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Oxygen uptake plays a crucial role in the evaluation of endurance performance during exercise and is extensively utilized for metabolic assessment. This study records the oxygen uptake during the exercise phase (i.e., ascending or descending) of the stair exercise, utilizing an experimental dataset that includes ten participants and covers various exercise periods. Based on the designed experiment protocol, a non-parametric modeling method with kernel-based regularization is generally applied to estimate the oxygen uptake changes during the switching stairs exercise, which closely resembles daily life activities. The modeling results indicate the effectiveness of the non-parametric modeling approach when compared to fixed-order models in terms of accuracy, stability, and compatibility. The influence of exercise duration on estimated fitness reveals that the model of the phase-oxygen uptake system is not time-invariant related to respiratory metabolism regulation and muscle fatigue. Consequently, it allows us to study the humans’ conversion mechanism at different metabolic rates and facilitates the standardization and development of exercise prescriptions.

ABSTRACTThe article discusses the challenges related to voltage and power management in automated intelligent photovoltaic (PV) systems. It suggests that Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID) controllers can help address these challenges effectively. The research aims to create a highly adaptable and precise automated intelligent PV system that focuses on managing voltage and power issues. It introduces a novel approach using the Black Hole Optimization (BHO) algorithm and leverages the advantages of FOPID controllers for automation. The study also considers thermal models for batteries within the automated intelligent PV system and explores different options to handle voltage and power issues stemming from PV panels. It involves fine-tuning 15 parameters using the BHO algorithm and concludes that one configuration (Instance 1) is preferable due to its superior accuracy and scalability. This choice is supported by objective validation. In essence, your abstract is about improving the performance and automation of PV systems, particularly in dealing with voltage and power challenges, through the application of FOPID controllers and the innovative BHO algorithm.

This article addresses the complexity of optimizing movements in Medical Defense Nanorobots (MDNRs) by proposing a novel integration approach. The challenge lies in selecting the Archimedes Optimization Algorithm (AOA) for MDNR movements, considering specific criteria for fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller gains. To overcome this, the study introduces a three-phase approach: MDNR-based NARMA-L2 controller Pre-process and Identification, Enhancement of NARMA-L2 controller-based NARMA(L2)-FOP+D(ANFIS)μ-Iλ, and Evaluation of FOPID criteria-based AOA. This approach integrates NARMA-L2 for criterion weighting and ANFIS for AOA selection, validated through NARMA(L2)-FOP+D(ANFIS)μ-Iλevaluation, showcasing the efficacy of the proposed methodology.

•Different optimization algorithms were assessed across 3 AFCS motions.•Five evaluation and selection criteria were weighted differently across various AFCS motions to optimize the missile launch at the specified coordinate location, ensuring effective defense against enemy attacks for both long and short distances.•The proposed approach is evaluated using FOPID based black hole Optimization, jaya optimization Algorithm, and sunflower optimization.

Background Endovascular treatment devices require compatible guide catheters to navigate complex vessels and anatomy. The Fubuki XF Long Sheath guide catheter (Fubuki XF) was developed with a 0.090-inch internal diameter with hydrophilic coating, an atraumatic rounded tip, and enhanced trackability and support with gradual shaft transition zones.Methods We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database of neuroendovascular patients treated using Fubuki XF at our center (July 2022─May 2023). Baseline/procedural characteristics were collected. Outcomes of interest included technical success (procedure completion with Fubuki XF without alternative guide catheter use) and peri-procedural complications.Results This study included 60 patients (43.3% [26/60] female; mean age: 69.6 ± 9.7) presenting with stenosis (45.0% [27/60]), unruptured aneurysms (31.7% [19/60]), ruptured aneurysm (1.7% [1/60]), arteriovenous fistula (5.0% [3/60]), arteriovenous malformation (3.3% [2/60]), chronic subdural hematoma (3.3% [2/60]), stroke/emboli (6.7% [4/60]), vasospasm (1.7% [1/60]), or carotid web (5.0% [1/60]). Fubuki XF was used to deliver endovascular treatment devices for stenting (43.3% [26/60]), flow diversion (23.3% [14/60]), embolization (11.7% [7/60]), coiling (10.0% [6/60]), balloon angioplasty (10.0% [6/60]), and mechanical thrombectomy (1.7% [1/60]). The Fubuki XF tip was placed in the internal carotid artery in 38.3% (23/60) of cases. Technical success was achieved in all cases. One V1 non-flow-limiting dissection (not related to Fubuki XF) and one failed closure occurred (1.7% [1/60] each). No iatrogenic strokes or intraprocedural ruptures occurred.Conclusion We used Fubuki XF to safely and effectively deliver a variety of compatible neuroendovascular devices. Fubuki XF was stable in all cases and locations, and there were no device-related complications or dissections.

Background EMBOLISE (NCT 04402632) is an ongoing randomized controlled trial investigating the safety and efficacy of middle meningeal artery embolization for the treatment of subacute or chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). Viz RECRUIT SDH is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software platform that can automatically detect SDH in noncontrast computed tomography (NCHCT) images and report the volume, maximum thickness, and midline shift. We hypothesized that the mobile recruitment platform would aid enrollment and coordinate communication and image sharing among the entire research team.Materials and methods Patient enrollment in EMBOLISE prior to and after implementation of Viz RECRUIT SDH at a large comprehensive stroke center was compared along with the performance of the software platform. The EMBOLISE trial was activated on May 5, 2021, and Viz RECRUIT SDH was activated on October 6, 2021. The pre-AI cohort consisted of all patients from EMBOLISE to AI activation (153 days), and the post-AI cohort consisted of all patients from AI activation until August 18, 2022 (316 days). All alerts for suspected SDH candidates were manually reviewed to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of the algorithm.Results Prior to AI-software implementation, there were 5 patients enrolled (0.99 patients/month) and one screen failure. After the implementation of the software, enrollment increased by 36% to 1.35 patients/month (14 total enrolled), and there were no screen failures. Over the entire post-AI period, a total of 6244 NCHCTs were processed by the system with 207 total SDH detections (3% prevalence). 35% of all alerts for suspected SDH were viewed within 10 min, and 50% were viewed within an hour. The PPV of the algorithm was 81.4 (CI [75.3, 86.7]).Conclusion The implementation of an AI-based software for the automatic screening of SDH patients increased the enrollment rate in the EMBOLISE trial, and the software performed well in a real-world, clinical trial setting.

•Different optimization algorithms were assessed across 3 AFCS motions.•Five evaluation and selection criteria were weighted differently across various AFCS motions to optimize the missile launch at the specified coordinate location, ensuring effective defense against enemy attacks for both long and short distances.•The proposed approach is evaluated using FOPID based black hole Optimization, Jaya optimization Algorithm, and sunflower optimization.

Naturally occurring anthocyanin indicators have been used for many years to introduce science students to acid–base concepts. A classroom activity has been developed that uses naturally occurring anthocyanins to monitor the pH changes associated with the fermentation of red cabbage to sauerkraut by lactic acid bacteria. Through the activity and related discussion, students are introduced to the scientific method, basic laboratory practices, acid–base chemistry, chemical and physical changes, fermentation, and microbiology. Although this activity and accompanying assignments are designed for students ages 6–12, the activity is adaptable to students of all ages and backgrounds.

The study of unmanned systems has garnered significant academic attention worldwide. The advancements in tracking technologies, particularly the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the US Air Force, have motivated scientists to extensively explore this field due to the abundance of available aerial resources. However, the UAV’s effectiveness in motion is influenced by its three fundamental motions: pitch, roll, and yaw. To address this, scientists have been developing optimization algorithms and models to enhance the UAV’s performance. Nonetheless, in practical scenarios, each motion requires specific measurements, and their relative importance varies. This presents several challenges, including the existence of multiple criteria for selecting optimization values, determining the criteria’s significance, and evaluating trade-offs between performance across different optimization cases. Consequently, the selection and evaluation of UAV motion control algorithms becomes complex. This study proposes a novel selection process that employs the cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA) and real measured resizable margins for goal detection instead of traditional fixed-size evaluation criteria. The framework consists of enhancing PID motion gains using the COA algorithm, focusing on altitude and attitude functional PID controllers. The results of the selection process demonstrate the significance of various criteria for different motions. Rigorous evaluation and analysis were conducted to validate the proposed research framework.

Extensive research studies worldwide have discussed and analyzed the sourdough nutritional, chemical, and biotechnological aspects of western types of bread. However, the literature on sourdough usage in Arabic bread processing is very limited. The present study aimed to come up with a new fermentation technique at the bakery level. The new technique is hoped to reveal the traditional nostalgic characteristic flavor of Arabic bread produced using natural sourdough instead of the traditional yeasted dough and study its effect on the resulting bread. Three types of flour (straight grade, whole wheat, and rye) that are ordinarily used in Jordan were used to prepare three natural sour starters using the backslopping technique.

AbstractThe thermal parameters of ZRE1 cast alloy with 1.0 wt.% of praseodymium (Pr) and 1.0 wt.% of erbium (Er) were evaluated by the computer-aided cooling curve thermal analysis (CA-CCTA), whereas the microstructure analysis was investigated by the optical microscope and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results of the cooling curve and microstructure analyses showed that Pr and Er reduced the grain size. The thermal analysis result recorded a faster freezing time and lower solidification temperature with Pr and Er additions and 15.5 and 11.2% decrease in the grain size, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that Er formed a granular particles of Er-containing phases existed in the α-Mg matrix, while Pr formed Mg–Zn–Pr–Ce phase with secondary phase which distributed along the grain boundaries.

A thrust vector-controlled rocket model consists of army science board model responsible for computing the angles of the gravity center with a directivity of trajectory positions (x, z). A thrust vector-controlled rocket model is known to be #TVCASB for fall trajectory correction solving, but the falling issue of the trajectory correction is a hard when restricted to ASB model. In this work, we study TVCASB model, a mathematical model of TVCASB calculating which involves ASB variables in addition to position variables, and refer to this question: Why falling issue of the trajectory and correction of TVC is a hard on ASB model? Depend on MCDM results from JOA cases, we show that four MCDM methods can choose the better case for a two pieces of fractional order proportional integral derivative controller when set tuning process for TVC model on ASB with a suitable falling of trajectory correction whether be limited or specified for a high or low distance for the rocket motion. Our multi criteria decision making methods are based on mathematical calculations via three cases were proposed by JOA for rocket parameter estimation with a behavior of it, and in the following MCDM methods involving, MCDM normalization, MCDM WSM and WPM, MCDM VIKOR, are gave case 3 lower and upper bounds (0–100) is specified for a high distance and MCDM TOPSIS is gave case one lower and upper bounds (0–1) is limited for a lower distance, and pose this question: Why the MCDM methods are gave different results of JOA cases for TVCASB model? and which one between cases is better? The first reason, there is a different in mathematical calculation for weights assign. The second reason, three mentioned above methods are used for a high and specified distance for fall trajectory correct and MCDM TOPSIS is used for a limited distance, the better case between cases depends on our need whether a high (specified) or a limited (lower) distance.

Survival of Escherichia coliO157:H7 and Campylobacter jejunithat were separately inoculated into bottled purified drinking water was investigated during storage at 22, 4, and – 18uC for 5, 7, and 2 days, respectively. Two inoculation levels were used, 1 and 10 CFU/ml (102and 103CFU/100 ml). In samples inoculated with 102CFU/100 ml, C. jejuniwas not detectable (>2-log reduction) after storage under the conditions specified above. E. coliO157:H7 was detected on nonselective and selective media at log reductions of 1.08 to 1.25 after storage at 22uC, 1.19 to 1.56 after storage at 4uC, and 1.54 to 1.98 after storage at 218uC. When the higher inoculation level of 103CFU/100 ml was used, C. jejuniwas able to survive at 22 and 4uC, with 2.25- and 2.17-log reductions, respectively, observed on nonselective media. At these higher inoculation levels, E. coliO157:H7 was detectable at 22, 4, and 218uC, with log reductions of 0.76, 0.97, and 1.21, respectively, achieved on nonselective media. Additionally, E. coliO157:H7 showed significant differences in culturability (P< 0.05) on the nonselective and selective culture media under the different storage conditions, with storage at 218uC for 2 days being the treatment most inhibiting. The percentage of sublethal injury of E. coliO157:H7 ranged from , ~33 to 75%, indicating that microbial examination of bottled water must be done carefully, otherwise false-negative results or underestimation of bacterial numbers could pose a health risk when low levels of pathogens are present.

In the present work, the effect of the passive air-blowing on the near-wake region of DU97-W-300 airfoil with blunt trailing edge is numerically investigated using ANSYS-Fluent. The airfoil was tested at a subcritical Reynolds number Re = 3.33 × 105and deferent angles of attack, which range from 0oto 20owith an increment of 2o. Three different geometrical parameters were considered in this study. These parameters are slot height, slot width, and slot inlet position. The numerical results showed that the present slot design can positively affect the aerodynamic performance of the modified airfoil. The results highlighted that the best slot geometrical design in terms of slot width and the slot inlet position was 4mm and 0.025%c, respectively. For this design, although the lift coefficient slightly decreased, the drag coefficient significantly reduced especially at high angles of attack α > 16o, thus the aerodynamic performance (lift to drag ratio) enhanced. Moreover, in the wake region, the flow domain analysis revealed that a significant reduction in turbulence kinetic energy of the slotted airfoil was achieved compared with the clean blunt trailing edge airfoil. This reduction in the turbulence kinetic energy implies that the near-wake high energy structures are mitigated. As a result, the aerodynamic noise that is directly related to the vortex shedding could be reduced. To confirm the effect of the slot, further experimental investigations on the influence of the slot design on the drag and aerodynamic noise of fixed and rotating blades are needed.

Nasal obstruction is a subjective complaint in patients with nasal disease.The ability to quantitate the nasal ventilation dysfunction would be useful for making the appropriate choice of nasal disease management. This cross-sectional study comprised of 200 adult subjects. They underwent assessment of relevant symptoms, nasal examination and investigations before undergoing active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) assessment. A group of 88 normal subjectsand 112 patients with nasal disease were included. The mean total nasal air resistance (NAR) was significantly higher in patients with nasal disease (0.33 Pa/cm3/s) as compared tonormal subjects (0.24 Pa/cm3/s). There was no significant difference in total NAR between patients with symptoms of nasal obstruction and those without the symptoms (p = 0.42). It is concluded that AAR is a sensitive but not a specific tool for the detection of abnormalities in NAR and it failed to relate to the symptom of nasal obstruction.

The differences in facial anatomical structures of the major ethnic groups,may also be reflected in nasal resistance. Active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) is the recommended technique for the objective assessment of nasal airway resistance (NAR). This study comprised of 85 adult Malay subjects. All the subjects had to undergo a primary assessment of relevantsymptoms of nasal disease and nasal examination before undergoing AAR assessment. The mean value of total nasal airway resistance (NAR) was 0.19 Pa/cm3/s (ranged from 0.09 to 0.55Pa/cm3/s) at 75 Pa pressure point and 0.24 Pa/cm3/s ranged from 0.12 to 0.52 Pa/cm3/s) at 150 Pa pressure point. The mean unilateral NARwas 0.46 Pa/cm3/s at a reference pressure of 75 Pa and 0.51 Pa/cm3/s at a reference pressure of 150 Pa. In this study we presented normal values for NAR in healthy Malay adult subjects. AARproves to be a valuable clinical method for recording and quantitating nasal resistance.

The ACCO gene from Lycopersicon esculentum(tomato) has been cloned into the expression vector PT7-7. The highly expressed protein was recovered in the form of inclusion bodies. ACCO is inactivated by diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) with a second-order rate constant of 170 M−1min−1. The pH–inactivation rate data imply the involvement of an amino acid residue with a pKvalue of 6.05. The difference UV spectrum of the the DEPC-inactivated versus native ACCO showed a single peak at 242 nm indicating the modification of histidine residues. The inactivation was reversed by the addition of hydroxylamine to the DEPC-inactivated ACCO. Substrate/cofactor protection studies indicate that both iron and ACC bind near the active site, which contains histidine residues. Four histidines of ACCO were individually mutated to alanine and glycine. H39A is catalytically active, while H177A, H177G, H211A, H211G, H234A, and H234G are basically inactive. The results indicate that histidine residues 177, 211, and 234 may serve as ligands for the active-site iron of ACCO and/or may play some important structural or catalytic role.

This study aimed to utilize whey protein nanoparticles (WPNPs) and zinc (Zn) loaded WPNPs to protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced testicular damage in rats. Zn was loaded on WPNPs at three levels and Zn release was determined at different time intervals. Seventy male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups and treated orally for 4 weeks as follows: the control group, CCl4-treated group (0.5 ml/100 g b.w) twice a week, CCl4plus WPNPs-treated group (300 mg/kg b.w), CCl4plus Zn citrate-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w), and the groups treated with CCl4plus the three Zn-WPNPs formulations. Blood and testicular tissue samples were collected for different assays. Animals treated with CCl4showed a significant decrease in body weight and relative weight of the testis, testosterone level, antioxidant enzymes activity and mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 and increased Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA expression of Keep1 and induced histological changes in the testis. WPNPs alone, Zn alone or Zn loaded WPNPs at the three levels protect against CCl4-induced testicular damage. These effects were more pronounced in the group received the fabrication with low Zn level. This study concluded that Zn-WPNPs could reduce the oxidative stress in the testicular tissue via different mechanisms mainly via the regulation of Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidative signaling pathway.

This paper evaluates the influence of temperatures and loading rates on the shear strength of dense asphalt (AC14) prepared based on the Malaysian Public Works Department specification. In this study, different specimen conditioning temperatures, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, and loading rates of 20.88mm/min, 40.88mm/min, 50.88mm/min, and 60.8mm/min were used to assess the performance of specimens by using Layer-Parallel Direct Shear (LPDS) test. Based on the results, both parameters have significant effects on the shear strength of the asphalt specimens. The results indicate that the loading rate is directly proportional to the shear strength of asphalt specimens. It is because the stiffness of the asphalt mix increases as the loading rate increases. Hence, it enhanced the shear strength of asphalt specimens. On the other hand, the temperature is inversely proportional to the shear strength of asphalt mixes. As the temperature increases, the stiffness of the asphalt mixture reduces due to the lower resilient modulus; therefore, it reduces the shear strength of the specimen.

An analysis of rotavirus electropherotypes circulating in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over 7 years showed that all except 1 of the 360 electropherotypes encountered were characteristic of group A rotaviruses. The long electropherotype predominated annually, and there was a rarity of short electropherotypes. Extensive genome variability and cocirculation of different electropherotypes were observed annually. A sequential appearance of the predominant electropherotype was observed in all years of the study, except for 1985 and 1988, when one electropherotype predominated throughout the study periods. There was no shift in the predominant electropherotype over a 6-year period.

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is more susceptible to adhesive failures at the asphalt-aggregate interface than Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) due to its lower production temperature. This paper presents an innovative approach to quantify the adhesive failures of asphalt-aggregate constituents and mixtures in direct and indirect tensions, respectively. Advanced imaging techniques were utilized to compute the specimens percentage adhesive failure. A PG-64 bitumen was the conventional binder used. Hydrated Lime (HL) and Pavement Modifier (PMD) were used as anti-stripping fillers, while Evotherm (EV) was incorporated as the surfactant-WMA additive. Three moisture conditioning levels were performed namely; unconditioned, 1 freeze-thaw (F-T) and 3 F-T cycles prior to testing. The specimens percentage adhesive failure increased, while tensile strength reduced with F-T cycle. PMD specimens exhibited slightly lower percentage adhesive failure than HL specimens. The percentage failure further reduced with the incorporation of EV. The effects of incorporating EV were more pronounced when combined with PMD as shown by the higher tensile strength and lower percentage failure than HL-EV. Limestone specimens showed superior moisture resistance than granite in moist condition. The high percentage broken aggregate on the fractured surfaces of tested asphalt mixtures was found to be more related to aggregate orientation than shape.

Economic and environmental benefits gain from the recycling of old pavement promotes the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the road construction and rehabilitation. However, high production temperature due to RAP stiffness becomes the main concern in the production of RAP. Reduced production temperature with the addition of warm mix asphalt (WMA) may compensate for aging of RAP binder, nevertheless the stiffness of RAP binder is depending on how much it ages and needs localised investigation for a bulk production of RAP. This research investigates the mix design and properties of high RAP content incorporating a WMA additive for a bulk RAP production in Malaysia. Milled RAP obtained from local roads were incorporated with a WMA named RH-WMA. Prior to addition of RAP into mixtures, the milled RAP were processed and characterized as a quality control of RAP from various sources. Mix design of mixture that contains RAP and 3% RH-WMA were performed using the Response Surface Method. Subsequently, the specimens were evaluated for its chemical and mechanical properties. The analysis on mix design showed that compaction temperature and bitumen content were significant factors. Reasonable reduction of optimum binder content and energy consumption were observed with the additions of RH-WMA. Tests on mechanical properties demonstrate increased on stiffness with the addition of RAP and hence reduced the fatigue resistance. However, the addition of RH-WMA on specimens that subjected to combined effects of moisture and aging showed improvement on fatigue resistance. Hence, with proper quality control of RAP material, the incorporation of RH-WMA into RAP indicated potential as an alternative material for green road construction.

Early applications of porous asphalt in Malaysia took place in the 1990's on the JKR roads. However, the performance of the material has not been encouraging, primarily due to ravelling and clogging. Initial porous asphalt experience in Japan was imported from Europe in 1987 and encountered similar problems. However, these problems have been successfully resolved by using a high viscosity modified asphalt developed in Japan. Now, porous asphalt has been popular in Japan. This paper presents the design concepts of the technology. The aggregate design incorporates a gap between 2.36mm and 4.75mm to increase the percentage of connected air voids; hence improved permeability and better resistance to clogging. Bonding between aggregate particles is significantly enhanced using TPS modifier that results in approximately binder grade comparable to PG82. The modified binder is characterized by its high mechanical properties, good anti-stripping and anti-aging properties. The results of the tri-axial compression test are introduced to explain the durability of the porous asphalt. In view of the superior laboratory mixture properties, a field trial was conducted on the North-SouthExpressway. The monitoring results after sixmonths in service demonstrate excellent condition. This paper also deliberates on the successful applications of Japanese technology in Asia.

In the present work, the effects of gas metal arc welding-cold metal transfer (GMAW-CMT) parameters on surface roughness are experimentally assessed. The purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of the effects of welding speed, material thickness and contact tip to work distance on the surface roughness. Experiments are conducted using single pass gas metal arc welding-cold metal transfer (GMAW-CMT) welding technique to join the material. The material used in this experiment was AA6351 aluminum alloy with the thickness of 5mm and 6mm. A Mahr Marsuft XR 20 machine was used to measure the average roughness (Ra) of AA6351 joints. The main and interaction effect analysis was carried out to identify process parameters that affect the surface roughness. The results show that all the input process parameters affect the surface roughness of AA6351 joints. Additionally, the average roughness (Ra) results also show a decreasing trend with increased of welding speed. It is proven that gas metal arc welding-cold metal transfer (GMAW-CMT)welding process has been successful in term of providing weld joint of good surface quality for AA6351 based on the low value surface roughness condition obtained in this setup. The outcome of this experimental shall be valuable for future fabrication process in order to obtained high good quality weld.