Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing KLH binding natural antibodies and specific antibody response to Newcastle disease in Kenyan chicken populations

This study aimed at investigating the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors on immune traits to inform on possibilities of genetic improvement of disease resistance traits in local chicken of Kenya. Immune traits such as natural and specific antibodies are considered suitable indicators of an individual's health status and consequently, used as indicator traits of disease resistance. In this study, natural antibodies binding to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH-NAbs) was used to measure general disease resistance. Specific antibodies binding to Newcastle disease virus (NDV-IgG) post vaccination was used to measure specific disease resistance. Titers of KLH-NAbs isotypes (KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG and KLH-IgA) and NDV-IgG were measured in 1,540 chickens of different ages ranging from 12 to 56 weeks. A general linear model was fitted to determine the effect of sex, generation, population type, phylogenetic cluster, line, genotype and age on the antibody traits. A multivariate animal mixed model was fitted to estimate heritability and genetic correlations among the antibody traits. The model constituted of non-genetic factors found to have a significant influence on the antibody traits as fixed effects, and animal and residual effects as random variables. Overall mean (±SE) concentration levels for KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG, KLH-IgA and NDV-IgG were 10.33 ± 0.04, 9.08 ± 0.02, 6.00 ± 0.02 and 10.12 ± 0.03, respectively. Sex, generation and age (linear covariate) significantly (p < 0.05) influenced variation across all the antibody traits. Genotype effects (p < 0.05) were present in all antibody traits, apart from KLH-IgA. Interaction between generation and line was significant (p < 0.05) in KLH-IgM and NDV-IgG while nesting phylogenetic cluster within population significantly (p < 0.05) influenced all antibody traits, apart from KLH-IgA. Heritability estimates for KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG, KLH-IgA and NDV-IgG were 0.28 ± 0.08, 0.14 ± 0.06, 0.07 ± 0.04 and 0.31 ± 0.06, respectively. There were positive genetic correlations (0.40–0.61) among the KLH-NAbs while negative genetic correlations (−0.26 to −0.98) were observed between the KLH-NAbs and NDV-IgG. Results from this study indicate that non-genetic effects due to biological and environmental factors influence natural and specific antibodies and should be accounted for to reduce bias and improve accuracy when evaluating the traits. Subsequently, the moderate heritability estimates in KLH-IgM and NDV-IgG suggest selection possibilities for genetic improvement of general and specific immunity, respectively, and consequently disease resistance. However, the negative correlations between KLH-NAbs and NDV-IgG indicate the need to consider a suitable approach that can optimally combine both traits in a multiple trait selection strategies.     

Optimization of Energy Dissipation Braces in Frame Structures

In this paper, the complex method of the nonlinear programming is used to optimize the parameters of energy dissipation bracing in energy dissipation braced frame. This method is realized with computer program and proved to be efficient. A 6-story reinforced concrete frame is used as a demonstrative example.     

Soft-switching Analysis Phase-Shifted-FB-ZVS-PWM DC-DC Converter With Saturable Inductor

Compared with the traditional full-bridge(FB)zero-voltage-switched(ZVS) pulsewidth-modulated(PWM) converter, the FB-ZVS-PWM converter with a saturable inductor has a wider load range with ZVS and smaller circulating energy as well as smaller duty cycle loss. By analyzing the operation principle of the converter, this paper studies design considerations of the parameter bringing about ZVS and dead time of the switch, and gives out the design method, finally simulation testing has been carried out.     

Analysis of Heat Transfer and Optimal Parameters of Multi-louvered Fin Condenser

The authors conduct the experimental study and optimal computing for the condenser of automobile air conditioner. The especially the properties of heat transfer and flow at the side of air when using shutter fin. The authors the influence of several combinations of fin's geometry parameter to heat transfer and flow resistance. The maximal heat transfer is used as a criterion relation to select the fin's geometry parameters in the same facing air area of condenser. Furthermore, a program is designed to conduct optimal computing, and the computing results are basically consistent with experimental results. It shows that the optimal method is reasonable and the results can be applied to engineering practice.     

Determination of Pile-Soil Parameters for Steel Pipe Pile Subjected to Lateral Load

In this paper,in terms of the measured data(including the deflection and slope at the ground surface of the pile,the maximum bending moment and its position),the biparameter method is used to analyze the pile-soil parameters.Two examples show that the method in present paper is reasonable and reliable,and it provides the reference value for the engineering design.     

The Optimization Design for the Parameters of Capacitor Welding

Through the analysis in this paper,the optimum relation of the discharging current peak interval t m ,the discharging loop equivalent inductance L and equivalent resistance R is obtained.This paper analyze the original discharging loop equivalent inductance L ,which provides an effective method for adjustment and selection of inductance L to realize the optimization energy saving design of the welding machine.     

OPTIMAL DESIGN WITH WHOLE STRUCTURE PARAMETERS OF LOWER PART OF HUGE EXCAVATOR

A optimal design with whole structure parameters and its program are carried out. A reasonable model is established. Using the method a optimal design with whole structure parameters by original parameters of American P&H2300xp excavator was calculated. The size,carried out by the method,approximates to the size of P&H2300xp excavator very well.     

On Determinative Parameters of SDOF Systems in Elasto- plastic Earthquake Response

Parameters dominating elasto- plastic earthquake response of SDOF systems,relation between ground motion amplitude and elasto- plastic response of SDOF systems are presented in this paper.     

Robust Adaptive Control Based on On-line Identification to Multi-parameters

In system controlled,Sampling these parameters and with parameters for controller in time, it is an object to adaptive control. The article presents a scheme that the structure parameters on it's model and model parameters is robust identified by on line, while to optimal of algorithm on adaptive control is fulfilled. In control scheme, method of intelligent identifying to the structure parameters(levels of model) and algorithm of robust pole placement are introduced also It is advancer for already mentioned scheme. Whole scheme presents new model on adaptive control.