Search

In the process of hot rolling silicon steel, roll wear directly affect its shape. Accurate prediction of roll wear is an important condition for rolling qualified silicon steel strips. The traditional roll wear prediction model is established by the slicing method. The wear of F5–F7 work rolls used for finishing rolling silicon steel on a 2250 mm production line in a steel mill was predicted by this model. It was found that there was deviation between the predicted results and the actual wear, and the prediction accuracy of the model was insufficient. Therefore, the wear of the surfaces of the rolls used for rolling silicon steel on this production line was studied. Based on the analysis of the work roll wear's form and the rolling parameters that affect the roll wear, the traditional roll wear prediction model was optimized by the genetic algorithm. Finally, the optimized model was verified, and the prediction accuracy of the wear prediction model improved. The accurate prediction results provide a basis for the formulation of a shape control strategy when rolling silicon steel on this production line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel approach to optimize genetic algorithms (GAs) for homestay recommendation systems, specifically designed for smart village tourism destinations. Researchers developed an advanced GA focused on maximizing user satisfaction, the main quality metric. The algorithm was tailored to address the dynamic nature of homestay offerings and the varied preferences of travelers, using users' reviews, listing attributes, and historical booking data. The GA framework included a custom encoding scheme, fitness function, and parameters. Validation occurred through a case study in a smart village, with the algorithm's effectiveness tested via user surveys and ratings. Results showed that GA‐driven recommendations surpassed traditional methods, enhancing user satisfaction, trust, and booking rates while benefiting hosts with positive reviews. The optimized GA improved recommendation accuracy and efficiency, boosting economic benefits for local communities and contributing significantly to recommendation system research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Integrated Intelligent Energy is the property of Editorial Department of Integrated Intelligent Energy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BackgroundDeveloping countries have partnered with non-governmental and development organizations to ensure universal health coverage and promote equity in accessing health services. This study was motivated by the timely and relevant collaborative partnership among the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Sydani Consulting, and other implementing partners at the sub-national level. There is also no evidence of a study on partnership coordination vis-à-vis COVID-19 vaccine optimization.ObjectiveThis study seeks to examine the influence of partnership coordination in Benue and Niger states for optimized COVID-19 vaccination.MethodsThis study adopted a qualitative approach to obtain data from purposively selected participants from Benue and Niger states. Fifty-sox In-depth and Key informant interviews were conducted. The recorded discussions were transcribed and coded (inductively and deductively) using Dedoose software (v9.0). Four themes and seven sub-themes were generated from the participants' responses.ResultsFindings from our study revealed that partners played significant roles in providing support to Benue and Niger states toward the optimization of COVID-19 vaccination in the two states. The provided support alleviated several challenges experienced by the states before the advent of partners in the two states. Partners' roles were assessed using the WHO Health Building Blocks Framework.ConclusionOur study concludes and finds it plausible that partner collaboration can effectively improve health outcomes for the populace, especially in resource-low settings.

This study investigates continuous biodiesel production from refined palm oil (RPO) using a 250-cm-length Double-Pipe Static Mixer (DPSM), mixing elements were employed first with the Low-Pressure Drop Static Mixer (LPD-SM) and second with the Kenics Static Mixer (K-SM). Four key independent parameters in the transesterification reaction—methanol (MeOH) to RPO molar ratio, KOH concentration, static mixer length, and residence time—were optimized to achieve the desired methyl ester content (%E, wt.%), set at 96.5 wt.%. From Response Surface Methodology (RSM), The optimal conditions of LPD-SM were MeOH to RPO molar ratio at 5:1, KOH concentration at 0.76 wt.% of RPO, 250 cm static mixer length, and 7.7 min residence time. Conversely, K-SM showed optimal conditions with MeOH to RPO molar ratio at 5.5:1, KOH concentration at 0.81 wt.% of RPO, 250 cm static mixer length, and 7.2 min residence time. Statistical analysis revealed KOH concentration as the most influential parameter, followed by residence time, static mixer length, and MeOH to RPO molar ratio, respectively. In summary, LPD-SM outperformed K-SM in reducing the amount of alcohol and catalyst consumption while maintaining %E at the set point, highlighting its potential as an efficient, sustainable approach for biodiesel production from RPO using a DPSM.

This study aimed to efficiently reduce the release of radon from water bodies to protect the environment. Based on the sizes of the experimental setup and modular float, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to assess the impact of the area coverage rate, immersion depth, diffusion coefficient, and radon transfer velocity at the gas–liquid interface on radon migration and exhalation of radon-containing water. Based on the numerical simulation results, an estimation model for the radon retardation rate was constructed. The effectiveness of the CFD simulation was evaluated by comparing the experimental and simulated variation values of the radon retardation rate with the coverage area rates. The effect of radon transfer velocity on radon retardation in water bodies was minor and insignificant according to the appropriate value; therefore, an estimation model of the radon retardation rate of the coverage of a radon-containing water body was constructed using the synergistic impacts of three factors: area coverage rate, immersion depth, and diffusion coefficient. The deviation between the experimental and simulated results was < 4.3%. Based on the numerical simulation conditions, an estimation model of the radon retardation rate of covering floats in water bodies under the synergistic effect of multiple factors was obtained, which provides a reference for designing covering floats for radon retardation in radon-containing water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates continuous biodiesel production from refined palm oil (RPO) using a 250-cm-length double-pipe static mixer (DPSM), mixing elements were employed first with the low-pressure drop static mixer (LPD-SM) and second with the Kenics Static Mixer (K-SM). Four key independent parameters in the transesterification reaction - methanol (MeOH) to RPO molar ratio, KOH concentration, static mixer length, and residence time - were optimized to achieve the desired methyl ester content (%E, wt.%), set at 96.5 wt.%. From response surface methodology (RSM), The optimal conditions of LPD-SM were MeOH to RPO molar ratio at 5:1, KOH concentration at 0.76 wt.% of RPO, 250 cm static mixer length, and 7.7 min residence time. Conversely, K-SM showed optimal conditions with MeOH to RPO molar ratio at 5.5:1, KOH concentration at 0.81 wt.% of RPO, 250 cm static mixer length, and 7.2 min residence time. Statistical analysis revealed KOH concentration as the most influential parameter, followed by residence time, static mixer length, and MeOH to RPO molar ratio, respectively. In summary, LPD-SM outperformed K-SM in reducing the amount of alcohol and catalyst consumption while maintaining %E at the set point, highlighting its potential as an efficient, sustainable approach for biodiesel production from RPO using a DPSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secure and powerful Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) statistics dealing with on cloud infrastructures is vital as commercial gadgets grow to be greater networked. IIoT systems accommodated in the cloud should shield personal statistics, make sure uninterrupted operations, use information insights to make decisions, and reduce electricity consumption. Several industries have been transformed by way of IIoT programs, which depend closely on cloud infrastructure for statistics processing and garage. Energy performance and the safety of sensitive business statistics are predominant issues. A few of the problems that need addressing are secure data transmission, invasion of privacy, and data breaches. It is not a simple task to optimize power efficiency without compromising actual-time records processing. The Optimized Dynamic Clustering and Energy-Efficient System (ODC-EES) is a unique approach for cloud-based IIoT information control and employer that uses stepped forward adaptive clustering strategies. Strengthening facts security whilst streamlining strength use, the recommended method blends present day encryption protocols, access controls, and power-aware useful resource allocation. This method promotes sustainable electricity practices even as making sure adaptability to the ever-converting IIoT information. Manufacturing, strength, logistics, and healthcare are the various few of the numerous commercial sectors that might advantage from ODC-EES. The counselled approach seeks to enhance the dependability and performance of manufacturing strategies through making IIoT information more stable and the use of less strength. For the motive to demonstrate the system's efficacy in enhancing statistics protection, optimizing energy usage, and making sure the fresh operation of IIoT programs in cloud environments, these simulations will evaluate its overall performance below numerous situations.

In the process of hot rolling silicon steel, roll wear directly affect its shape. Accurate prediction of roll wear is an important condition for rolling qualified silicon steel strips. The traditional roll wear prediction model is established by the slicing method. The wear of F5–F7 work rolls used for finishing rolling silicon steel on a 2250 mm production line in a steel mill was predicted by this model. It was found that there was deviation between the predicted results and the actual wear, and the prediction accuracy of the model was insufficient. Therefore, the wear of the surfaces of the rolls used for rolling silicon steel on this production line was studied. Based on the analysis of the work roll wear’s form and the rolling parameters that affect the roll wear, the traditional roll wear prediction model was optimized by the genetic algorithm. Finally, the optimized model was verified, and the prediction accuracy of the wear prediction model improved. The accurate prediction results provide a basis for the formulation of a shape control strategy when rolling silicon steel on this production line.

Background and Objectives Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an important parameter in the interactions among soil, vegetation, atmosphere, surface energy and water. Direct measurement of evapotranspiration values is costly and time consuming. On the other hand, modeling this complex process in which many variables interact with each other is not feasible without considering multiple assumptions. In this regard, the FAO Penman-Monteith method is used in a wide range of climatic and environmental conditions. One of the weaknesses of FAO Penman-Monteith method is its dependence on various meteorological parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to implement methods with lower meteorological variables that can estimate ET0 with suitable accuracy. Thus, in the present study, an attempt was made to estimate ET0 with acceptable accuracy using machine learning models. Methodology In the present study, daily meteorological parameters in the time period of 2000-2020 including maximum and minimum air temperature (Tmax, Tmin), mean temperature (T), wind speed (U2), average relative humidity (RH), maximum and minimum relative humidity (RHmax, RHmin) and sunshine hours (n) were obtained on a daily basis in three stations of East Azerbaijan province (Tabriz, Sarab, and Maragheh). Moreover, six scenarios were defined as input combinations. Then, using random forest (RF) method in two cases: Single random forest and using the genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize its effective parameters with considering the FAO Penman-Monteith model as a basis, the machine learning models were calibrated and validated for estimating ET0 values at studied stations. Furthermore, the performance of empirical equations in three groups based on temperature (Hargreaves, Blaney-Criddle and Romanenko), radiation (Irmak) and mass transfer (Meyer) were also investigated. It should be noted that 75% of the data were considered for calibration and 25% for the validation of machine learning methods. Finally, using the statistical criteria of correlation coefficient (CC), scattered index (SI) and Willmott’s Index of agreement (WI), a suitable machine learning method was introduced to estimate the reference evapotranspiration. Also, the most suitable combination of meteorological parameters for ET0 estimation was suggested. Findings The obtained results showed that in all studied stations, the scenario 6 has the best performance, either in the case of single random forest (RF) or in the case of random forest optimized by genetic algorithm (GA-RF). Meteorological parameters of this scenario include minimum and maximum air temperature, minimum and maximum relative humidity, sunshine hours and wind speed. By optimizing the RF-6 parameters with the genetic algorithm at Tabriz Station, the statistical criteria were improved (CC from 0.990 to 0.991, SI from 0.103 to 0.098). At Sarab Station, the CC was increased from 0.980 to 0.982, the SI was decreased from 0.140 to 0.132 and the WI was increased from 0.989 to 0.990. At Maragheh Station, CC was increased from 0.990 to 0.991, SI was decreased from 0.103 to 0.098 and WI remained unchanged at 0.995. In general, the decreasing trend of the scattered index for RF method from scenarios 1 to 6 can be understood by increasing the input parameters of the random forest method. Among the three groups of empirical methods based on air temperature, radiation and mass transfer for estimating ET0, the best performance was seen for the Blaney-Criddle method based on air temperature. In all studied stations, the GA-RF model showed better performance than the empirical methods. Also, GA-RF-5 with similar meteorological parameters with Blaney-Criddle method provided accurate ET0 estimations. Conclusion Determining the amount of daily evapotranspiration and consequently accurate estimation of water requirement of plants provide the basis for proper designing of irrigation systems by reducing installation costs and providing a suitable program for the use of water resources in the agriculture sector. Therefore, in the present study, meteorological data from Tabriz, Sarab and Maragheh Stations were used to evaluate the ability of machine learning methods including RF and GA-RF to estimate the values of reference evapotranspiration. The results showed the high accuracies of RF-6 and GA-RF-6 for all studied stations and Belany-criddel among the empirical models. In a more detailed look, the genetic algorithm had positive effects on increasing the model accuracies by reducing scattered index of GA-RF scenarios 1, 4, 5 and 6 in Tabriz and Maragheh Stations as well as scenarios 1, 5 and 6 at Sarab Station. Finally, it can be concluded that both RF and GA-RF models provided the most accurate estimates of daily reference evapotranspiration in the East Azerbaijan province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heuristic functions are an integral part of MapReduce software, both in Apache Hadoop and Spark. If the heuristic function performs badly, the load in the reduce part will not be balanced and access times spike. To investigate this problem closer, we run an optimal database program with numerous different heuristic functions on database. We will leverage the Amazon elastic MapReduce framework. The paper investigates on general purpose, implementation, and evaluation of heuristic algorithm for generating optimal database system, checksum, and special heuristic functions. With the analysis, we present the corresponding runtime results. For the coding part, the records counting part is hasty and can only work for local Hadoop part, it can be debugged and optimized for general purpose implement on Hadoop and Spark and turn into an effective performance monitor tool. As mentioned before, there are strange issue, also the performance of BLAKE2s is unexpectedly slow in that it’s widely accepted the performance of BLAKE2s is much better than MD5 and SHA256, we would like to figure out why the common-sense performance of heuristics is deferent from what we got in distributed frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From recent research, lignocellulosic materials assert themselves as good precursors for the manufacture of highly carbonaceous and porous materials. Hence, the perspective of this work is the preparation of the low-cost activated carbons (ACs) based on puck shells (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus) with a large surface area. To achieve this, chemical activation using phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide as an activating agent was carried out. The response surface methodology through Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the preparation conditions. Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the preparation conditions. The factors whose influences have been studied are the concentration of activating agent (0.5–1.5 mol l−1), the carbonization temperature (300–500°C) and the residence time (30–100 min). The AC obtained by phosphoric acid was named CRP and impregnated with sodium hydroxide CRB. The ideal conditions for the preparation of the ACs obtained from the maximum iodine number (647.29 for CRP and 575.15 mg g−1 for CRB) were: 1.5 mol l−1 for the concentration of activating agent at a carbonization temperature of 500°C during 62 min for CRP and 0.85 mol l−1 for the concentration of activating agent at a carbonization temperature of 500°C during 59 min for CRB. These two materials prepared were characterized by several techniques pH at the point of zero charge (pHpzc), Boehm titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, XRD analysis, BET method, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the acidic nature of CRP and the basic nature of CRB carbons. The specific surface of the micropores was 509.05 and 27.53 m2 g−1, respectively. It provides a new valorization of agricultural waste for the preparation of effective-cost microporous ACs as an adsorbent that can be applied in water treatment industries.

Functional properties of kodo millet flour were analyzed using multipin plasma system. The functional properties such as oil absorption capacity (OAC), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling capacity (SC), and solubility index (SI) were analyzed at 10-20 kV of output voltage and duration of 10-30 min for kodo millet flour. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network with genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) were adopted for modeling and optimization. RSM optimized was found at 17.5 kV and 16 min and contrary, ANN-GA optimal values were at 14.1 kV and 28 min. Optimized RSM values of OAC, WAC, SC, and SI were 1.39 g/g, 1.63 g/ g, 3.91 g/g, and 0.08 g/g and optimized ANN-GA values were 1.48 g/g, 1.65 g/g, 4.23 g/g, and 0.09 g/g, respectively. Different instrumental analysis was performed using X-ray diffractometer, differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. ANN showed lesser values of statistical parameters with higher value of R² compared to RSM. Therefore, ANNGA was treated as the best model for optimization and modeling of cold plasma treated kodo millet flour. Hence, the ANN-GA optimized values of cold plasma treated flour could be utilized for practical applications in food processing industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ordnance Equipment Engineering is the property of Chongqing University of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Colorimetric RT-LAMP Assay is a diagnostic method that has attracted much attention because of its rapidity, simplicity, and accuracy compared to other disease diagnosis methods. Despite having many advantages, the RT-LAMP Colorimetric Assay has disadvantages, especially for kits that use phenol red as an indicator. The disadvantage derives from the input RNA/DNA samples containing high buffer levels, which causes no color change and false-negative results. This study aimed to develop and optimize the colorimetric RT-LAMP method on high-buffered SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples. We found that a temperature of 69°C for 50 minutes with the addition of post-treatment in the form of heating at 80°C for 10 minutes is an optimal condition for high-buffered SARS-CoV-2 samples. The condition proved effective in changing the result's color from red (negative) to yellow (positive). We also classified the analysis results based on the correlation between the Cycle threshold (Ct) value of SARS-CoV-2 viruses and the Optical Density (OD) value, which was quantified using a spectrophotometer at 415 nm (with a correlation value of -0.9084), where yellow color indicated Ct below 20, amber color indicated Ct between 20 and 30, orange color indicated Ct between 30 and 35, and red indicated Ct more than 35 (negative). In conclusion, this study successfully detects the SARS-CoV-2 virus in high-buffered samples using Phenol Red Colorimetric RT-LAMP Assay, with a sensitivity of 85% for Ct Cutoff 40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the significance of Nb2O5 as a promising industrial and biomedical material and the importance of Raman analyses to identify nanostructural molecular responsivity for various applications, this study aims to investigate Nb2O5 molecular bands that emerged under the impact of the Raman scattering phenomenon. Besides other advantages, Raman scattering analyses can provide a further investigation of the nanostructural polycrystalline phases supporting the XRD analyses. A pulsed laser was selected as the deposition technique for Nb2O5 thin films prepared with four different parameters. The selection of the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method was due to the insufficient studies and investigations of Nb2O5 nanostructures prepared via this method. The deposition parameters included the laser energy per pulse, substrate temperature, laser wavelength, and the number of laser pulses. Each preparation parameter was studied in a range, and one obtained value was optimized or selected for investigating the next parameter. Q-switched Nd:YAG pulsed laser was employed for this purpose. Orthorhombic (T-Nb2O5) and monoclinic (H-Nb2O5) were obtained and investigated. XRD analysis was incorporated to confirm the resulting Nb2O5 phases. Previous studies and observations of Niobium (V) oxide molecular Raman scattering bands were also listed for comparison purposes. The results of this study were well-agreed with the previously obtained results.

Large quantities of coking wastewater produced in the iron and steel industry containing a wide range of toxic and refractory organics must be efficiently treated before being discharged into the environment. A heterogeneous Fenton catalyst with activated carbon-supported iron (AC/Fe) was synthesized by wet impregnation technique and was used to treat natural coking wastewater. Characterization of the catalyst was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), energy dispersive X-ray microscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Pore size distribution, SEM observations, and diffractograms revealed successful dispersion of both ferrous ions (Fe2+) and ferric ions (Fe3+) on a carbon matrix having a mean pore diameter (2.98 nm) and a specific surface area (508.87 m2g−1). The influence of reaction parameters such as pH (2.00–8.65), catalyst dose (1.0–3.0 gL−1), and hydrogen peroxide dose (8–48 mM) on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was studied and optimized using Box-Behnken response surface design. Using the desirability approach, a COD removal response of 67.85% was obtained under the desired optimized conditions of pH (4.73), catalyst dose (2.37 gL−1), and hydrogen peroxide dose (8 mM). Maximum removal of COD (76.67%), total organic carbon (78.98%), and phenol (95.42%) was achieved upon treating coking wastewater of 476 mgL−1 COD. The synergistic effects of adsorption and oxidation of organic pollutants were observed with the catalyst exhibiting good stability (4 cycles) and minimum iron leaching of 0.209 mgL−1. The findings suggest that AC/Fe can be used as an economical and efficient catalyst in the mineralization of low-strength coking wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential nowadays to investigate some unique and appropriate materials for optoelectronic applications. We deliberate here for the first time, the structural, optoelectronic, mechanical, vibrational, and thermodynamical properties of hexagonal structured selenium-based ternary chalcogenides AScSe 2 (A = K, Cs) by using Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof Generalized-Gradient-Approximation (PBE-GGA). The lattice angles for these materials are found as α = β = 90° and γ = 120°. KScSe 2 is optimized with lattice parameters a = b = 4.3 (Å), c = 7.81 (Å) whereas, CsScSe 2 is relaxed at a = b = 4.43 (Å) and c = 8.51 (Å). The hybrid Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE06) functional overestimates the lattice parameters to the extent that for KScSe 2 these are found as a = b = 4.92 (Å), c = 7.10 (Å) and for CsScSe 2 a = b = 5.15 (Å), c = 7.09 (Å). The energy band gap confirms the semiconducting nature of these materials. Born's criteria endorses the mechanical stability of these materials. Moreover, the temperature dependence of thermodynamic potentials and specific heat at constant volume is also determined using the harmonic approximation. The negative value of free energy ensures their thermodynamical stability. The vibrational modes are calculated by plotting the phonon dispersion and the vibrational density of states (VDOS) where infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the vibrational modes. The optical parameters are examined at a smearing value of 0.5 eV that portray good absorptivity of the incident light from the Ultraviolet (UV) region. Thus, these materials may be potential ones to be utilized for energy harvesting applications via photovoltaic. [Display omitted] • Sufficient values of energy band gap show that these materials are semiconductors. • These materials are effective incident light absorbers in the UV region. • Lowest value of free energy at 1000 K such as −2.2 eV for CsScSe 2 and -1.9 eV for KScSe 2 is noted. • Comparatively, CsScSe 2 is more stable thermodynamically. • These compounds are found dynamically stable due to the absence of negative frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficacy and safety of high‐dose amoxicillin (AMX) and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) dual therapy raises much more attention in recent years. Comparative studies among the dual therapies are required to explore more suitable regimens. This study compared the efficacy, adverse events, and patient compliance of three different high‐dose dual regimens in treatment‐naive patients of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective, multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial, including H. pylori‐infected treatment‐naive patients at 12 tertiary hospitals in China. The eligible subjects received high‐dose AMX and esomeprazole (ESO) dual therapy of different regimens. They were randomly assigned to group A (ESO 20 mg plus AMX 750 mg, Qid for 14 days), group B (ESO 40 mg Bid plus AMX 1 g Tid for 14 days), or group C (ESO 20 mg plus AMX 1 g, Tid for 14 days). The eradication rates, adverse events, and patient compliance of the three groups were compared. Results: Between April 2021 and January 2022, a total of 1080 subjects were screened and 945 were randomized. The eradication rates in groups A, B, and C were 88.6% (95% CI 84.5%–91.9%), 84.4% (95% CI 80.0%–88.3%), and 86.7% (95% CI 82.4%–90.2%; p =.315), respectively, based on intention‐to‐treat analysis; 90.3% (95% CI 86.4%–93.3%), 85.5% (95% CI 81.1%–89.2%), and 87.8% (95% CI 83.6%–91.2%; p =.197), respectively, according to modified intention‐to‐treat analysis; and 90.4% (95% CI 86.5%–93.5%), 85.8% (95% CI 81.4%–89.5%), and 88.3% (95% CI 84.1%–91.7%; p =.202) in per‐protocol analysis. History of antibiotics use in 2 years reduced eradication effect in group B (ESO 40 mg Bid, AMX 1 g Tid). The modified intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were 81.4% vs 90.0% among those with or without a history of antibiotics use in group B (p =.031). The adverse event rates were 13.7%, 12.7%, and 12.1% in groups A, B, and C, respectively (p =.834). Patient compliance of the three groups was similar. Conclusions: Two optimized AMX and PPI dual regimens (ESO 40 mg Bid or 20 mg Tid plus AMX 1 g Tid for 14 days) had similar efficacy, safety and compliance as compared with classical dual regimen (ESO 20 mg plus AMX 750 mg Qid for 14 days) in H. pylori‐infected treatment‐naive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-objective aerodynamic / noise optimization design for a large-sized propeller was carried out. Based on the lifting surface theory, the propeller aerodynamic performance calculation was carried out, and the accuracy of the calculation method was verified by comparing with the experimental results. Based on the Hanson frequency domain far-field noise calculation method, the propeller far-field noise assessment was evaluated. The chord length, installation angle, bend and sweep of the propeller blade along the span-wise distribution were regard as design variables. The number of propeller blades, radius and speed was not changed. The optimization goals were set as no reduction of the aerodynamic performance and the maximization of the far-field noise reduction. The optimized design results were compared with the high-precision calculation results. The optimization results show that, without reducing the aerodynamic performance of the propeller, the far-field aerodynamic noise of the optimally designed propeller is reduced by 5 dB at the first-order discrete components, and the second-order and third-order discrete components are also reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For manual aiming, the optimized submovement model predicts a tendency toward target-center of primary movement endpoints (probabilistic strategy), while the minimization model predicts target undershooting ("play-it-safe" strategy). The spatial variability of primary movement endpoints directed toward a cross-hair (400–500 ms) (Session 1) were scaled by a multiplicative factor (x1 − 4) to form circular targets of different sizes (Session 2). In recognition of both models, it was predicted that the more that inherent variability exceeded the target size, the greater the tendency to shift from target-center aiming to target undershooting. The central tendency of primary movement endpoints was not influenced by the targets, while it neared target-center. These findings concur with a probabilistic strategy, although we speculate on factors that might otherwise foster a "play-it-safe" strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research is gradually drifting towards the adoption of food as therapy for the management of diseases that result from metabolic derangement, in extension genetic diseases can as well be managed by a functional and nutritional diet that will maintain the health of an individual through life. Diabetes Mellitus is not an exception. This study was aimed at formulating functional diets from blends of plantain, soycake, and rice bran flours. They were processed into the dough and referred to as optimized flour blends and dough meals. The 100% Plantain flour (PLTF) and 100% cerolina (CERF) serve as the positive and negative controls. The protein efficiency ratio of the optimized flour blends and dough meal samples fed on rats ranged between 0.73 in PLTF – 3.23 in PSRD. The flour blends were less digestible than the dough meal flour. The dough meal flours (PLTD, CERD, and PSRD) have higher α–amylase inhibitory activity than the flour samples (PLTF, CERF, and PSRF). The PSRD has the highest α–amylase inhibition (30%) and was significantly higher than others.Inhibition against α- glucosidase activity ranged from 25% (PLTD) to 32% (PSRD). The raw flours (PLTF, CERF, and PSRF) have lessα–glucosidase inhibition than dough meal samples. Rats fed with the optimized diets enhanced the endogenous antioxidant status by elevating the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione transferase (GST) in the liver, while the diet depressed the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and xanthine oxidase (XO). The optimized dough meal has high alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activities which are key enzymes implicated in diabetes mellitus; hence, the sample has the potential to be used as dietary intervention to modulate DM and hypertension.

Abstract Background The National Chest Pain Center Accreditation Program (CHANGE) is the first hospital-based, multifaceted, nationwide quality improvement (QI) initiative, to monitor and improve the quality of the ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care in China. The QI initiatives, as implementation strategies, include a bundle of evidence-based interventions adapted for implementation in China. During the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), fear of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, national lockdowns, and altered health care priorities have highlighted the program’s importance in improving STEMI care quality. This study aims to minimize the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of STEMI care, by developing interventions that optimize the QI initiatives, implementing and evaluating the optimized QI initiatives, and developing scale-up activities of the optimized QI initiatives in response to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Methods A stepped wedge cluster randomized control trial will be conducted in three selected cities of China: Wuhan, Suzhou, and Shenzhen. Two districts have been randomly selected in each city, yielding a total of 24 registered hospitals. This study will conduct a rollout in these hospitals every 3 months. The 24 hospitals will be randomly assigned to four clusters, and each cluster will commence the intervention (optimized QI initiatives) at one of the four steps. We will conduct hospital-based assessments, questionnaire surveys among health care providers, community-based household surveys, and key informant interviews during the trial. All outcome measures will be organized using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework, including implementation outcomes, service outcomes (e.g., treatment time), and patient outcomes (e.g., in-hospital mortality and 1-year complication). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research framework will be used to identify factors that influence implementation of the optimized QI interventions. Discussion The study findings could be translated into a systematic solution to implementing QI initiatives in response to COVID-19 and future potential major public health emergencies. Such actionable knowledge is critical for implementors of scale-up activities in low- and middle-income settings. Trial registration ChiCTR 2100043319 . Registered on 10 February 2021

Compared with extensive research on the power generation of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) under medium-high temperatures, research on power generation for cold energy utilization is still limited. To study the performance and feasibility of low-temperature power generation, this paper combines simulation and experiments for research. Firstly, a simulation model based on actual material parameters is established. Then, a thermoelectric low-temperature power generation experimental platform is established to conduct experimental research on TEG in different temperature zones and temperature differences and compared with simulation results. Finally, optimization research is conducted by changing thermoelectric materials and structures. The research results indicate that the maximum errors between the dates of simulation and experiment in terms of output voltage, conversion efficiency, and exergy efficiency are 11.3 %, 10.57 %, and 10.57 %, respectively. Compared with Bi 2 Te 3 , the output voltage, conversion efficiency, and exergy efficiency of CsBi 4 Te 6 are improved by 21.95 %, 34.64 %, and 34.64 %, respectively. The maximum output power and conversion efficiency are linearly related to the output current. The performance is optimal when the thermoelectric unit height is 1.0 mm and the side length is 1.6 mm. This proves the feasibility of TEG application at low temperatures and lays the foundation for low-temperature power generation. • Recycle the remaining cold energy for power generation. • The output performances of TEG in low temperatures are studied. • Compared with Bi 2 Te 3 , the conversion efficiency of CsBi 4 Te 6 increased by 34.64 %. • The principal stress and shear stress of thermoelectric units are analyzed. • The performance is optimal when the height is 1.0 mm and the side length is 1.6 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to improve the capability of the adaptive filtering algorithm against Gaussian or multiple types of non-Gaussian noises, time-varying system, and systems with low SNR. In this paper, we propose an optimized least mean absolute fourth (Optimized-LMF) algorithm, especially for a time-varying unknown system with low signal-noise-rate (SNR). The optimal step-size of LMF is obtained by minimizing the mean-square deviation (MSD) at any given moment in time. In addition, the mean convergence and steady-state error of Optimized-LMF are derived. Also the theoretical computational complexity of Optimized-LMF is analyzed. Furthermore, the simulation experiment results of system identification are used to illustrate the principle and efficiency of the Optimized-LMF algorithm. The performance of the algorithm is analyzed mathematically and validated experimentally. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed Optimized-LMF is superior to the normalized LMF (NLMF) and variable step-size of LMF using quotient form (VSSLMFQ) algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium-sized single trawlers are still lacking to catch the pelagic fishes in the Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean in recent years. In this study, an optimal design and test were performed on the mid-water trawl for the medium stern trawler, according to the structural and hydrodynamic parameters of the current large mid-water and large-mesh offshore trawl. Three kinds of perimeters were set for the specification of net mouths in the model and offshore production, including 552, 456, and 360 m. Specifically, the mesh size of net mouth was 12 m, the length of body net/circumference net-mouth was 0.217 m, and the length of wing/circumference net-mouth was 0.076 m. The results show that the average resistance of type 552 (Circumference net-mouth was 552 m ) was 151.82 kN, and the height of net opening was 28.74 m; the average resistance of type 456 (Circumference net-mouth was 456m) was 135.6 kN and the height of net opening was 24.96 m; the average resistance of type 360 (Circumference net-mouth was 360m) was 70.76 kN and the height of net opening was 20.20 m, when the trawl speed was 2.31 m/s, while, three kinds of expansion ratio were 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45 (wingtip space between /ground rope length L/S), respectively. A model test was also carried out in the Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean. It was found that the average yield per hour of type 552 was 0.13 t and the volume of filtered water per second was about 2442 m³ when the trawl speed was 2.06 m/s. Nevertheless, only 5% of the pelagic fish was captured after the detection of pelagic fish flocks, indicating the very low net output. When the trawl speed was 2.26 m/s, the average yield per hour of type 456 was 0.77t and the volume of filtered water per second was about 1927 m³. When the trawl speed was 2.52 m/s, the average yield per hour of type 360 was 1.13t and the volume of filtered water per second was about 1321 m³. The maximum towing speed of type 360 reached 2.67 m/s, and the maximum output of single net trawl operation in 4 hours reached 20t. Since type 360 presented the smallest net mouth and the water filtration volume per unit time, the output per unit time was much higher than that of the rest. Particularly, the mid-water trawls were adopted in the medium trawlers, in order to catch the small pelagic fish with better swimming ability, where the higher towing speed was required. Furthermore, a better yield was achieved, as the increase of the trawl speed in the range of 2.31-2.52 m/s. Once the mid-water trawl run a higher towing speed, the main engine of the fishing boat was consumed more power to overcome the fluid resistance. Therefore, the power consumption of the test net part (excluding otter board and warp) was recommended as 11%-16% of the rated power of the main engine, when the decreasing power was allocated to the net. In addition, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber can be widely used to reduce the diameter and area of the test net, further reducing the resistance for the better performance of the test net. The finding can provide an important reference for the structural design and optimization of the mid-water trawl in the medium stern trawler on ocean fishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Optimized Multiple Inputs and Multiple Outputs Sliding Mode controller (MIMO-SMC) is intended to control the reconfigurable UAV, which can take on a variety of configurations while maintaining the efficiency of a conventional quadrotor in terms of hovering and precision handling. The Ant Colony optimization algorithm is used to calculate controller gains and to ensure optimal performance, such as small errors and lower energy consumption. The control goal is to allow the proposed UAV to track its trajectory for various configurations in the face of uncertain parameters to impose the position, altitude, and yaw angle while stabilizing its roll and pitch angles. Finally, simulation results are used to demonstrate the efficiency and performance of the proposed controller, and we calculate the energy consumption for each configuration.

Plant biotechnology traits provide a means to increase crop yields, manage weeds and pests, and sustainably contribute to addressing the needs of a growing population. One of the key challenges in developing new traits for plant biotechnology is the availability of expression elements for efficacious and predictable transgene regulation. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, and computational tools have enabled the generation of new expression elements in a variety of model organisms. In this study, new expression element sequences were computationally generated for use in crops, starting from native Arabidopsis and maize sequences. These elements include promoters, 5′ untranslated regions (5′ UTRs), introns, and 3′ UTRs. The expression elements were demonstrated to drive effective transgene expression in stably transformed soybean plants across multiple tissues types and developmental stages. The expressed transcripts were characterized to demonstrate the molecular function of these expression elements. The data show that the promoters precisely initiate transcripts, the introns are effectively spliced, and the 3′ UTRs enable predictable processing of transcript 3′ ends. Overall, our results indicate that these new expression elements can recapitulate key functional properties of natural sequences and provide opportunities for optimizing the expression of genes in future plant biotechnology traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In urban areas, dense buildings, traffic road networks, and concrete floors severely restrict geoelectric methods, preventing the arrangement of ideal straight lines or grid survey layouts. We present herein an optimized three-dimensional (3D) electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey design based on arbitrarily distributed electrodes with a dipole–dipole array as the basic unit. Each unit is independent and can be randomly distributed and adjusted in length. The component electrodes can be used as current or potential electrodes as required. This method can eliminate the limitations of grids and cables. However, the random distribution of electrodes does not mean that there are no restrictions, as one must optimize the most suitable ones based on measurements showing data volumes that far exceed those of conventional survey designs. The compared target resolution by batch method is used as the optimized array. It focuses on the target area and filters out data before the Compare-R calculation is applied. This is faster than the traditional Compare-R algorithm due to its batch calculation. Furthermore, the frequency of electrodes was analyzed to reduce the number of electrodes used while maintaining good results. A field example with drilling information verification demonstrates the effectiveness of the method. We use the adjusted optimization method for the random distribution of electrodes in the exploration design, achieving good imaging results in combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new type of internally reinforced spouted bed is proposed. • Coupled study of the flue gas desulphurization process with particle erosion in the spouted bed was carried out. • The FGD efficiency is increased by about 16.6 %. • The research results provide a basis for the maintenance and service life improvement of desulfurization equipment. The addition of an axial swirl vane (ASV) and multi-jet distributor plate (MDP) to a conventional spouted bed (CSB) to form an integrated multi-jet swirling spouted bed (IMSSB) combined with internally reinforced components not only optimized its desulphurization efficiency but also exacerbated the erosion of particles on the bed and the internal components. Coupled study of the particle erosion and desulphurization reaction in the flue gas desulphurization process of an IMSSB was carried out based on the CPFD numerical simulation. The results show that: the desulfurization efficiency of IMSSB is increased by 16.6% compared with that of the CSB; in terms of wall erosion, the maximum erosion rate in IMSSB is about four times that of CSB; the erosion condition increases in the vane from the center to the edges; particle erosion is most severe in the fountain area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The efficacy of the low-dose, long-term RTX regimen is no less than that of the recommended treatment regimen. • The optimized regimen is effective in reducing infection rates in patients with IMN compared to the recommended dose regimen. • The optimized RTX regimen is recommended for elderly patients. Rituximab (RTX) has become the first-line treatment for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Compared with conventional therapy, rituximab therapy has a more favorable safety profile. However, the recommended RTX dose as a flux may have its limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of three regimens, including a cyclic corticosteroid-cyclophosphamide regimen and two different doses of RTX regimens, for the treatment of IMN. We recruited 58 patients with IMN confirmed by renal biopsy. 20 patients were treated with a cycle regimen, 22 patients were received RTX with 500 mg per week, totaling a dose of 2000 mg (optimized RTX group), and 16 patients received RTX with 1000 mg at day 1 and day 15 (recommended RTX group). Treatment responses, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), and outcome adverse events such as steroid diabetes, infections and a drop in white blood cell count, were compared among the three groups after 9 months of follow-up. At 9-month follow-up, the composite remission rates (CR + PR) were 90 %, 72.7 %, and 75 % for the cycle regimen group, optimized RTX group, and recommended RTX group, respectively, with CR of 35 %, 22.7 %, and 25 %, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the three groups on CR and composite remission. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed no significant differences in cumulative CR rates and cumulative composite remission rates among the three groups (P = 0.632, P = 0.258). The cycle regimen group had a higher risk of steroid diabetes (35 %). Compared with the recommended RTX regimen, the optimized regimen reduced the incidence of adverse events of infection (9.1 % vs. 37.5 %, P = 0.049), especially in patients older than 60 years of age (P = 0.026). A lower anti-PLA2R at baseline may be associated with a higher risk of infection (P = 0.043). The efficiency of low-dose and long-course of RTX regiment is not inferior to the recommended treatment regimen, and this regimen can effectively reduce the incidence of infection in patients with IMN. Moreover, we recommend a low-dose, long course of RTX treatment for the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The National Chest Pain Center Accreditation Program (CHANGE) is the first hospital-based, multifaceted, nationwide quality improvement (QI) initiative, to monitor and improve the quality of the ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care in China. The QI initiatives, as implementation strategies, include a bundle of evidence-based interventions adapted for implementation in China. During the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), fear of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, national lockdowns, and altered health care priorities have highlighted the program's importance in improving STEMI care quality. This study aims to minimize the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of STEMI care, by developing interventions that optimize the QI initiatives, implementing and evaluating the optimized QI initiatives, and developing scale-up activities of the optimized QI initiatives in response to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies.Methods: A stepped wedge cluster randomized control trial will be conducted in three selected cities of China: Wuhan, Suzhou, and Shenzhen. Two districts have been randomly selected in each city, yielding a total of 24 registered hospitals. This study will conduct a rollout in these hospitals every 3 months. The 24 hospitals will be randomly assigned to four clusters, and each cluster will commence the intervention (optimized QI initiatives) at one of the four steps. We will conduct hospital-based assessments, questionnaire surveys among health care providers, community-based household surveys, and key informant interviews during the trial. All outcome measures will be organized using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework, including implementation outcomes, service outcomes (e.g., treatment time), and patient outcomes (e.g., in-hospital mortality and 1-year complication). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research framework will be used to identify factors that influence implementation of the optimized QI interventions.Discussion: The study findings could be translated into a systematic solution to implementing QI initiatives in response to COVID-19 and future potential major public health emergencies. Such actionable knowledge is critical for implementors of scale-up activities in low- and middle-income settings.Trial Registration: ChiCTR 2100043319 . Registered on 10 February 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DENCLUE is a typical density-based clustering method, and it also is an important pattern classification analysis technique. In this clustering method, the propriety of parameters’ values greatly influences the quality of distinguishing. Accordingly, how to choose an appropriate value of every parameter is a problem that is worth studying. The problem is focused in this paper, and a method which is very different from previous ones is presented. The highlight of the method is that the selection of parameters no longer depends on personal experience but on data original distribution. More specifically, smoothing parameter $h$ is more or less proportional to the average value of distance between two arbitrary data points; step size $\delta $ is adapted according to the density of data points in the hill-climbing progress; noise threshold $\xi $ is replaced by $\delta $ and total number of data points. Compared with the original DENCLUE and an improved DENCLUE proposed in our previous research, the optimized algorithm can bring better clustering from experiments. In addition, due to the adaptiveness of $\delta $ , the method will become less complex.

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a clinical ultrasound imaging modality that enables non-invasive estimation of tissue elasticity. However, various methodological factors—such as vendor-specific implementations of SWE, mechanical anisotropy of tissue, varying anatomical position of muscle and changes in elasticity due to passive muscle stretch—can confound muscle SWE measurements and increase their variability. A measurement protocol with a low variability of reference measurements in healthy subjects is desirable to facilitate diagnostic conclusions on an individual-patient level. Here, we present data from 52 healthy volunteers in the areas of: (1) Characterizing different limb and truncal muscles in terms of inter-subject variability of SWE measurements. Superficial muscles with little pennation, such as biceps brachii, exhibit the lowest variability whereas paravertebral muscles show the highest. (2) Comparing two protocols with different limb positioning in a trade-off between examination convenience and SWE measurement variability. Repositioning to achieve low passive extension of each muscle results in the lowest SWE variability. (3) Providing SWE shear wave velocity (SWV) reference values for a specific ultrasound machine/transducer setup (Canon Aplio i800, 18 MHz probe) for a number of muscles and two positioning protocols. We argue that methodological issues limit the current clinical applicability of muscle SWE.

Copyright of Journal of Petrochemical Universities / Shiyou Huagong Gaodeng Xuexiao Xuebao is the property of Journal Editorial Department Of Liaoning Shihua University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mixed convection inside a square cavity with internal rotating heater and cooler is analyzed numerically by simultaneous application of porous media and nanofluid as a heat transfer enhancement technique. Optimized multi-block porous foams are utilized to enhance the heat transfer. This type of medium could improve the heat transfer rate with manipulation and selection of porous regions' pore size (or permeability) by amplifying the flow in critical regions and weakening it in non-effective areas. The whole cavity domain is assumed to be made of 25 distinct porous blocks. At first, the effects of the various rotation directions have been investigated and then the optimum distribution of pore size in the porous media is determined in a manner to maximize the heat transfer rate using the pattern search optimization algorithm. Finally, simultaneous effects of application of multi-block porous media and nanoparticle addition to the base fluid on the average Nusselt number are studied in various conditions. For this purpose, various volume fractions of the nanoparticles are implemented to investigate the effects of the different values of the volume fraction on Nu number. The optimization has done for different Ri and Ra numbers for achieving to the best distribution in each condition. In the best condition, 20.4% increase in the heat transfer is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper optimizes the design of two-dimensional enhanced multi diagonal (2D-EMD) code and conventional spectral/spatial (SS) optical code division multiple access system architecture for large capacity at relatively low powers. The existing 2D-EMD coding scheme is optimized by reducing the weight and length of spatial code sequence to minimize power losses across the encoding and decoding arrangement. Moreover, a complete system architecture is developed by optimizing the structures of conventional 2D SS optical line terminal (OLT) and remote node (RN) racks to reduce the use to long span optical fibers between the central office and subscribers premises. The optimized system architecture is implemented as per passive optical network (PON) specification in Optisystem and analysis is performed using several pivotal performance parameters. It is observed that optimization of the 2D-EMD (2D-OEMD) coding algorithm elevates both transmission capacity and cardinality at received powers as low as of − 10 dBm. Moreover, the new OLT and RN racks significantly reduces the length and number of optical fibers between the OLT and receiver modules. Consequently, the optimized SS 2D-OEMD system can support 192 subscribers at 2 Gbps of data each over the span of 25 km single mode fiber. Consequently, the proposed architecture can be adapted for numerous application with high bandwidth requirement including next generation PON, back bone for free space optical and fifth generation communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulators are increasingly used in mechanical manufacturing due to the needs of industrial automation. The shortcomings of traditional manipulators, such as those in relation to their flexibility, interactivity, and safety, lead to certain limitations in their application for variable shapes and fragile objects. Given the above shortcomings of traditional manipulators, this research analysed a friction-enhanced multi-airbag soft manipulator and its performance. Analysis results of characteristic parameters show that the structure of the airbag soft manipulator is optimized, and the structural design and manufacture of the soft manipulator are completed. Deformation of the manipulator base material is described by the Neo-Hooke strain energy function, and the strain energy function coefficient is derived by obtaining the characteristic parameters of the material through tensile experiments. Finite element analysis of the manipulator is performed according to the determined strain energy function. The influence of the characteristic parameters on the mechanical bending of the manipulator is studied. Theoretical analysis proves the validity of the finite element analysis. The structural parameters of the manipulator are finally determined according to the simulation analysis results. The control system is designed according to the driving method and working mode of the soft manipulator to perform the soft manipulator grasp experiment. The manipulator can lift a weight of 300 g, thereby indicating that the soft manipulator designed in this paper has a good application effect and prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional quality and functional properties of composite flour consisting amaranth grain, bambara groundnut, carrot and rice bran flours were evaluated. The dependent variables were optimized using optimal mixture model of response surface methodology. Amaranth grain flour (70 – 80.75%), bambara groundnut flour (15-25%), carrot flour (2-5%) and rice bran (2-10%) were the independent variables. From the results, very high protein content (about 40%) was obtained when the bambara content inclusion was 25%. Bambara groundnut flour inclusion up to 15% also resulted in high protein contents (≤ 37%). Supplementation of the composite flour with high carrot flour content (up to 10%) also enhanced the protein content when the bambara groundnut content was low. High carrot flour inclusion had the highest positive effect on the crude fibre content (3.7-3.9%) followed by rice bran and bambara groundnut flours in that order. Bambara groundnut had highest positive effect on the ash content; followed by carrot and rice flours. While amaranth grain, carrot and rice bran significantly (p≤0.05) affect the proximate and functional compositions, bambara groundnut had the highest and best effect on the proximate, functional, mineral properties as well as the amino acid profile of the composite flour.

[Display omitted] • Developed a low-cost easy-built 4-ring Halbach magnet for portable LF-NMR. • Designed a magnet structure for fast assembling under general laboratory conditions. • Proposed an optimized target-field passive shimming method using sparse sampling. • Homogeneity reached close to the sub-ppm after passive shimming verified by NMR. The aim of this work is to develop a Halbach magnet that possesses characteristics such as easy-built, low cost and high homogeneity for use in a portable low-field NMR (LF-NMR) system. Considering portability, a 4-ring Halbach magnet was designed through simulation and mechanical modelling, which was successfully constructed in a general laboratory setting. The obtained field strength (B 0) was 0.169 T, with an initial homogeneity of 8204 ppm within a sphere with a diameter of 20 mm. To enhance robustness, efficiency and effectiveness of shimming, an optimized target-field passive shimming method was proposed. Subsequently, the homemade spectrometer was used to run NMR experiments on the Halbach magnet. The 1H NMR linewidths of water samples became significantly narrower after passive shimming, e.g., the linewidth of a sample with a diameter of 3 mm and a length of 3 mm reduced from 452.3 Hz (62.5 ppm) to 12.9 Hz (1.8 ppm), which was much less than 102 Hz. The NMR results demonstrate that the proposed passive shimming method can achieve high homogeneity, and the developed Halbach magnet is capable of satisfying numerous LF-NMR applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]