunflower seed metering roller. Results were analysed statistically to determine the effect of forward speed, quantity of seed in the hopper and their interaction on the performance indices. Best performance was at a combination of forward speed 1.3 km h-1 and a quantity of seeds in the hopper of 2.392 kg, which gave a mean spacing of 226.16 cm, a miss index of 25%, multiple indexes of 0.43%, a quality of feed index of 97.33% and a precision index of 16.58%. Based on agronomical recommendations for sunflower planting and performance comparison with other sunflower metering device, it is concluded that triangular cell sunflower seed metering roller can perform efficiently and economically and can be adopted by the small and medium farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the estimation of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) in geotechnical projects. UCS is a crucial parameter in designing such projects, and traditional methods of measurement outlined by standards are often time-consuming and cumbersome. Additionally, obtaining standard core samples is always a challenging task in fractured or discontinuous rock masses. To overcome these limitations, alternative techniques such as simple regression (SR), multivariable regression (MVR), and artificial intelligence (AI) have been utilized to estimate UCS based on easily derived geotechnical parameters. While SR and MVR provide simple equations that can be used without the need for complex calculations, AI techniques offer the potential for higher prediction accuracy. However, AI models often require more complex solutions due to their intricate algorithms and computational processes. This makes AI less practical for ongoing geotechnical projects in which simple and quick estimations are often preferred. In this study, both the SR and the MVR models were employed to estimate the UCS using the Schmidt hammer rebound number (RN), density (ρ), porosity (ϕ), and point load index (Is50) as input parameters. Various SR and MVR models were tested, and the best-performing models were selected based on performance indices such as the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), relative root mean square error (RRMSE), variance accounted for (VAF), efficiency (E), and correlation coefficient (R2). Furthermore, this study proposes a new performance index (PImod) to evaluate the predictive capabilities of the models. This index likely incorporates additional criteria or metrics beyond the aforementioned traditional performance indices. Overall, the equations derived from the regression models in this study offer a simpler and more practical approach for geotechnical practitioners to quickly assess UCS in any given area, providing a useful tool for their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply poses a significant and contemporary challenge for many countries. To address this foremost issue, the utilization of solar photovoltaic power generation emerges as an efficient and viable solution. This approach not only eliminates the escalating energy demand but also provides eco-friendly sustainable power to the consumers. In light of this context, the paper presents a technical methodology for assessing the performance of solar PV systems within varying climatic conditions across five distinct locations in the West Bengal province of eastern India, namely, Siliguri, Malda, Berhampore, Krishnanagar and Durgapur. Various performance indices such as yield outcomes, losses, performance ratio (PR) and capacity factor (CF) of solar PV array, have been evaluated for the specified regions using resource management and HOMER pro software. The acquired findings indicate that the annual average final yield, reference yield, array yield, system loss and array capture loss of solar PV array across five different locations lie within the range of (2.69–4.03) h/d, (4.83–5.20) h/d, (2.83 -4.24) h/d, (0.14–0.21) h/d, and (0.96–2.01) h/d, respectively. Aligning with these outcomes, it can be inferred that Krishnanagar emerges as the optimal site for solar PV deployment, with a performance ratio (PR) of 77.5% and a capacity factor (CF) of 16.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the stabilization of voltage and frequency in multi-area diverse source power systems (MADSPS). Consequently, to attain this, an investigation was carried out on the load frequency control and automatic voltage regulation in combined (CLFC-AVR) analysis. The MADSPS comprises multiple generation units, such as Thermal-Hydro-Wind in each area, and performs the analysis by laying area-1 with a 10% step load disturbance (10%SLD) under the supervision of a fuzzy-aided proportional-integral-derivative (PID) optimally rendered with a novel searching strategy of hybrid (H) artificial electric field (HAEFA) algorithm. However, the tuning of the fuzzy PID controller using the HAEFA technique is performed under different time-domain objective functions and their combinations to reveal the most suitable index for optimization of the considered model. Moreover, the efficacy of the HAEFA-tuned fuzzy PID was compared with classical PI/PID. Further, the CLFC-AVR investigation on MADSPS is stretched with the integration of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) in each area and the flexible AC transmission device of the thyristor-controlled series compensator (TCSC) with a tie line for performance boost.

Introduction: Haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) are tests used in the assessment of anaemia. The Veri-Q haemoglobin meter is a new device in the point-of-care market used for the quantitative measurement of haemoglobin and packed cell volume. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Veri-Q haemoglobin meter for the assessment of haemoglobin and packed cell volume. Materials and Methods: Haemoglobin and packed cell volume estimations of one hundred and eleven participants were determined using the Veri-Q Red haemoglobin meter and statistically compared with those obtained from the conventional method (gold standard). Results: One hundred and eleven undergraduate students participated in this study, of whom 72 (64.9%) were females and 39 (35.1%) were males. The mean haemoglobin values calculated using the Veri-Q haemoglobin meter (11.97 ± 1.95 g/dl) were significantly lower than the values obtained with the conventional method (12.35 ± 1.66 g/dl) (t= 4.7549; p=0.0001). Similar results were obtained with packed cell volume estimation. The performance indices of the Veri-Q haemoglobin meter were as follows: sensitivity (75.41% for Hb and 77.05% for PCV), specificity (28.0% for Hb and PCV), positive predictive value (PPV) (56.1% for Hb and 56.63% for PCV), negative predictive value (48.28% for Hb and 50% for PCV). The prevalence of anemia in this study was 54.05%. Positive Likelihood Ratio (1.05 for Hb and 1.07 for PCV), Negative Likelihood Ratio (0.88 for Hb and 0.82 for PCV), Accuracy (54.05% for Hb and 54.95% for PCV). The Receiver Operative Characteristics (ROC) Area Under Curve (AUC) was 0.996 for Hb and 0.984 for PCV. A significant but weak positive correlation was found to exist between haemoglobin estimations using conventional and Veri-Q methods (r=0.3013, P =0.01); PCV (R=0.2512, P =0.07). The sensitivity of the device can be described as moderate while the specificity is low. The accuracy of the device is just average. Conclusion: The Veri-Q haemoglobin meter demonstrates an average level of accuracy and a high AUC, making it potentially useful for field epidemiological studies.

The location and capacity of Distributed Generators (DG) are the two crucial factors that play a vital role in distribution networks towards reducing power losses. Independent implementation of DG injects either active power or reactive power and has attracted the interest of many researchers. However, some researchers have studied this important optimization problem with constant power load model or with the independent implementation of voltage dependent load models. In practical distribution network, loads provided by distribution utilities are mostly ZIP load models. So it is necessary to study the effect of DG on ZIP loads in distribution system to reduce power losses. In this study, an investigation has been performed to observe the effect of ZIP load models on the implementation of DG. The main objective of the study is to reduce the power losses with the implementation of DG considering ZIP load models. In this study, two cases are investigated to reduce the power losses with different scenarios. In Case-A, ten different scenarios are considered to study the effect of ZIP load model on the implementation of DG. Seven different independent ZIP load models have been proposed to study the effect of DG with different performance indices such as real power loss index (RPLI), the reactive power loss index (RePLI), voltage deviation index (VDI) and the real power injected by DG (PDG). Optimal placement and sizing of DG is a difficult non linear combinatorial optimization problem. Many evolutionary algorithms have been used to reduce the power losses with independent implementation of DG. However, evolutionary algorithms often suffer from some limitations, so quantum inspired evolutionary algorithm (QiEA) is used to overcome these limitations. An adaptive quantum inspired evolutionary algorithm (AQiEA) which is the updated version of QiEA is used to find the optimal location and capacity of DG. In Case-B, effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is tested on two IEEE benchmark test bus system with three different Scenarios. Multi objective function is formulated with real power loss, reactive power loss, voltage deviation index, and total power injected by DG. Tabulated results demonstrate that AQiEA is performing better in all aspects such as real power loss, active power injected by DG & percentage power loss reduction as compared with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Symbiotic Organism Search (SOS), Jaya Optimization (JO), Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) and Dragon Fly Optimization (DFO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the performance of CMIP6 models in capturing ocean heat content (OHC) variations in the Bay of Bengal. The seawater potential temperature of the six best-performing models up to a depth of 500 m from the sea surface was chosen for the study on a 1° x 1° horizontal resolution and monthly temporal scale, compared with RAMA buoy and North Indian Ocean Atlas data. Performance indices such as root mean square error (RMSE), average error, absolute average error (AAE) and Willmott score were used. The GISS-E2-1-G model performed better with lower RMSE and AAE values, while the IPSL-CM6A-LR model performed poorly. Monthly climatology variations showed increased temperature and OHC during the summer. Annual trends in OHC revealed negative trends for some models, indicating a net loss of heat, while others showed positive trends, indicating heat accumulation. Comparison with RAMA buoy data consistently showed lower heat content than the models, indicating overestimation. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating observational data to improve accuracy. The findings highlight variations in model performance, and the need for understanding uncertainties and biases in climate models for reliable projections. Additionally, the study suggests that the interaction between the North and South Bay of Bengal can affect the Indian Ocean Dipole phenomenon, influencing temperature gradients and hence OHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript describes a swift control prototyping (SCP) approach implemented within an industrial setting, utilizing a DC-DC nonlinear quadratic buck converter (QBC) to decrease production expenses of electronic materials and devices while improving power system efficiency. A practical experimental setup is utilized to develop a working prototype, transforming 380 VDC to 48 VDC with a power capacity of up to 500 W. The setup incorporates dSPACE CP1103 to execute Model in the Loop (MIL), Software in the Loop (SIL), and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) methodologies. Additionally, it employs advanced control strategies such as passivity-based control (PCB) and canonical forms, which are compared with classical Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control arrangements to propose a comprehensive control scheme that ensures stability in the presence of real-time disturbances (RT). Finally, a performance analysis is conducted, assessing important indicators like reaction time, precision of signals, stability of the system, and efficiency in resource utilization. The document concludes by offering a performance evaluation that encompasses PI, Cp, CpK, Z-score, and ITAE. This assessment considers factors such as response time, signal accuracy, system stability, and the efficiency of resource utilization.

This document introduces a rapid control prototyping (RCP) approach applied to the industrial sector using a non-linear Quadratic Buck Converter (QBC) DC-DC. The goal is to reduce manufacturing costs for materials and electronic devices while enhancing the power quality in the system’s response. An experimental setup is utilized to create a functional model, converting 380 VDC to 48 VDC at a power level of 500 W. dSPACE CP1103 is employed to implement Model in the Loop (MIL), Software in the Loop (SIL), and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) simulations. Modern control techniques, including sliding mode control (SMC) and passivity-based control (PBC), are employed to devise a robust control scheme capable of maintaining stability in real-time (RT) and resisting disturbances. The document concludes with a performance analysis, PI, Cp, CpK, Z-score, and ITAE considering response time, signal accuracy, system stability, and resource utilization efficiency.

Bioactive plants such as P. aduncum, M. citrifolia, and A. altilis might improve intestinal health as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the ethanolic extracts (EEs) of these plants on the intestinal health of broiler chickens. Cobb 500 chickens (n  =  352) were distributed into eight treatments with four replicates and 11 chickens each. T1 received a base diet, and T2 received a base diet with 0.005% zinc bacitracin. T3, T5, and T7 were supplemented with 0.005% of P. aduncum, M. citrifolia, and A. altilis EE in the diet while T4, T6, and T8 with 0.01% of the extract. The EEs were supplemented with drinking water from 1 to 26  days of age. The following parameters were evaluated: hematological profiles at 28  days of age, blood metabolites profiles at 14, 21, and 28  days; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactobacillus sp. abundance in the ileum mucosa and content at 21 and 28  days, and histomorphometry of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum mucosa at 14, 21, and 28  d. Final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion rate (FCR) were evaluated at seven, 21, and 33  days of age. M. citrifolia and A. altilis EE at 0.01% increased blood glucose levels at 21 and 28  days of age, respectively, and P. aduncum and M. citrifolia EE at 0.01% increased triglycerides at 28  days of age; in addition, this EE did not have any effect on the AST and ALT profiles. The depths of the Lieberkühn crypts and the villi length to the crypt’s depth ratio increased with age on supplementation with 0.01% M. citrifolia and A. altilis EE at 21  days of age (p  <  0.05). In addition, the depth of the crypts increased at 28  days of age (p  <  0.05) in chickens supplemented with 0.01% A. altilis EE. The 0.01% M. citrifolia EE in diet decreased in the Staphylococcus aureus population in the ileal microbiota (p  <  0.05). The FW and WG during the fattening and in the three stages overall increased, and the FCR decreased; however, the FI and the carcass yield did not change in the broiler chickens supplemented with 0.01% M. citrifolia EE (p  <  0.05). Conclusively, the M. citrifolia EE at 0.01% of the diet improved intestinal health and thus the performance indices of the broiler chickens and did not have a detrimental effect on any of the parameters evaluated, so it is postulated as a potential alternative to AGP in poultry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new methodology is proposed with the aim of quantifying the energy benefits resulting from different operation strategies. A new set of performance indices is obtained to discern among the multiple effects on the energy use of each single intervention on the network operation. The new methodology is applied to two different cases: a pressure reducing strategy in a water district and a variable pumping strategy in the water supply of a network. The two presented case studies demonstrated the applicability of the proposed methodology. The new performance indices were found to be a reliable measure for the choice of the best technical solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an approach for the predictive analysis of teletraffic performance indices through derived analytical and regression structures based on Artificial Intelligence. The systematization of synthesis, testing, and verification processes for simulation-modeled teletraffic ICT infrastructure with queue service organization was carried out. The forecast models for the selected system throughput and system response time indices against the specific complex indicator Service Demand were obtained. Polynomial regression models based on the Coefficient of determination R were achieved. In the course of procedural teletraffic forecasting, we used Feed-Forward Neural Networks (FFNNs), Generalized Regression Neural Networks (GRNNs), and Cascade-Forward Neural Networks. The selection of neural models was performed as the functional minimization of the Mean-Squared Error (MSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian coccidiosis compromises welfare and production performance, increases susceptibility to bacterial infections and leads to substantial economic and production losses upon the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a mixed coccidiosis (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella and Eimeria necatrix) challenge on oxidative stress biomarkers, performance indices, carcass and meat quality of broilers. Broilers challenged with coccidiosis had higher concentrations of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and malondialdehyde and lower concentration of superoxide dismutases at all sampling days. The same group of broilers had a lower feed intake on day 21 and 35, and a lower daily weight gain and body weight on day 35. Healthy broilers had higher hot and cold carcass weights and breast weight, but a lower back and pelvis weight. Also, healthy broilers produced better meat quality in terms of higher water-holding capacity (lower drip and thawing loss in breast and thigh muscle) and less yellow colour (lower b* value in breast and thigh muscle). Chemical composition of healthy broiler meat was better in terms of higher content of dry matter, ash and protein in breast muscle. In conclusion, the presence of coccidiosis in broilers resulted in impaired welfare, poor performance indices and lower carcass and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sanamed is the property of Sanamed and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The wind‐induced bias of catching‐type precipitation measurement instruments is quantified using Computational Fluid Dynamics with embedded liquid (raindrops) and solid (snowflakes) particle tracking. The performance of six common commercial gauges having different outer geometry is compared under a range of Precipitation Intensity (PI) and wind speed conditions by means of the numerically calculated catch ratios. Validation of the simulated aerodynamic behavior and its effect on water drop trajectories is provided by previous wind tunnel experiments. The functional dependence of the overall collection efficiency on the PI is derived as a quantitative measure of the instrument performance under a wind climatology with a uniform probability density function. Instruments with aerodynamic design produce a less pronounced diversion of hydrometeor trajectories—at any given size—than those having more traditional geometry. For liquid precipitation measurements, chimney‐shaped instruments rank low, while inverted conical and Nipher shielded instruments are quite performant solutions. The investigated quasi‐cylindrical gauges have intermediate behavior depending on their detailed aerodynamic features. For solid precipitation, all instruments rank low at light to moderate PI, except the Nipher shielded gauge. Results allow selecting the appropriate instrument for the local precipitation climatology at the measurement site and can be used to apply suitable adjustments to the measured precipitation. Key Points: The wind induced bias of six common precipitation gauges is quantified using Computational Fluid Dynamics with embedded particle trackingOverall collection efficiency trends with precipitation intensity show that the gauge performance varies according to its outer geometryResults allow selecting appropriate gauge models for the local precipitation climatology and applying adjustments to the measured data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing concern about climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the automotive industry has experienced a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. This article aims to provide an analysis and comparison between Electric Battery Buses (EBBs), Diesel Buses (DBs), and Compressed Natural Gas Buses (CNGBs) in terms of their performance, environmental impact, and investment and operating costs. The case study uses Eclipse SUMO to simulate routes, traffic, consumption, and emissions. Also, to obtain the necessary data for the analysis, road corridors, speed limits, congestion times and levels, and even driving behavior are entered into the software. This evaluation has two parts. First, technical, environmental, and economic indices let us compare the performance of the three types of buses. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis is performed to establish the economic viability of EBBs and CNGBs compared to DBs. This case study is carried out for Pasto City, Colombia, which has the characteristics of a mid-sized city with around 1,181 km2, 450,000 inhabitants, and mountainous topography; in addition, Colombia has a lot of renewable energy with around 70 % of hydraulic energy. Moreover, we provide valuable information for users, policymakers, and entities in charge of decision-making and management of public transport systems.

Several countries have a critical need to enhance their electricity production to satisfy the tremendously increasing energy demand and to minimize the black outs. Due to scarcity of fossil fuels and degrading environment, rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) can be a suitable renewable alternative of green and clean energy. In this paper, due to the techno-economic, environmental and social benefits of Solar PV, the modelling and planning of a solar PV plant to fulfil the energy demand of an academic building is carried out. The analysis is done including all the financial and environmental aspects considering recent market prices and future price escalation. A Modified Greedy Search based optimal planning of the SPV to minimize grid dependence considering load variation pattern with its assessment analysis for an academic building is proposed in this research work. The various financial parameters that affect the feasibility of Solar PV plant i.e., energy payback period, grid dependency, rate of investment return, economic payback period, rate of escalation with actual cost of electricity, annual maintenance cost, depreciation and taxation are considered and evaluated. The environmental factors related to the generation from Solar PV i.e., CO2emission reduction and carbon credit are also included in analysis. The results obtained for the proposed Solar PV plant shows that the energy payback period is 8 years and IRR with depreciation and taxation is 21% (approx.) with net CO2mitigation of 1199 tCO2during the useful life span (25 years) of the plant.

We compared the outcomes of various concentrations of Cinnamomum verum bark powder (CNP), a natural product, to a conventional anticoccidial drug in induced Eimeria tenella infection in broilers aged 21 days. On day 21, 250 birds (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of 10 treatments, five of which had Eimeria tenella infection and five of which did not. Results 14 days post-infection (dpi) revealed that the treatments had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG) and production efficiency factor (PEF). Although the 2 g CNP and Salinomycin (Sacox) treatments performed equally well, the 2 g CNP had the highest BWG and PEF under challenging conditions. Although the PEF improved satisfactorily at 14 dpi, the loss of BWG at 7 dpi did not compensate at 14 dpi. Challenged birds had longer and heavier small intestines, atrophiedceca, lower creatinine levels and higher eosinophils % than unchallenged birds. The elevation lesion score and oocyst secretion of challenged birds decreased with increasing cinnamon dosage. In conclusion, 6 g CNP as a natural product could be as effective as Sacox against occidiosis, with 2 g CNP performing best at 14 dpi. However, more research is required to fully understand its anticoccidial mechanisms.HighlightsCinnamomum verum bark may benefit broiler health by reducing Eimeria tenella oocysts.Under coccidial challenge, Cinnamomum verum bark at 2 g/kg diet may improve broiler body weight gain and production efficiency at 34 days of age (14 days post-infection).The lesion score and oocyst secretion of challenged birds decreased less as cinnamon dosage was increased.

Bioactive plants such as P. aduncum, M. citrifolia, and A. altilis might improve intestinal health as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the ethanolic extracts (EEs) of these plants on the intestinal health of broiler chickens. Cobb 500 chickens (n = 352) were distributed into eight treatments with four replicates and 11 chickens each. T1 received a base diet, and T2 received a base diet with 0.005% zinc bacitracin. T3, T5, and T7 were supplemented with 0.005% of P. aduncum, M. citrifolia, and A. altilis EE in the diet while T4, T6, and T8 with 0.01% of the extract. The EEs were supplemented with drinking water from 1 to 26 days of age. The following parameters were evaluated: hematological profiles at 28 days of age, blood metabolites profiles at 14, 21, and 28 days; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactobacillus sp. abundance in the ileum mucosa and content at 21 and 28 days, and histomorphometry of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum mucosa at 14, 21, and 28 d. Final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion rate (FCR) were evaluated at seven, 21, and 33 days of age. M. citrifolia and A. altilis EE at 0.01% increased blood glucose levels at 21 and 28 days of age, respectively, and P. aduncum and M. citrifolia EE at 0.01% increased triglycerides at 28 days of age; in addition, this EE did not have any effect on the AST and ALT profiles. The depths of the Lieberkühn crypts and the villi length to the crypt’s depth ratio increased with age on supplementation with 0.01% M. citrifolia and A. altilis EE at 21 days of age (p

We compared the outcomes of various concentrations of Cinnamomum verum bark powder (CNP), a natural product, to a conventional anticoccidial drug in induced Eimeria tenella infection in broilers aged 21 days. On day 21, 250 birds (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of 10 treatments, five of which had Eimeria tenella infection and five of which did not. Results 14 days post-infection (dpi) revealed that the treatments had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG) and production efficiency factor (PEF). Although the 2 g CNP and Salinomycin (Sacox) treatments performed equally well, the 2 g CNP had the highest BWG and PEF under challenging conditions. Although the PEF improved satisfactorily at 14 dpi, the loss of BWG at 7 dpi did not compensate at 14 dpi. Challenged birds had longer and heavier small intestines, atrophiedceca, lower creatinine levels and higher eosinophils % than unchallenged birds. The elevation lesion score and oocyst secretion of challenged birds decreased with increasing cinnamon dosage. In conclusion, 6 g CNP as a natural product could be as effective as Sacox against occidiosis, with 2 g CNP performing best at 14 dpi. However, more research is required to fully understand its anticoccidial mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the capability of manufacturing processes for a characteristic of a product. The case study below presents a capability analysis for a landmark called "car lock", the relevant dimension being the rivet height of 3.2mm, which is tolerated within ± 0.4 mm. The analysis of the stability of a technological process by means of the selected characteristics is carried out in stages by repeated sampling, extracting, at predetermined intervals, k samples with sufficiently large volume. Quantitative assessment of the performance capacity of a technological process is achieved by determining performance indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Network Control System, which includes three different nodes connected through a band-limited real-time digital network, was created as a result of industry evaluations modifying their specifications. An adequately stabilized controller is critical to maximizing the industry's production rate. In this study, PID controller parameters Kp, Ki, and Kd (Gain coefficients of P (Proportional), I (Integral) and D (Derivative) controller) have been stabilized by using the Particle Swarm Optimization method followed by which performance indices have been calculated to observe the error rate on the calculated Kp, Ki, and Kd values. Compared with typical PID tuning approaches, particle swarm optimization tuning for controller parameters improves process properties such as time-domain requirement, supply interruptions, error reductions, and enhanced system reaction time. MATLAB/Simulink was used to run the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian coccidiosis compromises welfare and production performance, increases susceptibility to bacterial infections and leads to substantial economic and production losses upon the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a mixed coccidiosis (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella and Eimeria necatrix) challenge on oxidative stress biomarkers, performance indices, carcass and meat quality of broilers. Broilers challenged with coccidiosis had higher concentrations of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and malondialdehyde and lower concentration of superoxide dismutases at all sampling days. The same group of broilers had a lower feed intake on day 21 and 35, and a lower daily weight gain and body weight on day 35. Healthy broilers had higher hot and cold carcass weights and breast weight, but a lower back and pelvis weight. Also, healthy broilers produced better meat quality in terms of higher water-holding capacity (lower drip and thawing loss in breast and thigh muscle) and less yellow colour (lower b* value in breast and thigh muscle). Chemical composition of healthy broiler meat was better in terms of higher content of dry matter, ash and protein in breast muscle. In conclusion, the presence of coccidiosis in broilers resulted in impaired welfare, poor performance indices and lower carcass and meat quality.

This study investigates the problem of inertial navigation system's (INS's) vertical channel instability, which primarily results from the positive gravity feedback that takes place in the numerical integration step of the accelerometer measurements. Traditional solutions to the problem include using information from auxiliary sensors, typically barometers and global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs), integrated into INSs through feedback control loops (referred to as mechanizations) and/or Kalman filters (KFs). Most studies on this subject lack clarity regarding the methodology used for the mechanization tuning (by showing excessive empiricism) and/or disregard the benefits of using optimal control techniques for the purpose of the latter. This study, therefore, reviews the main mechanization used for vertical channel stabilization of baro‐inertial integrations and presents, as its main contribution, the performance analysis of new tuning techniques based on optimal control theory, namely, by linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and by minimization of performance indices such as the integral absolute error (IAE), integral squared error (ISE), integral of time multiplied absolute error (ITAE), and integral of time multiplied squared error (ITSE). To validate the proposed tunings, the integrated altitude and vertical velocity mean errors (MEs) and standard deviations (SDs) are used as metrics, which are compared with the corresponding MEs/SDs of the empirical tuning with highest performance/acceptance in the literature. We also evaluate the ability of the mechanizations to fulfill their ultimate goal, namely, to track the reference barometer input, by also attenuating its noise. Based on simulated and experimental results, the present study demonstrates and validates the effectiveness/robustness of the proposed optimal tunings, particularly those based on LQR and ITAE minimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a long-term performance analysis of a one-mega-watt power grid-connected PV plant installed on the rooftop of GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India for 3 years. The 1000 kWp PV plant design, performance analysis, economic feasibility, and greenhouse gas reduction are provided. For 3 consecutive years (2018–2019, 2019–2020 and 2020–2021), the energy yields, performance ratio (PR), capacity utilisation factor (CUF) and efficiency are evaluated. The plant was established in 2018 with a peak power of 1000 kWp. The system feeds the state grid with all of the electricity it produces. The system is continuously monitored and analysed using yield, efficiency and performance parameters for 36 months (September 2018 to August 2021). Solar irradiation data has been collected from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) database for these years. The system comprises 3078 PV modules, 23 inverters rating 20 kW/50 kW, a data logger and a Net-metering unit. The annual energy generation of the PV plant recorded during the study period is 1376.29 MWh, 1265.541 MWh and 1115.73 MWh. The annual average performance ratio for the first three consecutive years is observed as 0.68, 0.62 and 0.58, whereas the yearly average capacity factors are 15.5%, 14.11% and 12.72%, respectively. The overall system efficiency of the PV system during the study period is 11.39%. Compared to the country's current conventional thermal power plants, we predict that rooftop PV systems may reduce CO2 emissions by 2145.406 tCO2eq for the base year, based on the electricity produced by this PV plant. The grid-integrated photovoltaic plant in this study is compared to other systems in the literature for performance assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel hybrid model reduction method to simplify large-scale continuous-time single-input–single-output and multi-input–multi-output dynamic systems using the advantages of the balanced truncation method and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The balanced truncation method obtains the reduced model denominator coefficients to ensure stability. The PSO algorithm minimizes the integral square error between the step responses of the original system and the reduced model as much as possible. It leads to the optimal numerator coefficients. The advantage of the proposed approach is that, for optimizing reduced model numerator coefficients, the search space boundaries of the PSO algorithm are not entirely random. They are selected using the balanced truncated reduced model numerator. So, the suggested method avoids two significant problems with evolutionary algorithms: the arbitrary choice of search space and the longer simulation time. Four power system models and four numerical examples from the literature are considered to assess the effectiveness of the proposed reduction method. The step responses and Bode diagrams for the higher-order system and its corresponding reduced models are displayed. For comparison, statistics are tabulated based on the rise time, the settling time, the peak overshoot, the integral square error, and the root-mean-square error. The proposed method ensures stability and other features of the higher-order system in the reduced model. The performance measure values and the time domain characteristics demonstrate the ability and effectiveness of the proposed approach. All the case studies use a MATLAB simulation environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the assessment of solar resources, investigation of performance, and estimation of normalized performance indices of a 1 kWp Solar PV system in India's climatology of an isolated hilly area. The monthly and yearly mean normalized performance indices are estimated. The annual mean values of the daylight hours, cell temperature, and ambient temperature are 12.7 h/d, 10.89°C, and 1.25°C, respectively. The yearly mean values and corresponding ranges of monthly mean values of capacity factor, performance ratio, array yield, reference yield, final yield, array capture loss and system loss are obtained as 23.60%, 59.82%, 2.83 h/d, 4.63 h/d, 2.69 h/d, 1.8 h/d, 0.14 h/d and (17.56–29.07)%, (47.93–75.55)%, (2.24–3.42) h/d, (2.85–6.1) h/d, (2.13–3.25) h/d, (0.60–2.99) h/d and (0.11–0.17) h/d, respectively. The Levelized Cost of energy is reduced to 85% and 68.22% by using the proposed solar PV/ battery system compared to DG and DG/Battery systems. A saving of 14.8 kl of diesel and the corresponding reduction of emissions of carbon monoxide (244.22 kilograms), unburned hydrocarbons (10.66 kg), particulates (1.48 kg), and nitrogen Oxides (229.42 kg) have also been achieved per year. These findings effectively provide optimal power solution strategies for policymakers in the concerned area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number methodology is widely practiced world over for computation of runoff generated from rainfall in a watershed. It was originally developed for the purpose of conservation of soil from the effect of runoff, which is a major factor governing the soil erosion and its transport, in small agricultural watersheds. Since inception in 1956, its application has been extended to a number of areas such as infiltration, flood, drainage, and water availability, sediment yield, water quality and climate change studies. In an attempt to suggest an improved version, the effect of rainfall intensity (i.e., the ratio of rainfall to rain duration) and antecedent moisture, greatly affecting the runoff quantity but originally ignored, has been studied by postulating different variations of the method. The effect of rainfall intensity is considered by Models M1 and M2, an explicit form. Model M3 incorporates both initial soil moisture and rainfall intensity, and its explicit form (with constant model parameter λ = 0.2) is M4. A comparative performance evaluation on a very large dataset containing 48,386 rainfall–runoff events of 140 USA watersheds using several indicators leads to the proposition of Model M3 and its further sensitivity analysis describes the model to be the most sensitive to the amount of input rainfall. The study not only supports the incorporation of storm intensity and initial soil moisture in the model formulation but also proposes an alternative version for rainfall–runoff studies required for enhanced water use efficiency through irrigation scheduling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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