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Abstract The critical role of specifying micro‐Doppler mode performance in the modelling and development of modern radar systems is investigated. The authors focus on the detection of micro‐Doppler modulation from light aircraft, analysing data from eight helicopters and nine propeller aircraft. With the growing need for accurate target classification in radar technology, incorporating micro‐Doppler detection metrics into radar performance specifications has become increasingly important. This research offers a novel approach to measuring the detectability of micro‐Doppler modulation relative to returns from the main fuselage. The investigation covers the impacts of various preprocessing techniques, polarisation, and aspect angle on detection capabilities. Findings reveal that, on average, micro‐Doppler modulation from propellers is detectable at distances between 50% and 100% of the range at which the fuselage is detected. For helicopters, this range decreases to between 30% and 80%. Additionally, the study introduces empirically derived statistical models designed to predict micro‐Doppler detection ranges in relation to fuselage returns, enhancing the predictability and specificity of radar system performance. This novel contribution presents a basis for improving radar system specifications, leading ultimately to more predictable and reliable light aircraft classification.

Mechanical and Corrosion characteristics of composite materials made from Aluminum alloys (AA) 6063 supplanting as the material of choice for automotive, aerospace, and marine applications by systematically varying ceramic reinforcements developed through controlled stir cast technique ensuring uniform dispersion are explored. The hardness, density, impact and tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and microstructural characteristics of Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMCs) reinforced with titanium diboride (TiB2) at 7.5, 10, and 12.5 wt% and chromium oxide (Cr2O3) at 3, 6, and 9 wt% were assessed according to ASTM standards. The microstructural analysis revealed a reduction in the growth of reinforcement clusters within acceptable limits. The addition of reinforcements to the matrix resulted in improved tensile strength, ranging from 124.6 to 188.7 MPa, and hardness, increasing from 71.5 to 144.32 VHN. This improvement is attributed to the strengthening or load transfer mechanism facilitated by the reinforcements. Additionally, the impact strength of the composites increased from 11.845 to 21.16 J, while the density showed slight variations. Consistent corrosion tests demonstrated that the chemical and interfacial interactions between the matrix material and the reinforcements significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance, reducing the corrosion rate from 570 to 499 mm/year.

Background: We conducted a clean fuel intervention trial (Bangladesh Global Environmental and Occupational Health (GEOHealth) (NCT02824237) with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for 26 months among rural Bangladeshi women chronically exposed to household air pollution (HAP) from biomass fuel (BMF) use. We aimed to evaluate the effect of HAP reduction following LPG intervention on immune response outcome. Methods: We supplied LPG cook stove and refills in cylinder in 200 households for 26 months. We measured personal exposure to HAP [particulate matter 2.5 (PM2·5), black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO)] in 200 women (main cook) by personal monitors at pre- and post-intervention. Immune function was assessed before and after intervention, in blood collected within 2 weeks of HAP measurements. Primary endpoints included reduction in HAP, lymphocyte proliferation and oxidative stress response, and alterations in T and B cell proportions. Findings: Exclusive LPG use for 26 months resulted in significant reduction in PM2·5 (43.5%), BC (13%) and CO (48%) exposure in the women. For one unit decrease in BC, Treg cells and memory B cells increased by 7% and 34% respectively, in the peripheral circulation. One unit decrease in CO was significantly associated with increase in early B cells and plasmablasts by 66% and 5% respectively. For one unit decrease in BC, percent-dividing cells, proliferation and expansion indices increased by 2%, 0.4%, and 1%, respectively. Interpretation: Reduced personal exposure to HAP through clean fuel intervention was related to a return towards cellular immune balance.

Particulate Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (Al-MMC) have emerged as advanced engineering materials in view of their improved properties. Ceramic reinforced Al-MMC were more suitable because of being economical and exhibiting isotropic properties. Al-MMCs manufacturing methods are expensive, demand skilled and complex operations and vortex liquid metallurgy results into higher porosity. The liquid-metal forging/squeezed casting of stirred molten slurry can eliminate porosity as molten metal is pressurized during solidification forming near net shapes. During many instances, influence of process parameter (PP)s on mechanical part properties is being studied. In the present study, composites were produced using Al-Si12 alloy as base material, aluminium oxide and silicon carbide particles as reinforcements by varying the PPs. Tribological tests were conducted under dry sliding condition at room temperature showed hard reinforcements in Al alloy reduced the wear rate (WR) and increased the coefficient of friction (f) for all PPs. For PPs, increasing the squeeze pressure and decreasing the pouring and die preheating temperature resulted in a reduction of WR and f with an increase in normal load and sliding velocity. Initially f falls and then raised with an increase in normal load, but only raised with growing sliding velocity compared to Aluminium base material.

Tube Hydroforming (THF) is a relatively new manufacturing process mainly used in the automotive industry from the past decades, offering potential alternatives to lightweight materials. THF can significantly govern saving energy, offering several advantages over stamping and welding processes. Automotive sectors require complex-shaped extruded hollow tubes due to free-forming and calibration. THF requires less thinning to provide improved structural strength and stiffness. Lightweight vehicle units requiring less maintenance if THF are implemented with less formable Inconel 600 tubes. The impact of Hydroforming parameters (HFP) like P (internal pressure), L (axial movement), and F (tube length) on the tube output’s quality like Bulging and Thinning ratios (BR&TR) are studied. RSM (Response surface methodology) was employed to develop empirical relations between HFP and experimental outputs. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to obtain a large amount of optimized data set for HFPs combination while simultaneously enhancing BR and reducing TR. Genetic algorithms improve the Pareto front optimized solutions of PSO’s accuracy by prolonging convergence. Increasing P and L parameters values will significantly affect the output’s quality. Proposed methods have performed outstanding (they avoided tube’s local necking and failures like wrinkle and bursting) and the results were not possible with other techniques.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) components are commonly used for either prototypes or end products, mostly made of polymers. Polymers offer low frictional resistance to wear, so most of the engineering polymers find their increased usage in day-to-day industrial as well as domestic needs. The influence of many process controlling elements on the mechanical part properties is already being studied extensively, which demands the study of tribological characteristics like friction and wear rate under varying normal load (NL), sliding velocities (V) and part building orientations (PBO). The results showed a significant impact of the PBO and NL at various V on the tribological properties under various significant suitable sliding circumstances. Cracks were formed in the cylindrical tribometer specimens of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) fabricated at low PBO when operated at high NL, and V. Vertical PBO to the FDM building platform in the layers form where a number of inter-layers can bear maximum NL at higher values of V resulted in uniform wear and low frictions. Friction was noticed very low at minimum NL when PBO was 0° (horizontal) and 90° (vertical), but increased at high NL between PBO of 15° to 60°. The FDM parts improved compared to those from conventional manufacturing processes.

Abstract Solar collector (SC) technology has proved promising applications in heating, desalination, refrigeration of water, etc. Thermal performance (TP) of Heat Pipe (HP) improves by combining the various profiled absorber plate with a flat-plate collector. The objective is to study HP attributes' effect (heat inputs, pipe inclinations, and mass flow rates of water) with various profiles of absorber plates in a flat-plate SC on the TP. Semi-circular HP combining with the flat, V-grooved, and V-troughed absorber plates in a flat-plate collector improved TP. They are heat output, thermal resistance, and overall efficiency explored experimentally by adapting the response surface method's (RSM) central composite design. A major impacting applicant factor was heat input for improving TPs, and correlation models were generated from ANOVA. The optimal input attributes are obtained to minimize thermal resistance and maximize heat output and overall efficiency from RSM and desirability function. Confirmation test was conducted using optimal settings and their corresponding estimated values of the TP attributes to compare with the experimental results shown very close agreement between them established.

Abstract Background The effectiveness of amlodipine has been reported in clinical trials in India. However, real-world data on the effectiveness of amlodipine in India is limited. Objective To provide real-world evidence regarding the effectiveness of amlodipine as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs (AHDs) in Indian patients with essential hypertension. Methods Electronic medical record data of adult patients who were diagnosed with essential hypertension (≥ 140/90 mmHg) and were prescribed amlodipine as monotherapy or add-on therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified based on the number of AHD classes prescribed on initiation of amlodipine. Change in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure from baseline was the primary endpoint. Evaluation of proportion of patients who achieved treatment goals as per 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension guidelines was the secondary endpoint. Readings were obtained before initiating amlodipine and after at least a month of therapy with amlodipine. Results Among the 462 included patients, the majority (90.7%) were on amlodipine monotherapy or amlodipine + 1AHD. Mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) change in the amlodipine monotherapy group was: SBP (− 12.1 [− 14.9, − 9.3] mmHg) and DBP (− 7.5 [− 8.9, − 6.1] mmHg) and mean (95% CI) change in the amlodipine + 1AHD group was: SBP (− 17.8 [− 21.0, − 14.6] mmHg) and DBP (− 9.5 [− 11.0, − 8.0] mmHg) (P

Implementation of the “Selective Inhibition type of Sintering (SIS)” method in the field of additive manufacturing, which develops the components by building layers, depends upon the proper selection of their optimum input attributes. Components manufacturing as per anticipated size is accomplished by the optimization of factors, namely, heater power (H), layer height (L), the feed rate of the heater (F) and roller (R), and support’s temperature (S) using “Multi-Response Particle Swarm Optimization (MRPSO)”. Analysis of variance was employed to substantiate the competence of the established models. Trials have shown that mechanical properties of manufactured components are characterized by Design of experiments in a direct relationship with F and R, but inversely related to H and L. Finally, unique MRPSO algorithm has been employed for parallel optimization of multiple outputs. Introduced mutation functions (of genetic algorithm) into MRPSO algorithm to prevent early convergence. Optimal-solutions of Pareto-front achieved by MRPSO were graded by the compound grades (resulting from maximum deviation theory) to increase preciseness in making the decisions. The MRPSO analysis offered valuable information for monitoring the factors to improve the accuracy of SIS components. Massive optimal-solution data have been generated for every possible combination of factors to maximize the responses.

BackgroundThe quantitative measures used to assess the performance of automated methods often do not reflect the clinical acceptability of contouring. A quality-based assessment of automated cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) segmentation more relevant to clinical practice is therefore needed.ObjectiveWe propose a new method for assessing the quality of machine learning (ML) outputs. We evaluate the clinical utility of the proposed method as it is employed to systematically analyse the quality of an automated contouring algorithm.MethodsA dataset of short-axis (SAX) cine CMR images from a clinically heterogeneous population (n = 217) were manually contoured by a team of experienced investigators. On the same images we derived automated contours using a ML algorithm. A contour quality scoring application randomly presented manual and automated contours to four blinded clinicians, who were asked to assign a quality score from a predefined rubric. Firstly, we analyzed the distribution of quality scores between the two contouring methods across all clinicians. Secondly, we analyzed the interobserver reliability between the raters. Finally, we examined whether there was a variation in scores based on the type of contour, SAX slice level, and underlying disease.ResultsThe overall distribution of scores between the two methods was significantly different, with automated contours scoring better than the manual (OR (95% CI) = 1.17 (1.07–1.28), p = 0.001; n = 9401). There was substantial scoring agreement between raters for each contouring method independently, albeit it was significantly better for automated segmentation (automated: AC2 = 0.940, 95% CI, 0.937–0.943 vs manual: AC2 = 0.934, 95% CI, 0.931–0.937; p = 0.006). Next, the analysis of quality scores based on different factors was performed. Our approach helped identify trends patterns of lower segmentation quality as observed for left ventricle epicardial and basal contours with both methods. Similarly, significant differences in quality between the two methods were also found in dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertension.ConclusionsOur results confirm the ability of our systematic scoring analysis to determine the clinical acceptability of automated contours. This approach focused on the contours' clinical utility could ultimately improve clinicians' confidence in artificial intelligence and its acceptability in the clinical workflow.

Introduction. Calcium channel blockers have pedal edema as one of the confining factors of treatment. A real-world study may help evident reality of the situation in regular Indian clinical practice. The aim of the study is to assess effectiveness and incidence of pedal edema in essential hypertensive patients treated with amlodipine or cilnidipine monotherapy. Methods. Retrospective EMR data of adult essential hypertensive patients, prescribed amlodipine (n = 800) or cilnidipine (n = 800) as monotherapy, were analyzed. Incidence of pedal edema from baseline visit was analyzed in terms of dose and duration of treatment. The changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from baseline and proportion of patients achieving target BP goals were assessed. Results. In amlodipine and cilnidipine groups, mean changes in SBP and DBP from baseline to end of the study period were 28.4 and 15.1 mmHg and 24.3 and 13.5 mmHg, respectively (p value

Since the global withdrawal of Sabin 2 oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) from routine immunization, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has reported multiple circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks. Here, we generated an agent-based, mechanistic model designed to assess OPV-related vaccine virus transmission risk in populations with heterogeneous immunity, demography, and social mixing patterns. To showcase the utility of our model, we present a simulation of mOPV2-related Sabin 2 transmission in rural Matlab, Bangladesh based on stool samples collected from infants and their household contacts during an mOPV2 clinical trial. Sabin 2 transmission following the mOPV2 clinical trial was replicated by specifying multiple, heterogeneous contact rates based on household and community membership. Once calibrated, the model generated Matlab-specific insights regarding poliovirus transmission following an accidental point importation or mass vaccination event. We also show that assuming homogeneous contact rates (mass action), as is common of poliovirus forecast models, does not accurately represent the clinical trial and risks overestimating forecasted poliovirus outbreak probability. Our study identifies household and community structure as an important source of transmission heterogeneity when assessing OPV-related transmission risk and provides a calibratable framework for expanding these analyses to other populations. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02477046.

With the accelerated growth in population and technology progress in day-to-day life, the traditional fuels demands have increased significantly. Despite the execution of many renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass), the modern issues such as high investment and power costs have slowed down their development. In this context, improvisation of the existing power generation ways is required by evolving a highly effective thermal system to extract renewable energy available for low grade waste heat. At present, many of the applicable practices are engrossed on high temperature heat extraction rather than low-grade heat in spite of being expensive. In this work, innovative technology has been recommended by amalgamation of the Trilateral Flash Cycle (TFC) with an expander (reaction turbine) in a binary system to offer improved operation, economical and broader employment of the existing resources. TFC can extract heat more efficiently from hydrothermal means to improve power generation directly and decrease the emissions of greenhouse gas. A theoretical analysis using a computer based model for TFC with simple reaction turbine for three proposed diameters at various rotational speeds and operating fluids is performed. Results of output powers and turbine efficiencies of the recommended system are compared. Also, this design concludes the optimum design factors for the turbine under explicit operational settings and the factors affecting the efficiency and nozzle flow area are discussed for the TFC system.

Adaptively computing the layers (LH) for FDM 3D printed samples has been the great potential of accomplishing high quality surface finish results while maintaining a reasonably short printing process time. This research paper presents a stairs-stepping effect of a semi-sphere profile fabricated by FDM 3D technology which is a cost-effective and promising additive manufacturing (AM) technique. In the experimental test, two-LHs (0.04 and 0.32 mm) and three different thermoplastic filament materials (PLA, PLA+, and ABS+) were used. The optimum surface roughness (Ra) obtained at 100% solid infill density with the configuration of a minimum LH was around 3.9092 and 53.2628 μm for a maximum LH after and before chemical treatment respectively. The lowest LH value brings the deviation reduction to achieve a minimum value of Ra, while fabrication time would go up with increasing the number of layers. Within the group of (PLA+, PLA and ABS+) for both LHs, ABS+ has shown low density of 1.02 to 1.1 g/cm3, while PLA+ and PLA has shown almost the same values of density ranging from 1.2 to 1.3 g/cm3. Understanding and improving relationships between thermoplastic filament materials, printing process parameters and properties of FDM 3D printed samples will be a key to improve the extrusion AM processes and expanding their applications globally. To sum up, the chemical treatment (using acetone) was an economical and industrially sustainable world-wide method to improve the poor surface quality finish of AM samples.

The role of rapid tooling (RT) in additive manufacturing (AM) seems essential in improving and spreading out the vista of manufacturing proficiency. In this article, attempts were made to discover the feasibility and the accomplishments of the RT electrode in the field of electro-discharge machining (EDM). Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the AM processes adopted to fabricate the EDM electrode prototype by coating with copper. The copper is deposited on FDM-built ABS plastic component for about 1 mm through thick electroplating. The copper-coated FDM (CCF) and solid copper (SC) electrodes are used to conduct experiments on a die-sinking EDM machine using tool alloy steel as a workpiece. The CCF polymer electrode can be efficiently used in EDM operations as the build time of any complex shape was substantially reduced. However, the material removal rate (MRR) is far less than that of the SC electrode. It is recommended that the CCF electrode is used for semifinishing and finishing operations in which MRR happens to be less. However, CCF can get spoiled as high temperatures are generated on the machining tool, and the plastic core hardly sustains such high temperatures.

Functional requirements like higher strength, resistance, and shielding from chemical reactions, degradation, etc., of the base metal are achieved by modifying their exposed surfaces using TBC (thermal barrier coating). Modified outer surface of components in the GT (gas turbine) improves the performance by the increase of inlet temperature, enhancing longer life and providing many interrelated surfaces to withstand severe working conditions. This work is based on characteristic (mechanical, thermal, and tribology) evaluation of TBC-coated GT components made of Inconel 718 manufactured from traditional and 3-D printing-based selective laser melting (SLM) process and compared. TBCs comprising bond coat and top ceramic oxide coat were deposited by High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel and Atmospheric Plasma Spraying techniques, respectively. Characteristics evaluated by varying coating thickness, standoff distance, substrate preheating, Input torch power, etc., revealed that characteristics of substrates manufactured from SLM methods improved significantly except porosity and average surface roughness. These improvements are essential for embedding sensors, thin films, etc., in TBCs for continuous monitoring of outputs.

The fuel consumption of high-density automobiles has increased in recent years. Aluminum (Al) alloy is a suitable material for weight reduction in vehicles with high ductility and low weight. To address environmental problems in aircraft and maritime applications, in particular rust development and corrosion, the current study assesses the corrosion behavior during friction stir welding (FSW) of two dissimilar Al alloys (AA6061 and AA8011) in various corrosive conditions using salt spraying and submersion tests. Two acidic solutions and one alkaline solution are used in these tests, which are performed at room temperature. The two specimens (AA6061 and AA8011) and the weld region are suspended in a salt spraying chamber and a 5 wt.% NaCl solution is continually sprayed using the circulation pump for 60 h, with the specimens being weighed every 15 h to determine the corrosion rates. According to the salt spraying data, the weld zone has a higher corrosion resistance than the core components. For twenty-eight days, individual specimens are submerged in 3.5 wt.% HCl + H2O and H2SO4 + H2O solutions and seawater. The weld area specimens exhibit stronger corrosion resistance than the base material specimens, and weight loss in the saltwater medium is lower when compared to the other test solutions, according to the corrosion analysis. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis demonstrates that the base metal AA8011 is considerably corroded on its surface.

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or long COVID syndrome, is emerging as a major health issue in patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms commonly experienced by patients include fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, dyspnea, reduced exercise tolerance, and “brain fog”. Additionally, symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and syncope suggest the involvement of the autonomic nervous system. Signs of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction appear to be common in PASC and are similar to those observed in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and inappropriate sinus tachycardia. In this review, we report on the epidemiology of PASC, discuss current evidence and possible mechanisms underpinning the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, and suggest nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions to treat and relieve symptoms of PASC-associated dysautonomia.

Various thermal spraying approaches, such as air/atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying, are widely employed by plants owing to their flexibility, low costs and the high surface quality of the manufactured product. This study focuses on the corrosion behavior of a Ni superalloy coated with powder Cr3C2-25NiCr through APS and HVOF at 950 °C under air oxidation and Na2SO4 + 0.6V2O5 molten salt environments (MSE). The results show that HVOF-deposited Ni superalloys have higher hardness and bond strength than the respective APS coating. The thermo-gravimetric probe reveals that the Ni superalloys exposed to an oxidizing air environment has a minor mass gain compared to those under the MSE domain for both non-coated and coated samples, in line with the parabola curvature rate oxidizing law. The Ni superalloys show good corrosion resistance but poor oxidation resistance in APS-deposited Ni superalloys under the MSE. HVOF-coated Ni superalloys in both environments exhibit better corrosion resistance and lower mass gain than APS-coated superalloys. The excellent coating characteristics of HVOF-coated Ni superalloys lead to their better high-temperature corrosion performance than APS.

The conventional method for machining metal matrix composites (MMCs) is difficult on account of their excellent characteristics compared with those of their source materials. Modern laser machining technology is a suitable noncontact method for machining operations of advanced engineering materials due to its novel advantages such as higher productivity, ease of adaptation to automation, minimum heat affected zone (HAZ), green manufacturing, decreased processing costs, improved quality, reduced wastage, removal of finishing operations, and so on. Their application includes hole drilling in an aircraft engine components such as combustion chambers, nozzle guide vanes, and turbine blades made up of MMCs which meet quality standards that determine their suitability for service use. This paper presents a derived mathematical model based on evolutionary computation methods using multivariate regression fitting for the prediction of multiple characteristics (circularity, taper, spatter, and HAZ) of neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet laser drilling of aluminum matrix/silicon carbide particulate (Al/SiCp) MMCs using genetic programming. Laser drilling input factors such as laser power, pulse frequency, gas pressure, and pulse width are utilized. From a training dataset, different genetic models for multiple quality characteristics were obtained with great accuracy during simulated evolution to provide a more accurate prediction compared to empirical correlations.

The present study is carried out to improve quality level by identifying the prime reasons of the quality related problems in the seat hardfacing process involving the deposition of cobalt based super alloy in I.C. Engine valves using TIG welding process. During the Process, defects like stellite deposition overflow, head melt, non-uniform stellite merging, etc., are observed and combining all these defects, the rejection level was in top position in Forge shop. We use widely referred QC tools of the manufacturing field to monitor the complete operation and continuous progressive process improvement to ensure ability and efficiency of quality management system of any firm. The work aims to identify the various causes for the rejection by the detailed study of the operation, equipment, materials and the various process parameters that are very important to get defects-free products. Also, to evolve suitable countermeasures for reducing the rejection percentage using seven QC tools. To further understand and validate the obtained results, we need to address other studies related to motivations, advantages, and disadvantages of applying quality control tools.

Friction stir welding (FSW) is the most popular and efficient method of solid-state joining for similar as well as dissimilar metals and alloys. It is mostly used in applications for aerospace, rail, automotive, and marine industries. Many researchers are currently working with different perspectives on this FSW process for various combinations of materials. The general input process parameters are the thickness of the plate, axial load, rotational speed, welding speed, and tilt angle. The output parameters are joint hardness, % of elongation, and impact and yield strengths. Genetic programming (GP) is a relatively new method of evolutionary computing with the principal advantage of this approach being to evaluate efficacious predictive mathematical models or equations without any prior assumption regarding the possible form of the functional relationship. This paper both defines and illustrates how GP can be applied to the FSW process to derive precise relationships between the output and input parameters in order to obtain a generalized prediction model. A GP model will assist engineers in quantifying the performance of FSW, and the results from this study can then be utilized to estimate future requirements based on the historical data to provide a robust solution. The obtained results from the GP models showed good agreement with experimental and target data at an average prediction error of 0.72%.

Hybrid polymer matrix composites (HPMC) are prominent material for the formation of biomaterial and offer various advantages such as low cost, high strength, and the fact that they are easy to manufacture. However, they are associated with low mechanical (low hardness) and tribological properties (high wear rate). The average hip joint load fluctuates between three to five times of the body weight during jumping and jogging and depends on various actions relating to body positions. Alternate bone and prosthesis material plays a critical role in attaining strength as it determines the method of load transferred to the system. The material property called modulus of elasticity is an important design variable during the selection of the geometry and design methodology. The present work is demonstrated on how to improve the properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) substantially by the addition of bioceramic fillers such as titanium oxide (TiO2) and alumina (Al2O3). The volume fractions of Al2O3 and TiO2 are limited to 20% and 10%, respectively. Samples were fabricated as per ASTM standards using an injection moulding machine and various properties such as mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact), tribological (hardness, wear), and corrosion including SEM, density, and fractography analysis studied. Experimental results revealed that an injection moulding process is suitable for producing defect-free mould HPMC. HPMC comprising 70% HDPE/20% Al2O3/10% TiO2 has proved biocompatible and a substitute for biomaterial. A substantial increase in the mechanical and tribological properties and full resistance to corrosion makes HPMC suitable for use in orthopaedic applications such as human bone replacement, bone fixation plates, hip joint replacement, bone cement, and bone graft in bone surgery.

We report a case of isolated palatine paralysis in a 10-year-old boy. This kid presented with complaints of nasal regurgitation of liquids with nasal speech. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was done which was normal. The patient recovered in 10 days without any residual paralysis. Various causes which include infections, trauma, tumor, and brainstem lesions were investigated, but no predisposing factor was found. The patient responded well to conservative management and had been asymptomatic for 3 months.

ABSTRACT A simple method for filtering water to reduce the incidence of cholera was tested in a field trial in Matlab, Bangladesh, and proved effective. A follow-up study was conducted 5 years later to determine whether the filtration method continued to be employed by villagers and its impact on the incidence of cholera. A total of 7,233 village women collecting water daily for their households in Bangladesh were selected from the same study population of the original field trial for interviewing. Analysis of the data showed that 31% of the women used a filter of which 60% used sari filters for household water. Results showed that sari filtration not only was accepted and sustained by the villagers and benefited them, including their neighbors not filtering water, in reducing the incidence of cholera, the latter being an unexpected benefit. IMPORTANCE A simple method for filtering pond and river water to reduce the incidence of cholera, field tested in Matlab, Bangladesh, proved effective in reducing the incidence of cholera by 48%. A follow-up study conducted 5 years later showed that 31% of the village women continued to filter water for their households, with both an expected and an unexpected benefit that filtration had both a direct and indirect effect in reducing cholera (chi-square statistic of 1,591.94; P =

The critical role of specifying micro‐Doppler mode performance in the modelling and development of modern radar systems is investigated. The authors focus on the detection of micro‐Doppler modulation from light aircraft, analysing data from eight helicopters and nine propeller aircraft. With the growing need for accurate target classification in radar technology, incorporating micro‐Doppler detection metrics into radar performance specifications has become increasingly important. This research offers a novel approach to measuring the detectability of micro‐Doppler modulation relative to returns from the main fuselage. The investigation covers the impacts of various preprocessing techniques, polarisation, and aspect angle on detection capabilities. Findings reveal that, on average, micro‐Doppler modulation from propellers is detectable at distances between 50% and 100% of the range at which the fuselage is detected. For helicopters, this range decreases to between 30% and 80%. Additionally, the study introduces empirically derived statistical models designed to predict micro‐Doppler detection ranges in relation to fuselage returns, enhancing the predictability and specificity of radar system performance. This novel contribution presents a basis for improving radar system specifications, leading ultimately to more predictable and reliable light aircraft classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metformin is an antihyperglycemic biguanide that is used as the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin use helps control T2DM which is one of the many risk factors for cancer and is proposed to have multiple antagonistic actions against cancer cells. The epidemiology of cancers in Saudi Arabia are colorectal cancer (CRC) 14.4%, breast cancer 14.2%, thyroid cancer 10.2%, non-hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) 6.1%, leukemia 6%, and other cancers 49.2%. We would like to assess the anticancer effect of metformin on various types of malignancies. Methods: The 266 cancer patients diagnosed in 2018–2019 in King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) were divided into non-diabetic and diabetic cancer patients (with or without metformin). The data includes age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type of cancer with grades and stages, T2DM, with or without metformin, complications, and fate etc. of each case. Results: Out of 300, 266 were selected for the analysis. The results showed the statistical significance (p value 0.022) of metformin use on the cancer grade at diagnosis that favorably influences the morbidity/mortality. Conclusions: Metformin might have an anti-cancer effect on the grade of cancer at the time of diagnosis regardless of its dosage, and this might improve the prognosis of malignancy.

Background: Metformin is an antihyperglycemic biguanide that is used as the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin use helps control T2DM which is one of the many risk factors for cancer and is proposed to have multiple antagonistic actions against cancer cells. Metformin induces adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-driven cascades, involving two pathways, a direct and an indirect one. This leads to a decrease in the mechanistic activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), folate level, c-MYC (a family of regulator genes and proto-oncogenes), NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa of B cell), and also increases tumor suppressor P53 phosphorylation. These cascades will also decrease cyclin D1, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increase mTOR complex1 (mTORC1) concentrations, apoptosis, and autophagy. Metformin also exerts anti-inflammatory effects through reducing interleukins 6 (IL6) and 8 (IL8), inhibition of protein translation via LKB1 (liver kinase B1), increasing expression of GPD1 (glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1) which suppresses cancer by inhibiting mitochondria, inducing cell apoptosis, and inhibiting leptin while increasing adiponectin production. We would like to assess the anticancer effect of metformin on various types of malignancies. Methods: The 266 cancer patients diagnosed in 2018–2019 in King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) were divided into non-diabetic and diabetic cancer patients (with or without metformin). The data includes age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type of cancer with grades and stages, T2DM, with or without metformin, complications, and fate etc. of each case. Results: Out of 300, 266 were selected for the analysis. The results showed the statistical significance (p value 0.022) of metformin use on the cancer grade at diagnosis that favorably influences the morbidity/mortality. Conclusions: Metformin might have an anti-cancer effect on the grade of cancer at the time of diagnosis regardless of its dosage, and this might improve the prognosis of malignancy.

Real-time, radar-based human activity and target classification is useful for wide-area ground surveillance. However, the feasibility of deploying deep learning (DL) models in radar-based systems with limited computational resources remains unexplored. This paper investigated the effect of quantization on model throughput and accuracy for deployment in radar systems. A seven-layer residual network was proposed to classify groundmoving targets and achieved a test accuracy of 87.72%. The model was then quantized to 16-bit and 8-bit precision, resulting in a 3.8 times speedup in inference throughput, with less than a 0.4% drop in test and validation accuracy. The results showed that quantization can improve inference throughput with a negligible decrease in target classification accuracy. The increase in throughput and reduction in computational expense that comes with quantization promotes the feasibility of the deployment of DL models in systems with limited computational resources. The findings of this paper hold significant promise for the successful use of quantized models in modern radar systems, while adhering to stringent size, weight and power consumption constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]