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In the field of human-computer interaction, deformable user interfaces are gaining more attention. Gestures performed by bending the deformable device are commonly investigated in the literature. These bend gestures' inherent tactile and kinaesthetic feedback and their association with spatial directions benefit both blind and low vision (BLV) and sighted users. Bend gestures are naturally associated with two descriptors of bend, which are location and direction. One potential opportunity to extend this gesture space is to investigate additional descriptors of bend gestures without introducing new locations. In this context, size and angle are the two common additional descriptors of bend gestures. In this work, we conducted two (preliminary and main) studies to investigate BLV and sighted users' performance and preference for multiple magnitude levels of size and angle of bend on a smartphone-sized deformable prototype. Finally, we discuss the results and propose user group-specific design recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the design and characterization of a printed cross‐dipole antenna with a gravitationally controlled passive beam steering technique has been presented. The steering of the beam is achieved by using a floating reflector that remains parallel to the earth surface when the antenna along with the mounted body gets inclined while traveling through uneven roadways. Initially, the microstrip cross dipole antenna is designed and simulated along with the reflector to operate in one of the allocated 5G frequency bands of 2.6 GHz. This is followed by the fabrication of the antenna prototype along with a glass chamber where the reflector is kept floated over the fluid. Measurements are carried out and are in good comparison with that of the simulated one. This presented work can be a potential passive beam steering technique that can be used for surface‐to‐air communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in serum and seminal plasma and the characteristics of semen in Beetal bucks (Capra hircus). A total of 12 adult Beetal bucks were involved in the study, with each buck providing six ejaculates collected using a standard artificial vagina (n = 72 total). Only qualified semen samples (volume of 0.7 mL, a mass motility rating of 3+ or higher on a 0–+ scale, and individual progressive motility of 80% or more) divided into three fractions were processed for estimation of IGF‐1 and other seminal parameters like motility, viability, acrosome integrity, sperm abnormality and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The first and second fraction were diluted and extended with Optixcell extender (1:15 ratio). The first ejaculate fraction was processed for studying fresh semen parameters and the second fraction was cryopreserved for evaluating frozen semen parameters. French mini straws (0.25 mL) were used for semen filling, and polyvinyl alcohol powder of different colours was used for sealing the extended semen. The third fraction of each ejaculate was centrifuged at room temperature (1100 × g for 7 min) to separate the seminal plasma. Additionally, blood samples were taken from each buck on the same day as semen collection, resulting in a total of 36 blood samples. The results revealed a significant positive correlation (r =.4243; p <.05) between the concentration of IGF‐1 in both serum and seminal plasma of the Beetal bucks. Furthermore, the concentration of IGF‐1 in serum showed significant positive correlations with sperm viability (r =.554; p <.05), acrosome integrity (r =.527; p <.05), post‐thaw sperm motility (r =.407; p <.01), post‐thaw sperm viability (r =.426; p <.01) and post‐thaw acrosome integrity (r =.333; p <.05). However, it had a significant negative correlation with SOD activity in fresh semen (r = −0.458; p <.01). Moreover, the concentration of IGF‐1 in seminal plasma demonstrated significant positive correlations with individual progressive motility (r =.341; p <.05), sperm viability (r =.527; p <.05), acrosome integrity (r =.539; p <.05), sperm plasma membrane integrity (r =.464; p <.05), post‐thaw sperm motility (r =.644; p <.01), post‐thaw sperm viability (r =.643; p <.01), post‐thaw acrosome integrity (r =.487; p <.01) and post‐thaw sperm plasma membrane integrity (r =.521; p <.01). Additionally, it showed a significant negative correlation with SOD activity in both fresh semen (r = −0.714; p <.01) and frozen semen (r = −0.558; p <.01) of Beetal bucks. Based on these findings, IGF‐1 in seminal plasma can be considered as a potential biomarker for the selection of bucks for breeding purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the effect of natural and ceramic fillers like sawdust, fish scale powder and SiC powder on the wear behaviour of glass/jute epoxy hybrid composites. The addition of fillers in composite reduces the wear rate and also improves the physical and mechanical properties. The composites of glass/jute epoxy with fillers sawdust, fish scale and SiC of weight 0%, 3%, 6%, 9% based on the weight of the epoxy resin were prepared using the hand layup technique. The dry sliding wear tests were performed on the pin on disc machine using the ASTM G99. The tests were performed with varying sliding velocities (v = 2 m/s, 3 m/s, 4 m/s, 5 m/s) and normal loads (i.e. 20, 25, 30, 35 N). The sliding distance was kept constant at 1800 m and a track radius of 50 mm. The wear loss and coefficient of friction (µ) were plotted against the normal load and sliding velocities for composites with different types of fillers. Water absorption percentage is also plotted against the immersion time and was found that the water absorption percentage increases with the increase in time. The water absorption property of the glass/jute epoxy hybrid composite increases with the increase in percentage of jute fibre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]