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Current research deals with the numerical investigation on the behavior of helical piles resting in cohesionless soil subjected to compressive load. The effect of diameter of pile shaft (DS), diameter of helical plate (Dh), depth of pile (H), Inter-helical spacing ratio (S/Dh) and number of helix (m), and type of sand on the load-displacement behaviour of helical pile was evaluated. The numerically determined compression capacity of the helical pile was compared with the existing theories. Apart from this, artificial neural network technique was employed on the obtained results to develop the model equation. An increase in the compression capacity of single and double helical pile was observed with increase in pile depth, friction angle of sand and diameter of pile shaft. For double helical pile, the optimum inter-helix spacing ratio was found 3.

Human vision depends heavily on retinal tissue. The loss of eyesight may result from infections of the retinal tissues that are treated slowly or do not work at all. Additionally, the diagnosis is susceptible to inaccuracies when a large dataset is involved. Therefore, a fully automated transfer learning approach for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy (DR) is suggested to minimize human intervention while maintaining high classification accuracy. To address this issue, we proposed a transfer learning-based trilateral attention network (TaNet) for the classification. To boost the visual quality of the DR pictures, a contrast constrained adaptive histogram equalization approach is applied. The pre-processed pictures are then segmented using a bilateral segmentation network (BiSeNet). The BiSeNet segmented the optic disc and blood vessels individually. After the completion of segmentation, the features are extracted. Feature extraction is based on the wavelet scattering transformation approach. The results of many trials were evaluated against the Messidor-2, EYEPACS, and APTOS 2019 datasets. The proposed model was created using a refined pre-trained technique and transfer learning methodology. Finally, the suggested framework was tested using efficiency assessment methods, and the classification rate was recorded as having above 98% sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy. The proposed approach yields greater performance and shows enhancement towards the existing approach.

In a variety of industries, including transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing, diesel engines are often employed. Due of rising prices and environmental concerns, researchers examined whether biodiesels might replace diesel. The current study looks into American Saffron Oil's feasibility as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The transesterification technique is used to extract American saffron oil methyl este(ASOME), which is then examined for its physical and chemical properties in accordance with ASTM standards. Diesel fuel and American Saffron Oil methyl ester are mixed on a volume basis to create a variety of fuel blends, including B20, B40, and B60. The test results showed that the 20 % ASOME mix had better performance and reduced emissions. Also, utilizing DIESEL-RK simulation software, diesel engine tests are conducted for the B20, B40, and B60 under identical operating circumstances. Moreover, diesel engine testing for the B20, B40, and B60 are carried out using DIESEL-RK simulation software under comparable operating circumstances. Results of simulation software tests show improved engine performance and reduced pollutants. When experimental data is compared to DIESEL-RK modeling software, it is found that brake thermal efficiency increased by 5.7 % and emissions of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide decreased by 2.5 % and 14.3 %, respectively.

Underwater cameras are crucial in marine ecology, but their data management needs automatic species identification. This study proposes a two-stage deep learning approach. First, the Unsharp Mask Filter (UMF) preprocesses images. Then, an enhanced region-based fully convolutional network (R–FCN) detects fish using two-order integrals for position-sensitive score maps and precise region of interest (PS-Pr-RoI) pooling for accuracy. The second stage integrates ShuffleNetV2 with the Squeeze and Excitation (SE) module, forming the Improved ShuffleNetV2 model, enhancing classification focus. Hyperparameters are optimized with the Enhanced Northern Goshawk Optimization Algorithm (ENGO). The improved R–FCN model achieves 99.94 % accuracy, 99.58 % precision and recall, and a 99.27 % F-measure on the Fish4knowledge dataset. Similarly, the ENGO-based ShuffleNetV2 model, evaluated on the same dataset, shows 99.93 % accuracy, 99.19 % precision, 98.29 % recall, and a 98.71 % F-measure, highlighting its superior classification accuracy.

Abstract The present research aims to predict effluent soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) in anaerobic digestion (AD) process using machine-learning based approach. Anaerobic digestion is a highly sensitive process and depends upon several environmental and operational factors, such as temperature, flow, and load. Therefore, predicting output characteristics using modeling is important not only for process monitoring and control, but also to reduce the operating cost of the treatment plant. It is difficult to predict COD in a real time mode, so it is better to use Complex Mathematical Modeling (CMM) for simulating AD process and forecasting output parameters. Therefore, different Machine Learning algorithms, such as Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest and Artificial Neural Networks, have been used for predicting effluent SCOD using data acquired from in situ anaerobic wastewater treatment system. The result of the predicted data using different algorithms were compared with experimental data of anaerobic system. It was observed that the Artificial Neural Networks is the most effective simulation technique that correlated with the experimental data with the mean absolute percentage error of 10.63 and R2 score of 0.96. This research proposes an efficient and reliable integrated modeling method for early prediction of the water quality in wastewater treatment.

Abstract In this study we analyzed the flow, heat and mass transfer behavior of Casson nanofluid past an exponentially stretching surface under the impact of activation energy, Hall current, thermal radiation, heat source/sink, Brownian motion and thermophoresis. Transverse magnetic field with the assumption of small Reynolds number is implemented vertically. The governing partial nonlinear differential equations of the flow, heat and mass transfer are transformed into ordinary differential equations by using similarity transformation and solved numerically by using Matlab bvp4c package. The impact of each of the Hall current parameter, thermal radiation parameter, heat source/sink parameter, Brownian motion parameter, Prandtl number, thermophoresis parameter and magnetic parameter on velocity, concentration and temperature, is discussed through graphs. The skin friction coefficient along the x-and z-directions, the local Nusselt number and the Sherwood number are calculated numerically to look into the inside behavior of the emerging parameters. It is witnessed that the flow velocity is a diminishing function of the thermal radiation parameter and the behavior has observed in the case of Hall parameter. Moreover, mounting values of Brownian motion parameter reduce the nanoparticle concentration profile.

Cement, as a construction material, has low thermal resistance, inherent fire resistance, and is incombustible up to a certain degree. However, the loss of its mechanical performance and spalling are its primary issues, and it thus cannot retain its performance in refractory applications. The present study explores the performance of geopolymer formulations that have excellent fire resistance properties for potential refractory applications. This study is unique, as it investigates advanced solid geopolymer formulations that need only water to activate and bind. Various solid geopolymer formulations with fly ash as a precursor; potassium hydroxide and potassium silicate as activators; and mullite and alumina as refractory aggregates were studied for their compressive strength at up to 1100 °C and compared with their two-part conventional liquid alkaline geopolymer counterparts. Advanced solid geopolymer formulations with mullite and alumina as refractory aggregates had mechanical strength values of 84 MPa and 64 MPa post-1100 °C exposure and were further exposed to ten thermal cycles of 1100 °C to study their fatigue resistance and post-exposure compressive strengths. The geopolymer sample with mullite as a refractory aggregate yielded 115.2 MPa compressive strength after the fourth cycle of exposure. This sample was also studied for its temperature distribution upon direct flame exposure. All the geopolymer formulations displayed a drop in compressive strength at 600 °C due to viscous sintering and then a rise in strength at 1100 °C due to phase transformation. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the formation of crystalline phases such as leucite, sanidine, and annite were responsible for the superior strengths at 1100 °C for the alumina- and mullite-based geopolymer formulations.

The research in power supply design is moving towards improving efficiency by reducing losses. Another aspect of research in power converters is its modeling as it involves multiple domains such as electrical, mechanical, magnetic...etc. bond graph modeling is suitable for the multi domain systems. Here, a zero voltage switching boost converter is designed using its bond graph model. The bond graph simulated results which are done in MATLAB/SIMULINK are matched with the experimental results. The efficiency of the ZVS boost converter is calculated and is compared with the efficiency of conventional pulse width modulated (PWM) boost converter.

Background: Patients with chronic liver disease often suffer from poor quality of life. The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) is a validated tool to assess health-related quality of life in these patients. It has been translated and validated for use in many countries and languages globally. Objectives: We aimed to translate Mainland Chinese Mandarin to Singapore Mandarin and perform cross-cultural adaption of CLDQ for the Mandarin-speaking population in Singapore (CLDQ-SG). Methods: This study was conducted based on the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Principles of Good Practice. The study consisted of two parts: part one involved cognitive debriefing and cultural adaption of CLDQ, and part two was a pilot study on the first version of CLDQ-SG among adult patients with chronic liver disease in a tertiary hospital. Results: During the cognitive debriefing process of part one, questions beginning with “recent” (最近) two weeks in Mandarin were changed to “last” (在过去) two weeks. Eighteen patients were recruited for part two of the study (50% male, mean age 49±13 years). Time taken to complete CLDQ-SG was 15±8 minutes, and the mean score was 5.1±0.5. The reliability of measurements for all domains was good, with an intra-class correlation coefficient ≥0.8. Items one and four needed further restructuring. There were no discrepancies between CLDQ and CLDQ-SG. Conclusion: This study showed that CLDQ-SG was culturally acceptable by the Mandarin-speaking population in Singapore. There were only two items that needed revision in the finalized CLDQ-SG.

BACKGROUND: Understanding changes in the host-parasite relationship due to habitat fragmentation is necessary for better management and conservation of endangered species in fragmented landscapes. Pathogens and parasites can pose severe threat to species in restricted environments such as forest fragments where there is increased contact of wildlife with human and livestock populations. Environmental stress and reduced nutritional level in forest fragments can influence parasite infection and intensity on the native species. In this study, we examine the impact of habitat fragmentation on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in lion-tailed macaques in a fragmented rainforest in Western Ghats. METHODS: The prevalence of different gastrointestinal parasites was estimated from 91 fecal samples collected from 9 lion-tailed macaque groups in nine forest fragments. The parasites were identified up to genus level on the basis of the morphology and coloration of the egg, larva and cyst. The covariates included forest fragment area, group size and the presence/absence of human settlements and livestock in proximity. We used a linear regression model to identify the covariates that significantly influenced the prevalence of different parasite taxa. RESULTS: Nine gastrointestinal parasite taxa were detected in lion-tailed macaque groups. The groups near human settlements had greater prevalence and number of taxa, and these variables also had significant positive correlations with group size. We found that these parameters were also greater in groups near human settlements after controlling for group size. Livestock were present in all five fragments that had human settlements in proximity. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that high prevalence and species richness of gastrointestinal parasites in lion-tailed macaque groups are directly related to habitat fragmentation, high anthropogenic activities and high host density. The parasite load partially explains the reason for the decline in immature survival and birth rate in small and isolated rainforest fragments in Anamalai Hills.

Background: The foramen ovale of the sphenoid bone is located anteromedial to the foramen spinosum and posterolateral to the foramen rotundum. The morphology of the foramen ovale has been described by ambiguous terms such as almond / D shap, elongated oval, oval, round semicircular, slit, pear and truly oval. The border of the foramen ovale may be irregular and bony spurs, spines, and tubercles have been documented to project into the foramen ovale. The present study morphometric data has been reported length, width, and area of the foramen ovale and morphological shapes of foramen ovale. Materials and Methods:We have collected the adult dry skulls from first years medical and dental students in multiple medical and dental colleges. We have used digital vernier callipers for measurements to measure length and breadth. We have calculated area of foramen ovale by using formula ((3.14 X Length X Beardth)/4). We have observed the shapes and categorised as oval, round, almond and irregular. Results: In present study we have observed the morphology of foramen ovale, we found the oval shape foramen ovale in 82.33% cases, round shape in 12.33% cases, almond shape were in 3.66% cases and irregular in 1.66% cases. The area of foramen ovale was on left side was 37.13+1.54 mm and right it was 37.41+0.94mm. Conclusion: The present study may be helpful in neurosurgery practices such as unsuccessful cannulation of the foramen ovale. Despite advances in stereotactic neurosurgical imaging and technique, anatomical variation of the foramen ovale occasionally prevents successful cannulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The posterior cranial fossa and the foramen magnum are the key anatomical components of the craniovertebral junction, which contain and transmit numerous vital neurovascular structures. Through foramen magnum important neural elements, the 7th to 12th cranial nerves, the cervical spinal nerves, the brainstem, the rostral aspect of the spinal cord, the cerebellum and the vermis, as well as various vascular structures such as the vertebral artery and its branches, the meningeal vessels and the venous sinuses. Materials and Methods: The present study conducted with 154 adult dry skull. We have observed the shapes of foramen magnum and classified as oval, round, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal and irregular in shape. We have recorded morphometric measurements like anterior-posterior diameter and transverse diameter of foramen magnum. Values of each measurement were expressed in the form of Mean+SD. Results: Oval shape foramen magnum was observed in 52 number of skulls and the incidence was 33.76%, tetragonal shape was observed in 31 number of skulls and the incidence was 20.12%, hexagonal shape was observed in 18 number of skulls and the incidence was 11.68%, round shape was observed in 26 number of skulls and the incidence was 16.88%, pentagonal shape was observed in 13 number of skulls and the incidence was 8.44% and pear shape was observed in 14 number of skulls and the incidence was 9.12%. The Anterior - Posterior diameter (mm) Foramen Magnum was 36.84+4.62mm. The transverse diameter (mm) foramen magnum 30.45+2.82mm. Conclusion: In present study findings concludes hat the results may be helpful to the neurosurgeon in analysing the morphological anatomy of craniovertebral junction. The findings are also assisting in their pracice for the anthropologists, morphologists and clinical anatomists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Jugular foramen of human skull is one of the most interesting foramina. It is a complex bony canal, numerous vital structures, including nerves and vessels are transmitted through it. Most of the intracranial and extra cranial lesions of posterior cranial fossa might affect the structures in jugular foramen in addition to intrinsic abnormalities. It is very important foramen for neurosurgeons. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in 72 adult dry skulls, which were collected for study in multiple medical and dental institutions in Karnataka. We have measured the jugular foramen - Anteroposterior diameter, Mediolateral diameter, the fossa width and depth of fossa. All these measurement with help of vernier callipers. All the measurements were taken bilaterally and expressed in Mean+SD. Results: We have observed that anteroposterior diameter was less than medial to lateral diameter. The anteroposterior diameter was ranged between 4 - 16 mm and medial to later diameter was 12 - 25mm. We have also seen about dome of jugular fossa, in 28(38.88%) skulls we have observed the presence of a prominent superior jugular bulb was present bilaterally. Depth of the fossa was measured. Most of the foramina were having depth between 5 and 20 mm. Conclusions: The present study concluded that the morphometric data and variations observed in the present study are of enormous value to neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists, while performing middle ear surgeries for various jugular foramen tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caesar cipher algorithm is one of the ancient algorithms. However, due to advances in technology the algorithm is now much simple to breach. This is because; each letter in the message is replaced by the same letter as specified. To raise the safety, some changes can be made. So, here we are going to use another arithmetic algorithm Diffie - Hellman's mode of changing the key to find the secret key and use simple calculations to verify data encryption. After obtaining a private shared key using the Diffie-Hellman method, depending on the operating mode with 26 keys to get the value of 26 or less, then the current character is taken with the key when the additional value of the new character. In any letter in the position of an 'x', the key first increases with an 'x' and is adjusted to get the encrypted letter. Therefore, 2 messages are repeated 2 times and the third letter has 3. This increases safety. This technology can be used to securely transfer sensitive information from one person to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidural anesthesia has been used since many years it's only in the last two decades has its popularity increased in children and infants. But still there are unanswered questions with the technique. Study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of epidural aaesthesia with 0.25%bupivcacine for lower abdominal surgeries. Methods: We evaluated the characteristics of epidural block including onset, duration of action, haemodynamic changes, ease of performance, efficacy, adverse effects and complication in 50 children aged between 4 to 14 years. Local ethical committee approved the protocol of this prospective study and parents gave written informed consent. Uncooperative patients were sedated with either ketamine or inhalational agents. Epidural block was performed in lateral position with 19G Tuohy's needle in L4-L5 space and 19 G epidural catheter was threaded after detecting the ES by LOR technique. The dose of 0.25% bupivacaine was age in years/10 per spinal segment (> 10 yrs) and I ml/kg up to 20ml (< 10 years). Results: Efficacy, safety and ease of performance were satisfactory in most children. Onset of action being 13-15 min and the duration ranged between 60-90 min. 2 cases needed to be supplemented with GA. Incidence and severity of complications was low. 7 patients developed shivering and 2 developed vomiting. Conclusion: Epidural anesthesia with 0.25% hyperbaric bupivacaine in the appropriate dosage is a safe technique in pediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidural anesthesia is a technique for perioperative pain management with multiple applications in anesthesiology. It is useful as a primary aesthetic, Aside from the benefit of potentially providing excellent analgesia, its use reduces the exposure to other anesthetics and analgesics, decreasing side effects. It has also shown to decrease cortisol levels, expedite the return of bowel function, decrease the incidence of PE and DVT in the post-operative period, and shorten lengths of in-hospital stay. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of epidural anesthesia with 0.25% bupivcacine for lower abdominal surgeries and its effect on blood pressure and SPO2. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of epidural anesthesia with 0.25%bupivcacine for lower abdominal surgeries and its effect on blood pressure and SPO2. Methods: We evaluated the characteristics of epidural block including onset, duration of action, hemodynamic changes, ease of performance, efficacy, adverse effects and complication in 50 children aged between 4 to 14 years. The epidural block was performed in lateral position with 19G Tuohy's needle in L4-L5 space and 19 G epidural catheter was threaded after detecting the ES by LOR technique. The dose of 0.25% bupivacaine was age in years/10 per spinal segment (> 10 yrs) and I ml/kg up to 20ml (< 10 yrs). Results: Efficacy, safety, and ease of performance were satisfactory in most children. The mean diastolic blood pressure showed statistically significant decreases starting from 5th min after administration of epidural anesthesia. This decrease was maintained till about 45 min and subsequently started increasing from 60th min onwards. The mean SP02 showed a statistically significant increase from 5 min and was maintained throughout the study period. All patients had received supplemental oxygen through mask throughout the study period. Conclusion: Epidural anesthesia with 0.25% hyperbaric bupivacaine in the appropriate dosage is a safe technique in pediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries and its effect on blood pressure and SPO2 is satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]